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2007 Homecoming Awards
Pictured above (L-R): Greg Almond, Joyce Rogers, Stephen Rogers, Kelly Rogers, Skip Redmond, Caroline Pierce, Curt Pierce, Martha Walker, Carol Hughey, Ben Yancey, Ronnie Pearson, Barry Hay, Kim Mashburn. Not pictured: Keith Kessinger and Felix Jones.
For the third year, the Briarcrest Christian School Administration and Alumni Association recognized eleven distinguished alumni and faculty with the 2007 homecoming awards prior to the homecoming football game.
The Paul Piper Distinguished Alumni Award is given to graduates of Briarcrest who have shown outstanding achievement in their professional careers and/or have been recognized for their influential leadership and support of educational, civic, religious or charitable causes.
David Rogers – David Rogers is a BCS graduate of 1978. He attended Baylor University where he received a B.A. in Business Administration and Radio-TV-Film. He studied at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis and graduated in 1989 from Southwestern Theological Baptist Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas with a Masters of Divinity. As a young boy, David was called into the mission field through youth camps and served short term mission trips in Arizona, Europe, and two years on board a missionary ship in Europe and West Africa. David has spent 17 years as a career foreign missionary in Spain. He served four years as a missionary-pastor, four years as a founding church planter and team leader. He served two years as a council member in charge of ministry to pastors and ministers on an evangelical council in Spain. His current position is Team Leader with Latin American Mobilization Team in Madrid, Spain with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and Director of Evangelism & Missions with the Madrid Baptist Association. David’s home church in the USA is Bellevue Baptist Church. David and his wife, Kelly, are currently on furlough in Memphis with their two children, Jonathan and Stephen. However, David was on a mission trip to India for pastor training. His wife, Kelly, son, Stephen and David’s mother, Mrs. Joyce Rogers accepted this award on David’s behalf.
Greg Almond – Greg Almond is a 1978 Briarcrest graduate. He attended Baylor University and graduated from the University of Tennessee in Veterinary curriculum where he was a member of honor societies at both schools. Greg worked as a Veterinarian since 1984 in the Memphis area including his own veterinarian practice. In 2003, Greg entered the Diagnostic Radiology Residency and Masters program at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is in the Biomedical Sciences masters program currently working on his thesis. Greg is a visiting Instructor of Radiology and working on his Radiation Oncology Residency. He has had several articles published regarding animal oncology, CT techniques, canine kidney donors and canine lymphoma. Greg is a member of numerous professional organizations. He has been a past president and board member of the Board of Directors at the Animal Emergency Center in Memphis. Greg just recently passed the final section of his radiology boards. Greg and his wife, Tina, currently live in Auburn, Georgia with their children Seth and Sarah. Their future plans include a move back to the Memphis area in the next year once Greg completes his thesis.
The Danny Childs Distinguished Faculty Society recognizes current and former faculty members for their exemplary career in the pursuit of academic excellence and the development of young Christian men and women.
Carol Hughey – Carol Hughey has spent most of her professional years as an educator at Briarcrest. She began as a first grade teacher in 1980 then as a P.E. teacher, Elementary Coordinator of Athletics, Auction Coordinator then Elementary Administrator. Carol has been on the BCS Administrative Team for 20 years. Carol is the current Principal at our Leawood Elementary campus. Carol attended the University of Memphis where she received her Bachelors of Elementary Education and her Masters in Administration and Supervision. She is a member of numerous professional organizations as well as a fitness instructor at local health clubs. Carol is a current member of Bellevue Baptist Church where she is a Worship Leader for Children’s Worship. Carol’s daughter, Mallory, is a current Briarcrest 8th grade student. Carol’s life verse is Lamentations 3 “It is because of the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, His compassion fails not, it is new every morning, great is his faithfulness.”
Martha Walker – Martha Walker began her career at Briarcrest in 1985 in the middle school after her youngest child started elementary school. She has served in many roles such as Teacher Council Representative, President’s Advisory Board representative, middle school newspaper sponsor, Builder’s Club Advisor as well as many others. Martha attended the University of Memphis where she earned a Bachelors of Science degree. She has also received the Clair E. Cox award for Teacher Excellence two times, the WRVR and Piggly Wiggly Favorite Teacher award and Who’s Who of American Teachers and Educators four times. She is a member of numerous professional organizations. Martha is a member of Bellevue Baptist Church and has been married 35 years to her husband Stan. They have two sons, Andy and Scott, who both attended Briarcrest for 12 years. Martha’s life verse is Isaiah 49:15-16 “I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.”
Jerry Pierce – Jerry Pierce has been employed for 34 years at Briarcrest. He began as a teacher for Drafting, Architectural & Engineering Drawing and Art I for 14 years then became the Athletic Director for another 14 years. In 1988 he was the Assistant High School Principal. Jerry is currently the Saints Sportsplex Director. Jerry was the first head varsity boys basketball coach in 1974 followed by assistant football coach, head cross country coach, assistant boys track coach, middle school 8th grade girls basketball and freshman boys basketball. Jerry has been married 41 years to his wife, Nelda. Their two sons, Curt and Cary, are both 12 year students of BCS. Jerry and his wife, Nelda, were vacationing with the BCS Grandparents’ Auxiliary group and were unable to attend the award ceremony, so their son, Curt, accepted this award on behalf of his father.
The Briarcrest Athletic Hall of Fame was established to recognize the various coaches, administrators, athletes, and friends who have contributed to the overall outstanding nature of the BCS athletic program.
Kimberly Mashburn – Kimberly Mashburn is a 1997 BCS graduate. She was a standout player in volleyball, basketball and track. She played four years of varsity volleyball as a setter. She was named volleyball player of the year and all-star team her senior year by Tennessee Athletic Coaches Association. She was the regional and district MVP and won the Best of Prep volleyball player of the year her senior year. In basketball, Kimberly was listed among the top twenty basketball players in Shelby County. She was also a member of the varsity track team for discus and shot put where she was named twice to all district, all regional and all metro team. She set county and school records in both shot put and disc. She went on to play four years of collegiate volleyball-two years at Carson Newman college and two years at Union University. She holds the individual record for service aces at Union University and lead the Southern Athletic Conference in aces at Carson Newman college. Today Kimberly currently lives in Memphis working as the Marketing and Communication Coordinator for American Esoteric Laboratories.
Keith Kessinger – Keith Kessinger is a 1985 BCS graduate who played baseball and basketball. After his shining career at Briarcrest, Keith attended Ole Miss where he was a letter winner in both sports. His college career placed him in the top ten record books at Ole Miss in hits, runs and doubles in a season for baseball as well as in three-point field goal percentages in basketball. Keith was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles then also played for the Cinncinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs organizations. He was an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for baseball at Ole Miss where he helped to guide the Rebels to three 30 win seasons in a row. Keith later became the Baseball Head Coach at Carson-Newman college where he was named South Atlantic Conference Coach of the year in 2002. Currently Keith is the head baseball coach at Arkansas State University where his team has set 13 team and individual records in batting, home runs and hits. Keith lives with his wife, Laura, and children Anna Kathryn and Chase in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Barry Hay – Barry Hay is a 1978 graduate from Briarcrest where he played football and basketball all four years in high school, ran track in 9th and 12th grades and played baseball in 10th and 11th grades. Barry’s overall athleticism led him to be one of eleven Shelby County high school athletes to receive the Scholar/Athlete award his senior year in 1978. Barry was also one of five finalists for Male Athlete of the Year for the Best of Preps award in 1978. Barry set records in track for individual and relay teams as well as in football for touchdowns, carries and yards gained. After high school, Barry walked on to play football at Mississippi State for two years. Following that, he graduated from Memphis State University in mechanical engineering and currently is a sales engineer with Cardinal Machinery in Memphis. Barry and his wife, April, live in Germantown, Tennessee with their son, Brooks.
Felix Jones - Felix Jones is a 1996 Briarcrest graduate who excelled in basketball, football and track during his high school years. Felix set many school records in basketball during his high school career. He was nominated for the McDonalds All American Basketball team his senior year. After Briarcrest, he played basketball at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas then later at Christian Brothers University.
Ronnie Pearson – Ronnie Pearson is a 1979 graduate of Briarcrest who excelled in track and cross country.
He lettered all four years in track and competed in the state meet five times. He won numerous regional and district contests. He held track records and meet records throughout the Mid-South area. He was a best of preps finalist four times. Ronnie was undefeated his senior year in cross country- finishing 2nd in the state finals. He currently holds the mile, 2 mile and cross country records at Briarcrest since 1977. Ronnie continued his career at the University of Mississippi where he set the meet record in cross country and competed in the SEC championships in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track six times. Ronnie currently lives in Collierville, TN with his wife, Christie, and three children: Nicholas, Savannah and Lacie. Ronnie works for 3M as a Market Development Manager.
Bob Yancey – Bob Yancey was the first high school staff member hired in April 1974. He was the first varsity football coach and athletic director at Briarcrest. Bob served for nine football seasons at BCS from 1974 until 1982. His record of 51 wins and 40 losses was while playing under the TSSAA’s largest football school division. The 1977 football team was the first BCS team to go to the state playoffs as the district champions. Under Bob’s direction, Briarcrest played in 3 different post season games. The 1975 team was the first BCS team to defeat Germantown High School and the 1978 team was the first BCS team to defeat MUS. Bob left in 1983 to assume head coaching at Central High School in Columbia, TN where his teams played in four post season games. After serving as principal at Whitthorne Middle School in Columbia, Bob is currently the head football coach at Zion Christian Academy. Among many of the honors and awards that Bob has received throughout his career, he was named twice as the TSSAA All Star Football Team Coach and received the Coach of the Year award four times. Bob was also instrumental in organizing the Memphis area Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 1979. Bob has been married 44 years to his wife Janet. They have three grown sons, Rob, Jay and Ben who all played football for Bob at Columbia Central. Because Bob was coaching his Zion Christian Academy football team, he was unable to attend the ceremony, but sent his appreciation for this award. His son, Ben Yancey, accepted it on behalf of his father.
2006 Homecoming Awards
Front row (L-R): Ginger Whitehead, Kathleen Carter, Meredith Wright, Kathy Elder, Len Hamner, Roma Henderson, Leisha Prather Pickering
Second row(L-R): Sally Peters, Tim Dulin, Skip Redmond, Jeff Fite, Jason McCommon, Erica Wyatt, Paula Wyatt, Sharon Watson, Joe Clayton, Dr. David McKinley, Bill McGee
Before the start of the 2006 Football Homecoming Game, the Briarcrest Alumni Association, Alumni Advisory Board, and the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee gave fourteen awards to alumni as well as former and current BCS faculty members.
Paul Piper Distinguished Alumni Award.This award is given to graduates of Briarcrest who have shown outstanding achievement in their professional careers and/or have been recognized for their influential leadership and support of educational, civic, religious, or charitable causes.
Dr. David McKinley - Dr. David McKinley is a 1976 graduate of Briarcrest. Since leaving the school, Dr. McKinley has gone on to receive his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Memphis, his Master of Divinity from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology. He has served in the Ministry at several different churches all throughout the South. Currently, Dr. McKinley is serving as the Teaching Pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX. In addition to his ministry, Dr. McKinley serves as a Trustee for Palm Beach Atlantic University and on the Board of Mission One. Recently, Dr. McKinley became a published writer with his book The Search for Satisfaction. Dr. McKinley, his wife Connie, have two children, Joseph and Mary Elizabeth.
Leisha Prather Pickering - Mrs. Leisha Prather Pickering is a 1977 Briarcrest graduate. Mrs. Pickering received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of Mississippi where she was also a cheerleader. Upon graduating from The University of Mississippi, Mrs. Pickering served in missions work in China, the Philippines, and the Dominican Republic. Leisha's husband, Chip, serves as the Third District Congressman from Mississippi. She currently owns her own event planning business where she has coordinated events for Presidential Inaugurations and planned the 9-11 Widows' Baby Shower in New York. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast last September, Leisha organized a non-profit organization called HANDS: Helping Americans Needing Disaster Support in which they supplied and coordinated relief for thousands of Mississippians. Her efforts during this disaster were featured on national news programs, including Focus on the Family, where she was praised for the effectiveness and compassion during the disaster. Leisha, husband Chip, and their 5 sons are residing in rural Madison County, MS.
Danny Childs Distinguished Faculty Society. This society was formed to recognize current and former faculty members for their exemplary career in the pursuit of academic excellence and the development of young Christian men and women. The following individuals were overwhelmingly nominated by the alumni to be inducted in 2006.
Kathy Elder - Ms. Kathy Elder is in her 29th year at Briarcrest, teaching as one of the high school's Bible teachers. She has faithfully shared the Word of God and taught multitudes of young men and women how to live as Christians. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Elder has coached the Freshmen Girl's Basketball team and Varsity Softball, served as the Bible Department Coordinator, as well as coordinating weekly chapel programs.
Len Hamner - Ms. Len Hamner has been a teacher at Briarcrest since 1973. During her tenure at Briarcrest, she has taught 11 different subjects at the high school. She has also sponsored 6 different clubs and organizations. Ms. Hamner has also taken groups of students to study in Washington, D.C., and all over Europe. Ms. Hamner holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a Master of Arts in History from the University of Memphis.
Roma Henderson - Mrs. Roma Henderson is in her 32nd year at Briarcrest. During those 32 years she has taught English on the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade levels. She is currently the senior English teacher. In addition to teaching, she has served the school as a sponsor of the Student Council, Honor Council, Honor Society. Mrs. Henderson has also been the Chair of the English Department. She has also had 3 children who have graduated from Briarcrest.
Sharon Watson - Sharon Watson has been on staff at Briarcrest sense 1976. From 1976-2002 Ms. Watson taught in the Science Department and was volleyball, track, and basketball coach. She is currently serving the school as the Middle School Principal. Last year, the Alumni Association inducted her into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame for her accomplishments as a coach. And this year they are recognizing her accomplishments as an educator.
The Briarcrest Athletic Hall of Fame was established to recognize the various coaches, administrators, athletes, and friends who have contributed to the overall outstanding nature of the BCS athletic program.
Sally Peters - Sally Peters is a 1977 graduate of BCS. She was the first highly-decorated female athlete in the school's history. As member of the tennis team, she won the district title 3 years in a row, won The Commercial Appeal's Best of the Preps Female Tennis Player of the Year award in 1976, and was ranked by the United States Tennis Association as the 8th best player in the Southern section and 4th best player in the State. Sally received a scholarship from the University of Alabama as a singles and doubles player. Sally has entered the technology field, where she designed and developed training for the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and NATO. She is currently living in Germantown, TN, where she has an IT consulting practice.
Tim Dulin - Tim Dulin is a 1981 graduate of BCS. He is the school's first 4-year letterman in baseball. During his senior year at BCS, Tim was named All-State. He received a baseball scholarship to the University of Memphis where he became a 2 time all-American. Tim was then selected in the Major League Baseball draft and went on to play 6 years of professional baseball with the Baltimore Orioles and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tim, his wife Barbara, and their two children, Kristen and Dalton, are all living in Eads, TN. Tim is the owner and operator of Gameday Sports Academy in Cordova.
Cindy Whitehead - Cindy Whitehead is a 1985 graduate of BCS where she was a standout athlete in basketball, soccer, and track. In basketball, she was named all district, all metro, and all state honorable mention along with being ranked in the top of several statistical categories in the city. Cindy also was named the MVP in soccer. In track, Cindy broke 9 school and region records in various events. Cindy went on to play Division 1 college basketball, Division 1 track, and Division 2 softball. She has even competed against American Gladiators. Currently, Cindy is living in Byhalia, MS, and is working for Baptist Hospital as a Physical Therapist.
Jeff Fite - Jeff Fite is a 1987 graduate of BCS and lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. In basketball, he was named team MVP and District Tournament MVP during his senior year. In football, Jeff set many records that remain today. He was named Bigger, Faster, Stronger 1st team All-American, received the Walter Camp Trophy as the best offensive player in the city, and was named The Commercial Appeal's Best of the Preps Athlete of the Year in 1987. Jeff attended the University of Memphis on a football scholarship where he was named an All-American as a punter. The National Scholastic Football Hall of Fame honored him for his achievements as a student athlete. In 1991, Jeff was drafted by the Green Bay Packers as a punter. Jeff, his wife Jan, and their son Jack are currently living in Oakland, TN. Jeff is now a middle school teacher at Schilling Farms Middle School in Collierville, TN.
Jason McCommon - Jason McCommon graduated from BCS in 1990. As a 3-year letter winter in 3 different sports, Jason holds the career-passing leader with 3,783 yards in football and was named Touchdown Club Player of the year. In basketball, Jason was named all-district and all-metro honorable mention. In baseball, Jason finished in the top 5 in assists, batting average, R.B.I's, homeruns, and in strikeouts as a pitcher. In 1990, Jason was named The Commercial Appeal's Best of the Preps Male Athlete of the Year. Jason received a scholarship from the University of Memphis as a pitcher where he was named all-conference in 1993 and 1994. He finished in the top ten in strikeouts at the U of M. Jason was drafted in the 10th round of the 1994 Major League Baseball draft and played 6 years of professional baseball. Jason, his wife Cara, and their two sons K.C. and Jackson are all currently living in Memphis.
Joe Clayton - From 1974 until 1996, there was one person that you could always find standing on the sidelines or sitting in the stands at almost every Briarcrest athletic event. Mr. Joe Clayton served Briarcrest for 22 years as high school Principal and later President. Mr. Clayton bleeds green and gold. Even today, Mr. Clayton attends many BCS sporting events. His leadership during the late 80's serves as a benchmark of how all coaches should lead their respective teams during times of adversity. And it was through his leadership that Briarcrest was able to become one of the finest athletic programs in the state. The BCS Administration and Athletic Department recognized Mr. Clayton in 2000 by naming the football field in his honor. Mr. Clayton and his wife Nell are currently living in Collierville, TN.
Al Wright - From 1988 to 1992, Briarcrest was blessed to have Al Wright as a coach and teacher. Coach Wright was one of the most beloved faculty members on staff. He was the freshmen boys basketball coach, assistant varsity baseball coach, and an assistant varsity football coach. In the classroom, Coach Wright taught various levels of mathematics from Algebra to Geometry. No matter if he was in the classroom or on the athletic field, Coach Wright could always be found teaching and mentoring the students of Briarcrest. In May of 1994, Coach Wright died suddenly of a heart-related disease. The fact that the Alumni have nominated Coach Wright for this award only after teaching and coaching at BCS for 4 years show the impact that he had on this school. Accepting this award in his memory was his wife, Kathleen Carter, and his daughter, Meredith Wright.
Bill Wyatt - Bill Wyatt was a BCS parent and former President of the Saints Booster Club. From the moment his daughter Erica became as student at Briarcrest, Bill immersed himself as a volunteer at the school. If there was a job that needed to be done and nobody wanted to do it, Bill was the first to sign up for it. Whether it was repairing torn down fences at Towering Oaks or driving 6 hours out of his way to make sure that the football team had what it needed before a state championship game, Bill was there for the school and the athletic program. Bill's hard work and dedication did not stop once his daughter graduated. During the three years that BCS held the Spring Fling, Bill was there every day and doing whatever it took to make sure the Briarcrest was the best. In February of 2004, Bill died suddenly of a heart attack. Accepting this award in his memory was his wife, Paula, and their daughter, Erica.
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