At ECS, our Lower School program is growing exponentially, which is why plans are currently underway to open a new Lower School campus at the Shelby Farms location beginning 2023-2024. We think it is appropriate to honor a foundational leader in our Lower School program.

Mrs. Marilyn Wray, former ECS lower school principal who served ECS for 31 years, was honored with a reception at the Lower School campus last spring as a part of the Grandparents Day presentation. Many of Mrs. Wray’s former teachers and students were present to celebrate her many years of dedicated service to ECS. Head of School Braxton Brady honored her at the conclusion of the program and presented her with a plaque to honor her leadership in helping to lay the foundation for our Lower School program.

But Mrs. Wray did not always set out to be an elementary school principal.

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The auditorium in the chapel bears his name. Selected as the first recipient of the Steve Collums Distinguished Faculty Award, he has served in many positions, from his most widely known roles as Bible department chair and beloved Bible teacher to his lesser known duties which have included varsity golf coach, after-school bus driver and painting volunteer, to name a few. Now, after 49 years of service to ECS, Mark Brink has retired from ECS.

Mr. Brink, often called “a true ECS legend,” has been faithfully preparing our oldest students for college and the real world for nearly five decades through teaching the book of Romans and apologetics, ethics and Christian worldview. His impact on students, teachers and faculty members is immeasurable.

“A spiritual leader at ECS and the ECS community.” - Coach John Roelofs, ECS colleague

On May 19, ECS hosted a retirement reception for Mr. Brink, and many current and former students, parents and colleagues flooded the White House to show appreciation to their beloved teacher and friend.

While most of us can’t imagine ECS Bible without Mr. Brink at the helm, he will be the first to tell you that he never set out to be a teacher.

First, some background…

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Bethany Stanfill (class of 2008) was recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential leaders in Mississippi for her role as a state legislative and executive lobbyist for Bryant Songy Snell Global Partners.

As a government affairs and fundraising professional now residing in Madison, Mississippi, Bethany designs strategy for corporations and investment offices, plans and schedules events, tracks legislation and speaks with members of the Mississippi legislature, agency heads and statewide elected officials. She is most proud that she is able to help solve problems and create opportunities for her clients.

“I love that every day is different, and I love connecting people,” Bethany said. “I never get bored and want to constantly keep learning and growing.”

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The Clown Lady. The heart of ECS. The hands and feet of Jesus. A gem. Click title to read more. 

As we celebrate Coach’s service to ECS for 50 years at Homecoming this year, we thank the Lord for using this man of God to disciple future generations of ECS students so faithfully for more than a half century. Click title to read more.