Meet Dylan Lavender. Dylan is a 2017 North Hall graduate and is the Youth Pastor at North Hall church. Many people still remember the unbelievable catch Dylan made in North Hall baseball’s playoff game in 2017, which led to the team winning state. While Dylan is a talented athlete, he gives all credit to God for his success. Dylan shared that a turning point in his life was when he was saved at age 16. Dylan values relationships that he has with his family and is intentional in building relationship with students.
We would like to thank Dylan Lavender for his time and sharing his life with us.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: “Well, I grew up in this area in Clermont, which is very close to here. I went to Wauka Mountain Elementary, and then North Hall Middle. Also, of course I went to high school here. Number one thing about me is that I am Christian, and it is the most important thing in my life. I came to know Christ when I was 16, and ever since it has been the number one thing in my life knowing that I have salvation through Christ and Christ Jesus alone. I also grew up on about four acres of land where we would hunt and fish a lot. I’ve always loved hunting and fishing and the outdoors in general.”
Q: What all have you been involved at in North Hall?
A: “Well, I went to school here of course, but I also played football and baseball. Sports all around have been a big part of my life, and I’ve been lucky enough to have parents who just gave me the option to pursue them and do what I love. Baseball though was really my thing. I started at J.V. and worked my way up to Varsity, which during my senior year in 2017 North Hall won state for the first time while I played center. Though really God did it. While the team worked hard, we would always pray before games and even leading up to the playoffs we barely knew if North Hall would make it, but we just barely squeaked by and ended up winning at state. Right before the playoff game actually, my parents and I prayed over the game and during that game I made a catch that to this day I cannot explain how I did it. The catch actually made it on ESPN top ten, and Fox 5 came out to interview me in the middle of Ms. Kliesrath’s class for the catch.”
Q: What did your life look like after high school?
A: “Well, after high school I applied to two colleges. One was the University of North Georgia and the other was Truett, but little did I know that God would take me to both of them. At first, I was accepted into UNG for Business Management, and I loved just the neat environment that Dahlonega brought. Then, God just really called my heart to ministry, which I was originally going to do through starting a business that would support and help churches. But, God was just really calling my heart to go out and help lead in ministry, so I moved over to Truett halfway through my college career. Actually, I finished this year with a degree in missions.”
Q: What are you involved in at North Hall?
A: “Currently I help with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in an associate role, and we meet every Wednesday morning at 7:45 in the theater in the Performing Arts Center. Basically, we facilitate an environment where kids can come and get to know other students. But, it’s also a chance for students who might not go to church on Sunday mornings or just haven’t really known what it’s like to be in church to get to know that experience and meet other Christians. While it is called the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, it’s not just athletes. Any type of student can come and hang out and just learn more about Christ.”
Q: What is your favorite tradition at North Hall?
A: “I always loved the homecoming parades. Just the signs and floats were always a ton of fun, but I never actually went to a homecoming dance until my senior year where I believe I got homecoming king.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
A: “I pray right where God wants me. I know it’s sort of an easy statement, but if I can be doing what God calls me to do and down a path that will leave me fulfilled in his word no matter where or what the cost might be. Although, the community is great in North Hall, and that’s just something so difficult to find anywhere else honestly!”
Q: Who are some of your favorite faculty or staff here at North Hall?
A: “Evelyn Harper is one who stands out. She’s just the sweetest lady and still is in touch with me to this day. Also, Ms. Kliesrath and Coach Flow are two who really are amazing people who really helped to shape my life.”
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “Texas Roadhouse, especially for their rolls. Also, Outback sort of is in that same brand of restaurant. But for fast food, probably Chipotle just because I’ve gotten into that recently.”
Q: If you could take anyone to lunch, who would it be and where?
A: “Billy Graham. He was an amazing evangelist, and spoke the word to millions. I just listened and watched some videos of him through high school to learn more about God, and he truly gave me the confidence to lead a Bible Study.”
Q: In hard times, we find people who truly inspire and help us. Who are some hardworking, reliable, kind, and caring people like that in our community?
A: “Bucky Kennedy, the pastor at North Hall Church. He’s loud in a good way and a very Godly man who always looks out for those around him.”
