2022 Senior Profiles: Luke Parker- Gordon College

EC Senior: Luke Parker
Year joined EC: Kindergarten
Plans for next year: Gordon College studying Christian Ministries and Biblical Theology

What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
I have always admired the Christian environment within EC. I feel like I have been able to grow in my faith, as well as help others grow in my faith through various ways. I love that people of all denominations are welcomed, and how are able to encounter God in any way that we feel comfortable.

Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.
I really admire Mr. Bailey a lot. Throughout my four years at ECHS, he has been not only a teacher and a coach, but a spiritual mentor. He makes sure that each and every student is doing well, and is eager to pray and talk to students who need it. He has helped me grow in my faith, and has pushed me to be a better man today.

In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
I think I have become a different man than who I was my freshman year. I have always called myself a Christian, but I don’t think I fully made my faith my own until high school. ECHS has provided for me a space that I am able to encounter God in any way I feel comfortable, and it has encouraged me to continue to walk in my faith even after high school.

At Eastern Christian we talk about an education that is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience this kind of education at EC?
I think the word “nurturing” sticks out to me the most. Teachers at ECHS really care for their students, and they will nurture their gifts in any way they can. You don’t have to be the smartest or the best in order for a teacher to see your desire to do better and help you achieve that.

How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college/career and life?
I do feel like EC has prepared me for life after graduation. I am eager to leave and excited to go out into the world. I think EC has taught me to live a life on mission for God, not a life solely for myself.

What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?
Being able to worship, pray, and talk about God freely is amazing. I was able to lead a mens bible study, join a spiritual formation group, and relate every subject back to God. At EC you are able to see how God is intertwined in everything in this world.

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Eastern Christian School?
Take it all in, because these four years are going to be a rollercoaster. There will be good days, bad days, just and unjust times, fun and mournful moments, but that’s life. Hold on and let God do the driving. Also, allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.