Education

Zirkle Gym Groundbreaking, Shenandoah Valley Academy

Story by Janel Haas Ware

Keynote speaker Charles A. Tapp, president of the Potomac Conference and chairman of the Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) Board of Trustees, shares a message (excerpted) at the Zirkle Gymnasium Renovation Groundbreaking Ceremony, May 14, 2021:

Reflecting upon the impact Shenandoah Valley Academy has had and continues to have on the lives of students, these words of Ellen White came to mind: “Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children” (Education, p. 18).

Image from iStock

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10, NIV).

One summer, my family decided to take a road trip to Tennessee. We started off very early, and, by the time we stopped for a bathroom break, it was already noon. My sister dashed to the restroom while the line was short. By the time I got there, the line had grown, so I had to wait.

When I finished and walked back to the parking lot, to my shock and dismay, our van was nowhere in sight. After five minutes of searching for my family, panic set in. Had they left me?

Story by Andrew S. Lay

During Alumni Weekend 2021, Highland View Academy (HVA) renamed their gymnasium in honor of Harvey J. Byram, principal from 1980–1987, who worked
tirelessly to build up the HVA campus and begin the varsity athletic programs at the school.

Byram raised money to build the library and science wing of the classroom building, the E & I Barr building that houses the cafeteria and music departments, and the DeHaan Hall and Hartle Hall dormitories.

Spring Valley Academy, Lucas Oil Field

Story by Lisa Moller

The big screen at Spring Valley Academy’s (SVA) Performing Arts Center flashed sports highlights and dynamic ESPN-style graphics to introduce the theme for the upcoming 2021–22 music season: “SVA Sports Spectacular.”

This theme, a close secret kept by band conductor Donald Huff and choral conductor Cristy Doria, set the agenda for a daylong field trip to Indiana, where band and choir members visited the Hoosier Gym, Lucas Oil Stadium and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.