Naomi Henry ’16
When Naomi Henry ’16 was visiting colleges as a high school student, she wanted a place that felt like home. Her mother urged her to visit Messiah, just two hours from their hometown of Philadelphia.
“The faculty was so much more welcoming than all of the other colleges where I auditioned,” said Henry, a music major with a minor in pre-counseling and therapy.
Her piano teacher and advisor, Professor of Music Patrice Ewoldt, had the biggest impact, continuing that initial warmth and hospitality throughout Henry’s college career.
“She takes a great interest in the well-being of her students,” said Henry. “She’ll do extra lessons or spend time just talking to you.”
Henry emerged as a leader, becoming the director of the campus gospel choir, United Voices of Praise. She also served as president of the Black Student Union.
This fall, she began pursuing a master’s in music therapy at Temple University. “I want to merge my two interests,” she said. “I can be a musician and still be a counselor.”
What advice would she give to a high school student considering Messiah? “Not only did I get my degree, I had a good experience behind it. If you’re looking for a place with a strong community, friendships made here are very strong,” said Henry. “You end up growing a lot as a person and as a Christian.”