Brian Ross is one of Maranatha Christian Academy’s four graduating seniors this May.

He’s taking all those years of Christian schooling and putting it to good use — he’s going to Crown College in Knoxville, Tenn., with tentative plans to become a youth minister.

“My main reason for going to Crown is to learn the Bible better and do whatever he sees fit,” Ross said.
Ross’ father, Ted Ross, is the youth minister at McEver Road Baptist Church, while his mom, Joy Ross, teaches Sunday school there.

Ross said his father has led him to be a confident Christian, and has played a part in his plans to start in a career in Christian leadership.

“I’ve always looked up to my dad. He’s always put the Lord first,” Ross said. “He’s always been a really good example for me.”

Ross intends to minor in music at Crown College and also hopes to play basketball for the school.

“I’d like to help out with music at Maranatha when I come back,” Ross said. “And I’ve always played basketball, so I hope I get to play basketball there.”

Ross’ chances are looking good. He’s been invited to a basketball tournament in late May that will showcase new college-aged basketball players to college coaches nationwide.

“It’d be fun. It’s a whole new level of game play,” Ross said. “Plus, it’s a lot more strict and disciplined. It would push me to do better.”