Lilly Ayers - FCS Senior Spotlight

In what grade did you start attending Faith Christian School?

I started at FCS in 3^rd grade.

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Faith Christian School?

The clubs I’ve been involved in are Sodalitas, Ministerium, Fides, La-Mesa, HiY, Debate Club, and SGA. In Upper School, I played volleyball, soccer, and ran cross country. In Middle School, I played soccer, basketball, volleyball, and ran cross-country. In Lower School, I was a part of the inaugural year of Cavatina, and I loved it! Throughout my middle and high school years, I’ve been sure to go to the SGA events, be a part of Project Faith, and tried to attend all the fun games and events Faith Christian School has to offer.

What might some of your favorite memories be?

Some of my favorite memories have been senior retreat, Wallops Island, my class’s amazing performance of Get Smart, all the little moments I’ve experienced with my friends, and the best moments have been made in finding my best friends over the last 9 years!

What is your thesis topic and why did you choose it?

My thesis topic is the psychological effect of social media on adolescents, focusing on Major Depressive Disorder. I chose this topic because social media over the years has taken over the way we communicate daily, making teenagers so connected and yet incredibly disconnected at the same time. I've seen this in my personal life as well as in the lives of so many around me of all ages. This led me to wonder why and starting spinning the wheels for my thesis process.

How might your learning in a Christian environment at FCS positively affect you?

Learning in a Christian environment at FCS completely changed the way I view the subjects I study. I started to appreciate the change when I got to Upper School because I saw how intertwined all my subjects are with each other. Learning in a Christian environment helped me grow deep roots in my faith as I learned not only what the Bible says but also real-life integration in my classes and to God. My teachers were not just teachers who are Christians, but Christian teachers who disciple. My teachers have been a lighthouse to me, and they have ministered and poured into my life daily as they slowly planted a seed that flourished as my faith grew, leading me to see God in all I learn at Faith. Learning in a Christian environment offered me a lot of support throughout the years because I was able to come to my teachers with any question or needing help, and they would always be sure to support me and help me out

Has there been a teacher at FCS that has impacted your faith, education, or personal growth in a significant way? If you were to say thank you to this person, what might you say?

Mr. Muench has taught me Physics, Geometry, and Algebra 1 while I’ve been in upper school, and I also get to work with him this year as an officer in Ministerium. Mr. Muench has poured into my life over the last four years as he has guided me in daily exploration of God's word and creation through different studies. I remember many conversations about how God turns our trials into blessings that reveal his purpose. Sometimes while I was outside waiting to be picked up, we talked through those conversations. I won't forget a conversation that changed me as we were just talking, and he referenced Matthew 6:33-34, those verses have stuck with me throughout high school and have helped me in all my trials. Thank you, Mr. Muench: my personal faith would be very different without you. You showed me that God is in every little thing, even in hard math problems.

What might it mean to you to have attended both a classical and Christian school?

Attending both a classical and Christian school means to me that I am not just learning information but learning how to logically discern it as well. I also get the opportunity to dive into my education and learn from the best as I read Euclid's geometry, examine C.S. Lewis, fight Troy with Achilles, and go on a journey with Virgil, coming out once more to see the stars. The education I’ve gotten at FCS taught me the classic philosophers from Socrates to Plato and Aristotle, but most importantly FCS, in all the logic-centered classes, first and foremost focuses on Christ through always leading us to the truth of the Gospel in all we do.

What are some things you would like to tell younger students as they continue their education at FCS?

Some things I would like to tell other students as they continue their education at FCS is to keep going and lift your eyes to God. This education is such a privilege and a blessing. I know, it can be hard to see it sometimes in all the deadlines and work, but you will learn so much over the years that will shape you and help you grow in your walk with Christ. Staying involved and trying new things is so much fun, and you never know – some of the new things you try may be some of the best things!

What are your plans for after graduation?

After I graduate plan to go to Liberty University and get a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Business. This is because God has guided me to pursue a career as a Christian-based counselor and life coach.

Senior Spotlight: Lilly Ayers, Class of 2024