Alumni News Last Updated: January 2025
1970s
Peter Konenkamp (’70) has been honored with an induction into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place on March 28, 2025, in Atlanta. Konenkamp’s distinguished career in broadcasting and public relations began in Macon in 1975, and he retired from the University of Georgia in 2015.
Jackie Hodges (’79) retired from Cobb County Schools in May 2024 after 30 years of teaching! Before retiring, she focused on Math intervention with small groups of students in 3rd-5th grades. She credits her love of math to her MDS teachers, Carol Cheshire and Carol Hall.
2000s
Justin Andrews (’06) was honored with the Macon Arts Alliance 2024 Cultural Award. As the Director of Special Projects for the Otis Redding Foundation, Justin is a dynamic leader in both the arts and education sectors.
2010s
Taylor Mayhue Beall (2014) and husband, Mitch Beall, welcomed their first daughter, Mary Elizabeth Beall on October 21, 2024.
Brandon Lasater (2011) and wife Paige welcomed a baby girl, Sabrina Paige Lasater, on December 30th, 2024.
After completing a federal clerkship, Nick Lewis (2016) began his career as an associate at the Jones Day law firm in Atlanta in 2024.
Katie McKinley (Simpson) (2009) and her husband Jake welcomed a baby girl January 10th, 2025.
Brady Pool (2017) and his wife, Olivia Barroso Pool (2016) welcomed their daughter, Amelia Burton Pool, on March 9th, 2025.
Allen Butler (2011) served as the Director of Spacecraft Integration, Test, and Launch Operations for Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Lunar Lander! On January 15, his team’s spacecraft launched aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket, beginning its journey to the moon! The lander performed the first fully successful commercial Moon landing on March 2nd.
We mourn the following members of the Cavalier family who recently passed away. Last updated: January 2025.
In Memoriam:
1944 Betty Willis Ruben
1951 Ann Robertson Smith
1959 Louise Garvin Peyton
1966 Chester Pierce
1967 Tina Ansa
1970 Sally Huhn Hurley
1976 Gregory Slocum
1999 D’mya Genise Carswell-Willis
Meaghan Slonaker Rogers (’04) on the death of her husband, Josh Rogers, on November 24, 2024.
Mrs. Allison Ach Butler (’84) and Mrs. Meredith Ach Kidwell (’89) on the death of their father, Edward Ach, on December 7, 2024.
Mr. Chris Slocum (’85) on the death of his wife, Andrea Slocum on December 27, 2024.
Mr. Monroe Abram (’82) on the death of his father, Monroe Abram on January 5th, 2025.
Mr. Thomas Union III (’88) and Mrs. Laura Paxton (’91) on the death of their father, Thomas Union Jr. on December 21, 2024.
Kathryn Carpenter (’76), Lynn Rostvold (’77), Andrea Lavoie (’79), and Brian Markwalter (’80) on the death of their mother, Lucy Markwalter on December 3rd, 2024.
Mary McMahon (’77) on the death of her brother, Andrew Rooks on January 20, 2025.
