WINTER 2023
Bringing Hope
HIGHLAND ACADEMY
Principal Message from the
Dear Alumni,
I trust this message finds you well and thriving in the unique chapters of your life since your time here at Highland Academy. As we navigate the currents of another academic year, I am compelled to reflect on the deep reservoir of gratitude I have for and in serving such a great institution. Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition that invites us to pause and appreciate the blessings that enrich our lives. It serves as a poignant reminder to express gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities that have sculpted our journeys. In this spirit, I reflect with heartfelt gratitude on the blessings of Highland Academy. What a joy to live in such a great community of support, witness miracles performed in the lives of our families, work with amazing students, strategize and problem-solve with God-fearing dedicated staff, and share in the freedoms of living out our mission here at HA. As we enjoy yet another season of thankfulness, what is it that you’re thankful for? I encourage you to reflect on the aspects of your journey for which you are grateful. Whether it be the guidance of inspiring educators, the camaraderie of fellow students, or the lessons learned in life through both triumphs and setbacks, each element has played a role in shaping the person you are today. Additionally, I invite you to consider ways in which you can pay it forward. Your unique experiences and insights can serve as a beacon of inspiration for current students who are charting their own paths. Your involvement in mentoring programs, alumni events, worthy student donations, capital improvements, or just sharing your story are meaningful ways that contribute to the success of Highland Academy. I have learned many things in life, but I’m sure we can all agree, that even in the eleventh hour, God is faithful and can be counted on. So, thank you Alumni for helping us continue to live out our mission of Developing Christ-like Characters and Lifelong Learners in our students. With sincere gratefulness and best wishes. Chadd Watkins Principal
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H PE SQUAD BY: MAGGIE CARLSON
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ighland Academy resident school counselor, Mrs. Logan Johnson always looks to add one new program to our campus yearly. This year, she, along with Mrs. Melissa Weisner, guidance counselor, has selected a program called Hope Squad, a national peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that began with a Utah principal after having to identify a student that committed suicide, the 2nd leading cause of death of 10-18-year-olds. The Hope Squad is currently in 43 states, has 1600 schools, and has more than 45,000 members. The most important numbers are that more than 8,000 students have been referred to a professional for help. On October 26, the first Highland Hope Squad meeting began, describing what everyone’s roles would be and how to make the program successful for Highland. Hope Squad members are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy peers. Every student took a survey at the beginning of the school year that included questions about their personal mental health. In addition, they were asked to name the three students in the school they would feel comfortable talking to if they had worries or struggles. School officials selected Hope Squad members as people who care about others, display naturally good listening skills, and are trusted. They are not asked to act as counselors, but are trained to refer student peers to a trusted adult for help. Mrs. Johnson knows that mental health is a big issue for teens today, and Highland is not immune. It has always been a big issue, but with the newest generations coming up, it seems like there is much more that they are dealing with than past generations. The Hope Squad at Highland aims to increase inclusion and connections by teaching students how to provide friendship, encouragement, and support for students who may be bullied or feel isolated. John Mark Armstrong, a senior, agreed to being a member of Hope Squad because he wanted to help
people and make a difference in someone’s life. He feels that he has been through a lot and would like to help others see that there is a way to get through what they are going through. Every Spring, Highland Academy has a Week of Prayer, but this year, Week of Hope will be part of the program. We will continue with our typical week of prayer, including a special speaker. Still, there will also be a few of our Hope Squad members standing up and presenting more about the new program to the student body. Mrs. Johnson will also present at Week of Hope to show why the program is essential to our campus and to show the statistics on teen mental health, including the students of Highland Academy. By having a Hope squad, talking about mental health and providing a safe group of trained peers, Mrs. Johnson is helping that conversation, because many kids will never come to her office and seek help; you do not have to, but the ones who do, she is happy that they are there. The goal of the Hope Squad is to be there whenever someone needs a friend to help them; anyone can listen. Mrs. Johnson’s tip, “Empathy is a primary communication tool; if someone is struggling, you do not have to have the correct answer, you do not have the perfect words if you could just listen and be there for them, sit and listen. Often, just summarizing what you have heard, letting them know you have heard and understood; sometimes, people do not need solutions or want to hear that someone has it worse; sometimes, they want someone to get what is being said. Hug them and ensure they will be okay.” Hope Squad is an excellent way to learn how to become more like Jesus. It is a perfect example of reflecting on Jesus and learning how to serve others. Our mission at Highland Academy is to develop Christ-like characters and lifelong learners, and Hope Squad reflects that.
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HISTORY IN HIS BLOOD AN INTERVIEW WITH ALBERT DITTES
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athy Smith Ross, a 1991 alumnus, recently sat down with Albert Dittes (‘62), Highland’s resident historian, to ask him about himself and how he came to love and know so much about Highland’s rich past. Kathy: What are your connections with Highland? Albert: My parents moved here from Madison, TN, in 1946 when I was 18 months old. Previously, my dad graduated from Madison College and then went to medical school at Loma Linda University. His father’s cousin--Frances Dittes, a dietitian and part of E. A. Sutherland’s faculty at Madison College--influenced him to start his pre-medical studies there. Dr. Reuben Johnson (also from Madison) had established a medical practice in Portland, supported the hospital on the Highland campus, and needed another physician to help him. That was about the time the U.S. Army discharged my dad after the close of World War II. Dr. Johnson added him to his practice. The hospital was under pressure to close due to losing money. The Kentucky-Tennessee Conference had just taken over the institution and wanted to put their energy into the school, which had started in 1907 as a unit of Madison College. Dad had the gift of attracting patients, and two doctors on the staff--plus a management overhaul--proved enough to provide an adequate financial base for the hospital, and it thrived for another 60 years. The coming of I-65 and other changes made it hard
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for Highland Hospital to compete with prestigious Nashville medical centers. When my family moved here in 1946 and helped revitalize the hospital, Portland was a less privileged place than now. Kathy: Growing up, did you encounter any of the “Pioneers” of Highland? Albert: I spent my entire childhood at Highland, and we lived across the street from the Lundquist family for ten years. Mrs. Lundquist was a West, one of the two founding families of what became the Highland Adventist community, the other one being the Mulfords. So, I grew up hearing her talk about the beginnings of Highland. Kathy: How did you become interested in history? Albert: I became interested in history in elementary school, especially American history. I majored in history by the time I went to Southern Missionary College (now Southern Adventist University) in the Chattanooga area. My major professor wanted me to go on and earn a master’s and doctoral degrees to teach, but I didn’t know what kind of history I wanted to specialize in. I also felt the Lord calling me to the ministry during my senior year, so I went to seminary at Andrews University. I developed an interest in Adventist history but particularly in Dr. John Harvey Kellogg. Kathy: Where did life take you after the seminary? Albert: I spent the next 12 years after seminary in pastoral ministry in the Ohio Conference. Both of my children, J.D. and Julie, were born there.
Interestingly, while in the church ministry, I found the kind of history that I wanted to study on the graduate level--the Ottoman Turks and their direct role in fulfilling the 1,260-day prophecy of Daniel and Revelation, culminating with the 1798 fall of the Pope. I would enjoy studying that under an Adventist historian. Kathy: And when did you move back to the Highland area? Albert: I moved my family back to Highland in 1984, and served at Highland Hospital as their Director of Public Relations and Development for five years. It was at this time that I developed a serious interest in local Adventist history, for both Madison and Highland. Since I had grown up living across the street from the Lundquist family, as I mentioned earlier, Mrs. Lundquist was a good friend of mine. Now, I started asking her many historical questions to preserve history. I also discovered photos and information from the founding era in the Highland Hospital files, and I really got into community and Adventist history. When you know where and how to search, there is always something more to discover; you never “know it all!” Kathy: What do you enjoy discovering these days? Albert: I enjoy digging into local Portland history, and you wouldn’t believe what I’ve been finding! I’ve discovered that the early Highland pioneers-and their counterparts at Chestnut Hill, another Madison extension school east of Portland in the Oak Grove area--worked hard to become a part of local culture. Their efforts at the Fountain Head School and, later, Highland Academy, their outreach initiatives, and their efforts to become a part of
the Portland community are well documented. It is always fascinating and inspiring to find community newspaper articles and photos of our work here at Highland over the years! Kathy: That’s exciting! Sometimes, we forget that the pioneers intended Highland to be used to reach the community. In upcoming issues, could you share with us a closer look at who these Highland pioneers were and how they worked with the Portland community? Albert: Sure, I’d be happy to. There are so many interesting stories to tell. Kathy: In closing, tell me what you’re doing these days when you’re not digging into history. Albert: I enjoy volunteering at the Portland Museum and Cold Springs School. Also, music is a big part of who I am. In addition to teaching private piano lessons, mostly at Highland Elementary, I am the organist at Highland SDA Church and two Sunday churches. I have written several selfpublished books about Madison Adventist history and will also discover more there to bring to light. Kathy: Thanks so much, Albert, for working hard to keep our heritage alive. It is a faith builder because “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us and His teaching in our history.” EGW, LS pg. 196.2
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1962-1966
1967-1969
1969-1973
1973-1976
1976-1977
C.U. DUNBEBIN
JOHN T. DURICHEK
DON WEATHERALL
ELDER WAYNE MCNUTT
ELDER OPP
1977-1980
1980-1984
1984-1987
1987-1988
1988-1989
PRINCIPALS PAST & PRESENT
GERALD COY
GENE BREWER
H.D. LAWSON
DICK STEVENSON
MEL EISELE
1947-1948
1948-1950
1950-1951
1951-1955
1956-1962
1989-2003
2003-2008
2008-2012
2012-2014
2014-CURRENT
M.E. MOORE
WILLARD F. RAY
JOSEPH H. BISCHOFF
L.C. STRICKLAND
H.D. LAWSON
JIM INGERSOL
DON MATHIS
BECKI PATRICK
JERE CLAYBURN
CHADD WATKINS
Chadd Watkins, Jim Ingersol, Becki Patrick, & Don Mathis
We flew from the main island to the island we would be working on and then took a 35-mile bus ride that lasted three hours because of deplorable road conditions. Upon arriving and getting settled, I called back to see how things were working out for the student we left behind. It turns out Sarah had gotten the airlines to cancel our student’s first ticket and issue her another one for no charge. Miracle #2! She said to call her later in the day for another update. When I called Sarah again, she discovered it would be possible to get another passport on Monday! Miracle #3! After five phone calls, it was determined that our student would arrive in Fiji on Tuesday.
JIM INGERSOLL MEMORIES
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y 14 years as principal of Highland Academy went from 1989 to 2003. I frequently recall many great memories my family and I had during that time. They revolve around the best academy staff one could ask for, students who have gone on to make significant contributions in this world, a solid operating board and a supportive conference. The location is perfect and provides surroundings conducive to providing a Christian education. God’s constant blessings were evident throughout the day to day mental, physical, spiritual and social ongoings of academy life, including many trips every year. I would often comment to faculty about God’s protection that allowed us and our students to return safely to campus after every break or school trip. There were bus breakdowns more regularly than we would have liked, but God was ALWAYS faithful and got us back to campus safely. Mission trips took us to several countries, such as Canada, Belize, Guatemala, Bimini, Nicaragua and Fiji. The senior class mission trip to Fiji in 2001 stands out as one of the most miraculous ones. From the beginning, it was a miracle that it could happen at all. Steve Arrington, a diver with Jacque Cousteau, came to Highland and shared the extraordinary story of his life that included a recent discovery he made of an Adventist school in Fiji that was on the verge of closing near the diving resort of Jacques. Steve
adopted the school and was helping it survive, so he shared that it needed help from groups to provide manpower for rebuilding and finances to make it happen. The senior class decided Fiji should be the place for their Senior Class trip to help the school succeed. Their class sponsors said, “If the seniors want to go to Fiji, we are going to go to Fiji.” I was more than skeptical as the cost would be $2,000 per person, so I was planning a more realistic backup trip. To my amazement, those 26 seniors raised $52,000 to make it a reality! Miracle #1! We flew to Los Angeles and stayed Thursday & Friday nights at La Sierra University for our seniors to visit their university. They picked us up and provided housing, meals, and transportation to the LAX airport Saturday night to fly out to Fiji. While most were checked in for the flight, I noticed a stir in the group and questioned what was happening. It turned out one of the girls had gotten her ticket and passport stolen. We were less than 2 hours from take off! I called Sarah, the La Sierra recruiter who dropped us off, and she agreed to pick up our student and get her a ticket back to Highland the next day. In preparation for the trip I realized a need to take a satellite cell phone as we would be in a remote place that did not even have power. I told her I would call as soon as we got to our destination the next day to see how things went.
We were working hard to accomplish our tasks on this beautiful tropical island for the wonderful and kind people that lived there. A couple that accompanied us went on a tour of their own when an accident took place that resulted in the wife getting both bones broken in her lower leg. The husband contacted me to get insurance information to help with the cost of treatment because someone just “happened” to be near the phone and heard it ring. Miracle #4! I made the trek back to the main island to pick up our student at 5:30 am. Interestingly enough, she had never flown before this trip but still got on the plane at LAX to fly 10 hours over the open sea in faith that the plane would make it. I would be at the airport to pick her up. When we returned to our group, they asked, “How did you get this phone to work?” We took it up a tree, to the top of a mountain, out in the bay, but could NOT get it to work. I tried and could not get it to work either. I pulled out the manual and found there was ONE place in the world it would not work… Fiji. And yet it worked those six times to help two people significantly! Miracle #5!! The faith of all was strengthened by seeing God at work firsthand. It was apparent Satan was trying to thwart the trip, but it was more evident that God was intervening to make it a success on all fronts!! Everyone made it, and we completed our tasks. We enjoyed another culture with beautiful people and saw places many only dream about while lives were being changed for Jesus. Despite the challenges, it was a wonderful trip to a beautiful tropical country with wonderful people who truly appreciated what was done for them. The things we saw and the life-changing experiences made the mission trip to Fiji loaded with memories for a lifetime. This is only one example of the myriads of life-changing and faith-building opportunities young people have had that strengthen their faith in God while attending Highland Academy.
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SENIORS HELP HONDURANS BUILD A CHURCH - MAY 24, 2006 BY: DON MATHIS
HIGHLAND MEMORIES The question was posed on the Highland Academy Facebook, the official hub for alumni, staff, and students…. Who was your principal, and do you have a story to share? Wow we got some responses! LISA RAINES MILLER Somebody from 1984 tell the “if I hear one more peep story” with Mr. Brewer! I remember you all sharing it at one time, but you all know the details best. TODD L DIETRICH Lisa Raines Miller, it was late in the 2nd semester of the class of '83's senior year. Mr. Brewer was our Bible Class teacher. He had to step out during the class and asked us to be quiet. We didn't keep it down. He came back in before he was done and he was upset. He had to go back to whatever it was that had him out of the class and he told us "if I hear one more peep out of you, there will be trouble!" He stepped out again and as soon as the door was shut, a semi loud, but very audible "peep" was heard from the back of the class. We all busted out laughing and looked back at Jamie Strong. JOANN JENNETT HARVEY My principal was Mr Lawson. There 57,58,59 a great class, was blessed to get to go to Highland. When I go back for class reunions it seems like a little bit of heaven. Yes forever friends were made. Also, Ms Johnson was dean of girls, Mr Lawson’s mother-in-law. Us girls sure knew how to behave under her. CINDY ALLEE 1984 Mr Brewer. He was cool. He caught me and my boyfriend kissing in the back hall of the ad building and didn’t put us on social. Lol. JILLIAN BARNETT-MADRIGAL We had Becky Patrick and Mr. Clayburn. A memory that sticks out is when I was a senior of the 2014 graduating class. Our senior prank was blowing up balloons and filling his whole office with them! It was almost to the ceiling. Pastor Nolan helped us accomplish this! Mr. Clayburn laughed. I was impressed with how well he handled it! ANGELA KARNES Mr. Ingersoll. 1995. One weekend when most of the students were off campus, he drove the rest of us in the bus through the drive-through at Taco Bell. I thought that was epic.
The Mission Trip to Honduras in the spring of 2006 was our 3rd and final trip to the Island of Guanaja. It is one of three bay Island off the coast of Honduras. We would fly to San Pedro Sula, Honduras then take a boat to Guanaja. It was a 40 mile ride on a boat 100ft long by 40ft wide. Most of us had some degree of sea sickness, mine was bad. I did not hear any complaints though, the students were awesome!
It was so much fun working with the students and the church members doing the hard work of tying off rebar, mixing concrete, filling up 5gal buckets to pour the floor of the building. The students were very involved not only with the building project but also organizing and carrying out a Vacation Bible School with the local children.
When we got to the island the members of the church were there to greet us, even though it was very late in the night. They treated us like family.
I feel the students and staff that went on the mission trip received a bigger blessing than the members of the church in Guanaja. The members showed us Jesus in receiving us with open arms and treating us like their family.
Guanaja is a tropical island and it was very hot and humid but that did not deter the students. They worked very hard on the church/school project we came to help build.
Mission trips are a vital component for the education of our students. They learn that by being a blessing you receive a blessing!
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CLIFTON KELLER Strictland and Lawson were our leadership team in ‘54. The boys lived on the second floor, the girls on first, and the Cafeteria was in the basement. There was a faculty meeting in the basement at a time when three young men who slipped out of the dorm came “home.” As they climbed over the low roof to reach the girl’s window and advance to second floor the roof gave way with a loud boink, boink ... at each step. LINDA ALLEN ASHCRAFT I attended Highland Academy my junior and senior years, graduating in 1976. My principal was Wayne McNutt. I remember him as a kind and gentle man. I had problems with pain in one of my feet, and had several appointments with a podiatrist in Bowling Green. Elder or Mrs. McNutt drove me to all of them. I remember one time the doctor had asked me what Adventists believe. Not only was I painfully shy, but I didn’t really know what we believe, so I just shrugged my shoulders and said, “I don’t know.” When I told Elder McNutt about it in the car, I’m sure he probably cringed inside, but rather than shame or embarrass me, we talked about what I could have said. Not only did I receive a lesson in Christian beliefs, but also in how to treat people with kindness and respect. I’ve never forgotten it. (When Mrs. McNutt drove me, she would always take me to McDonald’s, and I’ve never forgotten that, either!)
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A GRATEFUL & JOYFUL HEART BY: BOB SCHIMP
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once read that when we praise God with a grateful heart, He, in turn, fills us with His joy! I can unequivocally say that I have found this to be true and the theme of my life. I am so grateful for how God opened doors and allowed me the privilege of working with young people at Highland Academy for 18 years. I am filled with joy at the thought of each of you! Directing the Highland Academy choir and band was a fulfilling experience with some great memories. We loved visiting churches and schools all over the KY-TN conference to share the joy of Jesus. Often, the choir was larger than the congregation. Still, those small churches showed their appreciation with delicious potlucks after the service!! Students sometimes slept on gym or schoolroom floors on overnight trips without complaining! Faithful band members became experts at packing the trailer, which needed to be loaded, unloaded, and reloaded after each weekend performance. Music stands, tympani, tubas, and flutes had to find their way in and out of each church! In my first year at Highland, I learned the hard way the importance of teaching the students not to stand too stiff or lock their knees during a performance. We were performing the Christmas cantata King of Love at the Highland Church, and the choir was nearing the end of a song. I’m sure it was warm in their choir robes, and perhaps some were standing too straight because I noticed one of my guys start to swoon. The choir was large and packed in the choir loft, so when he passed out, he was held upright by his unknowing neighbors. He didn’t slump to the floor until the students beside him leaned forward to hear me say, “Help him down!” A song later, after some fresh air and a loosened tie, he returned to finish the performance to a round of applause! You were a trooper, Billy Wing!! Spring musicals play a major role in my memories of
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Highland. They created such excitement and fun. Who remembers I Believe in America, Fiddler on the Roof, or Music Man? It was a joy to watch the students grow in confidence and create a healthy sense of accomplishment. Over the years, the band and choir shared Jesus with students in elementary classrooms and residents in nursing homes. They painted a church in Puerto Rico and helped in a thrift store in Eastern Kentucky. They brought hope and joy to many. But the highlight of every sacred performance of every year from every choir group I directed was the finale song, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” It still brings tears to my eyes (and those of you who know me know that isn’t hard to do)! I love that song, and I loved hearing you sing it. I hope you can all get up at Alumni Weekend and sing it for me!! Throughout my career at HA, I also taught Bible, Computers, Art, and even Industrial Arts! I loved each student and still try to keep up with as many of you as possible. I watch for you on Facebook, in the Southern Tidings, or KY-TN Connections. I am bursting with pride when I see you now teaching, ministering, or in conference leadership. Some of you have started your own businesses or are working in healthcare. Whatever direction God has led you to go, continue to trust Him completely and make Him the center of your life. Praise God when things are going smoothly and praise Him even more when it gets hard and the road is rough. When you do, deep inside, you will feel differently. You will experience the true joy of knowing God! P.S. Bob and his wife, Karen, are still living in the Portland area. They built a home on 6 acres filled with doodle pups, barn cats, and laying hens! Instead of retired, they are re-tread and have started their own online resale business. They feel very blessed! If you are in the area, you are always welcome to come by or at least find them on Facebook and catch up!
A SHARED EXPERIENCE DECADES APART BRENT RUCKLE- CLASS OF 1993
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s a member of the class of 1993, my class would have taken our history trip in the fall of 1991. One of the unique aspects of our trip was that there were mechanical difficulties with the Highland bus, so we had to charter a
bus. We had a charismatic, fun-loving bus driver named Danny, a person that added much to the experience of our trip. He actually came to the Junior benefit program some weeks after the trip. Most of us came from small communities, so
going to cities like New York City brought many new sights and sounds. Tamra Grant DaSilva remembers seeing a guy with a big mohawk across the street who yelled “what are you looking at”, after which the group ran down the street. The visit to the Statue of Liberty at that time involved a spiral staircase inside that we walked up. Other memories included Hershey’s chocolate factory (including free chocolate at the end), Ellis Island, glass blowing in Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, Smithsonian museums, and Monticello.
In Washington D.C., we had the opportunity to meet our then Tennessee senator, Al Gore. A year later, he would be chosen as the Vice-President. One of our classmates asked him if he had aspirations to be Vice-President, and he denied it at that time. The experience of visiting historical sites always enhances the learning of United States history. However, the timeless part of the trip is, as my former classmate Becky Powell Patrick stated, the memories made with our class.
EMMA RUCKLE- CLASS OF 2025
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hile my JHT experience did not include free chocolates or climbing to the top of the Statue of Liberty, it was just as memorable. Though filled with long bus rides (made possible by our amazing bus drivers Don Mathis and Daniel Palma) and too many bathroom stops to count, once we got to our touring destinations, the fun truly began. Some of the stops we visited included Berkeley Plantation, Jamestown Rediscovery, (where we got to see the same glassblowing shop) the Freedom Trail, and Plymouth Plantation. All these places had interactive areas where we could talk to people that were “from the time.” My class and I had lots of fun trying to get some of the actors to break characters or use a phone to take a picture. Though my D.C. experience was not very long, and we didn’t get to meet any future vice-presidents, we were able to be the first class to ride electric scooters through our capital. They helped to make seeing all the monuments much faster, and so much more fun. Though our two trips are different in many ways, it is really cool to be able to look back at the experiences that both my dad and I have had at Highland Academy. To be able to see the old and new traditions that have come with each new class that has taken this trip is truly incredible. While I am
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still getting to know my class and the people in it, Junior History Trip has helped me to make many new memories and friends, which I hope will last just as long as my dads have.
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SPREAD THE
Word BY: STEPHANIE RUFO
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ighland Academy has many long-standing traditions, one being “Spread the Word,” which began around 2013. Spread the Word started with the intention of helping the school grow enrollment, but also as a way to connect with the community that supports Highland and its mission to develop Christ-like characters and lifelong learners. At its conception, the entire school would set out to visit churches; as time passed and enrollment increased, sending the 130+ students out became challenging, so sign-ups began. This year, we had 44 students sign up, not knowing what part of the service they would help with but signing up wanting to serve God. Four groups were created, with a staff member guiding them as they decided who would take the different roles. The groups committed to visiting two churches, one in November and the other in February. Visiting smaller churches, not equipped to hold the school’s choir or band, allows each church to open its doors to young people and make them feel welcome. Data shows that most young people will leave the church when they don’t feel like they belong or have a role to play. We pray that our Spread the Word shows our students and others that our young people can lead, serve and share God.
Brandon Patton, a senior, has been working on a sermon to present, not knowing when God would use him to share the message titled “The veil over the heart.” He was excited to visit Zomi Bowling Green church, which presented a challenge for a first-time speaker of having a translator. Though it did make it difficult, Brandon leaned on God to deliver his message. He is looking forward to writing another sermon and being able to share it in February when he visits the Nashville Korean church. Adriel Garcia, a senior, had the privilege of participating in Spread the Word for the first time. His group visited the Nashville Spanish church with their leader, Mrs. Lopez. As part of planning, they decided to have a theme, “God and His Divine Plans,” to help correlate the songs, children’s stories, special music, and who would share a testimony. Adriel helped with song service and spoke of his experience on last year’s mission trip to Nicaragua. Naomi Houston, a shy sophomore new to Highland Academy, signed up for Spread the Word because a friend encouraged her to. Naomi didn’t even know what it was about! She typically doesn’t like being upfront but was happy that she participated in offering prayer throughout the service. Naomi enjoyed being with her friends and stepping out of her comfort zone. Student leadership in our churches helps to
develop ownership by participating in ministry areas, discovering new gifts, and being mentored. Spreading the Word allows each student to deepen their faith in God and equip them for leadership in the future. Many students attended Spread the Word for the first time. They said it was a wonderful experience and enjoyed meeting the congregation and sharing a meal. Students said spreading God’s word in our community was a blessing and look forward to being able to go out again this spring. 19
CLASS OF 2023
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DANIEL CHAVEZ GONZALEZ
JAN GONZALEZ
JUAN HERNANDEZ
NATHANIEL HIGH
CHELSI KROEGER
RURI LEE
LILLIAN LELKO
ESTHER LEWIS
JUSTEN LORENZO
HANNAH LOUDEN
MADISON SCHMIDT
CARLIE ALVAREZ
ELINA APARICIO
SANTIAGO AVILA
HEBERTO BARRERA
CAROLINE BRIDGES
AYANNA MATHESON
FERNANDO MONTES LOPEZ
REBECCA O’DELL
SAMUEL ROBLES HERNANDEZ
BRAYDEN BURNS
TIAN CARNEY
RODNEY DAVIS
ISAAC DUNCAN
ALLIANCE GIRAMATA
JOHANNA SHIMEL
NATHAN STRINGFELLOW
RODNEY DAVIS
ISAAC DUNCAN
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END OF THE YEAR GIVING Give today for a better tomorrow! At Highland Academy, we prioritize giving our students the tools to grow their relationship with God while providing a quality education. In 2022, our student population grew and remained steady with over 130 students. We currently have 50 village students and 81 in the dorms, which include 10 international students. Because of our Highland alumni and donors, we continue to provide financial assistance to many of our students and their families. We recently posted videos on our social media accounts highlighting students who have received financial help, like Savanna Jackson, the recipient of the Spanos Scholarship. This scholarship entitles one individual to a full scholarship for three years at Highland Academy based on criteria set forth by the donors. Savanna is well-deserving as she has shown a Christ-like character from her first day on campus. She looks for ways to brighten someone’s day with a smile, kind words or prayer. She is a servant of God, washing the feet of her fellow students and staff. Savanna has the personality to make a friend out of a stranger. She is an excellent example of God’s love; we know she will continue to make a difference in our community. Juanita Cabrales from Colombia was able to join Highland as a senior this year because of a music scholarship. Without the support from Highland donors. Juanita would not have been able to afford tuition that would give her an American diploma and open doors for college. She is happy to share her passion and talent for music playing violin, piano, clarinet, and singing with the Highland music department. A few months ago, we received a donation from a family that had children attend Highland many years ago. Knowing this was where God wanted them, they prayed for financial help. Because we have committed donors who faithfully give to our student assistance fund, those students were able to become students of Highland. Recently, we received a donation, and after speaking with the donor, they said they wanted to pay it forward to help others attend Highland Academy just like their children. Your involvement can make a difference! When donors like you commit to our young people at Highland, you create an opportunity for students to be in an environment that cultivates a relationship with God, to grow academically and connect them to a community that cares for their future. Please help us live our mission to develop Christ-like characters and lifelong learners. Use the enclosed envelope to mail in your donation or visit our website to give online marking Student Assistance in the subject line. Stephanie Rufo Director of Marketing, Communications, Alumni, Development and Recruitment 23
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 50’S
60’S
JANET L. TURNER ’79 lives in Lexington, KY. She is currently retired. Janet loves learning about the Lord! She has two sons, Austin and Sam. JIM & SANDRA FREEMAN ’77 have been married for 45 years. They live in Fudgearound, TN. They have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Sandra is a retired RN. She enjoys spending time with her grandkids and reading.
CLIFTON ’54 and Dorothy Keller have been married for 65 years. They currently live in Lebanon Jct., KY and have 2 children. Clifton enjoys gardening and computers.
SUSAN MCCRAY WEMMER ’63 lives in Ooltewah, TN and is a retired executive secretary for Callaway Gardens Resort in Geogia and accounting assistant for STAT medical services. Susan enjoys playing piano, reading, sewing and being active in her church. She has two daughters, Lisa, and Donna and four grandchildren: Dylan, Emily, John and Lauryn.
RICHARD WILLIAMS ’72 currently lives in Taylorsville, KY. He has 2 children and 2 granddaughters. Richard is retired from the military and the federal government. He spent 21 years working several positions in the Air Force but the most memorable was flying medical evacuation. He also worked with Homeland Security and other government agencies as a consultant. Richard enjoys camping, riding motorcycles on country roads, managing his house, and a bit of gardening and traveling.
80’S
RONNIE LAMBETH ’61 and Ann Lambeth have been married for 49 years. They have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Ronnie is a retired wildlife biologist. He enjoys spending time with his family, bird watching, being an active member in the church and is looking forward to seeing friends and classmates at alumni.
70’S
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KATHY FILLMAN ’79 has been married to James Brummett for 33 years. They live in Debary, FL and have two grown sons. Kathy worked as a nurse for 40 years and a corporate health coach for the last 7. She recently switched gears and became a freelance writer.
NANCY BROWN LOCKRIDGE ’85 lives in Savannah, TN. She currently works as a nurse. She has 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Nancy enjoys gardening, flowers, traveling, and continuing her education.
TONY ’86 and Kasey Smith have been married for 25 years. They live in Woodland, WA and have 4 children. Tony currently works for Northwest Transformation Services, Inc.
90’S
MATT RODDY ’99 has been married to Leslee for 20 years. They currently live in White House, TN with their three children, Jackson 17, Samantha 15, and Grant 10. He works for Penske Logistics. He enjoys cooking, drinking awesome coffee and hanging out with his “Copy” and “Paste” pups.
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00’S
PHILIP ’07 and Amanda Coke have been married for 3 months. They live in Memphis, TN where Philip works as a firefighter for the Memphis Fire Department. Philip enjoys hunting, fishing, DIY projects, and playing his guitar.
KRISTA BUSH ’00 currently lives in Portland, TN and works at Food Lion. She has two sons, Isaiah 5 and Levi 3. Krista has an interest in both music and art.
10’S
MARK & MADELEINE HARRISON ’17 have been married for 3 years. They live in Grants Pass, OR. Madeline works for the Oregon conference of SDA-Pre-k as a kindergarten teacher. She is a biblical scholar, missionary to the Arctic, and a natural health advocate.
BILLY ’19 and Alyssa Anderson have been married for 1 year. They live in Cincinnati, OH with their amazing dog Snickers.
WE LOVE HEARING FROM OUR ALUMNI! If you would like to update us about any accomplishments, additions to your family, or share any other news, we would love to hear from you. Contact Stephanie Rufo at srufo@highland-academy.com.
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HIGHLAND ACADEMY 211 Highland Circle Drive Portland, TN 37148