Campion reflects on the Marins impact after 15 years of service

Nate Marin has announced he has accepted the position as principal at Central Valley Christian Academy in Modesto, California. Over the past 15 years at Campion Academy, Marin has taught Spanish, Geography, Personal Finance, and U.S. History, and he has served as a Student Association sponsor and Campion’s Guidance Counselor.  His wife, Honali, also served in the cafeteria, assisted as an S.A. sponsor, and led small groups for students. 

In a letter to students, the Marins shared, “My family and I are excited for the new opportunity and sad to be leaving all of you. It has been an honor and a privilege serving as your teacher here at Campion for the last 15 years. I have strived each year to improve and offer each of you the best education possible. I want to thank each one of you who have taken on the challenge of joining me in my classes.  You have been and will continue to be more than my students; you are my friends.”

Marin’s forward thinking and passion for education has impacted both students and staff at Campion, and he and his family will be greatly missed. While we are sad to see them go, we also want to congratulate Marin as he moves into the administrative level in Modesto. 

Several students and staff members shared the impact that the Marins had on their lives. 

“I appreciated working with Nate Marin on so many levels—I admired his passion for the students, he cared that they did well academically, but more importantly that they left Campion knowing Jesus better. I admired his constant desire to improve as a teacher, always seeking ways to adjust and tweak his classes so they were better the next go around. I admired him as a colleague because he would seek me out, never shying away from asking for help but also willingly offering any help he could provide. He had my back, and that will be very missed. I wish him all the best wishes and prayers on this new chapter in his life.” Lindsey Santana, Teacher-Librarian

“Marin is not only a teacher to us, he’s a friend. In his classes, I learned so many lessons that I will continue to use my whole life. I learned about having a growth mindset and how to push through difficult situations and not give up. Most importantly, in Marin’s classes, I learned how to grow my relationship with God. I am so thankful to have had Marin for a teacher.” Ashley Halvorson

“Something I appreciated about Marin was that he always believed in me. In his classes, he expressed that he wanted me to do as much as I could without any of his help. Even then, he was always willing to help if I needed it. He had valuable life advice in every one of his classes. Outside the classroom, his door was always open. Some of the best memories I have of Campion are of playing strange card games with friends at Marin's house. To me, he was a teacher and a friend.” Erick Maldonado

“Marin has pushed me to take responsibility for who I am. He has challenged me academically and mostly how to look at my spirituality in a positive way. He will be greatly missed.” Jeremy Matondo

“Mr. Marin has not only been one the most influential teachers in my life, but also one of my closest friends. He has helped me learn and grow in my education and my spiritual life, and has taught me so much about working hard, challenging myself, and not giving up. I will miss him a lot next year, and am super excited for his new opportunity!” Grant Velbis

“Marin has been so much fun to have as a teacher. You can tell that he genuinely cares about his students in the way that he interacts with us and has fun with us. Not a month went by without Marin asking me why I’d never gone to his house for board games. He made Spanish one of the most spiritual classes I’ve taken. During weeks of prayer, he never gave us homework, he just gave us spiritual things to reflect on. Everything he does is so intentional. I’ve never had a teacher ask me my preferred learning style before Marin. Sorry for killing your praying mantis, Marin!” Naomi Boonstra

“Mr. Marin possesses an understanding of education that inspires me.  He can see the big picture and every step to take to get to the big picture.  He loves to collaborate with colleagues in planning and executing programs.  But his most endearing quality is his care for each student.  He has taken students under his wing to help them during their high school career and beyond.  Mr. Marin has set a high bar for all of us.” Don Reeder, Principal

“Mrs. Marin shares her husband’s care and concern for each student.  Her voluntary programs have been a great example of how to assist students in their journey.  Her untiring support in the cafe will be missed as well.  She is always willing to help Mrs. Fagan with food service for our campus.” Don Reeder, Principal

“Honali has been an invaluable asset to the cafeteria ministry, keeping students accountable and tasks running smoothly. Honali cares deeply for the students and their spiritual, emotional, and educational well-being (don't let her no-nonsense approach fool you). She has been a blessing to me, always willing to help where needed, and will be greatly missed.” Dawn Fagan, Food Services Director

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