NewsNuggets

By Adelaide Eno

I am not a math person.

This was a truth that I entered high school with—the innate knowledge of a fact of indisputable nature.

Yet, years after I thought I had decided this for good, I crouched over my team’s robot, calculating each angle and using triangles to support unstable pieces. I had quite the disturbing revelation: it appeared that I, despite my valiant efforts to avoid the subject entirely, was doing MATH … Willingly.

The door to robotics opened for me three years ago when I joined my brother in high school at Mile High Academy (MHA). The robotics tournament was unexpected. At MHA, nearly everyone has been to a sports tournament; we know what competition looks like. We know the energy that charges the air when we step into an arena. Yet, something is different about robotics.

As soon as the doors to the competition venue open, there is a rush to get to your team’s workstation first—to set up and look around, to gauge the scene. There is a moment of tension where eyes flit across the room in search of a friendly face. And then, after the trading of a bracelet or some stickers, the tension breaks and suddenly everyone’s talking.

As Outreach Co-Ordinator for the last three years, talking has been my job. FIRST Tech Challenge, the program we participate in, is created to enable connections. “Gracious Professionalism,” is a term coined by FIRST to describe the standard of behavior for participants and encourages every team to work together despite the competitive atmosphere. In many ways, it is parallel to the CHERISH Core Values that we exemplify at MHA. We are rivals, yes, but we are also friends.

I am not a math person. So, I go around and talk to the teams. I recognize a fellow artist from the way she describes her robot’s claw. I become friends with a boy who listens to the same musical artist. I lend materials to a team that forgot their tool bag at their hotel.

I may not be a math person, but I am a robotics person, so I learn how to use my strengths. I organize our parts for the Judge’s meeting where the team is interviewed by competition judges about their robot. I translate the short and unclear explanations of my teammate’s work into words normal people can understand. And above all, I learn.

This year was my senior year, and the feeling of saying goodbye to such a precious memory is bittersweet. I was more involved than ever helping build, code, and, of course, do outreach for my team. So, it is naturally hard to imagine not being involved in this anymore.

After the competition ended, my best friend called me. She was in robotics too and graduated last year. Halfway through a tearful conversation about moving on, a kind man walked by and checked in on me. He is the father of a freshman student whose team struggled this year, and he was looking for a way to reassure his son. I didn’t know quite what to say. What would I have needed to hear back when I was a freshman? So, I just said, “I am not a math person.”

I am not a math person, but through robotics, I have been provided with the application I needed to succeed. Some people say that you’re either an algebra person or a geometry person, but I would argue to the contrary. I am a robotics person, and, because of robotics, I am both.

The man told me that he had a different math teacher every year, and that it was only in college that someone knew how to help him learn. “It is not that you are bad at math,” he reassured. “You just haven’t been taught how to learn it yet.” He, just like me, was not a math person. Now, we both are.

As we wrapped up the conversation and he walked away, my friend and I sat in the silence processing what the man had said. She too struggles with math, and, just like me, she grew into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through robotics. She now studies physics and computer science at Walla Walla University.

Although he had been speaking to only me, his words hit both of us. I am a math person now, but for how long? Graduating from robotics felt like slamming a door closed. Yet, this man’s reassurance broke apart my fears like breaking apart the imaginary wall I had built for myself.

When we gathered our thoughts together and both started to speak, my friend and I could only say one thing: “It feels like God sent that man.” I had tried to close the door on myself, to end this chapter of my life the way I had started it, yet God was on the other side holding it open.

—Adelaide Eno is a senior student at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.

Yngrid Silva – Loveland, Colorado … Students at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, took a day off from schoolwork to serve the surrounding community, April 11.

Students were divided into groups and completed different jobs such as picking up trash in the park and along highways, sorting donations at Habitat for Humanity,* making quilts, and collecting cans for the House of Neighborly Service.*

Brayden Marroquin, senior student, shared, “It was a lot of fun cleaning up the highway with my friends and just having a good time waving at the people passing by.”

Some students stayed on campus and helped in the cafeteria to serve a meal to middle school students that go to school in the Rocky Mountain Conference. Misha Newbold, senior student, shared, “Working in the cafeteria was long and tiring, but in the end, I felt good because I was serving others.”

* Habitat for Humanity and House of Neighborly Service are not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Yngrid Silva, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Jose Briones – Loveland, Colorado … At Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, the pathways to growth take many forms—academic rigor, spiritual reflection, and, for senior student Damaris Lopez, a surprising discovery in literature evangelism. For Damaris, what began as a summer interest evolved into a calling, one that reshaped her faith and left a lasting impression on the people she encountered along the way.

“It’s funny,” she said. “I never thought knocking on doors would change me.” But change her, it did. Through Campion’s literature evangelism program and her summer Youth Rush experiences through the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC), Damaris learned that faith is as much about action as it is belief. Going door-to-door, distributing religious materials, and striking up conversations, she saw firsthand how small moments of connection could transcend barriers.

Some encounters stand out vividly in her mind. “There were times when people would open the door and start sharing their struggles with me, a complete stranger,” Damaris commented. “Those moments didn’t feel random. I really believe God placed me there for a reason.” The phrase “divine appointment” became one she returned to often, those unplanned interactions where faith, empathy, and humanity intersected in profound ways.

Through these exchanges, Damaris’s own faith deepened. She learned to listen without judgment, to embrace vulnerability, and to trust in the quiet ways God works through ordinary moments. “It’s humbling,” she remarked. “You think you’re there to help others, but, so often, they end up teaching you something just as important.”

Her experiences in evangelism shaped more than her relationship with God. As class pastor, a role she’s held since her sophomore year, Damaris offers guidance and encouragement, often sharing Bible verses she’s kept on hand for those moments when someone needs reassurance. “I want people to know they’re not alone,” she said. “Whether it’s a study group or just a conversation, it’s about making space for connection.”

With graduation on the horizon, Damaris looks ahead with confidence, carrying the lessons learned during her time at Campion: “It’s more than just the books or the conversations. It’s about planting seeds—small acts of faith that God can grow into something beautiful.”

For Damaris, Campion Academy has been far more than an education. It’s been a launchpad for self-discovery, service, and spiritual growth, a place where every knock on a door revealed another pathway to grace. Watch Damari’s story below.

—Jose Briones is lead pastor at the Fairplay Seventh-day Adventist Church and is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.

RMCNews – New Castle, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) recognized the formation of the Welcome Home Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Company, April12, in New Castle, Colorado.

Thirty members of the new company were in attendance at the ceremony and another 30 people attended in support. Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration, presided over the ceremony and was joined by Darin Gottfried, RMC vice president for Finance, and Leonardo Jimenez, lead pastor of the Denver Central Hispanic, Colorado Springs Hispanic, and Nueva Esperanza Seventh-day Adventist Churches.

To be considered for company status within the Conference, a group must have existed for at least one year following written recognition by RMC administration and must demonstrate a distinct missional need or demographic focus.

Applications require a statement of purpose, leadership structure, growth strategy, financial viability, and consistent attendance records. Final approval is granted by the RMC Executive Committee, after which newly formed companies are responsible for their own finances.

“We are pleased to have the Welcome Home Hispanic Company join the list of congregations in the Rocky Mountain Conference,” remarked Inglish. “This is a testament to the Holy Spirit to bring together the followers of Jesus Christ to continue our mission and spread the Gospel.”

—RMCNews. Photos by Susan Inglish.

Daniele Fantoni – Alamosa, Colorado … What began as a vision with just one Pathfinder has grown into a vibrant group of young people discovering purpose and faith through the Pathfinder ministry. The San Luis Valley Gators Pathfinder Club, which launched just last year, led out in a Spirit-filled Sabbath service on April 5 at the Alamosa Seventh-day Adventist Church in Alamosa, Colorado.

At the time of the service, the club had grown to seven active Pathfinder members, all of whom regularly participate in the program. Each young person took a turn at the pulpit sharing short messages.

“It was a moving experience to see them stand boldly before the congregation, using their voices to encourage and uplift the church family,” remarked Daniele Fantoni, lead pastor in the San Luis Valley district in the Rocky Mountain Conference.

Since the special service, the club has welcomed two more Pathfinder members, bringing the total to nine—”a clear sign that God continues to bless and grow this ministry.”

“This is more than just a club—it’s a ministry that’s shaping lives. To watch these kids grow, not just in numbers, but in courage and spiritual maturity, is truly a blessing,” Fantoni continued.

The Pathfinder club has become a point of connection and discipleship in the community, drawing families closer together and giving young people a place to belong and thrive. The club director and leaders are committed to nurturing each child, helping them develop Christ-like character through service, learning, and adventure.

Fantoni concluded with, “As the San Luis Valley Gators Pathfinder Club continues to grow, so does the joy and energy they bring to the church. April 5 was not just a special Sabbath, it was a celebration of what God is doing through young lives and a glimpse of a bright future.”

—Daniele Fantoni is lead pastor at the Alamosa, Monte Vista, and Pagosa Springs Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Photos supplied.

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … More than 150 supporters for Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, gathered for the school’s annual auction, Eat, Mingle & Give, held April 6 at Topgolf Centennial. The event featured a lively atmosphere, meaningful conversation, and the opportunity to bid on a wide range of auction items—all in support of Christian education.

This year’s event raised over $85,000, with proceeds directly benefiting the school’s financial aid program, which supports more than 40% of current students.

Doug Inglish, vice president for Administration for the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) of Seventh-day Adventists, attended the event and shared his appreciation: “I always enjoy the MHA event. Hanging out with staff and supporters is a great way to spend a Sunday morning. The support from the community at this event shows that they understand you can’t get a better education in the Denver Metro area than is offered at Mile High Academy.”

From popular Mustang SWAG and baked goods to handmade student projects, artwork, classroom experiences, and generous community donations, attendees were eager to show their support. The event’s success reflects the strong community spirit and shared commitment to Mile High Academy’s mission of providing an exceptional, Christ-centered education.

“A special thank you goes out to the dedicated teachers, students, and volunteers, as well as to all who donated and participated in the event,” said Jocelyn Aalborg, MHA’s vice principal of Finance and Development.

She continued, “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and continued support of our community. Each gift, each bid, and each kind word help us continue growing a school where students thrive academically, spiritually, and socially.”

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