Rachel Jean Hillard, a lector and youth group member at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, and a soon-to-be senior at Montrose Hill-McCloy High School is always aware of how her Guardian Angel works on her behalf.  As a believer she’s not shy in consulting her angel when it comes to asking for guidance, protection, and courage.  “I know my Guardian Angel is always watching over me,” said the 17-year old daughter of Jessica Hillard, and the late Lloyd Hillard, who was named the number one high school sideline reporter by the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association last year.  This year, she earned the number two title – and that is an accomplishment she credits her faith in God helping her in the area of being spontaneous, thinking on her feet, and being creative. 

As a high school media broadcasting student, she is often conducting interviews.  Whether she’s talking to students, staff, or athletes, she relies on her faith for assistance.  “Before I interview anyone, I usually say a quick prayer.  I say, Lord, help this interview go well or Lord, help this person relax and speak to me in this interview.”  Recently, Rachel thanked God for help in her newest title as a first runner-up Montrose Blueberry Queen.  “When I was little I looked up to the prestigious Blueberry Queens who seemed so kind, sweet, and loving.  They influenced me to become better and now, being a part of the court, I hope to be someone other young girls could look up to,” she explained.

Having a role on the Montrose Blueberry Queen’s court is offering her multiple benefits.  “I will get to be part of 20 parades around Michigan, meet new people, work on community building projects, and hopefully influence a new generation of young girls.  In addition, there is a $1,000 scholarship earned at the end of her reign.  “This will go toward my studies in the broadcasting program at Central Michigan University,” she said.  As a current Mid-Michigan School of Cosmetology student she will graduate high school next year as a licensed cosmetologist and hopes to have side gigs of cutting hair or doing nails for future college dorm mates.

All of this is leading Rachel to her ultimate goal of becoming a professional sports sideline reporter for teams such as the Detroit Lions.  “I had the chance to meet Daniella Bruce, an on-air announcer for Detroit sports teams, and she is amazing.  She was kind enough to let me text her to ask questions – she’s like a mentor to me.”

Being an announcer in the sports world is a future goal for this energetic and motivated young woman, but her spiritual world is alive and increasingly shaping her through her service as reader of God’s Word.  “God gave me the gift of creativity to express my love for all things,” she said.  “Reading Holy Scripture is a form of broadcasting that is helping me to prepare for a future career.  Whatever I am doing whether it is proclaiming at church, volunteering at a food drive, or being kind to young girls admiring the Queen’s Court – I know I am giving glory to God.”

Rachel will be present at many of the Montrose Blueberry Festival events in August, such as the Princess Tea Party, the Hall of Fame inductions, the parade, and a movie night held on the football field.

Good Shepherd Catholic Church congratulates this young woman on her many achievements, and thanks her for her fidelity and service as a lector during the Sunday Mass.

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