31 Dec 2024 Couple of the Month: Keenan and Kelli Wallace
HER STORY:
I love God and love people. I am incredibly blessed to pour love into kiddos and families through my job, pushing them to their full potential. I am privileged to love and serve students through church ministry and FCA! I’ve been known to not shy away from hard conversations and am willing to share truth, even when it’s hard and uncomfortable.
native of: Greenbrier
Children: We have two amazing children. Gavin, 15, is our oldest. Haven, 6, is our firecracker.
Education: I have an Associate Degree in applied science in occupational therapy (OTA).
Employment: I work at Therapy Monkey (Pediatrics Outpatient Therapy).
What do you love about the 501? I love living in Central Arkansas because it is home to me. I was born and raised in the 501, and I have enjoyed seeing the changes and growth over the years! I love living in my hometown of Greenbrier because, while it is steadily growing, it still feels small and homey. I love running into people I know, whether I’ve seen them recently or not in a while!
Honors: My classmates in OTA school voted me “Most Likely to Succeed” out of our cohort. My coworkers named me the “Silent Superhero” for “being a silent force to get things done without needing the spotlight.”
Community activities: I have the privilege of serving in our church by helping lead teen girls small groups with our youth group, as well as in our Children’s Ministry. I enjoy volunteering with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in our Greenbrier community. I’ve been involved with leading some discipleship groups for our youth!
HIS STORY:
I would describe myself as relational, radical and enthusiastic. My aim is to see things from others’ perspectives without wavering in my beliefs. I also attempt to think outside the box to fix a problem. I am a little bold and loud when it comes to celebrating my people and community.
native of: Twin Groves, Arkansas
Education: I graduated from Guy-Perkins High School, then earned a Bachelor of Science in leadership and ministry.
employment: I am the Student Minister at the Greenbrier campus of Second Baptist Church.
What is the key to a successful marriage? My main goal is to love her more than I want to be right. Whether I agree or disagree, my response should reflect love and protection for my wife. As a young husband, I used to struggle with wanting her and others to know I was right at the expense of relationships. I learned from those mistakes and value this relationship more and more every day.
Community activities: I am a Fellowship of Christian Athletes mobilized volunteer at Greenbrier and Guy-Perkins schools.
special interests: Basketball.
THEIR STORY:
We met when introduced by mutual friends. They thought we would make a great couple, so we all met at SONIC (that is, after Kelli stood Keenan up twice). Once we met, Kelli knew there was something special about Keenan, so she called him first (and he won’t let her forget it). We stayed in touch while Keenan was in military training. Months later we got engaged and then married just three months later. We had a small ceremony in July of 2007 and had a wedding plus a reception in December 2007. We celebrate our anniversary in July each year. This July will be our 18th year of marriage!
A second annual family beach vacation to Orange Beach, Ala. is in our plans for 2025! We enjoy game nights with friends, serving in ministry and community outreach events, and consistently supporting students’ various extracurricular activities. We are always learning from the next generation of world changers. The Wallace family motto is: “We strive to be where our feet are and love each other more than we want to be right.”
