DISNEY

MUSicaLly Golden

JOHN ISAAC

ANNALIZ

JOSH

If they’re not in The Perk cramming for an upcoming biology exam, you’ll likely find this MBU family of emerging pop stars making music for today’s big time TV channels—from Disney to MTV26 | MBUmagazine

MBUmagazine | 27

DISNEY

MUSicaLly Golden

LIZ

JOSH

O n any given Thursday night, you’re likely to hear the eruption of laughter from the Goldens’ living room.

To this Missouri Baptist University family, the dry wit humor repeated over and over in NBC’s “The Office” never seems to lose its punch. It’s a glimpse into a rather routine night for a, well, not-so-routine family. After all, footprints of the Golden siblings’ impressive entertainment careers can be found by a simple flip of the TV remote control—from MTV to the Disney Channel and channels in between. Last year, 17-year-old Josh, one of four Golden kids who either have been or are students at MBU, made a big first mark in the entertainment industry after winning a finalist spot on Disney Channel’s, “The Next Big Thing” talent contest. Since, Josh made featured appearances on a host of Disney episodes, and his music continues to regularly receive airtime on Disney’s radio stations. His career has continued to flourish, with a self-titled album and a pair of music videos. Oh, and most recently, he recorded with another St. Louis local: Nelly. Those musical successes are in stark contrast from the victory he was celebrating in a hallway in MBU’s Field Academic Hall one day this past fall. Josh, who is an MBU student through the University’s Home School Dual Enrollment Program, had just received a 101 percent on his biology test. Participating in MBU’s dual-enrollment program is a great opportunity, according to Josh. He is able to take college courses as a high school student, while the college schedule allows him to pursue his musical passions.

Josh and his siblings, 23-year-old John Isaac, 21-year-old Liz and 16-year-old Anna, have all been living lives that may seem a bit paradoxical. When these St. Louis natives aren’t studying at MBU, they’re likely in Los Angeles pursuing their musical passions. Liz’s song “Butterflies” was featured on “The Hills” reality TV show and was the theme song to MTV’s “Hired.” She released her first Extended Play (EP), a small collection of original songs, in 2009, and is working on a new, full-length album this spring. John Isaac is currently writing and producing songs including one of his little brother’s music videos. He’s toured with The Pussycat Dolls and Hannah Montana’s Mitchel Musso. Long before that, however, John Isaac was entertaining the masses as a childhood actor, appearing in a host of films and commercials. Anna is about to join her siblings’ successes with the upcoming release of her first EP. Her country/pop album falls close to the Taylor Swift genre, Anna said. She’s currently working with writer Liz Rose, who just happened to play a large role in Swift’s first album. As the Goldens will attest, the music industry is a trying environment, and their faith has been a source of strength. “It’s (faith) been a help; if we didn’t have faith, I don’t know where we would be now,” Liz explained. It’s a humble spirit shared by the entire Golden family. One they strive to continually maintain—whether observing paramecium through a microscope during a Tuesday morning MBU biology class or releasing a new EP on iTunes.

A r e a C o o r d i n at o r , S p ec i a l S c h o o l D i s t r i c t

G u i d a n c e C o u n s e l o r , M e h lv i l l e H i g h S c h o o l , M e h lv i l l e S c h o o l D i s t r i c t

Degree: Master of Educational Administration

Number of years of experience: 17

Special accolades or accomplishments: A 4.0 GPA

What was the one “takeaway” you received from an MBU education? Every professor was very professional, had greatexperiences to share and was always available to help.

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Arts in Counseling

Number of years of experience: 4 (2 at MHS)

What was the one “takeaway” you received from an MBU education? I feel as though I was completely prepared for my role as a counselor. I have worked with other new counselors from different programs; they had questions and concerns about things that I already knew simply because it was discussed in my classes.

MBU is highly regarded for the counselors it produces – I could not have chosen a better program.

Tara Markenson

Davey Pitts

’12

’06, ’08

CLASS OF

CLASS OF

Goldens Liveat the Perk

Josh and Anna perform at the University’s signature talent showcase, The Perk. More than 400 students and alumni attended the 2012 homecoming event.

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