NN Oct 2024

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.

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.

Mickey Mallory – Denver, Colorado … Churches in the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) and beyond take time to show appreciation to their pastor every October. While not the only person ministering in the church, pastors have a unique role in that they shoulder the load of shepherding the church members. They are typically always on the giving end, rarely on the receiving end.

During the month of October, church members are given the opportunity to allow their pastor to be on the receiving end of appreciation. This is great for the pastor because it helps him/her know that their ministry is making a difference and that their members are grateful to God for all that He is doing through their ministry. Showing appreciation to a pastor communicates to a pastor that their church members care.

The Glenwood Springs Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, recently showed appreciation to their pastor, Leonardo Jiménez, and his wife. According to Leonardo, “the elders called me and my wife to the front to recognize the work we have done and thank us for what we have done. They were very generous to both me and my wife, giving us gifts and cards with nice wishes and then a cake. It was a wonderful Sabbath.”

Steve Nelson, pastor from the Cody District in Wyoming, and his wife, Samantha, shared, “thank you for caring and showing us the precious gift of your love during pastor’s appreciation month and all year long! We love you deeply and thank God for the gift of love and knowing you!”

Dave Ketelsen, pastor from the Colorado Springs Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, mentioned that after receiving appreciation from his church members, he felt “loved and encouraged to keep serving for the Lord no matter what.”

“Thank you for remembering your pastor and their family at this time of the year and throughout the year. It really means a lot to them,” remarked Mickey Mallory, RMC Ministerial director.

—Mickey Mallory is the RMC Ministerial director. Photos supplied and by Liz Kirkland.

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.