NewsNuggets

Olivia Uphold – Loveland, Colorado … The girls’ varsity volleyball team at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska, to participate in Union Adventist University’s (UAU) Fall Tournament, October 16-20, along with the CA boys’ varsity soccer team.

The girls played 5 games against: Sunnydale Academy from Centralia, Missouri, College View Academy from Lincoln, Nebraska, Spring Valley Academy from Centerville, Ohio, Georgia-Cumberland Academy from Calhoun, Georgia, and Minnetonka Academy from Minnetonka, Minnesota. The matches were close and competitive; however, the CA girls’ team ended the tournament with four losses and one win against Minnetonka.

Even with the disappointing results, the Campion team members remained upbeat and bonded with each other during the tournament. Damaris Lopez, CA team player, says, “I like how despite our losses the team still came together with a positive attitude which made this tournament memorable.”

Whenever the girls had free time, they went to rest, spend time with friends, or support the CA boys’ varsity soccer team. Natalie Bryant, CA team player, says, “It was really fun to support the soccer team. It got really tense because I was on the same side as the soccer team hearing everything on the sidelines.”

At the end of the tournament, CA’s Olivia Uphold was given an award for being the team’s Most Valuable Player.

—Olivia Uphold, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Gabriel Costa – Loveland, Colorado … Topping off a successful season, the boys’ soccer team at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, made it to the championship game at Union Adventist University’s (UAU) Fall Tournament, October 16-20, for the first time in five years. In the end, they lost against Sunnydale Academy (SA) from Centralia, Missouri, after the closely contested game went to penalty kicks, taking second place overall.

On the first day of the tournament, October 16, Campion won their game 4-0 against College View Academy (CVA) from Lincoln, Nebraska, with 2 goals from CA team captain Brayden Marroquin, one from CA player Philemon Amisi, and one from CA player Daniel Lopes. However, in the second game of the day, they were beaten 4-0 by Andrews Academy (AA) from Berrien Springs, Michigan, the reigning tournament champions.

On the second day, Campion was placed against the same opponents and needed to win both games to reach the final. Campion won 2-1 against CVA in the morning and was able to turn the tide against AA’s strong team, beating them 1-0. Gabriel Costa, the CA team’s striker, scored all the goals in both games.

Costa said, “We were upset that we had lost to Andrews [Academy], but we came together for a team meeting and encouraged each other. We arrived on the second day with our heads up and motivated to win. It was great that I scored the goals, but what made me most happy was how the team was able to deal with the defeat and improve.”

The final game against Sunnydale Academy on October 19 was a difficult and thrilling game. Both teams fought hard, ending the time in a draw, 1-1. After 10 minutes of extra time and no goals, the game was decided by penalty kicks. Both teams scored their first three penalty kicks, but Campion lost the fourth goal, so the game ended with Campion down 4-5.

Marroquin reflected, “The best moment of the game was when we equalized the game with seven minutes to go in the second half. When our team got a free kick from a foul, Davi crossed the ball into the box, Bruno headed the ball back, opening the way for Gabriel to score.”

Marroquin was selected as the Most Valuable Player of Campion’s soccer team. “The final game was full of stress, but I was confident that my team was going to play their hearts out,” Marroquin furthered. “The best part for me was the teamwork we put in. I’m proud of the team for giving it all they had.”

—Gabriel Costa, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Nathan Cranson – Montrose, Colorado … For over 20 years, the Montrose Seventh-day Adventist Church in Montrose, Colorado, has been involving the community to help struggling families in the region. This year, the Montrose Church mobilized to pass out 2,300 paper bags to local homes with instructions on how each could participate in the ministry. One week later, the bags were collected filled with donations.

“It was amazing to see the church fellowship hall filled with young and old, all working together. It was like a busy beehive, sorting each food item into their corresponding categories,” remarked Nathan Cranson, lead pastor at the Montrose Church.

“It was also amazing to see the enthusiasm of the community when they realize they have a chance to give to those that have needs,” Cranson continued. “People whose bags were missed during the pick-up process called and left messages at the church or drove to the church and left their bags at the doors. There are good, loving people in this world. We usually pass two large boxes of food out to between 50 and 80 families.”

The church leadership would like to recognize Judy Kelly and Jerilyn Pester for their many hours meticulously planning and carrying out this beautiful ministry. What a privilege getting to work together.

—Nathan Cranson is the lead pastor for the Montrose, Gunnison, and Paonia Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Photos supplied.

Sandy Hodgson – Denver, Colorado … It is the fourth year of dedication to transforming literacy in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC). Over half of the RMC elementary schools are participating in monthly reading professional development.

Trish Martin, a speech pathologist and founder and president of NEU: Neuroplasticity and Education United, spearheads the training. She has created successful integration of techniques of rewiring the brain with daily literacy instruction. Elements of the program include “Unlocking the Reading Code,” “Grammar Code,” “Spelling Code,” and “Writing Code.”

Monthly training sessions have equipped teachers with research-based practices that are designed to enhance student outcomes in reading, setting the stage for academic success across all subjects. Martin’s systematic instruction and decoding skills ensure students gain a deep understanding of how written language works. In a world where literacy is key to lifelong learning, this program aims to address the reading needs of every student, from those struggling with decoding to those looking to enhance their fluency and comprehension.

When “Unlocking the Code” was first launched, the pandemic emerged and required all training to switch to monthly zoom sessions. Beginning last spring, some training was transitioned to in-person, and educators had two days of training in August before school began with Trish Martin and her colleague, Teresa Snoap.

The latest training session, held at Vista Ridge Academy (VRA) in Erie, Colorado, October 14, included 25 educators from eight RMC schools. Martin and Snoap again led sessions emphasizing the importance of intentionality with literacy.

As the teachers gathered at VRA, the atmosphere was one of collaboration and growth. Kari Lange, vice principal and K-2 teacher at HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Colorado, was invited to share about the impact of the program in her classroom.

Based on a recommendation last year from Martin, Lange rearranged her class schedule to focus on literacy. “This program has been a game-changer for my students,” said Lange. “I’ve seen noticeable progress, especially in students who were previously struggling. They’re now more confident readers.”

The long-term commitment to this initiative is showing results. Educators like Lange are reporting improvements in student reading scores and overall literacy engagement. The focus on decoding and phonics has been particularly beneficial for young learners, setting a strong foundation for future academic achievement.

Trish Martin’s involvement has been instrumental in shaping the success of this program. Her approach is brain based and data driven but with a personal touch that resonates with teachers and students alike. As she continues to provide guidance through regular professional development sessions, the goal remains the same: to unlock every child’s potential through the power of reading.

Looking ahead, schools within the Rocky Mountain Conference are excited to see even more growth. The dedication of our educators, coupled with the strength of the “Unlocking the Reading Code” program, is a promising combination for fostering literacy across the Conference.

—Sandy Hodgson is the RMC Education assistant director. Photos supplied.

Alexandra Cordoba – Loveland, Colorado … Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, hosted 60 students from seventh to eleventh grade at the annual Academy Days open house, October 11-12. Students arrived from across Colorado, Texas, Utah, and Kansas. They got to experience staying in the dorms, interacting with students, and participating in worship services while they were here.

Students started the weekend on October 11 with interactive games including a bounce house obstacle course, a donut-eating contest, giant connect four and checkers, and pick-up basketball games.

Following the games, the prospective students and families had a chance to learn more about Campion’s academic program and compete for scholarships from different departments. Additionally, their families had the opportunity to discuss their questions with Campion’s administration.

A highlight of the day was when the student body gathered with the visitors in the gym for a Pep Rally to encourage the varsity teams before they headed off to the Fall Tournament at Union Adventist University. The girls and boys varsity teams ran into the gym with the crowd cheering while the jazz band played “Eye of the Tiger.” The pep rally included several music performances from the CA jazz band as well as a rousing speech from Campion’s athletic director, Caleb Jahn, and games hosted by Student Association (SA) officers.

Jessica Rios, CA director of enrollment, planned the event with the help of the SA officers. She shared her favorite part of this year’s event: “I love watching students come together who don’t know each other and begin to talk and become friends. I love seeing our student leaders trying to make our student visitors feel welcomed and seek them out to get involved.”

An important aspect of the weekend was the chance for the visitors to draw closer to Jesus as they worshiped with like-minded peers. After a vespers service on Friday evening, the students gathered together in the Hankins Hall tower to continue the tradition of singing praise songs late into the night.

On October 12, chaplain Lindsey Santana led Sabbath School, followed by the main church service where Koinonia performed “I Want to Walk.” After the Sabbath service, current and prospective students had the opportunity to go for a hike, watch a move in the chapel, or go back to their dorms to rest.

Finally, on Saturday evening, many of the visitors stayed to experience the Student Association’s Fall Party filled with flannel, hay, and pumpkin pie.

When asked how she felt this year’s Campion Academy Days went, Rios responded, “It went so well. We usually get 40 percent of participants to attend Campion Academy, so this is a very important event on our campus. I would say the future for next school year looks bright.”

—Alexandra Cordoba, Campion Academy student news editor. Photos supplied.

Brandon Westgate – Ward, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) acquired Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, in 1950. This means that 2025 marks 75 years of ownership of this incredible facility.

There have been 75 years of impactful ministry through church retreats, ministry training events, summer camp programs, Pathfinder camporees, and a host of other ministry moments. Scores of people, both young and old, have been baptized in the lake and the pool. Through the years, the camp has witnessed faithful stewards come and go, lake levels rise and fall, trees spring forth and trees die away, and wildlife populations ebb and flow. And, through it all, the structures at GVR have endured seasonal changes and extreme weather conditions. The task of maintaining these structures is always formidable.

“While it is good for us to remember with fondness the efforts of good people and the way the Spirit has led in the past, on the eve of GVR’s seventy-fifth year, we are choosing to look forward. Looking forward not only to how the Lord will bless GVR with grace and peace, but also looking forward to making some much-needed improvements on some structures that have needed some help for quite a while,” remarked Brandon Westgate, RMC Youth director.

The GVR leadership team is thrilled to announce that they have received approval to remodel one of the lodge rooms and one of the cabins. There are some committed church members, mostly from RMC Hispanic churches, who are willing to volunteer their time and skills so that the labor portion of these remodels will be at a very low cost. Essentially, the cost for these remodels will be the cost of materials only with some cost in permitting and engineering.

Darin Gottfried, RMC vice president for finances, said, “I am very excited about improving everyone’s experience at Glacier View Ranch and am very thankful to those who are investing their time to make that happen.”

With the lodge room remodel, they are going to completely replace everything in the room. A walk-in shower, new vanity, and tiled walls and floors will replace the old linoleum, worn out tub/shower unit, and vanity in the bathroom. The popcorn ceiling will be removed as well as the drywall from at least one wall. The plan is to add soundproofing between the rooms to offer a higher degree of privacy. Fresh paint, new furniture, new bedding, and new flooring will complete the transformation.

For the cabin remodel, the plan inside is to remove the ceiling to create a more open feeling. Fresh drywall will be hung, a mini split HVAC unit will be added to give climate control, a fresh coat of paint will be applied along with an epoxy coating on the floor, and all new furniture will finish the project. For the outside, a nice stucco finish and a covered front porch will be added. This will provide a whole new dimension to the cabins.

Once the proper building permits are obtained, the work will begin in earnest. The plan is to share before-and-after photos with RMC churches.

“We will calculate the total cost for rehabbing a lodge room and a cabin, and we will make an appeal to our churches to sponsor a room or two, or perhaps a cabin or two,” commented Westgate. “We know that we can accomplish great things when we partner together. That has been true at GVR since its inception, and we trust that it will continue to be true as we approach this exciting seventy-fifth year of operations!”

GVR director of camp ministries, Jonathan Carlson, shared, “Remodeling the cabins and the lodge rooms help us do ministry ‘better.’  It demonstrates that God wants us to strive for bigger and unimaginable things. Projects like this help bring us together and make us realize that anything is possible with faith in God’s purpose for our camp.”

“To continue to operate GVR in this challenging time in Earth’s history, we will need your support through offerings of prayer, time, effort, and yes finances,” Westgate continued. “I know that the Lord is able to do more than we can even hope to imagine, so it is with great confidence that we begin this project, leaning on the everlasting arms of a truly loving Lord and relying on the faithfulness of His people.”

If you would like to volunteer some of your time or skilled help on this project, or if you would like to volunteer for some other projects happening at GVR, feel free to reach out to Jonathan Carlson at Glacier View Ranch at (303) 459-0771. Thank you for your support as we step out in faith together.

—Brandon Westgate is the RMC Youth Department director. Photos supplied.

Jocelyn Aalborg – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … The varsity volleyball and soccer teams from Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, recently returned to Walla Walla University in College Place, Washington, October 10-12, for the Fall Classic Tournament, making the 16-hour journey by coach bus—an experience the teams had not enjoyed since 2015.

The excitement among students, coaches, and parents was undeniable as Walla Walla University welcomed the visiting schools with open arms. The campus tour on October 10 was a highlight with students thoroughly enjoying the cafeteria food, particularly the soft-serve ice cream, which quickly became a favorite.

While MHA’s athletes were prepared to compete, the spirit of support from parents, fans, and staff traveling alongside them added an extra layer of Mustang pride. Dressed in MHA gear, the supporters’ enthusiasm was recognized by other schools, a testament to the strong community spirit at the tournament.

Volleyball

MHA’s Varsity Volleyball team demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament, playing an impressive eight games. Thursday’s lineup of games challenged the team, but they remained focused. On October 11, they played three additional games, securing a victory in their final match, which earned them a place in the championship game for the green bracket.

The championship game took place the night of October 12, with MHA facing off against Paradise Adventist Academy from Paradise, California. MHA’s team displayed exceptional skill, winning the match in two straight sets and claiming the championship for their bracket.

“I am so proud of how the team came together,” said Delanie P., a MHA Senior volleyball player. “We were able to overcome challenges, which made us stronger as a unit.”

Team coach Jill Dean added, “Winning the championship reflects the trust, sportsmanship, and positive attitude this team has developed over the season. These players support one another both on and off the court, and their hard work paid off. I look forward to seeing how they continue to grow in the future.”

Soccer

The MHA Varsity Soccer team played four matches over the course of the tournament, including a bonus game against Paradise Academy on the evening of October 10. Though the game didn’t impact the standings, MHA athletes experimented with new positions, using the opportunity to further develop their teamwork, despite the 8-0 result. The boys cheered each other on throughout the match, creating a fun and supportive atmosphere. They truly enjoyed the game, focusing on camaraderie and making the most of the experience.

Saturday night’s green bracket championship game brought a rematch against Paradise Academy, with both teams eager for victory. The game was tightly contested, with a 1-1 tie at halftime. MHA’s defense held strong against Paradise’s attacks in the second half, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the champion.

Paradise scored the first goal, but MHA’s Asa A.B., junior, quickly equalized. After another goal by Paradise, Owen F., freshman, calmly scored his penalty kick, bringing MHA level once again. “Once the first PK went in, it was a big confidence boost,” Owen said. “When my turn came, I knew what needed to be done, and I executed.”

In a critical moment, MHA goalkeeper Rogan A., junior, made a crucial save blocking Paradise’s final attempt. Phoenix M., also a junior, then stepped up for MHA’s final kick, securing the victory as Mustang fans exploded in celebration.

The energy on the field was electric as the volleyball team and fans rushed out to join the soccer team in celebration, capping off a weekend filled with sportsmanship, hard work, and Mustang pride.

Athletic director Michael Camacho said, “Mile High Academy is incredibly proud of both its volleyball and soccer teams for their resilience, teamwork, and determination throughout the tournament. Congratulations to the Mustangs for bringing home the championships!”

—Jocelyn Aalborg is the vice president of finance and development at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.

RMCNews with Ted Williams – La Junta, Colorado … The Arkansas Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rocky Ford, Colorado, participated in the annual Early Settlers Day in La Junta, Colorado, September 7. Thousands of people attend the day to honor the early settlers in the region, but the Arkansas Valley Church participated for the fifth year in a row to help people get to know Jesus.

“We were just mobbed there. I mean to tell you, it’s really something, and people are getting to the point where they start to look for us,” remarked Ted Williams, lead pastor at the Arkansas Valley Church.

The church set up a booth with the banner “Bible Giveaway, Prayer Table.” Around 200 Bibles were passed out to attendees at the event that day. The Bibles had been acquired at a significantly reduced price in a variety of types from a local bookstore that was closing. Williams recalls a few interactions with attendees that day.

“A Hispanic gentleman came by and said that he was trying to learn English and asked if we had a bilingual Bible. Of course we did! And an older lady was looking over at the booth like she was interested but kept walking around it. Finally, I addressed her and asked if we could just talk. She came over and started sharing with me about her grandson who had just had a stroke. He was recovering, but he couldn’t read. He was asking her if she could find him a large print Bible, because he thought maybe that would help his eyes focus better. She got a large print Bible, and we prayed together.”

Along with Bibles and Christian literature, 200 t-shirts with the phrase “Under the Influence of Jesus” and 1,800 customized water bottles were distributed. “The local girls’ softball team found out about the t-shirts and the whole team came by to get them. Then the boys’ baseball team came by, and they all got t-shirts. And then there were [elementary] school kids that came by and wanted the shirts. We’ve ordered 400 t-shirts for next year,” remarked Williams.

“You know, these things start conversations,” Williams continued. “That’s the whole idea; raise people’s awareness, bring them to the point where they’re ready to question what they know and what they think, and that they’re willing to say, ‘okay, yeah, sure. Pray with me.’”

Williams also recounted an issue with the customized water bottle order. He had placed an order for 40 cases, received 74 cases at pick-up, and was only invoiced for 20 cases. When he brought this discrepancy to the company’s attention, they said just to pay what was on the invoice. Williams thanked them for their “donation” and brought a set of Ellen G. White’s Conflict of Ages narrative-style Bible commentary series.

The booth also offers a raffle giveaway for the Conflict of Ages set to the event attendees. Seventy-two people entered the raffle not knowing that anyone who enters will receive a copy of the set: “We give them away free. We have a place for people to sign up, and they all think that only one person is going to win. [But] everyone is winning. Our purpose is to make sure every person who signs up wins,” commented Williams. “We’ve had people come by and say in loud voices, ‘I won that set of books last year. I’m reading those books. You should get those books, and you should read them!’”

Nineteen people assisted with the booth this year. One booth assistant was watching people walk by and wanted to get involved with distribution. By the end of the event, he had given away 50 bibles and 600 inspirational cards.

“It’s an interesting experience meeting people for Jesus and encouraging those to know him. It’s awesome,” concluded Williams. Preparations are already under way for next year’s booth.

—Ted Williams is lead pastor at the Arkansas Valley, Lamar, and Trinidad Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Photos supplied.

Rick Mautz – Denver, Colorado … Rocky Mountain Lifestyle Center (RMLC) located in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) office in Denver, Colorado, is under a new name: Wellness Support. “That is what we do, we support people in their journey toward wellness,” remarked Rick Mautz, RMLC director.

“Information alone seldom brings about the desired result for reaching wellness. Most of us know what we should do but have a hard time doing it without some support,” Mautz continued. “The team at Wellness Support provide that needed support, not only through classes that provide more information but ongoing support and reinforcement of doable principles and processes.”

As far as information is concerned, there is a lot of good information available regarding health and healthy habits, but there is a lot of bad information as well, and most people are frustrated when trying to know the difference. The Wellness Support team of professional volunteers and advisors help sort through all the misinformation to find the best scienced-based answers to wellness needs, a lot of which can be reviewed through self-study or by using free resources provided.

Mautz commented on some of the newer features of the center: “It’s difficult to make wellness habit changes without addressing the food we eat, which involves learning new recipes and some cooking classes. During our period of shutdown from COVID, we put that time to work for us by remodeling our space, outfitting it with bathrooms, a shower, and a beautiful hands-on teaching kitchen. It’s a place to not just watch someone else demonstrate cooking but to do the food preparation yourself beside experienced cooks. And you get to eat the results.”

Various classes will be offered throughout the year such as Diabetes reversal, weight loss, Mind Fit, and other on-request programs. And, when the classes are over, the Wellness Support team will stay available to continue to support people as they apply what they have learned and meet the challenges of life after the class. Their goal is everyone’s wellness, and they will support people as long as needed for success.

“Sounds expensive, all that support, right? Because of the dedication of skilled and professional volunteers most of our classes and support is free, with charges only when books or material are needed. We operate on a donation basis so that no one is turned away because of the cost. And we even have exercise equipment if you can’t afford a gym membership,” Mautz stated.

The Wellness Support center will be open Mondays from10:00-2:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 2:00-5:00 p.m. with expanded hours coming in the future as more volunteers are trained. Much of the support, however, can be provided via phone or a Zoom meeting, and special appointments to meet at the center can be scheduled.

Come experience Wellness Support at the open house on Sunday, November 10, from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Get a personal tour, health handouts, sign up for classes, enjoy lots of food, and meet the staff. And Wellness Support is always looking for more volunteers. Click here to see volunteer opportunities.

—Rick Mautz, PT MS, is RMC Health Ministry director and director of the Rocky Mountain Lifestyle Center. Photos supplied.