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2021 Christian Character Scholarship Recipient Brenna Penrod

By March 5, 2021No Comments

LINCOLN, Neb.—Brenna Penrod is one of four high school seniors attending GARBC churches who have been awarded $2,500 scholarships in the 2021 GARBC Christian Character Scholarship competition. This is the second year that scholarships have been awarded in this new competition.

The other three top tier seniors are Andrew Burman of Lincoln, Nebraska; Cloe Crigger of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Katherine Wood of Elyria, Ohio. Seven other students received $1,000 scholarships, and three more received $500 scholarships to any of seven Christian colleges who are participating in the program.

Brenna Penrod, a member of Temple Baptist Church, Lincoln, Nebraska, is involved in Christian service in her church, at her Christian high school, and on youth missions trips. She is also a leader and teacher for her church’s summer VBS program, has taught children’s church, and works in the church nursery. During youth group meetings, she is the leader for her girls’ small group. She has also led music and drama for her church’s Christmas program.

At Lincoln Christian School, Brenna has been involved in basketball, soccer, and track and field and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is also a leader on the outreach committee in her school’s chapter of Campus Life, an organization that reaches out to middle school students and teaches them about Jesus. “One of the reasons I am involved in this ministry is because I have a desire to help other people come to Christ and to grow in their walk with Him,” Brenna says.

In addition to Campus Life and small group, Brenna has shared her faith with the other members of her club soccer team. “A lot of the girls on the team are Catholic, so we talk about religion a lot,” she says. “They all know I am a Christian. I have been able to share what I believe and why.”

Daryl Bauer, a deacon at Temple Baptist Church, describes Brenna as a very positive, involved leader who is friendly and inclusive with others. “Brenna is always asking questions,” he says. “She is thinking and exploring all the time, and that includes what God might have for her in the future.”

Lincoln Christian School counselor Anita Ford describes Brenna as someone who serves and leads with honor, integrity, and a heart for the Lord. “She builds strong close relationships with quality individuals while still enjoying many casual relationships,” she says. “I am personally grateful for her maturity and identify in Christ.”

In college, Brenna plans to study elementary education. “I want to become an elementary school teacher and be a positive role model for my students,” she says. Brenna says her church has been an important part of her life and she desires to continue being active no matter where the Lord places her. “I am hoping to be involved with either Awana or youth group,” she says. “I see myself getting connected with my church and being involved in kids or youth programs or any other opportunities the Lord provides.”

Pastor Brian Cederquist, a judge for the scholarship program, says, “The Christian Character Scholarship is one of the ways our association of churches strives to honor and encourage Biblical and dynamic disciple-making in our churches. Reading through the applications gives a small glimpse into the great efforts our churches are making to invest in the next generation of leaders.” Brian is pastor of Good New Baptist Church in Grand Rapids and a member of the GARBC Council of 18.

Invest in the future of the association by helping young people who want to pursue a Bible college education. Give to the GARBC Christian Character Scholarship fund.