TCS Alumna Sophia Wootten:
A Story of Resilience, Purpose, and Calling
By Samantha DePriest
For Trinity Christian School alumna Sophia Wootten, the journey from middle school student to college leader, advocate, and titleholder has been anything but ordinary. Marked by perseverance, faith, and a deep commitment to serving others, her story reflects the heart of Romans 5:3, finding strength and purpose through trials.
Born with a cleft lip and palate, Sophia has undergone 20 surgeries in her first 19 years of life, including a major reconstructive procedure in 2019. Now wearing hearing aids after years of relying on just one, she has turned her personal challenges into a lifelong mission: advocating for accessibility and pursuing a future in pediatric audiology.
Sophia joined TCS in sixth grade, seeking a faith-based environment where she could find community and belonging. She found it immediately. What began as speech therapy through theatre quickly became a passion. From her early role in The Little Mermaid to later performances in The Wizard of Oz and Fiddler on the Roof, the stage became both a place of healing and discovery.
Music, in particular, held special meaning. Despite the physical challenges associated with her condition, Sophia developed a love for singing, something she considers nothing short of miraculous. She became one of the first voice students of Lisa Kelly and later trained under director Kelsi Adams, who played a pivotal role in her life both artistically and spiritually.
By seventh grade, Sophia had not only fallen in love with theatre but had also deepened her relationship with her faith, leading worship in children’s ministry and eventually serving on worship teams throughout high school and into college.
Her high school years were filled with both challenges and remarkable achievements. After undergoing major jaw surgery during her freshman year, Sophia returned to perform in High School Musical just three weeks later, a true testament to her determination. She became deeply involved in student life, serving on Student Council (eventually as president and spoke at graduation), participating in homecoming leadership, and contributing creatively behind the scenes in costume design and assistant directing.
Even amid health challenges, including chronic migraines, Sophia found unwavering support from TCS faculty. Teachers and mentors, such as Mrs. Faircloth, met her with both academic excellence and personal care, ensuring she never fell behind while navigating medical setbacks.
At TCS, Sophia discovered not only her talents but also her calling to mentorship. Through leading discipleship groups and working with younger students in theatre, she developed a passion for investing in others, something that continues to shape her today.
After graduating in 2023, Sophia began her studies at the University of Georgia, entering as a sophomore thanks to dual enrollment credits earned at TCS. Majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders, she is one of only two students in a cohort of 100 pursuing a path toward audiology.
Her academic goals are clear: Sophia plans to earn her Doctor of Audiology degree at Auburn University, completing a rigorous four-year program that includes a clinical residency. Her ultimate goal is to work in pediatric audiology, helping children navigate hearing challenges similar to her own.
Beyond the classroom, Sophia has continued to lead and serve. She became involved in student government at UGA, where she was selected as the only non-pre-law student in her cohort. Her work included legislative engagement and advocacy, experiences that strengthened her voice and confidence.
She is also deeply involved in campus ministry through BCM and serves at Prince Avenue Baptist Church. Her faith remains central to everything she does, including a powerful moment during her freshman year when she was baptized at a late-night campus worship event.
Sophia’s passion for accessibility has also taken tangible form. She has contributed to efforts at UGA to improve accessibility in online learning and has established her own 501(c)(3) initiative focused on disability advocacy and inclusion.
In addition to her academic and service pursuits, Sophia has stepped into a new and unexpected role in pageantry. Competing in the Miss Georgia organization, she found a platform to share her story and advocate for others. Her authenticity and confidence led her to earn the title of Mrs. Northwest Georgia, along with the People’s Choice award and top interview honors.
Through this experience, Sophia discovered a powerful sense of sisterhood and purpose. What began as a step of faith quickly became a platform for impact. She now uses her voice to raise awareness for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with hearing loss and craniofacial conditions.
Her journey has also come full circle in unexpected ways. After years of uncertainty about whether she would sing on stage again, doors have reopened affirming what she believes is God’s timing and purpose for her life.
Today, Sophia reflects on her journey with gratitude. From the classrooms and stages of TCS to the opportunities at UGA and beyond, she sees a clear thread of purpose woven through every challenge and victory.
“All of the things have fallen into place this year,” she shares. “Now I have a platform to share my story.”
As she prepares to compete in the Miss Georgia competition this coming June, Sophia continues to embrace every opportunity with humility, faith, and determination. Her story is not just one of overcoming obstacles, it is one of using those obstacles to uplift others.
Recently, SmileTrain reached out to Sophia and invited her onto their team as a SmileTrain Youth Advocate. In this role, she will serve as “a passionate young changemaker who uses their voice and lived or learned experiences to raise awareness, inspire others, and help create a world where every person with a cleft has access to the care they need and deserve.” Sophia shares, “This will allow me to have a global reach to the cleft community. We are currently working on advocating for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA Act). This will help with more insurance coverage for cleft/craniofacial procedures and help to eliminate the gray area that we currently have where surgery is deemed cosmetic instead of necessary. ELSA Act Advocacy Day is coming up on the 21st of this month and we are hopeful to make a federal change!”
In every sense, Sophia Wootten embodies resilience. And through her journey, she is helping others find hope.
To follow along to Sophia’s journey to Miss. Georgia, you can find her on social media. And to order a copy of Sophia’s brand new children’s book, simply click the button below:
