This month Metro Christian Living celebrates 21 high school students who walk in faith, honor the Lord,
and lead with their heart.

Bridget Byrd School: East Rankin Academy Junior Hometown: Pearl Favorite Bible verse: James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Activities First Priority, basketball, track, volunteer at the Samaritan Center, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church youth group leadership team, church nursery, mission trips, young girl’s Bible study leader.

“I have an opportunity to be an example of a Christian leader every day with the choices I make. Going to a somewhat small high school you pretty much know everyone or you at least know their name. This almost gives the feeling that someone is always watching you and the choices that you make. As a Christian I feel that we should be someone that people look to as an example. My lifestyle is my opportunity to be a leader. I choose not to drink, smoke or do drugs and party like some teenagers choose to do. Even thought I do not participate in these things I still have fun in life with the alternate things I find to spend my time doing. I have an opportunity to help people and lead them with the advice that I give. When a friend is going through something I try to find a way to give them Christian advice. As a Christian leader I feel that I should act the same way all the time, not just act like a Christian when I am at church or when I am with a certain group of friends or when I think no one is watching. I should be living my life in a way that shows Jesus is always with me.”

Jay Cumberland School: Jackson Academy Hometown: Florence Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 12:45-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Activities Soccer, cross country, track, Quiz Bowl, Math Team, Spanish Club, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout,  Cleary Baptist Church youth group, volunteer at Stewpot

“I believe that every day is an opportunity to be an example of a Christian leader. For example, Christianity is about a relationship with God. Every day in high school I have an opportunity to show people what a relationship with God looks like through what I do and what I say, others can see Christ through me. This is particularity effective in high school because I have built so many relationships over the years with people and they know who I truly am. Most of my friends know what God has done in my life and know what He is doing in my life, so when they consistently see me acting different from the crowd they know that Christ is real. This may not be most people’s definition of an outstanding leader, but I firmly believe that I am leading as God has called me to lead. Bridges have to be built before they can be crossed and I know that I am building God’s bridges.”

Richard L. Day Jr. School: Humphreys County High School Senior Hometown: Belzoni Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Activities State Beta Club president, Students Making a Change, school choir, Peer Mediation, Youth Advisory Council, SADD, Environthon, Academic Decathlon, New Bethel M.B. Church Sunday school secretary, choir member, junior deacon.

“In high school, I have had several opportunities to be an example of a Christian leader. One opportunity I have had involves one-on-one counseling with a troubled student at my school. He was considered an outcast. He had many problems and difficult issues in his life. I began to talk and encourage him every day. I would begin talking to the boy about his situation, and by the end of the conversation I would find myself ministering to him about Christ, His love and the purpose God has for his life. I advised him to see the school counselor for proper help. He did, and he is now much better. His conversation now involves God. Every day, I try to do the right thing and let others see that it is OK to be different. Ultimately, I try to be a Christian example for others and show them that you can be in the world, but not of the world.”

Austin Epting School: East Union Attendance Center Senior Hometown: Baldwin Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 3:7-11 …But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Activities

FCA, Senior Beta, theatre, cross country, baseball team, leader of student daily devotions, Ellistown Baptist Church youth group, community service projects, mission trips

“If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the greatest ministry is the very life we live. I was mocked a lot for my Christian lifestyle. One of the guys that did so, I considered to be an enemy. We would fight every day and never really got along. It was always best, at the time, to keep my distance from him. Last summer, I found out he gave his life to Christ. Before school started he came to me personally and apologized for all the things he did to me. He later stated that he reason he mocked me was because he was always unhappy. He would then notice how joyful I was despite all I went through. He wanted that joy in his life. He wanted peace. My actions showed him that he can have a joyful life with Christ. I admit it’s kind of funny because we then went from exchanging words to Bible verses. We became better partners on the baseball field and much better friends.”

Stevie J. Farrar School: Wayne Academy Senior Hometown: Waynesboro Favorite Bible Verse: Luke 9:23-25 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” Activities Varsity cheerleading, softball, basketball, track, captain of Academic Quiz Bowl Team, president of First Priority, president of Wayne Academy Honor Society, Mississippi Private School Association Honor Society member, American Cancer Society Relay for Life volunteer, Junior Miss Program, Read Across America, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Organization, Liberty Baptist Church youth group, service projects, Vacation Bible School

“Each day that I have spent in high school has been an opportunity from God to be an example of a Christian leader. Whether introducing myself to a new student, giving a simple smile to an underclassman, leading my fellow cheerleaders in prayer, giving devotion over the school intercom each morning, or refusing to take part in a negative conversation about a fellow student, I try to look at each moment as an opportunity to lead by my actions. My time spent in the class room has allowed me to show others that you don’t have to cheat to succeed—hard work reaps to same, if not better, results. Also, I have been able to be a reflection of God’s love by striving to have good sportsmanship in all of my athletic contests. In both areas, God has enabled me to motivate others to have similar Christ-like conduct.”

Kayla Gatlin School: Parklane Academy Senior Hometown: Smithdale Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 “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.” Activities Honor roll, Senior Drum Major and Chaplin, First Priority, Young Republicans, SADD, Thompson Baptist Church youth group, counselor at Camp Garaway and Camp Sunshine, mission trip to Kenya.

“In high school the possibilities are endless to be a Christian leader through my actions and my words. In my duties as Drum Major I have had many excellent opportunities to be a Christian leader. I am aware that as a Christian leader I am being scrutinized for my actions. I know that people are counting on me and that God is counting on me to uphold this position well. As the band Chaplin I am the spiritual leader of the band. I bring a devotion to the band every Friday night before the football game. A sweet wonderful girl in my band recently asked Jesus into her heart. I knew she had been struggling with this for a while so when she told me I could not contain my joy. I went to Walmart and purchased her a devotional book and a prayer journal. She told me that my faith inspired her. She said that she saw my passion and joy in God and that she wanted to feel that joy too. I cried tears of joy that God had used me to work in such a mighty way with this girl. God is going to use her in awesome ways. I am so honored and humbled that He let me play a part in her salvation.”

Tranquility Gordon School: Lanier High School Senior Hometown: Jackson Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Activities National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Academic Challenge Bowl Team, Student Government Association, Young Life, New Horizon Church youth dance ministry, junior director of New Horizon’s Lion of Judah youth choir.

“Being a high school student comes with a lot of peer pressure—pressure to fit in, pressure to act out, and pressure to disrespect those in authority. Being a senior, I have been confronted with many issues that may have had a not so good outcome had I not been a Christian. Because I consider myself a Christian leader, I have set an example for others who are not. I am usually the person my peers come to for insight. This gives me the opportunity to either introduce them to Christ or incorporate my morals and beliefs into the conversation. Most of the time, it is not difficult to advise others while sharing my belief in Christ. My position as a Christian leader in high school allows me to cooperatively pray before major exams and team activities. Because my peers know that my belief in Christ is so strong, I am usually on the forefront when it comes to discussing Christianity. Although it may seem like a burden to others, it is an honor for me to be a leader in my school.”

Lee Morgan Gunn School: Jackson Prep Junior Hometown: Jackson Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 43 But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Activities Student Government Association, Patriot League, Pacers Dance Team, Recycling Club, Spanish Club, youth ambassadors for the Children’s Museum, Missionfest, Galloway United Methodist Church youth leadership team, host and co-leader of youth-led Bible study, youth praise band member, Breakthru.

“Like many high school students I have been faced with multiple attempts to change my beliefs and fit the image of most teenage girls by either drinking or being with various guys. Luckily, new friends have been placed in my life that each day help me find out who I really am, and what I truly believe to be right and wrong. I realized how much I have changed since being a younger girl and wanting to be drinking with everyone, now I ask God what I should do in a situation. Never before in my life had I immediately gone to Him for guidance. He truly has changed my perspective and is still showing me today the right path. By doing differently, I show how my light in my faith has changed me in all aspects of my life. Being able to mentor to the younger girls and being someone they can approach and ask anything gives me a chance to be a light of Christ in what I say and do.”

Charlsie Haire School: Bayou Academy Senior Hometown: Cleveland Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 “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.” Activities Community Service Club, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Student Council, co-captain of varsity tennis team, editor of school annual—Colt’s Corral, tutor, publicity manager for Bayou Blues Show Choir, member of Carla Parker Senior Dance Troupe, First United Methodist Church youth fellowship, senior high representative for the UMYF, member of youth council.

“I gain strength to live a Christian life by reading God’s Word and praying daily. I feel that I need to be fed spiritually each day. Christ has made me feel very secure in who I am as a person. I do not feel pressure to drink alcohol, smoke, have sex, or view R-rated movies. I am very thankful that I have a Christian family, friends, and a supportive church and youth group. I will continue to seek to be surrounded by people who can help me grow in my relationship with Christ. At school, I have been a class officer of Bayou Academy for several years. There are decisions that we have made as a class concerning dances, fundraisers, and other events, and I have always tried to help the class make Godly decisions and to help everyone be in harmony.”

Talyr Hall School: Brookhaven High School Senior Hometown: Brookhaven Favorite Bible Verse: James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Activities FCA president, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, cheerleader, editor of the Ole Brook Annual, leader of a weekly Bible study, volunteer at King’s Daughters Medical Center, participant at Youth Mission Day, First Baptist Church youth choir, church drama team, Upward Basketball volunteer, Vacation Bible School volunteer, mission trips to Mexico.

Allison Hubbard School: Jackson Prep Senior Hometown: Ridgeland Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 1:1-18 …I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus… Activities Cheerleader, track team, sports editor for school newspaper—The Sentry, National Honor Society, Community Service Club, tutor for Neighborhood Christian Center, Student Council, diamond girl, Broadmoor Baptist Church youth group, leader of seventh grade girl’s Bible study called Ladies of the Lord.

“God has blessed me with many opportunities to be a leader at school that not only give me the opportunity to serve others, but that also help me to become a better individual. This past year, I served as captain of my cheerleading squad, which was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences. Because my squad does not have a coach, my responsibility required me to get out of my comfort zone and handle many issues that a coach would normally handle. Through this opportunity, I learned how to communicate and lead my peers, as well as work with people in administrative and authoritative positions. This year, I also served as Senior Class President. This opportunity was so rewarding because we were given many chances to help those in need in our school and community. We did many fundraisers this year for Blair E. Batson Children’s hospital, and it was amazing to see how God used our resources and talents to make those such a success. Both of these roles have led me to many opportunities to be a servant to others, but they also helped shape me as an individual which will help me be a better Christian in the long run.”

Larry Jones School: Murrah High School Senior Hometown: Jackson Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… Activities Volunteer at Mississippi College Tutoring Center for Kids, neighborhood cleanup volunteer, Biology II (SOAR), Brown Hill M.B. Church youth group, youth choir treasurer, various church activities and programs.

“Many opportunities I have had to show my Christian faith come from just talking to people that go through things and it is interesting how they will call me and ask for advice and have their friends call, but I them it’s not to my glory, God blessed me to help somebody so it all starts with Him. I want to inspire kids (especially black males) and show them that I can relate to them and that I have faced some of the things they face. I want to show them that a person can be successful by working hard. I may be able to be the teacher that makes a positive mark in their lives to not go down a bad path. I would also present before them a Christian black male that is successful and did not go to jail or fall into any of the stereotypes that all seemed to control him at first, and because of this I feel that may be my calling from God.”

Katie Koestler School: St. Aloysius High School Senior Hometown: Vicksburg Favorite Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 3 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance… Activities Basketball team captain, softball, president of FCA, fundraising for Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, Key Club, Leo Club, Liturgical Team, Immanuel Baptist Church youth group, children’s church, assists with St. Aloysius kindergarten class during lunch.

“I cannot say that my walk has been an easy one but as the Bible tells us, God does not promise easy but he does promise to be with us. And I know He has been with me and I continue to grow through Bible study and prayer. In September 2007…I started to have problems using my hands and walking…I was diagnosed with a hemorrhage in the most dangerous part of the brain…I spent 8 weeks in [the Blair E. Batson Hospital]. I have learned what it is to truly surrender your life to God. I was at a point where I could have died, but I just had to turn it over to him and if He wanted me to come to be with Him in Heaven then I had accepted that, as well as if He would leave me here. I believe God has a special purpose for my life because He chose to leave me here on earth. It is my prayer that God will help me as I move from each time or season in my life.”

Erin McDill School: Northwest Rankin High School Senior Hometown: Pearl Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 14:7-8 For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Activities FCA council, Philanthropy Club president, SADD, Key Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society secretary, Northwestern Newspaper staff features editor, Pinelake Baptist Church small group, seventh grade small group and purity class leader, River Oaks Junior volunteer program, WeWillGo Ministries.

“I now know that being a Christian is not the ‘norm’ anymore, dressing modestly is often hard to do, and following Christ in your everyday life is definitely ‘the road less traveled.’ I am a Christian, but I am first and foremost a follower of Christ. Unfortunately in our world, many can say the first part of that sentence, but cannot align themselves with the last part. That is what separates me from others; my heart beats for Christ. As renowned author Erwin Raphael McManus once stated, ‘The greatest enemy to the movement of Jesus Christ is ‘Christianity.’ No, I am not perfect. Lucky for me, though, in the Bible God did not choose ‘perfect’ people, he chose people that would leave and lose their life for Him—that’s my desire. As a Christian leader I’m involved on the leadership team of FCA, this opportunity has given me countless opportunities to witness to my classmates. I also participate in Defending Your Faith, a club that is about educating Christians in my school about how to defend your faith when confronted, but also how to defend your faith daily by living like a follower of Christ should.”

Andrew Mitchell School: Presbyterian Christian School Senior Hometown: Hattiesburg Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Activities Basketball, student coach for junior varsity basketball, FCA, Beta Club, Heritage United Methodist Church youth group, seventh grade Bible study leader, Service Over Self (S.O.S) youth trip.

“I have had the opportunity to display Christian leadership in high school as a leader on the basketball team and helping coach the JV team. It is through basketball that I have learned many life lessons. Also, I have come closer to God through the struggles and triumphs. I believe that I have an opportunity to share God’s message to me with my teammates this year. I am seen as the leader of my high school team, and I try to display God’s passion for them through my leadership. Every game night, before we hit the court I lead our team in a devotion. This is a time where I can relate basketball to God. I also think it is important for others to see the way you live off the court. I will not participate in any activity that will harm my body, such as partying and drinking. I love to have a good time and be around others, but my message of hope found through God is more important than having a good time. I have learned that there are many wrong things in life that can give you fleeting pleasure, but true happiness is found in Christ alone. In Him my strength is renewed.”

Channing Osborne School: Madison Ridgeland Academy Junior Hometown: Canton Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 40:31 …but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Activities Varsity tennis team, Junior Classical League, National Honor Society vice president, youth ambassador for Mississippi Children’s Museum, Madison United Methodist Church youth group, youth council, weekly girl’s Bible study, Happening participant and staff, implemented church program collecting pop-tops for Ronald McDonald House, Stewpot, MRA after-school care.

“At times, I wondered whether I was lacking something in my faith because I couldn’t describe a life-changing moment where I realized that I needed to commit my life to God. God has simply been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I believe my walk is ‘in the details.’ I hope and pray that my life serves as a reflection of God’s love and that can be seen in my interaction with people on a daily basis. My favorite example of Christian leadership has been in the development and leadership of a weekly girl’s Bible study with my youth group. Several of the older girls met and decided to create a Bible study so that we can mentor and reach out to the younger girls. It has been exciting to see our numbers grow and watch the girls grow spiritually, and as is usually the case, the older girls have been so blessed from this experience as well.”

Jessalyn Rozzell School: Enterprise High School Senior Hometown: Stonewall Activities Varsity slow pitch and fast pitch softball team, vice president of senior class, Beta Club, FCA, annual staff editor, art, photography, volunteer at the Wesley House in Meridian, Stonewall First Baptist Church youth group, Hurricane Katrina relief, church missions   “Every day as I walk down the halls of my school, another opportunity arises for me to be a Christian example. I am thankful that God has put me in the positions I’ve been in and allowed me to share my faith and love of him with others. [God has] challenged me to be a Christian leader, to ‘stick out’ and be different from everyone else. I know this is part of the plan he has for my life. God wants me to stand out and to be the light that so many of my peers need to see. I am still not sure exactly what his plans are for the rest of my life, but whatever his plans, I will be content to be in his will. There is no better place to be than in the will of the Lord.”

Maggie Wester School: Caledonia High School Senior Hometown: Caledonia Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 “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.” Activities Varsity cheerleading, soccer and softball, Environmental Club, Art Club, FCA leadership team, Student Government Association, National Honor Society, New Salem Baptist Church youth group and youth choir, Operation Christmas Child, Vacation Bible School instructor.

“I try my very best to exemplify the love and compassion of Jesus Christ, and I strive to make the best life choices that I know would please my God. Although my testimony is not about a life-altering moment or period during my life, I believe it will help someone understand the amazing love of our Savior. And no matter how difficult a certain situation may be, I know that God has a plan for my life. I always try to remember to give my life to God; I try not to worry about what each day brings because I know God will take care of me!”

Drew Whittington School: Canton Academy Senior Hometown: Madison Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death… Activities Football team, baseball team, Senior Class president, Student Council president, FCA, Beta Club, Colonial Heights Baptist Church Solid Ground student ministry, disaster relief on Gulf Coast, community missions, summer employee at North State Animal Hospital.

“What really defines a leader is not his words but his actions. I spend time every day in conversation with the Lord asking him to let me be an example of Christ to the students through my actions. It is through little things like opening doors for people, being respectful of students and teachers, and being a good listener that people take notice of. My goal is to be a light so that others who don’t have that light will want it. I love to be asked the question, ‘What is the difference in you?’ because I will tell them what makes me different is the life-changing power that is in a relationship with Jesus Christ my Lord.”

Heather Williamson School: West Jones High School Senior Hometown: Laurel Favorite Bible Verse: John 4:1-42 …Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”… Activities FCA, Bible Club, Key Club, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Beyond Here Bible study, Mu Alpha Theta, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), Spanish Honor Society, Student Council president, volunteer at physical therapy clinic, First Baptist Church youth group, youth group drama team, community tutoring, after-school Bible study

“In my church, I serve as a leader. My youth group is important to me, so I want to make sure they are led in a positive direction. I strive to be a positive influence for them. I started a youth drama team. The youth group really enjoys the drama team because it provides a way to demonstrate our love for Christ through movement. I want them to know that they can worship in more ways than just singing or listening to the word. I try to teach them that they worship God with their everyday lifestyles. The choices we make determine our testimony and the strength of our testimony. I want the youth to know and understand that our choices influence other people around us. I serve as someone for my youth group to turn to in a time of need. I understand family problems, relationship problems, and problems with feeling like God is not near. I want to support my youth group, and I want them to have someone who they can turn to for prayer and help. God is so amazing, and I strive to let my youth group know and understand God’s amazing, wonderful, and awesome character.”

Emily Yeatman School: University Christian School Junior Hometown: Brandon Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 1 …Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.”… Activities Principle Advisory Committee, Honor Society, class officer, newspaper committee, Rankin Youth Leadership, Crossgates Baptist Church preschool ministry and youth group, weekly Bible study, church middle school counselor, church missions.

“God has called me into the mission field. There is no way around it and nothing else I would like to do. It’s my passion and my heart. I went on my first out-of-country mission trip to Mexico the summer after eighth grade. I fell in love with it. God revealed to me so much about my future there. That trip changed my life. I realized that being a missionary was exactly what God was calling me to do and for the first time in years I was thrilled! Since then, I have been back to Mexico five times, to Tunisia, and to Italy. I will be going to Kenya this summer for three weeks to work with orphans that have AIDS. I have also always wanted to be a nurse. I am certain God is leading me to be a Nurse Practitioner. I am excited about God using my skills as a nurse to get into countries and be able to care for people’s physical, as well as spiritual needs. I am excited about what God has in store for my life.”