Maddie McGee

This year, sophomore Maddie McGee created a club called “Anchored In Faith” through her Personal Project, a component of the International Baccalaureate program.

IB students were assigned their Personal Project earlier in the year, however McGee says, “I actually was planning to start it before I even considered the Personal Project. So then, when it came around, I decided to do that because it would be convenient.” 

Her pastor, Chris Horton from Grace Bible Church, inspired her to consider creating a club at PA, and is helping her to facilitate the group. McGee shared her ideas with Horton at a youth group one day, and he was willing to help her start the club. 

McGee added that she could not launch this idea on her own. Her good friends, sophomores Kamryn McGinnis, Layne Hunter, and Payton Vandergrift, all worked together to make it a success.

McGee states that the inspiration for her club was the supportive Christian community. She says, “People who love Jesus are genuinely such nice people, and so I wanted people in my school to feel that way.” Another thing that she says inspired her is that her motivation for the club is to show everyone that having a relationship with Jesus is very fulfilling. 

The first club meeting was held on Nov. 20, in room 212.  McGee notes the turnout was excellent, with around 17 people attending. Since then, the meetings have averaged about 15-20 people. She shares that she was happy people showed up and that it meant a lot to her. 

Despite McGee having a crowded schedule with academics and extracurriculars, she has made time to ensure the club is enjoyable for her peers by including games and interactive activities for everyone to participate in. Overall, McGee feels that she has had a great experience so far and hopes the club will lead to a more positive community. 

McGee also shared, “I am so glad I have gotten this opportunity to teach people in my community about God, and have a positive impact on them!”