I grew up in a Christian home, and I was surrounded by a family who taught me about God. When I was five I committed my life to Jesus, and although I didn't completely understand the decision at that time, I learned what it meant to have a personal relationship with Christ as I grew older. I am so thankful to my parents for putting me in such a distinctively Christian school. Without a doubt I know that my experiences at GPCS helped me form a stronger relationship with Christ and learn more about what it means to truly follow Him.

I have attending Greater Portland Christian School since kindergarten. Through these last 13 years, I have spent so much of my time at this school, by volunteering and by being involved in many extracurricular activities. I have always felt that volunteering your time is a great and easy way to show God's love, and GPCS has provided me with many opportunities. During the Spring I have helped coach elementary basketball, as well as coaching during the summer at Basketball Camp. Since I was in sixth grade, I have worked for Mrs. Strout at a summer camp that she runs at GPCS. Whenever there is an Association Meeting or a cleaning day, I come to school with a few friends to watch the kids of the parents who are helping to improve our school. Lastly, GPCS has given me opportunities to serve at the Root Cellar and Habitat for Humanity.

Through my four years of high school, I have also been very involved in extracurricular activities. I played basketball for four years, and my senior year I was co-captain. During the soccer season I was the manager for the varsity girl's team. I have been in the Gilbert and Sullivan productions since I was in Junior High, and participated in Drama for two years as the stage manager.

Along with being very involved at school, I am also actively involved at my Church. I attend First Baptist Church of South Portland every week, and also go to youth group weekly. Last year I served at my youth group by leading worship time, by playing guitar and singing.

I have been an honor student for all four years in high school, and this is something I have worked hard at. Though my parents and teachers have always encouraged me to do my best, my true motivator is Christ. I want to do everything I do in a way that glorifies God, even my homework. Because of my perseverance academically, I have a 3.98 GPA, and am a part of the National Honor Society. I will also be one of two students giving a speech at graduation. Last year I won second place in our high school Science Fair, and I received an honorable mention for a poem that I wrote for the Women's Literary Union.

I believe that one of the abilities God has given me is the ability to lead. During high school I have always show leadership in my class. In 10th grade, I was the class president, and for the last two years I have been the Class Secretary, and I have always been involved in planning events that our class has organized. Last year, I was a big part of all of the decisions that were made when it came to planning the Senior Banquet. This year, I also helped organize See You at the Pole, and played guitar for the worship part of that morning. When it has come to planning our graduation and our senior trip, I have been organizing those for the past few months.

I am still not completely sure of where I will be next year. Actually, I thought I knew what college I would be attending, but God has been teaching me a lesson about trusting Him these last few weeks.  Although it makes me nervous to be unsure of my future, God has been showing me that He is in control.  I know that my future is in His hands and that no matter which school I end up at, God will finish His work in me, as it says in Philippians 1:6: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
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Kendra Pearson -  Class of 2010

To be called a Christian is to be defined as one who professes belief in Jesus Christ and lives according to His teachings. To say that I am a Christian is with the full understanding that I have been saved by grace alone. “But because of His great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions.....For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2: 4-5a, 8-10

Growing up in a home, a church, and a school that all intentionally have made Christ as their center has been an incredible blessing. In my family, I look back over my 17 years and I see that our faith in Christ and love of Him has strengthened and deepened our love for one another, creating a bond that goes deeper than our blood relation. In my church I have grown up under the care of many others and now I am continuing to grow alongside them.

In attending Greater Portland Christian School, I have grown up under the love of my teachers who have been dedicated in teaching me more than just academics. They have given so much of themselves because of their love for Christ, and that love is seen as they work with students. I love seeing the evidence of their servant hearts especially because I find that I have a heart for service as well.

For the past five years, I have been able to serve as part of the Chapel Committee for the school, and three of those years I've had the privilege to be a part of the leadership. I am blessed with the gift of singing and a love for music, and God has shown me how much I love worshiping Him through song. I have found it a privilege, an incredible learning experience, and a joy to lead and to engage others in worship. I have  also been a part of the music team at my church for the past eight years. In both places I have learned that worship is less about the song than it is about the God we're singing it to; worship is never as effective as it should be when we let something, often ourselves, get in the way.

In other less musical areas I have also found pleasure in serving. For the school, in the fall of my sophomore year, several of my classmates and I painted the chorus room. This past fall, I organized for GPCS See You At The Pole, a nationwide event where students are encouraged to come and pray around the flagpole before the school day begins. With my church, I have helped to prepare and serve the dinners that we provided at the Root Cellar, as well as volunteered in various ways for several of the past Vacation Bible Schools.

One of my favorite ways of serving, however, began this past fall. In September I started to volunteer in the Sunday School classroom for grades K-3. I have immensely enjoyed building relationships with the kids and being able to be an extra hand to help the teachers. As I work with each of the kids, I find that I learn more about myself. Some of them come from broken families and their parents don't come to church. By spending time with them, I have learned about their lifestyles, which are much different from my own. These differences have opened my eyes, and I now see how blessed I am by my upbringing and how much God has already worked in my life. Additionally, I am beginning to understand how complex, and often difficult, little kids are, but somehow God has chosen to overcome that and show me how much he loves them by placing a love for them in my heart.

In my schoolwork, excellence is the bar I set for myself. I fall short of that sometimes, but God sends encouragement through my parents, my friends, and his Word. I have been a high honors student throughout most of my high school career. I enjoy learning, and the sense of accomplishment of a job well done is always fulfilling.

Excellence in academics is something to be proud of, but something I have learned from others and hope to pass on is the important skill of time-management. GPCS gives a student the wonderful advantage of being able to experience extracurricular activities. I played on the Varsity Girls' soccer team and was the manager for the Varsity Girls' basketball team for five seasons. For the last season of my soccer career, I was named co-captain. I chose to see as a privilege and an opportunity to lead by example-not through my skill-but through the way I behaved, both on and off the field. At the end of the season, we did not make it to the playoffs, but I believe we, as a team, learned the reality of our cheer: “Unity in Christ!”  Throughout the course of the last five years, I have not only learned what it means to be a team player, but what it means to persevere, both physically and academically.

It is my hope to use the money from this award to help pay for my tuition for North Park University, located in Chicago. I do not know what I am being called to do, but I feel that God has called me to go to North Park. There I find a college that, much like GPCS, is intentionally Christian as it seeks to train and encourage its students to develop lives of significance and service. I believe that North Park will not only teach me in a classroom setting, but I will have multiple opportunities to extend my learning beyond the classroom. As my senior year comes to an end, I find myself looking back and seeing the ways God has been faithful, and I know he will continue to be faithful because he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
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Nathan Strout -  Class of 2009

I believe that I fully meet the criteria of the Master Teachers' Scholarship. Not only have I attended G.P.C.S.; I've also contributed plenty of time as part of the G.P.C.S. community and as a volunteer. I'm also a dedicated Christian, a member of my Church, and I attend Bible Studies there. I have also maintained a GPA of 3.98 throughout my education.

I grew up in a Christian family. When it came time for me to enter Kindergarten, my parents enrolled me at G.P.C.S. It was there that I learned the basic Bible stories and of Salvation through Christ. Around this time I accepted Christ, although I wouldn't fully understand that until much later. In the summer of my seventh grade year, I went to a Christian summer camp. At that camp I came to understand the sacrifice that Jesus had made and the responsibilities I had as a Christian. In 2005 I was baptized at the First Baptist Church of South Portland, and I later became a member of the same Church. My school has helped a lot in my spiritual growth. Through Mrs. Bickford's Bible class and Mrs. Willink's Church History class I learned more about the Bible and the history of Christianity. I was taught how to develop my Christian Theology and to study the Bible on my own. Along with these classes, our weekly Chapel service gave us practical advice and insight into our everyday problems. Greater Portland Christian School has definitely developed my spiritual life and helped me to grow in my Christian faith.

I have also spent a lot of my free time at Greater Portland Christian School. I have been very active in extracurricular activities in school. I have been on every sports team offered at G.P.C.S. at one time or another. In fact, I have been the Captain of both the Baseball and Soccer Teams. I have also been a large part of non-sports related activities. I have been a member of the Maine Model United Nations through my school for the past three years. I have also been involved in Drama Club and Chorus. I have played a role in all of the productions put on by these two groups throughout high school. Besides that, I was the Class President for both freshmen and sophomore year. I helped with many Student Council endeavors, and even single handedly set up a program in which students could donate money to support a child through Compassion International.

In addition to my involvement in extracurricular activities, I have also spent a lot of time volunteering at G.P.C.S. I have often come in with my father to work at the school. I have put a lot of time into just cleaning the school, from mopping the floors to changing paper products. I have also helped to set up the school computers and to reorganize classrooms. Along with these things, I have also spent time working outside on the school's property; spreading wood chips on the playground and swings, painting lines on the parking lot, and mowing lawns. In addition to these activities, I have also volunteered to directly help the other students at G.P.C.S. For instance, I helped run a Soccer Camp in 2007 for elementary students.

I have also donated time to my Church and community. During my freshmen year I put in approximately 40 hours of Christian service. At my Church, I ran the projector during worship for a number of months. One week, the Youth Group at my Church ran the service, and I was in charge of Announcements. I have also contributed time to my community. Most notably, I dressed up as Smokey the Bear for a Fire Safety night at Saccarappa Elementary School. Additionally, I've helped my neighbor by shoveling her driveway and mowing her lawn.

Throughout my years in high school, I have attempted to live up to and surpass the academic standards of G.P.C.S. I have always taken the college prep classes available at our school. In seventh grade, I was the only student to take the eighth grade math class. I have continued to take the upper math classes. This year I am taking a college credit calculus class through our school. Greater Portland Christian School has definitely prepared me for college. G.P.C.S. has helped me to achieve important academic goals in my high school career. With their help I was able to achieve high PSAT scores, with which I became a Commended National Merit Scholar. I then continued to excel, reaching high SAT scores of 2020. I also was admitted into the National Honors Society and Who's Who of America. These achievements have allowed me to be accepted to and afford expensive Christian colleges that I could never attend otherwise.

In conclusion, Greater Portland Christian School has had a major impact on my life. This school has played a direct and powerful role in my spiritual development. I have consistently lived up to the school's high academic standards. I have been an involved member of the student body and a helpful volunteer. I have served both my school and Church in many functions. The excellence of the staff of G.P.C.S. and their challenging curriculum has been extremely beneficial to me. I am particularly thankful to the teachers at G.P.C.S, who have dedicated their careers to our education. Their enthusiasm and devotion has inspired me to strive harder in my academic pursuits. I can honestly say that my educational achievements are due to their help and diligence.
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Alex Whalen -  Class of 2009

The Lord has blessed me in many ways throughout my life. Putting me in a school like Greater Portland Christian School is only one of the many ways. After going to public school for six years it was great to have the Christian atmosphere at school. Through this school I have been able to grow in the Lord and learn the value of serving. The verse that has encouraged me to serve is Colossians 3:23. It says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Many of the opportunities that I have had to be able to serve in Greater Portland Christian School I don't know if I could have had at another school. For the past two years I have been a leader on the chapel committee. It has been a great opportunity to be able to lead my fellow students in worship for each chapel. I have learned so much from all of the experiences that this leadership position has provided me. Some other ways that I have served in the school is in sports and music. In sports I have been a captain in my senior year in soccer and basketball. In these I have represented our school and helped lead and encourage the students that have been involved in these sports. Through music I have served in the plays. Through these I have been able to promote our school. One more way that I have served the school is in helping with elementary basketball. This year I helped with coaching and instructing the elementary children interested in basketball. At times it was hard but I enjoyed being able to give some of my time to help these children improve.

Church is another place in which the Lord has blessed me. When I was eight my parents separated and they were divorced when I was eleven. The Lord blessed my family and me throughout this whole time. He provided me with a father figure and a big brother relationship during this time. Looking back I thank God for keeping me safe through this time. This helped me to trust in God no matter what my situation is.

In the church the Lord has provided me with many opportunities to serve. Singing is one of my passions and this is one of the ways that the Lord has let me serve. I have been in several plays at our church. Through these plays I have been able to tell people about the Lord. Another way that I have served through singing in my church is on the worship team. It is great to be able to lead people of all ages in praising the Lord through songs. I have also served by helping with vacation bible school in the summer. It is great to be able to teach these children about the Lord. I have served with the multi media team as well. We project the words on the screens so that our congregation has words to the songs. Through all of these experiences I have learned that joy can be brought to those who serve the Lord.

One final area that the Lord has blessed me with opportunities to serve is in my community. Helping out landscaping for a family in need is one of the ways that I have served. I did this with Habitat for Humanity. I have also helped serving breakfast at Preble Street Resource Center. The Root Cellar is another place that I have served in my community. We served dinner and I helped lead in a time of worship. I have an elderly neighbor that I also help. In the winter I help shovel the snow off and around her steps and driveway. When the time comes that mowing needs to be done I mow her grass for her. One more thing that I have done to help her is to rake up leaves in her yard. In doing all of these things the Lord has helped me to see how many blessings I have and to be thankful for all of the abilities that he has provided me with. One last way that I served in the community is coming alongside a group of singers from Alabama to go out into the community, sing, and show God's love through our concerts.

In my schooling I have always put in much effort. I have gone to the school for six years. I have been on the honor roll in high school and almost all of junior high. I have been admitted to the National Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa. I have done all of this while being involved in three sports throughout the year as well as in the musicals each spring.

If I receive this scholarship I plan to use it to help pay for college. I plan to attend Eastern University to become a secondary education math teacher. I have seen how much of a difference teachers can make in a students life and I want to do that for other students. I would be honored to be able to receive this scholarship. I thank you for your time and consideration of me for this scholarship.
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Mallory Morse -  Class of 2008

God has blessed me in more ways than I can count.  He has placed me in a Christian home and provided a wonderful church that I might grow in the Lord.  Through the experiences He placed before me here and through the examples of the church leaders, I learned more about how to serve Him.  He used Greater Portland Christian School in many ways to impact my life- not only for my education, but also to teach me valuable life skills.  I was encouraged to strengthen my faith and grow closer to God through prayer and consistent Bible study.

I believe that He has also equipped me with spiritual gifts and talents I can use for the purpose of glorifying Him with my life.  One of the priceless gifts he has given me is compassion.  I love helping people- not only because I know it is right and pleases God, but also because I genuinely enjoy it.  I've volunteered at the homeless shelter since I was ten years old and I've loved every minute of it.  It was there I learned that sometimes a smile and a friendly hello is all it takes to lift the spirits of those who are suffering.  The experience also taught me to be thankful for what I have; there are many people just like me who are much less fortunate.

The God-given gift I am most thankful for is my love of music.  I have been playing the piano since the fourth grade and singing since birth.  I've been involved in various areas of our church music ministry since I was thirteen.  I am most thankful for this gift because it brings me great joy and it is something that has been useful in many different circumstances.

In 2007 I had an experience I'll never forget: I went with the GPCS Travel Club to Australia.  I had been on overseas trips before, but this trip was different.  I fell in love with the country and its people.  I decided that what I really wanted to do was become a missionary, despite the disapproval of some members of my family.  They say "There isn't any money in it!  It won't get you anywhere, and you need to think realistically."  I understand that I'll never have much money, but this really doesn't bother me.  I have a mansion waiting for me someday, and until I get to it, I'll be happy as long as I'm doing my part for the sake of His Kingdom.  I have a passion for missions; I can't wait to serve God in the foreign field, whether He sends me to Australia or elsewhere.

As I start to see the pieces of my life come together, I pray that by His grace I will make it to the mission field and use my gifts and my music to praise Him for the rest of my life.  If I am chosen for this scholarship, I will direct the much needed funding toward my college tuition.  My intention is to attend Boston Baptist College and earn a major in education and a minor in missions.
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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.
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Meghan Murray - Class of 2006

I've attended Greater Portland Christian School for eight years. In those eight years, I've learned a lot about myself and about the Lord. The most obvious lesson that I've learned is that Jesus will be with me through anything that ever happens to me. Since I've accepted Him, I've experienced many changes in my life: I switched from a public school to a Christian school, my parents got divorced, and I underwent major knee surgery. But through all of these experiences, the Lord has been with me and sent me people and situations to remind me that He's watching over me and that I am extremely blessed, no matter what happens. Since I was very young, I've wanted to be a teacher. I've volunteered in the elementary for almost six years and I've gotten very close to many of the students that I have helped. In those years, I've enjoyed being able to help the children not only with their studies, but also with their walk with the Lord. I will love someday to teach in a Christian school and to be able to integrate schoolwork with Christian principles. I hope to put my own love of learning and for the Lord into my future career as an elementary teacher.

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.
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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.
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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.
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Stephen Prescott - Class of 2003

In Romans 10:9, the Bible says that you are saved if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe with your heart that he was raised from death. The word Christian, however, is defined as a professed follower of Christ. What often is open to interpretation is what a follower of Christ does. Being a senior at Greater Portland Christian School, I have more that been prepared in the right way to live when I leave the school's walls.

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.
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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.
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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.
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