Love Pickle

31 Mar

Prospective students experience Campion Academy

In

By Love Pickle – Loveland, Colorado … After two years of limiting campus visits, Campion Academy was once again able to host Academy Day on March 26. An annual, free open house for prospective students in seventh through eleventh grades, Academy Day gives these visitors an opportunity to experience a bit of life on campus.

The visiting students began their Campion experience with activities planned by the Student Association (SA) officers, including human bumper ball, jousting, and knockout.

Reflecting on the visit, Sarah, an eighth-grader, shared, “The activities in the morning were my favorite part of the day and playing bubble soccer. I feel good about coming to Campion next year, and I thought the event was nice.”

The SA officers proceeded to give tours of the campus which left a strong impression on Sarah, “The students who gave the tour were kind, and they answered all of our questions.”

Academic contests were held, including opportunities for the students to win various scholarships, like athletics and music.

Dean Helm, business manager, with his creative art known as Helmdini, entertained the students with a special magic performance. Evie, an eighth-grader, pointed out, “My favorite part was the magic show.” She added that she is excited to come to Campion because, during her visit, the students were friendly and welcoming.

The students toured the dorms and participated in mini-scramble games before supper. After dinner, Dean and Sue Helm took the students out for ice cream to satisfy their sweet teeth. Angel, an eighth-grader, remarked, “I enjoyed the ice cream. The classes and the people who were there were nice.”

The event concluded with an award show and a vespers program. The visiting students were sent off with a farewell gift put together by Campion Academy with the hope of seeing them again as future students.

–Love Pickle is a senior at Campion Academy; photos supplied

24 Feb

CAMPION GIRLS WIN DIVISION AT UNION COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

In

By Love Pickle – Loveland, Colorado … After a two-year absence, Campion Academy varsity basketball teams returned to Lincoln, Nebraska on February 17 to participate in the annual Union College basketball tournament.

Students said the days were long with games, but the exhaustion didn’t stop them from bonding on a deeper level.

Reflecting on the event, Nicole, Campion junior, said, “I thought it was a good experience. I was able to hang out with people I don’t normally interact with at school.” She added, “I liked seeing how different schools with the same beliefs came together to compete while experiencing God. There was a lot of good sportsmanship from other teams, which made it fun.”

Kendra, Campion senior and manager of the girls’ basketball team, shared her experience. “Union’s tournament was a highlight of my senior year. I am so proud of how the girls worked together to win first place.”

While the girls celebrated their championship win, the boys’ team was eliminated after a series of losses. The loss, though, didn’t hinder the boys’ experience. “The Union basketball tournament was definitely one of the highlights of the year for me. Even though the team didn’t end the season how we wanted to, I know I will remember the moments and my team for a long time,” said Colton, Campion junior.

One of the boys’ team captains, Jadon, reflected on what the tournament meant to the team. “Some people will be optimistic and focus on the girls’ team win. Others will be pessimistic and talk about the guys’ team losing. Ultimately, though, the tournament was a blast. Although it’s about basketball, what I’ll remember most is the time spent with my teammates, chilling and talking, playing with a hacky sack, and running around roughhousing.”

Colton reiterated Jadon’s sentiments saying, “My favorite part about the tournament was hanging out with the team on late nights and being on the court playing basketball. It was a fun way to end a season.”

–Love Pickle is a senior at Campion Academy; photos supplied

17 Feb

CAMPION ACADEMY COMES ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC

In

By Love Pickle – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy’s drama class performed for parents, guests, and fellow classmates, giving a striking performance of The Sound of Music which, according to one student, captured the hearts of the audience.

The event, rescheduled from last month, was held on February 12.  As the doors opened for the performance, the CA gymnasium was quickly filled with anticipation and excitement as attendees waited to see the drama class show off their hard work.

Blessing, Campion senior who played Liesel, reflected on the event, “The Sound of Music helped me learn how to manage a stressful situation, and it also gave me a chance to do something new, since I’ve never been in a musical.” As graduation is nearing, she said, “It’s something I will never forget, and I’m glad I had the chance to perform.”

The Sound of Music helped students bond on a deeper level. Ariel, a sophomore who played Maria, explained, “It was a great experience. I was lucky to have been chosen as the lead with a great team behind me. It helped us grow together as a big family.”

It wasn’t only the performers on stage who made the evening a success. Students working behind the scenes also contributed to the success of the performance. Daniel, a senior working on set design, remarked, “Being backstage was a completely different experience than being upfront. We spent weeks preparing backgrounds and props to make the stage look as lively as possible. Although we weren’t seen, our roles were significant, and it was an overall pleasure getting to work with Ms. Johnson and my colleagues.”

Erin Johnson, drama teacher, directed the play along with the invaluable help of the assistant student director Brianna Bell. “I absolutely loved seeing the students’ hard work come to life,” exclaimed Bell. “Even though we encountered minor hiccups along the way, how the actors recovered is what made it such a great play.”

The senior class was able to use this premiere as a fundraiser by providing an unforgettable dine-in experience for attendees. The show concluded with a standing ovation from parents and students, evidence of a well-produced show, and a successful evening.

–Love Pickle is a senior at Campion Academy; photos supplied

30 Nov

CAMPION STUDENTS THANKFUL FOR ADOPT-A-STUDENT PROGRAM

In

By Love Pickle – Loveland, Colorado … After a semester of receiving anonymous gifts each Sabbath, Campion Academy girls got to meet the generous families behind the Adopt-a-Student program over a Thanksgiving fellowship meal on November 20.

Campion Church members created the Adopt-a-Student program to express their love to students by bringing them weekly heart-warming gifts and treats to church. The adopted families hid their identity until the Thanksgiving meal.

Faith, a junior, expressed, “It was super fun meeting my adopted family. I wanted to see a face behind the person who gave me gifts.”

At the special gathering, students had the chance to share their appreciation for their adoptive families.

“My adopted family was the Kasts, and I had no idea. It was very nice to get to know and talk with my adoptive family while eating lunch together. I am glad I could thank them because their gifts always made my day,” Airi, senior, said.

The program has impacted many students through small acts of kindness by the Campion Church members.

The Campion Academy boys are looking forward to experiencing the Adopt-a-Student program next semester.

–Love Pickle is a senior at Campion Academy; photos supplied

03 Nov

HMS RICHARDS LITERATURE MINISTRY OFFERS AN “UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE”

In

By Love Pickle – Loveland, Colorado … Students in the seventh and eighth grades at HMS Richards Adventist School are reaching out to the community by participating in the literature ministries (LM) program.

The program has been a mission of seventh and eighth-grade teacher Carey Jordan. “It’s been a dream of mine since I started teaching,” said Jordan who has been working with Matt Hasty, RMC literature ministries director, and the school board to make this dream a reality.

After recent approval by the school board, the students have been able to go out twice and plan to continue once a month for the rest of the school year.

This experience has created a desire within students to continue sharing the gospel in their community. “LM is actually a lot of fun. I am glad to bring people to Christ, and maybe they can be saved,” Warren, a seventh-grader, enthusiastically shared. When asked how it felt to be rejected, he responded, “I respect their choices, and I don’t want to force anything upon them.”

Another seventh-grade student said, “LM is great, but sometimes I get nervous when I don’t know something.”

Jordan told how she witnessed the students’ attitudes change during their first LM outreach: “The kids started so nervous, but when they came back, they asked when they could do it again.”

Being part of literature ministries requires a lot of patience, determination, and the mental capacity to overcome challenges. Another student, Elin, found it difficult to talk to strangers and pray with them at first, but still pushed herself to do so.

Eighth-grader Michelle recalled an unforgettable experience where she and her peers knocked on a door and met a woman who had undergone many brain surgeries and has an uncertain prognosis. Hence, the students gathered and prayed for her. Seeing seventh and eighth graders reaching out to adults in such a way made school secretary Aubrey Nelson emotional, with tears rolling from her eyes. Reflecting on the event, Michelle added, “It makes me feel better to pray for other people.”

Even when people don’t make a purchase, the students are still happy when people who open the door, are filled with hope that they might open a lot of hearts.

The money collected from LM goes toward sponsoring a mission trip for the students. If pandemic restrictions prohibit the trip, the funds will be sent to Maranatha.

–Love Pickle is a senior at Campion Academy; photos by Carey Jordan

23 Sep

CONNECTIONS REKINDLED AS CAMPION ALUMNI RETURN TO CAMPUS

In

By Love Pickle – Loveland, Colorado … Reminiscing about days gone by, 450 alumni returned to Campion Academy, September 18, where they spent the formative years of their youth, in order to reconnect with friends and classmates.

Alumni walked through their old hallways and witnessed the changes to the campus that have taken place over the years. Reflecting on the changes, especially the new pavement made in the past 70 years, Arlene Reeder-Russell, class of ’51, was filled with joy, “I am just thrilled with the changes. Everything that they have done has been marvelous. I like everything about alumni weekend, and I come almost every year.”

The Reeder Golf Classic began the weekend of activities, fellowship, and reconnections.  After the competition, alumni and students gathered to enjoy a time of socializing in the cafeteria while enjoying a meal prepared by the chefs of Campion Academy. The evening concluded with a vespers program featuring the Voice of Prophecy’s Discovery Mountain actors and an afterglow around the fire pit to sing praise songs and enjoy s’mores.

“It’s been ten years, but it feels like two. So much has happened in our lives, and it’s weird being back,” Jessica Montoya, class of ’11, commented.

The next morning Sabbath School featured a panel of staff alumni sharing their Campion experiences. Inductions to the Hall of Faith presented during the morning included Kathy class of ’72, Kevin Binder class of ‘73, and Kenneth Gregerson class of ‘71, who were recognized for their long-term dedication to the academy. The alumni of the year award was dedicated to H.M.S. Richards class of 1914.

The music department serenaded the attendees with student arrangements in handbells, orchestra, choir, and the select choir, Koinonia.

“It is just exciting. I was excited to come back and see all the staff and some friends who are still here. It is nice to see the fountain and that the picnic tables are back. It is nice knowing that the current students can have a better year,” said a fresh alumni, Nelly Salinas class of ’21.

Concluding the weekend was the highly competitive volleyball and soccer games pitting alumni against students, in which alumni dominated both matches.

–Love Pickle Campion senior; photos supplied

15 Sep

CAMPION AND MILE HIGH ACADEMY SPLIT OPENING GAMES AS SPORTS RETURN

In

RMCNews with Love Pickle and Elizabeth Jureckova – Loveland, Colorado … After a dreadful year of pandemic restrictions, soccer and volleyball have returned to Campion Academy.

According to students, not having competitive sports due to COVID-19 negatively impacted the school experience. “It felt kinda empty without sports last year,” Jovanna, Campion sophomore, said.

Sharing the same sentiments Kendra, Campion senior, expressed, “Having volleyball back is definitely a highlight of my senior year; I missed going to tournaments last year and being with my teammates.”

With sports back, the cheers of students, staff, and families returned as Campion Academy boys showed off their soccer skills during the season’s opening game against Mile High Academy. The Campion Cougars dominated the Mustangs 3 to 1.

“After not being able to play any sports last year, it is great to finally be able to play sports again, especially soccer. It’s already been a great start to the season, and it will only get better. We have a lot to work on together as a team, but we all are willing to put in the work. I think our whole team is excited to play soccer once again, and we all want to bring the trophy back home from Union,” Karson, Campion soccer member, expressed.

While the boys celebrated the win, the girls’ volleyball opening match between the two schools was underway.  The Cougars and Mustangs both showed perseverance during the match, and, in the end, MHA ended on top, winning 3 to 1.

Students were thankful to be back on the field, win or lose.

“It felt really good being back on the field. I think sports bring people together in a way nothing else can. You could definitely tell the effect of not having [sports] last year had on everybody. We’re all super excited to play again this season, make memories and have some fun,” Collin, Campion soccer team member, said.

“It’s nice to get back into the groove and feel the energy of competition,” reflected Kylie, Campion captain of the volleyball team. “I have a good team, and I am looking forward to what this season will hold.”

— RMCNews with Love Pickle and Elizabeth Jureckova; photos by Gwyn Reeves and Jill Harlow