Last Sunday, the junior class organized a special banquet for the seniors at the Denver Downtown Aquarium followed by a delicious all-you-can-eat Italian buffet at Cinzzetti’s restaurant. 

The night started at the gym with snacks and a beach-themed photo booth. After the photos and conversations the students made their way to the aquarium where they could see and appreciate the wonders of the ocean. 

Teagan Philips, a junior, shared, “My favorite part of the banquet was definitely the aquarium because we got to see the animals and to take some photos.”

The dinner took place at Cinzetti’s where the students enjoyed good Italian cuisine with their friends. Denisse Moreno, a senior, said, “I had a great time chatting with my friends at Cinzetti’s and the food was really good!”

The banquet was a great time for the juniors to celebrate their friendships with the seniors before graduation. 
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Bruno Lopes, Student News Team

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Pastor Xander Assa, a Campion 2016 alumnus, spoke for Week of Worship from April 29 to May 1. His theme was about how he met Jesus at Campion, and throughout the week he shared his different experiences and stories from his time as a high school student, and how they related to spiritual growth.

He often brought up references that students would understand, and kept students engaged with humor and questions. Shane Hart, junior, reflected the opinions of many students when he said, “The speaker for Week of Worship spoke like someone who we can relate to.”

While his stories were often amusing, they always had an impactful lesson at the end. His stories ranged from dormitory food theft to the death of close loved-ones. His stories reached the hearts of many, and throughout the week many students chose to give their lives to Jesus when he made an appeal each day. 

In the final altar call during Vespers on Friday night, four students made the decision to get baptized. 

Isreal Ortiz, junior, shared, “Low-key he was so involved with the students and we could relate to him a lot. He also played basketball with us and encouraged us both on and off the court. He was really inspiring.”

Aome Jacob Angeles, Student News Team

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The Campion Church hosted its culmination of the Adopt-a-Student program, with a reveal potluck for the boys adopted by church members on May 2.

During this special potluck, Campion families revealed their identities to their ‘adopted’ student(s), which they have kept secret up until that point. Donagh O’keefe, junior, shared, “I was really nervous that it would be uncomfortable, but when it was revealed, all of my tension left, and I found them to be extremely kind and caring.”

Throughout the second semester, Campion families have graciously given their students small gifts, while students in return responded with written letters. The potluck served as an opportunity for students and families to become more acquainted with each other and share their sides of the story.

Theo Poleza, senior, concluded, “It was nice to get to know my family better while sharing a meal together. I was grateful for having them as my family all semester.”
   
Aome Jacob Angeles, Student News Team

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Meet Vitor! 
“Coming to Campion Academy was a door that God opened in my life—one I could never have imagined. From the moment I arrived, I realized it wouldn’t be easy because of the language barrier and the fact that everything here is different. Right in my second week here, I had to go on something called “Senior Survival”—spending five days in the woods without a shower, internet, or a comfortable bed, and I couldn’t speak a word of English.
My favorite (and most traumatic) memory was during the hike we took in the mountains. I was sure it was going to rain, but going on the hike was mandatory. During the trail, the rain came with an extra “gift”—it started hailing, and I had never seen that before. I got completely soaked and really angry too. Despite everything, this will definitely be the story I share most here from Campion and I can look back and laugh.
After graduation, God willing, I plan to study business at Union Adventist University.”

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Meet Chris!
“It was kind of exciting and nerve racking coming to stay in the dorms at Campion for my senior year. At first it was a pain getting used to living here and getting rid of habits I had from living at home. However, I pushed through and managed to make the dormitory my second home. It has been a very special experience coming to Campion and making new friends and meeting people from different backgrounds. I loved being able to get to know people who are from different countries and learning more about their cultures. It was especially nice being able to play UNO with the people in my dorm, even though I kept losing! I don’t exactly have any future plans other than making some money over the summer. I mostly leave my future to God first and I hope wherever he sends me I get to meet some very interesting people and I get that dough for a motorcycle.”

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The senior class of 2026 and their sponsors took an unforgettable trip to Georgia and Tennessee, April 21-27.  The trip gave the students a chance to temporarily set aside the pressures of their studies and create lasting memories together on the eve of graduation.

On the first day of the trip, the group visited the home of Principal Kaleb Leeper’s parents, where they spent a leisurely and enjoyable time, fully immersing themselves in the joys of swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Being surrounded by nature and spending time with friends was undoubtedly the perfect way to kick off the journey.

On the second day, the students headed to Dollywood, where they experienced the thrill of roller coasters and various rides. From high-speed attractions to moments filled with laughter and interaction, the day was filled with joy, adventure, and unforgettable memories. 

On the third day, they toured Southern Adventist University and had the opportunity to experience college life firsthand. The beautiful campus left a deep impression on them; many students were particularly excited to take this opportunity to reunite with old friends from their time at Campion and catch up on each other’s lives. On Friday evening, they attended the university’s vesper service and enjoyed a pleasant evening. On Sabbath, they gathered once again in the university church for worship. 

On Sunday, they spent the entire day at Six Flags Georgia, enjoying a wide variety of rides and attractions. Whether riding roller coasters or experiencing other thrilling adventures, the day was filled with joy and excitement. As Adrian Balbin put it: “This senior trip was truly a tremendous gift for me. I felt immense joy to have one last chance to spend time with my classmates before we each set off on our own paths in life.”

On Monday, they visited the famous Georgia Aquarium, where the diverse array of marine life—including dolphins and penguins—was a huge hit with the students. That afternoon, filled with precious memories, they boarded their flight back to Campion.

As Sherlin Vasquez-Hernandez shared, “This senior trip was both fun and unforgettable. My favorite part was visiting the Georgia Aquarium and seeing the penguins, whale sharks, and otters up close. Additionally, we were very fortunate to receive such a warm welcome from the Leeper family. This truly was a journey I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

On the return home, Theo Poleza reflected, “Not only did I gain countless precious memories, but I also forged deeper friendships with my friends and classmates.”

For this graduating class, this senior trip was far more than a simple vacation; it was one of the most meaningful shared experiences of their final year of high school. Against a backdrop woven with laughter, deep friendships, unwavering determination, and thrilling adventures, they created beautiful memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Oscar Ren, Student News Team

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Meet Denisse!
I always struggled to talk to strangers and be on stage, but these last four years at Campion have changed that. I’ve come a long way since my freshman year. I joined a couple electives, like Koino and Drama, and that really helped me take a step out of my comfort zone. Additionally, I became a campus leader! Leading the dorm as an Resident Assistant allowed me to meet the wonderful girls in my hall who helped me blossom into who I am today! After Campion, I’m much more confident in myself, and most importantly, in my walk with God, which has guided me throughout my high school career. My favorite memory is this year’s Mission trip to Hawaii! Even though there were some rough moments, the fulfillment of helping others and the joy of serving people with the friends you love was an experience I will never forget. I will always be grateful for the experiences God has granted me. 

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Meet Evie!
Attending Campion Academy has impacted me tremendously. The diverse role models I have had, whether it’s a staff member or another student, have deeply impacted my life, especially in my spiritual growth. All the many spiritual activities—fusion, vespers, Sabbath School, Week of Worship—have aided in helping me grow closer to Jesus.  My sophomore year, we had a very powerful and inspiring Week of Worship. It led me to the decision to give my life to Jesus, and dedicate myself to him. I then went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic where I was rebaptized. The more I got to know Jesus, the more I wanted to tell others about Him. I have had the opportunity to be Student Chaplain this year and it has been the greatest honor and privilege to lead my fellow classmates to Jesus. I am planning on attending Union Adventist University in the fall and going to spend this summer studying abroad in Spain. While I am undecided on a major, I am certain that whatever I do will be to serve, inspire, and lead others to Jesus. Campion has left a lasting impact on my life and I am ever so grateful. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ 

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The Campion Academy touring music groups, Koinonia, Bells, and Jazz Band, traveled through Kansas April 15-19 for their annual music tour this year, led by Director Naomi Fernandez. The groups performed their songs at many different schools and churches. Along the way they also had joint performances with Midland Adventist Academy (MAA) and College View Academy (CVA), giving them a unique experience to connect with other music students. 

The first stop was at Adventist Christian School (ACS) in Greeley. After that, they performed at Topeka Adventist School (TAS) and finally traveled to Middland Adventist Academy (MAA) where they stayed the night. 

On Friday, the groups got to mix in some fun at BRKThrough, an escape room, and met up with students from MAA and CVA who were also touring in Kansas. “It was fun going to BRKthrough with everyone and playing team building exercises. Everyone enjoyed getting to know the students and staff from the other schools too,” stated Fernandez. 

Another popular moment on the music tour was when the Campion group went to the mall. A lot of people went out to eat and they enjoyed the restaurants that were there. “I loved going to Panera with all my friends. The food was really good and it was fun sharing new memories with everyone,”expressed Grace Balbin.  

Zach Harlow recalled, “My favorite moment was playing basketball with CVA. It was fun getting to know them.”

On Sabbath, Campion Students performed with CVA and MAA at one of the churches in Kansas and hung out together for the afternoon. The church members and schools were all very welcoming and demonstrated gratitude for the students’ performances. 

After a whirlwind tour filled with performances and fun with other schools, the students returned back to Campion on Sunday. 

Abigail Brown, Student Editor

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The Campion Academy and Mile High Academy music department's came together for a vespers concert for the Rocky Mountain Conference Music Festival participants. This was the second annual joint concert, and this year the choirs and symphonies performed several pieces together in addition to a few songs featuring each school.