Peter Achterkirch (’16) graduated from The Citadel-The Military College of South Carolina with a political science degree in law and legal studies. He is commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army serving in the Signal Corps. Peter will be serving at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. While at The Citadel, Cadet Achterkirch held rank as Alpha Company Clerk, Company Academic NCO, Company Academic Officer and was Alpha Company’s Honor Representative for the Citadel Honor Court. Peter shown in photo with his parents Ian and Christine Achterkirch.
CyChristian alumna Dai’ja Coleman (’15) graduated cum laude from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2019 earning a B.S in Psychology. Dai’ja attended UTRGV on a full athletic scholarship and participated in track and field all four years of college. She tied the indoor triple jump record and was one of seven athletes to compete in the NCAATF Division I West Preliminary Round. During the 2019-2020 school year, Dai’ja enjoyed coaching at Cypress Christian School. She coached the middle school C volleyball team, was the assistant coach for the high school girls varsity basketball team and was an assistant coach for high school track and field athletes. This fall (2020), she plans to begin clinicals for nursing school at Prairie View A&M University, working toward her goal of becoming a mental health nurse. Photos by Rachael Lechman (’99) and UTRGV.
Ashley Anderson (‘16) graduated summa cum laude from Texas State University with a degree in interdisciplinary studies, EC-6 with a certification in ESL. While at Texas State, Ashley was a part of ACEI, Honors College, and worked as a peer mentor on campus helping freshman integrate into university life. In addition, she helped plant two churches called Wayfinders, serving as the Children’s Church Director at the San Marcos location. Ashley says, “I am so excited to begin my teaching career and can’t wait to see where God takes me next!”
Jolie Carr (’16) graduated summa cum laude from Samford University with a B.A. in communication studies and a minor in psychology. In the fall, she’ll attend Baylor University’s Garland School of Social Work, where she’ll pursue her Master of Social Work degree in clinical practice.
Eliott Cloninger (’16) graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2020 with a B.S. in agricultural communications and journalism with a minor in sports management. Currently, he’s pursuing a M.S. in agricultural communications and journalism. Eliott says, “I’m excited to see where God leads me from this new opportunity. I wanted to pursue sports journalism, but I feel that the Lord has called me in a different direction to learn more about agriculture and how I can develop better skills in public relations. I would like to learn more and in the future start my own PR agency!”
Michala Coffman (’16) graduated cum laude from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, with a concentration in kinesiology. She says she has loved her years at Texas Tech and looks forward to her “official graduation walk” in August. Michala is now applying for accelerated bachelor’s of nursing programs and looks forward to the next steps in her education.
John Crozier (’16) attended Texas A&M University from 2016-2019 and was a member of the Corps of Cadets (Company D-2). Upon enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2019, he completed recruit training in San Diego, CA and MCT (Marine Combat Training) school at Camp Pendleton. As a new Private First Class, John began initial military occupational training at Naval Aircrew Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. Upon completion of the course he was promoted to Lance Corporal. In November 2020, John completed Crew Chief training in the CH-53E Super Stallion at MCAS New River and received his wings. He will join the fleet as a member of squadron HMH-462 stationed at MCAS Miramar in California.
Jessie Floyd (’15) graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She says that it wasn’t the easiest journey, but she was able to maintain all A’s this last year and made the Chancellor’s List the past two semesters. Jessie is excited about her journey toward becoming a counselor. This summer, she is working as an administrative assistant at a private practice, and next fall, she will begin the next step in her education – earning a master’s degree in clinical mental health at St. Edward’s in Austin, TX.
Makayla Frye (’16) graduated summa cum laude from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO, with a B.S. in intercultural studies, and cum laude from Cox College of Nursing with an associate degree in nursing (ADN). She attended Park Crest Baptist Church while in college and worked in the middle school department. Makayla has accepted a nursing position at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, MO, in the step down unit. She will continue her nursing education to pursue her bachelor’s and master’s in nursing with plans to become a medical missionary.
Nolan Galbreath (’16) graduated magma cum laude from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication with a minor in sports and media. Nolan says he plans to stay in Nashville and seek employment in sports media or for a sports team in their broadcast department.
Timothy Odeyomi (’16) graduated from Texas Tech University with a B.S. in chemical engineering. He is thankful to God for His mighty provision over the last four years, and is thankful to family and friends who helped make his success possible. He has secured full-time employment as a process engineer at CITGO Petroleum Corporation in Corpus Christi, TX, and is looking forward to the next chapter in his life.
Olivia Odom (’16) graduated with honors from Mississippi State University with a B.S. in food science, nutrition and health promotion. Olivia says, “I am so blessed for all the friendships and memories at MSU. I am so excited to be moving to Dallas, TX, to continue my education.” Olivia will pursue an M.S. in nutrition and complete her dietetic internship at Texas Woman’s University.
Daniel Overton (’16) graduated from Baylor University with a B.B.A. in business fellows, economics, finance and supply chain management. In August, he begins working for Dell Technologies in their Financial Development Program in Round Rock, TX.
Lindsey Mueller Parker (’02) graduated with a Radiation Therapy Degree from Amarillo College in May 2020. She graduated top in her class, with highest honors, and received a special award and recognition from the college. She also took the National Registry for her certification. She is so thankful to be able to relax and spend time with her family after constantly studying and working full-time for the last two years. Lindsey lives in Inez, TX, with her husband of 14 years, Wade, and their 10 year-old daughter, Kayleigh.
Abigail Wynans (’16) graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and a minor in corporate communications. For her next step, she will be moving to Spain to study global entertainment and music business at Berklee College of Music – Valencia Campus.
If you have news to share, Submit Alumni News or email [email protected].
To read alumni news throughout the month, follow the Cypress Christian School Alumni Facebook page Facebook.com/CypressChristianSchoolAlumni and the CyChristianAlumni Instagram account. To read previous alumni newsletters: CypressChristian.org/Alumni/Alumni-News.
