Southeastern California Conference
Oscar Olivarria
Olivarria hopes Calexico will become the number one school in both Mexicali and Imperial Valley in academics and spirituality. “I want kids to have a good, balanced education that opens doors for them,” Olivarria said. “But I also want them to get a picture of who God is and to have a lasting relationship with Him for the rest of their lives.” Olivarria is replacing Susan Smith, who has retired from Calexico. She taught and was the
Datha Tickner
Daniel Olmedo
principal there for the past 22 years and has worked in the field of education since 1972.
Daniel Olmedo
Daniel Olmedo is the new teaching principal at Murrieta Springs Adventist Christian Academy. He became a teacher at El Cajon Adventist Christian School in 2013 for grades 4 through 8. Soon his family grew, and he and his wife, Liz, prayed for the opportunity to move closer to extended family. God answered their prayers, and Olmedo was accepted for the position at Murrieta Springs. He will miss his colleagues and the students at his old school but is confident the community will be just as supportive in Murrieta Springs. He looks forward to working with the faculty and connecting with students. “My students keep me going,” Olmedo said. “There’s just something about working with children — there’s no reason
for you to have those ‘bad Mondays.’ They always have something to say to put a smile on my face.” Olmedo is replacing Darena Shetler, who will be a middle school teacher at Escondido Adventist Academy for social studies, science, physical education and other classes.
Datha Tickner
Datha Tickner is the new high school principal at Loma Linda Academy. She was formerly the principal at Orangewood Academy. Tickner has worked in education since 1984. She was at Loma Linda Academy as the elementary vice principal for five years before working at OA for six years. She enjoyed her experience in a K-12 school but decided to move back to focus on high school students. “I’m very excited about this opportunity. God has opened the doors for me, and I want to make a difference wherever He leads me,” Tickner said. Tickner wants to make a difference and will start doing so by building relationships with faculty and students, and by doing everything she can to help make them better teachers and successful students. “I’m excited to help the school reach its goals,” Tickner said. “My ultimate goal is for every student to be in the kingdom of heaven—and that starts with relationships.”
Jessica Anzai August 2016
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