First Presbyterian Day School is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 FPD Alumni Awards. Congratulations to Tali Giles Canterbury (Class of 2004), recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, and Rev. Joe McDaniel, recipient of the FPD Service Award. These two individuals embody FPD’s mission of changing the world for God’s glory.

2024 Distinguished Alumni Award
Recipient: Tali Giles Canterbury, Class of 2004

Each year, the Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to an FPD graduate who has made a significant impact in their field and exemplifies leadership, purpose, and service in their vocation.

Tali Canterbury, a 2004 graduate of FPD, has become a powerhouse in the country music industry. After attending The University of Georgia and Middle Tennessee State University, she earned a degree in Mass Communications with a focus on Music Business. Today, she serves as the Co-Owner and President of 50 Egg Music, a Nashville-based music publishing company she co-founded in 2019 alongside hit songwriter Jonathan Singleton and GRAMMY-nominated artist Luke Combs.

In 2023, Canterbury also launched No Rules Management, where she manages rising country star Logan Crosby and producer/songwriter Jonathan Singleton. Her career began at Big Machine Label Group, where she signed and developed top talent including Luke Combs, Riley Green, and Midland. Balancing a full-time career with continued growth, she earned her Juris Doctorate from Nashville School of Law in 2016. When she’s not leading in the music world, Tali enjoys life with her husband, Will, and daughters, Lennon and Lyla Joy.

2024 FPD Service Award
Recipient: Rev. Joe McDaniel

The FPD Service Award honors individuals who have demonstrated unwavering support and service to the school and its mission.

Rev. Joe McDaniel, a beloved Macon pastor and educator, served as FPD’s interim head of school from January 2019 to June 2020. He provided steady leadership during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing more than five decades of experience in Christian ministry and education to the role.

A graduate of Willingham High School (1964), Georgia Southern University (B.S. in Education), and Georgia College & State University (M.S. in Education), McDaniel has spent his career pastoring churches, coaching, and teaching across the region. His ministry roles included Musella Baptist Church and Mabel White Baptist Church, while his teaching and coaching experience spanned Greene County High, Southwest High, Mount de Sales, and FPD.

Rev. McDaniel is also a published author of 31206: The Boys of Willingham High and has served in numerous civic and community roles, including the Macon Rotary Club, Backpack Ministry, and the boards of both the Macon Sports Hall of Fame and Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. He was honored as a 1996 Olympic Torch Bearer and is a member of multiple sports halls of fame.

He and his wife, Cynthia, have been married for over 50 years and have two adult children, Chad and Krista. An avid athlete, Joe has completed three marathons and one triathlon. His hobbies include pickleball, gardening, writing, and playing the guitar.

Honoring Excellence and Impact
Both award recipients exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and faith. FPD is grateful for alumni like Tali Canterbury and community leaders like Rev. Joe McDaniel, who continue to reflect Christ’s love and leadership in every aspect of their work.