Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … One-hundred thirty-seven students brought new life to the campus at the start of the school year at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado.
The Campion Academy Student Association (SA) officers kicked off the event by introducing this year’s theme “I am,” which affirms each person’s value in God’s eyes. Each month, the theme will conclude the statement with a different word, starting with “I am chosen” and followed by others such as “I am redeemed.” Student Association spiritual vice-president Evie Lange provided a devotional thought on the theme.
Students drew closer with their classmates both socially and physically during the classic icebreaker games of the hula-hoop pass and the human knot. The evening concluded with the handshake event in which the student body and staff formed a long line to introduce themselves, shake hands, and welcome each person.
In 2023, Campion started with 122 students, so the growth in enrollment is positive. The freshman class has 26 students, larger than it has been for the past three years.
A new freshman, Hannah Manase, shared, “It was a really cool experience. I liked seeing everyone at the school and learning all their names. I loved how the games introduced class bonding time.”
In addition, the number of international students has reached a new school record of 25 from six different countries.
“I got to meet a lot of new people, and the games were exciting,” reflected Azusa Shirakuma, a new sophomore from Japan. “I loved meeting the staff; they were very amazing.”
The senior class, returning with 49 students, is the largest class and shows the potential to provide positive leadership to the school.
Olivia Arizola, a returning senior, commented, “It was exciting getting to see all the new faces while seeing the familiar faces was comforting. I am very excited for my senior year and to get to know all these people that I shook hands with.”
—Jill Harlow is the Campion Academy communication director. Photos supplied.
