Knightly News

For people of a certain generation, January 28, 1986 is a defining moment.  After months of eagerly anticipating the launch that would bring a teacher into space, everything changed in a split second. For people who were school-aged at the time, it was the first major news milestone they experienced.  They can usually recall with clarity where they were, what they were doing and who they were with when the day unfolded.  They remember the images of columns of white smoke cascading down after the shuttle broke apart and the collective feeling of grief for the seven crew members on board who were not coming home.  The memories are lasting for so many, including 1997 Episcopal graduate Barclay Mullins.  Mullins remembers being at Trinity Episcopal watching the tragedy unfold with classmates, like thousands of others across the nation.

Now, 32 years later, Mullins is an investor in the movie "Angry Men", which tells the story of that fateful day.  He is also an extra in the film, which goes behind the scenes to explore the events leading up to the disaster and the decisions that led to the launch.  Mullins says the project was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up because of the importance of the story.  However, he couldn’t have imagined the serendipitous turns the project would take along the way.

After graduating from Episcopal 21 years ago, Mullins, himself, had places to go. He graduated from LSU and lived in Virginia and Texas before coming back home to Louisiana and settling in Lafayette.  Over the years he has done everything from selling books and insurance to being a camp counselor and PODS franchise owner.  However, of all of his endeavors the film business just seems to make sense for him.  “I like to make people laugh. When you think about it we’re all acting all the time,” he says.

Mullins has led a full life since his time at Episcopal.  He’s experienced triumph, uncertainty, pain, joy and everything in between.  He says it was the painful moments that taught him an important lesson: “Live life by the Golden Rule and treat everyone the way you want to be treated.”  He says he learned similar lessons while at Episcopal. “It did create structure, discipline and responsibility.  You had to work for everything you got,” he says. Looking back he feels blessed to have been a member of the school community since the seventh grade.   Last year, Mullins attended his 20 year class reunion. He enjoyed reconnecting with fellow classmates and says it was fun to share stories, memories and photos. 

Among the photos shared were snapshots of Mullins’ two-year old daughter Nola.  (Yes, her name was partially inspired by a love for the city.)  When he thinks about what he’d like Nola and his former Episcopal classmates to know about him, he hopes his life adventures inspire them to follow their passions and pursue their dreams.  

“Life experiences and struggles have brought me to my best version of myself,” says Mullins.

Barclay Mullins is optimistic for the future and his latest project, “Angry Men”.  The project, like Mullins’ own life, is filled with passion and unexpected twists and turns.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.