Jill Harlow – Loveland, Colorado … The Campion Academy campus in Loveland, Colorado, came to life again, welcoming 108 students to start the academic year. After a busy Sunday completing registration and moving into the dormitories, the students and staff came together for the annual welcome back party, the Student Association (SA) Handshake on August 16.

The SA creatively introduced the school year’s theme, united, by walking in dressed as a flight crew and encouraging everyone to have a great flight (school year) before leading the student body in worship.

“We introduced ourselves as a flight crew with the idea that we were the “Campion United” flight, flying through the school, united,” explained Natalie B., SA vice president. “This theme is valuable because Campion is made up of many diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds and we’ve also received a lot of new staff and students, so—with that in mind—the idea of being united is so important.”

Christopher D., SA Spiritual vice president, shared a message on what it means to be united in Christ, inspiring students to go outside their friend circles to make everyone feel welcome.

SA Communication director, Joshua P. shared, “Our theme of unity is so important to me because, when we as a school stand together united in Christ, we can accomplish so much more for God than we could alone.”

The students gathered in their class groups to play some Campion classic handshake games such as the hula hoop race and the human knot. “The icebreaker games were a unique blend of awkward and fun,” recalled Aome A., senior student.

The event culminated with the classic handshake line, where every student and staff shook hands and introduced themselves. After a prayer of dedication, students had time to relax and catch up with old friends and meet new ones on Center Campus.

Jayden M., sophomore student, shared, “My favorite part of handshake was meeting all the new people and getting to really know my class better. Talking to my classmates from last year and learning about their summer was fun too.”

The event helped even brand-new students feel part of the community to start the year. Annalise G., new senior student, reflected, “I felt quite nervous and shy with not knowing really anyone. Everything felt so overwhelming at first, and it felt like everyone had their own friends and groups, but some girls opened their circle just to talk to me and got to know me a bit. They made me feel welcomed and more comfortable, even though I was still nervous. All the teachers were so kind and understanding. I really felt so welcomed and supported.”

Campion Academy held their first full week of classes with a special schedule that incorporated a daily assembly for student orientation.

The student body is made up of 86 residence hall students and 22 community (aka “village”) students. Eighteen international students represent five different countries, and there are 30 staff including both full and part-time members.

—Jill Harlow is Campion Academy Communication director. Photo supplied.