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Fairfield High School senior Erin Rachel has had a long list of accomplishments while an Eagle, and willl hope to continue the success in the Texas A&M Nursing program.
Erin Rachel is a member of the Fairfield High School Class of 2020, and is excited to continue her education at Texas A&M University as a nursing student in the fall. She hopes to become a Pediatric Nurse in a children’s cancer and research hospital.
Rachel attended Kindergarten through 12th grade at Fairfield ISD. At FHS, Erin has been involved in numerous activities including Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Beta Club, and Drama Club. She has served as the FCA Chaplin, Treasurer, and Secretary. Erin has been the Vice-President of the Beta Club. In the Drama Club, she has served as the Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President.
The senior has served as a Freshman Representative, Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice-President of the Interact Club, which is a community service club that the rotary sponsors.
She has also been on the newspaper staff for two years and served as the Copy Editor this year. Erin has also been in One Act Play all four years of high school, and was also a founding student for Eagles for Christ.
Rachel has been a member of the Color Guard all four years of high school and served as the Captain for two years.
“One of the highest honors I’ve received has been the outstanding choreography and a first place routine for our ‘Feel This Moment’ routine,” Rachel said. “I choreographed that routine and it was the final routine of my senior year, so it was an honor to see how all of our hard work paid off and I loved having something to leave the girls.”
She competed in UIL Journalism as well throughout her high school career. She was a state qualifier in Editorial Writing her junior year.
“It was the first official year I competed in Editorial Writing and to make it that far was insane,” Rachel said. “It was a memorable trip and a great opportunity.”
Rachel is part of a unique senior class, with the majority of the FHS spring altered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 changed the end to my senior year,” she said. “We couldn’t return to school after spring break so our Bi-District One Act Play competition was cancelled, our District UIL contest was cancelled, prom was cancelled, and we never got to do senior traditions like the classes before us. But, I have had the opportunity to work more and earn money for college. I’ve gotten to see my family more and spend more time being grateful for the little things in life. I’m upset about my senior year, but I have hope in it all.”
In the community, Erin is a member of Calvary Baptist Church where she serves as a youth leader. She participates in many church activities throughout the year, including holiday events and children’s ministry events. She also helps with local recycle drives. This past summer, she volunteered as a staff member at the Sold Out and Radical (SOAR) student conference in Dallas.
Her hobbies include singing, writing, and anything church-related.
“I’m very outspoken about my faith and passion for Jesus and I love reading in His Word and worshipping Him with my church family,” Rachel said.
When asked who inspires her, Rachel said, “Many people inspire me to be who I am. My family and friends inspire me to better the world. One person who serves as an inspiration for me is Trisha Wren. She is such a Godly woman and loving person. I hope to be half the woman she is one day.”
The time spent at FHS featured several highlights for the soon-to-be graduate.
“It’s hard to pick a favorite memory. I’ve loved most of high school,” Rachel said. “It would either have to be the SOAR conference, because I got to serve and help students and spend it with my best friend, before prom dinners with my best friends, or my last Kilgore flag competition. It was just a carefree, happy time with people I love.”
Erin’s proud parents are Kim Rachel, Bobby Rachel and Sherri Rachel.
“My advice to underclassmen is to have a balance. Don’t take the stress and drama too seriously and don’t forget to have fun,” Rachel said.
“But also remember your roots and where you came from. Not everyone will be your friend and that’s okay. Lastly, I’d say that temporary happiness doesn’t get you anything more in life, but eternal joy in Jesus is everything in life.”