Senior Spotlight | Zoe Hippe

“I’d say junior year is really where everything changed,” Zoe shared. “I grew in my relationship with the Lord, and I fell in love with Him authentically, not just based on what other people wanted my relationship with Him to look like.”

That growth has become one of the defining parts of Zoe’s LCA experience.

She has been involved in cheer since eighth grade, served in ASB throughout high school, and stepped into spiritual leadership as a Jesus Club leader. Along the way, she says LCA helped her better understand what Christian community can look like.

“Chapel has transformed how I view Christianity,” she said. “It’s about community, loving each other, and pushing each other closer to the Lord.”

A verse prayed over Zoe since birth has also taken on new meaning during her high school years. John 10:10 speaks of Jesus coming so that His followers may have life abundantly, and Zoe believes she has begun to understand what that looks like personally.

“I think I’ve started to walk in the fullness of abundant life,” she said.

Several LCA teachers, coaches, and staff members have helped her along the way. Zoe describes Nurse Yolanda, who has also served as her cheer coach, as a second mom. She also credits Coach Taylor, Mr. Bowder, Ms. Lerew, and Mr. Johnson with encouraging and supporting her academically, personally, and spiritually.

Mr. Johnson’s influence has been especially meaningful because he has helped Zoe navigate dyslexia while also encouraging her faith. His practical advice, she said, has helped her find ways to engage with Scripture even when reading can be difficult.

“He really understands me and meets me where I’m at,” Zoe said.

After graduation, Zoe hopes to attend Grand Canyon University and study education, with the goal of becoming a teacher. She feels especially drawn to working with younger students and hopes her future career will give her opportunities to invest in the next generation.

“I want to make a lasting impact on the next generation,” she said. “I want to see them fall in love with the Lord as much as I do.”

She also hopes ministry will remain part of her future, although she is still seeking clarity about exactly what that will look like. As she looks ahead to graduation, Zoe says leaving her friendships will be one of the hardest parts.

“My whole grade is like one big friend group,” she said. “We love each other so well. It’s like a family.”

Her closest friends have become like sisters, walking alongside her through the many seasons of high school. Some of Zoe’s favorite LCA memories have come from Homecoming and school dances, where she says everyone has the chance to come together, have fun, and simply enjoy the moment.

And when asked to finish the sentence, “LCA has taught me that...,” Zoe’s answer reflected the growth that has shaped her years here: “Prayer is the most important part of your relationship with the Lord.”

For Zoe, LCA has been a place where faith became personal, community became family, and a calling to serve the next generation began to take shape.