Talon Times

Aaron Carlson, class of 2021, fondly remembers the joyful moments he shared with teachers and classmates before classes began each day. He met wonderful people during his time in school and is grateful for the passion that his educators showed him. His advice to future alumni is to avoid growing up too quickly and to savor this part of their lives, as they only have one chance to experience it.

Carlson was inspired by a patrolman during his high school years. The officer’s demeanor and professionalism left a lasting impression on him and influenced his decision to pursue a career in law enforcement. He subsequently joined the 163rd Basic School, where he underwent six months of rigorous training at Camp Garner. In 2024, he graduated, finding the experience both challenging and rewarding. After becoming a sworn trooper, Carlson was assigned to the Johnston County area, where he enjoys the opportunity to learn and grow. He is thankful for each day, as he finds his job to be fulfilling.

Fun Facts: Jessica is an alumnus of WCS and also a parent at WCS. Her daughter, Riley, is currently in 10th grade. Her husband is also a business partner supporting WCS through the family business, NextCast.

Can you share some of your most memorable moments from WCS? 

Two events come to mind. First, we had a lock-in at the family Y and it was so fun hanging out swimming, playing racquetball and basketball, watching movies, eating pizza, and just running around with all my friends all night long. Second, we had a weekend retreat that was at a camp. It was a time for us all to grow together as a school family, and we did! My favorite part was the evenings in the “amphitheater” area worshiping God as young Christians eager to grow our faith. 

Since graduation, what life experiences have you encountered? 

Wow, where to begin? I feel like life has happened so fast, but the things I’m most proud of are being married to my wonderful husband Scott for 21 years and my beautiful daughter Riley, who is 15. I have a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UMO (Mount Olive College at the time), and have worked at Skill Creations, Inc. for 26 years (I started 4 days after I graduated high school) and am currently the Chief Administrative Officer. I’ve owned several businesses, I’ve jumped out of an airplane and survived 🤪, I’ve traveled to many beautiful places across the world, and I fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a real estate agent. I have been so blessed and look forward to seeing what else God has in store for my life. 

What advice do you have for future alumni? 

Make the effort to be a true friend, cherish your true friends, and stay in touch. My graduating class was pretty small (16 graduates), and unfortunately, after high school many of us did not stay in close touch even though we had spent literally our whole lives together and were the best of friends. A couple of my classmates and dear friends have already passed away and I feel some guilt for not staying close. A few of my classmates and I have since made a conscious effort to start getting together periodically to reconnect. Life tends to get in the way sometimes but don’t let it. Make the effort! 

Can you share some of your most memorable moments from WCS?

The absolute best moment I ever had at Wayne Christian happened while I was a middle school student. The school was on Beech Street. The school year started off a little different because the people in charge were starting to become comfortable with breaking out of old wineskins and doing things a little different. One chapel service, a student was allowed to give his testimony. When he was done, many students were drawn by Holy Spirit to  start giving their lives to the Lord. We worshipped, many kids gave their testimonies. We threw the clock out the window and stayed in chapel almost until the end of the day. It was so beautiful. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! He was so evident that day. I LONG for our kids at Wayne Christian to experience the same thing!!! 

Since graduation, what life experiences have you encountered?

I don’t really know where to start. I’ve worked as an accountant (this is what I went to school to become), middle school math teacher, business owner, youth pastor, executive pastor, and now pastoring Bethel Church. Married my girlfriend and made her my wife! We have been married for 17 years now and have 6 wonderful children.  I have made SO MANY mistakes. I think I have done things wrong more than I have done them right, but the Lord has been so faithful to continue finishing in me what He started as a teenager. 

What advice do you have for future alumni?

Obviously, acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and HE WILL direct your path. In doing that, pay very close attention to this thought: There is very little in life that we can control. In fact, there are only a few things we can control: Our attitude and our effort. For many years, I spent so much time and energy trying to control the things that were out of my control and making excuses for the things that were within my control. Just know the difference. Work with Holy Spirit to root out the residing sin that still lies within your flesh. Yes, salvation is by grace, but sanctification requires our participation! 

Hey everyone! My name is Anna Dean. I am a wife, mother, and Occupational Therapist. I attended Wayne Christian School from K-4 through 12th grade! I graduated in 2013 and set off for Freshman year at East Carolina University. I was an ECU cheerleader throughout my 4 years of undergrad and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy. I then went on to Shenandoah University for an additional 2.5 years to earn my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. I now practice Occupational Therapy in the public school system and I absolutely love it! 

My time spent at WCS was some of the most fun and cherished moments! To this day, I still remain close with several of my fellow graduates. Growing up within the community and attending WCS, the students and teachers become like family. I never felt like I was getting up to head off to just another day at school, I always felt excited and happy to see my school family! The environment was positive and welcoming. Two of my most memorable moments at Wayne Christian were filming videos that played on the big screen before Chapel with announcements and playing a joke on the upperclassmen by decorating the high school hallway/lockers with Hello Kitty coloring pages (with permission, of course!). We always had such a fun time! 

Since graduation, I have encountered many new adventures and life lessons. I feel as though Wayne Christian equipped me to enter the “real world” with core values instilled to make wise decisions and truly helped me become the woman I am today. 

My advice to future alumni would be to cherish every moment you have with the people who are in your life. “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” -Dr. Seuss