Paris Rayanna Welker-Widell

Cum Laude

Business Management

Cum Laude
Paris Welker-Widell

House

House of Susan B. Anthony

“Even though it’s been a year, I still think fondly about when you braved three classes with me in the same semester! I appreciate how hard you worked that semester in particular and how much you learned. It is encouraging as a teacher to have a diligent, curious, and thoughtful student like you. I am excited to see where God takes you after King’s!”

— Dr. Paul Mueller

Paul Mueller

House

House of Susan B. Anthony

Achievements

  • Dean’s List (Fall 2017-Present)
  • Chairwoman of The American Enterprise Institute at The King’s College (2018-Present)
  • Accounting and Events Intern at charity:water (2018)
  • United Nations Department Intern at The World Evangelical Alliance (2018)
  • Research and Events Intern at The Philos Project (2019)
  • Advancement and Gala intern at AVAIL NYC (2020)
  • Treasurer of CURE at The King’s College (2017-2019)
  • Finance Associate of the House of Susan B. Anthony (2018-2019)
  • Nominee for The King’s College 2020 Joe T. Ford Award
  • Nominee for The King’s College 2020 Student Service Award

Notes for Paris

Honestly, I didn’t think you’d last at King’s when I first had you in class. Turns out, you are way more tenacious than your quiet freshman exterior let on. I’ve loved hearing your thoughts and your laughter over these years. See you on the flippity-flip!

Paris, congratulations on graduation! It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you this year. You love others, especially SBA, so fiercely. I look forward to all the post-grad adventures and baking days we will share!

Paris, you are my best and dearest friend. I am so, so grateful that we were placed in the same house, that we took Micro and Macro together, that we both lived at Hanover and then Albee, that we had Lincoln and talked about our readings for hours and hours, that we led Great Race together, that I got to be your copilot on the way back from House retreat, that you also love walking and dessert– I could go on for SO long. Most of all, I am so glad to have a friend who loves the Lord with all her heart and is willing to serve Him even when it’s hard. You exemplify kindness, forgiveness, grace, compassion, selflessness, joy, discipline, hard work, and integrity. I LOVE you and I am so excited to take on the “real world” with you. I could not ask for a better college friend!

Paris, I am so honored to be your friend. Congratulations on graduating!!! It has been an absolute joy to watch you grow from your quirky freshman self (a Florida girl who didn’t even own a coat) to the wonderful, wise woman you are today. You’ve taught me so much. I will treasure our King’s memories forever, and I can’t wait to make more memories as alumnae. I love you!!!

Paris, you are such a sweet soul and I will miss seeing your lovely smile and hearing your beautiful laughter around campus! I know God has amazing plans in store for you and I look forward to seeing you flourish in this new season of life. Keep gifting this world with your kindness–and yummy baked goods! Congrats, friend–go CELEBRATE!!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33)

I know that your whole family is so proud of you, Paris, as they should be–Congratulations on a job truly well done. You’ve put in the work, ran the race, and now you’ve made it to this season’s finish line. You have so many gifts and talents, and you touched the lives of so many people while at King’s, you will be greatly missed. I know that the Lord will use you to affect great good in the world, as he already has–if only by doing what you already do so well: going home and loving your family well. This next chapter will have it’s share of hardship and trials, but through everything always remember, “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still”! There is a far green country and a swift sunrise waiting, and God has big plans for you this next season! Congratulations!

If there was ever a time that I had a question about an assignment, I knew I could go to Paris and she would probably already have said assignment completed and know the best way to go about getting it done. WE STAN A GO-GETTER! Paris, I will miss your smiling face and your infinite wisdom. You are going to accomplish big things and I am so privileged to be able to sit back and watch it happen!

Paris!

You are the kindest of friends and I am so glad we got to be “Suzies” together. You are going to be such an incredible teacher, and I am so excited to watch this chapter of your life unfold (and see all of the baking you do)!

Paris, you are a constant ray of sunshine in my life! From studying for Russia and the West to freaking out about Rifle Paper Co. together, it’s been wonderful getting to know you. You did such an amazing job with the AEI Executive Council, and have been such a pillar for our House. I cannot wait to hear about everything you do! Congratulations!

Paris! It’s been a joy seeing you around the hallways and being friends with you throughout these past four years. I’ll always remember the 4th of July when we were all in the city and went to that vegan restaurant for brunch. Hope our paths continue to cross for years to come!

Paris, There are a group of lucky Brooklyn kids who will have you for a teacher soon. I am so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished, and I know you’re just getting started. I love you, Paris, and look forward to this next phase of your journey. The photo is from our 2012 Road Trip. Don’t get mad, you’ve never taken a bad photo in your life.
Love, TX Dad

Paris, You are one of the most joyous and loving people I’ve ever met, but you’re also super hilarious and a total savage to boot. You are the human embodiment of a ray of sunshine, and I’ll miss seeing you around the school and at SBA events. I can’t wait to see all you do post-grad, and I know your future students are going to love you!!!

Congratulations to a young woman I cannot see without a smile on her face. Always reflecting the joy of Jesus. Praying God’s richest blessings on you…excited to see where He takes you next!!

Paris, I admire you for your incredible work ethic and your big, big heart. I can’t wait to see what you do in this world, because I know it will be great. I’m also very excited to follow along with your baking adventures!! You’re truly one of a kind, and Jesus radiates from you. Congratulations on this accomplishment! <3

Paris!! We did it! And I am so proud of you. Seeing how hard you work first hand during our time together in 18A was so inspiring – you deserve EVERYTHING. So glad our times as roomies brought your sweet spirit and loyal friendship into my life, come visit me in Boston SOON!

Paris, you are one of the sweetest people I have ever met. You are so creative, funny, and hardworking and I am grateful to have known you! Your love for others is so evident and you are going to truly shine in whatever you do because you radiate God’s love. Wishing you health and happiness!

Paris!

We did it!

You’re a kind, thoughtful and brilliant person! I really appreciate you always reaching out to me and being so warm. I’m so excited to see what you do in the future. Love you lots.

Paris, you are a beautiful, smart woman with a great work ethic. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for you!

Paris, I would not have survived this last year without you. You are so funny, kind, and encouraging! I am so thankful that our classes brought us together. I can’t wait to make even more memories with you! You’re the best!! love you!!

Paris, it has been a joy to go to King’s with you for the past few years! You always have the most beautiful, positive attitude and I always feel so encouraged whenever we talk. I’m so glad we had the opportunity to work together this semester on our project. You are so hardworking and one of the smartest people I know. I can’t wait to hear about all of your future accomplishments!

Can’t you see how proud everyone is of you? What a great way to celebrate your graduation, and to receive encouragement for the future! You are absolutely surrounded by friends who care deeply, family who loves well, and a hope for the next season in life. Paris may your next community be as blessed as your college has been with your addition. Go with God!

Hi Paris!

Congratulations! It’s been a pleasure to know you and be your friend these past four years! You’ve taken on a lot of challenges and done a fantastic job at King’s, and I have no doubt you’ll exceed in your next position! I hope you have a great finals week and that we can keep in touch!

Paris,

It has been a pleasure being your friend and getting to know you. As a fellow classmate, you never failed to impress with your work ethic and you always kept me on my toes as your fa. You are amazing and will do phenomenal things as a teacher and also in life. Congratulations on your achievement! Being the first to graduate is definitely something to be proud of. Once the virus subsides we’ll have to catch up in person with some gummies!

Sweet, sweet Paris. I’m SO thankful that we’ve had the chance to grow closer over the years. You’ve been a constant source of reassurance and joy, especially when I have a tendency to be pessimistic. I’m thrilled that you’re going to be a teacher, because the way you treat others with such care and intentionality is going to take you far. Love you forever.

Sweet Paris! You are beauty and grace! So thankful to know your kind soul. My favorite memory together was our massive crush on Abe Lincoln at Gettysburg. I wish you the best in all you do!

Paris, oh how I wish we had more time! I am so grateful to be your friend. You are selfless, caring, and SO stylish. I am going to miss seeing you in the front row in all of our classes, but I really can’t wait to see what you are going to achieve! Looking forward to visiting you soon.

Paris- you have always been so sweet + kind in every interaction we’ve ever had. I’m glad we got to intern together that one summer at c:w! You’re going to kill it in whatever post grad life holds for you. Congratulations!

Paris, I am so proud of the work you have done at King’s! Congratulations on finishing strongly! You are the sweetest little and friend that I could ask for. It is a gift to know you! I am so excited to see where you go in this next season.

Congratulations, Paris! Celebrating you! Incredibly thankful for you being part of Apostles Church and grateful to be in the same Community Group. I’m so excited to have a front row seat watching your next chapter unfold. Here’s to what’s ahead!

PARIS! I’ve always seen you as a hard-working, God-fearing fellow classmate. I have always respected your grace and demeanor at school. Now I am so excited to be your roommate and have endless sleepovers, baking lessons, and bible studies. <3 You are such a light and I can't wait to see that light shine even more now that we are graduating and moving in together! See you TOMORROW for my first round of moving in and our first of many sleepovers! I can't wait!!!

Dear Paris,
I am so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments. You are such an amazing young woman of God. My heart is so full.
As you graduate, please remeber how much you are loved and that wherever your journey in life takes you I pray you will always be safe and that you never forget your way back home.
I can’t promise to be here for the rest of your life Paris, but I can promise to love you and be here for the rest of mine.
With All My Love, Mom

Paris,
To know you is to love you. I am so proud to know you. When you put your mind toward something you are unstoppable. I wish you nothing but success, love, good health and happiness. Remember who you are and know that you are always loved.
Congratulations!
Thomas, Courtney and Teen Thomas

Paris!

You have one of the coolest names and one of the kindest souls. You’re smart, funny, and good. Thank you for your positivity and your joy – it made a positive impact on everyone around you. Keep being you, I can’t wait to see what you accomplish after King’s!!

Eddie VanZandt

Paris, you carry yourself with such dignity and grace! I always admired your poise and your fashion sense. Thanks for always stopping to chat whenever you saw me in the hallway. I enjoyed sharing classes with you, especially during this last semester. Congrats on all your achievements and I wish you all the best in your next chapter in life!

Your BIG day has finally arrive and I am so very proud of you. You have accomplished everything you have set your mind to, just like I knew you would. And…you will continue to do in your new adventures. I wish you the best of luck. I pray that God continues to watch over you and keep you safe. Love you so much. Jana and Greg

Dear Paris,
You have been a ray of sunshine since the day you were born. As time goes on, your light just shines brighter. You have grown into a beautiful young lady, so full of grace, love and compassion for family, friends and everyone you know. This college journey, which you were SO brave to go on, has served you well and prepared you for great things to come! I can’t wait to watch your future unfold! Trust me, I just know it’s gonna be something awesome to see!! We love you sweetheart! Always remember, no matter how far away from home you may be, we are all always here for you, loving you, supporting you and cheering you on in whatever you decide to do!
Congratulations on this huge accomplishment!! We are all so so proud of you! And Gary said to tell you Roll Tide!
Love you forever,
Aunt Debbie, Gary, Stephen, Kari, Gavin and Kinsley xoxo

Paris! Thank you so much for all that you bring to the King’s community. I still remember you reaching out over Facebook and asking if Peter and I wanted to hang out with you and John in Central Park a few summers ago. I love your enthusiasm and your willingness to get out of your comfort zone. Congrats on all your hard work!

Congratulations on your graduation, Paris! May it be a wonderful new season ahead for you!!

Congrats Paris! I’m so glad I got to know you from interning at Philos together. You are so insanely talented, hardworking, and gracious to others. Wishing you all the best in your pursuits!

Paris! You have always inspired me with your work ethic and incredible baking skills, and you have one of the kindest, sweetest souls. I’m so glad I got to take Lincoln with you a year ago, and can’t wait to see what you do post-grad! Whatever it is, it will be amazing and life-giving simply because you’re a part of it. 🙂

Paris we wish you could have the traditional celebration your graduation deserves. We are so proud and in awe of the amazing young woman you are. May all your paths lead to happiness and all your achievements used to fulfill your dreams. Congratulations!! Love – The Gibson’s

Paris,

Congratulations on earning your degree! I was delighted to have you in “Russia & the West” in spring 2019. Thanks also for your help with the SBA Alumnae Dinner in March, 2019. Wishing you many blessings in your life after TKC, and I look forward to seeing you at alumnae dinners in the future.

Everyone you smile at smiles right back without hesitation because your joy and love for others is that contagious. Thanks for always being a light and touch of sweetness at school. Best wishes for everything ahead!

Sweet Paris!!!

Congratulations on a job well done! I am proud to know such a beautiful, kind, and hardworking friend. Thank you for some of the best memories – exploring D.C. on bikes on the hottest day of the year, baking healthy sweets in Brooklyn, and teaching yoga at the (last ever) Fall Retreat! I can’t wait to see where life takes you, and pray that the Lord blesses you and gives you peace every step of the way. Miss you and love you lots. (:

Paris! You are such a smart and nice person. I am really thankful that I got to know you a little better this past year. Please keep smiling because it is contagious. You are gonna do great things!

Sweet Paris! You have the kindest heart. Talking to you about truly wanting to help others and make the world more just has made me feel so sane and validated on so many occasions. I love that you are so motivated to be good and kind. I love your heart for helping others. I love your patient nature and commitment to excellence. I can’t wait to continue to keep up with you as we both head into life hoping to help others and make the world more beautiful. You’re truly a kindred spirit. I admire you and am thankful to know you.

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