Step into Room 200 and you will find more than Les Misérables discussions, in-progress essays, or lessons on symbolism. Having a teacher who is equal parts expert in their field and connects so easily with their students is rare. Students love Mrs. Raines and flock to her because she is real—Mrs. Raines is genuine with her students, models what it looks like to live life for Christ day in and day out, and is unafraid to open up and share her fun quirks and interests with students.

Now in her 16th year here at Maranatha, Julie could not imagine teaching anywhere else. Having fun with what she teaches and pouring her passions into her curriculum helps drive her forward each day. Apart from inspiring students with her unmatchable Pride and Prejudice knowledge and Chris Pine insights, there is so much more to Mrs. Raines than even what her closest students may know about her.

Let us get one thing out of the way: yes, Mrs. Raines has a Chris Pine obsession (and for good reason—who doesn't appreciate Pine's work in Star Trek?), but beyond her celebrity crushes and her love for literature, Mrs. Raines is deeply committed to living out her faith with her family and making an impact in the world around her.

Julie and her husband have found ways to serve their community and expand their family through adoption. Currently, they have three kids—two biological children and one adopted daughter. When asked about their journey with adoption, Julie shared a simple truth: "God has this design for families that's bigger than just biology."

Her heart for mission work is evident not just in her family, but also in how she teaches and serves at Maranatha. She's someone who challenges her students to think deeply about the world around them and to consider how their faith impacts their daily interactions and decisions.

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