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RIO REPORT RIO LINDO ADVENTIST ACADEMY WINTER 2015

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Updates & News

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Learning Experience

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Alumni Weekend

April 10-11 RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

A Message From the Editor

Working at Rio in marketing and communication is extremely rewarding. Last year, my husband and I finished our fourth year working at Rio, which meant we got to feel the joy of seeing seniors graduate that we had known for four years. From freshman year to senior, quite a bit of growth happens. As faculty members, we had prayed with these students, argued with them, told them to go back to the dorm and change when they were out of dress code, and then worried with them when they faced family or personal difficulty. I can’t put into words the amount of joy I had while watching each of these four-year seniors walk across the stage of the gym to get his or her diploma with tears streaming down their faces. This graduation bliss was similar to a scene I had witnessed a couple months earlier during Rio’s alumni reunion. I was invited to attend the 50 year class’s celebration night and I saw old friendships rekindled, tears shed for lost friends, and generosity shared between classmates. I heard story after story of what it was like to attend Rio in its early years and how unforgettable many of those moments were. You can read more about this evening on page 12. Why is Rio such a special place? What is it about these formative years that feels so deep, so personal, so impossible to shake off? I’m going to propose that it’s the people. It takes an interesting type of person to decide to spend years on a hill by a river, away from the city. In the time that I’ve been here, I’ve made incredible friends and seen others do the same. We realize together, as a student and faculty body that we need each other in this community to survive, to become better, and to move into the future stronger than before. The last couple of years, our staff as a team has worked together to grow professionally in the practice of teaching. By meeting collaboratively twice a month, teachers are able to analyze and grow in their teaching practices and better understand how to reach every student and measure results. We’ve also added a Dean of Students to our staff to make

RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

sure every student is on track to succeed. Lisa Webb tracks attendance, grades, and behavior and meets with students, families, and staff to create plans to support students’ needs. Working with her is Renee Brassington, our school counselor. Renee has been working hard to establish a supportive atmosphere with students as the leaders of this culture of safety among our students. By listening and being in touch with our students’ emotional, academic, and spiritual needs, our staff works tireless, long hours to make sure that no student is forgotten. It is this sensitivity to others that makes Rio so special. Although graduation day is always bittersweet for me, I look forward to the day when each student gets to celebrate his or her story and accomplishments. There is no doubt that God’s story is woven throughout these lifelong relationships and embedded in each one of these students’ lives.

Sincerely, Rika Meyer

Marketing & Communication rmeyer@riolindo.org

Contents FEATURES

04| NEWS & UPDATES Find out what’s been happening at Rio throughout the past year.

10| ALUMNI WEEKEND RECAP Hundreds of alumni, former faculty, and friends of Rio flocked to Rio’s campus on April 4-5 this year to celebrate Rio’s 50 year legacy through music, golf, and renewed friendships.

12| THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE Real learning demands more than just a lecture. Find out how Rio’s teachers are changing their practices to become more hands on and experiential.

14| FOOD FOR THOUGHT Rio’s cafe food is not the tater tots and stroganoff that you remember. Read about how the cafe staff has given the food an extreme makeover.

17| NEWS NOTES Where are they now? Updates from friends and classmates from 1963 until today.

EDITOR Rika Meyer| Marketing and Communication ASSISTANT EDITOR Brad Benson| Alumni Director WRITERS Katie Schmidt | Intern Rika Meyer| Marketing & Communication DESIGNERS Preston Belser Jamie Chiu Isaac DeVera Fernando Filho Justin Jang Abel Lambert Jordan Lee Layla Lin Bezi Lizzi Tiffany Nababan Andrew Putnam Beta Siriwattanakamol Karen Vilchez Steven Wang Miranda Watung Perky Wu Alan Yu PUBLISHER PROFESSIONAL PRINT MANAGEMENT proprintman@inbox.com VICTOR HILL ‘72

Note: Most pages of this magazine were designed by Rio’s Graphic Design class. One of the projects in this class, as illustrated in the “Learning Experience” article (page 12) is to create and publish a magazine. Students worked in small groups to create a theme and layout for each story or article using Adobe InDesign and Illustrator. Cover designed by Justin Jang, Layla Lin, Perky Wu, and Jamie Chiu

RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

Updates & News Design by: Tiffany Nababan Jordan Lee Steven Wang Fernando Filho

CAMPUS UPGRADES

io’s campus has undergone many changes over the summer. With the help of the maintenance department and additional contractors, many large projects were finished in time for the school year. The most in-depth project was the renovation of the Ad-Building bathrooms. These bathrooms, which bear the tile and doors from the early 1960’s, were gutted, painted, and redone with new fixtures, toilets, sinks, and doors. The staff helped with demolition during staff pre-session in June and then maintenance director Jim Renslow and his team finished the job throughout the summer. Bathrooms before remodeling

Toward the end of the summer, a team worked hard to install over 50 cameras across campus to enhance safety and supervision. Principal Schmidt and staff surveyed other boarding schools about their success with a camera system and the results were resoundingly positive. Each dorm is equipped with cameras in the lobby and hallways with each dean having access to the footage in his or her own dorm. Cameras were also installed in the administration building, music building and cafeteria. As a staff, we take the responsibility of keeping students safe very seriously and installing cameras has given us another tool toward the goal of campus safety. Both dorms also received some TLC. In the girls dorm, faculty and deans painted the halls and rec room bright colors to surprise the girls when they returned. The boys deans removed the front carpeted desk and opted for a lower profile desk, then replaced much of the furniture throughout the lobby to allow for more seating.

EARTHQUAKE SHAKES NEAR RIO Just after 3:30 a.m. on August 24, an earthquake shook American Canyon and the surrounding area. The epicenter of the quake is about an hour’s drive from Rio Lindo Adventist Academy and the shaking could be felt by many people on campus. The quake shook in a side to side motion and was accompanied by a low rumble for around ten to fifteen seconds. Some of the worst damage was in Napa County, about 45 miles southeast of Healdsburg, CA. No damage or injuries occurred on Rio’s campus and a county inspector surveyed buildings in the days following and didn’t find any evidence of damage. All buildings were built with reinforced steel rebar in the early 1960s and are expected to hold up if another quake occurs.

“We haven’t had an earthquake like this since 1989. We’re fortunate that the damage didn’t strike here.”

Bathrooms after remodeling

Lynny Chapman, faculty member at Rio since 1988.

Maker Space Club about to launch weather balloon.

MAKER SPACE CLUB LAUNCHES WEATHER BALLOON TO SPACE In April, a new club called The Maker Space launched a weather balloon equipped with camera gear into the atmosphere to get footage of the earth from above. This club, which started at the beginning of the school year, meets bi-weekly and has a room filled with trinkets and gadgets for students to work on and create whatever they can dream of. Mr. Mahoney, Rio’s technology director, started the club for students who weren’t interested in sports or other activities during rec time and who wanted to pursue small engineering projects. The 30foot in diameter balloon was launched and sailed east of Rio, documenting mountains, farmland, and the curves of earth’s atmosphere before crashing into a field west of Sacramento seven hours later. After retrieving the balloon and cameras, Mr. Mahoney and his students pieced together the footage and it is now viewable on our youtube channel.

NEW CAMPUS RECRUITING EVENT: SCIENCE CAMP One of Rio’s missions is to reach out to the smaller elementary schools of the Northern California Conference and give students an unforgettable experience with each other on Rio’s campus. Rio’s long running successful event, Sports Camp, occurs each fall and the leadership wanted to offer another event to address academics as well. In April, Science Camp was launched and 40 students from five K-8 schools attended the camp. Science teacher Denise Tonn led the group to the river to study flow and movement, outfitting the students in waders. Retired teacher Gottfried Fritz returned for the event and showcased his many talents with liquid nitrogen. The camp will continue to be offered each April for any 6-8th grader in the Northern California Conference.

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED If you have recently visited our website, you’ll notice that a major change has taken over. Last January, the Marketing and Recruiting team redesigned and launched a new website that is more user friendly, streamlined, and adaptable to mobile devices. The goal for the site is to match Rio’s brand style with more white space, large photos, and to give the user the fresh feeling of being on campus again. If you have not seen the site yet, give yourself a tour at www.riolindo.org.

Rio Lindo Website

Students disecting hearts in lab

RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

the

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

John Smith Staff Writer

Learning at Rio is more than a lecture

It’s an experience

By Katie Schmidt, Rika Meyer Design By: Abel Lambert Karen Vilchez Isaac DeVera

Three students spent hours in a classroom setting up the set for filming. The camera was set into place and the lead actor, Jeremiah Currington had memorized all of his lines. The president of the United States was due to to address the United Nations about the validity of the Bible. In a sudden change of heart, he realized that he could only defend the Bible and could no longer argue against it. By using apologetics, the president spoke to the skeptical crowd and helped bring peace to the council. The three young men finished filming and headed into the editing room. For three weeks, all Rio juniors were assigned in groups to create a project that proved the validity of the Bible. After spending hours researching, reading and thinking, the juniors put their knowledge into practice, culminating into one project to present to the class. One group used a PowerPoint version of Jeopardy with categories such as ancient animals, astronomy, and creation to challenge the class to use actual facts to support the Bible. Team member, Gabby Lua found this project to be helpful both to her faith, and in working well with others on a team project. “I grew up in the church and have heard many of these arguments before, but got more clarification about some details in the Bible. Not only did I learn about validity of the Bible, but I had to work hard with a group to get things done and resolve issues with one another.” What these students went through in their Religion project is called a first-hand learning experience. A learning experience is a multi-day series of projects that engages student and challenges them to learn deeper, think for themselves and make new discoveries in learning. Each teacher at Rio creates one learning experience per quarter, based on core standards in the content area and as well as Common Core literacy standards. This year is the first year that some teachers

are working together to combine a specific subject and teaching it simultaneously to further reinforce students’ knowledge. For example, senior Gabriela Blackwell learned about Greek philosophy in Honors English while also learning about this time period in World History class. “Studying similar subjects in different classes helps me with all my classes because the information overlaps and really ties in together, making complicated ideas easier for me to understand,” says Gabriela. This method of teaching, called curriculum mapping, did not just happen by chance. During teacher in-service days, all teachers outlined their class curriculums for the school years to see if there was any opportunities to overlap information. Educational research has shown that curriculum mapping can increase student knowledge retention, help teachers meet their educational goals, and better strategize student learning outcomes by working together.

Celebrating Learning: Online Portfolios

So how does one create a learning experience in the arts that incorporates literacy as well as artistic skills? In Graphic Design class, Rika Meyer’s students publish their learning by creating an online portfolio at the end of the semester to showcase their work. Each portfolio includes seven original pieces of art that are accompanied by a 300-word “complex explanation of the theories and tools they used to create the work.” In the explanations students describe their art pieces using program-specific technical vocabulary that they learned throughout the semester. They also explain their work based on its emotional and artistic meaning. “I want my students to enjoy what they’re doing and to take pride in their work,” said Meyer. Portfolios allow students to share their work on a larger platform. Students also critique each others’ sites, RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

including the layout, design and writing of their peers. By publishing their work to a live website, each student can gain confidence in their work and learn the semester’s skills on a deeper level.

Wading in the Water

Across campus, the biology class hikes down to the Russian River to research the water flow and to look closer at the water quality. Each student pulls on thick rubber booted overalls, called waders, and slowly moves into the water, measuring instruments in hand. Sophomore Koby Brown slowly makes his way across the rippling baby rapids and into the overhanging brush on the other side. His mission for the class period is to measure the distance between the two shores, measure the distance of the flood line from the water and identify parts of the river, such as rifles, runs, and pools. His classmates are lined up along the banks of the river, doing similar measurements. In a few weeks, the biology class will also research the river’s flow, contents of the water, and survey the area for habitats of wildlife. “Mrs. Tonn explained a lot of the measuring processes in

“When I can see my students working independently or in pairs, doing real research in the same way that biologists do, then I’m happy.” Biology teacher, Denise Tonn

RIO REPORT | Winter 2014

class but I didn’t quite get it,” says sophomore Koi Hamilton. “Once I was outside, actually in the river, everything made more sense when I did it myself and it was way more fun. I totally see rivers differently after doing this project.” Science teacher and researcher Denise Tonn hopes that by collecting this data each year, she will be able to get a more accurate look at potential threats and changes to the Russian River. Students know their data is tabulated, so they feel an additional amount of pressure to get accurate measurements. By applying real life application to the biology class, students are able to get a glimpse of how delicate the ecosystem is and what they can do by contributing to the data collection. “When I can see my students working independently or in pairs, doing real research in the same way that biologists do, then I’m happy. The kids have jumped into this project with both feet, and they are making it successful,” said Tonn. Rio’s teachers understand that real learning, the kind that students don’t forget when they get back to the dorms at night, happens when they’re challenged to think beyond vocabulary words and multiple choice questions. The moments that stick in our minds as learners are the times that we see something different for the first time and think, “Oh! That’s how it works!” By creating learning experiences beyond every day class work, students are able to become more engaged and excited about their lessons in class.

Featured Alumni:

RICK MURDOCK CLASS OF 1965 By Rika Meyer

s a teenager, Rick Murdock, class of 1965, thought of himself as a “renegade kid.” He needed the discipline and the structure of the boarding school environment to help him gain direction and focus both in his studies and his life. Like most other students his age, Murdock had no idea what he wanted to do with his life even though he declared medicine as his future goal in the Rio Currents yearbook. Murdock remembers certain teachers who took an interest in him and believed in him even when he was in the middle of causing mischief around campus. Murdock graduated from Rio, went to Pacific Union College then graduated with a degree in zoology from U.C. Berkeley in 1969. While wrestling with the idea of medical school and hoping to not get drafted in the Vietnam War, Murdock realized becoming a doctor wasn’t quite right for him, but he was still drawn to the mystery and challenge of the medical field. While working as a SCUBA instructor at UCB, Murdock was hired as a medical diagnostics salesman in Seattle and was soon promoted to marketing after his bosses noticed a natural knack for interacting with clients about complex medical solutions. Murdock climbed his way up the corporate ladder of several other medical companies –even helping to start one-before being recruited by an up and coming biotech stem cell company called CellPro, where he started as a vice president and soon became the CEO. After discovering a small lump in his neck, Murdock soon came face to face with a rare form of cancer called acute mantle cell lymphoma, which was virtually uncarable at the time. Surrounded by some of the leading researchers in the field, Murdock had a realistic view of what he would face. “Cancer is one of these diseases that you don’t treat lightly,” said Murdock. “All cancer eventually becomes drug resistant and I decided early on to get a stem cell transplant. My mind was made up.” During this time, in 1995, stem cell treatments were still very experimental. However, through sitting in on his company’s research and development meetings and interacting with the scientists on staff, Murdock knew his people were onto something. Working with his doctors and his own researchers, Murdock turned himself into a lab rat and received a stem cell transplant that killed his own bone marrow then replaced it with good stem cells. By the time he was out of the hospital a month later, doctors detected no cancer. Again at his one year checkup, doctors could find no evidence of the disease. Looking back on his experience in looking death in the face Murdock says, “I try now to make sure that I’m living life to the absolute fullest and am doing everything I can to give something back. I work hard, but I also play hard.” Murdock wrote his account of his brush with death and fight with lawsuits that eventually bankrupted CellPro in a book called, “Patient Number One: A true story of how one CEO took on cancer and big business in the fight of his life”

Design by: Tiffany Nababan Jordan Lee Steven Wang Fernando Filho

Rick Murdock received national media attention after both finding the cure to his disease and then battling big corporations in the courtroom to bring more attention to the business of cancer research.

(2000). The book was featured as a cover story in Reader’s Digest when it was released. Although he has attempted to retire a few times, Murdock keeps getting pulled back into the industry. Murdock gives back by serving on several companies’ boards across the country, lending his advice and leadership to other companies that are discovering new treatments and solutions for debilitating diseases. One of these technologies that Murdock is helping out with is OMT or Open Monoclonal Technology which develops human antibodies in rats to develop new drugs to fight drug-resistant diseases. More than anything, Murdock wants to help others who are battling disease and assist research companies in any way he can from his vast experience in the industry. Today, Murdock resides both in North Carolina and Washington state, while traveling to his many other appointments across the country. He and his wife also have a home and a sailboat in St. Thomas (Virgin Islands) which they enjoy sailing when he gets enough time off to adventure. Fifty years after graduating, and this “renegade kid” still hasn’t learned how to slow down.

Murdock’s sailboat in the Caribbean, which helps him relax and quench his thirst for adventure.

RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

Alumni Week Alumni Weekend was a great time for former students, faculty, and friends to meet once again and celebrate memories. The weekend over April 5-6, 2014 was kicked off by Rio’s second annual Fritz Classic Golf Tournament. The class of 1964 was one of the lead sponsors of this event, and nearly 90 players showed up to play in the misty morning green. One of the players’ favorite holes was hole 13, which featured a contest to drive against Rio’s Athletic Director, Kevin Hardesty. Only one player was able to get closer to the hole than Hardesty. The golf tournament culminated with a barbeque lunch, awards ceremony, and photos taken with retired teacher, Mr. Fritz, who returned for this event. The fundraiser raised over $19,000 which was given to both returning and new students to help them attend Rio through the Fritz Scholarship in May and November. Sabbath’s festivities began with a lively church service. Childcare was provided for the two hour long joint Sabbath school and church service. Many former Lindaires joined Rio’s current Lindaires group and performed several current and classic musical numbers. A few awards and scholarships were handed out to current Rio students. Former principal, Albert Miller presented the Walter Will scholarship to junior Matthew Salvini and Alumni Director, Brad Benson presented the Roger Holm scholarship to Seth Ballance, Stacy Kainer, Natasha McWilliams-Nasser, Fernando Fihlo, and Brittney Finck of $1,200 each.

Fifty-year alumni Jeff Taylor, John Cotts, alumni director Brad Benson, and Dr. Paul Connor played in Friday’s Fritz Classic Golf Tournament alongside teams of sponsors, faculty, alumni, and students.

Current Southern Adventist University professor and director of the outdoor education program, Dr. Douglas Tilstra, class of 1974, addressed the crowd and shared many parts of his testimony. Dr. Tilstra emphasized the role God has played in his life in both the high moments and at his lowest and encouraged his listeners to lean on God’s everlasting arms for comfort and strength. Rio’s cafeteria provided a delicious Mexican entree for the 1,000+ visitors in attendance and faculty and staff baked fresh desserts for the alumni. After visiting over lunch, classes came together in their designated areas to share stories and update their classmates on their lives. The weekend’s activities commenced with a lively alumni vs. students basketball game in the gym. Alum Perry Kainer held his own on the court, as he had been training for months leading up to the game. The men’s game was extremely close but the students pulled ahead in the last few seconds of the game, defending their honor. The women’s game had a smaller turnout from alumni, but the lady faculty stepped in to fill in the shortage. The student team demolished the alumni team, but all who played had a great time.

Members of the class of 1964 join together for a group photo. More class members returned for this 50 year reunion than any other in Rio’s history, although it is only the 3rd 50 year class so far.

RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

end 2014 CLASS OF 1969

CLASS OF 1979

CLASS OF 1989

CLASS OF 1994

CLASS OF 2004

CLASS OF 2009 RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

50 Year Class Celebrates Unforgettable Reunion By Rika Meyer

Breckenridge

All photos on this page were taken by Kay Prunty, ‘64. See more of her art at kaypruntyphotography.com or search “Kay Prunty photography” on Facebook.

On Saturday night of alumni weekend, the class of 1964 held a special banquet at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa. For the last five years, class organizer Jeni Spoo Crane has worked tirelessly to track down classmates and invite them to the reunion. She was able to find almost all of the members of the class of ‘64 and most even showed up for the event. Over the past year, a committee from the class organized the 50 year class’s reunion events including the Saturday night banquet. Class president, Bryan Breckenridge, welcomed the class and led in the evening’s events. Photographer Kay Reiswig Prunty set up a backdrop to photograph each attending member, yearbook style. The banquet included a silent auction complete with art created and donated by various artists within the class. Two class members, Patti Crocker and Gilbert Nye donated gifts to display in Rio’s future museum. Midway through the evening, the class acknowledged deceased classmates with candles and spoken memories. Toward the end of the evening, Bryan Breckenridge presented the funds raised through the raffle and silent auction to student scholarships at Rio. Students Alma Musvosvi (‘14) and Stephen Ermshar received a gift on behalf of the school, totalling $6,946.20. It’s amazing to see all the paths the classmates have taken over the past 50 years and how they came together as one for the reunion. RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

Alumni Weekend APRIL 10-11, 2015

Free Lunch on Sabbath

Schedule of Events Friday, April 10

8:30 am.......Golf Tournament Registration

class Organizers Class of 1965: Virginia Weirich Howland:

Saturday, April 11 9:30 am.......Registration 10:30 am.....Church Service 12:30 pm.....Lunch provided by Rio Lindo 1:45 pm.......Class Meetings on Campus 8:15 pm.......Basketball Game Rio Girls’ Varsity vs. Rio Alumni 9:45 pm.......Basketball Game Rio Boys’ Varsity vs. Rio Alumni

gingerofrio@gmail.com, (808) 894-2311

Class of 1985: Marsha Devine Bray: borndevine67@yahoo.com, (707) 206-5174

Please check our website for most updated information on organizers and event announcements: www.RioLindo.org/alumni

PLEASE JOIN US!

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 8:00 AM Windsor Golf Club. Windsor, CA

Help support student scholarships at Rio.

SIGN UP WITH A TEAM FROM YOUR CLASS, OR SPONSOR A HOLE! Player package includes continental breakfast, green fees, golf cart, range balls, and a catered lunch.

To register, contact: 707.431.5100, Ext. 116 www.riolindo.org Rmeyer@riolindo.org

Food for Th W

hen I arrived at the cafeteria at 9:45 am, there was only a skeleton crew of two chefs and two student workers finishing up the cleaning and prep work necessary for a lunch of eggplant parmesan. A relatively new menu item, introduced just last year, it was met with approval from both faculty and students. Though some were uncertain at first, many changed their mind after tasting the layers of breaded eggplant, marinara, fresh basil and tomato, topped with ricotta and parmesan cheeses. While I talked with Scott Higgins, the director and head chef of Rio’s cafe, he prepared a dish of roasted carrots and onions, mixed with fresh cilantro and candied walnuts. In the bakery were Don Schlotthauer, the pastry chef, and the student workers; one filled cannoli shells with a cream, while the other cut ciabatta bread that would later be grilled. The goal of Rio’s cafeteria is to prepare food that is nutritious, that stays current with trends of the culinary world, and that is pleasing to both the palette and the eye. Higgins makes sure that students are served high quality food that is prepared and served in a sustainable manner. The cafe uses only fresh food and buys organic whenever possible. The result is that Rio’s students not only eat healthy food on a daily basis, but they also enjoy it. “We want it to be the best,” said principal Doug Schmidt. The school’s support in the cafe’s goals is essential, since the cafe now needs a larger budget to buy fresh, organic foods. The extra cost is paying off, though. Not only have complaints about the cafeteria decreased, but students are actually requesting foods such as brussel sprouts roasted with garlic, olive oil, and just a tad bit of maple syrup. Another key ingredient to the success of Rio’s cafeteria

RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

program is that it is run by three professional chefs. Working alongside Executive Chef Higgins are pastry chef Don Schlotthaeur and sous chef Kelly Bonner. “We feel that by increasing the number of employees, the better the product will be for the students,” says principal Doug Schmidt. This extra help ensures top quality meals. For example, Schlotthaeur is responsible for preparing bread and dessert for each meal. So if the meal is Italian based, like spaghetti with fresh marinara sauce, the bread may be foccacia, or a lunch of Indian curry will be served with naan bread. The bread always compliments the meal and is made entirely from scratch. After speaking with students, it’s obvious that they enjoy the cafe’s food. But there’s proof of this, too. For example, Higgins said that last year he would prepare two large pans of frozen broccoli for certain meals. About three quarters of it was would go untouched by students. “It’s hard to cook frozen vegetables,” Higgins said, because the veggies start to wilt and become mushy. Now, however, the cafe will cook twice the previous amount and opt for fresh rather than frozen broccoli. All of it is consumed; the combination of fresh and deliciously prepared food is in of itself, sustainable. Students eat vegetables because they like them. To keep students pleased with the food, the cafe places high emphasis on variety. New recipes are added and old ones are revised. Higgins plans a monthly menu which ensures that no meal will be repeated within the month. In comparison, most schools plan twoweek menus. However, just because a meal is on the menu doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. “We try to serve off menu as much as possible,” Higgins said.

r hought WRITTEN BY KATIE SCHMIDT Design by: Miranda Watung Bezi Lizzi Andrew Putnam

So, if the cafe was planning to serve haystacks for dinner, but they judge that students are wanting something with a bit more spice, they’ll change the menu. This flexibility keeps the atmosphere in the cafeteria more relaxed, allows the chefs to experiment, and also emphasizes collaboration with the student body. “I’ve learned to recognize the mood of the students,” says Higgins. An example of this is Sabbath lunch. It used to be that the cafeteria only served pasta (often frozen pasta shells stuffed with ricotta) because its minimal prep time made it an ideal Sabbath meal. But, Higgins soon realized, that didn’t mean that students looked forward to it. Once students had learned to predict the meal, it only gave them room to complain. Since his time as director, Higgins has only served this pasta dish twice for Sabbath lunch. By engaging with the students during mealtimes and outside of the cafe, Higgins now has a better idea of what students want and don’t want. Though he talks with students individually, he can’t base his entire menu off the feedback of only one student; therefore, talking with a variety of students and thus getting the general attitude of the student body is helpful for planning future menus. Communication with students isn’t just limited to what’s being served in the cafe; Higgins has also been educating the students on the importance of a healthy diet. Though he does this every day by serving nutritious meals and introducing new foods to students, Higgins has also given health talks during chapel and has been invited to be a guest lecturer in Rio’s health class. “The big picture is to keep students healthy,” he said, and education is the best way to ensure students will continue to be conscious about their health. Though everyone on campus benefits from Higgins’ health talks, arguably the most informed individuals are the cafe’s student

workers, who prep the food and learn first-hand about its health benefits. Students who prep food are more likely to try what they helped prepare, and share it with their friends. Along with learning health lessons at work, students also gain experience for work beyond Rio. Since most students will work in the food industry at some point in their lives, the opportunity to gain applicable work experience at Rio is invaluable to students; they are able to both build their resume and develop their work ethic. As a way to encourage students to work hard, the cafe has established a rewards system for students who arrive to work on time, seek out work, and make the most of their work hours. Teams of student workers who performed well during their shift are rewarded with treats such as chocolate banana milkshakes or fruit smoothies. Another way that students are rewarded is through receiving a “Certified Cafe Crew” t-shirt and recognition during chapel. The students are very responsive to positive recognition, especially when they get something in return. Though students appreciate when their boss tells them they did a good job at work that day, having their name announced in chapel has been the most effective incentive. Higgins said that there were students who started the year as not very good workers, but that they asked how they could get a shirt and once they earned it, they wore it around campus proudly. Though the cafeteria has made tremendous improvements in terms of its menu, campus outreach, and work program, Higgins continues to develop and implement new ideas into his program. The cafe is continually changing to cater to the needs of the student body. Continual innovation is key. “We’re not perfect,” Higgins said, “but we still can grow.”

RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

Brian Younker

MEMORIAL AMPITHEATER By Katie Schmidt

or Brian Younker, an alumnus of 2005, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy was not only his school but his childhood home. He and his family lived here for six years, and he, along with his friends and siblings, took full advantage of the campus. Several years after he graduated, Brian was diagnosed with brain cancer. Shortly before he died, Brian told his father that he had talked with God, and that “they were ok.” “That sentiment is uniquely Brian in its simplicity and its depth,” said his mother, Barbara Younker. In the summer of 2014, the Younker family decided to build a memorial for Brian on the campus he loved. The memorial is located near the church, overlooking the river and is composed of three sets of benches surrounding a fire pit. “Nearly all of us as Christians have experienced loss, sorrow, tragedy,” Barbara said. “The challenge is, while acknowledging those feelings, to still live with joy and gratitude, and to make peace with the loss and move forward.” Brian’s senior portrait.

Brian’s family hopes that the fire pit will help the students and faculty of Rio to think about their losses as they view the beautiful, natural landscape surrounding them. They hope the memorial will help people to face and come to terms with their losses and daily struggles, and believe that the natural beauty surrounding the memorial will only aid people in their journey, as it “softens and brings joy to life’s burdens.” On a rock placed at the base of the fire pit will be engraved verses from 1 Peter

4:12-13. “Beloved, think it not strange

concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

news notes

Please note that some News Notes were edited to save space. Full updates can be found online at www.riolindo.org.

1962-1969

‘64 Jeni Spoo Crane-Class of 1964 had a fantastic 50th! It was so awesome to see the 55 who came. We relived our 2 years by sharing stories, pranks and renewing our family friendships and plan to stay in touch. I recommend all alumni to return for your Honor Class, you won’t be sorry.Thanks again to our class for being so awesome.

1970-1979

‘72 Ricardo Lewis - Hello Rio family, greetings from Xenia, Ohio, some refer it as tornado alley, made famous for in 1974, tornado. I have lived here for the past 21 years after returning to college at Wilberforce University. I wanted to complete undergrad to enter into the ministry. I attended Methodist Theological School in Ohio and earned a M.Div. and Ma in Counseling. I pastored in the AME church for 14 years, worked and continue to work as a chaplain part time and a licensed chemical dependency counselor. The problems that my parishioners experienced pushed me towards that training to help others. I am married to Vonya, professor of African, African-American, and US history at Sinclair Community College. Son, Antonio, Sacramento, telephone rep., married with 2 daughters, daughter Lindsay teaches Autistic children Hayward, CA, Daughter Ricquel married 1 daughter, Atlanta, GA, contractor with CDC, Daughter Martinique, Baltimore, Maryland, Fashion designer. Life as a pastor has not always been easy; I believe it has been Gods choice for me so I would be dependent solely on Him! Some may understand what I am saying. It has been a walk of faith but God has brought us through. I missed seeing you at the 40 year reunion, but Easter celebrations prevented me from traveling to attend. I hope to see you at one of the next reunions milestones. God bless! ‘75 Tracy (Hill) Green - I adore attending multiple charity galas/fundraisers; monthly entertainment events; sitting on various boards, training my new intern to assist my EA; aiding the homeless & veterans; mentoring, lecturing, public speaking, giving presentations to at-risk students, corporations and businesses, weekly dinners in my home with family and friends, cooking in my home for everyone gives me great joy sharing the love; donating heavily to multiple charities; etiquette training; We love Traveling, Spa’s (Beauty and Medi), Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Field Hockey, Golf, and Tennis. Exotic Retreats & Vacations, White Water Rafting, Para Sailing, Yachting, Museums, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Snow Skiing/ Snowboarding, Horseback riding, Fine Dining, Ballet, Opera, Skiing, Snowboarding, Classical Music Concerts, Outreaching to the disenfranchised undeserved, international traveling, spreading the Gospel to people The Lord places in my path.

Life updates from Rio Alumni from 1963-2013.

‘75 Cyndie Walker - I’m living in Salem, Oregon now and I’m working as a Systems Analyst for the Oregon Department of Transportation - DMV Division. I have two granddaughters aged 7 and 8. My husband Ed and I are enjoying life closer to our families. ‘76 Connie (Gallno) Sunderland - Hope all is well. I have fulfilled a life time dream. I am now a teacher in Frederic,Wisconsin. I am teaching in a one room school. I have nine students. 2 second graders, 1 third grader, 3 fifth graders, 1 sixth grader, 1 seventh grader and 1 eighth grader. Am told last winter was the worst one in years and that this winter is suppose to be worse than last year. I am praying they are wrong! I try not to worry about the temp. Have had a snow and a 22 degree F. morning or two. Everything is crazy learning new curriculum, new computer programs and everything that comes with moving. I praise God everyday for His presence and blessings, and this wonderful opportunity of working with young people! I don’t have a regular story for you, but you may use anything I have written, just do a great job editing it! God bless, Connie ‘76 Marla King - Hello Fellow Pilgrims! Anyone out there out of debt yet? Better hurry! We have just fulfilled Revelation 17 #8 which is of the 7th head! (Call me 530 357-2040). Life has gone to full time study groups and Bible studies so I live solely by faith. I would not trade living now for anything! I am sure that if you start walking with a neighbor they will begin to feel so good physically and so loved by God who lets them know through you what time it is from the Bible, that you cannot keep them out of church! (It is time to call this “the last generation”) May God be with you as you move into the final stages of this world’s history! ‘77 Dawn Lindquist Holbrook -Our son John is church planting in the Philippines near where he grew up. Since his graduation from college, Tim and I have moved to a small town at the foot of the Smoky Mountains where we hope to stay for a long while! We love the woods, the mountains, and our church. I am working in the county hospital where I enjoy meeting local people and becoming part of the community. ‘78 Cindee Andres - On a typical day like today, I ran the business taxes, ordered pig semen, bred a couple of goats, negotiated sales on 2 cars, took my youngest child to her PSAT testing, bought a bathtub, tiled a bathroom, and took my son and his fiancé out to dinner. I also talked with 2 of my 3 out of town kids who are busy growing heart cells and dancing ballet. Just a typical day hiding out in Southern Oregon. May all your storms bring rainbows.

1980-1989

‘83 Yvonne (Cassidy) Parrish-Levin My husband Will and I live in Bellevue, Idaho and have 6 children all together. We have 6 grandchildren with

the 7th due the 1st week or so of November. One fun note: we got 4 baby chicks this May and were going to “just raise them till they were old enough to give to a co-worker.” Well the kids, grandkids, and I have had so much fun with them we decided to keep them Mike Mesnard, ‘86 and they started laying eggs on October 14. Aaliyah, my 5 year old granddaughter, has been the best catcher and tamer of the chickens. They run to the back door to see if you have a bug for them whenever you open it. They have been a true joy and live entertainment all summer long. ‘86-Mike Mesnard-From the Editor: Met Mike at Oshkosh Camporee this summer where he was representing Union College in the teen area. Mike is still working at Union College teaching humanities and communication. His wife Michele and he have a 15-year old son, Ramsey and Mike is currently working on a kids music program called Mighty Magic Pants, which is fun positive music for kids: http://www. mightymagicpants.com/ Jonathan Johnson, ’86-I went to Rio in 85-86 and has lots of memories from the following: ski trip, senior trip, veggie food in the cafe, scoring 38 points in the two on two basketball tournament, cooking, doing well in school, working two jobs for a total of 2000 hours, and getting my high school diploma. ‘87 Phroncheska (Thurman) Warmkessel - I am currently living in Hornbrook, California and attending church in Medford, Oregon with several other alumni. My oldest son and my daughter live in the area and we are all very active in our church. All three of us are involved with the Pathfinder club as well as the annual VBS program. Kayla (attended Rio ‘09-’10) is also involved with the social committee and helps teach the Primary class. Kristopher is a church deacon and assists with the church’s audio needs. My youngest son, Kody, lives in Nevada with his father but is very active any time he comes to visit. Kayla and I also are a part of the local Adventist choir and are gearing up for our annual Christmas concert. ‘89 Lana (Munson) Young. From the editor: Met Lana and her family at Oshkosh Camporee this summer. They are living in northern Idaho with their kids; 4th

RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

and 6th grade and Lana is currently working as a nurse practitioner.

1990-1999

2000-2009

‘04 Brian Brodie - I am currently in Groton, CT at the U.S Naval Submarine Base. I am still in sub school training in the submarine electronics computer field and expected to graduate 12-18-14. I have been assigned to the USS CALIFORNIA based here in Groton. This will be my duty station until Jan 2019. Take care. ‘04 Jackie Li - Hello Rio friends. I am doing well getting busy with my business. My son is 8 months now, you can see from my pic, also me and my wife.

SGT Jeff Reed and his family

‘91 Jeff Reed - This year my military unit journeyed to multiple nations; Cameroon, SGT Jeff Reed Africa Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and France. God truly created a beautiful world. I found great joy in seeing new cultures and civilizations. I hope others who leave Rio will be blessed as I am to have live in Italy or another foreign country. Most of all I have a powerful support unit, my wife and two amazing girls. My prayers to all who pass through the gates of Rio Lindo Academy. -SGT Jeffery S. Reed

Jennifer Adams Waltman, ‘95

‘95 Jennifer Adams Waltman - I am still living in the Redding area. I have been married for 16 years with 3 amazing kids. I am working as a Eligibility Supervisor for Health and Human Services. ‘96 Cara Farrell - Hi all! I hope my greeting finds you all doing well! Life has been fabulous! My husband and I are still residing in Battle Ground, WA. I have now lived here since 2006. We are thoroughly enjoying the SDA community of Meadow Glade and all our PNW surroundings. Brandon is still working as an Electrical Estimator for a small family business in Vancouver. I recently went back to work as a Medical Assistant for Medical Oncology at the Cancer Center. Our oldest Hunter turned 13 years old this year and is in the 8th grade, Madison is 12 years old and in the 6th grade, Dylan is 11 years old and in the 5th grade and Lorelei is 8 years old and in the 3rd grade. We keep quite busy with our traveling adventures, hiking, camping, soccer, basketball, Lego robotics and piano. Brandon and I also sing with a praise team for our church in which we thoroughly enjoy doing together! We have been blessed with our beautiful family and continue to keep God our focal point! Love and hugs to you all!’

RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

‘05 Ashley Gingerly Williams - No serious news, only hoping to transfer to a free Christian college in the Autumn 2015. Pray that they will accept me. I wish to Jackie Li, ‘04 study History and work in a historical museum, park, or teach internationally.... the other dream would be to be a financially independent missionary and work for GFA (Gospel for Asia). Pray! ‘06 Briana Lanza Tolke - This year my husband and I embarked on life’s greatest adventure - parenthood! Our son Fletcher joined us in January and we couldn’t be happier!

hope that all is well!!! ‘10 Sarah Shields Beams - (From Sarah Pryor Hills) Sarah Shields lives near me and we see each other all the time, but she doesn’t have access to the internet, so I thought I’d update you on her as well... She got married on December 30th, 2013 to Andrew Beams. So her new name is Sarah Beams. They are about to pop with their first baby. ‘12 Cassie Pryor - Last January I started volunteering at the St. Helena “Boys and Girls Club”. The director hired me and I worked there through the summer. It was really great working with the kids, I learned so much! Unfortunately I wasn’t able to continue this quarter due to my course load. I’m getting into my third year at PUC, and the school work is intense! I’m living in an apartment off campus this year, and paying for everything myself is both empowering, and irritating. Sometimes I doubt whether I’m cut out for the real world. College is already half over, and with all the terrifying, life-changing choices I have to face after graduation, all I really want to do is move home and let my mommy take care of me. But I’m taking life one day at a time, and I’m crossing each bridge as it comes. ‘14 Kira Harsany - I’m at La Sierra as I had said originally. My major is Biochemistry, I’m my biology teacher’s note take. Yes it’s a real job! I’m doing football intramural, I’m part of pre-med club, and I almost never sleep. That’s pretty much it for now.

Briana Tolke and family

‘14 LaurenLee Meadows - These past couple years have been crazy ones. In 2010, I started Rio. That same year, my mom Glenda Owiecki Meadows (1972) got breast cancer. With the wonderful support from Loma Linda, she is now cancer free. We decided to move back to the States to be closer to my nephews Xander, 6, Xavier, 3 (Jesse Melendy’s kids-1995), Kai, 2, and Nicko, 0; and my grandma who was very ill. In 2012, my grandma passed away. This year also brought change. I graduated Rio a four year, honors, gold cord, second generation graduate. My parents felt the call to move back to Guam and serve in the public division. My mom works with teenagers to teach math and loves it after homeschooling for 35 years. I am now at Union college in Nebraska taking Psychology and Secondary Ed. with an emphasis in Biology.

‘07 Xylina Cervantes - On September 19th, a beautiful baby girl with dark eyes and long eyelashes was born to Xylina Cervantes. Jaxlyn Seraphina Cervantes welcomed the Sabbath with her mewling

‘14 Phaidra Knight - So I attend PUC and so far I enjoy the school, for the first couple of weeks here the adjustment was hard because it’s not Rio, but as the weeks passed I soon became comfortable in my new environment, and I love being here.

WE NEED YOUR

HELP!

Xylina Cervantes’ daughter, Jaxlyn Seraphina

cries and her family could not be more thrilled. Jax is healthy, perfect, and growing well.

2010-2014

‘10 Sarah Pryor Hills - I got married to Christian Hills on July 7th. 7-7-14!!! It’s an awesome date. I am now moving to Guam to be with my husband who is a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. It’s a whole new adventure. I

Please help us keep our records up to date with your current contact information. To update your own email address, phone number, or mailing address, call Brad Benson at (707) 431-5100 or email: bbenson@riolindo.org.

At Rest-

A special good-bye for now to those we have loved, grown up with, and learned from as they sleep in Jesus. Harold Clark, who taught history at Rio LIndo from 1963 to 1965, died October 15, 2013, in Loma Linda, Calif. Harold was born in Clive, Alberta, Canada, on May 26, 1921; grew up in a missionary family in China. He spent his career as a minister and teacher. Besides grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he is survived by five children, among them two graduates of Rio Lindo: Vin (class of 1963) and Phyllis (class of 1965). Marilyn Jeanne “Lynn” (Fillner) Gordon, 69, passed away September 19, 2014, in Dayton, Ohio. Lynn was born September 16, 1945 in Santa Cruz, Calif. She attended Sacramento Adventist Academy and graduated from Rio Lindo Academy in 1964. She earned a nursing degree from Pacific Union College in 1967. While there, she met David Ross, her first husband. The couple lived in Berrien Springs, Mich., and Mount Vernon, Ohio, before eventually returning to California and divorcing. Lynn worked at St. Helena Hospital until meeting Ron Gordon and moved to Dayton to marry him in 1978. This marriage lasted 36 years, until the time of her death.

cook and baker. Fitness was important to Lynn, a dedicated runner and strength-trainer. Lynn found comfort in the Gospel as expressed in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Lynn will be remembered for her drive, her compassion for others, and her spirit. Lynn is survived by her husband, Ronald, of Springboro, Ohio; children Russel, Deborah, and Scott Ross; stepchildren, Terri, Stephen, and Brent Gordon; her grandchildren; her stepmother; her sister; aunts; cousins; nieces and nephews. Lynn’s mother and father, Lorraine and Russel Fillner predeceased her.

In Dayton, Kettering Medical Center asked Lynn to develop a Nutrition Support Program. She outlined protocols, wrote manuals, created medical kits, and trained staff. She also worked as a consultant for Abbott Home Care in Chicago. In 1988 Lynn began working for Intracorp as a medical case manager. She eventually assumed management of their Cincinnati office. Frustrated with the politics and bureaucracy of her field, Lynn launched her own business. For the past 20 years she worked with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, at both state and federal levels, coordinating services and advocating so injured workers could live the best lives possible. She loved and valued her claimants. She learned from them and wanted them treated honestly and fairly. She was known for her professionalism, her personal integrity, and her intuitive ability to pinpoint what was needed.

Marilyn Jeanne “Lynn” (Fillner) Gordon

Lynn’s eye for quality and excellence extended into her home life where she collected antiques, linens, and handmade dolls. She was an excellent

RIO REPORT | Winter 2015

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy 3200 Rio Lindo Ave

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