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served as assistant sports informa- tion director at Copiah-Lincoln Com- munity College in Wesson. Christon Flores (’14) is serving as a teacher’s aide at Conehatta Elemen- tary School, while working towards a Bachelor’s degree at Jackson State University. She was invited to join Tau Sigma National Honor Society and Omega Nu Lambda Honor Soci- ety. She is a mother to seven children. Brady Power (’14) , a loan officer at Bank of Forest, was recently promot- ed to Assistant Vice President. Power joined the bank in 2017 after earning a Bachelor of Accountancy Degree from Mississippi State University. Destiny Barrett (’17) and Payton Griffin (’18) announced their engage- ment and upcoming wedding on Nov. 6, 2021, at Sand Ridge Barn in Lake. Their story began at East Central, and she said EC will always hold the most special place in their hearts. Makenzie Byrd (’17) of Sebastopol graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s School of Nursing and is working in the Cardio- vascular Intensive Care Unit at UMMC. Landon Gibson (’17) , a native of Meridian and recent graduate of Mis- sissippi State University, joined the staff of the Kosciusko Star-Herald newspaper in May. He graduated from Clarkdale High School and also attended ECCC and Meridian Commu- nity College. Annika Jones (’19) of Philadelphia passed her certification exam and is a Certified Occupational Therapist. Bailey Warren (’19) of Conehatta was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi at Mis- sissippi University for Women. Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society.

Jacob Drury (’10) was named principal at Neshoba Middle School and began his new

duties July 1. He previously served as assistant principal of Northeast Lauderdale High School. Drury and his wife, Courtney, currently reside in Neshoba County. They have four children: Kinsley, 3, Aiden, 7, Reiney, 8 months, and Ashtyn, 1. Obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Brittney Cochran Billsby (’10) joined the staff of Sanders Clinic for Women. A native of Hickory, she received her Bachelor’s degree in chemistry/medi- cal sciences from Mississippi College and her medical degree from William Carey University College of Osteo- pathic Medicine. She completed her OB-GYN residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in June. Former Warrior baseball player Jordan Smith (’10) was named head baseball coach at Newton County High School after serving six seasons in the same position at East Webster. Tyler Hansford (’10) , superintendent of the Union public School District, has been elected to the Mississippi Association of School Superinten- dents Board of Directors. Cole Harris (’11) was named head softball coach at Biggersville High School. He previously served as assis- tant coach at Corinth High School. Carthage native Matt Wilbanks (’11) was named head girls’ basketball coach at Morton High School. He pre- viously served in the same position at Union High School. Scott Central native Kelcia Bufkin (’12) was named head coach of the girls’ basketball program at Union High School. She previously served as assistant coach. Former Warrior baseball player Tim Anderson (’13) who plays for the Chicago White Sox participated in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in July. Lucas Calvert (’13) has joined the East Central Community College Public Information staff as Sports In- formation Director. He most recently

GREGORY VISITS WITH “HARDY” DURING FAIR Christi Gregory (’95) , wife of ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory (’96) , is pictured with Michael Hardy (’09) of Philadelphia at the Neshoba County Fair held in July. Known professionally as Hardy, he was the Tuesday night headliner at this year’s fair and played to a large crowd of hometown fans. He was nominated by the Country Music Association for Songwriter of the Year, New Male Artist of the Year, and Music Event of the Year in association with his song “One Beer,” featuring Lauren Alaina and Kevin Dawson. His 2020 debut album is titled “A Rock.” (Submitted photo)

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Weddings Erin Wooten (’13) to Hunter Grundy (’13) Oct. 10, 2020

Madalyn Ann-Marie McMahon (’18) to Taylor Joseph Irby May 15, 2021

Eleana Michele Davis to Andrew Thomas Reel (’15) May 22, 2021 Alexis Lynn Phillips (’20) to Taylor Ryan Lott July 24, 2021 Madelyln Carrie Ball (’18) to Thomas Rivers Pugh (’18) April 24, 2021

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Adrian Channing Lee Zapata (’21) was featured as the Cook of the Week in the Ne-

Brianna Dailey (’20) to Hunter Little (’19) April 17, 2021

shoba Democrat newspaper. He is a graduate of ECCC’s culinary program and has been working at The Porter- House in Philadelphia since 2017.

ALUMNI NEWS

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