photo by tom wetmore
NEWS Middle, High School Scholars Recognized Spencerville Adventist Academy recently hosted its third annual academic awards banquet. Forty-four percent of the middle school and high school students were invited to attend, along with their teachers, parents and siblings. To be invited, middle school students must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in each quarter. High school banquet invitees must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for the first semester. “This special evening gives our school community a chance to celebrate high academic achievement,” says Dawn Thompson, registrar. “We are proud to honor them in this way.” photo by amber mayer
Alumni and students bless the congregation with their musical talents during alumni Sabbath.
Adventist Children’s Choir Wins Competition
Eloise Tran, Cameron Mayer and Angie Rosa proudly display their certificates and medals.
The Adventist Children’s Chorus (ACC) recently took first place in their category at the Music Festival Competition at Hershey Park (Pa.). This is the third, first-place win for the group, which was formed in 2010. One of the judges commented that when ACC began singing Mendelssohn’s “Lift Thine Eyes to the Mountains,” he was both motionless and moved by their angelic tone. “The sole purpose for their singing is to sing to the glory of God,” says director Jane Lanning. The ACC is comprised of 78 students, most of whom attend Spencerville Adventist Academy, along with home-schooled children aged 9-14.
Spencerville Adventist Academy welcomed back former students and graduates of SAA/Spencerville Junior Academy to its recent alumni celebration. Since SAA added a 12th grade in 1999, there have been 399 high school graduates. Brad Durby, former vice principal, was the featured speaker for Friday night vespers and the Sabbath church service. For the divine service, an alumni bell choir performed, and alumni joined SAA’s choir and orchestra to provide beautiful music that ministered to the congregation. “What a blessing that was,” said Durby. “Sometimes we take for granted the talents that this school and church have. I am so grateful to be a part of this!” Following church, SAA hosted an alumni lunch at the school. In the evening, alumni and current students enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball.
photo by beate richli
Current, Former Students Return to Reconnect
Jane Lanning (center), choir director, joins students Aleannies Salinas, Karissa Smith, Megan Eisele and Alessia Richli with their first-place trophy.
Spotlight is published in the Visitor by the Spencerville Adventist Academy ■ 2502 Spencerville Road, Spencerville, MD 20868 Phone: (301) 421-9101 ■ spencervilleacademy.org ■ Principal, Brian Kittleson ■ Editor, Heidi Wetmore
34 | V IS ITOR July 2014