Alexa Groen hopes to play a vital role in the development of children as an elementary schoolteacher.

Groen, 17, the daughter of John and Pam Groen, of Munster, and senior at Illiana Christian High School in Lansing, has been accepted for admission at Dordt College in Iowa to major in education.

"I think God has gifted me to be a teacher," she said. "I look forward to making a positive different in their lives and God's world."

This year, Groen gained classroom experience through the high school's Senior Service program. She went to Lansing's Calvin Coolidge School everyday for two periods to assist first- grade teacher Hillary Friesma. She also works with children at her church, Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Lansing, as a Bible school leader.

Groen and her cousin, Jessica Groen, co-lead Rock Climbers, a children's program that meets twice a month for a Bible verse and fellowship.

Groen helps out in the church nursery and two years ago was the cheerleading coach at Lansing Christian School.

A four-year varsity cheerleader at Illiana Christian High School, Groen also earned two varsity letters playing tennis. She's on the soccer team and plays flute in the school band. An honor student, Groen is active in student council, which recently held a school and community blood drive, and the Big Brother/Big Sister mentoring program. Fine arts competition is another of her interests.

Groen helped young athletes with disabilities in the TOPSoccer program at Dyer Soccer Arena. She's participated in One Day Without Shoes, raising money for children in developing countries and 30-Hour Famine to benefit World Vision.

Next month she will join a group of students in Washington, D.C., for the Right to Life March.

For the past four years, Groen has attended the Right to Life banquet and LandLopers devotional camp. At Bethel, she is active in student life ministries.

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