Education

Element5 Digital from Unsplash

Editorial by Richard Bianco

While 2020 is in our rearview mirror, its aftershock will linger in our collective memories for lifetime. We’ve seen everything from COVID-19 and the death of George Floyd to bitter politics, personal anxiety and fear felt by millions across the country. Through it all, our Seventh-day Adventist educators have shown strength and conviction, helping families and students move forward in their spiritual and educational pursuits.

Image from iStock

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV).

I was blessed to have parents who always believed in me. I can’t remember a decision I made in which my parents were not there to lend their support. They may not have agreed with every decision I made, but they were alongside me as I moved on from the outcome of my decisions. Their willingness to be there for me meant the world. It gave me strength and confidence to move forward when, at times, I didn’t think I could. Maybe you had parents like that or maybe you had someone else in your life who cheered for you. Whether you did or didn’t, know that in Christ we all have a passionate cheerleader.

Spring Valley Academy Stage Band

Story by Vicki Swetnam

Spring Valley Academy’s (SVA) Stage Band spent the last part of 2019 and the first part of 2020 preparing for their Benny Goodman fundraising concert. Then, the pandemic hit.

Months passed until Donald Huff, SVA band director, finally received clearance for the concert. Staff and students made proper preparations, brought in equipment and obtained professional videographers for a “live recording session.” Huff issued stern orders to the band: “Everyone, stay six feet apart, keep using hand sanitizer and stay heathy!” No one expected that he would be the one with the COVID-19 scare.