Stepping Into The Future:
Empowering Students for Faith, Leadership,
and Learning
By Samantha DePriest
This week, our 8th-grade students took an exciting step toward the next chapter of their educational journey with a special visit just across the parking lot to Trinity Christian School’s High School. In small groups over the course of a couple of days, students were warmly welcomed into the Student Lounge by Principal Mr. James Wheeler, Assistant Principal Mr. Roby Ross, and Counselor Mrs. Michelle Hutcheson. The leadership team shared what makes the high school experience at TCS both unique and meaningful. Their time together helped set the tone for what lies ahead growth, opportunity, and a strong Christ-centered community.
Varsity Head Football Coach Jeff Schmidlkofer speaking with 8th grade students in the onsite weight room.
High School Spanish Teacher Mrs. Madison Mount shares with 8th grade students about the lessons she is teaching this week.
Students toured key areas of the high school, including the Chemistry lab, Spanish and art classrooms, and the on-site weight room, offering a firsthand look at the academics, creativity, and student life that define TCS. They were able to meet some of our teachers, hear what students are learning, and ask questions along the way. Adding to the excitement, students enjoyed a sneak peek at costumes from the upcoming high school musical, The Little Mermaid, sparking enthusiasm for the vibrant arts programs available to them.
The visit concluded with a panel of graduating seniors including Greg Brezina, Adeline Earley, Bella Goode, Trevor McDowell, Maddie Poling, and Sam Wood. These outstanding students shared reflections on how their years at TCS helped to shape their faith, encourage them to step outside their comfort zones, and help them develop leadership skills that will serve them well beyond high school. They spoke passionately about the close-knit relationships formed with classmates, teachers, and mentors, emphasizing the lasting impact those connections have had on their lives and future plans. It was a meaningful reminder of the purpose and promise of the journey ahead for our future Trinity Lions.
High School Principal Mr. James Wheeler connecting with our rising freshmen during a breakout session.
Mr. James Wheeler shared “As we look ahead to the coming school year, we recently had the privilege of meeting with our 8th-grade students who will soon transition into Trinity Christian School’s High School program. This intentional time was designed to cast vision and prepare students for the important academic, spiritual and personal growth that comes with entering high school. Students toured classrooms, explored unique programs and heard powerful testimonies from graduating seniors who shared how Trinity shaped their faith and prepared them for their next journey. We emphasized that high school is not simply about having more freedom; it is about learning to steward responsibility, own one’s faith, and grow into leadership. At Trinity, we believe finishing what God has started within a Christ-centered community matters deeply. We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming these students as the next generation of Trinity Lions.”
Senior Panel
Greg Brezina
Greg came to TCS in the 8th grade.
Greg has been a part of football, wrestling, track, theater/drama, Literary, Fine Arts, beta club, and National Honors Society at TCS.
After high school he will be enlisting in the Air National Guard granting me a full ride scholarship to any school in the state of Alabama. He is still awaiting acceptance to a few colleges.
His advice to rising freshman “To me, high school seemed like a big and scary place. I felt like a small fish in a big pond. What I came to learn very soon was that it wasn't a scary place, it was a gateway to opportunity and success. Through various activities in high school, I have been able to discover what I'm passionate about and figure out what God's purpose is for my life! High school has adequately prepared me for the future as well. Every coach, teacher, or director has taught me the discipline of hard work and living a life of excellence. Most importantly, in everything I did, they led me back to the Lord. High school at Trinity was and is critical in my faith journey and has brought me so close to God! As upcoming freshman, let me encourage you with this: highschool is a place of preparation and success. Trinity is built on christian principles designed to help you thrive in every way possible! Get excited for the future, God is with every single one of you and has beautiful plans for your days to come!!”
Adeline Earley
Adeline came to TCS in second grade, so after graduating she’ll have been here 11 years.
She is involved in Varsity Volleyball, NHS, Beta Club, Student Council, flag football (freshmen year), and the art club she helped found and currently serve as president for (Abstract Visionaries)
She is undecided where she will go next year. Her top choices are UGA and Wheaton, where she have been offered to play volleyball.
Her advice to rising freshmen, “One thing I would like to tell the upcoming 9th graders is that they should use all the opportunities they’re given to grow intentionally. High school comes with a lot of pressure and confusion but they shouldn’t let that affect who they are as a person. I learned how to be myself and not give into conformity, but that was through experiences where I failed to realize that fitting in wasn’t actually what I wanted. I want high school for them to be a place where they can be genuine and real, rooted in Christ for His glory. “
Bella Goode
Bella came to TCS in the 6th grade.
Bella was a Varsity Cheerleader freshman year. She has also competed with our Varsity Track and Gymnastics since freshman year. She played Varsity Flag Football and served as a student athletic trainer both junior and senior years. Bella has also served on BETA Club and NHS.
Bella plans to go to college to study Kinesiology and eventually become an Athletic Trainer
Bella’s advice for rising freshman “I would say that high school is full of opportunities to grow yourself and your relationships with friends teachers and coaches. Do not restrict yourself to only doing what you are familiar with because trying new things has introduced me to people and activities that I never would have thought I would have been involved with when i was a middle schooler.”
Trevor Mcdowell
Trevor has been at TCS since 4th grade in Mrs. Stephenson’s class.
Trevor has competed on sseveral Varsity teams including Football, Basketball, and Track and Field. He also serves on BETA Club. Trevor is actively involved in Discipleship Groups and has served as a stage help in Theatre, as well.
Trevor plans to attend a 4 year college majoring in Developmental Psychology to serve adolescents and play college football. He plans to become a therapist and open his own practice one day.
Trevor shares words of encouragement with rising freshmen, “Build relationships with teachers and coaches because they care. They m ore you develop a relationship with them, they will adjust their teaching to how you need to be taught.”
Samuel Wood
Samuel came to TCS in the 10th grade after moving from South Korea.
He competes in cross country and track for all three years, and just joined the Esports team to play Rocket League this year. he is also the President of the National Honor Society, the Vice President of the Student Council, a member of the Beta Club, and attends D-Group.
Sam plans to attend the United States Naval Academy where he will run cross country and track. Once he graduate from the Academy, he plans to go to flight school in hopes of becoming a fighter pilot.
His advice to rising freshmen: “Take things slow. You only get four more years where you will consistently be able to hang out with your closest friends and family. Once you approach graduation, the realization will hit you very hard. That being said, try to make the most of it--Go and try as many new things as you can and have no regrets.”