This person is seen on the stage as a star. She spends her time leading singing in chapel with Encore, performing in the One Act play and Musical, and dazzling others with her beautiful dance and style on the Brentwood Christian School Lady Bella drill team.

However, none of this is her life's focus.

Her radiance in the spotlight pales in comparison to the love and faithfulness to God and to those she surrounds herself with.

The person in question is senior Emma Kent, in her eighth and final year at Brentwood, in the midst of making an impact on so many current and former students, faculty and staff.

“I can see the Lord working through Emma in so many ways,” said junior Skyla Jimenez.

Kent has been on the Lady Bella drill team since seventh grade, and was a part of both state championship titles. She has been singing with the choir since fifth grade. Both of these prepared her to try out for the musical last year, and to earn the leading role of Dorothy in the school’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Kent leads the Lady Bellas as a senior captain, pouring both discipline and joy into the team she has loved since middle school.

Her work in both disciplines helped earn her the TAPPS 5A Fine Arts Student of the Year award last spring.

“Emma is one of a kind and anyone who knows her is blessed,” said Lisa Warner, director of the Lady Bellas. “She is strong in her faith and the Lady Bellas are fortunate to have her lead the team this year.

“She really is a gift and I can not say enough wonderful things about her.”

Encore has also been a huge part of Kent’s high school journey. She began singing in Encore her sophomore year, and through it, she found one of her favorite ways to worship. Despite admitting she doesn’t always love the sound of her own voice, she loves the act of singing.

“I have been singing since I was very very little…I have been singing ever since I can remember,” said Kent. “I don’t think a day goes by in my life where I haven’t been singing…I love it so much.”

She has passion for music, and leads within choir immensely, including as soprano section leader her sophomore and junior year, followed by being named choir president this year.

The theater is yet another place where Kent has shined. She was recently inducted into the International Thespian Society, and was elected the society's president.

“I believe Emma’s leadership is huge wherever she is, and on top of that, her work ethic is amazing,” said theater teacher, Corey Jennings. “She works so hard to get where she is in what she does.”

She has participated in the high school One Act Play, Senior Show, and the school musical, where her portrayal of Dorothy stands out as one of her favorite memories. Originally, Kent didn't want to be a part of the musical, not keen on the idea of joining as a junior without experience.

Now, it shines through as one of her favorite extracurriculars and memories of her time at BCS.

“I hope that as an upperclassmen, I can inspire those younger than me, even if it is just stepping out of their comfort zone,” said Kent.

Looking ahead, Kent’s future plans reflect her deep commitment to serving the Lord. She plans to attend Nelson University to major in multicultural and educational studies, hoping to one day work in ministry, specifically missions, and possibly become a teacher.

“My long-term goal is to tell people about Jesus and the hope that there is through Him,” said Kent.
At the heart of everything Kent does are her relationships and values. She is passionate about Jesus, people, and family, crediting her parents-especially her father-as role models of strength, faith, and intentional love.

“She has a heart for God and she shows it wherever she is,” said junior Lynden Worley. “She shows it with her words, her actions, and the attitude she displays every day.”

Outside of school, she attends Glad Tidings church. She leads in worship and is a part of various church-related small groups. People see that same faith Kent portrays at church each day at school.

“Emma displays Christ through the way she treats people,” said sophomore teammate and dear friend, Hollis Leeward. “Her life is a reflection of Christ’s love, inspiring those around her to show the same kindness and compassion.”

“When she’s around, I am reminded of Him constantly,” added senior classmate Amir Dadashazar.

When friends and teachers were asked to describe her in one word, the answers they came up with were: graceful, outgoing, devoted, caring, coachable, kindhearted, talented, and spiritual.

“She includes people who feel left out, encourages others, and handles hardships with God-given peace and strength,” Leeward continued.

From leading worship, to hours spent rehearsing with the Bellas, to her leadership in choir and theater, Kent has poured her heart into every corner of the Brentwood community. Her time here has been marked not only by exceptional talent, but by a quiet humility and a sincere desire to point others toward Christ.

As she prepares for the next chapter of her life, Kent leaves behind a legacy defined by faith, kindness, and a steadfast commitment to using her gifts to serve God and the people around her.

“Emma is so full of light and joy wherever she goes,” Jimenez said. “She constantly shines God’s light and compassion to everyone, and it truly is a blessing to know her.”