Alumni walk down memory lane

Over 450 alumni gathered for Campion Academy’s annual homecoming weekend to commemorate with their fellow classmates, a welcome return to pre-COVID tradition. 

Alumni had a chance to walk through their old hallways and see what’s changed over the years. Arlene Reeder-Russell (Class of 1951) expressed her joy about the school: “I am just thrilled with the change. Everything that they have done has been marvelous.” A change that she was happy to see this year was the new and improved pavement. “I like everything about alumni weekend, and I come almost every year,” Reeder continued.

The weekend started off with the Reeder Golf Classic where alumni, staff, and students competed in a friendly golf game. Alumni were able to eat in the cafeteria and opened the Sabbath in the Campion Church for vespers featuring the Voice of Prophecy’s Discovery Mountain actors. Afterwards, the current and former students had some time to gather around the fire pit to sing praise songs and enjoy s’mores. 

During Sabbath School, a panel of previous staff members shared their experiences from their time at Campion Academy. The honorees for the Hall of Faith were Kathy and Kevin Binder, and Kenneth Gregerson, who were all recognized for their long-term impact on Campion Academy and the Alumni Association. The alumni of the year award was dedicated to H.M.S. Richards. Associate Speaker of the Voice of Prophecy, Jean Boonstra, accepted the award in memory of H.M.S. Richards, and was the main speaker for the church service. 

The services were also highlighted by performances by the CA Music Department, including: handbells, orchestra, choir, and the select choir, Koinonia. 

Members of the different honor classes met together in the afternoon to renew their ties of friendship made at Campion. An alumni from the class of 2011, Jessica Montoya said, “It’s been ten years, but it feels like two. So much has happened in our lives, and it’s weird being back.”

A recent graduate from class of 2021, former R.A. Nelly Salinas expressed how she felt about being an alumni. She simply said, “weird,” but then added, “It is just exciting. I was excited to come back and see all the staff and some friends who are still here.” She noticed new changes and the reduction of COVID restrictions: “It is nice to see the fountain, and that the picnic tables are back. It is nice knowing that the current students can have a better year.”

The event was topped off with an evening of friendly, yet highly competitive, volleyball and soccer games, in which the alumni faced off against the students. In both matches, the alumni came out on top. 

Article by Love Pickle and student news team 
​Photos by Jill Harlow, Elizabeth Jureckova