She hopes to teach music through children’s ministry
Graduating high school senior Sarah Woodroof plans to take the drama with her.
In fact, The Oaks Classical Christian Academy honor student from north Spokane says she hopes someday to use her theater know-how along with her singing talents to make a difference in the lives of children.
“I am hoping to go into ministry with an emphasis on children’s ministry using music and drama,” says Woodroof, 17. “It’s my favorite thing.
“When children hear music, it lights them up. I feel it’s what I’m supposed to be doing when I’m teaching children with music. I feel that it’s what God wants me to do.”
Music has always been a part of her world. Her father, Gary Woodroof, is a former school choir teacher and currently a pastor of worship and fine arts at Spokane First Church of the Nazarene. Her mother, Teri Woodroof, is a teacher and drama director at The Oaks. She says the family home often is filled with music – including one of her favorite styles: Southern gospel. She also enjoys contemporary and traditional Christian hymns as well as the songs of musical theater.
Woodroof has participated in a variety of school performances, including those with the Madrigal Choir, holiday programs and theater productions. Most recently, she was one of some 68 cast members in the school’s production of “Oliver.”
During her junior year at The Oaks, she was awarded the school’s highest honor: the Faculty Award for academic excellence and moral character.
“She is a strong testimony of God’s transforming power,” says The Oaks Headmaster Bruce Williams. “Sarah has a wonderful heart for people and encouraging them to seek after Christ in all they do. Sarah is infectious with her love for God and desiring to see others love Him as well.”
Woodroof’s experience working with youth includes serving as musical director at vacation Bible schools, co-directing a children’s musical production at her church, and leading the music team at the local Union Gospel Mission Youth Outreach summer program.
“Leading those kinds of ministries, having leadership positions, is when I feel like I’m being most obedient to where God wants me to be,” says Woodroof.
While she isn’t pinpointing any particular location where those future ambitions might take her, she is preparing to continue her academic career at Whitworth University this fall. She has received a $5,000 renewable music scholarship.
Woodroof, who has maintained a high school grade-point average of 3.84, is one of 21 seniors from The Oaks who will be awarded a diploma during the commencement ceremony June 10.
Williams says this year’s class has set an excellent example for other students to follow, as they have modeled Christ-like obedience, and shown the love toward each other and others.
As they move forward, he said, “I would encourage this class to be on their guard; stand firm in the faith; be men and women of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.”