teen spotlight
photography by Bryan Carter
parents’
perspective
Justin
GIFFORD
“What truly amazes me about our son is his
thought process,” Justin’s mother Donna said. “As
stats
a mother, I find that I am ruled by my emotions
Senior, 17
but my son is so level-headed.” Justin’s parents,
Donna and Jonathan have raised their son to be
notable
a leader, not a follower. “We have always tried to
Ever wondered what
encourage him to dream and if he wants somemastermind was behind
thing, go after it.” And the high school senior has
your most recent mobile
definitely done just that.
app download? Meet Justin
Justin has accomplished more than many
Gifford—a student at
people hope to in a lifetime with a list of achievePrattville Christian Academy
ments that includes publishing an app in Apple’s
who developed an app two
apps store, receiving a Presiyears ago for the Apple apps
dential Scholarship from the
store. Justin created 123 Blaster, an educational app
University of Alabama, accepdesigned to help children learn to count. His initial
tance into the honors program
r children grounded in
“Keep you
inspiration for the app was his niece, who was 3 at
nd them with and countless others.
God’s Word, and surrou
the time and learning her numbers. The app allowed
But even with a list that
children to “blast” numbers with their rocket ship, so
like-minded individuals. Remind
impressive, his parents are
they could learn and play simultaneously.
them that every day is a new day
more proud of the work he
.”
and to enjoy each and every one
does serving others. “His
PG (parental guidance) rating
- Jonathan & Donna Gifford
willingness to give of his
“I appreciate my parents trust in me the most. They
time—his selflessness—is awebelieve what I say and believe in my actions. When
some.” Whether serving with his
I decided to learn how to develop applications, they
youth group, tutoring children at school, or helping raise money
trusted that I was being productive and invested in my hobby. . To
to build wells in Kenya, his parents are inspired by his energy and
me trust is not only trusting what someone says is the truth, but
the excitement he displays when working for the greater good.
also having faith in his actions, and that’s what my parents have
“It’s this zest for helping others that we’re most proud of.”
in me.”
parent-to-parent
MORGAN BAKER
stats Senior, 17
notable Hoping to combine his knack for acting and desire to serve
others to fulfill his life’s calling
his story Morgan Baker’s youth minister once told him, “If you really
want to see Jesus, go hang out with the poor.” And it’s something the 17-yearold says he whole-heartedly believes to be true and hopes to devote much of
his life to relieving poverty.
The high school senior will be pursuing a double major in theater and
Bible at Faulkner University this fall with the intention of becoming either a
pastor or an actor. Morgan recognizes the opportunity to help others in both
professions and finds satisfaction in using the gifts he’s been given to do it. “I
think through telling stories you can make people think deeper about life, the
world and everything in it,” he said. “Through theater I can help do that.”
PG (parental guidance) rating
My mom has always instilled in me the truth that every person has worth
and she’s always tried to help me see that. My dad has encouraged me to be
gracious and what a wonderful thing that can be.
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