Meet Laura Sharpe & Sabrina Deloney

When Laura Sharpe, 17, was younger she didn’t really care about her grades, studying or her assignments.

“It wasn’t until I was in high school that I began to feel this competitive desire to pursue academic goals,” said the 2026 Valedictorian at New Lothrop Schools, and daughter of Chad and Regina Sharpe.

Before that desire actually became rooted in her heart, she experienced burnout, stress and anxiety.

She once encountered receiving a bad grade on a “useless assignment,” which God took and transformed her mind into seeing how all assignments ultimately mattered.

“I began realizing grades were a big part of the selection process,” she said. “I didn’t really care about titles such as valedictorian, but suddenly I became determined to pursue the goal of working harder, studying more, and putting more effort into my assignments.”

At her lowest point she remembers sitting in the bathroom and talking to God. “Why am I even trying? This all feels pointless.” She continued praying and seeking counsel from God.

“After I prayed, I remember coming out and acting like things were normal,” she said. “From then on it felt like things were falling into place for me like a puzzle. Each piece of stress went away, and was replaced by a piece that was happening in ways that were beyond me.”

For example, her former nonchalant attitude toward studying dramatically changed.

“I studied harder,” she said. “If I had free periods at school, I would use them to study. I put more effort into studying, whereas before I did nothing like that.”

Her effort ascended into earning a 4.1143 grade point average. “I somehow landed an opportunity to retake the SAT, and that was when I was locked in about pursuing this goal, and I felt God was on my side, because usually when I set goals in cross country or track, I never achieved them.” Through extra prayer and extra study – she raised her SAT score 120 points. With God’s help and her interior conversations with Him, she began achieving goals.

In addition to intentionally working on her study habits, she participated in Student Council, Quiz Bowl, After School Ag, and the National Honor Society, and FFA (Future Farmers of America).

Her active Catholic faith life at Good Shepherd Catholic Church as an altar server, lector, and youth group member served as an anchor during her senior year. “My senior year was the hardest,” she said. “I didn’t think it would be, but it was. It was truly my faith and trust in God that glued everything together – and God made it possible for me to make it through.”

She found a new peace and a holy reprieve when attending Mass. “There was a turning point where I felt such peace at Mass about everything,” she explained. “Whether or not I had extracurricular activities, sports or assignments – it didn’t matter as much because I genuinely began relying on God more than relying on myself, and that was the difference.”

She graciously offers advice to any young people or students experiencing burnout or stress about their grades.

“You need to pray,” she said. “That’s what helped me. I knew I couldn’t make it by myself. You can’t do it independently, you must ask the Holy Trinity – God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to assist you. He will.”

Laura will study statistical and actuarial sciences at Mott Community College, and then transfer to Central Michigan University. Good Shepherd congratulates her on her beautiful academic achievements, but more importantly on her spiritual growth and deepening of her love for God.

Laura Sharpe

Sabrina Deloney, 18, and Salutatorian at Montrose High School, knows a thing or two about leadership and giving credit where it is due.

“I’d say I have really been set up to do these things because of the strong support from my parents and my Catholic faith life,” said the daughter of Aimee and Bryan Deloney, who earned a 4.136 grade point average, and will attend the University of Michigan- FLINT to study data science and actuarial mathematics.

Her confident love for the Catholic Church and Jesus give her an advantage that others lack.

“I’ve never missed Mass on the weekends,” she said. “All of my life, attending church is a (family) priority, and being involved in church is where I absorb my faith, morals, and values.”

She’s not about keeping it to herself, either.  Since serving and loving others is a theme in her church and family –  that naturally extends to her school life.

“My faith has made me want to do more. I get involved in clubs, activities, and organizations because it increases my ability to reach out to others, but I’d say being selfless is mainly the Christian virtue I try to embrace the most.”

Sabrina is selfless in how she spends her time. God is always first. Family, studies, responsibilities, and many organizations benefit from her presence and involvement.

For example, as president of the National Honor Society she spends time volunteering at the Eastern Michigan Food Bank, raking leaves for those in need, and operates a food distribution at Barber Park.

“It’s really humbling to serve others,” she said. “I started volunteering in elementary when I formerly attended a Catholic school and we volunteered two times per year at Catholic Charities. I began realizing I can always help others – the world is always going to need volunteers. There are others in need. I started understanding how blessed I am in my life – financially and in my family and faith — and what a privilege it is to be able to share the resources and talents God gave to me.”

Expanding her philanthropy and charity mindset took on special meaning as she entered high school. She wasn’t shy when it comes to being a leader and boldly took part in Quiz Bowl, Student Council, National Technical Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Movie Club, varsity bowling and golf, and also attends Good Shepherd Youth Group.

“Many people are afraid of what is different,” she said. “All I can do is recommend speaking out, joining groups, and the more instances you can build community, the better. I believe Church is the strongest place to have a sense of community.”

Her faith propels her to serve others.

“Being involved and dedicated has taught me to develop a strong work ethic,” she said. “I also saw how most people don’t use the time they have on earth to do as much good as they could. God only gives us so much time on earth and I decided to enjoy what God has given me, and help other people, and the earth itself. I thank God for what I have been able to achieve and know it is because of His grace I am able to do this.”

Fittingly, her heart has an endearment to the organization SAVE (Students Against the Vanishing Earth) where she takes on projects to preserve God’s creation and be a good steward of it. “I’ve planted trees, been involved in recycling, and other sustainability efforts,” she said. “Being a good student is more about being a good example. Helping the earth God created and other people ultimately helps me be the best version of myself.”

Dozens of awards, titles, and accolades surround Sabrina as she reaches the milestone of her high school graduation, but she discloses there is a little fear she is experiencing as she looks forward to a new chapter of entering college.

“There is naturally some intimidation as I shift from high school to college,” she admits. “But I know God will support me. I rely on my faith and through prayers I trust this adjustment will work out. I will make friends of good faith, and I will continue to live a faith-filled life, and hopefully spread the word about how much my faith has helped me.”

She gives credit to one more group – the youth group and the entire church community.

“During middle school I was going through a lot,” she said. “It was because of my faith, confirmation class, and eventually youth group that kept me coming back to the faith. There is a sense of community, fellowship, and support. I realized the church will always have your back. They will help you. No matter what age you are – the people at your parish will help you through anything.” 

Sabrina Deloney

Please note our new meeting time: Sunday’s from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center.

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