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Spotlight On: Amanda Yerkes, CCES Class of 2022

by Jamie Bryant, Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications
 
Christ Church Episcopal School experiences have prepared graduating seniors for whatever comes next and to make a positive difference in the world. Each week, we will put the spotlight on a graduating senior from the Class of 2022. We hope you enjoy getting to know these amazing CCES students!

“Honestly, I just had a feeling,” said Amanda, referring to why she chose Anderson University as her new college home beginning this fall.  We are certain that ‘feeling’ was mutual. 
 
From the time Amanda was a Primer, we had a feeling she was going to do great things.  As her mom, Robin Yerkes, has been a Lower School teacher here for 24 years, Amanda has literally grown up at CCES.
 
Guided by her Christian faith, Amanda developed a solid sense of self at a young age.  She has always had a way of finding the joy in little things and making those around her feel a sense of belonging.  Through acts as simple as her genuine smile, she makes people feel encouraged.  In turn, she draws a lot of energy from the happiness of others.  “She is a beloved and respected member of our community, known for her maturity, integrity, kindness, and self-awareness,” says her college counselor, Linda Schulz
 
While Amanda is more than her grades, she excels in academics at the highest level.  She is steadfast and curious in her studies, and a positive and frequent contributor in class.  She achieved the distinction of cum laude for the past two years, and High Honor Roll all four years of high school.  She was inducted into the Spanish Honor Society as a freshman, and recently chosen for SC Teacher Fellows at Anderson University.  Knowing she would pursue an elementary education path, Amanda also applied to Charleston Southern University, Winthrop University, North Greenville University, and Lander University.  Teachers report that Amanda is “a fun student to have in class” who “consistently gives her best efforts to mastering concepts and producing quality work.”
 
Amanda is also more than her hobbies, although she has participated in athletics (JV Lacrosse) and has a penchant for art.  Her work was highlighted in the AP Art Show this past year.  She is a Student Ambassador Chair, has worked as a late-stay counselor for the past two years, and served for the past three years as a Summer Encounters camp counselor.  Assisting her mother for several years prior to official “counselor” status, Amanda has long been a favorite among students.  In fact, Amanda has earned a reputation on our campus as one of the coolest Summer Encounters camp counselors!  “Working at both late stay and summer encounters has been great experience for my future career,” she says. 
 
In addition to her role as student ambassador, where she welcomes and mentors new students and families, Amanda has also earned her Girl Scout Silver Award.  Both highlight her commitment and service to others.  Her ambassador sponsor remarked, “Amanda has a strong sense of volunteerism and a strong moral compass.  She is confident, organized, willing to go the extra mile, and kind.”
 
“People-centered, thoughtful, and caring,” says Linda Schulz, “Amanda is destined to be a cherished member of Anderson University’s campus community.”  We could not agree more. 

JUST FOR FUN!

Favorite CCES memory?  Our Freshman Mystery Trip to Baltimore because I grew closer to everyone in my grade and met all the new freshman.
Where in the world would you like to get lost?  Probably Spain because I'm learning and enjoy Spanish.
What is your favorite community organization?  Samaritan’s Purse - Operation Christmas Child because I love giving to others, and Christmas is such an important time of year.
Tell us something people probably don’t know about you?  Due to a fall on a playset, I got 7 stiches in the back of my head the day after my 8th birthday!
Name something this world could use a lot more of?  Kindness.
 
 
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Christ Church Episcopal School (“CCES”) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CCES. CCES does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship or other programs, or athletic or other school-administered programs and activities.