Lean in | Graduates: Betsy Vise, Mary Gibbons Miller, Sarah Barnes & Grace Waddell

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TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

I’m Betsy Vise, and I love going to Northridge High School. I run track and cross country and am involved at my school in various ways: SGA, Ambassadors, Prom and Homecoming planning committees and more. I’ve been at Trinity since my Dad became the pastor in 2013, and while here I’ve loved teaching 2nd and 3rd grade Sunday School and doing slides and live-stream in the back sound booth.

CAN YOU SHARE ONE WAY THAT GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO YOU RECENTLY OR SOMETHING HE IS TEACHING YOU?

This year God has been really faithful in the friends he has provided. It has really made my year so full and fun. I’m just so thankful that the Lord put them in my life.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?

I love to run! You can catch me running everyday of the week often with friends on Northridge Road. I also love to do a little art when I have the time. I also enjoy playing spikeball and pool with my friends!

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO COLLEGE? DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO MAJOR IN?

I’m headed to Ole Miss! I plan on majoring in International Studies through the Croft Institute and studying Arabic in the Arabic Flagship Program.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL OR PARTICULAR MEMORY FROM YOUR YEARS AT TRINITY?

I have so many fun memories from my time with youth at RYM in the summer! I’ve loved getting to stand on the chairs and sing at large group, play spikeball and volleyball with the youth group, and just hang out with my friends at Trinity.

IS THERE ANY WAY THAT WE AS A CHURCH COULD PRAY FOR YOU?

I’m actually heading to Ole Miss June 1st—two days after I graduate— to start studying Arabic. I would love prayer for this summer, for endurance, special memories, and that that I’m able to get my ducks in a row before I go.

What’s your favorite piece of clothing you own / owned?

I live in altheisure so anything in that realm is my favorite. I love my tennis skirts and tank tops.

What are some small things that make your day better?

Any day is better when I get to drive around in my car with the sunroof down! Especially on a pretty day or nice night, it can make any day feel happier.

Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?

Kacey Musgraves! Mary Gibbons might have said her too. She's our favorite artist, and its our dream to go to a concert of hers together.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?

Three summers ago, my family drove to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, and it was the prettiest thing I've ever seen. I loved getting to hike, and I'm dying to hiking somewhere else soon.

What is the most impressive thing you know how to do?

I can run a 5:29 mile! I hated every second of it, but I'm very proud of my time!

What book impacted you the most?

All through late elementary school and middle school, I was obsessed with the Harry Potter Books (I've actually read the 1st one 7 times). Those books really gave me a big love for reading that I still have today!

What weird food combinations do you really enjoy?

Recently I've been into putting Peanut butter in my cereal! Honestly, I you could put Peanut butter into anything, and I'd love it.

Name three things you are loving.

I'm loving this spring weather! My senior schedule is weird so I get to spend a lot of time outside enjoying it! Also, Monarch Coffee! It's a favorite place to go for my friends and me, and I love trying their seasonal drinks. And movies on our party-o with my friends!

What are you reading or have you recently read?

I read a lot of YA fantasy, but I'm working on reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck right now!

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TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

My name is Mary Gibbons Miller, and I am a senior at Northridge High School. My parents are Todd and Jennifer Miller and y little brother is Mims. I’ve been at Trinity my whole life!

CAN YOU SHARE ONE WAY THAT GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO YOU RECENTLY OR SOMETHING HE IS TEACHING YOU?

I have learned so much through my senior year. The Lord has really taught me how to be content in Him throughout the craziness!

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?

I love to play the violin, spend time with my friends and family, exercise, bake, travel, go to the lake, and shop!

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO COLLEGE? DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO MAJOR IN?

I am going to the University or Alabama where I plan to major in Public Health.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL OR PARTICULAR MEMORY FROM YOUR YEARS AT TRINITY?

For Trinity’s 25th Anniversary the original pastor at Trinity (who prayed for me before I was born) spoke with me. I was in middle school at the time, and he was so encouraging to empathize with what middle school is like. He encouraged me to embrace the hard and to know that I’d fine more like minded friends once I went to college. That conversation stuck with me throughout highschool and has been a huge encouragement to me.

IS THERE ANY WAY THAT WE AS A CHURCH COULD PRAY FOR YOU?

I would love prayer for a smooth, peaceful transition into college!

What’s your favorite piece of clothing you own / owned?

A purse my dad gave me!

What songs have you completely memorized?

Everything Kacey Musgraves!

What are some small things that make your day better?

A coffee drink and my dog Rosie!

Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?

Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, or Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors... I can’t pick!

What shows are you into?

Friends is my favorite!

Name three things you are loving.

I am loving leading the 7th grade girls Bible Study, spring weather and Three15!

What are you reading or have you recently read?

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. It’s SO good.

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TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

My name is Sarah Barnes, and I am a senior at Northridge High School. My parents are Michael and Stacy Barnes. I have a sister, Olivia who is 15, and a brother, Preston who is 13. My family enjoys taking trips and watching movies on Netflix together. My personal favorite trip together was this past spring break when we traveled to Steamboat, Colorado to ski. Throughout high school, I have enjoyed being involved in multiple sports, clubs, and social organizations. If I had to pick one thing that I will miss most about high school, it would most definitely be playing tennis on the tennis team. I am very thankful for the memories I've made with my family and friends throughout high school, and I am very excited for what God holds for me in the future.

CAN YOU SHARE ONE WAY THAT GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO YOU RECENTLY OR SOMETHING HE IS TEACHING YOU?

One way that God has been faithful to me recently is providing a community of support for me through my tennis team this year. In the beginning of the season, we hardly talked. With that being said I was somewhat anxious about the season. I remember going to our first tournament in Mobile and we all stayed in the same hotel. The first night we were there we all went and hung out in a teammates room. Ever since that night our girls team has been inseparable. I consider the friendships I've made with these girls one of my biggest blessings this year.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?

Some of my hobbies include playing tennis, driving around with friends and listening to music, going to the lake or river in the summer, and playing corn hole at my grandparents house.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO COLLEGE? DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO MAJOR IN?


I will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall and as of right now I am majoring in business.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL OR PARTICULAR MEMORY FROM YOUR YEARS AT TRINITY?

The Christmas Eve candlelight service at Trinity has been a special memory for me throughout the years. Every year I look forward to going with my family and singing Silent Night with candles at the end of the service.

IS THERE ANY WAY THAT WE AS A CHURCH COULD PRAY FOR YOU?

The church could pray that I will be able to make a smooth transition from high school to college and that I will be able to find friends that will keep my focus on the Lord.

What are some small things that make your day better?

My day is always better when girls on the tennis team go somewhere to get a snack or treat after practice. We all talk about our days, give each other advice, and enjoy spending quality time together.

Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?

My favorite artist would definably have to be Morgan Wallen. He has a song for every mood I'm in—haha!

What shows are you into?

Some shows that I enjoy watching are Cobra Kai, That 70's Show, The Bachelorette, and American Idol.

What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?

I LOVEEE doing Christmas the old-fashioned way. I think that having Christmas traditions like advent calendars, watching older Christmas movies, wearing matching pajamas on Christmas Eve, and listening to traditional Christmas music makes Christmas the best time of year.

What’s the best and worst thing about getting older?

One of the best things about getting older is that I am finally able to make decisions for myself. One of the worst things about getting older is realizing I'll have to start paying for everything and start making decisions that will affect the rest of my life. This responsibility makes me really want to know the difference between right and wrong as I keep getting older.

Name three things you are loving.

I am loving making new friends that will be in college with me, the future that is ahead of me, and the time I have left at home before I move.

What are you reading or have you recently read?

Recently I have been reading LIVE by Sadie Robertson.

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TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

My name is Grace Waddell, and I am a senior at Northridge High School. I am the youngest of 5. I have 3 brothers and a sister in heaven. Brant is married to Kate and they have William and Mary Hadley. Trent is married to Katie. Witt is single. Askleigh Krin died at 20 months with leukemia. She was the second born.

CAN YOU SHARE ONE WAY THAT GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO YOU RECENTLY OR SOMETHING HE IS TEACHING YOU?

I tore my ACL in the first warm up of volleyball season in the fall. It has been a tough road. Through this I have grown in my trust that God has a plan and can bring good in all things.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES?

Volleyball, hanging with friends, Young Life.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO COLLEGE? DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO MAJOR IN?

I will be attending Birmingham Southern College and playing volleyball. I might major in interior Design or real estate.

IS THERE ANY WAY THAT WE AS A CHURCH COULD PRAY FOR YOU?

Please pray for my transition to college. Pray that I find community, friends and a spiritual mentor.

What’s your favorite piece of clothing you own / owned?

I had a purple and green dress as a child that I would wear everyday if my mom would let me. Which she did if it was clean.

What are some small things that make your day better?

Music and dancing! I love making fun Tik Toks with my friends and teammates.

What shows are you into?

Anything on Disney Plus!

What state or country do you never want to go back to?

Alaska. We went there on a family trip with our family and my dad’s whole family.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?

Puerto Rico on a mission trip with Athletes in Action!

Name three things you are loving.

I am loving making memories with my friend Crew, spring, and club volleyball.

What are you reading or have you recently read?

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers