Once A Lion, Always A Lion

Once a lion, always a lion

By Samantha DePriest

2025 Valedictorian RJ Coker leading us in prayer for the Homecoming Football Game.

What an incredible night Homecoming 2025 turned out to be at our Lions for Life Alumni Tailgate event! Did you know there are over 1,200 TCS Alumni right here in our community, across the country, and around the globe? From the moment familiar faces walked through the gates at our Lion stadium, the campus was filled with smiles, hugs, and lots of laughter. Former students shared stories of God’s faithfulness and the many ways they are thriving in their careers, families, and service. The joy of reconnecting with teachers and classmates reminded us of the lasting community that Trinity Christian School builds, one that extends far beyond graduation.

2023 Alumni Brianna Hernandez singing the National Anthem.

The Alumni Tailgate kicked off at 7pm on the patio just as the excitement down on the football field began. The first principal of Trinity Christian School, Mrs. Frances Ashe, was honored as the 2025 Homecoming Grand Marshal. TCS Head of School, Dr. Mark Anthony, escorted Mrs. Ashe onto the field as she was recognized by our school community for her years of compassionate service and continued prayers and support.

The pregame prayer was led by 2024 Homecoming King and Class of 2025 Valedictorian RJ Coker. RJ is currently a Cadet in the United States Air Force Academy and a video of him in uniform praying over our school and the big game was shared on the Jumbotron. A beautiful rendition of our national anthem was performed by Class of 2023 graduate Brianna Hernandez who is currently a sophomore at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.

1st TCS Principal Mrs. Frances Ashe pictured with Head of School Dr. Mark Anthony

Image by Oscar Camejo

Through out the evening, our cherished alumni and TCS staff from past and present spent time in fellowship, enjoying a meal at the Alumni Tailgate reminiscing over the good ol’ days, looking through old yearbooks, and playing corn hole. From hugs to high-fives, the Lions For Life Alumni event was a reminder that Trinity bonds never fade.

We love to stay in touch with all of our alumni. Please click the button below to let us know where life has taken you and how you are doing. We would love to pray for you and with you as you launch into these next exciting chapters of your lives because even thought you were once a lion, you are always a lion.

Where are they now: TCS Alumni Mattie McCracken

Where are they now: TCS Alumni Mattie McCracken

By Samantha DePriest

For as long as Mattie McCracken can remember, TCS felt like home. She recalls numerous teachers, coaches, and mentors at Trinity Christian School speaking into her life and encouraging her along the way.  Mattie shared how grateful she is for Bible teachers who answered questions about Faith and helped prepare her for life after high school. 

During her time at Trinity Christian School, Mattie competed and excelled in basketball, softball, and golf. Mattie is no stranger to hard work and her academics reflected that. She served in both the National Honor Society as well as Beta Club.

Like many students in physical therapy, Mattie McCracken experienced an injury that initially peaked her interest in the career path. Through her own recovery and return to play, she discovered how much she loves to help people overcome their own setbacks. She is currently attending High Point University in North Carolina and working on her Master’s degree. Mattie works with sports teams, gathering research on physical and mental health, and spends time in the Adidas Biomechanics lab on campus. She is involved in campus ministries and a sorority.  

During her last year of graduate school, Mattie will take classes at HPU and serve as an athletic trainer at a college of her choice.  She is passionate about her field and sees herself as a first responder to athletes. Her hope is through her hard work, commitment, and experiences that one day she will land her dream job of serving in the NBA.  We are so excited for you Mattie and look forward to what God has in store next for you.