Carter Hill ’26: Sunny Days
Throughout the past four years, our community has had the honor of knowing Carter Hill ’26 deeply, through the sunny days and the rainy ones. Days bogged down by AP Physics projects, AP English papers, and strategizing the next lacrosse match, days that felt light and freeing after successfully completing a major assignment, and the days when the road ahead felt limitless after being accepted early into the United States Military Academy at West Point. Regardless of the day, if you sit with Carter long enough, you will begin to understand that his sincerity and commitment to the betterment of the world around him are rare.
Carter has spent a lifetime learning that there is beauty in the struggle; he knows that life does not emerge in spite of the storm, but because of it. From a young age, his dedication and focus set him apart. Whether it was lacrosse practices in Dallas every weekend, leading Crusader Crew Orientation with such life and vigor that everyone was out of their seats screaming with pride, or countless days waking before the sun after going to sleep late to stay on top of his schoolwork, Carter’s commitment and work ethic have been a gift to our community.
Faith has always been central to Carter’s life. From a young age, he was captivated by stories of God’s power. In middle school, his efforts were sometimes misunderstood, leading him to seek strength and comfort in God. As he matured, impactful experiences like Kairos allowed him to open up deeply. He used these moments to strengthen his bond with God, shifting from merely asking for help to cultivating a meaningful, ongoing relationship. Carter realized that the darker challenges he faced were opportunities for God’s light to shine more brightly. He became more active in church, served at junior high camps, beach retreats, and other activities through various clubs and organizations. He continued to author his story. And in doing so, he found the thing that changes everything: peace.
“I am imperfect” he says, almost smiling. “But because of the Guy who is perfect, I can have this life.”
Carter consistently views struggle as an opportunity for God to shine His light through him by showing up fully for all whom he encounters. House Council, Athletes Taking Action, Crusader Crew, lacrosse, Kairos leader—all chosen for substance over optics. None of it was decoration.
Carter knows college will bring its own rainy days, but his unwavering foundation will hold. “Keep your core values,” he says to himself, already practicing the advice he will need. “Be who you are. Hold on to what you have learned. Don’t let the bad times take you under”.
He is not afraid of the rain. He has stood in it before. And on the other side of it all: the struggle, the distance, the hard work, and the long days, he knows what awaits.
The sun.
Back
Carter has spent a lifetime learning that there is beauty in the struggle; he knows that life does not emerge in spite of the storm, but because of it. From a young age, his dedication and focus set him apart. Whether it was lacrosse practices in Dallas every weekend, leading Crusader Crew Orientation with such life and vigor that everyone was out of their seats screaming with pride, or countless days waking before the sun after going to sleep late to stay on top of his schoolwork, Carter’s commitment and work ethic have been a gift to our community.
Faith has always been central to Carter’s life. From a young age, he was captivated by stories of God’s power. In middle school, his efforts were sometimes misunderstood, leading him to seek strength and comfort in God. As he matured, impactful experiences like Kairos allowed him to open up deeply. He used these moments to strengthen his bond with God, shifting from merely asking for help to cultivating a meaningful, ongoing relationship. Carter realized that the darker challenges he faced were opportunities for God’s light to shine more brightly. He became more active in church, served at junior high camps, beach retreats, and other activities through various clubs and organizations. He continued to author his story. And in doing so, he found the thing that changes everything: peace.
“I am imperfect” he says, almost smiling. “But because of the Guy who is perfect, I can have this life.”
Carter consistently views struggle as an opportunity for God to shine His light through him by showing up fully for all whom he encounters. House Council, Athletes Taking Action, Crusader Crew, lacrosse, Kairos leader—all chosen for substance over optics. None of it was decoration.
Carter knows college will bring its own rainy days, but his unwavering foundation will hold. “Keep your core values,” he says to himself, already practicing the advice he will need. “Be who you are. Hold on to what you have learned. Don’t let the bad times take you under”.
He is not afraid of the rain. He has stood in it before. And on the other side of it all: the struggle, the distance, the hard work, and the long days, he knows what awaits.
The sun.
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