Special to The Star



Metro Christian Living magazine hosted the inaugural Christian Leaders of the Future reception on the Belhaven Campus April 2. Twenty-one students from all over the state, including Enterprise High School student Jessalyn Rozzell, were chosen from a field of 97 applicants. The selection process included essay questions about incorporating their Christian principles into their everyday lives.

Close to 100 family and friends attended the reception in Barber Auditorium where the students were given plaques, gift bags, and an autographed book by the guest speaker Dr. Michael Lindsay, professor of sociology at Rice University. He is the author of Faith in the Halls of Power, a comprehensive study of political leaders who are people of faith.

Sponsors of the event include Title Sponsor Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company and Belhaven College, Carr, Riggs, and Ingram, MMI Hospitality, Community Bank, and Service Printers.

“The essays our winners submitted were from the heart and the depth of their answers revealed character, integrity, leadership, and a Christian perspective that inspired all of us who read them. Our five judges were outstanding and took their jobs quite seriously. We are looking forward to building this event year by year into something that not only encourages those who apply, but motivates them to greater levels of future leadership,” Marilyn Tinnin, Publisher and Editor of Metro Christian Living said.

Jessalyn is the daughter of Rick and Dena Rozzell of Stonewall. She is a high honors student, member of the EHS girls softball team, and editor of the EHS yearbook. Jessalyn plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi to major in graphic design.

Metro Christian Living is in its fifth year of business, serving the greater Metro area with the good word every month. If you would like more information about Metro Christian Living and the Top 20 Christian Leaders of the Future visit, www.metrochrsitianliving.com.