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.
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.
Here is a list of conferences within the Columbia Union that are hosting virtual or in-person 2021 camp meetings:
Allegheny East Conference: June 26–July 3 (virtual)
Allegheny West Conference: June 16–19 (virtual)
Chesapeake Conference: June 15–19 (virtual)
Mountain View Conference: June 11–19 (in person at Blue Mountain Academy)
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4, NIV).
What does this verse mean? The first part says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil.” I think this means that even though we go through scary things, we have nothing to fear. I wonder why that is? The second part, “for you are with me,” gives it all away.
Story by Vicki Swetnam
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sport of disc golf exploded. Needing an escape from quarantine disc golf provides an opportunity to get fresh air and exercise all while social distancing.
Cold weather often spells the end of disc golf, but Ohio Conference's Spring Valley Academy, located in Centerville, kept the sport alive by hosting a six-week putting league in conjunction with disc golf manufacturer Dynamic Discs. Using a universal set of rules, students were able to see how they stacked up against competitors worldwide. Stats were collected on a UDisc app, and a running global leaderboard was updated each week.