Elisabet Kirkland

26 Nov

REFLECTION: A HEART OF GRATITUDE – FINDING PEACE IN GOD’S LOVE

By Carey Jordan

As we approach this season of thanksgiving, we are reminded of the many blessings in our lives—our families, homes, health, and the opportunities we enjoy each day. Yet, in a world where anxiety and depression are increasingly common, it’s easy to lose sight of these blessings. In difficult moments, it’s important to pause, reflect, and remember all the reasons we have to be grateful.

This reminds me of a story about a 6-year-old boy I taught over 20 years ago.

Joseph’s life seemed unbearably difficult. Living with his great-grandmother, an elderly woman in her 80s, he had little support or care. His mother had chosen her boyfriend over him, leaving Joseph with few people to turn to. His great-grandmother, though well-meaning, didn’t have the health or energy to care for a young child. As a result, Joseph often went without proper meals, clean clothes, or anyone to tuck him in at night. Yet, every day he walked to school with a smile, eager for the one place where he felt loved and safe.

At school, Joseph found a different world. His teachers made sure he had clothes that fit, food to eat, and, most importantly, that he knew he was cared for. School became his refuge, his home. Despite challenging circumstances, Joseph never seemed to lose his joy. Though he had every reason to be angry or resentful, he chose gratitude. He didn’t have a mom or dad, and he was sometimes a burden to those who should’ve cared for him most, but he embraced the love he received from his teachers.

Joseph taught me more about gratitude than I ever expected to learn. His resilience and ability to choose thankfulness, no matter how tough his life was, was a lesson I’ll never forget. Despite lacking so much in material wealth and family support, he found joy in the community that embraced him. He showed me that gratitude isn’t about having everything you want—it’s about accepting the love, hope, and care you are offered.

We’re not promised an easy life. There will be times we feel lost, tired, afraid, and even experience rejection from those we love. Yet, we are offered the promise of Heaven—a place of safety, love, and joy. Jesus came, He even died for us, to offer these things if only we choose to accept it, and that’s something we can always be thankful for, no matter our circumstances.

As we reflect on our blessings this season, let’s give thanks for the love, peace, and hope that God offers. Let us live with hearts full of gratitude, like Joseph, no matter what we face.

May your heart be filled with thanksgiving, knowing that God’s love is steadfast and eternal.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever (1 Chronicles 16:34).

—Carey Jordan is principal at HMS Richards Adventist School. Photo supplied.

12 Nov

JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE THROUGH ACCREDITATION

Sandy Hodgson – Denver, Colorado … All educational institutions operating in the name of the Seventh-day Adventist Church within the North American Division (NAD) follows a process for denominational accreditation through the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA). Institutions are held accountable and must provide evidence that they are meeting church and national/provincial standards.

The accreditation process is a six-year cycle with years one to three years dedicated to progress reports and ongoing refinement of a continuous improvement plan. There is also a mid-cycle visit during year three unless the visiting team recommends an annual or bi-annual visit. Successful schools are continually monitoring progress and preparing for the next full visit in year six.

The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), in collaboration with the Mid America Union Conference (MAUC) Office of Education, has scheduled accreditation visits to six RMC schools during the 2024-2025 school year.

Springs Adventist Academy (SAA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, just completed their self-study and accreditation visit. Preparation for the visit involves school administration, teachers, school board, learners, and parents. Jennifer Angeles, SAA head teacher, and Doug Peterson, SAA School Board chair, brought together a team to divide and conquer nine standards in the self-study.

The nine standards are divided into four domains—Purpose, Plan, Practice, Product—which are in alignment with the Core of Adventist Education Curriculum and our Journey to Excellence. Standards include curriculum and instruction, leadership, school environment, professional learning, communication, and school improvement. Throughout the self-study, schools are expected to provide evidence on what they are reporting.

Once SAA had completed their self-study, the visiting team spent the day at the academy to read the self-study, review evidence, visit classrooms, and talk with students and teachers. It was evident that many volunteers spent hours working together to prepare the school and grounds for the visit.

The resources used for evidence in the self-study were organized and exceptional. The visiting team spent the day responding to the study and making recommendations, as needed, to ensure a commitment to continuous improvement. At the end of the day, the team met with the school staff and available board members to review the report. A highlight was the positive feedback from parents and students on what they appreciate and value in the programming at Springs Adventist Academy.

There is an accountability factor in being part of a North American Division educational institution and the Rocky Mountain Conference is intentional in supporting the dedicated efforts of our schools to meet the expected standards and seek continual improvement.

Congratulations to Springs Adventist Academy on the completion of a successful accreditation visit!

Does your church support a Rocky Mountain Conference school? If so, continue to stay informed and involved in the pursuit of excellence for Adventist education.

—Sandy Hodgson is the RMC Education assistant director. Photos by Ronald Mendiola and Sandy Hodgson.

12 Nov

LIFESOURCE CELEBRATES DIVERSITY ON INTERNATIONAL SABBATH

Heidi Carpenter – Denver, Colorado …LifeSource Adventist Fellowship (LAF) in Denver, Colorado, participated in a special day of celebration, November 2, highlighting 18 countries represented in this diverse community.

Haremy Cordova, LAF member and Pathfinder director, took the initiative to craft a program which included a flag processional as representatives from each country walked down the center aisle waving their nations’ flag, while “Love in Any Language” by Sandi Patti played in the background.

The microphone was passed from one person in the procession to the next as participants energetically shared Sabbath greetings in 13 languages. During a congregational prayer, four members lifted their hearts to God in prayer speaking in the language of their country.

“What I enjoyed most about international Sabbath was seeing diverse cultures come together in worship wearing their traditional dress, sharing their languages,” remarked Cordova. “Taking time for international celebration fosters unity, appreciation for diversity, and reminds us that God’s family is worldwide. His love transcends cultural boundaries.”

Jennifer Biddulph, long-time LAF member and dedicated Kid’s Wing teacher, represented South Africa in the processional. “I loved seeing how many different cultures are represented in our church. We have great diversity!” Biddulph shared. “Hearing prayers and greetings in other languages was a highlight.”

Biddulph elaborated on why she thinks celebrating our international roots is important within the church: “I know it’s important. It broadens our views to realize there are many nations and tribes even in LAF and throughout Denver.”

“The opportunity to focus on the places we’ve come from was invigorating for those in attendance,” commented Heidi Carpenter, LAF associate pastor. “The love felt during this time of celebration brought us closer together in Christian fellowship! Truly, God has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth … (Acts 17:26, NKJV) and we praise God for this gift of diversity!”

—Heidi Carpenter is LifeSource Adventist Fellowship associate pastor. Photo supplied.

12 Nov

CAMPION SENIORS EMBRACE UNIVERSITY LIFE AT PREVIEW DAYS

Alexandra Cordoba – Lincoln, Nebraska … Senior students at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, had a firsthand glimpse of university life last week during Preview Days at Union Adventist University (UAU), in Lincoln, Nebraska, October 31-November 3.

The activities began Thursday morning when students were split up into 12 groups based on their interest in UAU’s academic programs. Students explored activities based on each major. Keon Paez, CA senior student, expressed, “I especially loved the engineering part of the program. I got to decode an encoded line using a matrix with a friend from Midland.”

These activities impressed many CA students with Anya Francis saying, “I enjoyed the Biomed program so much that now I’m considering changing my career path from nursing to Biomed.”

Students experienced UAU’s school spirit on the evening of October 31 while attending the UAU Warriors’ opening basketball game versus York University from York, Nebraska, where UAU won 89 to 58.

As the groups were mixed with students from a variety of schools visiting UAU, the students got to make new friends. Each group had to come up with a name, a motto, and a cheer that they presented Friday afternoon, November 1. Keon Paez, CA student, reflected, “I was surprised about the fact that Campion was the biggest class there!”

On November 1, visiting students were split into two groups where one section went to downtown Lincoln for a scavenger hunt to explore the city, while the other group went to Lincoln’s new Reiner Wellness Center to compete in various activities.

Students gathered for vespers service in the church that evening. CA student Toby Quillin expressed, “I was surprised by how big their spiritual life is. They had multiple different vespers and afterglows making God the priority of the weekend.”

Visiting students went to a Sabbath service the morning of November 2. After the service, they communed with their friends and other students in an activity known as “Oasis,” where they could paint rocks, write notes for college seniors, or make devotional jars. That night, students went to the university’s recreation center to swim, play sports, or workout.

Marcela Zuniga, a CA senior who plans to attend Union, said, “It made me excited about next year because I know I will be in good hands and will receive the help I need to achieve my dreams, and I will continue to learn more about Jesus there.”

—Alexandra Cordoba, Campion Academy Student News editor. Photo supplied.

05 Nov

MILE HIGH ACADEMY RAISES RECORD AMOUNT AT SIXTH ANNUAL WALK-A-THON

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, hosted its sixth Annual Walk-A-Thon, October 4, bringing together students, staff, and supporters to raise funds for the school’s financial aid program, which assists 40% of students in attending MHA.

With a fundraising goal of $50,000, the event exceeded expectations, raising an impressive $58,322.38, thanks to 70% student participation and strong community support.

The Walk-A-Thon featured balloon stations, snack areas, a bounce house, and a bubble station organized by the PTO. Friendly competition for class and individual prizes encouraged enthusiastic participation, with rewards including bowling parties, Mustang-themed gear, and personalized Stanley cups. The eleventh-grade class raised the most as a class, narrowly beating out the staff in a close race.

To celebrate surpassing the fundraising goal, MHA’s staff committed to a “Silly Olympics” during Chapel, November 1, which sparked plenty of laughter and cheers from students. Staff members dressed in inflatable costumes—including a duck, horse, shark, snail, and Cookie Monster—and took part in quirky relay races involving toilet plungers and balloon-cup challenges. MHA principal Andrew Carpenter emceed the event in a purple suit, enthusiastically introducing MHA’s first-ever Silly Olympics. The students joined in with custom-made signs and cheers, with one MHA student, Jaylee, calling out, “Go faster, Daddy!” to her father, Tyler Rettler, MHA’s Information Technology director, who sported a giant chicken outfit.

MHA’s vice president of Finance and Development, Jocelyn Aalborg, shared her appreciation, saying, “We are grateful for the generous support of our community. This dedication enables us to provide an excellent Adventist education to our students, and we deeply appreciate the commitment from our staff who helped make this event memorable.”

—Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.

05 Nov

CAMPION’S CROSS COUNTRY’S FIRST SEASON AT THE FINISH LINE

Jill Harlow with Alex Cordoba – Loveland, Colorado … The first Cross Country team at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, began as a few students has developed into a strong group of runners.

The team’s coaches Heidi Sorensen and Jennifer Sigler expressed how they were impressed by both the improvement and dedication of the students showing up at 7:15 each morning.

“Given the amount of time that we trained, our kids raced really well,” stated Sorensen. As a team, their top finish of the season was second place at a meet in Greeley, Colorado.

For the students, this season was about not only racing but also growing as athletes while building friendships along the way.

“I like training every day and pushing others and others pushing me to be better every day,” CA sophomore student, Josh Fresse, shared. “I also like that we’re really close as a team and that I could make meaningful relationships while running.”

Zach Harlow, CA sophomore student, added, “I like going to the races because it is really fun to race against other schools. Cross Country has helped me become a better and faster runner.”

CA sophomore student, Elin Sorensen, expressed a different perspective, as her mother coached the team: “It’s super cool to have my mom as my cross-country coach. I like training with the whole team. The meets are really fun, and they motivate me to keep training.”

Despite the challenges of this first season, the students commented that they were happy about how much they’ve improved throughout the season and how their hard work has helped them succeed.

Luca Lu, CA junior student, commented, “I was able to finish a distance I had never raced before, and I could feel a sense of achievement after each race.”

“My team was amazing, and I saw achievements in everyone,” concluded CA sophomore student, Israel Ortiz.

Coach Sorensen shared that they hope to encourage more students to join next year. “We are looking forward to growing the team, and hosting our own cross country meet at Campion,” Sorensen said.

“With every race you can push yourself to your limits,” Gabriel Tostes, CA freshman student, shared. “Despite all of the hard work, the pain and the challenges, in the end it will be worth it.”

—Jill Harlow with Alex Cordoba, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photo supplied.

05 Nov

WOW SPEAKER SHARES TRANSFORMING POWER OF JESUS

Abigail Brown – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, held a Week of Worship (WOW), October 21-25, with Pastor Lucas Lujan, head pastor at Colorado Springs South and Woodland Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in Colorado Springs and Woodland Park, Colorado, respectively. Lujan shared a powerful testimony about his past and focused his messages on the school year’s spiritual theme, “I AM.”

Lujan grew up in a world of violence and gangs. However, when he gave his life to Christ, he began to change. He learned about Seventh-day Adventism through studying Voice of Prophecy’s Bible guides while in prison. He gave up his old lifestyle, accepting the love and forgiveness of Jesus, and he is now a pastor.

Brayden Marroquin, CA student chaplain, reflected, “His story impacted me the most because, essentially, it shows God’s ability to transform people’s lives.”

The main point of the Lujan’s talk was how God wants us to come to him no matter where we are at because God loves us, forgives us, and desires to have a relationship with us.

Lujan engaged with the students outside of the meeting times through participating in student volleyball intramurals and getting to know them personally. During the Bible classes and Fusion on Wednesday night, October 23, the students wrote down questions for Lujan to answer in his talks.

Each meeting started out with praise songs including the theme song: “Who you say I am.” Lilly Resz, CA junior student, shared, “I appreciate how the theme song brought my mindset into the worship and allowed me to focus on the message. I liked how he explained to us that it is okay to ask questions about our beliefs and why things happen. It was also fun when he came to talk with us one-on-one and answered questions for us.”

Jasmine Smittick, CA senior student, commented, “I enjoyed how he emphasized the thought ‘I am who I am because I AM’ (the Great I AM), and I also appreciated how he was real with his past.”

—Abigail Brown, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

04 Nov

MHA GIRLS CLUB SUPPORTS GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVE WITH ADVENTHEALTH

Cindy Roldan and Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … The Middle School Girls Club at Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, held its monthly meeting, October 18, featuring a special presentation by Courtney Haas and Jeanne McCollum from AdventHealth.

The presentation introduced students to a global health initiative focused on supporting mothers and infants in under-resourced communities. Haas and McCollum highlighted the critical work being done to ensure essential healthcare reaches those in need, providing life-saving support for vulnerable mothers and babies.

The club is committed to empowering its members to make a meaningful impact both within their community and globally. Following the presentation, the students participated in an engaging activity where they envisioned and created representations of their future selves. This reflective exercise encouraged the girls to think about how their unique God-given talents could be used to continue making a positive difference in the world.

Eager to take action, the club organized two fundraisers—a bake sale and a carwash—for MHA’s October 24 all-school Love Matters Most Service Day. The fundraisers raised over $400, with all proceeds supporting the global health initiative, allowing the students to directly contribute to helping mothers and infants in underprivileged areas.

“We are incredibly grateful to Courtney Haas and Jeanne McCollum for sharing their insights and inspiring our students,” said Cindy Roldan, MHA Girls Club sponsor and director of Student Services. “The club is excited to continue their journey of making an impact, locally and globally.”

In addition to the recent bake sale and car wash, the MHA Middle School Girls Club will continue to explore additional ways for the school and community to get involved and support this important cause, making a lasting difference for mothers and babies in need.

—Cindy Roldan is the MHA director of Student Services and Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.

31 Oct

GUIDEPOSTS THROUGH FAITH AND LEARNING

Sandy Hodgson – Denver, Colorado … “To be glad of life, because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars; to be satisfied with your possessions, but not contented with yourself until you have made the best of them; to despise nothing in the world except falsehood and meanness, and to fear nothing except cowardice; to be governed by your admirations rather than by your disgusts; to covet nothing that is your neighbor’s except his kindness of heart and gentleness of manners; to think seldom of your enemies, often of your friends, and every day of Christ; and to spend as much time as you can, with body and with spirit, in God’s out-of-doors—these are little guideposts on the footpath to peace.”

While Henry Van Dyke, Presbyterian minister and American writer, wrote these words in the early twentieth century, they resonate with three Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) schools on the Colorado Western Slope. “The sunbaked landscape may be rugged, but the serene spirit of the land seems to inspire these schools. Our schools in Grand Junction and Cortez, Colorado, and Farmington, New Mexico, embody resilience, strength, and an aura of peace,” remarked Sandy Hodgeson, RMC Education assistant director.

Intermountain Adventist Academy (IAA) in Grand Junction, Colorado, with 35 students and under the leadership of Jeff Jackson, thrives on community and collaboration. The staff often works across grade levels, blending the strengths of each teacher to create a rich, supportive learning environment.

At a recent Town Hall meeting, IAA teacher Andrea Jackson was inspired by the renovation project at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, particularly its commitment to inclusivity. She guided her high school math students in developing plans to improve accessibility, encouraging them to apply math skills in ways that mirror Van Dyke’s ideals of service and thoughtful improvement. Students learn to take ownership of their learning, not just for personal achievement but as a way to serve others.

Cortez Adventist Christian School, with 24 students, is a vibrant, close-knit community led by Deedee Franklin and Teresa Quillan, who have fostered a systematic, holistic approach to learning over many years. Embracing Van Dyke’s idea of striving to improve, Deedee and Teresa are dedicated to giving students a strong academic and spiritual foundation. The Unlocking the Code reading program has become central to this goal. Here, students are taught to approach their studies with reverence and diligence, finding joy and satisfaction in learning each new word, fact, or idea.

RMC’s smallest school on the Western Slope is Discover Christian School in Farmington, New Mexico, where Jean Rose Manuop has recently joined as the teacher for the one-room school. Mrs. Manuop, newly arrived from the Philippines, brings a fresh perspective, eagerly learning from and contributing to the Farmington community.

During a visit from the RMC Office of Education, the school was engrossed in worship with Messiah’s Mansion, traveling through a sanctuary replica. Each day’s worship centered on new truths about Christ’s mission, reflecting Van Dyke’s encouragement to seek peace and purpose through faith. In the simplicity of the one-room setting, students at Discover Christian School are finding the profound joy of God’s presence and the beauty of a life dedicated to learning and spiritual growth.

“Our visit to each of these schools,” reflected RMC Education superintendent Diane Harris, “reveals educators that exemplify kindness, gentleness, and Christlike leadership. Each one demonstrates a commitment to providing guideposts that will help their students become who God has created them to be.”

—Sandy Hodgson is the RMC Education assistant director. Photos by Sandy Hodgson and Diane Harris.

31 Oct

MHA STUDENTS DEDICATE A DAY TO COMMUNITY SERVICE, MAKING AN IMPACT

Cindy Roldan and Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, hosted its annual “Love Matters Most” service day, October 24. This year’s event, sponsored by AdventHealth, empowered students to engage in meaningful service projects both on campus and throughout the community.

The service day was part of MHA’s FOCUS Week—Focusing On Christ’s Ultimate Sacrifice—and began with a motivational message from the week’s special guest speaker, Mark Weir, head pastor from the Denver South Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Denver, Colorado. MHA also took a moment to honor local pastors who not only partner with the school but also selflessly serve the community.

Throughout the day, MHA students engaged in various meaningful projects across the community. In the Early Childhood division, preschoolers painted “Kindness Rocks” to inspire positivity, while Kindergarten through second graders crafted cards and posters to thank local police and fire departments. The third and fourth graders visited Thrive Care Homes to make cards and prepare songs for the residents, while fifth graders stayed on MHA’s campus, raking leaves, and completing maintenance projects.

Middle school students partnered with New Community Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, to assemble hygiene kits for those in need and invited community members to MHA’s upcoming Fall Fest. Another group assisted with a car wash, raising funds for women’s care in partnership with AdventHealth’s HMBS Women’s Initiative. The Middle School Girls Club conducted a bake sale which further contributed to this cause, attracting attention and support from the community.

Upper School students focused their efforts on off-campus projects. Freshmen students volunteered at LifeSource Adventist Fellowship (LAF) in Denver, Colorado, where LAF associate pastor Heidi Carpenter praised their hard work, saying, “The kids worked hard, and I heard no complaints.”

Sophomore students stayed on campus, collaborating with Coach Michael Camacho on school improvement projects. “I was impressed with their dedication and effort,” he noted. Junior students visited Vista Ridge Academy in Erie, Colorado, eagerly tackling a well-organized to-do list, with RD Gallant, MHA chaplain, commenting, “It was great to visit a sister school and work together as a class.”

A select group of Upper School students joined MHA principal Andrew Carpenter and Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Education associate superintendent, Paul Negrete, along with Arturo Rodriguez and Joel Hernández, members of Denver Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, to begin a remodeling project at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado. Meanwhile, senior students volunteered at community center in Longmont, Colorado, in various roles.

To conclude the week, Middle School students participated in a special Agape feast and communion service, focusing on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. “It was nice to take time to remember how Jesus gave everything for us—including His own life,” said eighth grader Layten M.

Roldan reflected on Service Day and FOCUS Week, stating, “FOCUS Week, and specifically Service Day, showcased our students’ commitment to making a positive difference. They truly embodied the spirit of community and compassion, ensuring that Love Matters Most.”

—Cindy Roldan is the MHA director of Student Services and Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.

Elisabet Kirkland Page 13