AAdrienne Westdrienne has always liked working with young people, even when she was a teenager. “My degree was in English, but I didn’t know I wanted to teach.” Not only did she go on to teach English at Chestatee High School, she has received many accolades and achieved many things, such as Renaissance Academy of Creative Enterprises (RACE) Instructor. The busy mother of 2 is also a singer at Lakewood Baptist Church.
We thank Adrienne for taking the time to answer some questions about her life, interests, and love of knowledge to share with fellow members of our community.
Question: Who is the who is the most influential person you’ve met here in Hall County?
Answer: “My Girl Scout leader of 13 years, Sue Mathis, is the singular most influential person in my life.  Because of Troop 284 and our years together at First Methodist, I felt I had an extended family that helped shape my character and encourage me to pursue my passions.  I think, too, that people like Sue are the reason I became a teacher—to pour in to others’ lives the way people in this community poured in to mine.”
 
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
A: “Scotland. My favorite book series right now is Highlander.”
 
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
 
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County?
A: “Honestly, Avocados or Longstreet. We have SO many great restaurants.”
 
Q: What 3 bands (dead or alive) would you choose to see perform together?
A: “Aerosmith, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Heart.”
 
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A:  “ Even though we are growing rapidly, we are still a community. Gainesville does a good job at preserving history.”
 
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of students?
A: “I try to teach them to invest in one another. Intentionally try to make your community better.”
 
Q: Choosing anyone, non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch with?
A: “Luci Swindoll. She travels with Women of Faith, and has said ‘I married adventure.’ I’d like to take her to Longstreet for lunch, and 2-Dog for dinner.”
 
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I feel like everyone knows everything, I have so few secrets. I feel like the older I get, the more shy I become. If I could do anything in the world I would be a back up singer.”
 
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.