ACS is pleased to periodically recognize and congratulate several of its alumni and former students who are making their mark in college, in the working world, and in other endeavors, building on the strong educational and spiritual foundation they received during their years at ACS. The alumni spotlighted in this article are: Paul Jones (’15), Lydia Dice (’16), DJ Hitchner (’17), Jacob O’Brien (’19), and Devin Tridente (’22).  Profiles of many more ACS alumni can be found on the “Alumni News” page of the ACS website under “News and Events.”

Paul Jones (’15) and his wife, former ACS student Hunter Robinson, are expecting their second daughter later this year. Paul was the Middle School Bible teacher at ACS for the 2022-2023 school year and is the youth pastor at Friendship Bible Church in Egg Harbor Township. Paul is passionate about basketball and has his own business, Kingdom Courts, that provides basketball skills training. His business motto is: training the next generation of hoopers — glorify God — outwork everyone.

Lydia Dice (’16) has co-authored a new book with her mother, Lydia, entitled “Is There a Shark in the Pool?” about dealing with anxiety. According to Mrs. Dice, the Lord used Lydia’s Bible class at ACS to partner with the power of the Holy Spirit to place her on His path to healing from anxiety. The book is being published by Trilogy Publishing, which is affiliated with TBN. To pre-order the book, please email: sharkinthepool711@gmail.com. Lydia and her family also attended the “ACS Legacy Gala: An Evening with Comedian Jeff Allen” on May 12 at the Ocean City Tabernacle.

Dakota (DJ) Hitchner (’17) married Brendan Keller on June 21, 2023 at the Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City, NJ. DJ and Brendan met as fellow athletes while attending Cairn University. Celebrating with DJ as members of the wedding party were six ACS alumni or former students — Kaylee Redding Carolus (’13), Olivia Mack, Candace Winkel Menno (’16), Kate Newman, Ola Oguntuase (’19), and Carly Harper Witherow (’08). ACS Athletic Director Pam Hitchner was the matron of honor. DJ and Brendan will be living in Upper Township. For the past year, DJ has been teaching PE and health at the Belhaven Middle School in Linwood and coaching their girls basketball team. This fall, DJ will be coaching the ACS Varsity Girls Soccer Team.  Congratulations and may God bless you both!

Jacob O’Brien (’19), who has played on the Cairn University Men’s Soccer Team for the past four years, was recently accepted into a ministry outreach program with Missionary Athlete’s International (MAI) and is spending eight weeks this summer sharing his faith with young people at MAI soccer camps and clinics in Chicago and Brazil. Jake will be graduating in December 2023 with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in business.

Devin Tridente (’22) stopped by ACS on May 11 during the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference Track Meet, held on the ACS campus. After graduating in June 2022, Devin took a gap year and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College in California. He will be attending Regent University in the fall of 2023, where he will play on their D-1 Men’s Basketball Team. Devin plans to major in sports management and minor in business.

Alumni – We want to hear from you! Please send us news about how God is working in your life. Feel free to send photos as well. Email alumni news to: jmartin@acseht.org.