Page 41 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2026 - Online Magazine

SENIOR 2 SENIOR

Article Submitted by
Peyton Berger SOUTHCREST

Peyton Berger is the daughter of Alan and Julie Berger. She has attended Southcrest
Christian School for nine years, where she has developed a passion for athletics,
specifically volleyball. She plans to attend Texas Tech University and pursue a degree
in pre-nursing.

charge, he is responsible for leading, yet at times, he Major Russell has shown that service comes from
must be humble enough to still take orders. Major having a relationship with God, and service should
Russell has displayed that leadership is not simply be our lifestyle. I am beyond grateful to have learned
telling others what to do; it's going first and setting about the importance of community from Major Russell,
an honorable example. These aspects are evident in which I have been able to incorporate into my own life.
his classroom, in how he leads his students, and in his Having community in my life has allowed me to grow
respect for the administration. Major Russell honed closer to God's word and have a relationship with Him.
his leadership skills during his time in the Academy, Major Russell’s impact on the world is nothing short of
when he had to listen, and as a flight instructor, honorable, and his strong example as a man of service
when he needed to lead, not just by explaining but by and stewardship continues to inspire all.
showing. Major Russell also stated that Jesus is the most
remarkable example of a leader, citing His instruction
to “Follow Me.” Leadership is just one of the many
characteristics that make Major Russell a remarkable
role model.
Many of Major Russell's students can attest to his love NOW
of sharing stories from his life experiences. Having
lived through significant historical events, he has
the remarkable ability to share his perspective and ENROLLING
engage with students in ways not many others can.
The practical stories he tells highlight the recognition
that history is about making sacrifices for other Pre-k-12th Grade
people. He did not teach history initially after retiring
from the Air Force, but he was excited when he got
the opportunity because of his long-standing passion
for the subject. One lesson that Major Russell has
emphasized is that having an appreciation of history
builds our understanding of our place in time. Major
Russell's immense knowledge of the world has led
him to conclude, “The more you know, the more you
realize how much you don’t know.”

Major Russell is an inspirational figure who displays
daily what it means to serve well and lead a life
dedicated to serving God and others. One way he For more info about SCS
strives to serve his students is by emphasizing that or to schedule a tour, visit:
the most important message he can leave to younger
generations is that your relationship with God has www.southcrestchristianschool.org
to be the number one priority; worship has to be all
the time; and relationships with others need to be
prioritized.

Lubbock Senior Link 41