Potomac Conference

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Hurricane Ian’s impact on the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States isn’t projected to hit the area as hard as Florida, however several inches of rain are forecast for Virginia, says Bob Mitchell, Adventist Community Services (ACS) and Disaster Relief coordinator for the Potomac Conference.

“Are you ready to care for yourself, your family and your neighbors during and following whatever Hurricane Ian brings to our area?” asked Mitchell in an ACS newsletter sent on Wednesday. “While the rain forecast for the Potomac Conference region varies from two inches to four inches, any damage to a family's home is significant and presents us with the opportunity to meet some of their needs.”

Takoma Academy, Yasmine Julien, Potomac Conference

Story by Debra Anderson

A new principal was in place when Takoma Academy (TA), located in Takoma Park, Md., opened its doors for the 2022–23 academic school year. Yasmine Julien, an instructional leader, mathematics content specialist and experienced classroom teacher, accepted the assignment to lead the 118-year-old institution.

Julien brings to TA a breadth of experience in academic leadership, as she has held the positions of dean of students and instructional coach in previous jobs. Her most recent job was as the assistant principal at the Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy in Washington, D.C.

 Camp Meeting Reimagined.”

Story by Debra Anderson

For the first time in three years, Potomac Conference constituents met for in-person celebrations of camp meetings. Renamed “Impact: Camp Meeting Reimagined,” the gatherings were a welcomed experience for those longing to come together in a decades-long tradition of spiritual renewal and fellowship.

The first assembly took place mid-June at Shenandoah Valley Academy in New Market, Va. More than 3,500 of Potomac’s Hispanic community members joined with family and friends to experience three days of worship, spirit-filled sermons, uplifting music, inspirational seminars, special programming for children and youth, good food and lots of fun-packed activities.

Potomac Conference, Juwel Watson

Story by Debra Anderson

Juwel Watson is the new director of special education for the Potomac Conference. A former fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Takoma Academy Preparatory School in Takoma Park, Md., Watson has a solid academic background and a wealth of experience in special education.

The Potomac Conference Office of Education has been on a mission to hire a qualified specialist to provide guidance and support to schools that have students with special education needs. Departmental data shows a significant need in the conference to expand the opportunities for students who qualify for special education.

Story by Salena Fitzgerald

Three beloved and accomplished Takoma Academy (TA) staff members retired at the end of the 2021–22 academic year.

C. Dunbar Henri received his Master of Divinity from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary (Mich.) in 1983. After 18 months of singing and traveling with the Heritage Singers out of Placerville, Calif., he pastored three churches in Maryland from 1983–1986 before joining TA’s staff full-time.

During the last 37 years, Henri has served as a Bible teacher and administrator, including two stints as TA principal from 1995–1997 and 2005–2009. During his first stint, he became the first black princi- pal to serve at TA. He also served as vice principal.