Severt named Lutheran Junior Honor Association Student of the Year

Jillian Severt, an eighth-grade student at Trinity Lutheran School, was named Lutheran Junior Honor Association’s (LJHA) 2025 Student of the Year. Trinity’s LJHA Advisor is Georgia Gustafson, and her application was supported by letters from Rev. Scott Gustafson, her pastor, Kathy Yahr, the former administrator of Trinity, and Britnee Hartwig, Middle School Language Arts teacher at Trinity.
“Years ago she joined our school’s praise team,” Rev. Gustafson said of Jillian. “As her voice has matured, she’s becoming a regular member of our Sunday morning Contemporary Worship Band. For a 14-year-old who is active in dance, sports, and committed to academic excellence, weekly practices for Sunday Praise Services may seem to be just another ‘thing to do’ on a busy schedule. But Jillian loves singing. More than that, her attitude is contagious!”
“Jillian is always the first to encourage others when they are down and to celebrate their successes,” Ms. Yahr said. “Even as a younger student, she would write encouraging, positive notes to teachers and staff just to brighten their days. She demonstrates kindness and support toward younger students... Now in eighth grade, her leadership qualities are evident in LJHA, organizing and participating in all activities, including assisting at First Grade Grandparent Day, assembling and sending care packages for her school’s alumni college freshmen, school-wide collection for Hurricane Relief (which resulted in sending $735 to Orphan Grain Train), Caps for Kids Fundraiser, helping with 4K activities, bell ringing for Salvation Army, and shopping for the annual Rotary Club toy drive. Jillian can be found in many capacities as part of Trinity’s Safety Patrol, whether as crossing guard, opening gates, or flag duty. For three years she offered her time as the daily bus list coordinator.”
Her journey of faith and discipleship has been equally strong,” she said. “Jillian has been joyfully singing with the chapel praise team since fifth grade, and sharing her talents as part of the adult praise team at church since sixth grade. She actively serves as a greeter and usher at church, a large group leader, and crew assistant each year in VBS. She is active in Youth Group and was recently featured in a promotional video thanking the congregation for their support of the Youth Gathering to be held next July in New Orleans.”
LJHA was designed by Lutheran Educators for Lutheran Schools to recognize students who exercise leadership, servanthood, and discipleship, while excelling at academics and who foster these qualities through service projects and other activities. The Student of the Year Award is based on demonstrated community involvement, church involvement, and the LJHA standards of discipleship, service, leadership, and academics.