ALUMNI NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2020
Congratulations to our alumni college graduates, newlyweds, new parents, future Warrior and thank you to an alumni serviceman – all featured in this issue of the Warrior Alumni Newsletter.
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.
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.
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.
Emily Fredrickson (’16) graduated from Samford University with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a minor in Biology, and fiancé Will Echols ‘(15) graduated from Texas A&M University with an M.S. and B.B.A. in Accounting.
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.
Samantha Longridge Odom (’16) graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University, College of Geosciences, with a B.S. in oceanography and a minor in mathematics on May 7, 2020 via a Zoom ceremony. On that same day, she married Dawson Odom with her family by her side – dad Kent Longridge, mom/CCS science teacher Lisa Longridge, sisters Sarah Longridge (’11) and Shannen Longridge (’13) – and extended family viewing via Zoom. The couple’s future plans include pursuing additional degrees from TAMU: Dawson – a master’s degree in economics; Sam – a master’s degree in physical oceanography.
Jonathan Mason (’11), a 2015 UTSA graduate (B.S. in communications), and Arianna Disser were married on March 21, 2020, in Salt Lake City, UT. Jonathan is a manager at Jetsream Rental Center in Salt Lake City. Arianna holds a B.S. in environmental science from North Georgia University and works for SWCA as an Environmental Consultant. The couple resides in Salt Lake City and is very involved in their church, Ekklesia.
Katie Moore Kesting (’14): On April 11, 2020, about a month earlier than their initial wedding date, UT alumna Katie Moore walked down the aisle, phone in hand, so her dad could “give her away” to Tim Kesting via FaceTime. With family across the country and courts rapidly closing, Katie said she submitted their marriage license application on March 25, as their backup plan. “It’s obviously not plan A, B or C,” Tim said. “Yeah it was plan Q,” said Katie. With just six people present at a Grace Church campus in South Carolina, it was an intimate ceremony. While it was not what they originally planned or imagined, the two are grateful to be together during this time and are looking forward to celebrating with their families and friends at a later date. The two are living and working as engineers for 3M in Greenville, SC. Katie has a B.S. in chemical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, and Tim has a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Iowa State. The two are very excited to be new members at Grace Church and are looking forward to continue building community in their new home.
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.
Jonathan Rangel (’13) is a sergeant in the U.S. Army and part of a special tracking team to control the spread of COVID-19 on army bases. While at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX, this summer, he is also participating in specialized medical training in preparation for a second deployment. Click here to read more.
Zachary Tallackson (’12), a 2016 Lee University graduate (B.S. in biology), and Kristin Nichols were married on May 28, 2016 in Ohio. Zach will begin his fourth year of medical school this fall at McGovern Medical School at UT Health. Kristin holds an M.A. in clinical mental health counseling from Ashland University, and works for Heights Family Counseling as an LPC Child, Adolescent and Adult Therapist. The couple resides in Houston, TX. On February 10, 2020, Zach and Kristin welcomed their first child, Eden Eliyah-Grace. “We feel extremely blessed to be her parents and to be surrounded by our families who are full of love and support.” Professional photo by Kimberly Burleson Photography, Family photo: Ian Tallackson (’06), Donnell Tallackson, Don Tallackson, Ana Tallackson (’10), Kristin Nichols Tallackson, Zach Tallackson (’12) and baby Eden Eliyah-Grace.
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.
Nathaniel Hull (Future Warrior), the son of Catrina Beaty Hull (‘09) and husband Jeff, will start kindergarten at CCS in August 2020. Catrina says that after looking at several other schools, they felt that CCS was truly the best choice. “As a second generation Warrior, Nathaniel will get lots of special, heart-hugs because they know our family, along with receiving an excellent academic and biblical education just as I did. We love the co-curricular activities CCS offers, and we are thankful CCS is just 10 minutes away from our home. We’re looking forward to joining the other Warrior alumni who have chosen CCS as the school for their children. My parents, Tom and Bonnie Beaty, who were very active volunteers at CCS while I attended school, are excited about being CCS grandparents.”
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