Reese Herndon, an Edmond North senior, is getting ready to walk the stage on May 15th.
Reese will be attending Oklahoma City University for Religious Studies. She was given the honor of attending the university as a Bishop Scholar which will pay for her full college tuition.
“The United Methodist church allowed me to attend church camps every year, where I really felt my call to ministry,” said Reese.
Growing up in a religious family allowed for Reese to explore her faith; her family is very involved in church, and camp every year has also been pivotal in Reese’s life.
“I love being surrounded by God’s creation, experiencing it with new and old friends every summer and winter.”
The community she has found has led her to the hope that she can create the same feeling of belonging for others. That is what has motivated her to pursue ministry.
In addition to her church, Reese has been a vital member of the newspaper staff; her photography skills have elevated many articles. She has been passionate about photography for years, and it is evident that she has a true talent for the art.
“I really got into photography in 5th grade when my grandfather gave me his old camera. However, I found an old toy camera I had as a toddler, so I think my love for taking pictures started earlier.”
Her skills in photography and helping others reflect on her accomplishments in a multitude of ways. Reese is a member of the Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) as the Missions Chair, where she has utilized her faith and photography.
Reese said, “On CCYM, I was able to write a grant for $185,000 to get new mattresses for the three United Methodist Campgrounds. I stayed on CCYM for three years.”
In her second year, Reese wrote another grant to get three new AED Kits and Epi-Pens for each campground: that totalled to $30,000.
Her work with CCYM has been inspiring, and she also uses her photography skills to help her church and spread her faith.
“I was the photographer for two different church camps for three years. You can find several of my pictures used on the Okumcamps Instagram page, as well as the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference website.”
Reese’s accomplishments are not to go unnoticed, but everyone needs support. Like many people, Reese leaned on her parents for support and inspiration. A time she was really inspired was when her mother stepped up as the youth director at their church when they were between ministers, despite her mom already dealing with a lot.
“My mom is a huge inspiration for me. She works with elementary-age kids who have IEPs or extreme behavioral issues. She works with kids who have sent other teachers to the hospital or kids who are on their last chance. No matter how many times she’s bitten, kicked, or punched, she still shows up with patience and love for those kids.” Said Reese.
Reese also has leaned on her friends’ support, and they have all been there for her when she needed them most. She shared that she and her friends have helped grow each other’s faith and have also been there to simply laugh with one another.
“I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am now without my friends. I thank God that He put them into my life when I truly needed them.”
Her ability to help others and her faith has led her to speak at seven different churches and has led her to the path of ministry. Reese is truly such an accomplished person, and the path she is taking is perfect for her beliefs and skills.
