LAFAYETTE – Molly Elizabeth Gephart, a Lafayette Jefferson graduate who is now attending Watkins College of Art, Design & Film in Nashville, Tenn., is OurTown.com’s Student of the Month for August.

Gephart, 18, was active in the choir during her years at Jeff as a member of the Varsity Singers and the First Edition Show choir, which she served as co-president. Molly played the role of Gertrude McFuzz in Jeff’s production of “Seussical the Musical” last fall.

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Photo of Molly Gephart taken by Michael Dick, ISPhotographic

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“Singing has always been a passion of mine,” Molly said. “My choir was like a second family to me. I was also very involved in the Jeff art department, volunteering to help with art shows, taking pictures for the Jeff fashion show and displaying my work in shows.”

Molly said her stop-motion animation “The Rain” was chosen to be featured in the Tri Kappa New Artists show this year and won first place in the digital art category. She also ran her own small photography business, called Red Flamingo Photography. She took senior pictures, wedding pictures and engagement pictures.

She will major in photography while at Watkins.

“While attending school I’m going to start leadership training so that I can lead Young Life Capernaum, which is a young life group for kids with special needs. I also want to continue participating in music and singing.”

She said her parents, Carolyn and Jay Gephart, were the biggest influences in her life.

“My mom really encouraged me to pursue art when I was a kid and was really passionate about helping me cultivate my talents,” Molly said. “Both my parents taught me how to stick with things and do everything to the best of my ability.

“After my mom passed away, my dad took on full responsibility of encouraging me in my journey. He has been incredibly supportive of my college decisions and I would never have gotten to where I am today without his incredible love and support.”

Molly said her older sister Sam has been a constant role model and “keeps me in check and is a voice of reason.” She also credits pre-calculus teacher Zach Brennan, and art teachers Mara Battiste and Ali Broach with being big supporters.

Molly said after graduating from Watkins, she would like to become an onset cinema photographer, but also has an interest in advertising. She said she would also like to create and sell her own art as well as teach.