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Sarah Iler: Top-Tier Christian Character Scholarship Winner

By April 13, 2020April 15th, 2020No Comments

LAGRANGE, Ohio—Sarah Iler of Lagrange, Ohio, is one of four high school seniors attending GARBC churches who have been awarded $2,500 scholarships in the first GARBC Christian Character Scholarship competition.

The other three seniors are Kendra Cizauskas of Oakland, Michigan; Carson Odle of Lagrange, Ohio; and Jacob Southwell of Mancelona, Michigan. Ten other students received $1,000 scholarships, and 10 more received $500 scholarships to any of seven Christian colleges who are participating in the program.

Sarah Iler, a member of First Baptist Church, Elyria, Ohio, is a past Talents for Christ winner in vocal duet and is heavily involved in her church and school. She has been on the highest honor roll for four years and is a founder of a junior high girls’ mentoring program at First Baptist Christian School. She also serves at her church in the choir, nursery, children’s church, livestream camera team, drama team, and VBS. Sarah, who plays the guitar, also helps lead music on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. She is a four-year Academic All-Conference athlete, a multiyear MVP for her school’s volleyball and basketball teams, and a coach for her church’s Upward Sports program.

“Sarah is tender towards spiritual things,” says Beneta Parker, First Baptist Christian School faculty member and student council advisor. “She has often expressed a desire to please the Lord. She has offered to lead in Bible studies and makes wise, moral decisions.”

Jeff Rising, a deacon at First Baptist and a basketball coach at First Baptist Christian School, says, “I see a servant’s heart as she sings and serves in various ways in the church. Out of church, she is mindful of representing Christ in her actions and attitudes. Sarah has sought Biblical council through pastors, teachers, and parents to map out a course for which God has chosen for her.”

In college, Sarah plans to study office administration and Biblical counseling.

Jon Jenks, a judge for the scholarship program, says, “The impact of these quality young people could be seen in the way teachers, some of whom did not even know Christ, saw the Christian character of these young people in action. Bravo, young people!”

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.