I am 16 years old and Exeter has been my home for each one of those years.
Something that I am very passionate about is leading and serving the children’s ministry at my church, Sierra Baptist. This past year I took a leap of faith and volunteered to co-lead the music rotation on Wednesday nights. It was a wonderful break to my busy week and through it I was able to get to know the kids and show them that they are loved. This past June I got the opportunity to go to the church’s kids camp as a counselor/staff assistant for a week. I loved being able to learn the stories of the kids I see every week and having meaningful, gospel-centered conversations with them. It was also so much fun and such a great ministry experience!
I have been involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club since freshman year. Though not an athlete I have enjoyed being a part of the group and listening to some wonderful messages. Last year I became one of the event coordinators and would give messages often. I loved speaking there because it helped me to push my limits and inspire other girls. I’m excited to continue in a leadership position in FCA for my senior year.
For my first three years of high school, I participated in speaking competitions through FFA. These competitions helped me to go way outside of my comfort zone and find something new that I didn’t know I was capable of. During my freshman year, my teacher prompted me to participate in a competition. I did not know what I was getting myself into. I ended up joining an Opening and Closing team and competing in my first speaking competition.
I did not want to be there that night, and I was the most nervous I had ever been. But after I did it there was a new assurance that I could do something like that, even though I was terrified. I could face my fears, even though I hadn’t expected to. That year I followed up by participating in Creed Public Speaking, then for my sophomore year, I did Impromptu speaking. Each year that I was in FFA I participated in opening and closing statements. My sophomore year I received Outstanding Treasurer which furthered my interest in public speaking.
During my Junior year, I took two AP classes which were English and US History. Between the school workload, church and other commitments, it was definitely a challenge. I put in the work and the hours and the outcome were grades that I was proud of. Last year I would spend almost every day after school in the library until 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. just so I could be finished with it and not have to think about my workload when I got home. The time that I dedicated made me successful not only at school but also gave me the freedom to focus my attention on leading at church and having fun without having that unfinished assignment haunting me in the back of my mind.
For my senior year the advanced classes that I am taking are AP Government and two dual enrollment college classes which are English and psychology. I am always nervous about new things (like college courses) but also excited about the new experiences that that will give me.
After I graduate I plan to go to a four-year private Christian university to get a Liberal Arts degree, my teaching credential and possibly a minor in Bible. I’ve always been drawn to missions so with planning to go to a Bible college I know that going on mission trips will be an amazing aspect of my college experience. I want to use my education either to teach domestically or become an out of country missionary to teach others about Christ. I absolutely love working with kids so teaching has always been on the radar for me. I don’t know exactly what’s in store for me but I am definitely excited about what’s to come.
2019 Miss Exeter Candidates
Simone Cox | Chloe Lamb | Hannah Mahony | Haylee McFall
Lyncoln Miller | Anna Payne | Megan Robbins | Meghan Tilschner | Morgan Weldon
