Student Spotlight
By Megan Roth
A Legacy Lives On Passing of Grove City Christian teacher inspires student’s art
G
rove City Christian School senior Maria Devera has always had a love for art. Her passion for helping others, though, is what inspires her to share those artistic abilities. After the death of GCCS teacher Dearin Crockett, Devera turned to her art. As Devera’s ninth-grade Bible study teacher, Crockett left a lasting impact on her. Like Devera, Crockett had a deep love for the arts. Born in Columbus, Crockett graduated from Kent State University in 2006 before moving to California to pursue a career in acting. There he found opportunities both on stage and on screen. Eventually, Crockett’s involvements with churches in the Los Angeles area led him to become a pastor. He and his wife, Denesha, returned to Columbus in 2016, where they founded New Covenant Faith Ministries, which would later become
A piece by Maria Devera 22 January/February 2022
Rejuvenate Church. Crockett worked for that ministry in addition to teaching at GCCS. Crockett demonstrated a commitment to helping students grow, learn more about God and develop a deeper understanding of the Bible, Devera says. She wanted to ensure the community remembers Crockett’s impact and that his legacy lives on. Naturally, she turned to art. Devera, who often favors acrylic painting, takes inspiration from artists such as Edward Hopper who capture true life with their work, a style well suited to memorializing Crockett. “I was into realistic drawings for a while,” she says, “and this was the first time I lost someone I really was close to, so I wanted to represent him somehow.” Devera drew a portrait of Crockett and requested that the school hang it in a place it could be seen by everyone as they pass through the building. GCCS was more than www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Photo and artwork courtesy of Maria Devera
Maria Devera’s drawing of the late Dearin Crockett
