April 15, 2019
Katee Muckleroy of Nacogdoches was recognized on Friday, April 12 during the East Texas Baptist University 72nd annual Senior Girl Call-Out, ETBU’s longest standing tradition. Selected by a faculty and staff vote, the individual “called out” each year is distinguished for her exemplary Christian character, social consciousness, personal poise, academic achievement, and spiritual vision.
“It was an honor to be called out. I feel encouraged to continue working hard and living my life to glorify the Lord,” Muckleroy shared. “ETBU has prepared me for my future through the countless professors that have spent time and energy pushing me academically and spiritually. This University is a place where the faculty and staff truly love and want the best for their students. As my time grows closer to leave ETBU, I look back on the many memories I have had here and see how much this place and these people have made a permanent impact on my life.”
Muckleroy, a senior Child Development major, excelled in and beyond the classroom. During her time at the University, she has made the Dean’s List every semester and been involved with the Titus Women’s Ministry, Student Foundation, and the Women’s Basketball Team. Muckleroy has also had the opportunity to grow through her position in the Office of Admissions. As each of the senior women selected an influential female faculty or staff member to support them during the ceremony, ETBU Campus Visit Coordinator Whitney Henson presented Muckleroy.
“Katee is a light to everyone she meets. In my role as her supervisor, my heart is blessed with each interaction I have with her. She is so deserving of this award, and I am proud of her and all she has accomplished,” Henson said. “I felt privileged to be a part of this tradition at ETBU and to stand alongside such Godly women, who lead and mentor young ladies on our campus. Senior Girl Call-Out is a way to share the love and support we have for our students as they go out and use the gifts God has given them.”
Twenty-one young women participated in the event alongside their “little sisters,” underclassmen chosen by the seniors. During the ceremony, each senior girl passed onto her little sister the symbols of the ideals and traditions of the University – the grace of the myrtle, the strength of the oak, and the ever verdant life of the pine.
“Hearing the accomplishments of the senior girls and how they have served the community and campus inspired me to think about how else I can contribute as well,” ETBU junior Psychology major Kendrick Clark expressed. “My goal is to prepare myself for my future in every possible way that I can while I am at ETBU. In my journey so far, the University has provided opportunities for growth in my spiritual walk, leadership and service opportunities, an amazing education, and friends that will last a lifetime.”
Initiated in 1947 by ETBC Dean of Women Sallie Duncan, the ceremony honors all participating seniors for their achievements at ETBU. Senior Girl Call-Out is an opportunity to honor the legacy of generations of women, who have gone beyond ETBU to serve in God’s Kingdom.
“Senior Girl Call-Out is a long-standing tradition that allows us to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating senior women while rejoicing in who God has called them to be,” Vice President for Student Affairs Heather Hadlock commented. “The symbolic passing of the myrtle, pine, and oak to the little sisters shows our desire to continue to raise up young women to live as Christ has called them to live. This is a beautiful tradition that represents our mission of developing Christian servant leaders and I am grateful to the women who envisioned it 72 years ago.”