News

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Editorial by Gary Gibbs

Are you interested in Bible studies?” It was a bold question for a senior member of a local church. When a salesman knocked on her door, her first response was, “It’s the Sabbath; I’m not interested.” But that morning I had preached a sermon that challenged the congregation to be bold. God used that message to spark this church member to ask the salesman if he would be interested in Bible studies.

“Actually, I am,” the young man replied.

“Would you like to go to church?” Another bold question. Was she really doing this?

“Yes, I would. Can I go with you?” he seemed sincerely interested.

Physics and Robotics coach Courtney Brown, and seniors Cole Mattox and Joshua Perkins display their robotics project.

Story by Dinah Jordan

Allegheny East Conference's Pine Forge Academy (PFA) recently debuted its innovative TE Connectivity STEM Space, designed to promote student interest in science, technology, engineering and math. The new building includes one classroom dedicated to math instruction and a second classroom fully outfitted with a smart board, robotics kits, tablet docking stations and science equipment.

Fifty-four Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) teams from around the Columbia Union Conference gathered at Blue Mountain Academy for the union-level PBE event. Thirty-four of those teams placed first and will continue to the Division-level event, April 20 in Hawthorne, Fla. (details here).
 
The following teams placed first:
 
Allegheny East (8 teams participated)
Community Falcons
Liberty Lightbearers – Purple
Maranatha Warriors – Team 2
 
Chesapeake (3 teams participated)
Atholton Faith Blazers – Team 1
Atholton Faith Blazers – Team 2

Story by Doug Walker and Visitor staff

More than 100 students, staff and faculty from Washington Adventist University (WAU) in Takoma Park, Md., braved stiff wintery gusts to participate in the National School Walkout marking one month since the shooting that took the lives of 15 students and two staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. They were among students from across the Columbia Union Conference and elsewhere who participated.

Arthur Calhoun receives the 2017 “Citizen of the Year” award from Debbie Montoya, a representative of the governor, for his medical services and volunteer work in Doddridge County, West Virginia.

Story by Valerie Morikone

Doddridge County, West Virginia recently named Arthur Calhoun, M.D., their 2017 “Citizen of the Year.” Calhoun, a member of the Toll Gate church in Pennsboro, W.Va., received a proclamation from Jim Justice, the governor of West Virginia, and was recognized by the Senate of West Virginia.

Photo by Erfan A. Setiawan from Flickr

Editorial by Janesta Walker

I love people! I am fascinated by the uniqueness of each person I meet: their talents, personalities, cultures, quirks and mannerisms make each one special. From strangers in the mall or interesting characters at Walmart to family members, students, colleagues and friends—no two are alike. There are quiet ones whose depth of wisdom astounds me and bold ones whose courage challenges me. There are creative ones whose artistic expressions mesmerize me. Then there are the intellectuals whose knowledge boggles my mind and entertainers whose humor lightens my heart.

Story by Heidi Wetmore

Students from the Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) broadcast journalism class recently participated in a 36-hour film festival. Julio Munoz, associate director for Communication at the North American Division and director of the SONscreen Film Festival, along with Emily Mastrapa, a local lmmaker and Spencerville alumna, served as festival mentors.

Each lm had to incorporate the same prop, charac- ter and line of dialogue. “Giving constraints to student lmmakers empowers their creativity,” shares Robert Martinez, organizer and broadcast journalism teacher.

Highland View Academy students and staff are serving in Kenya.

Story by Lori Zerne

Highland View Academy’s (HVA) mission is “to inspire and mentor [their] students to excel in all Christ calls them to do.” The administration and staff believe that Christ calls the students now, not just in the future, to be the hands and feet of Jesus. In line with HVA’s mission, students and faculty are devoting the second week of March to perform service projects both domestically and internationally.