CELEBRATING OUR TRINITY STAFF ALUMNI! LION FOR LIFE
By Samantha DePriest
Our mission is to prepare today’s student to impact tomorrow's world by educating minds for cultural engagement, equipping hearts for character development, and empowering hands for compassionate service. God called these four students back home to teach the next generation at Trinity, and we love to share what He is doing in the lives of these TCS Staff Alumni.
Emily Litton started at Trinity in the 6th grade when her family moved from Tennessee. Her Mom was hired as a 1st Grade Aide. Emily shares that from the moment then principal Mrs. Frances Ashe brought her family in for the family interview, it felt like home. At that time, the middle school was still very small and they were the only 6th grade class with a combo 7/8 grade class next door. Emily was privileged to play percussion in our first band as well as violin and cello in the orchestra. She also played on the volleyball team for a bit until TCS announced auditions for Annie, the first musical, during her sophomore year. Emily shared that her teachers reach extended well beyond the classroom. She was sure to mention how God used Mr. Scott Ahonen, Mrs. Amy Simonton, and Mrs. Anne Fuchs just to name a few of many teachers who mentored and impacted her life.
Emily’s senior class of 2009 was the first high school graduating class at Trinity. On the metaphorical “bow of the ship” she shared that it was a blessing but also challenging to experience some of those first growing pains. She shares that this “trail blazing” mentality is something that has truly helped her - the grit to forge uncharted paths and even to divert to new ones at times. When asked what brought her back home to serve at Trinity - she emphatically said - JESUS! When Emily and her husband took a leap of faith moving to GA from MN in 2014- there were lots of unanswered questions including what path their careers would take. In 2016, Sherry Randolph graciously hired her as a K4 aide, which turned into teaching Early Learning Music class, to creating and teaching an Early Learning Drama special too, and then eventually adding Middle School drama and musical direction as well as the direction of Elementary Drama Club to my creative palette- what a DREAM! “Many are the plans in the mind of a man but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21
Mel Landers started at Trinity in Kindergarten after moving to Georgia with her Mom and older sister from Illinois. During her 13 years at Trinity, she was very involved in extracurricular activities including volleyball, tennis, and Thespians Society. She starred in Beauty and the Beast, Seussical, and Cinderella before becoming a Stage Manager with the Performing Arts Dept. Mel also served as Cheer Manager in HS and was active in BETA Club. During her Senior year at TCS, she worked in the school store serving our school community.
Mel shared that Kimmy Jones, Kelsi Adams, and Mr. Geasly all poured into her and that God used each of them to help shape and direct her path. She fondly remembers the loving support that she received from all of her teachers. Mel said that she always felt as if she had people in her corner cheering her on at school.
God opened a door for her to come back to Trinity and serve as a Teachers Aide in 1st grade this school year and she couldn’t be more excited about it. Mel shared that she couldn’t wait for the opportunity to pour back in to our little lions and be a part of the Trinity culture. “Choose Joy - Give Grace” is her motto and you can learn more about her walk with God by tuning in to her podcast - Choose Joy - Give Grace podcast
Josh Henry started at Trinity when he was just a Preschool and Kinder kiddo, left for public school for a bit, and returned in high school and graduated in 2016. Josh was involved in both Varsity Football and Baseball and also with BETA club. He shares that Coach Chris Hanson, Coach JP Weaver, Mrs. Val Adams, and Mrs. Whittle were all very invested in his future and cared deeply about him.
After Trinity, Josh went to Kennesaw University and lived with 2 other TCS Alumni. He received his Bachelor of Science with a Minor in Coaching and is now getting his Masters in Sports Management online at the University of Florida. Josh interned with Coach Chris Hanson, when he was our Athletics Director, and also helped Varsity Head Football Coach Kenny Dallas. He has served our school the last 4 years as a Running Back Coach for the Varsity football team and is now in his 2nd year as the Middle School Sports Director and Upper Elementary Recess teacher.
Josh is humbled by the opportunities God has blessed him with and shares the scripture he lives by is Matthew 23:12 “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted”. Josh shared that how grateful he is for the opportunity to be back at Trinity leading the next generations and encourages our students to “Trust in the Lord for your steps and find comfort in knowing that He goes before you in all you do.”
Ruth Wolleat started at Trinity in Kindergarten back in 2001. Ruth was actively involved in BETA Club, NHS, Campus Awakening, and participated in the GISA Fine Arts Festivals during High School. She was also on Homecoming Court during her Senior Year. Ruth shares that the teachers were her favorite part of her time as a Trinity student. She said so many wonderful people poured into her life and made her feel loved. They were a part of why she wanted to continue her education at a Christian college, for the family atmosphere. Ruth shared that Mrs. Adams was large part of why she is in fact an English teacher today. Mrs. Adam’s love of literature and sweet words of encouragement over the years made her feel so comfortable in her writing ability. She said so many of our teachers shared the love of the Lord through their actions and words of affirmation.
While in high school, Ruth took many AP and honors-level classes which allowed her to enter college almost as a sophomore. She was also able to tutor with the Skills Development Program at Trinity. She smiles when sharing that “God laid out all the steps of my path before I even knew to walk on them.” During the pandemic, she was looking for teaching jobs in the area and found a position open at Trinity. She took a step of obedience and God’s calling and timing let her back to a place she called home for so long.
Ruth and her husband are pictured top left. Photo taken at the TCS Homecoming Alumni Tailgate on 9/16/22.
Ruth teaches 10th grade Honors English and Dual Enrollment English with Point University and has been on staff at Trinity for 3 years and has taught for 16 years over all. Little known fact, she met her husband in Kindergarten while at Trinity Christian School.
We love having these fabulous four back on campus pouring into our students and can’t wait to see how God uses them to positively impact the next generation of Trinity Lions!