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The Senior Class of 2024 had their last big adventure together in Florida, relaxing on the beach, exploring amusement parks, and eating at excellent restaurants.
On Tuesday, April 16, the seniors had to wake up at 3:00 a.m to load the bus and go to the airport to fly to Tampa. Although it was early, they were very excited to spend time together and have a lot of fun. Once they arrived, they settled into the two houses they had rented part way between Tampa and Orlando. Students enjoyed relaxing or swimming in the house’s pool. Daytona Beach was the first place scheduled for the seniors on Wednesday. With such a beautiful view of the ocean and good weather, they could enjoy the beach and some attractions like the fastest slingshot in the world. After Daytona beach, the seniors went to “Hibachi grill and Buffet”, an asian restaurant where they could end their day with good food. They ended the day having worship together outside. Eriane Saraiva shared, “I loved how beautiful Daytona beach is, the weather was so good and that made the first day of senior trip amazing, the slingshot scared me a little bit but it was something that I’ll never forget, also the place we went to eat Asian food was very good, I loved it.” The next day, seniors headed to Universal Studios where they got to experience one of the most popular theme parks in the world. After they were exhausted from walking the whole day, the seniors got to try some of the Brazilian food at the Cafe Mineiro Buffet. “I would definitely love to say that one of my favorite things that we did as a group was go to this Brazilian restaurant and eat amazing food that I had never tasted before! I would definitely eat there again,” Sujamis Colmenares added. On Sabbath, to take a day to rest in nature, the seniors went to Honeymoon Island State Park where they reserved a picnic area to have worship with a sermon provided by Andrew Kramer. After worship, students swam and relaxed on the sand. After sunset, the students got to watch a beautiful performance at Disney Springs: Cirque du Solei. Ekenna Nwankwo shared, “Honeymoon Island was nice, despite the mosquitos it was very relaxing and the beach was beautiful. It was a great way to spend the Sabbath. Also Cirque du Solei was very exciting; I loved it” On the last day of senior trip, they went on a cruise on the “Calypso Queen” as a class and explored a little bit of Clear Water beach. “Senior trip was something I had been counting down to ever since I was a freshman. When it was finally here; I was super excited. I loved every single thing we did,” Natalya Razafinddrabe shared. Pedro Vieira, Student News Team
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 1 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Seth! “The past four years I have spent at Campion have been the most life-changing years of my life. Making new friends throughout high school is one of my biggest highlights. My favorite memories are the times we have spent together as a class playing games and telling stories such as on our Moab trip and Senior Survival. Those fun times helped us all grow closer. This place has taught me valuable life lessons and has brought me closer to God everyday. I have a lot to be thankful for. Campion has given me memories that will be cherished and last forever. I have grown to learn new things from other people and to take advice from those around me. It has truly pushed me to become more outgoing and adventurous. These are the special memories and learning experiences I will take with me as I graduate. While the future may be uncertain, I know that God will always be by my side.”  2 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Gabriel! “The past four years I’ve spent at Campion have been some of the most memorable of my life. At times it was hard to come to school, but I would always look forward to seeing my friends. They have made a huge impact on my experience here and are people I will never forget. My favorite memory was Moab when the class was able to get away from technology and social media and spend time with each other. I am planning on getting my Masters in Business Administration at Southern Adventist University and use it to glorify God throughout the rest of my life.”  3 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Sky! “The Moab trip, for me, is one of my most fond memories of Campion. During the trip, I found myself growing closer to my classmates and realized that I could talk to them. I had a lot of fun learning more about the people around me and socializing a lot more than I normally would have. My favorite part of Moab was when we all hiked up a mountain to watch the sunset for our first night there. Looking back on it, I’m reminded of the hike up to the mountain, and how it was uncomfortable and how I was always looking out for all sorts of things that could trip me or take me off the path. The more I hiked, I realized it got easier to find my path. My growth from sophomore year is similar to the hike; it was hard in the beginning, but as I progressed up the mountain, identifying the right path, trusting God to take me where I needed to be, it became easier. I realized it was worth it in the end to see that beautiful sunset with the friends I’d made along the way. Next year I'm going to Walla Walla University, and no matter what, I trust God will lead me to where I should be.”  4 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Eriane! “A year ago, I came to Campion from Brazil and, although I had to adapt to the culture, the people were always friendly and the teachers were always patient. These last few months have been great and will stay in my memory and my heart forever. There have been many memories and friendships that I'm sure I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. One of my favorite memories was the Winter Retreat for international students. I had never been skiing before and it was an incredible experience. I am very grateful to Campion for giving me moments of spiritual and emotional growth; despite being so far away from my family, I felt welcomed and loved. I could be sure that God was with me every step of the way, making the process lighter. I plan to go on a mission trip straight after graduation and then to Walla Walla to study medicine. My dream is to be a missionary doctor and travel the world showing the love of Jesus by saving lives.”  5 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Eva! “I’ve been at Campion for three and a half years and while being here I’ve made many lifelong friends and memories. One of my favorite memories from my time at Campion was this year during class scramble. Despite the fact that we had tough competition, my class was motivated to win it. Throughout the entire game, everyone stayed happy and encouraged one another. Once the last item was called and we were announced as the winners I can remember how excited my class was that all our hard work paid off. This was a great start to my senior year and looking back on previous class scrambles, I could see how far the senior class had come. Campion has taught me many lessons, and I know if I didn’t decide to come to school here, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today. Campion’s environment encourages their students to grow not only academically but also in their social and spiritual lives. I will forever be grateful for the experiences Campion has given me.”  6 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Kat! “This was my first year at Campion; my favorite memory was probably going on Senior Survival. I grew closer with my classmates which was a great refresher since I had come from a school where I felt estranged. This last year was the best year out of my entire high school career. I plan on playing Lacrosse for the University of Northern Colorado and I will be going for pre-vet.”  7 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Julia! “I came to Campion about one and half years ago from Brazil. It was my first time in the United States, so everything was new, and everyone was so welcoming to me. One of my favorite memories was the International Winter Retreat. I especially enjoyed snow tubing with all the international students together. Having a moment with my Brazilian friends was something very important to bring us closer. Campion has had a big impact on my spiritual growth; I learned more about Jesus’ love for me and it was made clear to me that I’m a child of God. During this period living away from home, I created incredible memories with people who became important to me. These memories and friendships, I believe, will stay with me no matter where I go. I am planning on going to Brazil next year to major in Psychology and study to be part of the Federal Police of Brazil. My dream is to become a federal delegate with a diploma in psychotherapy.”  8 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Sujamis! “Being at Campion for the past two years I’ve made a lot of memories and one of my favorite ones was junior year during the spring season. I had made an amazing friend who made me feel welcomed and cared for. I remember sitting outside that spring and feeling the wind blowing on my face and in that moment I recognized what a great God we have. I wondered to myself how we can still doubt God, when His presence is right in front of us. I was able to see great examples throughout the school year that showed me what a loving God we have. Being at Campion has changed my life completely by helping me grow my love for others and for myself. I am not perfect but with God's guidance, I’ll be just fine. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for me in the future. I plan on attending Montemorelos to study Dental Hygiene.”  9 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Wesley! The teachers at Campion have impacted me during my time here and my interactions with them are what I’ll remember most. Some of my favorite memories were all the times Ms. Simmons said, “Welllllll!!” during school chapel. I remember when my family first moved to Campion and I met Principal Reeder and we bonded over Bigfoot and my being able to win his Geezer Award for coming up with the best “old person” joke. Also, I really enjoyed Bible class when Chaplain Carlos was my teacher. On a personal note, during the past four years, I began writing my comic book series and have developed my drawing skills. I hope to continue writing and drawing for the rest of my life. I enjoy learning about 80s pop culture, movies, and music. As of now, I do not plan to go to college, but I plan to move back to Idaho and work for an Adventist summer camp this summer (Camp Ida-Haven).  10 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Chrishella! “I never really envisioned myself coming to Campion, even though my older sister had attended here. However, I ultimately decided to come to Campion and I’ll never forget my experience here. My favorite thing about coming to Campion is getting to live with my friends in the dorm. I’ve been able to make many friends through the years that have made a positive impact on my life. As I grew socially, I feel as though I also grew spiritually. I’ve experienced Jesus' love and character time and time again being here. Even though my relationship with God has its ups and downs, I know that He loves and cares for me and wanted me at Campion for a reason. I’ve learned to put my trust in Him everyday and let Him guide me to where I’m meant to be. I’m grateful to God for leading me to Campion. I’m still deciding where to go for college but I know I would like to major in nursing.”  11 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Pedro, “I came to Campion halfway through my sophomore year. Leaving everything from home (Brazil) was a very hard thing to do since I didn’t speak English at all and had no friends in the U.S., but Campion changed my life significantly. Even though my first year wasn’t that good, I kept going because I knew it was the best thing for me to do at that point in my life, and thank God I met wonderful people that I can always count on and I’ll take them in my memories forever. I have grown mentally and spiritually at Campion with a lot of new experiences and memories. I have to say that my favorite memory from Campion was the international retreat where we got to experience a lot of winter activities that we don’t have in our countries. Having a good time like that with people I love was unforgettable. Even though I’m scared to leave high school, I am ready to begin the next chapter of my life. I’m not sure yet about what I’m doing for college, but I know I’m going back to Brazil, and I’ll try to look forward and find what is the best for me. However, I’ll leave this in God’s hands and I’m sure he will lead me to the right path to be successful.”  12 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Sharon! “The past three years at Campion have given me so many experiences that I will never forget. Coming in my sophomore year, I didn’t know how high school would be after a year of online school. When I walked into my first class, I could tell it was going to be okay, as I was warmly welcomed by students and teachers alike. As I continued to make friends and memories, I realized that I had nothing to fear. Important moments that stand out to me were the two mission trips that I was able to be a part of, to the Navajo Nation and most recently the Dominican Republic. These two experiences have helped my spiritual journey enormously as well as my spiritual growth. They have taught me the value of making Jesus my best friend. One of the most important parts of my high school experience have been the friendships made over the years. I believe that the friendships made at Campion will stay with me for the rest of my life. All the experiences and friendships that Campion has given me have guided me to make the decision of attending Kettering College and eventually becoming a Pediatric Nurse.”  13 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Madison! “I’m a four-year senior and throughout my four years at Campion I have made so many amazing memories with friends, but one of my favorites would be the sophomore biology trip to Moab, specifically when our class would get together after eating dinner to play games. We would all gather around a table surrounding one very bright camping light in the middle of the table. The light was always surrounded by so many bugs and we would constantly have to move it. It was so nice to be immersed in God's beautiful creation without the distraction of our phones and be able to be in the moment with friends. It was so nice getting closer to my class and learning something new about each person. I also always loved the worships around the campfire at the end of each day and getting to hear Mr. Kast tell us about the days of creation while correlating it with whatever we did or saw that day. Next year, I plan on going to Colorado State University to major in Psychology.”  14 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Andrew! “I was only here for my senior year, but I immediately felt welcomed by everyone at Campion. Even though my class had a lot of history and was a tight knit group, they lovingly welcomed me in and made the transition super easy. I have had so many great experiences and memories, as well as made lifelong friends. My favorite experience was the first official sermon I got to preach on Senior Recognition Sabbath. It was an awesome feeling hearing from all the church members and other students afterwards, and Pastor Ortiz’s help made the preparation so much easier. Being at Campion has helped me see God better and deepened my relationship with Him in ways I wouldn’t have thought possible years ago, and my friends helped me with that as well. From praising the Lord together at afterglow to debating doctrines, God has put people at Campion that challenge the way others think about God and Christianity, and I was blessed to have been a part of that. I will be moving on to Southern to major in Theology.”  15 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Catie! “I came to Campion my junior year, and in these last two years, I had the best change in my life: I was able to find Jesus. I barely knew of God before I came, and I wasn’t used to hearing people talk so much about Him. It wasn’t any specific person or school building that made me turn to Him; it was being in an environment where I could ask questions, bounce thoughts off of people, and receive godly advice. There have been so many “that had to be God” moments where I just knew the Lord was speaking to me. My senior year, especially, taught me that if I wanted to grow spiritually, I needed to surround myself with people who uplift me towards Christ. Campion has given me so many laughs and memories that I will hold on to forever. Right now, I plan to major in Nursing at Colorado Christian University, and I am committed to run track there. While I am sad to leave my friends, I felt blessed to be a part of this community, and I am excited to see how the Lord will walk with me in this next chapter of my life.”  16 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Jovanna! “I have been at Campion for four years. It was not an easy transition in my life when I first came and it took me a while to adjust, but eventually I began to feel at home here. My favorite memory here was the sophomore Moab trip. I loved spending time with my friends and my class, hiking to see cool arches, and seeing Zeca fight with a bird. This school has prepared me for the future, and taught me a lot of valuable life lessons which is something I will always appreciate. I learned about myself but most importantly, I learned more about God. I have gone through ups and downs with my relationship with Him and people around me, but it’s made me want to be closer to Him and trust Him more. I’m a little nervous to leave the routine I have built here, but I hope the Holy Spirit will continue to guide me as I journey from Campion. I know He will send me where He wants me to go. I plan to attend Union College and major either in Education or go into the Occupational Therapy Assistant program.”  17 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Grace! “I have attended Campion all four years of high school. Over these past few years I have grown physically, socially, spiritually, and mentally. From making lifelong friends, hanging out on center campus, running around the dorm, singing at the top of our lungs, to prank wars that may have gone too far, I have enjoyed my experience at Campion. A memory that stands out to me the most was Senior Survival, especially Saturday night around the campfire where we all shared our personal testimonies. That experience made me get out of my comfort zone, and I was able to share my personal story. I would have never guessed that one night I would have gotten that much closer to my classmates. I am excited to see what God has planned for me in the future! Next year, I plan to go to Union College and study Occupational Therapy.”  18 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Seth! “Two years ago, during my sophomore year at Campion, the men’s dorm went on a dorm retreat camping at Glacier View Ranch. We struggled to set up our own tents and hammocks, sang songs around the campfire, played a variety of games, and had worship every morning and evening. There is one experience from this retreat that still stands out to me above all of the other moments: when a couple of friends and I wandered down the trail and found a nice spot in the forest to play hide and seek. Through the laughs and the fun we had, I managed to grow closer with my friends and bond with someone who is now one of my best friends. Through this experience, I was able to step further out of my shell and enjoy myself in beautiful nature. Of course, this experience is one of many I’ve had at Campion Academy that have led me to learn and grow closer to God and those around me. Next year, I plan to attend Union College and study Communication. While I'm not entirely certain where my life will take me, I'm thankful for the strong foundation in Christ that Campion has given me.”  19 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Natanya! “Being at Campion has taught me a lot. Coming here really has opened me up to talking to more people and just being more comfortable around everyone. It was very hard the first couple of years getting used to being away from family and living in a brand new environment. But I was so blessed to be able to come here and learn academically and experience a Christ-like environment. These past four years I've created many memories. One of my favorite memories was when the power went out for 24 hours and I got to experience seeing everyone in the dorm scaring each other. Walking around with flashlights and scaring my friends was really fun especially when some of them were easily scared. I will miss many of these memories as I approach my end at Campion. I will hold on to these friendships and memories as I move on to a new chapter in my life. I plan to attend Union College this fall to join the pre-Physician Assistant program.”  20 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Caleb! “My favorite memories from Campion would be the two mission trips that I went on. During my sophomore year, I went to Costa Rica and preached at several different churches. I had a blast while I was there; we got to zipline one day and see some wildlife another day. It made me realize that I should be more grateful for the things that we have here in America. This school year, I had the opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic on another mission trip with Campion. We had a big group of people, so we did VBS programs, worked on construction projects, and again preached at several different churches. I was greatly blessed by these mission trips and would encourage others to go on a mission trip if you are given the opportunity. I will be attending Southern Adventist University next school year to study to be a high school Bible teacher.”  21 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Andrew! “My freshman year I attended a day school and didn’t really get close to any of my classmates. I was worried that the same thing would happen at a boarding school and would be “stuck” without people I could really talk to. I’ve had many memorable moments in the three years I've attended Campion, but most memorable for me was growing closer and getting to know my friends in the dorm. Even when we had nothing to do, we figured out ways to entertain ourselves, whether that was watching Just Dance videos on the lobby computers, or using a cardboard box for a basketball hoop. Being a few steps away from my friends was the best opportunity for me to find the closest friends I know. Being at Campion has been a big part in my spiritual growth during the past three years, from afterglows to small devotionals at the start of class, being in a Christian environment brought me much closer to The Lord. Next year I will attend Andrews University and major in Architecture.”  22 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Lily! “Since coming to Campion my freshman year, I’ve made incredible friends here and had crazy experiences that I don’t think I could have gotten anywhere else. I’ve spent more time looking at the stars in these last four years than the rest of my life combined, eaten weird foods with the wrong utensil while sitting crisscross-applesauce on the floor, and gone on more barefoot walks around campus than I can count… But the way that Campion impacted me was much more than that. Highschool is a time for growth, and just like it’s important for plants to grow in good soil, it was really good for me to get to grow in a place like Campion. It isn’t perfect, and I’ve done my fair share of complaining, but just the fact that I’m in a place where talking about God isn’t weird is really nice. I’ve grown more here, spiritually, than I think I could have anywhere else, just because growing is an option. And for that, I’m extremely grateful. After I graduate, I’ll be headed to Wyoming to work on a ranch for the summer. After that, who knows. I’m letting God lead. Maybe a student mission year, maybe a year to work, maybe college, I’m not sure. But I’m not afraid; I’m excited to see where God will take me.”  23 Days to Graduation Weekend! Moises “My experience of Campion Academy has been nothing but fun. While some days are boring, some days are good, some days are horrible, and some days are amazing, each of these days have brought insight to life and have shown me to look for the good in life. Good days give happiness, bad days give experience, the worst days give lessons, and the best days give memories. I’ve only gained since being here at Campion; I’ve gained friends for life, knowledge for life, and a great connection to God. While I am nervous for what is to come, I have to remember to not worry because it’s in God’s hands.”  24 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Dominic! “Few memories rival the experience I had at Senior Survival. Completing challenges tested my class’ ability to work together, and hanging out with my friends in the woods bonded us further. I loved the camping experience, cooking with fire and a makeshift grill. Not only did I get to hang out with my friends, but I also started talking to my girlfriend and we bonded over card games and challenges. Campion has taught me how to navigate all manner of relationships; friendly and professional. I will forever be grateful for my time here and I will take everything that I’ve learned into college and the rest of my life. After I graduate, I plan to head home for a year where I’ll attend Andrew’s University online while I work at my family’s farm. I plan to continue my education in person at Andrews after the first year, where I will obtain a degree in aviation.”  25 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Sam! “Campion Academy has been a cornerstone of my life. I came onto the campus when I was a freshman and was scared out of my mind, unaware of the future that I had in store here. From going through challenging classes to making lifelong friends, I soon realized that this place was like no other. As sophomore year rolled around, I started working for Matt Hasty as a Literature Evangelist. This experience of going door-to-door shaped my personality to be more outgoing and confident. I was excited to meet new people and to share my love of God with others. I continued to do LE from my sophomore year to my junior year. When my senior year came, I was an RA in the dorm and the experience changed my life. I was able to be a role model for the other students in the dorm and to show them what a Christ-like character is like. Overall, Campion has shown me a closer view of what it means to be a loving Christian and to put others before yourself.”  26 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Mabel! “My last year of high school was spent at Campion Academy, a decision I will never regret. I’ve made so many lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. Senior survival was hectic and crazy but very memorable. It was a time when everyone forgot their differences and truly connected with each other and most importantly with God. My closest friends have taught me patience, endurance, and perseverance. I plan to attend Southwestern Adventist University and join the Nursing Program.”  27 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Phoebe! “Coming to Campion freshman year as a dorm student was exciting but nerve wracking. I had no idea that the next 4 years were going to be filled with many challenges, but it was a great blessing. I’ve seen so much growth within my life and the people around me. Campion challenged me to be more independent while focusing on my academic and social life. I am forever grateful for the girls I’ve met in the dorm and seeing what God has done for them. One of my favorite memories here at Campion was our Moab Biology trip sophomore year. The hikes, rafting, and trip to downtown were beautiful experiences and I created some long lasting memories with my friends. The whole camping experience with a big group allowed us to grow closer as a class and get a break from our phones. Next fall I plan to attend Southern Adventist University majoring in biology. Although I’ll be in a new environment and a couple states away; I am excited to see what God has in store for me.”  28 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Elizabeth! “When I first came to Campion, I was scared that I wasn’t going to fit in or find people to be friends with, but when I arrived, I felt welcome and like I had a place here. I have had so many good experiences here and have made amazing memories. One of my favorite memories was going on Senior Survival. It was a really fun time for me and I enjoyed spending time with my classmates and getting to know people that I didn’t usually interact with. I especially enjoyed sitting around the campfire with everyone and just talking. I’ve learned a lot from the people at this school, and I am very happy that I had the opportunity to spend my high school years here. I plan on going to Andrews University in the fall and majoring in Speech Pathology.”  29 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Shawn! “I’ve been at Campion for three years, and I will say that the experiences that I have gathered here are ones that I will take and treasure for a lifetime. Coming here as a sophomore, I was looking for a place that was different compared to what I was used to back home. I wanted to be somewhere where I could make new friends, create new stories, learn and grow as a person, and most of all, grow my relationship with God. And that is exactly what I found. I found people that were encouraging and helpful to me as I adjusted to the new environment. Once I settled in, these people continued to motivate me to give my best in everything I did, to expand my horizons, and to try new things. Despite people leaving and classes graduating, I have never found Campion to lack friendly people: the type of people who truly care about you as a person. I can say with certainty, that this school has been a big place of growing up for me, and it has left an unforgettable impact on me as an individual. I am planning to attend Southern Adventist University to pursue a degree in computer science, and I pray that God will bless me in this next chapter of my life, and in chapters to come.”  30 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Charlotte! “I am a two-year senior at Campion Academy. I live in Kansas, but I am originally from Tanzania. Coming to Campion to me was a miracle because going to a Christian high school was something I had been praying and fasting for for 4 years. I did high school online during my freshman and sophomore years because I did not want to go to a public school before God finally opened the way for me to come to Campion. When I first came, I started to share the word of God with the girls in the dorm and that brought me closer to God. Being a student at Campion taught me how to get along with people but more importantly, it taught me how to stay close to Jesus Christ. My favorite memory is Senior Survival. I enjoyed camping with my classmates and the different kinds of activities we did there. I am planning to attend Union College to pursue a degree in nursing. I know God brought me all the way here for a reason, and I know he will continue to lead me like he did at Campion Academy.”  31 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Danny! “I am a four-year senior and since I also went to HMS Richards in elementary school, this campus is like a second home to me. Campion has given me a bunch of awesome memories and I’m very grateful for it. The staff at Campion have been amazing, and I have been able to get very close with them all. The best memories I’ve had while going to Campion were making the lifelong friends I have and the friends I grew up with at HMS Richards. Another memorable time was going to Moab with Mrs. Santana and Mr. Kast. After graduation, I will be going to trade school for the automotive industry. I have been able to go far with working in the automotive industry already, and I am looking forward to carrying it further.”  32 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Megan! My favorite memory from my time at Campion was definitely Senior Survival. It was crazy to see how far my classmates and I had come from our freshman year, and it was exciting to further our bonds while reflecting on all the memories that we’d already made together. The trust-building activities that we did were exciting and challenging, and they really brought people out of their shells. Even more than the activities, I enjoyed the down time relaxing around the fire, playing games, and just being vulnerable with each other. I think that these experiences are what really defined our class bond, and I will carry those memories and friendships with me throughout the rest of my life. Next year, I plan to go to Andrews University, where I will be pursuing a double major in Psychology and Business.  33 Days to Graduation Weekend! Abby Campion has been a blessing in my life. A significant memory I have are the move out days at the end of each year. As I would look at my empty room, I would be reminded of all the amazing memories I had made with my friends, laughing till we were on the floor, movie nights with the girls, jam sessions, and the late nights talking about how graduation seems so far. Each time I realized the impact of how each school year filled me with challenges and praises that taught me to grow as a person. With graduation just around the corner, I walk out of my senior year and of Campion itself content with the growth of happiness, spirituality, leadership, and the great strength God has blessed me with. From freshman year I was able to get involved with the school's leadership and praise team which helped fulfill my love for music and community and gave me the best experience for student-led teams. I carry on true friendships, heartfelt memories, and a true relationship with my God and Savior. I plan on taking my education further at Southern Adventist University to major in nursing.  34 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Ekenna! I am a four-year senior at Campion and the Student Association President. In these last four years, my favorite memory was during my junior year, when our basketball team played against Mile High Academy at the Ball Arena in Denver, and we got to watch a Denver Nuggets game afterwards. Being at Campion has brought me closer to God and helped me develop relationships with people in ways I could never have imagined before. Being a part of music groups, sports teams, having leadership roles, and numerous other experiences have made these years some of the best of my life. It’s been a huge blessing being here, and I know God wanted me here for a reason. After graduation, I will be going to Andrew’s University to study Physical Therapy, but the lifelong friendships and experiences I’ve had here at Campion will never leave me.  35 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Daneil! I grew up hearing these stories of how wonderful Campion is from many different people, one of them being my older brother, and it made me want to come here. We had to move to Mexico my 6th grade year along with my brother who had been attending Campion. When we started to go to school there, I could see that my brother wasn’t happy there, and that he wanted to go back to Campion, which he did a few months later. I saw his dedication and decided to follow him my junior year. However, I came to Campion thinking that I wouldn’t have any friends and that I would be all alone, but that wasn’t the case. I made friends and I had fun experiences together and it saddens my heart knowing that I will leave them and leave Campion. My only wish is that I could’ve experienced Campion longer. I will continue my journey at Union College and will be majoring in foreign languages. I hope to travel the world and learn more about the people around me.  36 Days to Graduation Weekend! Meet Dwayne! I came to Campion my sophomore year because originally, I had planned to come my freshman year but decided not to because I wasn’t sure if the Campion “lifestyle” was for me. But then, after the first month of my sophomore year, I realized that coming to Campion might have been the best decision I had made because of the amount of good people I had met. One of the best memories I have here is life in the dorms. It’s fun knowing that your friends are only next door and knowing that you can go to them whenever you have nothing to do. Before, I thought that having people around you 24/7 would be overwhelming, but it's the one of best things that comes with attending Campion. Throughout my years of attending Campion, I have realized that it's helped me with my spiritual growth and has brought me closer to God. I’m going to attend Southern Adventist University and major in nursing.  37 Days to Graduation Weekend!
Meet Ariel! I came to Campion Academy half way through my freshman year. Moving from Florida to Colorado was a hard change but ultimately benefited my life immensely. Although my first year was difficult, I soon began to make lasting friendships and memories. I have been so blessed to meet and bond with so many incredible people throughout my time at Campion. I have grown in my outlook on life and love for Christ. I have experienced so many good moments here but my favorite has to be afterglow. I love when our school comes together and praises through songs and prayer. Being able to hear and see everyone's different versions of worship is so inspiring. I have been blessed to come to a school that encourages personal and communal worship. Although I am sad to leave after 3 1/2 years, I am ready to begin the next chapter in my life. Next year, I am planning on majoring in elementary education. I am still unsure about where I will take my studies but I am hopeful and trusting that God will lead me exactly where he wants me. Campion Academy’s select choir, Koinonia, traveled to the Colorado Indonesian-American Seventh-Day Adventist Church (CIASDAC) last Sabbath to lead out in the service and perform several special songs for a Students with a Testimony (SWAT) trip.
This SWAT trip was special for Mabel Cabandon, senior, who grew up going to CIASDAC. “It was super cool being a part of the service in a church that was so influential in my childhood,” Cabadon explained; “Most of the Indos that come to Campion grew up with each other in this church so it was really special being able to perform with them.” Indonesian students from the Denver area make up about 12% of Campion’s student population, a significant portion of the very diverse student body. In general, our Indonesian students are well-known for their talents in singing, as 40% of our select choir, Koinonia, are of Indonesian descent. After traveling about an hour to Denver, Koinonia was greeted by the church members who led them downstairs to a breakfast feast. After breakfast, the group was able to experience an Indonesian service before they led out in the second, English service. Koinonia opened with praise songs, followed by a call to offering and then children's story given by Toby Quillin, a junior at Campion. Quillin reflected, “My children's story was about different types of feathers and how they work together to make one bird. In music, we have to work together to make one song. I hoped to demonstrate that the most important thing in any group isn’t how good you sound individually, but how you work together.” The service was centered around music with the intention of giving the audience a “glimpse of heaven,” according to Cecilia Simmons, Campion’s Music Director. Koinonia performed a large selection of songs that the group had prepared. Between songs students shared stories, scripture and prayer. Following the service the students joined the congregation for food and fellowship. Dominic White, senior, expressed, “This was my first time trying Indonesian food. It was delicious, absolutely exquisite, and they offered us both breakfast and lunch! Eva Resz, Student News Team This past Friday, Campion students served their community by planting at Eden Valley, cleaning up Glacier View Ranch (GVR), sorting donations at Habitat for Humanity, picking up trash on the highway, or rejuvenating our own campus. Students in select choir and orchestra worked with middle school students in preparation for the musical performances.
One of the groups got to do ground keeping on campus. This consisted of mowing the lawns, weed-whacking, planting flowers, and adding mulch to the beds. Grace Garman, senior, elaborated, “I loved doing community service because I got to be outside and enjoy the weather. I got the luxury of planting flowers, and I am glad I got to make the campus look nice.” Another group traveled about 20 minutes to Eden Valley, a Seventh-day Adventist wellness institution. They planted rows of onions and learned more about the lifestyle of the people there. Yolanda Han, junior, expressed “My favorite part of the trip was getting to interact with the staff. I got to see what it was like living there, and I really learned a lot from the ground work.” The students in the highway clean-up crew picked up trash along the two-mile stretch of Highway 60 that Campion has adopted for over 10 years. Carlos Santana, chaplain, took a group of students to spend the day at Glacier View Ranch. They had jobs that ranged from cleaning, shoveling snow and dirt, hammering down door heads, and using wood varnish on older doors. Santana stated, “This service impacted me in a great way because it felt good to know we could make a difference to people who needed it. They had a new crew who were still learning how things go. Also, they have a big pastor’s weekend coming up and we were able to help make things look nice and ready.” Campion students participate in school-wide service days each semester, in line with Campion’s mission of training students to serve and make a difference in their communities. Catie Fairfield, Student News Team While the wind howled, and the power was out throughout the region, hundreds gathered in the dimly lit Campion gymnasium to hear the final concert of the Rocky Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, April 6. About 130 middle grade students from 12 Adventist schools and homeschool programs from across Colorado and even Kansas came to participate in the festival which featured choir and orchestra performances.
Cecilia Simmons, Campion Academy’s Music Director, was the primary organizer of the event as well as the orchestra conductor. Guest clinician, LeeAnna McMullen, an opera performer, pianist, and vocal educator with over 25 years of experience, led the students in choir. Lola, a 6th grader at HMS Richards School, shared about her experience participating at the festival, “I think she (McMullen) really knew what she was doing and she was really fit for that job. I liked that all the schools came together to sing. It sounded really pretty, and it gives more diversity to help us prepare for heaven.” The festival kicked off on Friday morning and the participants spent about six hours rehearsing their pieces in groups. Campion Academy’s select choir and orchestra students spent the day practicing and mentoring the younger students. Toby Quillin, currently a junior at Campion and a member of Koinonia, has been attending the RMC Music Festival every year since he was in middle school. Quillin reflected, “When I was younger attending Music Fest, I remember looking up and listening to the high schoolers singing and trying to follow them, and now I am one of the ones that the children listened to. It was interesting and fun to work with the kids around me.” In between afternoon rehearsals, the students were able to attend breakout sessions such as soccer, gymnastics, games and art. Friday evening, the Campion Academy Music Department along with Mile High Academy’s middle school choir, performed for a vespers concert in the Campion Church. On Sabbath, the festival choir and orchestra performed a few selections for the church service, but their main performance was at 7 p.m. in the Campion gym. A few hours before the students were set to perform, the power company turned off all electricity to many areas of the Front Range including Campion’s campus. There was concern over the fire danger due to downed power lines from the high winds that were predicted to continue to increase overnight. Campion staff members and volunteers scrambled to gather generators for the kitchen crew to provide the evening meal, as well as some light and power to the sound system in the gym. Despite the outage, all of the participants were well fed and the show went on. Simmons recalled, “The second my phone started ringing off the hook I knew something was wrong. No power! How on earth were we going to perform in the cold and in the dark! I called the clinician and the first words out of her mouth were, ‘We’re not going to let the devil win.’ From that moment on, it was on! Students excitedly brought their personal headlamps along with extras for anyone who might have needed them. Parents loaned batteries for stand lights. Everyone came together to make sure the concert was a success. And boy was it. The lights being out added an extra glow (pun intended) to the proceedings. It was a beautiful way to cap off two intense days of rehearsing and performing.” Simmons concluded saying, “On Sabbath the pastor talked about using the opportunity to perform as a moment to self reflect on what we individually needed to surrender, so our worship through music was pure and holy. God used all of the trials and tribulations of the weekend to remind me that I needed to trust Him through the good and the bad. He was and always will be in control.” Jill Harlow, Communication Director The Campion Academy Music Department put on a performance for the visiting Music Festival participants. The concert featured the Mountain Echoes Choral, Koinonia, Teh Campanas, and the Campion Academy Orchestra.
Visitors had the chance to explore a ancient Jerusalem-style marketplace staffed by volunteer students and church members. Ekenna Nwankwo, senior, played the role of Jesus in the first and last English versions of the drama on Sabbath. Eddie Camacho, Class of 2020, played the role of Jesus for two versions in Spanish and one in English. Campion Academy, Campion Church and HMS Richards School worked together to produce the annual Easter pageant, “Journey to the Cross”. The interactive event drew over 800 visitors and had more than 100 volunteers for the five different showings in both English and Spanish on Sabbath, March 30.
The audience started the program at the church watching a skit entitled, “Call the Man”, in which each actor demonstrated different problems in the world such as: abuse, war, violence, political strife, teen pregnancy, suicide, and death. In the end, Jesus is depicted comforting and helping each person. Lillian Resz, a drama student in the skit, shared, “We can try to solve the problems of the world, but we can’t do it alone. We must call on Jesus to help us and that's exactly what the presentation was about. Jesus came to solve each and every problem and make peace. This can happen in our everyday life as well.” Then the group was led to the HMS gymnasium which was set up as a market during Jesus’ era. People received a few coins that could be used to buy goods at the village. Students from Campion Academy helped in the village with their Bible classes. The next event was the disciples calling everybody to follow them in Jesus’ triumphal entry, ending at the Campion gymnasium where the audience watched an emotional act about the final events of Jesus’s life here on Earth. The play depicted the last supper, Gethsemane, the trial, death, and finally the resurrection of Jesus. Ekenna Nwankwo, senior, who played the role of Jesus, commented, “It was a really great experience, especially getting to do it twice last year and this year. It opened my eyes to what Jesus really went through.” Eddie Camacho, alumni from 2020 portrayed Jesus during the Spanish versions of the play, and many bilingual Campion students also switched roles for this version. “It is important to have this option because there are several communities in the area of Spanish-speaking families,” explained Pastor Leandro Bizama, “We hope to help grow and reach their communities and having Spanish events in our programs provides a great way to do that.” The ultimate goal of the event was to help people remember Jesus’ sacrifice and understand his love for us. The interactive program was able to impact people’s lives in a meaningful way. Daneil Camas, senior, expressed, “I felt so overwhelmed with emotions that I ended up watching the play three times. I would have to say that this year’s (Journey to the Cross) was the best representation of Jesus’ sacrifice that I’ve seen.” Julia Santiago, Student News Team |
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