Fountain Inn teen named Outstanding Church Youth Leader

Nov. 6, 2006

A Fountain Inn, S.C., teenager was recognized this weekend by Presbyterian College for exceptional contributions to her church and community.

Anna Todd George, a senior at Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville, S.C., was named Outstanding Church Youth Leader at Presbyterian College on Saturday, Nov. 4.

The daughter of Harry and Beverly George of Fountain Inn, she is a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Simpsonville and a former member of Fountain Inn Presbyterian Church.

She is currently moderator of the Foothills Presbytery Youth Council and one of four high school age youth who serve of the Montreat Youth Conference Theta Planning Team. In 2004, she was delegate to the Presbyterian Church USA Youth Triennium and she has attended the Montreat Conference on Worship and Music since 1997.

A member of the Hillcrest High Concert Choir, George earned a "Superior" at the South Carolina Solo and Ensemble festival last spring and was named to the South Carolina All State choir.

In an essay submitted to the selection committee, George outlined her philosophy on Christian leadership.

"I believe that to be a Christian leader is to be a Christian follower; the two go hand in hand," she wrote. "In order to be a good leader, a person must have ears open to the cries of neighbors and a heart and mind open to the Holy Spirit, as well as have the confidence and faith to take a risk for what they believe in. A Christian leader must know when to lead and when to follow, when to teach and when to learn. He or she must strive to be humble and compassionate, while recognizing that God does not expect perfection. Even when we pretend not to believe in God or ourselves, God believes in us, and He calls us to take leadership roles in a world where they are not always easy."

She also wrote that Christian leadership influences every aspect of her life – interacting with friends or during church activities.

"In my life, Christian leadership is more of a calling than a goal," she stated. "I believe that God has called me into ministry, not only after seminary but also in my everyday life."

Neely Stansell-Simpson, the director of youth ministries at Eastminster Presbyterian and a 2003 graduate of PC, praised George's enthusiasm and faith.

"Anna George actively displays faith and maturity beyond her years," she stated. "Her leadership is a tremendous asset to our youth program and to our presbytery. She is a talented leader whose ease with herself and her abilities puts others at ease. Her leadership style is one that pulls people in and engages them in activity. Anna is also one of the most giving people I know. She is always eager to help. She is always eager to participate."

George's pastor, the Rev. David Taylor, also noted her gift for ministry – for its obvious impact and its potential.

"Anna George gives me not only hope for the future of the Church but encouragement for how God is presently working among God's people," he stated. "She is exceptionally bright and gifted. She has excelled academically and musically. Yet it is the way Anna is living inter calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ that is so inspiring to those who know and love her."

Taylor said George is a great example not only for other youth but any adult Christian.

"Anna understands that call (to ministry) is not merely a long range commitment; it is lived out in the present experiences and relationships that God opens before us," he stated. "She is providing good leadership to the Foothills Presbytery Youth Council, as well as to Eastminster's youth ministry. She is a leader in her school and among her peers. Anna bears witness to her faith in Jesus Christ through the quality of her life shared with others."