Senior Spotlight 2025

To the AMAZING CLASS OF 2025,

By every measure, you are a very special class to our church.  Many of you were practically born and raised in our church, while others of you have joined us along the way and have made our church family complete. Our hearts overflow with joy as we take a moment to pause and recognize you for who you are and what you mean to us.

What has made you such a special class is your collective willingness to serve the Lord Jesus by serving our church.  You are outstanding examples of true Christian servant leadership.  You have used your time and talents to make in impact here at 1707 San Jacinto, and now as some of you go, you will build the church here and in new places.

From Sunday morning bible studies to Wednesday night activities, Beach Camps to Mission trips, the moments we have made are truly a gift.  May these moments be treasured memories for years to come. Not only have you grown physically, we have also seen you grow in faith, character, and conviction. What the Lord has started in you, He will be faithful to complete.  This is just the beginning.

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Keep seeking Him first.  Wherever you go, in whatever you do, seek Jesus first, and the rest will all make sense. Whether you’re in a dorm, workplace, classroom, lab, or study hall, let His wisdom guide your every decision.

Remember that once you are a part of First Dallas, you will always be a part of our church family.  The church is not a building nor a program.  The church is YOU.  The church is US.  YOU ARE US.  This means our love and dedication does not end now.  The relationships you have formed will continue, and every staff member, volunteer, church member and friend is but a phone call or message away.

Now it is time to celebrate the end of a season and anticipate the beginning of a new one.  Never forget the timeless biblical principles you have been taught by your parents, Kids Ministry, Student Ministry, and our Pastor.  Now it’s your turn to live out what has been poured into you.  Remember that Jesus is with you, and we are too.

We love you.

Kevin Batista
Student Ministries

Meet Our Seniors!

Sarah Archibald

• High School: Homeschooled
• Future Plans: I will be attending Charleston Southern University in the fall, where I have been offered to cheer on the cheer team (which I will be doing!) My major is still undecided.
• Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13—I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
• Most Memorable Moment: Attending the leadership retreat back in 2023. 
• Advice for FD Students: Always act on what your heart is telling you to do. I know there are many times when I wanted to say/do something, but I just never did, and because of that, I missed out on a few things. So, speak up if you have something to say!
• Spiritual Growth: I learned the importance of Christian fellowship in helping me stay accountable to the biblical standards. Additionally, I realized that my Christian life is to be consistent in every situation and in front of every person. My attitude and behavior need to reflect Jesus Christ. Though I mess up a lot, I know that God is working in my life to draw me closer to him. I have benefited from loving leaders as well as some excellent teaching.

Zach Baker

• High School: Fusion Dallas
• Future Plans: I will be attending Lubbock Christian University, majoring in Museum and Heritage Studies with a Writing and Research emphasis.
• Favorite Bible Verse: Galatians 6:7—Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
• Most Memorable Moment: Definitely handshakes with Jared!
• Advice for FD Students: You’re going to mess up sometimes. That’s part of learning. God’s grace is bigger than your mistakes.
• Spiritual Growth: Forgiving myself. Submission to the Lord. Finding tranquility in darkness.

Jackson Batista

• High School: First Baptist Academy
• Future Plans: Study to become an anesthesiologist. 
• Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6—Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
• Most Memorable Moment: Beach Camp
• Advice for FD Students: Be yourself and don’t let anyone try to change you. Make the most of your senior year!
• Spiritual Growth: I grew spiritually by asking questions and talking to youth leaders. 

Jenena Bottinelli

• High School: Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School
• Future Plans: Next year, I plan to major in Animal Science at Texas A&M University.
• Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 16:9—The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
• Most Memorable Moment: One of my most memorable experiences at FD Students was the San Diego Mission Trip. It was my first mission trip, and it turned out to be my favorite. I had the opportunity to sing and worship the Lord with my friends, visit the beach, and appreciate the beauty God has placed in the world. I created countless cherished memories with my friends that I will always hold dear to my heart.
• Advice for FD Students: Make the most of every opportunity to spend time with your friends and church family. Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone, as this is the only way to grow into the person God intends for you to be.
• Spiritual Growth: During my time as an FD student, I have experienced significant spiritual growth. I have formed connections with wonderful girls who share my faith and have become my best friends, supporting me on my journey. I have also had the privilege of learning from many amazing teachers who demonstrate their love for God and deep knowledge of the Bible. Over the years, I have developed skills to share the love Jesus has for others and to deepen my own faith and walk with Him.

Renee Brinkley

• High School: Homeschooled
• Future Plans: To attend Dallas Baptist University, continue growing in my faith, and actively serve in my church communities! 
• Favorite Bible Verse: Haggai 2:9—The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and in this place I will give peace,’ declares the Lord of hosts.
• Most Memorable Moment: Serving at the Dallas Christmas Spectacular alongside my entire family. 
• Advice for FD Students: My advice to younger students is to always stay true to who you are. Don’t let anyone change you—you are perfectly made in God’s image. Remember, it’s okay to say no. Setting boundaries doesn’t make you a bad person; it means you know your worth. 
• Spiritual Growth: I grew spiritually by serving the Lord behind the scenes and realizing that we serve for the glory of God, not for recognition from others. Having strong Sunday School teachers and leaders who were always there to guide me and answer my questions made a big impact. I’ve had ups and downs in life, but I can always count on the student ministry to lead me back to the truth of God’s Word!
• Special Thanks: I just want to add that I’m truly grateful for First Baptist Dallas in general. It’s where I found my family and grew so much in my faith. Nothing and no one can take away the experiences I’ve had here or the lessons I’ve learned—and will continue to learn—through the church and student ministry.

Carson Bunch

• High School: Ennis High School
• Future Plans: Navarro College—Music
• Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 5:8—But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
• Most Memorable Moment: The Bahamas mission trip. 
• Advice for FD Students: This is only a small portion of your life, so if things aren’t going well now, there is plenty of time for things to change. God’s plans are on His time, not ours.
• Spiritual Growth: The student ministry has shown me how to find God in all things that I do.

Alana Cohen

• High School: Homeschool
• Future Plans: University of Texas at Tyler, Communications
• Favorite Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12—Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
• Most Memorable Moment: The Houston Mission Trip—I loved working with the children on that trip and evangelizing in the mall.
• Advice for FD Students: God doesn’t give up on you. Don’t give up on Him just because you don’t see what He’s promised, yet.
• Spiritual Growth: God has done so much in my life during my time in FD Students. He has taught me to rely on Him through all things.

Levi Donaldson

• High School: Homeschool 
• Future Plans: Pursue Video Editing at Collin College and continue working for Pathway to Victory. 
• Favorite Bible Verse: Ephesians 2:8—For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. 
• Most Memorable Moment: Goofing off with roommates on church trips.
• Spiritual Growth: FD Students poured a lot into me over the years. I’ve been a student of biblical wisdom.

Sydney Duren

• High School: First Baptist Academy
• Future Plans: Attend William Carey University.
• Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:6—Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
• Most Memorable Moment: Christmas Concerts!
• Advice for FD Students: Enjoy every moment and don’t let what others think hold you back from new things.
• Spiritual Growth: I learned how to study God’s Word and discern the Lord’s voice in my life.
• Special Thanks: I appreciate each leader in the ministry for giving me such a special senior year!

Ellie Fanor

• High School: Abeka Academy (Homeschooled)
• Future Plans: I’ll be taking classes at Dallas Baptist University.
• Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:6-7—Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
• Most Memorable Moment: My most memorable time at FD Students was singing with the choir throughout the Charleston mission trip in 2024.
• Advice for FD Students: Having a strong relationship with God needs to be your number one priority in life, and always use your talents to glorify God!
• Spiritual Growth: I learned what it truly means to be loved by God, and I learned how much of a joy it is to serve Him and others.

Emma Ford

• High School: Grapevine Faith Christian School
• Future Plans: I will attend the University of Arkansas, majoring in Criminology. 
• Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 7:9—And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you will not believe, you surely shall not last.
• Most Memorable Moment: Limitless at Daira’s house and getting baptized!
• Advice for FD Students: Never lose faith in the Lord, no matter the circumstances!
• Spiritual Growth: I learned to find sincere people who love the Lord and learn to shine His light from my teachers.

Jake Ford

• High School: Grapevine Faith Christian School
• Future Plans: I will attend Texas A&M University and major in Business Management and Pre-Law.
• Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:38-39—For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
• Most Memorable Moment: Fall D-Now weekend with Thad!
• Advice for FD Students: Get involved and show up!
• Spiritual Growth: Regularly attending FD Students and Sunday School helped me connect with a local group of believers my age that encouraged me to continue my walk with the Lord.

Blaine Hendry

• High School: Wylie East High School
• Future Plans: College
• Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11—For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
• Most Memorable Moment: Participating in the Dallas Christmas Spectacular with student worship!
• Advice for FD Students: Before you figure out anything in your life, figure out what God means to you, and if He means anything to you, then learn to make Him the focus of your life.
• Spiritual Growth: When I first started during 7th grade, I knew God, but I wasn’t close to Him at all. Now, after all this time has passed, I’ve formed an actual relationship with Him. I read my Bible multiple times a day and pray multiple times a day. I’ve come to learn to trust God with my life.
• Special Thanks: Thank you for helping me grow in my faith and teaching me to live and support others. The community at FD Students is like none I’ve ever seen, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Lily Faith Hodges

• High School: Memoria Academy
• Future Plans: I will attend Texas A&M University to earn a Biomedical Sciences degree. After graduating from Texas A&M, I aspire to pursue a medical degree in Pediatric Oncology.
• Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11—For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
• Most Memorable Moment: My most memorable moment was beach camp with my sister!!
• Advice for FD Students: Ask questions! Don’t be afraid. God can show you new and wonderful things when you just ask.
• Spiritual Growth: I love the sermons every Sunday and Wednesday! I am so grateful for all the leaders and Sunday School teachers. One of the teachers answered a question that really helped me look at things from a different perspective, and I am very grateful to her for that!

Josh Hook

• High School: The Covenant School
• Future Plans: Attend Samford University
• Favorite Bible Verse: Joshua 1:9—Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
• Most Memorable Moment: Going to camp. 
• Advice for FD Students: Don’t take things too seriously.
• Spiritual Growth: Thanks to many great leaders, I grew spiritually with my small group.

Kayleigh Jones

• High School: Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
• Future Plans: Judson College in Wake Forest, NC
• Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10—And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
• Most Memorable Moment: My most memorable moment was probably the last night of Fall Retreat in 2024, when my friends gathered around the fire and sang praise songs together. It was super sweet and intimate, all of us just holding each other and worshiping in the stillness.
• Advice for FD Students: The advice I would give younger students is to let go. Let go of your expectations for yourself, let go of others’ expectations of you, let go of the expectations you think God has for you, and find out for yourself. Dig into His Word, discover who this God really is, and let it settle in your heart. Your life will never be the same if you let Him love you.
• Spiritual Growth: I became a true follower of Jesus while in FD Students at the 2022 Fall Retreat, and the way I see the church, Christians, and God Himself has completely shifted. I have found people who desire Christ and have pushed me to remain faithful. I have learned so much about the depth of God’s love for me, and fallen in love with it. FD Students has shown me where my passions and giftings in the Holy Spirit lie and how I can use them for His glory for the rest of my life. I am so grateful to God for how He has used FB Students to change my life for the better.

Brooke Mackie

• High School: Collin College
• Future Plans: I am planning to go to college at University of North Texas and major in Psychology. 
• Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 139:14—I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.
• Most Memorable Moment: Beach camp has always been the most memorable time for me during my time at FD students.
• Advice for FD Students: Always know your value and worth, and do not let other’s words and opinions on you change who you are and what you believe in.
• Spiritual Growth:I have learned to grow into my own relationship with Christ and learn to not base my faith off of others.

Hannah McReynolds

• High School: Rockwall-Heath High School
• Future Plans: Go to Baylor University for the pre-med track.
• Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13—I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
• Most Memorable Moment: Growing with the same people and seeing everyone else’s faith radiate throughout the class.
• Advice for FD Students: Just keep pushing, in school and in faith. Both are hard sometimes, but it’s important to keep up the hard work.
• Spiritual Growth: I began trusting in the Lord early on, but never really felt it until I heard from other people’s experiences in First Dallas. I ended up getting baptized!

Issac Nichols

• High School: Homeschool
• Future Plans: Attend college at Dallas Baptist University. 
• Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10—And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
• Most Memorable Moment: The leadership retreat. 
• Advice for FD Students: Go to everything.
• Spiritual Growth: I learned faith is about a real relationship with Jesus, not just religion.

William Pulley

• High School: Grapevine Faith Christian School
• Future Plans: Golf at Harding University. 
• Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 28:1—The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion.
• Most Memorable Moment: The Houston mission trip in January 2024. 
• Advice for FD Students: Engage with everything and everyone around you, and don’t miss any opportunities.
• Spiritual Growth: Learned how to step into leadership roles.

Bella Scott

• High School: Founders Classical Academy
• Future Plans: I plan to attend college at the University of Austin and study education!
• Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 34:4—I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
• Most Memorable Moment: Singing a solo at the Dallas Christmas Spectacular and making best friends here. 
• Advice for FD Students: Don’t be afraid to be unique!
• Spiritual Growth: I made many new friends who encouraged me to grow closer to the Lord!

Nathan Stewart

• High School: First Baptist Academy 
• Future Plans: Attend Dallas Baptist University. 
• Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 23—The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me;  Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
• Most Memorable Moment: Going on the mission trip to the Bahamas and Charleston, South Carolina. 
• Advice for FD Students: Don’t give up, even when times are tough. Look to the Lord to get you through these times.
• Spiritual Growth: The growth in my faith can be evidenced in the way I live my life. I choose to spend time in the Word. I choose to surround myself with fellow believers. These things lead me to make better choices in my life overall.

Aiden Terrill

• High School: Homeschool 
• Future Plans: Major In Engineering at LeTourneau University
• Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9—And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
• Most Memorable Moment: The SW Mission Trips were the highlight of my year. I made core memories serving with my friends on these trips. We served together during the day and had quality conversations in our room at night. These are the memories that’ll stick with me the rest of my life.
• Advice for FD Students: You’ll never regret serving in your church. Show up early, stay late—be one of the reasons things go smoothly.
• Spiritual Growth: Learning to share my thoughts on the lessons with friends and discuss others opinions on the lessons has been so impactful.

Ellie Tijerina

• High School: Homeschool
• Future Plans: Looking forward to attending Dallas College and then transferring to a university! 
• Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13—I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
• Most Memorable Moment: Going on the 2022 San Diego mission trip and making fun memories serving with my friends!
• Advice for FD Students: Cherish the times student leaders pour into you and attend all student events!
• Spiritual Growth: Being with like-minded people who inspire me to draw closer to the Lord, and having godly friendships.
• Special Thanks: Thankful for all the memories and friendships I made in Student Ministry. My time here has encouraged me in my walk with the Lord.

Katie Tucker

• High School: Berkner High School
• Future Plans: Attending the University of Arkansas and majoring in marketing. 
• Favorite Bible Verse: I Timothy 1:7—For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
• Most Memorable Moment: Going to the beach on the Charleston mission trip when my friends and I crammed six people on one alligator floatie in the ocean and we would see who could hold on when getting knocked over by the biggest waves. 
• Advice for FD Students: Don’t be afraid to get out of your shell. Meet new people, make friends, if you’re thinking about volunteering give it a shot, and remember the Lord will give you strength.
• Spiritual Growth: I’ve grown at FD Students in my consistency and desire to connect with the Lord and other strong believers around me. This impacted my school life in wanting to find Godly friends, maintaining biblical integrity when faced with temptations, and living for God wherever I go.
• Special Thanks: Thank you to everyone on staff, every leader, and my best friends who made this place feel like home. I have never been more excited to come to church as much as I can than here in students. I feel so welcomed, cared for, and that I always have someone to yap all my stories to. I love this ministry and it will always be something I will cherish throughout my life.