Elisabet Kirkland

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, opened its doors on August 18 to 255 students for the start of the 2026–2027 school year, with additional students currently finishing the admissions process.

Students and parents were especially excited to welcome back Mrs. Denae Yuros, a former MHA teacher who has returned to step into the role of vice principal for the 2026–2027 school year. Warm greetings of “Welcome back, Mrs. Yuros!” echoed throughout campus as families arrived.

“It is so good to be back at Mile High Academy,” said Yuros. “Walking through the doors this morning and seeing our students and families reminded me just how special this school community is. I’m eager to jump into this new role and support our staff, students, and families as we grow together this year.”

The morning started with all-call announcements followed by the first all-school chapel of the school year. Principal RD Gallant welcomed families back to campus, and students cheered loudly as the 2026-2027 teachers and staff were introduced.

Before moving into the worship portion of chapel, MHA recognized several sophomores for outstanding academic achievement through the national PreACT Rising Stars program. The program honors the nation’s top academic performers based on PreACT 8/9 Composite scores earned during their freshman year, distinguishing the top 3% as Distinguished Scholars, the top 4% to 10% as Rising Scholars, and the top 11% to 50% as Early Scholars. MHA celebrated four students who earned the Rising Scholar recognition and seven who earned Early Scholar status.

To set the spiritual tone for the year around MHA’s 2026–2027 school theme, “Made for More,” Chaplain and Upper School Bible Teacher Gerson Martinez spoke during chapel. He encouraged students that “the best decisions come from clear convictions” and to remember two key convictions: “God is Love and Jesus Saves.” Following chapel, students, staff, and parents participated in the school’s annual prayer walk, coming together to ask for God’s guidance and presence on campus throughout the year.

MHA remains deeply grateful for the ongoing guidance and support of the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC). Dianne Harris, RMC’s director of Education, was on campus helping with the annual prayer walk and sharing in the morning’s excitement.

“There’s something special about the energy and possibility of the first day of school,” said Harris. “I’m thankful for the strong community at Mile High Academy and excited to support our students, educators, and families throughout the year. I pray that God continues to bless the school community with joy, wisdom, friendship, and a deeper walk with Jesus.”

With classes now underway, the Upper School looks forward to heading to Glacier View Ranch later this week, while Middle Schoolers prepare for their day trip to the lake next week. Meanwhile, the younger grades are happily settling into their classrooms for what promises to be a wonderful year ahead.

—Karrie Meyers is the Mile High Academy marketing and development coordinator. Photos supplied.

JESUS’ MODEL OF MINISTRY

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38, NKJV).

By Godfrey Miranda

Earlier this week, our dinner table was garnished with some of the best steamed broccoli I’ve ever tasted. And it came from our church garden! I don’t consider myself to be an expert farmer, so when my family and I heard about the start of the church garden, we were glad for the opportunity to grow our own produce alongside others who knew what they were doing. 

We’ve had limited gardening experience in the past … with varying levels of success. We’ve tried reading books and researching online for best practices, but there’s nothing quite like following the lead of someone who has done it all before. 

When it comes to harvesting souls for the kingdom, maybe you’ve had some experience in the past … also with varying levels of success. But if you’re looking for someone to emulate, there’s no better example than Jesus Himself. 

In Matthew 10, Jesus commissions the twelve disciples and sends them out as laborers into His harvest (vv. 1-5), but Matthew intentionally prefaces all that with a snapshot of Jesus’ own ministry at the end of chapter 9. In other words, when Jesus sends us out on mission, He first models for us what true soul-winning looks like.

BE AVAILABLE

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people (Matthew 9:35, NKJV).

Much could be said about Jesus’ mobility, especially in a culture where walking was the main mode of transportation. (Incredibly, some estimate that Jesus traversed nearly 3,100 miles on foot during His public ministry!) But what’s of note here in Matthew 9:35 is not just that Jesus roamed about the country, but that He moved on a mission. He wasn’t just traveling to sightsee; He went to cities and villages in order to make Himself available to others. 

Whether we travel afar or just go down the street to the nearest grocery store, we too can be available to others and let all our movements be mission-driven. The reality is that discipleship happens through daily interactions, but we often get so caught up with our to-do’s, routines, and responsibilities that we lose touch with the disciple-making potential of our daily interactions.  

Being available is about being open to having gospel impact in others’ lives as we go about our day to day lives. We may not see ourselves as teachers, preachers, or healers in obvious ways like Jesus was, but each of us can purposefully interact with others to influence them closer toward God’s truth, God’s kingdom, and God’s healing rather than farther from it.

BE ATTENTIVE

But when He saw the multitudes … (Matthew 9:36a).

The verb translated as “saw” can describe the physical sense of sight, but it can also point to the cognitive and even relational idea of understanding. Jesus may have seen multitudes, but He was actually attentive to individual stories, identities, and needs. 

In Matthew 9:2, Jesus may have seen a group bringing their paralytic friend to Him, but beyond their physical actions He “saw their faith.” He saw beyond what they were doing and could discern why they were doing it. In Matthew 9:9, we’re told that Jesus “saw a man named Matthew.” He didn’t gloss over this publican but gave him individual attention. 

Beyond his position, Jesus saw the person. And this is the kind of attentiveness He invites us to engage as well. We don’t have to operate on assumptions or stereotypes or surface-level judgments.  

As we make ourselves available to others, we can invest the energy to listen well and see the heart. Being attentive to individual stories, identities, and needs ensures that we connect with people in ways that are personally relevant to them and not just based on our own preferences or convenience.

BE MOVED WITH COMPASSION

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them … (Matthew 9:36b).

In every instance the phrase “moved with compassion” is used to describe Jesus in the New Testament, it acts as a hinge between what Jesus sees and what Jesus does. It’s the bridge between Jesus’ perception and His subsequent action. Compassion literally moves Jesus to act on behalf of the needs He sees around Him.  

This aspect of Jesus’ ministry example calls us to check our hearts and examine what it is that truly moves us in ministering to others. When we make ourselves available and become attentive to the needs of others, we must be motivated by heartfelt compassion for the people to whom God leads us. 

Ministry absent of this compassion tends to serve ourselves more than others. We end up doing the right things for the wrong reasons. We may teach, preach, and heal, but without genuinely caring for the people we serve, we actually run the risk of becoming “sounding brass or a clanging cymbal” which actually amounts to “nothing” (1 Cor. 13:1-2). Instead, we ought to make sure that “the love of Christ compels us” (2 Cor. 5:14). In all our availability and attentiveness, let’s move toward action only from a heart that’s first moved with Christ’s compassion.

Friends, I believe the harvest truly is plentiful, and the Lord of the harvest wants to send us out as co-laborers with Him in making disciples prepared for His soon return. We may not all feel experienced, but Jesus is inviting us to follow His lead. 

Let’s be available and open to the opportunities to have eternal impact upon others in our daily interactions. Let’s be attentive to others’ hearts, willing to see who people really are and what they really long for. And in all our movement to meet those needs, let’s be moved with genuine compassion and care.

—Godfrey Miranda is lead pastor at Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photo by Markus Spiske of Unsplash. 

Jose R. Alarcón – Ward, Colorado … Around 40 members and friends of Aurora First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Aurora, Colorado, stepped away from the routines of everyday life and gathered for a memorable weekend retreat, August 7-9, at Glacier View Ranch (GVR), the Rocky Mountain Conference’s (RMC) beautiful camp nestled among the clouds at approximately 9,500 feet above sea level near Ward, Colorado.

“Surrounded by the majestic beauty of Colorado’s mountains,” shared Jose R. Alarcón, lead pastor at Aurora First Church, “our group experienced the Word of God as participants studied Scripture, reflected on God’s goodness, prayed together, and strengthened their relationship with Christ. “

Miquela Luna, one of the guests, observed, “This was my first retreat. I did not know what to expect. I really want to know the Bible, but I’ve gotten so much more as I’ve received care and knowledge. During a mountain hike, I stood at the top with the breeze blowing, listening to two members sing praises to God. I will never forget this experience.”

The retreat was about more than Bible study; it was also about fellowship. Members shared meals, conversations, laughter, stories, and experiences. Children and adults played games together, creating moments of joy and camaraderie. Families had opportunities to spend quality time together, away from schedules, technology, work, and the many demands competing for our attention.

Friendships were strengthened, new relationships were formed, and the church family became more closely connected. Head elder Boima Sonii, Sr., shared, “The Aurora First Family Retreat was a memorable experience for my family. Aside from the genuine spiritual fellowship, it brought both members and non-members closer in many ways. We ate together, experienced nature together, played fun games, and above all, we worshiped together.”

The natural setting of Glacier View Ranch added another dimension to the experience. The mountain environment provided opportunities to appreciate God’s creation, breathe fresh mountain air, walk through beautiful surroundings, and reflect on the words of the psalmist: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showed his handywork (Psalm 19:1).

For the Aurora First Church members, the weekend demonstrated that church ministry does not happen only inside a sanctuary. Retreats and camp experiences can be powerful opportunities for discipleship, relationship-building, spiritual renewal, and family strengthening.

“The experience also reminded us of the tremendous blessing we have here at the Rocky Mountain Conference,” remarked Alarcón. “Glacier View Ranch is more than a beautiful mountain retreat. It is a ministry resource that can serve churches, families, young people, and institutions throughout the Conference.”

“We therefore encourage other churches, schools, ministries, and Seventh-day Adventist institutions to consider including GVR in their ministry calendars. Come and experience the mountains, study God’s Word, build relationships, strengthen families, create memories, but most importantly, come to support a ministry that belongs to our conference family.”

Attendees of the retreat are grateful for the opportunity to have spent this special weekend at GVR. The people who attended returned with more than photographs and memories—they returned with renewed friendships, stronger families, deeper relationships, and a greater appreciation for God’s Word and His creation.

“Sometimes we need to come apart for a while so that we do not come apart,” reflected Alarcón. “Our GVR experience reminded us that when God’s people intentionally make time for Christ, community, creation, and family, the entire church becomes stronger. Hence, Glacier View Ranch is waiting. The mountains are calling. And our churches can be renewed together.”

—Jose R. Alarcón is lead pastor at Aurora First Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos by Dina Alarcón.

Cindy Roldan – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, welcomed two major convocations to campus this summer, giving the school an opportunity to connect with families, alumni, and the wider community. The gatherings were also the first major events R.D. Gallant hosted at MHA as the new principal, alongside Cindy Roldan, director of Student Services and Registrar.

On June 27, MHA hosted the Indonesian Convocation, welcoming approximately 650 people for worship, fellowship, and community. MHA hosted an informational table where Gallant and Roldan connected with families interested in learning more about the school.

Alumni parents Natalia and Julia were among those encouraging families to stop by.

“Natalia and Julia kept sending parents our way, encouraging them to learn more about sending their children to MHA. Seeing our alumni families advocate for the school was incredibly meaningful.”

The gathering also included a special first: attendees stayed to share a meal together on the MHA field, extending the fellowship beyond the day’s program.

For alumni, being back on campus made the event even more meaningful. Alumnus Brody Koloay shared, “We loved that it was at MHA because we already missed you guys.”

On August 8, MHA hosted the Hispanic Convocation, welcoming approximately 500 people. With mental health as an important focus of the event, Gallant had the opportunity to participate in a Q&A about education, while he and Roldan also connected with families and alumni at the MHA table.

One of those connections was with a new family who had recently moved to the area. They were excited to discover MHA at the convocation and connect with the school as they considered enrolling their child. It was a meaningful example of how hosting these gatherings can create new relationships with families in the community.

Together, the two gatherings highlighted MHA as more than a place of learning. They provided opportunities to welcome new families, reconnect with alumni, and strengthen relationships within the communities MHA serves.

—Cindy Roland is Mile High Academy director of Student Services. Photos by Cindy Roland.

Emily Roque Cisneros – Grand Junction, Colorado … The Grand Junction Lights Pathfinder Club kicked off a powerful new initiative by assembling 54 lunch bags for neighbors experiencing homelessness, July 5. Following their assembly, Grand Valley Eagles Adventurers club director Millie Higgins delivered these bags directly to the Joseph Center*—a vital local daytime shelter—where they were immediately distributed to those in need.

This successful kickoff is the start of a new ongoing year-round program. Collection boxes were placed in the foyers of the Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Western Colorado in June and will remain, collecting items throughout the year.

Every month, students of Intermountain Adventist Academy and the local Pathfinders and Adventurers clubs will gather to assemble the lunch bags in rotating groups.

Because these lunches are distributed at a daytime drop-in center, all items are highly practical for individuals who may not have access to kitchens. Collected items include crackers, protein drinks, energy bars, packages of nuts, chapstick, kleenex, disinfectant wipes, and bandaids. To add a personal touch of comfort and hope, every single bag also includes handwritten, custom cards made by the kids.

“I feel very strongly that the Holy Spirit is leading us in this ministry,” said Higgins. “We are so incredibly blessed to be a part of this work God has given us to do, and we are repaid tenfold in joy for any effort we put into it!”

She believes this project can easily bless other communities across the Rocky Mountain Conference.

If you are a club leader, pastor, or member interested in learning how to implement a similar service project in your own local club, she would love to chat with you. Please feel free to reach out to Millie Higgins, lead director of the Grand Valley Eagle Adventurers, at 970-778-5087 or via email at [email protected]

Together we can be the hands and feet of Jesus!

* The Joseph Center is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church nor the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

—Emily Roque Cisneros is the Palisade Seventh-day Adventist Church communication secretary. Photo by Millie Higgins.

RMCNews – Ward, Colorado … More than 90 Pathfinder club members and teens, along with over 80 staff and adult leaders representing over 12 clubs, gathered at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado, July 30–August 2, for the 2026 Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Pathfinder Camporee. Centered on the theme “Follow Jesus,” the weekend built on last year’s theme, “Know Jesus,” encouraging young people to move from just knowing Christ to actively following Him.

The camporee provided a mix of worship, activities, inspections, and evening programs designed to strengthen connections, build practical skills, and develop leadership. Featured speaker Pastor Ben Orian, lead pastor of Atholton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Columbia, Maryland, inspired attendees throughout the weekend.

For Ruby, a teen leader with the Casper Pathfinder Club, the Pathfinder Club Ministry has been more than an activity: “I really like the culture. It’s obvious that the goal is to learn more about Jesus and get to know Jesus. Sometimes it’s not as evident because of where different people are on their own journeys, but I’m glad to be able to see growth in certain areas now as a leader.”

Friday’s activities were a highlight for many attendees, offering opportunities to try archery, axe and tomahawk throwing, disc golf, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more. Beyond the excitement, these activities gave Pathfinder cub members opportunities to practice teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, and skills they can carry with them beyond the camporee.

“[Being a Pathfinder], I get to learn more and more about God and how to follow him,” commented Sharmilla, Aurora First Pathfinder Club member. “My favorite thing about Camporee is probably the activities. You are not just reading the Bible, but you also get to experience stuff.”

Sabbath brought a special focus to faith and service. Following worship, Pathfinder teams made encouragement cards to be distributed to others, learned how to create a devotional, participated in a Scripture walk, and took part in other activities designed to connect practical ministry with their growing relationship with Jesus.

David Hopkins, RMC Pathfinder coordinator led an activity on how to create a devotional. “This year theme is Follow Jesus and to follow Jesus on a consistent lifetime basis. We chose this honor of Adventure for Christ, which is a 6-to-12-month long honor. One of the requirements of that is sharing a devotional every week for the duration of the honor. Most people don’t know how to create a devotional, and so that’s what we’re spending time here today learning how to do this. These are skills for tomorrow, not just for the moment.”

Throughout the weekend, the camporee offered a reminder of what makes Pathfinders special: young people learning, leading, serving, worshiping, and simply enjoying time together in community. As they continue to know Jesus and follow Jesus, Pathfinders are developing skills and relationships that can help shape their faith for years to come.

“Seeing our RMC pathfinders connecting with each other and joyfully participating in the activities, worships, and time in nature during camporee was a blessing you had to have experienced to fully appreciate,” remarked Brent Learned, RMC Club Ministries Director.

—Interviews conducted by Liz Kirkland, RMC Communication director. Initial article draft curated by ChatGPT based on interviews with additions, revisions, and editing by Liz Kirkland. Photos from video screen captures by Ulises Velasquez and by Liz Kirkland.

On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel (Ezra 7:9-10, NKJV).

Godfrey Miranda – Littleton, Colorado … With Mission Summit 2026 about two months away, it’s time to move into a mode of more intentional preparation. Many of us have already cleared our calendars and figured out transportation to make sure we’re logistically prepared, but is there more we can do to ensure we’re spiritually prepared for Mission Summit? 

This may surprise you, but as I’ve been reviewing the story of Ezra in the Old Testament, I believe his experience has something to teach us about what we can do to spiritually prepare for the Mission Summit weekend we’ve been anticipating. 

Granted, Ezra may not have been preparing for a church conference, but we can definitely resonate with his hope of returning to the Promised Land and his commitment to rebuilding God’s people to fulfill their divinely appointed purpose. Our contexts may be different, but our mission hopes are similar. 

So what cues can we take from Ezra’s experience to ensure that “the good hand of [our] God” (Ezra 7:9) is upon us too in preparation for Mission Summit?

START WITH HEART

For Ezra had prepared his heart … (Ezra 7:10a, NKJV).

Ezra’s journey of rebuilding God’s people to fulfill God’s purpose began at the heart level. Sure there were requests granted by the king of Persia (Ezra 7:6), but in addition to the collection of external resources, Ezra focused on the internal inventory of his heart. 

The term used here for “prepared” communicates the idea of fitting something for use. In the context of the sanctuary services and priestly roles that Ezra’s ancestry was fully familiar with, it was often the sacrifices themselves that needed to be prepared through close examination for blemishes or anything that would disqualify them for use. In this light, heart preparation has less to do with identifying what strengths we bring to the table and more to do with humbly discerning our own areas of weakness that we need to surrender to Jesus. 

Before we begin to dream about the great things we can accomplish for God at Mission Summit, let’s take time confessing our need for the great things God has already accomplished for us at Calvary. Before we attempt to dutifully fulfill the mission of God, let’s revive habits of daily receiving the mercies of God—searching our hearts for those attitudes, ambitions, and even addictions that keep us from being living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

SEEK GOD’S WORD

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord … (Ezra 7:10b, NKJV).

Apparently, heart preparation isn’t just about removing what doesn’t belong but also intentionally focusing on that which is worth our greatest attention and energy: God’s Word, the revelation of God’s will in His law. As we follow Ezra’s example then, part of our preparation for Mission Summit should be to tune our ears to hear God’s Word. We don’t have to wait until we arrive that first weekend of October to hear what God wants to reveal to us about His will and directions for our churches. We can spend time each day right now seeking God’s will for our churches, ministries, and communities.  

Whether you already have a daily rhythm of being still with God’s Word or want to establish a new habit, pray that God would wake you up earlier than normal each day to have unhurried time seeking the voice of the living God in the Bible. Maybe it’s slowly walking through one of the four Gospels or the stories of the early church in Acts. 

Whatever portion of Scripture He leads you to, let each day between now and October begin with filling your mind with God’s Word, praising Him for the picture of who He is, and surrendering to the counsel and instruction He reveals to you personally. As we seek His will in His Word individually, our hearts will be primed to discern God’s will about His mission collectively.

PRAY TO DO AND SHARE

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel (Ezra 7:10c, NKJV).

I love that Ezra sought God’s Word not just for good ideas but for a transformed life altogether. He resolved to do himself what God revealed, to put whatever divine instruction he received into daily practice. And on top of all that, Ezra was committed to teaching to others what God had shown him and empowered him to practically apply. 

The blessing Ezra sought was not only for himself but for others. This is a powerful reminder that Mission Summit isn’t supposed to be a time when we’re just inspired with great ideas. It’s a time to let God live out His Word in us AND share His call with others through us. With this in mind, we can pray this simple prayer: “Lord, make me a doer of Your Word and a sharer of it too!”  

As we prepare for Mission Summit, let’s pray for a willingness to actively participate in moving the kingdom forward right where we are, AND pray for specific people with whom we can share our experience. There may be key leaders or close friends in our local congregations who aren’t able to attend Mission Summit, but we can pray that God would empower us to be influencers in our community both by how we live and what we share.  

Friends, do you want the experience of Ezra to be your experience too? It’s my prayer that each of us and our churches will be assured that God’s good hand is upon us all as we come together at this year’s Mission Summit. So until then, let’s search our hearts and surrender all to Jesus, let’s daily seek His Word, and let’s pray that His Word would do a good work in us AND in others through us.

—Godfrey Miranda is lead pastor at Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

RMCNews – Colorado Springs, Colorado … The officers and the staff members of the Ministerial Department at the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) wanted to show their appreciation for the families who faithfully serve alongside pastors by hosting a special Pastoral Family Retreat, July 27-28, creating space for rest, connection, and shared experiences outside the demands of everyday ministry.

“One of the highlights of the summer was gathering together as the Rocky Mountain Conference family in Colorado Springs. At RMC, we deeply value our pastors and the faithful ministry they provide throughout our conference. We also recognize that behind many pastors is the steadfast support of a spouse and family. Ministry is rarely carried alone, and the encouragement, sacrifices, and prayers of spouses and children are an essential part of that calling,” remarked Sean Lee, RMC Ministerial director.

Lee continued, “To express our appreciation, RMC prepared a small token of gratitude for pastors’ spouses and children for their invaluable support. Throughout our time together, it was a joy to see families reconnect, children laugh and play, and pastors and their loved ones enjoy meaningful fellowship. The retreat reminded us that we are more than coworkers in ministry—we are one RMC pastoral family, united in serving Christ and supporting one another.”

Beginning Monday evening at Springs Adventist Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, almost 20 ministry families gathered for worship, fellowship, and an opportunity to reflect on God’s faithfulness through personal stories of serving together. On Tuesday, families had the opportunity to experience one of Colorado’s most iconic destinations with a group excursion aboard the Pikes Peak Cog Railway before spending the afternoon reconnecting through activities of their choice.

The retreat concluded with a fellowship supper Tuesday evening, providing one final opportunity for ministry families to strengthen friendships, share experiences, and celebrate the relationships that make ministry possible.

More than simply a retreat, conference leaders hope to remind ministry families that their faithful service is deeply valued and that investing in healthy relationships is an important part of sustaining lifelong ministry.

“It was a true blessing to see our pastors and their families come together for some time of relaxation and enjoyment,” remarked Hugo Guillén, RMC Ministerial associate director. “One of the awesome benefits from spending time together was team bonding. Having our pastoral families know that they mean so much to our conference, that we deeply value their commitment, and we are here for mutual support and cooperation.”

—RMCNews. Initial article draft curated by ChatGPT with additions and editing by Liz Kirkland, RMC Communication director. Photos by Sean Lee.

Each school year brings new faces to Rocky Mountain Conference schools—educators who have answered God’s call to invest in the lives of young people. More than teachers, they are mentors, disciple-makers, and role models helping shape the next generation of faithful Adventist leaders.

To help our school communities get to know these new educators, we invited each of them to share their journey into Adventist education, their passion for ministry, their hopes for their students, or a few personal insights about who they are beyond the classroom. We hope their responses offer a glimpse into the hearts of the those preparing students not only for success in this life, but for eternity.

Isaac Avila  |  Science – Mile High Academy

What made me first realize God was calling me to teach was in high school at Campion Academy. My science teacher, Mr. Kast, asked if I could help tutor some of the chemistry students and I realized that I loved seeing the “ah-ha” moments and that realization was solidified during my student teaching.

[As an interest outside of the classroom,] I love working on my 2001 Toyota Celica, fixing it up and making it into a cool car, that hopefully will help enhance my personal mission. I also love to play tennis and pickleball as well as hiking and drawing.

Gisèle Brown  |  Registrar and Pre-Algebra – Campion Academy

If I could leave my students with one truth about Jesus, it would be that He cares about every part of their lives and will guide them when they seek Him. Proverbs 3:6 reminds us, With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way (ERV). My hope is that whether they are studying, making decisions, or facing challenges, they will learn to ask what honors Christ and trust Him to direct their path.

One of my favorite interests is studying—not only the Bible but also subjects that help me understand people and situations more clearly. I enjoy learning because it prepares me to respond thoughtfully, with both intelligence and wisdom.

1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to be ready to explain the hope within us with gentleness and respect. For me, learning is not simply about gaining knowledge; it is about becoming better equipped to serve, encourage, and guide others.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15 KJV).

Jessica Chitura  |  Head Girls’ Dean – Campion Academy

[If I could leave students with one truth about Jesus it is that] Jesus really sees you. He sees every tear, every trial, every smile, every joy, every failure, every success. He sees you when you’re lonely, when you’re happy, when you doubt Him, when you dare to hope. He loves you through it all. He promises to never leave or forsake you. There is nothing you could ever do to separate yourself from His love. Wherever you go, whenever you call on Him, He is there and He will answer.

As an interest outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, puzzles, and cooking.

Bobi Crenshaw  |  Teaching Principal – Sonshine Academy

I knew I wanted to be a teacher before I even started school. I took a few detours along the way, but God was leading all along, and I ended up teaching with an even more rich experience to share with my students and their families. These experiences have led me to have the view that I will go wherever God calls. After teaching in several different parts of the United States, I am settling into Wyoming and eagerly looking forward to this next school year and the adventures that it holds.

And even though I got my teaching training through a public university, I was very clear that I would be specializing in ultra small schools. I am excited to be in Worland because it is a very small school. I am eager to meet my new students and get to know them and their families. School is always a mission field, and I enjoy teaching the children about God and introducing them to my friend Jesus.

RD Gallant  |  Principal – Mile High Academy

Jesus is the Great Educator, and He invites me to partner with Him as I learn, grow, and become more like Him. The more I come to know Christ, the more I desire for His character to be reflected in my leadership and ministry. I believe Adventist education is about much more than academics—it is about helping young people know Jesus, discover His purpose for their lives, and prepare for His soon return. It is a privilege to serve in this calling and to invest in students with the hope that they will experience God’s love and choose to follow Him for eternity.

[As a personal interest,] I really enjoy reading, and I use new books to help me decompress after long days. Last year, I read 100 books and this year I am shooting for 50. Learning never stops, and I am always excited to learn something interesting when I pick up a new book.

Bayli Hold  |  Fifth Grade – Mile High Academy

The mission of Adventist Education means that my responsibility as a teacher goes far beyond helping students succeed academically. I have the privilege of mentoring young people into their God given purpose and pointing them toward a relationship with their Savior.

My prayer for my students this year is that they leave my classroom not only ready for their next chapter in life, but also having grown in character, endurance, compassion, and, most importantly, with a deeper desire to know Jesus.

One of my favorite quotes that sums up what I want my students to become is from Ellen G. White’s Education: “Men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall” (Education, pp. 56–57).

That is what Adventist education means to me: preparing students not only for success in this life, but for a life of faith, service, character, and ultimately eternity with Jesus.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and skiing. I also love being creative and crafty, especially through sewing and other creative projects.

Gerson Martinez  |  Chaplain and High School Bible Teacher – Mile High Academy

I am excited to join Mile High Academy as a Chaplain and High School Bible Teacher! I have had the privilege of teaching at both the high school and university levels, including nine years at Tecnológico de Monterrey, one of Mexico’s leading private universities, at Universidad de Montemorelos, and most recently at Christian Academy of Louisville, the largest Christian high school in Kentucky.

My passion is helping young people discover that the Bible is about Jesus. My doctoral research focused on teaching the Bible to young people in Christian education. I have also preached and taught in churches, conferences, and schools across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries. In addition, I have participated in academic leadership programs at Harvard, MIT, Yale, and the University of California, Berkeley.

If I could leave my students with one truth about Jesus, it would be this: Jesus is enough. He is the only one who offers eternal salvation and a truly abundant life.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my wife, exploring new restaurants, reading books, and taking walks.

Sarah Rogers  |  Agricultural Program Director – Campion Academy

When my students face challenges, which they inevitably will, my prayer is that they will discover that God’s grace is sufficient for them. My hope is that all students will experience His tender patience towards them, realizing that He is not standing over them, waiting for them to fail; rather, that He is always available to give them a hand up and to guide their hearts and minds. May the Holy Spirit minister through us all this year as we teach and interact with students, and may they see Christ’s character in us!

Walter Rogers  |  Chaplain – Campion Academy

Working at summer camp and volunteering in Children’s Church, I really felt God using me to make a difference in the lives of kids. I loved teaching about God’s love and building a team of youth to do life-changing ministry together. [As educators,] we have a bigger view of more than just “career success.” We are striving for Godly success in all areas, with Jesus as the center, and wholistic healthy living that flows out of that with love, excellence, and passion.

[When my students face challenges, I hope they discover] that God is bigger than any problem they have. If they truly seek God’s kingdom first, everything else really will be added to them as well. [One prayer I have for students is] that they would regularly spend time with God, walk with God and trust in God. Only one life will soon be passed, only what’s done for Christ will last.

[One thing people do not know about me is] that I almost dropped out of pre-med to be a full time, professional Christian Mime.

Denison Sager  |  Director of Recruitment and Marketing – Campion Academy

Having attended Adventist schools from first grade through his master’s program, Sager credits Adventist education with shaping his faith and life, saying it led him to follow Jesus, meet his wife, and build lasting relationships with teachers who invested in his growth. As a former boarding academy student, he understands the challenges of leaving home but also the opportunities for personal and spiritual development. Now, he hopes to encourage students in the same way others encouraged him, helping them discover their potential while sharing the unconditional love of Jesus.

Sager enjoys traveling, time with friends, and serving with several North American Division ministries outside of work. He enjoys volleyball and basketball, and is Advanced Open Water scuba certified. Sager has traveled extensively, including visiting all 50 states, and is looking forward to exploring Colorado again as a family.

Tressa Thompson  |  History – Campion Academy

One truth about Jesus that I hope to demonstrate to my students is that they can depend on Him no matter what challenges life throws at them. When life seems uncertain, they can count on Jesus to provide peace and guidance.

Outside of the classroom I enjoy traveling to explore museums and to hike with my family. We especially enjoy art museums and National Parks.

Denae Yuros  |  Vice Principal – Mile High Academy

Derae Yuros will be returning to Mile High Academy as vice principal. She taught third and fourth grade at MHA from 2018–2025 before earning a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in neuroscience and teaching in Oregon. She now returns to Colorado to begin this new leadership role, bringing expertise in curriculum alignment, literacy development, and the Unlocking the Reading Code framework. Since leaving MHA, Derae also married Christopher Carpenter, brother of RMC Associate Superintendent, Andrew Carpenter. She looks forward to supporting MHA’s teachers and helping classrooms continue to thrive both academically and spiritually.