Education

Story by Debra Anderson

Takoma Academy (TA) is known for its spectacular music program. Its select choir, Camerata, enjoys a significant music ministry. Under the directorship of Lulu Mupfumbu, Camerata has developed into a highly recognized choral program. While the group is made up of high school students, the sound that emanates from their mouths sounds more like a group of seasoned professional adults, say conference leaders.

Over the years, Camerata has enjoyed many opportunities to witness to others nationally and abroad. The choral group’s motto is: “Excellence shall be our highest form of praise.”

Students from Waldwick Adventist School and Blue Mountain Academy at the 2023 SALT event.

Story by Shannon Kelly / Photos by Esther Hernandez, Blue Mountain Academy Marketing Deparment

After being canceled for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SALT, a longstanding tradition in the Columbia Union Conference, is back. Roughly 150 student leaders from most of the Columbia Union’s senior and day academies gathered for Spiritual Academy Leadership Training (SALT) at Potomac Conference’s Camp Blue Ridge, nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, for a long weekend of inspiration, leadership development, fellowship and worship. 

Greg Rosenke/Unsplash

Editorial by Rob Gettys

This world is not our home. Most of us understand this biblical principle found in Hebrews 13:14 that encourages us to keep our sights set on the kingdom of heaven. The question we face is, “How do we properly maintain a balance between this principle and the message in Luke 19:13 that tells us to ‘occupy’ or ‘do business’ until He comes?”

These two biblical principles seem to contradict each other. However, as we look closer, I believe we will realize that it comes down to how we choose to live the lives that God has so generously given to us.

Spencer and Eva Hannah will be serving at Spring Valley Academy.

Story by Angela Peach

Spring Valley Academy (SVA) is pleased to welcome Spencer Hannah as the 2023–24 interim principal. With Darren Wilkins accepting the position of vice president for Student Life at Walla Walla University (Wash.) after 10 years as principal, the Board of Trustees faced the nearly impossible task of replacing him. But with Hannah retiring from College View Academy in Lincoln, Neb., in June, God led the board to offer him to fill the position.