The 2013 Legacy Banquet

Alumni Impact Award Aaron Cook ’99 The strong biblical foundation Aaron Cook ’99 received at Cedarville has been the basis for his service and ministry in the hills of Southern Ohio. He and his wife, Laurie (Jelinek) ’99, have served guests of Scioto Hills Christian Camp and Retreat Center for over 14 years. He writes, “Cedarville was a greenhouse of spiritual growth for me in every way. Without God using the ‘Ville in my life, I would not be where I am today … Upperclassmen, faculty, and staff, including Cheryl Fawcett, Tom Hutchison, John Richard, and Paul Ware, all had significant influence in molding my philosophy of life, work, and ministry.” Aaron is currently the Director of Guest Ministries for Scioto Hills, which provides a Christ-centered program in an attractive outdoor setting that allows guests to develop spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially. Aaron is responsible for recruiting, training, and working with the leadership team to oversee summer staff and summer programming. Aaron also facilitates effective environments for guest and rental groups throughout the year and provides oversight for all Scioto Hills challenge courses as the Challenge Course Manager. He considers his work a privilege and is grateful for the Lord’s leading. The Alumni Impact Award is one of two awards nominated by current students. According to a student who nominated Aaron, “He is such a genuine follower of Christ and exudes wisdom in his teaching at Scioto Hills. Always available for a conversation, he has helped many Cedarville students to grow in their faith and encouraged them to be radically devoted to Christ. He challenges his summer staff, including many Cedarville students, to think more deeply about their faith and trains them to share the Gospel in an effective way with young children and young adults alike.” Aaron is known for his sacrifice in ministry, a testimony of a man after God’s heart, and his love for Cedarville students. He is currently pursuing studies in worldview and apologetics through Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and Laurie have been married for 16 years and have four children: Aleena (9), Dylan (7), Lila (2), and Bella (1).