Campion seniors bonded as they explored the state of Texas including natural caves, SeaWorld, the beach, and many restaurants during the week-long senior class trip in April.
The students traveled in a rented coach bus over the first two days of the trip with a break in between where students got to go bowling and eat pizza and ice cream. They also got to hike and eat Mexican food at Mamacita’s restaurant the next day. Once they settled in San Antonio, they divided into four groups to navigate the Riverwalk, shop at the mall, and eat a delicious lunch. “I really loved being with my friends in the riverwalk. It was fun goofing around, talking with my friends, taking pictures, and skating around with the guys. It was really peaceful and a nice small adventure,” said Jahir Marcenaro. The next day, seniors visited the Natural Bridge Caverns where they maneuvered through a high-ropes course and a cave. The evening continued with jumping into the pond, playing some sports, and eating supper at the picnic. Seniors went to SeaWorld on the last day in San Antonio. Brianna Bell reflected, “My favorite part of the trip was getting to watch the Orca show at SeaWorld. It was awesome getting to see them do tricks, while learning about how they survive in the wild.” After seniors made themselves hoarse on the crazy rollercoasters and were awed by cute sea animals, they filled their stomachs at a restaurant called Chopsticks Chinese Buffet. Over the last two days before heading back to Colorado, they relaxed at the beach in Port Aransas. “I really enjoyed the last two days we spent at the beach,” Gabriel Barbosa commented. “The house we stayed at was really comfortable and I had fun with my friends playing ping pong, watching movies, and swimming in the pool.” The night before the trip was over, seniors enjoyed their dinner at Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria and an evening walk on the beach. Nicole Alicea mentioned, “My favorite part about the trip would have to be the night stroll at the beach that was right after we went out for pizza. It was our last night to really get to do anything. Of course we had a choice to go or not, but I felt encouraged to just enjoy this last night. What made it so fun was that I got to have nice conversations and enjoy the people I was with. We went from running along the beach to collecting shells to screaming at crabs. It was a night I’ll never forget.” The trip was a special time for seniors to strengthen their connections as graduation draws near. Noah Sturges explained, “Even though we live in the dorm together, going out on a trip and experiencing life together with our class helped us to bond and create memories.” Airi Nomura, Student News Team
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Nancy and Levi Meszaros, our Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain, have announced they will both be moving to Andrews University for the upcoming school year to pursue Master's of Divinity degrees. “The memories we have made here will be forever cherished in our hearts and minds,” Nancy Meszaros shared. “We have enjoyed our time here at CA. Through much prayer and discussions with each other, we believe the LORD is calling us to start the next chapter in our lives: to return to Andrews University for our Masters. We will both start the MDiv program this August, and we are looking forward to growing in our knowledge of the Bible and love of the LORD. Our plan is to move into pastoral ministry together. We are excited about this next step in our journey. Thank you again for all the memories, and please keep us in your prayers as we keep you in ours.” Campion students shared how they appreciated the Meszaros (commonly known as Mrs. and Mr. May) during their time here: “I appreciate how uplifting Mrs. May is and the peacemaker she is. I love how she really wants the Campion students to have a personal relationship with Christ, and I like how she displays Christ-like characteristics.” - Ariel “Mr. May has been a great addition to Campion Academy, and I will be very sad to see him go. His straightforwardness and honesty bring so much to this campus, as does his unique sense of humor. As for my feelings about Mr. and Mrs. May leaving, I am very sad and I know we will all feel their absence, but I know that they will bring the same Godly attributes to other places as they brought to Campion.” - Lily “Mrs. May’s connection with God is highly reflected in her dedication to her work. She serves God with a selfless heart and makes sure all her students know and get to experience Christ on a personal level. I personally appreciate how her young heart mentors us into becoming better people. I remember having a sleepover at her house with my friends after a faculty family dinner. Mrs. May excitedly told us of her younger days, and I got to experience her ‘not-teacher-side’ and just get to know her as a person. She is so fun to be around. Thinking back to the fun time we had together makes me emotional. She has supported and encouraged me to be a leader. I know God is with her, ready to use her as a blessing in many other lives like mine.” - Tiffany “Mr. May is an incredible singer and teacher, I’ve really enjoyed him not only as our sub teacher for choir, but as the SWAT team leader as well. Singing and learning from him is an experience I will miss.” - Ariana “I’m very grateful that I got to have Mrs. May as a Bible teacher this year. I appreciate how much she genuinely cares for us and her passion to bring us closer to God. She has been such a great teacher to me, and through her I’ve gotten to learn so much and grow in my relationship with God.” - Chrishella “Well, it’s heartbreaking that the Mays are leaving; I got close to Mr. May when I sang at church for one of my first times, and he said I had a good voice and should sing more upfront. Since that time, we talked a lot and he shared good details of his life with me, and I’d be glad to call him a friend. He’s told me that I remind him of himself when he was younger, and that really inspires me to keep pushing myself in singing and knowing that I can be better. Later this year he became my voice coach, and I really appreciate him in every way. He is honest and that’s one of the key points that brought us together. I’ll miss him a lot.” - Brayan This summer Chef Allen will be working at a summer camp in the kitchen with a long-time family friend. Valerie Allen will obtain her CNA license, and then pursue further education, which will leave Chef Allen time to focus on his family. “I am really looking forward to being able to get to know my children better,” Chef Allen remarked. “I will definitely miss all of the students I got to know, but especially the cafeteria workers,” Chef Allen reflected. “We’ve been through lots together, and I wouldn’t trade anything for that. Through those experiences, I learned lessons that I will take with me forever. Campion Academy will always be close to my heart, and I will continue to keep Campion in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to seeing where God will take this academy.” Val Allen shared, “Campion will always hold a special place in my heart. God reaffirmed my passion for music and confirmed what degree I should pursue. Getting to know the students, specifically my cafe crew and the orchestra members is also something I will cherish. You are all in my prayers and heart as you finish the school year, and your lives move forward. I can’t wait to see you again and see what you accomplish.” Students and staff shared what they appreciated about the Allens: “Mr. Allen was a really cool boss, and I appreciated working under him. What stood out to me was his cheerful attitude. Even though he came in at 5 in the morning he always had energy and a smile on his face.” - Ekenna “Mrs. Valerie Allen has been an invaluable addition to the Music Department. I’m so sorry to see her go. She has played Viola in the Orchestra these past two years and has led in many sectionals to help our string students improve on technique and bowing. Her love of music is evident to the students and she has been a great model of how a very experienced musician performs and behaves.” - Yves Clouzet “I really appreciated the time I spent with Chef Allen and Mrs. Allen. Working for them was a great experience, and I learned a lot of things that I will take with me for life.” - Yan After serving Campion for eleven years as a Science and Math teacher, Academic Vice Principal, Class and Outdoor Club sponsor, Koinonia and Orchestra member, and in many other roles, Kent Kast has announced that he will be moving to Tennessee this summer. “My eleven years here at Campion Academy have been a highlight of my teaching career,” Kast shares. “I have enjoyed the many places I have taught but Campion will always hold a special place in my heart. The many memories of working with students in the indoor and the outdoor classrooms will be cherished. From senior survival to ski trips and backpack trips; these are all opportunities to learn more about our world and the One who made it all. Sometimes more is learned, and remembered, from the outdoor classrooms than all the wonderful lectures one listens to. I pray that Campion will always continue the tradition of a strong outdoor education component to the curriculum.” Kast’s motivation for the move was to be close to his daughter and grandson who are planning a move to the Chattanooga area this summer. Kast explains, “My plans for the time following Campion are still in the development stage. My number one goal is to spend more time with family and to explore where God will lead for the future. I do not have any job lined up as of the writing of this article, but I am exploring teaching and real estate. I will miss everyone here the most and then of course the mountains. I pray for God’s blessing on Campion for many years to come. I also look forward to a great alumni gathering in God’s kingdom.” Our news team asked a few students to share the impact Mr. Kast has had on them at Campion: Duda De Oliveria reflected, “I’ve had Mr. Kast as a teacher for Chemistry and Pre-Calc, and I can definitely say that those classes were some of my favorites at Campion. Mr. Kast is an amazing teacher who’s always willing to help anyone. I’m sure wherever he goes he will be appreciated, and I know Campion will miss him a lot.” Jahir Marcenaro stated, “I first met Mr. Kast on a mission trip in Africa, and when I came to Campion it felt nice to have known a teacher and to have someone who’s familiar. With Mr.Kast, I can tell he really cares about every one of his students and he helps them as much as possible to make them succeed. He would take his time to make sure everyone understands before any test or quiz. Overall, he is very kind and loving and that’s something I really appreciate about him.” Karson Lee commented, “Not only is Mr. Kast a phenomenal teacher, but he is also a great leader. Many of us students look up to Mr. Kast. He is a friend to many students, and he has left a footprint into Campion’s history. He will be missed by all in the coming years." The juniors in American Literature spent the first quarter reading the classic play by Lorraine Hansberry, “A Raisin in the Sun.” Then, they were assigned to create a play of their own that contained a similar theme.
After weeks of planning and practicing, these plays were presented to the rest of the Campion students and staff on Saturday evening. Audra Bennett, a junior, says “I really enjoyed the plays. Melody was always recording people and everyone was enjoying themselves.” Each class section prepared their own play, allowing the audience to enjoy two plays entitled: “A Raisin in the Eye” and “El Café en la Tanza.” Even though the juniors did a great job with their plays, they faced a number of challenges throughout the process. Brayan Martins, junior, states, “It was very hard at first, but I wanted this role since sophomore year, it was hard to adapt and to try and use a British accent. I had a lot of fun doing it, and I’m glad it turned out how we thought it would. Due to lack of rehearsals, we were kind of worried, but with dedication from all the parts and effort from Ms. Johnson, we figured it out pretty quickly. Both of our classes did a good job! I want to thank Ms. Johnson for allowing me to play a principal part. I’m already excited to see next year’s juniors’ play.” Elizabeth Jureckova, Student News Team Last Sabbath, Olivia Jordan, senior at Campion Academy, was honored for having completed all the requirements for the Master Guide: the highest level of achievement in Pathfinder leadership.
Having already completed all the Adventist Youth (AY) courses offered, Olivia decided to take on the challenge of the Master Guide coursework starting last summer. Reflecting on her motivation, Olivia said, “I have been in Pathfinders for over seven years, and I plan to be involved in Pathfinders for the rest of my life, so I wanted to get it now while I had a mentor and someone to do it with me.” Campion’s Pathfinder Director, Pastor Alex Rodriguez, helped to guide her throughout the process. “Olivia has stood out as a model Pathfinder and young adult going above and beyond in both her cooperation with the club and her own personal development,” he explained. Rodriguez remarked on Olivia’s perseverance, saying, “First of all, continuing in the club during the high school years is a feat in-and-of-itself. Olivia’s determination to continue in the club is inspirational. But what makes her accomplishments more incredible is her level of engagement. A few years ago, she came on as full staff while still being a part of the Teen Leadership Training program. Since then, she's held dual roles (teen leader and staff member) and has gracefully occupied both roles. In her staff role, she has served as an AY instructor, Drill and March instructor, and TLT instructor.” The intensive training curriculum typically takes multiple years to complete, but Olivia managed to achieve her goal amidst her busy school schedule. “The hardest part for me was finding the time to watch all the classes and read the books,” she explained; “I enjoyed the reading and listening parts, but it was hard to make time for them in between school and work.” Olivia shared that being involved in Pathfinders helped her learn hands-on life skills through the various honors, camp-outs, and drill and march. Most importantly, being a Pathfinder has had a major impact on her faith: “Being around those who believe similarly to me and spending time getting to know them, has strengthened my relationship with God and has made me interested in learning more,” Olivia furthered. “Being in the Pathfinder Bible Experience helped grow my knowledge of the Bible, while at the same time allowed me to have fun with my friends.” Olivia plans to continue to be involved in Pathfinder leadership even while she is studying at Andrews University next year. She encouraged other high school students to continue to be involved in their local clubs saying, “Pathfinders is a good way to take a break from the craziness of life and spend time with friends learning about God. It has drawn me closer to God and encouraged me to share my faith with others. As an older pathfinder, I get to teach some of the classes for the younger ones. Teaching them impacts not only their lives but mine also. Even though it can be hard to make time to be part of a club, it is worth the time put into it.” Rodriguez emphasized Olivia’s impact saying, “Olivia exemplifies the life of a dedicated young Christian and has become an integral part of our Pathfinder club and of the Campion church and community. Her efforts and tireless work and sacrifice have had a great impact on both young and old; I’m certain there will be folks in the kingdom of heaven because of the Godly witness that she has been.” |
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