ALUMNI NEWS

Congratulations to Eric Allen ('05), who was recently named to the Memphis Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40 for 2025. The distinguished 40 Under 40 recognition honors accomplished individuals under 40 in the Memphis and Mid-South area who have made significant contributions to their community in business, professional, civic, and personal realms.

As Director of Environmental, Health and Safety for Lehman-Roberts, A Granite Company, Eric's professional journey is marked by a deep commitment to workplace safety and a passion for protecting others. In addition to leading safety at Lehman-Roberts, Eric also oversees the safety culture of sister brand Memphis Stone & Gravel, A Granite Company. Prior to his current post, Eric served in critical roles at Amazon and Chemours.

Eric was honored at the awards event held at the Overton Park Shell on May 15.

With summer underway, we are looking back on an ECS Summer Camp just a few years ago. Summer at ECS offers entertaining and educational offerings for every interest - from academics to arts and athletics to STEM, we have you covered! Register today at ecseagles.com.

In celebration of our girls lacrosse team winning the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP for the first time in program history, and as part of our ongoing #ThrowbackThursday posts in honor of our 60th anniversary, we are throwing it back to the Eagles first girls lacrosse team in 2019!

Do you recognize these players pictured? 

Congratulations to Seth Ross ('25), the first recipient of the newly established Doc Scholarship Award, given annually to a graduating senior male or female soccer player in honor of Dr. Ken Groshart. This $5000 college scholarship is awarded to an ECS soccer player who demonstrates a commitment to the team, practices servant leadership and pursues godliness. Dr. Groshart, for whom the award is named, has been a faithful supporter of the ECS soccer program for decades. Many thanks to the Gagnon family for their generosity in establishing this award.

Both Dr. Groshart and David Gagnon presented this award to Seth at the recent soccer banquet.

ECS alumni will recognize many of these special people who were honored as they retire or celebrate awards or milestone anniversaries

Made popular in English schools in the 19th century, rugby is now a common sport with millions of players and fans worldwide. ECS alumnus Landon Ray '15 taught Mrs. Shorten's AP European History students how to play rugby on Legends Field as part of their immersion into the study of European culture. What a fun day for all!

May means FIELD DAY at ECS, among many other annual festivities!

Check out this pic from Field Day years ago. Do you recognize those pictured? 

As long-time art and yearbook teacher Lisa Field anticipates retirement, she walks us through the special people and memories who shaped her journey as a student (class of 1978), parent of graduates and faculty member.

We cherished this time with her to hear great stories and wish her well in whatever God is preparing for her to do next.

Listen to the full episode at https://www.ecseagles.com/discipleship/equip

In preparation of the graduation ceremony on Saturday, Mr. Brink, ECS Bible teacher for 49 years, recently returned to campus to share with seniors the reason each class sings the school song, "May the Mind of Christ, My Savior" every year on graduation day. He also explained what it means to our students and alumni as we seek to "run the race before me, Strong and brave to face the foe, Looking only unto Jesus As I onward go."

May the Mind of Christ, My Savior

by Kate Barclay Wilkinson (1925)

May the Mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and pow’r controlling
All I do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His pow’r.

May the peace of God, my Father,
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me,
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory.

May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me
As I seek the lost to win;
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.

Congratulations to Garrett Wilson ‘23 who PR’ed in the 800m run with a time of 1:53.45 in the final competition of his sophomore year at Carson-Newman University!

Congratulations to Molly Martin Sherrer ‘17, who was selected to compete on the Ultrain soccer team which will compete at a TST soccer tournament in Cary, NC in June!

The class of 2025 is one step closer to being ECS alumni! On April 29, the Alumni Department hosted the Almost Alumni Breakfast for our seniors!

We were pleased to host a brunch that served as a reunion of many former ECS faculty and staff who faithfully served ECS over our 60 year history. It was wonderful to have them back on campus to catch up with many friends and former collegues.

In celebration of our 19 NOMINATIONS announced this week from the Orpheum's HSMTA for ECS's presentation of Hadestown Teen Edition, and the opening of Seussical Jr, this #ThrowbackThursday in celebration of ECS's 60th anniversary, takes us down the Yellow Brick Road to this early ECS performance of The Wizard of Oz.

Do you recognize these actors?

We agree with Dorothy: "There's no place like home!" Alumni, make plans to return home to ECS and join us for our Diamond Jubilee Homecoming the weekend of September 12!

We are excited to announce the establishment of The Doc Scholarship Award that will be given annually to a graduating senior male and female soccer player in honor of Dr. Ken Groshart. This $5000 college scholarship is awarded to an ECS soccer player who demonstrates a commitment to the team, practices servant leadership and pursues godliness. Dr. Groshart, for whom the award is named, has been a faithful supporter of the ECS soccer program for decades.

On the day the award was announced, Dr. Groshart shared with the 2025 boys soccer team the importance of being a part of the Eagles soccer program.

As a part of Holy Week and our ongoing series of #ThrowbackThursday posts in celebration of ECS's 60th anniversary, we are remembering our Easter Week re-enactment at the Ridge Lake campus.

Here we see the angel, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary at the empty tomb.

"Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:1-6

He is Risen! Hallelujah!

In conjunction with our recent Top Scholars Banquet, and as part of our ongoing series of #ThrowbackThursday posts in celebration of ECS's 60th anniversary, we are remembering our Top Scholars from the past 22 years.

Do you recognize our current freshman English teacher from the Top Scholars banquet program in 2010? Ms. Hawkins also won the E. Brady Bartusch Scholarship, bestowed upon a deserving Top Scholar. The Top Scholars program began in 2004 as a way to honor the academic achievement of the top 10% of each graduating class.

We thank Harvest Collective from Harvest Church Memphis for leading worship for our middle and high school chapel. These worship leaders - most of whom are ECS parents, and among them, two ECS alumni (Tony Fisher - '00, and Anna Kelly Pearson - '99) - led us in singing hymns and praise songs to help prepare our hearts to celebrate the miracle of the Resurrection.

More than 50 board members who served ECS, including some who served in the 1970s, returned to campus for a reunion dinner. We are so thankful for their selfless service in helping guide ECS in fulfilling its mission for the past 60 years.

We were pleased to welcome back ECS alumna and pilot Olivia Cardwell '19 and her father, who is also a pilot, as they shared their experiences in their profession with our aviation class recently.

Olivia is one of the youngest pilots for American Airlines. She began flying at age 14, and by the time she was a senior at ECS, she was teaching others to fly.

As our Shelby Farms campus Easter Egg Hunt approaches, we are throwing it back to an ECS Easter Egg Hunt from years ago!

Do you recognize Hudson Stephens '23 and Samuel Wilkins '23 when they were in junior kindergarten?

Alumni and current families with young ones, make plans to join us at the chapel amphitheater on Saturday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m. Head of School Mr. Hauss will share the Easter story, and you can enjoy Gibson's donuts, followed by a fun egg hunt for the children! Sips will be open serving your favorite coffees and teas as well! We can't wait to see you!

We wish ECS alumnus and current ECS dad Brent Rooker the best as the season opens! After an outstanding 2024 campaign that earned him the Silver Slugger Award, Rooker, who has become the face of the Athletics organization, looks to build on his past success as he embarks on the 2025 season.

Read more in this great writeup in the Daily Memphian here: https://dailymemphian.com/.../germantown-brent-rooker-mlb...

As part of our ongoing series of #ThrowbackThursday posts in celebration of ECS's 60th anniversary, we are throwing it back to when The Man in Black himself entertained ECS students on the Shelby Farms (aka Macon) campus in the spring of 1972.

Cash's sister, Louise Garrett, worked at ECS for five years, so she invited her brother, the eleven-time Emmy-Award-winning artist to perform an impromptu concert for students under the trees at school.

Kam Jones is different. He went to one high school, ECS, and played for one university, Marquette. This week Jones was named a consensus All-America selection. The first Memphis-raised player to earn that honor since Lorenzen Wright in 1996. Read more from the Daily Memphian here.

With March Madness underway and as part of our ongoing series of #ThrowbackThursday posts in celebration of ECS's 60th anniversary, we are throwing it back to when current All-American Marquette basketball star Kam Jones '21 helped lead our Eagles to back-to-back appearances in the Tennessee State Division II-A Final Four in 2020 and 2021.

Read how basketball played a role in leading Kam to the Lord and how it also helped forge a lasting friendship with fellow Eagles player Thomas Kizer '21, as this pair continues to encourage one another to live out the faith lessons their coaches and dads imparted to them. READ MORE at ecseagles.com/alumni.

Our very own Mr. Hauss and his family are featured in the 2025 Faces of the Mid-South issue of Memphis Magazine.

THE FACE OF DISCIPLESHIP EDUCATION: EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

A FAMILY LEGACY: "I've seen how this school lives out its mission," shares Scott Hauss, ECS' new Head of School. After a successful career as CEO of Bank3, Hauss now leads the school that shaped his family. Both of his daughters graduated from ECS - one now teaches there, and three of his grandchildren are proud ECS students.

For 60 years, ECS has been committed to educating and discipling students to become Christ-following leaders in their homes, churches, careers, and communities.

Ashley Hauss Poole ‘09 and Haley Hauss Poole ‘13, pictured with their dad, Head of School Scott Hauss, and mom, Kathy, and children.

Congratulations to five-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl Champion and ECS alum Morgan Cox '05 who re-signed with the Tennessee Titans, his 16th season in the NFL!

With our softball team season upon us, and as part of our ongoing series of #ThrowbackThursday posts in celebration of ECS's 60th anniversary, we are highlighting our Eagles softball program.

It’s time to bring our #TeacherFeature back! We are proud to spotlight junior kindergarten teacher and ECS alumna (2001), Natalie Stiles Wingo! Mrs. Wingo is such an experienced teacher whose joyful laughter is contagious!. Her students feel so loved, and she makes learning so fun. Mrs. Wingo earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Education and her Master of Arts in Education. After teaching in the municipal school system, read what made Mrs. Wingo return to teach at her alma mater.

• What I Value Most about Working at ECS:

Being intentional about teaching children about Jesus and providing them with a Christian education in all subjects.

• How ECS is a Unique Experience for Students:

They are known and loved by teachers and parents. It's been my experience that lasts far after they graduate.

• Hobbies:

I love to read, listen to podcasts, be with my family and my dog, Betty.

• Fun Fact:

My birthday is on the longest day of the year (June 21), and my husband's birthday is on the shortest day of the year (Dec 20).

Look who our Lower School Go Choir ran into at the FedEx Forum when they sang the National Anthem? ECS alumna Allie McDaniel '18, who is a Grizz Girl!

Congratulations to Ben Hicks '18, who fulfilled his childhood dream of being an airline pilot! Ben is now a First Officer on the Embraer 175 for American Eagle, operated by Envoy Air.

Ben's path to achieve his dream started by getting his private license in 2018 during the spring semester of his senior year at ECS which he finished that summer. He completed his training at Delta State University from 2018-23, then returned to Memphis to be a flight instructor.

We are so proud of our alumni who currently play winter and spring sports in college. Their hard work and dedication in the classroom and on the court or field is admirable, and we wish them the best in their seasons!

Pictured from left to right, top row:

• Kam Jones ('21), Basketball at Marquette University
• Lucy Benson ('23), Basketball at Covenant College
• Brady Holloway ('21), Baseball at Middle Tennessee State University
• Thomas Kizer ('21), Basketball at Samford University
• Lawson Aaron ('23), Baseball at Williams Baptist University
• Bradleigh Biggs ('24), Softball at Bryan College

Pictured from left to right, bottom row:

• Mason Shropshire ('22), Baseball at University of Tennessee Martin
• Zach Baker ('22), Baseball at Le Tourneau University
• Noah Wilder ('24), Baseball at Itawamba Community College
• JD Nichols ('22), Baseball at Hendrix College
• Dominic Brown ('21), Basketball at Loyola University New Orleans
• Kenny Cox ('23), Baseball at Walters State Community College

Author and ECS alumna Becky Walton Thomas ’93 wrote Roscoe, The Bossy Rooster, a children’s book about forgiveness. We were happy to host her at our Lower School campus where she read her book to our students.

With baseball season starting and as part of our ongoing series of #ThrowbackThursday posts in celebration of ECS's 60th anniversary, we are highlighting our rich winning tradition on the diamond.

Did you know that ECS has won SIX BASEBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (1989, 1996, 1998, 2011, 2013, 2017)? That is second only to CBHS for most baseball state titles in the city! We have a proud winning tradition in our baseball program, and that continues today.

We are thankful to have so many alumni who valued their experience at ECS so much that they have returned to serve on staff to impact the next generation of ECS students.

With our Knowledge Bowl team competing on channel 3 on March 1, and as part of our ongoing series of #ThrowbackThursday posts in celebration of ECS's 60th anniversary, we are throwing it back to a Knowledge Bowl contest from the past.

Do you know these members of the Knowledge Bowl team from long ago?

At ECS, we believe that great learning doesn’t just happen inside the classroom—it happens when our students engage with the world firsthand. Our enrichment curriculum, rooted in the principles of expeditionary learning, empowers students to discover their passions and develop their God-given talents through immersive experiences.

This weekend, our MBA-YLD Mock Trial Team put this philosophy into action. After weeks of rigorous preparation on a complex civil case, our team—comprising skilled lawyers and persuasive witnesses representing both the plaintiff and the defendant—stepped into the courtroom with passion and determination. The event was a remarkable opportunity to hone legal acumen, cultivate teamwork, and uphold our commitment to excellence.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported us along the way, including Andrew Shorten, JD ('15) who served as a legal adviser. We look forward to many more experiences that challenge and inspire us to reach new heights.

As part of our ongoing series of #ThrowbackThursday posts in celebration of ECS's 60th anniversary, we remember ECS' original basketball court - inside THE BUBBLE!

Who remembers the Bubble? Or that time a BASKETBALL game was RAINED OUT?

In honor of the upcoming Presidents' Day holiday, and part of our ongoing series of #ThrowbackThursday posts in celebration of ECS's 60th anniversary, we remember our great tradition of the MARCH OF THE PRESIDENTS program!

Every Presidential inaugural year, lower school students dressed like Presidents and First Ladies from history and led a special patriotic program in front of parents, grandparents and friends. Many thanks to longtime ECS teacher, Mr. Gary Worley, for writing this wonderful program filled with historical facts that also celebrated our freedom to worship God in our great country!

ALUMNI, which historical figure were you?

Friday night, Feb. 7, we honored the memory of legendary Coach Terry Tippett who coached at ECS from 2004-2018. Watch some of his former players offer tributes to their beloved coach and share how his influence made them not just better players, but also better men. Watch their full messages:

Next up in our series of #ThrowbackThursday posts in celebration of ECS's 60th anniversary ...

Who recognizes this building?

Earlier graduates will recall this as the Pool House on the Macon (Shelby Farms) campus while others remember this as a classroom or a senior lounge over the years.

Today's ECS students know it as SIPS Tea & Coffee Shop, which serves as a hub on campus, offering up specialty coffees, protein shakes and loaded teas, providing paid employment to students before, after school and during study halls, all while fostering community among our students, faculty and staff throughout the school day.

The Story of Evangelical Christian School

Celebrating 60 Years of Christian Education

This hard-bound, full-color coffee-table-quality book shares the history of Evangelical Christian School told from familiar voices who helped make ECS what it is today. Plus 60 attributes that make ECS special! Photos, quotes and stories will surely serve as a walk down memory lane for many while sharing the purpose of ECS for today’s students and cast a vision for ECS in the future.

Pre-order your copy today! https://www.ecseagles.com/ecs-life/ecs-60th-anniversary

The Diamond Jubilee event on February 1 was a great way to kick off our year-long 60th Anniversary celebration! View the album of photos here. 

As we celebrate ECS's 60th anniversary in 2025, we are releasing a video series to celebrate the great heritage ECS enjoys today. This video was also shown at our Diamond Jubilee event.

To kick off this video series, it is appropriate to spotlight our founders as told from the point of view of two of their children who were in the first two graduating classes of ECS: David Morris ('76), son of founder Eli Morris, and Julie Neal McDaniel ('75), daughter of founder Charles Neal.

Thank you, Lord, for inspiring our founders to follow Your calling on their lives to establish Evangelical Christian School 60 years ago!

Drew (‘00) and Ellie Holcomb dropped their new Memory Bank album last week! The title track of this album was inspired by the emphasis Hamp Holcomb (Drew’s dad) places on spending time making memories with those you love.

Enjoy the album, and we hope you invest in your Memory Bank as well!

Who remembers when Dog Day started?

BACK ON STAGE! These ECS Fine Arts alumni were back in the Mark Brink Auditorium for the final performance of Hadestown. What a blessing to have so many alumni come back and support our theatre students and program!

Congratulations, Kam Jones (‘21)!

Because it is basketball season, we are throwing it back quite a few years to one of ECS's early basketball teams. We thank our alumni for all they did to establish our current championship athletics program we enjoy today! Can you name the players pictured here?

CBS News Sacramento reporter and ECS alumna Ashley Sharp ('14) was interviewed by CBS This Morning about the personal way she covered the wildfires in Los Angeles while there on assignment. Evacuated residents desperate for information about their homes found Ashley on TikTok, gave their addresses and asked if she could let them know if their homes were still standing. She was able to get to their houses and video their homes, or sadly, in some instances, only the remains of their homes. Even though she delivered bad news to several residents, they genuinely appreciated that she went above and beyond in finding their addresses to report the status of their homes. Yahoo News reported that one viewer said, "Ashley, you are a good person doing this for people. When Mr. Rogers said, 'look for the helpers,' you are who he meant. We really need to see the goodness in the world right now." We are so proud of you, Ashley! Watch here.

An ECS connection to the recent CFP National Championship game -- As mentioned in this article published by CBS Sports, Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman is represented by sports agent and ECS alum Clint Dowdle ('01), "... a rising star in the industry" who heads the coaches' division at WME Agency. Dowdle represents two of the eight CFP coaching quarterfinalists in Freeman and Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham.

READ MORE: https://tinyurl.com/4jrcaba3

“My goal and vision is for ECS to be the best ECS we can and be a shining light in the city of Memphis." - Head of School Scott Hauss in this article in the Memphis Business Journal. Read more.

Friends from the class of 2021 supported fellow classmate, Kam Jones, star guard for Marquette basketball, at a game recently. We love to see our alumni keeping in touch and supporting each other! Pictured from L to R: Kut Kut, Brett Ross, Kam Jones and Joshua Kute.

About 350 baseball fans filled the Legacy Center gym on Jan. 15 to hear MLB All-Star, ECS alum and current ECS dad Brent Rooker ('13) speak at the Meet the Eagles event to benefit the Eagles baseball program.

Brent shared about his journey as a multisport athlete at ECS, his impressive baseball career at Mississippi State and now his professional career as an All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner for the Oakland A's. Brent also shared that ECS helped him understand the importance of a positive community.

ECS baseball players and diamond girls were introduced last night, and new baseball uniforms were revealed for the first time.

It was a wonderful evening celebrating ECS baseball. Now it's time to PLAY BALL!

In celebration of recent Hadestown opening, we are throwing it back quite a few years to ECS's Theatre Department's presentation of The Sound of Music. Can you name the thespians pictured here?

We thank our fine arts alumni for all they did to set the stage for the current award-winning Theatre Department we enjoy today!

Two eagles cross paths in California! Ashley Sharp (‘14) working for CBS News Sacramento, recently interviewed Brent Rooker (‘13), star player for the A’s, ahead of the team’s temporary move to Sacramento.

As we celebrate ECS's 60th anniversary in 2025, we will begin a series of #ThrowbackThursday posts.

To kick off this celebration, it is appropriate to spotlight our founders. We are so thankful for the heritage ECS enjoys today, thanks to these godly men who had the vision and courage to establish a distinctly Christian school that uniquely partners with the home and the church to disciple the next generation in Christ. While many things in our culture have changed in the past six decades, we are so thankful that our mission has remained the same:

The mission of Evangelical Christian School is to provide the Christian family a Christ-centered, biblically directed education that challenges students to know the Lord Jesus Christ and to develop the vision and practice of excellence in academics, character, leadership and service to others.

Pictured L to R: Jim Hartman, Dr. Chester Lloyd, Dr. Ken Avis, Larry Harrod, Dr. Charles Neal, Eli Morris, and Dr. T. Stanley Soltau

Thank you, Lord, for inspiring these founders to follow Your calling on their lives to establish Evangelical Christian School 60 years ago!

Congratulations to Morgan Cox ('05), Tennessee Titans long snapper, who was selected as one of 10 finalists for the 2025 Bart Starr Award, honoring those who exhibit outstanding character, integrity and leadership on and off the football field. READ MORE: https://www.tennesseetitans.com/.../life-lessons-helped...

ECS alumnus and former Outland Trophy winner Barrett Jones ('08) who played a key role in guiding the Crimson Tide to three national championships, was selected as part of the Southeastern Conference Football Legends Class of 2024. He was honored at the annual SEC Legends Celebration at the College Football Hall of Fame last Friday and was also recognized on the field prior to the SEC Football Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday. Jones won numerous awards and excelled on the gridiron when he played at the University of Alabama between 2008-2012 and helped write the rich history of Crimson Tide football.

ACC Champs!! Congratulations to alumni Peter Nearn (‘21) and Dietrick Pennington (‘21) whose Clemson football team became conference champions for the second time in the past three years!

Susan Tackett Allen ('76) and her husband, Frank, were featured on the cover of the Neighbors of Germantown magazine in November. The article entilted "Happlily Ever After" tells how Frank and Susan met later in life, after both of them had lost a spouse to brain cancer. In their large, blended family, they have six married, adult children and 18 grandchildren.

After graduating from ECS in 1976, Susan earned her English degree from Vanderbilt University. Years later, she returned to her alma mater to serve as a teacher and later a guidance counselor at ECS. Having retired from ECS, Susan enjoys traveling and volunteering as a children's leader in Bible Study Fellowship and in the children's ministry at Shepherd Bible Church in Collierville where she and Frank are members. Susan says she and Frank try to live by Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowlege Him and He shall direct your paths."

Kam Jones ('21) honored Coach Terry Tippett with a triple-double in Marquette's victory over Purdue, marking the third triple-double in the school's history and the first player to do it since former Golden Eagle Dwayne Wade. Jones said of Coach Tippett, for whom he played his freshman year at ECS, “I wanted to really dedicate this game to him and dedicate the rest of the season to him.” Jones had 17 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists as No. 15 Marquette ended Purdue's 39-game regular-season nonconference winning streak with a 76-58 victory. This was the first game Jones played after Coach Tippett’s passing last weekend.

Read more at https://tinyurl.com/ecsespn

We are saddened to share that legendary basketball Coach Terry Tippett passed away on November 16 at the age of 79. Coach Tippett coached at ECS from 2004-2018 and led the 2011 team to ECS' first basketball state championship. In all, Coach Tippett won six state titles at three different schools in Memphis and amassed 902 wins, second-most in Shelby County. His players most appreciate the way he invested in their development as godly men.

Head girls basketball coach Steven Kaspar who played for Tippett on the 2011 championship team said, "Coach Tippett had an incredible impact on so many lives. I love that man and am so thankful the Lord allowed me to play for him. Coach cared just as much about his players’ personal development as men as he did about winning games. I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for him pouring into me as a person and not just a player."

We are thinking a lot about Coach Terry Tippett and thanking the Lord for his life and his godly impact on so many. Listen again to our Equip podcast episode 107 recorded with Coach and his players from the 2011 championship team on the night we honored them at a game in 2023. https://www.ecsequip.com/podcast/107

Coach Tippett is pictured here holding the trophy from the 2011 championship when we honored the team at a game in 2023.

This photo was taken at Coach Tippett's retirement celebration in 2018, surrounded by past players and coaches he impacted.

On the recent Veterans Day, we saluted our many alumni who have served or are currently serving in the United States Military, and we thanked them for their service.

A special thank you to the following alumni who submitted photos and updates to us. If we did not receive yours, please send to alumni@ecseagles.com

• Col. Jay Benson ('81), US Army
• Maj. Jonathan Sherrod ('01), US Army
• Capt. Trace Williams ('13), US Army
• Capt. David Boyd ('16), US Marine Corps
• Spc. Hadden Burgess ('20), US Army National Guard
• E-3 Airman 1st Class Ruthie Burgess ('21), US Air Force National Guard
• Ensign Nick Genereaux ('15), US Navy
• Ensign Zack Genereaux ('17), US Navy
• Major George Jamison ('11), US Marine Corps
• 1st Lt. Colin Jones ('18) US Marine Corps
• Capt. Select Ben Lowe ('14), US Marine Corps
• Lt. Austin Marshall ('10) with wife, Emily, US Navy
• Sgt. Jordan Carpenter ('05) US Army
• Pfc. Allan Bowden ('19) US Army

Also pictured is our Alumni in Service plaque which hangs in our chapel lobby inscribed with the names of other ECS alumni who have served our country in the military.

Big congratulations to Brent Rooker, winner of the MLB Silver Slugger Award! An incredible achievement for an amazing season!

Make plans to join us on Saturday, January 11 as we host Brent, ECS alum ('13) and current ECS dad, as guest speaker at our Meet the Eagles event to kick off the Eagles baseball season! For tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/MeetTheEagles

Congratulations to Maddie Halford (‘23), named to the Skyline Conference Second Team in Women’s Soccer at the University of Mount Saint Vincent!

Peter Nearn (‘21), a senior on the Clemson football team, was featured in the Tigers’ football Gameday program recently. Read more about his commitment to the team and how he has made the most of his chances when his number was called at https://clemsontigers.com/peter-nearn-2024-program-story/

From: https://www.facebook.com/RickKarle

It’s always great to see good things happen to good people, and this morning I have some great news about Bama football legend Barrett Jones.

Barrett Jones has been chosen as one of 16 SEC legends who will be honored at the SEC Championship game in Atlanta come December. Barrett was a center on the Crimson Tide football teams from 2008 through 2012. Barrett won 3 national championships with the Crimson Tide. 

I wondered what Barrett has been up to, so I called his mom Leslie, who has been a confidant for years. Leslie tells me that Barrett is working as a financial planner for Strategic Financial in Memphis. Barrett and his wife Katie are the proud parents of children Anderson (4), Eliza (2) and Lucy (9 months). Barrett and his brothers Harrison and Walker, both who played for the Crimson Tide, are doing well. Barrett and his 2 brothers all have 3 kids, and it has made for a wonderful life for Leslie, her husband Rex and their 3 kids and 9 grandkids.

I hope you can take a moment to offer your best to Barrett and Katie, who is also a Bama grad. May your encouraging words help give thanks to a great couple that has inspired us all!

*Pictures courtesy Leslie Jones

Wes Banks (‘81) is pictured with his granddaughter, ECS first grader Harper Francis, at the recent First Responders breakfast hosted by her class. Wes works with Emergency Management Homeland Security, and Harper is a third generation ECS student. Her mom, Amanda Banks Francis, was in the class of 2007.

ECS alumni Caiden Hill ('22) and Xander Carroll ('23) met up recently in an important conference game between Wash. U and Wheaton.

ECS alumna Molly Martin Sherrer ('17) and former varsity girls soccer assistant coach made a surprise appearance to cheer on the team at the state semifinal game on October 24!

We love it when our alumni return to give back to our students! Sam Holcomb ('06) and Curtis Gardner ('06), along with Walter Andrews, Brandon Artiles, and Sam Husband, coached our 5th/6th grade football team to an incredible 7-1 season. Big thanks to all these coaches for their dedication! And special shoutout to Tommy Johnston ('94) for capturing the action with some amazing shots.

Noah Brink, 1995 alumnus and former ECS teacher, interviews his dad, legendary ECS senior Bible teacher.

Audio and Video available here:
https://www.renew-education.org/renew.../everythoughtcaptive

"Without question, I need to interview my dad more often - for myriad reasons. Of course, he renewed my passion for Christian education ... as most of our conversations together typically do. Though he was sitting in his study at home, it was no less "Mr. Brink" than what you'd experience in his classroom every day. What a legacy!

Dad even said a couple of things I never knew about him. So, I think I'll have to do this again."

Congratulations to Brent Rooker on being selected as an MLB Hank Aaron Award nominee!

Vote for Brent: MLB.com/Aaron by midnight October 13. 

At a recent faculty professional development session focused on student discipleship, former NFL player, Harvest Church elder and ECS alumnus Barrett Jones ('08) taught on The Great Commission based on Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." He assured his audience that they don't have to be great orators but just faithful in transferring Truth.

The 15th annual Steve Collums Classic Golf Tournament was a fantastic success! Nearly 200 golfers including many alumni enjoyed a great day of golf, fellowship and bidding on incredible silent auction items -- all to benefit ECS tuition assistance. Check out our full album at ecseagles.com/alumni/scc-golf-tournament #SteveCollumsClassic

Our alumni from the classes of 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2014 enjoyed celebrating milestone high school reunions as part of Homecoming. We also loved seeing many of them return to campus for all of the festivites!

Homecoming 2024 was filled with tons of fun! From the pep rally to the alumni dinner, and from the 43rd annual Senior Kindergarten Clown Parade to the football game where we honored our 1983 football state champions and our Spirit Court, it was a great day to celebrate all of our homecoming traditions! Visit our ECS Alumni Facebook page for more photos: https://www.facebook.com/ECSAlumni

Second generation ECS students, and they’ve got the jackets to prove it! Freshmen students Eleanor Hays and Adelyn Fisher wore their dads’ ECS lettermen’s jackets to school in honor of Homecoming! Eleanor’s dad is Ryan Hays (‘99), and Adelyn’s dad is Adam Fisher (‘02).

There’s no better start to our day than to share with all of Memphis our fun ECS Homecoming traditions! Thanks to Ruben Diaz from ABC24 Memphis for coming out to our campus to feature many of our ECS Eagles on ABC This Morning show today.

Our cheerleaders and Champ, the mascot, led us in a cheer and showed lots of school spirit!

Then Head Coach Blake Butler was joined by Steve Heinz of our 1983 football state championship team, whom we are honoring tonight during halftime. They shared about our winning tradition at ECS, tied with MUS for the most (FIVE) football championships in the city! Many of ECS’s football and baseball state titles were coached by Steve’s father and the late Hall of Fame Coach Jim Heinz, who was also honored on the broadcast.

And of course, Homecoming is not complete without our kindergarten clowns who are ready for the parade tonight! New Head of School Scott Hauss shared about this tradition now in its 43rd year!

Finally, Student Leadership Council prefects Ashlee Adams and Kyle Mabie shared many ways ECS students can become involved in campus life.

Especially at Homecoming, IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE AN ECS EAGLE!

Congratulations to Melanie Passons ('07) for being selected as an honoree of the 2024 Future40 Award by Maverick PAC. This distinction recognizes conservative young professionals from across the country who embody the next generation of leadership in the public and private sectors.

We are so proud of our many collegiate athletes who continue to put in the work in the classroom and on the field, court or course. In a previous post, we celebrated our 12 alumni currently playing or coaching college football. Here, we celebrate the following athletes who play other collegiate fall sports. We commend them for their dedication and commitment to their sport and studies. Pictured left to right, these alumni are as follows:

• Branden Rogers ('21), Soccer, Delta State University
• Maddie Halford ('23), Soccer, College of Mount Saint Vincent
• Zoe Smith (22), Volleyball, University of Alabama - Huntsville
• Luke Sienkiewicz ('22), Golf, University of South Alabama
• Garrett Wilson ('23), Cross Country, Carson-Newman University
• Will Porter ('22), Golf, Mississippi College

ECS Class of 2008 alumnus Barrett Jones returned to his alma mater to share with our young men a vision for biblical manhood. He wants students to know the abundant life (John 10:10) God desires for them, which offers them contentment, victory (over sin) and purpose. Jones also encouraged teachers to seize opportunities to make disciples of the students they impact every day.

Listen to the full episode at www.ecsequip.com/podcast/159

Huge congratulations to Campbell Williams ‘24 for winning Best Lead Actress in a Musical Division II at the 2024 Ostrander Awards!

ECS alumni and former Eagles football greats Hall Simmons (‘05) and Clint Dowdle (‘01) cheered on the Eagles to a WIN at our season opener vs. Goodpasture Christian in Nashville. Hall spoke to the team in the locker room prior to the game.

Both alumni live in the Nashville area now and enjoyed reconnecting with their former coaches which include Coaches Aubrey Boren, David Carter and Alan Durham. Their former teammate and now Eagles Coach Ben Todd (‘02) also joined the reunion.

Four-time state champion Coach Jordan Thompson ('06) led a youth soccer camp as part of Summer at ECS, passing along soccer knowledge and skills he developed when he was a student at ECS! Young players learned fundamental skills to bring their play to the next level, all while having lots of fun!

It was fun to see former Eagles soccer stars return to the pitch to make more memories on Legends Field for our inaugural alumni soccer pickup game one summer night in June! Some of the alumni siblings who played were Reid ('17) and Maddie ('23) Halford, Taylor ('11), Braden ('14) and Chandler ('19) Caughron, and Alex ('19) and Cris ('21) Salazar.

John Irvine ('07) was among the golfers who helped raise $50,000 to support youth golf while playing 99 holes (and walking close to 30 miles) in one day on the Overton Park Golf Course last week. John, who helped organize this inaugural event called the OP99, runs a golf Instagram account called Golf Gains with more than 100,000 followers.

Read more about their effort at this link: https://dailymemphian.com/.../drew-hill-overton-park-99...

Congratulations to Luke Sienkiewicz (‘22) for committing to play golf at the University of South Alabama. Previously, Luke was named to the ASUN All-Freshman Team at the University of Central Arkansas.

At this year's Service Recognition, we celebrated faculty and staff members' milestone employment anniversaries (including alumni  Jack Webb, Tracey Henry Bravos, Karen Tashie Jamison, Natalie Mars Milam, Cassie Bierbrodt Ring, Ryan Cummins, Bess Griffin Farris and Christy Selph Vargo) and thanked them for their faithful service to ECS.

Clemson University recently featured 2024 graduate and ECS alum Ben Greene (‘20). Read more about his experience at Clemson as an accounting major and student recruiter.

Mrs. Carter’s Pre-Kindergartners can’t wait to see what they will play at school each day. Shhh! Don’t tell them that they’re learning a lot!

What appears to be playing at the housekeeping center is actually teaching these eager three- and four-year olds math skills as they use measuring cups and writing skills as they create grocery lists.

“It's a play-based atmosphere. We don’t have worksheets to showcase learning. It’s hands-on play,” says ECS pre-kindergarten teacher Molly Carter ('08). “Their brains are still developing at this age. When they play, the whole brain is engaged. They are realizing crucial connections. Their social, emotional abilities are strengthened through play.” READ MORE at https://www.ecseagles.com/academics/early-childhood

 It was a great day celebrating the class of 2024 on May 11 at ECS's 50th graduation ceremony! Mission Church Lead Pastor and ECS dad Wil Franco challenged our 65 graduates in his commencement address to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ based on Mark 6:28-29. Special congratulations to Lainey Bowden and Natalie South, joint recipients of the Avis Grant, voted on by faculty and staff.

ECS moms enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Mentoring Moms Dinner & Floral Arranging Workshop! In this special Mother’s Day edition of our ongoing Partnering with Parents Speaker Series, former ECS mom and current ECS great grandmother Gail Alverson used Scripture to encourage moms in their perennial mission of making disciples in their homes.

Then, Marlowe Pugh Long (‘14) taught a floral arranging workshop, and everyone got to take home their beautiful floral creations.

Many thanks to Pugh's Flowers for sponsoring this event!

It truly was a beautiful night of teaching, fellowship and fun! READ MORE at www.ecseagles.com/about-ecs/blog

Upper Elementary art and music teacher Anna Pearson joins host Brandon Artiles to share about UE’s inaugural spring musical, “Let’s Go to the Movies.” Talented sixth graders Emmy Murphy, Raston Goff and Cameron Williams jump in on the conversation to let us know how they prepared and what they learned from the process.

The performance was Thursday, May 2, 6:30 PM in the Mark Brink Auditorium.

Listen to the full episode at www.ecsequip.com/podcast/145

The Alumni Department hosted the Almost Alumni Breakfast for our seniors! 

A team of ECS Eagles participated in Life Choices of Memphis Life Walk at the Memphis Zoo and placed second for most participation! We are grateful to support this worthy ministry.

We spy #ECSalumni Tracey Henry Bravos (‘82) organized the ECS Eagles team, which also included alumnae Janie Touliatos Peeler (‘84), Natalie Mars Milam (‘12) and Margaret Stevens (‘18). 

In early April, more than 130 dads and sons joined us to hear from two pairs of fathers and sons: Rex and Barrett Jones (‘08) and Wright and Morgan Cox (’05). Both ECS alumni, Barrett and Morgan have had remarkable football careers, both collegiately and in the NFL, but their intentionality to use football as a platform to share the gospel of Jesus Christ is what makes them so admirable. It was apparent that both of those sons, who are now fathers themselves, were inspired to follow in their fathers’ footsteps to pursue Jesus and to use their spheres of influence to draw others to Him. We all learned so much from them, and are very thankful that they returned to campus to share their experiences from their years at ECS all the way to the NFL.

Calling All Alumni! Have you had a baby in the past year? We want to feature all ECS alumni babies who were born between July 2023 and June 2024 in our upcoming issue of FLIGHT magazine.

Email Karen Jamison at kjamison@ecseagles.com with the following information:

• Name of mother and father with the corresponding graduating class year(s)
• Child's full name
• Birthdate

*Deadline for submissions is July 10, 2024.

We are pleased to announce that Bess Farris has been named Early Childhood Coordinator at the Lower School for the 2024-2025 school year. This move will allow current Director of Admissions and Early Childhood Principal Cathy Boyd to dedicate all of her time to her Director of Admissions role on the Shelby Farms campus.

Mrs. Farris has more than fifteen years of experience in teaching and learning, and more than ten years of classroom experience in various grades and special areas. Until she began working in an administrative role for Admissions and Early Childhood two years ago, Mrs. Farris taught Pre-Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten at ECS. In her new position, Mrs. Farris will oversee the needs of the Early Childhood division under the leadership of Lower School Principal Ashley Colley.

“I am passionate about early childhood education and its long-term benefits for children,” Mrs. Farris said. “A quality program helps develop social, emotional, and academic skills that directly impact a child’s future success.”

Bess Griffin Farris, ECS class of 2000, earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and French and later her Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education, both from the University of Memphis.

Mrs. Farris is married to Daniel, who also graduated from ECS (class of 1999), and they have two children, both at ECS. Mrs. Farris is a fine arts painter, and she enjoys playing tennis and traveling with her family.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Farris in her new role. 

The Daily Memphian writer and ECS alumna Candace Williams Echols (1994) writes about her nephew, Everett, and the faith lessons this resilient and joyful little boy has taught their family. Everett's father, Landon Williams (2001), is also an ECS alum and current ECS dad.

Many of us in the ECS community have been praying for Everett since he was born. The Williams family thanks you for your prayers and asks that we still pray for Everett.

Click to read the article: https://dailymemphian.com/.../candace-echols-the-daily...

A team of ECS Eagles participated in Life Choices of Memphis Life Walk at the Memphis Zoo and placed second for most participation! We are grateful to support this worthy ministry. We spy ECS alumni! Tracey Henry Bravos (‘82) organized the ECS Eagles team, which also included alumnae Janie Touliatos Peeler (‘84), Natalie Mars Milam (‘12) and Margaret Stevens (‘18).

Recently, more than 130 dads and sons joined us to hear from two pairs of fathers and sons: Rex and Barrett Jones (‘08) and Wright and Morgan Cox (’05). Both ECS alumni, Barrett and Morgan have had remarkable football careers, both collegiately and in the NFL, but their intentionality to use football as a platform to share the gospel of Jesus Christ is what makes them so admirable. It was apparent that both of those sons, who are now fathers themselves, were inspired to follow in their fathers’ footsteps to pursue Jesus and to use their spheres of influence to draw others to Him. We all learned so much from them, and are very thankful that they returned to campus to share their experiences from their years at ECS all the way to the NFL.

We are pleased to announce that Bess Farris has been named Early Childhood Coordinator at the Lower School for the 2024-2025 school year. This move will allow current Director of Admissions and Early Childhood Principal Cathy Boyd to dedicate all of her time to her Director of Admissions role on the Shelby Farms campus.

Mrs. Farris has more than fifteen years of experience in teaching and learning, and more than ten years of classroom experience in various grades and special areas. Until she began working in an administrative role for Admissions and Early Childhood two years ago, Mrs. Farris taught Pre-Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten at ECS. In her new position, Mrs. Farris will oversee the needs of the Early Childhood division under the leadership of Lower School Principal Ashley Colley.

“I am passionate about early childhood education and its long-term benefits for children,” Mrs. Farris said. “A quality program helps develop social, emotional, and academic skills that directly impact a child’s future success.”

Bess Griffin Farris, ECS class of 2000, earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and French and later her Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education, both from the University of Memphis.

Mrs. Farris is married to Daniel, who also graduated from ECS (class of 1999), and they have two children, both at ECS. Mrs. Farris is a fine arts painter, and she enjoys playing tennis and traveling with her family.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Farris in her new role.

We love seeing familiar faces! Bethany Stanfill (2008) and Jordan Carpenter (2005) recently saw each other at the Mississippi State Capitol!

We are so proud of Margaret Stevens (2018), who met with Congressman David Kustoff as a representative of Autism Speaks to advocate for individuals with Autism and their families. This photo appeared in Congressman Kustoff's newsletter.

Congratulations to Hunter Field ('10) who was just selected to be the next editor of Arkansas Business, the weekly statewide business journal! A veteran journalist, Hunter currently serves as the deputy editor of the Arkansas Advocate.

Read more here: https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/.../hunter-field-named.../

We loved this NCAA March Madness ad, featuring "Dance with Everybody" by ECS alum Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors (2000). Click to watch!

We are so proud of our alumni who currently play winter and spring sports in college. Their hard work and dedication in the classroom and on the court or field is admirable, and we wish them the best in their seasons!

Pictured from left to right:

• Kam Jones (2021), Basketball at Marquette University
• Brady Holloway (2021), Baseball at Middle Tennessee State University
• Lucy Benson (2023), Basketball at Covenant College
• Thomas Kizer (2021), Basketball at Samford University
• JD Nichols (2022), Baseball at Hendrix College
• Lawson Aaron (2023), Baseball at Williams Baptist University
• Mason Shropshire (2022), Baseball at Northwest Mississippi Community College
• Boston Currie (2023), Basketball at Tusculum University
• Kenny Cox (2023), Baseball at Walters State Community College
• Zach Baker (2022), Baseball at Lane College
• Dominic Brown (2021), Basketball at Loyola University New Orleans

Congratulations to Thomas Kizer (‘21), Southern Conference Men’s Basketball Champion! His Samford Bulldogs team beat ETSU in the conference championship, earning them a berth into the NCAA Tournament, the first time since 2000!

After meeting at the Birmingham alumni event in February, Thomas and alumnus Ryan Thompson (2001) reconnected at the Selection Sunday event in Homewood. We love to see our alumni make connections!

A sculpture by Clay Enoch ('91) was recently installed at Christ Methodist Day School in memory of two CMDS class of 2009 alumni, Will Threlkeld and ECS alumnus, David Weaver ('15).

Enoch said, "The two boys depict David and Will at about the age they were when they graduated from CMDS. Titled Do You See What I See?, the idea is that the boys have gently trapped one butterfly for closer inspection and study, but the younger girl is seeing the beauty of the swarm flying overhead. I think it is a piece about adventure, wonder, curiosity, and hope while also suggesting the fleeting and fragile quality of life." Each of the butterflies also symbolizes David and Will.

Lily Harding ('20) continues her passion for ballet and is currently on tour with Renovate Ballet. They will be presenting "Make Room" on Sunday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at Christ Methodist Church. The event is open to the public.

Congratulations to Evan Norton (‘04) who was distinguished by the Nashville Business Journal as CFO of the Year in the Small Private Company category!

Allie McDaniel (‘18) continues her passion for dance as a Memphis Showboats cheerleader and a Grizz Girl. Allie graduated from Western Kentucky University where she studied on a dance scholarship. Here she is pictured with ECS students and children of ECS alumni.

Congratulations to Bethany Stanfill (‘08) for being recognized in the 2024 40 Under 40 class by the Ole Miss Alumni Association!  

ECS alumnus and parent Tony Fisher (class of 2000) serves as worship leader for our students’ weekly chapel gatherings. Tony, who is also Worship Pastor at Harvest Church, shares how his experience at ECS prepared the way for him to use music to minister to the body of Christ.

Listen to the full episode at www.ecsequip.com/podcast/138

We were glad to see Alex Smith (‘15) return to campus to visit with Coach Williams after just wrapping up his professional baseball career which included stops with the Kansas City Royals among other independent baseball organizations.

Following the Industrial Revolution, organized sports such as rugby flourished in Europe. Recently, ECS alumni Landon Ray ('15) and Laura Beth Baker ('20) taught AP Euro students how to play rugby.

Igniting science!  Chemistry class got a little hot as Mr. Vander Zwaag (‘88) demonstrated the fiery combustion reaction between methane and oxygen. In learning about chemical equations and reactions, students got to see first-hand how substances change when they interact with one another.  

Kam Jones (‘21) earns Big East Player of the Week again! https://www.facebook.com/MarquetteMensBB

We were so happy to have Emily Baker (‘22) back on campus to share with our students during chapel about her missions experience in North Africa through Fusion Missions and Spurgeon College.

Baseball season is officially here! We had the honor of having MLB All-Star and ECS alum, Brent Rooker ('13), speak to our JV and Varsity teams. We're grateful for our alumni who come back to invest in our student-athletes.

We had such a great time with our alumni from Birmingham on February 9! Which city should we hit next?

Congratulations to PFC Allan P. Bowden III (ECS class of 2019) who graduated from US Army Infantry Training (OSUT) at Ft. Moore in Georgia. He distinguished himself by earning the Soldier of the Cycle award over close to 150 of his peers through demonstrating outstanding training abilities and exceptional skills.

Bowden completed a 22-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Army Values, physical fitness, infantry warfare, combative principles, leadership development and the Warrior Ethos. He was honored with the Soldier of the Cycle award at his graduation ceremony and chosen to recite the Infantry Creed and awarded the Army Achievement Medal.

He was selected and will attend the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) at Ft. Moore for his next assignment.

We salute you, Allan!

Impressive! Way to go, Kam (‘21)!

Drew Holcomb (‘00) performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live on 2.7.2024! Enjoy this clip if you missed it!

https://www.facebook.com/JimmyKimmelLive/videos/1861386994307864

ALSO we loved this NCAA March Madness ad, featuring "Dance with Everybody" by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors!

Way to go, Kam (‘21)!

We are so thankful this 2011 alum is coaching basketball at ECS! 

ECS Head Varsity Girls Basketball coach Steven Kaspar (‘11) discusses the special opportunity athletics present to impact our students. Coach Kaspar joins host Brandon Artiles to share his passion for coaching as it creates pathways for encouragement, growth, and discipleship.

Listen to the full episode at www.ecsequip.com/podcast/136

ECS alumni and friends since grade school, Dr. Andrew Van Hersh ('10, pictured left) and Dr. Christopher Chow ('10, pictured right) find themselves together again, both working as fellows at Virginia Commonwealth in the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. Christopher is a second year fellow in Pediatric Cardiology, and Andrew is a first year fellow in Allergy and Immunology.

In a recent #TeacherFeatureTuesday, we focused our spotlight on on our newest senior kindergarten teacher, Reagan Miller, also an ECS alumna, class of 2014! Ms. Miller coaches lower school cross country & track as well as middle school basketball. After earning her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology and Elementary Education, Ms. Miller then earned her Master of Science in Elementary Education, both at the University of Tennessee. In her free time, Ms. Miller serves as a favorite Young Life leader for our high school girls.

• What I Value Most about Working at ECS:
  I value the consistent and inviting community that ECS cultivates. This community desires depth in relationships and celebrates the many stories of how the Lord has worked and is continuing to work in our lives. This community encourages me to steadily draw near to the Lord's unchanging love and grace. It is an honor to have the opportunity to pour into students, as well as be poured into through colleagues. I value that we consistently have our eyes towards the mission of ECS.
• How ECS is a Unique Experience for Students:
  ECS is a unique experience for students because it is a safe place where students are immersed in the Gospel within academics, character, leadership, and service to others. Students are challenged to build a foundation for their faith through Scripture, but also to deepen their desire to reflect the Lord's love within their own hearts.
• Hobbies:
  I enjoy running, as well as spending time with my friends and family. I am a huge Vols and Grizzlies fan!

ECS alumna Joi Taylor ('13) weighs in on the topic of school choice as she shares how attending New Hope Christian Academy and Evangelical Christian School changed the trajectory of her life in her article, "The Power of Opportunity" in The Memphis Flyer.

Joi says of her time at ECS, "For middle and high school, I continued my journey at independent schools and attended Evangelical Christian School, where I learned academic discipline and outside-of-the-box thinking. Advanced classes and extracurricular activities prepared me for college, challenging my worldview and thought process constantly."

Joi is currently the Choose901 alumni director at City Leadership in Memphis and was recognized in the Memphis Flyer’s 20<30 class of 2020.

Read more about her educational journey here: https://www.memphisflyer.com/the-power-of-opportunity

Shelby Farms campus principal Ryan Cummins (‘01), a former History teacher, shared his knowledge of Jamestown with the sixth grade literature classes as part of their study of the historical fiction book, Blood on the River. Learning more about this colonial town helped students gain a better understanding of the characters in the book and the struggles they faced during the 1600s.

There is something special about the ECS community that lasts long after our eagles graduate. Moms from the class of 2021 gathered at a local restaurant recently to catch up with one another and share about their children who are now juniors in college. There were plenty of laughs as fun memories were shared!

Congratulations, Kam (‘21)!

Members from the AP BC Calculus course from the class of 2023 recently reunited with their teacher, Dr. Stevens, to celebrate their outstanding scores on the AP test and to catch up after their fall semester in college.

Congratulations to our pickleball tournament champions Brandon Brackett ('20) and Joseph Lambert ('18). Thanks to all of the teams who came out to compete earlier this month and make this day a success. Be on the lookout for more pickleball tournaments in the future!

Look at all of these ECS alumni who currently serve as faculty or staff members at their alma mater! We are so grateful they are giving back to the school that poured into them as students!⁠

Drew and Ellie Holcomb brought some Christmas cheer to Seacrest Studios ahead of their concert at The Orpheum here in Memphis. As long time supporters of Le Bonheur, it is always a blast to have Drew and Ellie visit with our patients and families. Thank you for taking the time during this busy holiday season to spread joy at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital! View video: https://www.facebook.com/lebonheurchildrens/videos/686940006902584

We were thrilled to spot Gabriella Genereaux ('19) reporting live from a Lady Vols basketball game! So proud to see our graduates making a mark in the world of sports journalism.

Congratulations to Girls Soccer Coach, Jordan Thompson ('06), for being selected as the Commercial Appeal’s Girls Soccer Coach of the Year!

Daily Memphian CEO Eric Barnes writes about the legacy of his friend, ECS alumnus Tommy Pacello ('96) and shares about Tommy's urban planning impact in Memphis and beyond on @dailymemphian The Sidebar podcast.

Tommy, who passed away in 2020, was the original leader of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, which was an expression of his passion for urban planning and redeveloping public spaces for the purpose of creating personal connections. This effort, known as "placemaking" has led to the establishment of a fellowship in his memory awarded to organizations with a similar placemaking vision.

Click to read the article and listen to The Sidebar podcast to learn more about Tommy's influence which continues to impact communities today: http://tinyurl.com/y22226r3

Congratulations to Austin Hill ('20), captain of the Army Football team, for his team win over Navy. Austin, #52, is pictured on the right of the prized Commander-in-Chief's Trophy.

1st credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

We are so proud of our many collegiate athletes who continue to put in the work in the classroom and on the field, court or course. In a previous post, we celebrated our 17 alumni currently playing or coaching college football. Here, we celebrate the following athletes who play other collegiate fall sports. We commend them for their dedication and commitment to their sport and studies. Pictured left to right, these alumni are as follows:

• Branden Rogers ('21), Soccer, Delta State University
• Maddie Halford ('23), Soccer, College of Mount Saint Vincent
• James Nichols ('20), Golf, Christian Brothers University
• Zoe Smith (22), Volleyball, University of Alabama - Huntsville
• Luke Sienkiewicz ('22), Golf, University of Central Arkansas
• Garrett Wilson ('23), Cross Country, Carson-Newman University
• Will Porter ('22), Golf, Mississippi College
• Jay Smith ('23), Soccer, Freed-Hardeman University
• Maggie Porter ('20), Golf, Colorado Christian University
• Tiffany Reed (‘23), Cheer, Trevecca Nazarene University

Congratulations, Zoe!

"The 2023 Academic All-District® Volleyball Teams, selected by CSC, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.

Each of the three honorees appeared in all 28 matches this season and were the top three in kills per set for the Chargers in 2023."

https://uahchargers.com/.../three-uah-volleyball-athletes...

Congratulations to ECS alumni Preston Daniel (‘20) and Preston Brady (‘17), ACC Champs! Pictured here for Florida State Seminoles Football, Preston Daniel, #45, is a tight end and Preston Brady is an assistant coach to the tight ends.

Congrats to Lucy Benson ('23) for earning CCS Rookie of the Week honors

https://athletics.covenant.edu/news/2023/12/4/womens-basketball-benson-named-ccs-rookie-of-the-week.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3W8pJKXKz9G_odZNlmZKPQVLmUEnsmPcNqlAd0nWcaD1OI60c2jFY9iyA

and later for CCS Player of the Week!

https://athletics.covenant.edu/news/2023/12/18/womens-basketball-benson-named-ccs-player-of-the-week.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0u61Cn8LCgYL_EAd_8BRC_Th3p39LmYPnIIFgpujpFjTzhxO4qes5rTQY

ECS grandparents and pioneers joyfully gathered to celebrate the Christmas season at the annual Jingle Mingle breakfast. Longtime friends reconnected and reminisced over ECS memories, and the high school choir sang Christmas carols to bring in the holiday spirit!

Look at all of these ECS 8th grade students pictured with their alumni parents! The students were all dressed up for the Reindeer Rockout to benefit Porter-Leath.

It was a perfect day for the Turkey Bowl! ECS alumni and other members of the ECS community enjoyed a fun flag football game on Legends Field!

The 2023 girls soccer team was a picture of unity, and four-time state champion Coach Jordan Thompson said that made the difference in finishing out the season with 18 straight wins, culminating in a state title, earning the Eagles' girls soccer program their third state championship in the past eight years.

READ MORE at https://tinyurl.com/ECS-Soccer

Congratulations, Kam Jones (‘21), recently namd Big East Player of the Week!

Congratulations to Maddie Halford (‘23) whose soccer team at the College of Mount Saint Vincent’s won the NCAA D3 Skyline Conference Championship, punching their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history!

Two ECS alumnae, Anna Cox Thompson ('08) and Dare Harcourt ('07), teamed up to write and illustrate The One and Only You, a children's book about God's faithfulness and how He made each of us so special and unique!

Recently, author Anna Thompson read the book to our early childhood students including her daughter who is in the class of 2037!

In a world where only 5.6% of high school baseball players advance to play in college, and a staggering .03% of Little Leaguers make it to the major leagues, Brent Rooker, ECS class of 2013, is living proof that big league dreams do come true!

After three years of trying to get his big break — bouncing back and forth between the majors and minors, getting traded twice and claimed on waivers — Brent continued to work while waiting for his opportunity. In 2023, Brent earned an everyday spot in the lineup with the Oakland A’s and on July 11, 2023, made his MLB All-Star debut!

Read More: https://www.ecseagles.com/alumni

What a milestone! Congrats, Brent (‘13)!

Included on the coaching staff of our UNDEFEATED 8th grade football team are two ECS alumni! Many thanks to Sumner Darlington ('18) and Carson Gagnon ('20) who helped coach our 8th grade boys and share their football knowledge gained from years of playing football at ECS.

The classes of 1983, 2003 and 2013 enjoyed their 40-, 20- and 10-year class reunions as part of Homecoming 2023!

We celebrated a hero on Homecoming night! READ MORE: www.ecseagles.com/about-ecs/blog

Congratulations to Preston Daniel ('20), a National Football Foundation Campbell Trophy nominee! The William V. Campbell Trophy®, also known as the "Academic Heisman," has become the most prestigious and desirable "academic" award in college football. According to the NFF, "The trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership." Past winners have included Peyton Manning, Tim Tebow and ECS alumnus Barrett Jones. Preston, who served as student council president when he was a senior at ECS, has maintained a 4.0 GPA in college while playing tight end for the Florida State Seminoles. Read more about the prestigious award here: www.campbelltrophysummit.org/nff

We recently had the honor of retiring the #53 ECS Eagles football jersey of five-time Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl Champion Morgan Cox ('05)! We are thankful to Morgan and his family and friends for sharing this moment with our ECS family. Read more here: www.ecseagles.com/alumni

As the college football season has kicked off, we are cheering on our ECS football alumni!

Pictured left to right:

• Austin Hill, Army
• Chandler Caughron, UCA
• Dietrick Pennington, Clemson
• Andrew Agapos, Arkansas State
• Nathan Reithemeyer, Hendrix
• Bennett Brady, Tennessee
• Preston Daniel, FSU
• Peter Nearn, Clemson
• Caiden Hill, Wash U
• Xander Carroll, Wheaton
• Jamison Smith, Dordt
• Harris Hagan, Southern Illinois
• Jacob Hatcher, Pikeville
• Preston Brady, FSU
• John Webster, Rhodes
• Josiah Tingley, UT-Martin
• Adam Wicktom, Centre

Congratulations to ECS alum, Tennessee’s 2019 Mr. Football and Army Football team captain Austin Hill ('20) who was named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List! "The Wuerffel Trophy is College Football's Premier Award for Community Service, and one of the most meaningful awards in collegiate sports," according to this article on the Army Football website. We are proud of you, Austin! ⁠

Congratulations to Preston Daniel ('20), a National Football Foundation Campbell Trophy nominee! The William V. Campbell Trophy®, also known as the "Academic Heisman," has become the most prestigious and desirable "academic" award in college football. According to the NFF, "The trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership." Past winners have included Peyton Manning, Tim Tebow and ECS alumnus Barrett Jones. Preston, who served as student council president when he was a senior at ECS, has maintained a 4.0 GPA in college while playing tight end for the Florida State Seminoles. Read more about the prestigious award here: www.campbelltrophysummit.org/nff

Congratulations to Brady Holloway (‘21) who committed to continue his academic and athletic career in baseball at Middle Tennessee State University.

Congratulations to Austin Hill ('20), 2019 Tennessee Mr. Football, who was chosen by his teammates to help lead Army Football in 2023.

When announcing the four captains to the team, Coach Monken said this about this prestigious honor: "They are the guys that you can trust to help with decisions that affect the program... and that are very respected by not only their classmates but everybody in this room."

Getting it done on the field and in the classroom!

Congratulations to Preston Daniel (‘20) for being selected as an FSU SAAS Student-Athlete of the Month for April

Preston was nominated and voted on by SAAS staff and athletic administration for exhibiting tremendous effort and commitment in the classroom.

Congratulations to Brady Holloway (‘21) who has made his mark on the Southwest Tennessee baseball program! He set the school record with 21 career home runs, helped lead his team to an historic 41 season wins, and he was named TCCAA Co-Player of the Week!

We are proud of 2013 ECS alumnus Brent Rooker!

Recently, Coach Jim Heinz was posthumously inducted to the TSSAA Hall of Fame as a part of the 2022 class at a luncheon in Murfreesboro. Coach's impact on many was far-reaching, and includes those ECS connections present at this celebration, pictured here left to right: Justin Payne, Aubrey Boren, David Carter, Jane Heinz, Steve Heinz, Cathy Jobe, Ben Todd, Alan Durham and Blake Butler.

Coach Heinz has previously been inducted into the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the ECS Hall of Fame as well as the Amateur Sports Hall of Fame, the last induction ceremony at which he was also posthumously presented with the Larry Finch Lifetime Achievement Award.

Coach Heinz coached football and baseball at ECS from 1978 to 2010, helping to build our storied athletic history. He was easily one of the most revered coaches in Tennessee. He won seven Tennessee State Championship titles, four in football and three in baseball, and two of those seasons were undefeated (30-0 in the 1989 baseball season; and 13-0 in the 1999 football season). He was distinguished with multiple Coach of the Year honors, awarded from the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association to The Commercial Appeal to Best of the Preps.

Despite all of his achievements, Coach Heinz is remembered by those whom he coached as a great man of God concerned most with discipling his players in Christ and building them into godly men of character. We are so proud of Coach Heinz and his great legacy that continues to inspire our ECS community.

The class of 2023 is one step closer to being #ECSalumni! On April 27, they celebrated with the annual Almost Alumni Brunch hosted by the ECS Alumni Department! It was a deliciously fun time!

JOIN US as ECS alumni, parents and faculty/staff come together for some fun summer basketball, which culminates in a super competitive tournament for the chance to win the big trophy and bragging rights for the year.

Sign up here today: https://www.ecseagles.com/alumni/legacy-league-basketball

• COST: $50 per player
• WHERE: ECS – 7600 Macon Road – Cordova, TN 38018 – Legacy Center Gym
• START/END: Games begin the week of June 5, and championship will be the week of July 31. (We will not have
• games on July 4.)
• PARTICIPANTS: ECS alumni, spouses of alumni, current faculty/staff or spouse, current father of ECS student (Each
• team is allowed 3 players that do not meet these criteria.)
• SIGN-UP DEADLINE: Wednesday, May 17 (Registration must include payment.) First-come basis!

Our football coaches enjoyed an ECS reunion at a coaches clinic at Clemson University recently! They enjoyed spending time with the Clemson staff and reconnecting with former ECS coach Will Gilchrist who is now on the Clemson coaching staff and ECS alumni Peter Nearn and Dietrick Pennington who play for the Tigers.

ECS alumna, teacher and coach Molly Martin ('17) enjoyed the new upgrade to the Shelby Farms campus that opened recently - Sips Tea & Coffee Shop!

ECS alumni and longtime friends reunite at the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament!

Thomas Kizer ('21), longtime friend, classmate and teammate of star Marquette guard Kam Jones ('21), traveled to Columbus, Ohio to cheer on Kam as he played in the basketball tournament. Thomas' dad, Dr. David Kizer, 9th grade ECS boys basketball coach and Kam's former childhood competitive basketball coach, was also there to show his support.

Although the season ended sooner than we wanted, it was a special one for the Marquette basketball program, and Kam played a big role in its success! Kam was selected to the Big East Tournament team and earned NABC All-District honors. In his final game of the season yesterday, Kam made his 100th 3-point shot this season! At ECS, Kam was selected as the Tennessee DII-A Mr. Basketball and is the All-Time Leading Scorer. ECS is proud of you, Kam!

We were so glad to see the Kizer-Jones connection again!

Congratulations to Kam Jones ('21), Marquette basketball guard, for being selected to the Big East tournament team and for earning National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District honors!

Here's what Kam had to say about how his days at ECS prepared him for this moment (taken from a 2021 article)...

"After practicing at Marquette for a few weeks, Kam penned a letter to his ECS basketball teammates. In it, he wrote, 'Playing at ECS prepared me for what I’m going through here, and even attending school there did as well. I had to take constructive criticism, I had to keep my head up after making mistakes, I had to lead, I was held to a high standard, I was held accountable for my actions, my maximum effort was demanded out of me, nothing less.

“Playing at ECS has put me ahead of my classmates, mentally, physically, and most importantly spiritually. Playing basketball for ECS even prepared me for the challenges I’ve already faced off the court at college. How to step away from things, how to approach situations, how to talk to people, get to know people before you judge them. Playing for ECS and attending ECS absolutely prepared me for what I am facing now at Marquette, on and off the court.”

READ MORE: http://bit.ly/3llXfN6

Congratulations to ECS alumnus Tim Johnson (‘06), Furman University assistant basketball coach, who helped lead his Southern Conference championship team to their first NCAA basketball tournament appearance in 43 years.

Photos courtesy of Furman Basketball and Tim Johnson.

The annual Brent Rooker Fellowship of Christian Athletes Diamond Challenge baseball tournament was held recently! Brent is a current MLB player and ECS alumnus (‘13).

Congratulations, Kam Jones (ECS class of 2021), Big East basketball regular season and tournament champion!

We are proud to announce that Coach Jim Heinz will be posthumously inducted to the TSSAA Hall of Fame as a part of the 2022 class at a luncheon on April 15 at 11:00 a.m., at the Embassy Suites and Hotel in Murfreesboro. Tickets are $35 each and must be purchased in advance at tssaa.org beginning Monday, February 27.

Coach Heinz has previously been inducted into the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the ECS Hall of Fame as well as the Amateur Sports Hall of Fame, the last induction ceremony at which he was also posthumously presented with the Larry Finch Lifetime Achievement Award.

Coach Heinz coached football and baseball at ECS from 1978 to 2010, helping to build our storied athletic history. He was easily one of the most revered coaches in Tennessee. He won seven Tennessee State Championship titles, four in football and three in baseball, and two of those seasons were undefeated (30-0 in the 1989 baseball season; and 13-0 in the 1999 football season). He was distinguished with multiple Coach of the Year honors, awarded from the Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association to The Commercial Appeal to Best of the Preps.

Despite all of his achievements, Coach Heinz is remembered by those whom he coached as a great man of God concerned most with discipling his players in Christ and building them into godly men of character. We are so proud of Coach Heinz and his great legacy that continues to inspire our ECS community.

ECS alumnus ('08) and photographer Houston Cofield's pictures of the aftermath of the flash flood in Waverly, Tennessee from August 2021 taken for The New York Times are now on exhibit at The Parthenon Museum in Nashville through May 6.

Read more about Houston's impressive photography career in "Through the Lens of Houston Cofield: A Look at American Icons, Southern Culture and Grief" at ecseagles.com/alumni.

It was a fun night celebrating our ECS alumni from the 2011 state championship basketball team! In the photo below, pictured left to right:

• Hunter Herrington
• Steven Kaspar
• Brosnon Armfield
• Coach Terry Tippett
• George Jamison
• Micah Teed
• Walter Weaver
• Coach Garrison (pictured in thumbnail photo on the court)

Also honored but not pictured:

• Alex Armfield
• Chris Armfield
• Kevonte Askew
• Jake Fowler, mgr
• Chase Futrell, mgr
• Samuel Gilles
• Isaac James
• Walker Jones
• Skal Labissiere
• Kip Owens
• David Pearson, mgr
• Nick Wiseman
• Coach Armfield
• Coach Danner
• Coach Taber

A boyhood dream come true! We are proud of Morgan Cox (‘05)!

From an ECS senior road tripping with buddies to watch his favorite pro football team play in Nashville to earning his fifth Pro Bowl bid - now playing for his home state's NFL franchise, Tennessee Titans long snapper Morgan Cox ('05) said, "I've seen God's hands on a lot of things as I kind of reflect on my career. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and the unique experiences I have gotten to have because of this game."

Read more about his remarkable career here: https://www.tennesseetitans.com/.../from-the-pro-bowl...

This photo documenting the memorial service of Lisa Marie Presley at Graceland recently was taken by Houston Cofield (‘08) and published in The New York Times.

As part of the annual Professional Speaker Series, our juniors and seniors learned more about potential career paths. Experts answered students' questions and shared about their careers in the medical, legal, financial, engineering, real estate, law enforcement, veterinary, teaching and consulting professions. Speakers included ECS alumni, parents and other industry leaders. 

We were so glad to have some of our outstanding alumni return to campus to share more about their professions with our students! Many thanks to the following alumni:

• Lynda Wray Black (’82)
• Whitney Prude Thompson (’06)
• Donnie Thetford ('90)
• Barrett Jones (’08)
• Chandler Gagnon (’11)
• Ben Greene (’20)

We began our 2nd semester faculty and staff in-service with praise and worship, then spent time in prayer for our school, families and students.

Many thanks to Tony Fisher (ECS class of 2000), Anna Kelly Pearson (ECS class of 1999) and Emily Waites for leading us in worship.

Three ECS alumni reunited at the 2022 Orange Bowl. Pictured left to right: Dietrick Pennington (‘21), Bennett Brady (‘22) and Peter Nearn (‘21).

Shoutout to Austin Hill (‘20) who forced a fumble on the 1-yard line in double overtime to help secure Army football’s victory over Navy!

Photo courtesy of CBS Sports

It was great to see alumni and parents and grandparents of alumni last week at the annual Jingle Mingle!

From state champions at ECS to ACC champions at Clemson, ECS alumni Dietrick Pennington (‘21) and Peter Nearn (‘21) enjoyed the victory Saturday night, December 3 in Charlotte. 

On Veterans Day 2022, we saluted our many alumni who have served or are currently serving in the United States Military, and we thanked them for their service.

A special thank you to the following alumni who submitted photos and updates to us. 

• Col. Jay Benson ('81), US Army
• Maj. Jonathan Sherrod ('01), US Army
• Capt. Trace Williams ('13), US Army
• 1st Lt. David Boyd ('16), US Marine Corps
• Pfc I Hadden Burgess ('20), US Army National Guard
• E-3 Airman 1st Class Ruthie Burgess ('21), US Air Force National Guard
• Sgt. Austin Cooper ('10), US Army Special Forces
• Ensign Nick Genereaux ('15), US Navy
• Ensign Zack Genereaux ('17), US Navy
• Capt. George Jamison ('11), US Marine Corps
• 2nd Lt. Colin Jones ('18), US Marine Corps
• Capt. Select Ben Lowe ('14), US Marine Corps
• Lt. Austin Marshall ('10) with his wife, Emily, US Navy

(Pictured in the thumbnail is our Alumni in Service plaque which hangs in our chapel lobby inscribed with the names of more ECS alumni who serve or have served our country in the military.)

Congratulations to Fisher Smith, Esq., and Andrew Shorten, Esq., who were inducted to the Tennessee Bar today!

Fisher and Andrew are both from the ECS class of 2015 and are pictured here with their mothers, Kelly Smith and Jenny Shorten, who currently work at ECS.

Congratulations to Morgan Cox (‘05) who recently played in his 200th NFL game! Morgan currently plays long snapper for the Tennessee Titans and was featured on the Mike Vrabel Show. See clip below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMZyftDhnMM

This is a wonderful way to honor the memory of Tommy Pacello (‘96) and continue his legacy of and passion for investing in our city.

https://dailymemphian.com/.../tommy-pacello-fellowship...

ECS alumni worldwide!

While traveling, Mary Beth (Hazelwood, ’99) and Bill Edwards (‘00) met up with Brussels, Belgium residents Daniel (‘99) and Katy Brink.

Three ECS alumni reunited in Tallahassee at the FSU vs Clemson game!

Pictured left to right: Preston Brady (‘17), Florida State Seminoles Football staff; Dietrick Pennington (‘21), Clemson Football player; and Preston Daniel (‘20), FSU football player.

Check out this article in Style Blueprint, announcing plans to open an additional Lower School option at the Shelby Farms campus in 2023-2024, the first time in our school history that all grades will be offered on one campus! Space is limited. Schedule a tour, and apply now at THIS LINK

IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE AN EAGLE!

The class of 2002 had a great time at their recent 20-year reunion!

A record number of golfers participated in this year’s Steve Collums Classic Golf Tournament to benefit the tuition assistance program. It was a beautiful day to play golf, enjoy the ECS community and raise funds for a great cause!

See our complete photo album at https://www.facebook.com/ECSAlumni

Homecoming 2022 was full of fun celebrations for students, teachers, parents and alumni! See our full album on our Facebook page.

The latest issue of "FORWARD ECS: The ECS Alumni Newsletter" was sent via email on Sept. 14 ! Don't miss out on updates on fellow ECS alumni!

If you did not receive FORWARD ECS in your inbox, check your spam mail, then email us at alumni@ecseagles.com.

Congratulations to Ashleigh Young Rainer (’10) who recently won Make-A-Wish Mid-South’s culture award! Ashleigh has been a Volunteer Coordinator with Make-A-Wish Mid-South since April 2019.

The mission of Make-A-Wish Mid-South is to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. ECS has been a part of the Kids for Wish Kids program as a sponsor of wishes.

If you are interested in volunteering with Make-A-Wish, contact Ashleigh at arainer@midsouth.wish.org for more information about upcoming virtual training sessions. #ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Congratulations to Austin Cooper (‘10), who completed the qualification course for Army Special Forces this year as an 18 Bravo, Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Green Beret.

In his military career, he served in the US Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer from 2014 to 2019. During this time, he deployed as a platoon commander with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. After deployment, he was the only marine that year to attend and graduate the US Army Ranger School. Austin got out of the USMC as a Captain.

Austin joined the US Army in 2019 in order to join US Army Special Forces, and he graduated Airborne school in 2021.

Austin is pictured with his wife, Katie, his parents, Richard (‘88) and Amee, and brother, Hunter Cooper (‘13).

Thank you for your service to our country!     #ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Congratulations to ECS class of '01 alumnus Clint Dowdle, who was recently named to The Athletic's College Sports 40 Under 40 list for his impressive work in the sports industry as one of the most influential coaching agents at Creative Arts Agency.

"Dowdle helped negotiate Marcus Freeman’s promotion to head coach at Notre Dame, and his list of clients includes Oregon’s Dan Lanning, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, Florida State’s Mike Norvell, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Utah State’s Blake Anderson. CAA is the biggest player in the college coaching agent world, and Dowdle has quickly moved up the ranks."

Read more at https://theathletic.com/.../23/college-sports-40-under-40/                            #ECSeagles #ECSAlumni

Tennessee Titans players wore their high school jerseys into Nissan Stadium recently, so ECS alumnus and Titans long snapper Morgan Cox proudly wore his #53 ECS Eagles jersey. The last time he wore it was also in Nashville at the 2005 State Championship!

#ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Two ECS alumni are now in dental practice together! Patrick Person, DDS (‘81) and Baker Darlington, DDS (‘14).

#ECSeagles #ECSalumni

Congratulations to Team Kaspar (orange), the 2022 Legacy League Champions!
Congrats also to Team Fisher (blue), who placed Runner-Up!

Legacy League 2022 was so much fun! It was great to see so many alumni involved!

#ECSalumni #ECSeagles

The ECS class of 2014 is representing in California! Chase Clack and Austin Cain stopped in for a visit with Ben Lowe, and they enjoyed a little golf today in Monterey.

#ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Coach Terry Tippett stopped by to see his former players compete in the Legacy League Semifinals.

Pictured below, guys who played for Coach Tippett, L to R: Cameron Dobbins ‘15, Peyton Watts ‘15, Conner Graves ‘14, Jake Weatherford ‘16, Coach Tippett, Marcus Lytle ‘15, Noah Teed ‘15, Benton Garrison ‘16

Also pictured below are Hunter Harrington, Micah Teed and Steven Kaspar, who played on Coach Tippett’s 2011 state championship team.

#ECSalumni #ECSeagles

All three Gagnon brothers played in the Legacy League this past summer!

Pictured left to right include Carson (‘20), Cameron (‘22) and Chandler (‘11).

#ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Brent Rooker (‘13) started for his new team, the San Diego Padres, in July, and fellow ECS alum, David Boyd (‘16) was at Petco Park to show his support! #ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Check out this great The Daily Memphian article on Morgan Cox (‘05). #ECSalumni #ECSeagles

https://dailymemphian.com/.../tennessee-titan-morgan-cox...

Congratulations to Zack Genereaux (‘17) and Colin Jones (‘18) on their recent graduation from the United States Naval Academy! Thank you for your commitment to serve our country!

Congratulations to Landon Williams ('01) for being selected to the 40 Under 40 List by the Memphis Business Journal.

Williams currently serves as SVP for Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors. During his days as a sports agent, he helped negotiate a $127.5 million contract for pitcher Matt Cain in 2012, the largest in Major League Baseball at the time. On the real estate front, Williams has worked on MAA's build-to-suite headquarters in Germantown, to name just one of the many high-profile deals.

When asked what motivates him, Williams responded, "Strive for excellence in every facet of my life; not to earn God’s grace — of which I cannot earn — but because of God’s grace of which He has freely given me."

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/yady6n67     #ECSalumni #ECSeagles

Some former ECS girls soccer players from the classes of 2003-2013 laced up their cleats and played together in a 7 v 7 soccer tournament in May at Mike Rose Soccer Complex to benefit Lebonheur Children's Hospital. #GoEagles #ECSalumni #ECSeagles

So many from the ECS community attended a reception on May 19 to celebrate Mr. Brink's retirement after 49 years of faithful service to ECS. It was a fun afternoon full of catching up and lots of hugs! Check out our full photo album on our @ECSeagles Facebook page. #ECSeagles #ecsalumni