Education

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV).

I was blessed to have parents who always believed in me. I can’t remember a decision I made in which my parents were not there to lend their support. They may not have agreed with every decision I made, but they were alongside me as I moved on from the outcome of my decisions. Their willingness to be there for me meant the world. It gave me strength and confidence to move forward when, at times, I didn’t think I could. Maybe you had parents like that or maybe you had someone else in your life who cheered for you. Whether you did or didn’t, know that in Christ we all have a passionate cheerleader.

Story by Vicki Swetnam

Spring Valley Academy’s (SVA) Stage Band spent the last part of 2019 and the first part of 2020 preparing for their Benny Goodman fundraising concert. Then, the pandemic hit.

Months passed until Donald Huff, SVA band director, finally received clearance for the concert. Staff and students made proper preparations, brought in equipment and obtained professional videographers for a “live recording session.” Huff issued stern orders to the band: “Everyone, stay six feet apart, keep using hand sanitizer and stay heathy!” No one expected that he would be the one with the COVID-19 scare.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4, NIV).

What does this verse mean? The first part says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil.” I think this means that even though we go through scary things, we have nothing to fear. I wonder why that is? The second part, “for you are with me,” gives it all away.

Story by Vicki Swetnam

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sport of disc golf exploded. Needing an escape from quarantine disc golf provides an opportunity to get fresh air and exercise all while social distancing.

Cold weather often spells the end of disc golf, but Ohio Conference's Spring Valley Academy, located in Centerville, kept the sport alive by hosting a six-week putting league in conjunction with disc golf manufacturer Dynamic Discs. Using a universal set of rules, students were able to see how they stacked up against competitors worldwide. Stats were collected on a UDisc app, and a running global leaderboard was updated each week.