emily calbreath-frasieur – july student spotlight winner

When God looks at Emily Frasieur’s 18-year-old heart, the book of Matthew probably comes to mind, where He instructs all believers to never be ashamed of Him before any man.

This young lady is so in love with God that she found a way to raise dialogue about her savior whenever anyone looks at her.  Her arm has the tattoo of a cross with a banner that bears the date she got saved. Emily’s church youth leader, Debbie Mullins of “Diamonds” Youth Group in South Bend, IN, describes the teen as inspiring and selfless.  “She uses (the tattoo) as an icebreaker…a way to share her faith as lots of kids ask her what the date means,” Mullins says. “And she’s never ashamed to tell anyone who asks.”

While Emily is relatively new to Christianity, she is hungry for the Word. She is usually seen with her Bible and journal – taking notes on sermons and lessons.  Hebrews 11:1 is the scripture she meditates on daily. It’s her favorite passage because it reminds believers: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

And this Niles High School student is keeping her hopes up. She desires to head to college in another year after she currently takes time now to care for her sister in California. Her parents, Dawn Frasieur and Michael Kirby, raised a daughter that has high expectations for the future.  “I want to attend UC Berkeley to become an elementary school teacher,” Emily says. But her plans are not limited to just that. “My dream is to create a church specifically for troubled young people.”

And we’re confident that you will…

Congratulations Emily on being our XYM Student Spotlight!

caress thirus – june student spotlight winner

Reading while still wearing diapers: Impressive.
Being 16 years old with an Associates Degree: Quite Impressive.
Knowing God reigns first in your life: PRICELESS!

Caress Monet Thirus is a teenager on the move – heading to Roosevelt University in the fall and already planning to be a Dean’s List honoree. And while being young, talented and driven, she never forgets that her wit and strength come from a higher power.

“God has blessed me and my parents in such a way that I was an advanced student,” Caress says. “He allowed me to be reading by one, and I began first grade around the age of 2 or 3. Thankfully, I never fell behind.”

Caress never fell behind because she kept going forward. “I’ve never had a summer off,” she says laughing, “but it was worth it!” While her peers were preparing for a high school graduation, Caress was earning a Liberal Arts degree at Prairie State College.

Now, she’s focused on early childhood education. Once Caress finishes at Roosevelt, she’ll be qualified to teach children from birth to third grade. She also plans to do far more than studying before earning her bachelors degree.

“I am currently working on starting a Christian youth group in my subdivision,” Caress said. “I also want to learn to play guitar and piano because I’d love to be an established music artist.”

And just incase the music scene falls flat, Caress is already thinking of a “Plan B.” She intends to spend more time working with children this year. “I’d love to own a daycare center one day,” Caress adds.

Shockingly, underneath this innovative and mature spirit, Caress sometimes reminds people that she’s just a teenager. She enjoys watching kid shows and reality TV. She also loves pizza and the color aqua blue.

Still, her parents, Zane and Wynde Thirus have a right to be in awe of their daughter. Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 where the Lord says: “I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not to abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. (The Message Translation) ”

“It always helps me to put my trust in God and to forget about my circumstances,” Caress says. “It’s like my life story.”

Congratulations Caress on being our XYM Student Spotlight!