Stephen Bailey '88: Singer, Educator, and Leader

Stephen shares about the impact of "Mr. Mac"

Stephen Bailey ‘88 is Director of Strategic Growth for Made in the Streets, a ministry to "love and serve children from the streets of Nairobi, Kenya, meeting their physical, emotional & spiritual needs; loving them fully; equipping them to earn a living & sending them out to a new life" (read more at madeinthestreets.org). Prior, he was the Chair of the Communications Department at Tarrant County Community College Northwest. In addition, Stephen is the Lead Singer for the BackRoads band. Having graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1992, Stephen went on to earn his MS in Communication from Texas Christian University in 2012. Now a volunteer for local Church and Community Theater productions, Stephen also has been a worship leader at various churches around the metroplex. 

Here’s a recent Q and A with Stephen: 

When you think back on your time at FWC, what did you love most about Fort Worth Christian?

The gift of attending a small school while living in a big city. The size of the school gave me the opportunity to try numerous activities and find my passions. Also, the relationships we were able to build with our teachers and coaches. God brought together a wonderful student body and a wonderful faculty and staff. That is a recipe for good education!

How did your FWC education prepare you for life now?

While at FWC I was able to sing, act, speak, play sports, be involved in Student Government, and occasionally even go to class ; ) in a loving, caring, Christian environment. My experiences at FWC not only prepared me academically but provided me with life-long friends and the confidence to try new things.
 

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Fort Worth Christian?

Take advantage of the MANY opportunities available to try new things and find your passion. And do not take for granted the fact that you are being cheered on by Godly men and women who truly want you to succeed.
 

Who were some of the teachers during your time at FWC that left an impact on your life? 
 

• Maryann Felps - Her challenging Senior English class prepared me to do college-level work and introduced me to what are still some of my favorite works of literature.
• Larry Calvin - I still think about and share and use ideas he taught us in his Home and Family Living class. It is impossible to know how many marriages and lives Dr. Calvin has impacted through his thoughtful teaching style.
• Ron McCommas (“Mr. Mac”, High School Music) revived a fledgling choir program while I was in high school and helped me discover my voice. I have been singing professionally and for fun ever since. He literally changed the course of my life.

RESPONSE FROM MR. MAC

Mr. McCommas, prior to coming to FWC, spent several years with the popular vocal group Acappella. Recently, we reached out to Mr. McCommas, currently a Business Performance Advisor at Insperity near Houston, and he had this to say about Stephen: 

“Stephen was part of a very special group of students that inspired me to stay in teaching and not return to Acappella. He has a way of connecting people in the most authentic way. We started a group called the “Blenders” at FWC. He was so committed that one of his asks from his folks for Christmas was a multi-track cassette tape recorder. His mom was a teacher at FWC in the elementary school. She dropped by my office and asked if I really thought he would use it, because it was a bit high in cost. I laughed and said, ‘if anyone will get the most out of that gift, it will be Stephen.’ I taught for several more years, and never met someone so devoted to his faith and serving others than Stephen. He throws himself into everything he does. Such a blessing to be part of his life for those three years.”
 

STEPHEN AT FWC

While at FWC, Stephen, among several awards his senior year, was named Mr. Fort Worth Christian alongside Miss Fort Worth Christian, Laurie (Calvin) Sorrells. Laurie shared this about Stephen:

“When I think back to Stephen in high school, I can’t picture him without a huge smile on his face. He was always smiling. He exuded joy! That joy ran deep and was contagious. I can’t pinpoint one set of exclusive friends of Stephen - he was a friend to everyone. He made every person feel like they were his best friend. His sense of humor was/is so sharp and quick - which he, unashamedly, gives full credit to his mother for this gift. He kept everyone in stitches and loved to use this ability to sidetrack many unsuspecting teachers.”

 

Stephen currently resides in North Richland Hills, TX, and has been married to Stephanie Bailey for 26 years. Together they have two daughters, Rainey Bailey and Emily Rose Bailey.