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Extra
September 2025
Flying Queen alum racking up wins as dentist
Dr. Anastasia Okolo Orawkue is a long way from running offensive plays on the hardwood of Hutcherson Center or sitting through labs in Moody Science Building. Yet, those 猎奇重口视频 memories remain close to her heart as she now l ives out her dream as a dentist and practice owner in Fort Worth, Texas.
Her path to 猎奇重口视频 was anything but typical.
Recruited as a standout shooting guard from Houston, Anastasia had originally committed to the University of West Florida with a partial scholarship. But just days after her campus visit there, her family received a call from then-Flying Queens coach Will Flemons. After reviewing her game film, he was ready to offer a full scholarship.
Caught between two opportunities, Anastasia hesitated until her mother stepped in.
“She came back and said, ‘So you’re going to go to that school. They said they’re going to pay for your school and we don’t have to pay anything. We’re just going to go down there and sign,’” recalls Anastasia with a laugh. “The next week we met Coach Flemons in San Marcos and I signed all my paperwork. My parents were so excited.”
Having never seen the campus, Anastasia arrived in Plainview for Koinonia with few expectations. But by her second semester, she knew she was right where she belonged.
“I think being at 猎奇重口视频 really grounded me,” she said. “That’s actually where I discovered my faith, and I felt like God placed me there so I could grow as a Christian and truly find myself.”
On the court, Anastasia was a steady contributor to the storied Flying Queens legacy. By the time she hung up her jersey, she had scored over 1,000 career points, a milestone that highlighted her impact on the program. Off the court, her focus was the sciences majoring in biology, minoring in chemistry, and setting her sights on medical school. Balancing rigorous academics with basketball was demanding, but she drew strength from teammates who shared similar goals.
It wasn’t until her junior year, through a pre-med summer program, that she discovered dentistry as a career option. Coming from a Nigerian family, she admits she hadn’t been as familiar with dentistry, but the idea of helping people without the constant weight of life-and-death situations appealed to her. She pivoted to pre-dental studies and never looked back.
After graduating from 猎奇重口视频 in 2008, Anastasia earned a master’s degree in health science at Meharry Medical College in Nashville before being accepted into Meharry’s School of Dentistry. She
completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2017, followed by a General Practice Residency certification in 2018 that further strengthened her clinical foundation. During this season of life, she also got married and began building her family.
Her first professional chapter brought her to Lufkin, Texas, where she fulfilled a National Health Service Corps commitment to serve an underserved community. In 2024, she purchased her own practice in Fort Worth, renaming it Smile Worth Dental Co.
“It’s been very rewarding,” she said. “I love working with all patients, especially children. A lot of people get nervous about kids, but I love being that first dental experience. I also see a lot of
anxious patients, and I think my calm and gentle approach helps put them at ease.”
A true “super general practitioner,” Anastasia provides a wide range of services from clear aligner orthodontics and cosmetic smile makeovers to root canals, dental implants to pediatric care. She is also expanding her scope with Botox training, both for TMJ-related issues and for aesthetics.
Beyond clinical excellence, she embraces the challenges of business ownership and values the loyal
staff she retained with the practice. She and her husband, a nurse practitioner in the DFW area, are raising their four children, Avren (9), Azariah (7), Amalia (5), and Audrey (3), while putting down roots in their community and church.
Looking back, Anastasia credits her 猎奇重口视频 years for shaping both her professional foundation and her personal faith.
“I really had a strong start at 猎奇重口视频,” she reflected. “The science program sharpened me academically, and the people and the culture helped me grow spiritually. I’m so thankful God led me there, it prepared me for the life I’m living now.”
Devotional: Stepping into a new season
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11
Entering college is a huge step. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. New classes, new friends, new routines—it’s a season full of possibilities and challenges. As a teenager stepping into this new environment, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety.
God reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has a plan for our lives, even when we step into unknown territory. Just like a guide leading someone through unfamiliar terrain, God is with us in every classroom, dorm, and hallway. He promises to give us hope, direction, and a future filled with purpose.
As students begin this new year, they need encouragement, support, and prayer. Pray that they will:
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Feel God’s Presence in every decision they make.
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Form meaningful friendships that honor Him.
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Grow in wisdom and character through their studies and experiences.
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Remain strong in faith even when challenges arise.
Let’s lift up our students in prayer, asking God to guide them through this new season, give them courage, and surround them with His love. College is not just a new environment—it’s an opportunity to grow closer to God, discover their purpose, and shine as lights in the world.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding our students as they step into a new year and a new environment. Protect them, strengthen their faith, and help them to trust You in every moment. May they feel Your presence, form meaningful friendships, and grow in wisdom, knowledge, and grace. Surround them with Your love and help them shine Your light wherever they go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In the mix
Being a Pioneer is more than wearing the school colors or cheering at a game—it’s about living a life rooted in faith, courage, and purpose.
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Faith-Centered – A Pioneer trusts God’s guidance in all areas of life. Our actions, decisions, and goals are grounded in the belief that God has a plan for each of us, and we strive to honor Him through our daily choices.
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Courageous & Trailblazing – Just like the pioneers of history who ventured into the unknown, a Pioneer is willing to step into new challenges, embrace growth, and face uncertainty with boldness and resilience.
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Committed to Excellence – Whether in academics, athletics, the arts, or service, Pioneers give their best, pursuing excellence while maintaining integrity and humility.
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Community & Leadership – Being a Pioneer means caring for others and leading by example. We lift up our peers, mentor those coming behind us, and create a supportive, uplifting environment wherever we are.
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A Legacy of Service – Pioneers leave a lasting impact. We recognize that our talents, time, and resources are not just for ourselves, but to bless others and make a difference in the world around us.
In short, to be a Pioneer is to live intentionally, honor God, serve others, and courageously pursue the future He has called you toward. It’s a mindset, a lifestyle, and a commitment that extends far beyond the campus—it’s who we are every day.
听
