I try to be a servant in many other aspects of my life. God has given me the gift of singing. In church I lead the morning music for Sunday school. I involve myself in my church choir and help to lead music for our summer's vacation Bible school. My church community is not the only community in which I try to serve. I have spent some time helping with the Special Olympics. I have a burden on my hear for those who have special needs and I find it very fulfilling to see their happy faces when they succeed. Last year I participated in a short-term mission trip to Mexico. I led music dressed as a clown and once my make up was washed off, I helped to run a Sunday school.

God has given me a love for politics and a strong sense of civic responsibility. This fall I volunteered on a political campaign for a candidate I felt best represented my moral values. I plan to pursue a career in law and politics and am interested in attending law school. The money I would receive through The Master Teacher Scholarship would help to pay my tuition at Grove City College.

I have tried to fulfill all the potential God has given me by doing my very best in school. I have no false illusions that my small service to the school could ever compare to the large service it has given me. I am a stronger person after attending GPCS. I have followed the witness of my Godly teachers and have been encouraged by their strong commitment to Christ. The Christian community I am surrounded with consisting of my teachers, my parents, and my pastor has taught me the valuable work ethic I live by today. Through them I have not only learned to work as I am serving Christ but also to do my work with joy. "Be Joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:22.

That summer I went to a Christian summer camp, through the Evangelical Covenant Denomination. There I was able to talk about my struggles, and I was also encouraged by the staff to ask about attending a private Christian school. I came home that summer begging to attend Greater Portland Christian School. By God's grace and provision, I was able to enroll for my eighth grade year and have been able to attend since. I feel strongly that this event saved my life literally. Among the crowd I was hanging out with before, there were a couple of people who were threatening to kill me.

Throughout the years I have faced many difficult trials and tribulations, situations that have only served to make me a stronger human being. I have learned from scripture that "all things happen for the good of those who love the Lord and have been called to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) I have stumbled many times and fall short of the Glory of God, while my deepest desire is to grow in my relationship with Him.

On three different occasions during high school I was fortunate enough to be able to go on missions trip to Mexico with a local church. I completely fell in love with serving others. Each year, I went to the same community and began to form relationships with the people. Even though there was a language barrier, we were still able to communicate; we were able to share the love of Christ with each other. I consider it a gift from God that I was able to be a part of these mission trips and to be able to minister to people in less fortunate circumstances. To see the smiles on their faces, the joy in their eyes and to feel the warmth of their touch has caused more change in me that any other single event in my life.

During my junior year of high school I also felt led to start a Bible study for students during study halls. I and several other peers have met twice weekly. We have studied by "picking scripture apart" and by learning more about God through His word and prayer. We have had discussions about numerous topics. We've attempted to involve as many students as possible by hanging posters, making announcements, and also by word of mouth. During these past two years, we have continually prayed that we could grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord, that He would teach our school and most importantly that we would learn that life is really about Him and not about us.

Last summer I also spent some time volunteering at an out reach center for children; run by the Salvation Army. During that time, I helped run a vacation Bible school that met once a week. This program included teaching, games, mission moments, crafts and skits. We emphasized the fruits of the Spirit and how the children should portray these in their own lives, based on Matthew 7:16. During the last skit we gave a strong salvation message. My "ad-lib" part was to share my love for Jesus, and as I said those words, the fact of my love for Him came clear to me. At the end of the skit we said the sinners prayer, and a number of the children accepted Jesus as their Savior. This was also an experience I will never forget.

For the past two years, I have also been on the Evangelism Committee at my church. We have met numerous times. We have discussed ways to help the church grow and ways to make visitors feel more welcomed. We've talked about supporting missionaries around the globe. Most recently, we hosted Cathy Campabello, a missionary through our covenant denomination from Colombia. We have also shared situations in our lives in which we have helped others. We have prayed that God would help the members of the committee and the members of our church to better servants of God.

During my years at Greater Portland Christian School, I have been "in process" of becoming a young woman of God. I seek to know Him more. I have matured spiritually and believe that God has many plans in store for me. I need to be quiet enough to hear His voice. In 1 Kings 19:11 and 12; Elijah hears the voice of God, not in a mighty wind or a powerful earthquake but in a still gentle whisper. This is where I am currently. I am attempting to wait on the Lord, and trusting that I will "hear" this gentle whisper. (Verse 12) This is not easy for me; I want to know my next step. Perhaps God is teaching me perseverance and patience. My first choice for college has not worked out. It has become clear to me that He has a different plan. I am sure of one thing and that is God has called me by name.

The instructions for the Master Scholarship Award were to indicate how I plan to use the award. At this point in time, I would have to say that I am not certain. I continue to prayfully seek God and His will for my life. I know God has called me as His servant and my hearts desire is to go where He leads me. If I am awarded this Scholarship, it will be used for the sole purpose of "training" to spread God's word. Thank you for your consideration. back to top

Having gone to church, a Christian School, and growing up in a Christian family, I have learned that being a Christian is not just about a place to go after we leave this earth. When one accepts Christ, one agrees to follow him in all one does. Philippians 3:12-14 best describes my personal journey with Christ.

"12 Not that I have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

To me the "Christian Walk" is not a walk; it is a journey, an all day everyday, twenty-four seven way of life that edifies Christ. At GPCS today one faces many of the same temptation that one would face at public school. I have learned that the character of a school is measured by the people who go there, not by what name the school takes. It takes people who are willing to go against the tide of times and influence other instead of being influenced. I cannot say that I am a great person, but I can say that I work every day to do the best that I can, and press on toward the goal. I am committed to Christ, living the word of God, and being a Christian, no more, no less.

To me, the Master Teacher's Scholarship is more than just a few hundred bucks towards college. It is an award that is to be esteemed highly because it honors the teachers who have sacrificed themselves to help mold every student who has been educated at GPCS. Their commitment to the school is what has made GPCS into the great school that it is today. A chance to be the recipient of this honor is not something that I take lightly; it is something that I understand comes with responsibility, and a firm commitment to the school.

I started my education at GPCS in the second grade. In public school, I had fallen behind in my studies, and, for that reason, I give full credit to GPCS (and to God) for the knowledge and wisdom I have today. More specifically, the Lord has blessed me in high school at GPCS. In junior high, my goals for the future began to become more realistic. I realized that the chances were not very high that I would get to play in the NBA and become rich and famous. I also came to realize that unlike in elementary school, one had to earn what one gets. In short, my junior high years were a time when I lived by the world's standards and tried to get by on my own merit. In high school, I finally figured out that I cannot do it all on my own and that the only way any happiness would be reached in my like, would be to give it over to the Lord. Although, I have to work very hard, (especially in English and German), I know that the Lord my God is with me, and gives me the mind of Christ so that I can excel in all my work. Christ's support by no means has taken away from my effort in my studies, but on the contrary, has encouraged me to work even harder to do the best that I can for Him. Because of the Lord, my high school years have been a time of peace, joy, and blessing.

Becoming a freshman in high school marked may changes for me. It was the first year of high school, a year when I was rooted in a solid church with great Christian friends. A year when I did a lot at GPCS, and a year in which I began for the first time to take my personal walk with Christ seriously. Since that time I can confess that in all areas of my life, I have reaped blessing. Whether it was strong friendships in school, in more spiritual understanding of scripture, or the honors scores in my studies, the Lord took a nobody and made something of me. From that time to now I have had the opportunity through GPCS to participate in many activities. GPCS has enabled me to participate in basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, track, chorus, drama, math team, Bible study, elementary and junior high basketball coach and summer camp worker/coach, and yearbook. The Lord has not only opened up all these once in a lifetime experiences to me, but has also blessed me in each one of them. Through these experiences I have come to appreciate may different areas of interest. That is something that I will be forever thankful for.

As my relationship with Christ improved, so has my involvement in the Church increased. At The Rock Church of South Portland I have gained valuable experience from Pastor Winters in the duties and responsibilities of a pastor. Feeling confident that that is where the Lord is leading me, I have done my best to learn as much as I can about being a pastor through relationships in my church. In my church, I have had the opportunity to be a Sunday School teacher's helper, to be in multiple youth groups and outreaches as a small group leader, a councilor, and a participant in dance and drama, be on the worship team, and serve as an usher. However, I believe that I have gotten the most from my service in a mini internship with my Pastor over the summer of 2002. One day a week throughout that summer, I got to spend quality time with my Pastor doing whatever needed to be done in a day. I got the chance to study the Word of God with him, visit families and friends of the Church, run errands, or do service work such as type a study guide or mow the church lawn. I believe has thoroughly prepared me to know what to expect in the life of a pastor,

My high school years have challenged me to find out the reason why I believe what I believe. As a member of the community I believe that it is my duty and right as a citizen to be active in the politics of the land. As a sophomore, I was given the opportunity to volunteer for the Republican party of Maine, to help promote the George Bush Election Campaign of 2000. This experience has helped me develop a strong love of my country. This love for my country was one of the main reasons why I would join the US Army Reserves a couple of years down the road. I know that the Lord has me there for a reason, and I am very excited to have the chance to serve my country in a way besides being a law-abiding citizen.

I have not yet discovered and narrowed down what the Lord has for me in my future. I have always had the desire to have a family, be active in the Church and community, and serve Christ in whatever he has for me. In the immediate future I plan to go Gordon College, finish my commitment to US Armed Forces, and maybe attend a Bible College, a seminary, or pursue higher education. I would use the Master Teacher's Scholarship to help continue my Christian study at Gordon College. My intended fields of study at Gordon include History, Biblical Studies, Political Science, and Geography. In the Army, I am going to learn the basics of carpentry and masonry, along with the basic principals of how to be a soldier in the US Armed Forces. After that, I would like to pursue a career as a professor, politician, pastor, or in the Army. Whatever I do, I know that the Lord is with me, and as long as I follow him, I have nothing to fear. back to top

I was born a Roman Catholic. My faith taught me that the Church's traditions and customs were on the same level with that of God's Word. I was baptized only a few months after I was born, I received my first Holy Communion when I was in second grade. These sacraments happened before I even knew what God, and God's son, Lord Jesus Christ was all about. As the years went by I still went to church every Sunday and practiced the traditions of the faith. Still though there was something missing. I do not blame anyone for the lack of spirituality in the Catholic Church today, for me though I needed something that looked beyond traditions and into the saving grace of Christ's Resurrection.

During my ninth grade year at Bonny Eagle High School, God led my heart to the point where I knew I needed to leave. He did this very subtlety. I can still remember the day, it was raining and my friend and I were sitting in his living room talking about schools and he mentioned where his brother attended. He told me about Greater Portland Christian School. I had never heard of it. He told me that there were no locks on the lockers and that year's senior class had close to ten people in it. I was intrigued. He and I went to visit and I decided on that day that I would transfer for my tenth grade year. To this day I believe that was one of the most important decisions of my life. When I started eleventh grade I was especially interested in the class titled, "Church History". I knew that this class would focus on the early days of the Catholic Church and I was ready to defend my Faith the extent of my knowledge. I defended my Faith even when I wasn't sure of the truth. Many of my fellow peers would ask me questions and I would retort with the answers that I had always been given as a curious young man. But then something happened. During the unit about Martin Luther I felt a strange feeling in my heart. Suddenly I was not convinced with my own opinions and I stopped defending my Church as much. Later on it became more and more clear to me that I needed to accept the Lord into my heart with all my mind, body, and soul. Before it had almost been just words, but now I could feel the difference. I love this feeling. After I took Christ into my heart and made him the center of my faith I have so much more to live for. I trust that God will take me into His kingdom, and that He will forgive me because Jesus died for this purpose. I sometimes think whether or not I would have ever come to this point if I hadn't attended GPCS, and that scares me. Now I thank God for giving me this opportunity.

During the summer a friend and I began writing a one-act play. This experience from start to finish was one of the most exciting times of my life. It is amazing to watch your ideas come to life on stage and to see peoples reactions to them. For the glory of God we performed the play titled, "Fireflies" in the fall and then again at the Maine One Act Drama Festival. The festival was so much fun, even though we did not win. I took something special away from this experience; no matter how painful the loss was I now know that God's plan was to teach a lesson in my life. During my junior and senior year I have maintained honor roll status, and since I began school in the tenth grade I have been involved wit many extra-curricular activities. I scored an 1110 on the SATS, which isn't very high but it is something I worked for and I am proud to say I got. With the help of my fellow peers I have been actively involved with various charitable events. During my junior year as class president I coordinated a food drive for the Preble Street Resource Center. This drive produced over 300 items for the needy during Thanksgiving. The year as Student Council President I helped organize another food drive for the center. We had almost double the amount! The people at the Resource Center were astounded at the participation of our school in the effort to stop hunger. Recently I have become very interested in the nursing home mission field. The elderly people need so much to hear God's word and to just have someone there to talk to. In the book of Matthew I especially love the Beatitudes, and one reads: "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." The elderly in our community need so much to be comforted. This can be accomplished by reading God's word and teaching it so they may soon find the comfort that God wants to give them.

I have been accepted to St. Joseph's College of Maine. I fell in love with this college when I visited it in the late fall. It has many things that I am interested in, and I plan to become involved on campus. I am especially looking forward to joining their "Campus Ministry" program, which brings the Gospel to third world countries and also serves in the local community. Among other things I plan to join Drama. I have written another play, which I hope to perhaps perform sometime in the future there. The tuition at this college is steep to say the least, but every bit of help makes paying easier. I truly would be grateful for your help. I would admit that I am not the top of my class, and maybe someone deserves this scholarship more than I do. I can only ask that you consider me in the selection process, I would regret it if I didn't at least try.

I said that Greater Portland Christian School saved my life. I didn't mean that it jumped in front of a car and pushed me out of the way, rather that it saved my afterlife. Now I take refuge in the fact that now I am saved, and even though I have known about God my entire life, now I truly know God. This is something that I thrive on, it is my life source. Thank you for allowing me to share my testimony, and for the opportunity for the Master Teacher's Scholarship. back to top

Attending Greater Portland Christian School has not only given me the chance to learn from a Christian viewpoint, but has given me the opportunity to serve and put what I have learned into action. The senior mission trip was a life-changing experience. Every Friday morning leading up to the trip, some of my classmates and I would meet together before school for a time of prayer. This time of prayer would last no more than 15 minutes, but it was a great time to fellowship together and grow closer as a class. It was also great to see how God worked in each one of us, challenging us spiritually to be stronger leaders.

Coming to Greater Portland Christian School after being home schooled all my life, I was shy and lacked confidence. These past few years at Greater Portland Christian School the Lord has taught me so much. I am very thankful to all the teachers who have pushed me and encouraged me to go beyond my preconceived limitations. Today I am no longer the shy kid, but have become a leader. Given the chance to mentor and coach at the junior high and elementary level, and being named captain for both basketball and track teams, I now enjoy the position of leadership. Encouraging a kid to do his best and have fun, and see the look on his face when it's filled with joy, is truly rewarding.

At Greater Portland Christian School I've been involved in yearbook, drama club, chorus, Gilbert and Sullivan productions, math team, soccer, tennis, and as stated above, basketball and track. The past few summers, I've also volunteered and coached at Mr. Marston's summer basketball camp program. I enjoy being around the kids and getting to see each kid have fun and improve his or her skills.

Church is big part of my life. I regularly attend services three times a week and help out in the Sunday school department as needed. I do not attend the youth group at my church, but have been actively involved with a youth group at a friend's church. For a time I was a small group leader for the high school girls, and I participate in events when I'm not committed to something else.

In the little spare time that I have outside of church, school, and work I've volunteered in my community. Through my great aunt who lives in a retirement/nursing home community, I set up a service of running errands for those who are unable to go shopping. The older ladies are just happy to have a visitor and it's nice to sit and talk to them. I've also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, which is an organization that builds houses for those less fortunate.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Colossians 3:23, where Paul, talking to the people at Colosse, says: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." In all areas of life, I try to apply that verse, but especially academically. Each quarter at Greater Portland Christian School I have achieved high honors or honors. I am also a member of the National Honor Society. II Timothy 2:15 states "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

In the Fall, my plan at this time is to attend Florida College. Florida College is a small Christian college located just north of Tampa, Florida in a town called Temple Terrace. It is an accredited college with a family-type atmosphere. When visiting the college I fell in love with it. My interest is business, but since they don't offer a business major, I plan to major in liberal arts. Florida College does offer many business classes so my focus as a liberal arts major would be business. If I am given this award, it will to help pay for the cost of attending the college.

Once again, I am so thankful for everyone who is involved and associated with Greater Portland Christian School. The school has meant so much to me and my family and I am going to miss it dearly. I pray that God will continue to bless the school and raise up the support needed for the school to continue to grow and expand. Thank you again for all the time and work you spend in improving the school' it is greatly appreciated. back to top

In order to be the most effective witness for my Lord and Savior, I believe I must never complete a task half-heartedly. The Bible says in Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Therefore, I always pour all of my energy into everything I do.

As a high honor senior at Greater Portland Christian School, my grades reflect the work put into them. I never feel satisfied leaving homework half-finished or undone. Throughout all my thirteen years attending GPCS, studying hard for all my subjects has been priority for me. However, it has often been a challenge for me to balance my schoolwork with my extracurricular activities.

God has granted me the opportunities to participate in numerous activities at GPCS. I have played soccer, basketball, and track throughout high school. Countless hours been spent at practices, games, and team events. Because of my hard work and Christ's energy flowing through me, the honor of being both soccer and basketball captains has been bestowed upon me. Sports, nonetheless, are only one aspect of my life at school.

Music has also been a major part of my childhood and adolescent years. As part of a musical family, I have always enjoyed singing and playing the piano. Fortunately, GPCS has given me an outlet where I can use my voice. Since elementary, I have participated in local choral festivals and musical plays. In high school, I have had the additional opportunities to take part in the All-State Music Festival for three year as will as to play lead roles in the annual Gilbert and Sullivan productions.

My church has been a place for me to use the abilities God gave me on the piano. Occasionally, I will accompany the church services or play an offertory. Recently, I have taken on the responsibility of being the Youth Group Worship Director. It is a biweekly commitment on Sunday evenings when I accompany the worship time on the piano. God has also blessed me with the opportunity to vocally lead worship monthly during the Sunday morning church services by participating in the teen worship team. I am so grateful that I am able to use my talents in a setting that glorifies God.

At school, some of the seniors have also started a worship team that leads the weekly Chapel services in songs. Since September, it has been my pleasure to serve God as well as my fellow classmates by accompanying the worship time on the piano. Every Wednesday for seven months I have faithfully brought in my keyboard in order for me to effectively lead worship. Before this year, I was a member of the Chapel Committee that led songs through singing up front with Mrs. Simpson accompanying on the piano. I have always enjoyed using my musical gifts in conjunction with my leadership qualities at church and at school.

My favorite way to lead is by example. Each summer, I receive the opportunity to be a role model for a group of six to eight girls for a week as I am their counselor at Camp Good News. I have attended the camp since I was nine years old. After falling in love with the place, I have thoroughly enjoyed coming back every summer since then to be a camp counselor. It is a great chance to witness to unsaved children from across the state. The setting is wonderful for a child to develop or grow a relationship with Jesus Christ. Even though it is volunteer work, the job is fulfilling in and of itself. Money is an unnecessary reward. There is no earthly supplement for the joy God bestows on an individual as he or she serves.

As a member of the Student Council for my first three years of high school, my leadership qualities were prevalent. I was a good candidate for the council because of my personality. If a job needed to be don, by nature I was compelled to take the initiative and start accomplishing it. By beginning a task, I hoped to encourage others to take part in the process. Although not currently on the Student Council, my leadership traits are still evident in my participation in senior class projects.

From my freshman, sophomore, and junior years of high school, the Student Council enabled me to serve the school and the community. Because of several fundraisers each year, the Student Council was proud to be able to present the teachers with gifts, to save money for a scholarship fund, and to give back to the community. Last Christmas, in particular, was especially heartwarming. The Student Council gave Christmas trees, food, and gifts to a few families in need during the holidays. We were so blessed to be able to share God's love with the community during that Christmas season. The families were so thankful.

I am so grateful for Greater Portland Christian School and all the many opportunities it has given me to be a shining light for Christ. I hope that I can continue to be a strong witness for God next year in Texas when I attend Baylor University. If I am given the honor of accepting this Master Teachers' Scholarship, I intend to use it to help pay for my college costs. Although Baylor is expensive, I believe it is God's will for me to attend the university next fall. Because of this conviction, I know that God will provide the necessary funds for me to attend. The Bible says in Hebrews 13:21 that He will "equip [us] with everything good for doing His will." As a recipient of this scholarship, I would use the money to help me follow God's plan for my life. back to top

I've also been involved in my church's Children's Church. When I was in tenth grade, Mrs. Lori Libby asked me if I would like to help her out with her class, since it had grown so large. I wasn't sure what to do if the kids didn't listen, or if they had deep spiritual questions, but I learned that, even if I did get a few deep questions, most of the kids just wanted a friend. Since then, I've even taught some lessons and put on a couple puppet shows for that class. I've definitely found my calling from the Lord in being a teacher. Everything I do no shows me more and more that this is what He wants me to do with my life.

At school, especially in my high school years, I've been a volunteer in the first grade class. I have discovered that I become excited when I see young children learn to read, or to add, or learn something that they didn't know before. I've helped Mrs. Strout with correcting, monitoring achievement testing, administering spelling tests, and one-on-one tutoring. The tutoring aspect has created an interest in me about learning the best ways to teach different children, and I've already begun looking into it.

I have gotten high grades in my four years of high school, which qualified me to be inducted to National Honor Society last year. I will be one of quite a few seniors giving speeches at graduations, for our GPAs are higher that a 3.2. I took part in the state math meet last year, where our school earned first place in our division. I am often the person my classmates will go to for help on homework or understanding something that we'd gone over in class. Last year, as the junior class, we were in charge of planning the senior banquet. I was one of the leaders in class discussions, and I was involved in all of the major decisions. I was also chosen by my classmates to be the Master of Ceremonies for that event.

Each summer, I set aside a week or tow to volunteer at a Christian overnight camp in Livermore Falls, Maine, called Camp Good News. I attended the camp when I was eleven and twelve years old, and then I began helping out when I turned thirteen. I began as a waitress, and then worked as a junior counselor in the girls' cabins. I am planning to be a senior counselor this summer, for some of the younger girls. Each week of the summer, over 120 kids attend the camp, and a majority of them are not saved. It is the staff's job to minister to them and help to guide them to the Lord. Each cabin has devotions in the morning and at night, and they are led by the counselors. I have enjoyed leading these in the past years, because the younger children see things in a different light than I do. They have helped me to understand spiritual things from their point of view, as I have for them.

I believe that I'd be a strong candidate for the Master Teachers' Scholarship and I appreciate your consideration of my application. back to top