Loveland, Colorado … The #starsofcampion shone brightly Sunday during the annual Alumni Scholarship and Scholars Brunch. Inspiration for the morning’s theme came from both Colorado’s beautiful midnight sky and the stars that shine so radiantly at Campion in the form of students and alumni. Fifteen students received scholarships, funded by the generosity of Campion alumni. Sixty-seven students were honored for their academic achievement of a 3.5 or higher GPA for the first semester of this school year.

More than 200 students, parents, and alumni came together to celebrate these student achievements in the Campion Academy cafeteria, during Senior Recognition Weekend. Many of the alumni donors of these scholarships were in attendance to share the inspiration behind their gifts and to present the scholarships to the deserving students. The alumni stories spoke of family legacies, commitment to Christian education, and pride in their school.

A new scholarship was added to the growing list this year. Family and friends of Art Brown established a scholarship in his memory. Brown was a science nut, according to his students. He taught at Caltech, Cal Polly, and Andrews University. He then walked away from that illustrious career to start a greenhouse program at Campion Academy. During his time at Campion, every student had to take one year of horticulture and one year of greenhouse management to work for him. The scholarship is given to students showing academic achievement in science and showing a desire to work hard at a job to help do their part in paying for their tuition.

Local veterinarian and Campion Academy alum Dr. Amy Gane (1986), who worked for Brown as a student, helped set up the scholarship with the support of the Brown family. “He taught us to work,” Gane remembers. “We worked hard in the greenhouse and it impacted my success in knowing how to work hard through vet school. Art Brown believed in Christian Education. He mentored dozens of students over the years.”

While parents and families looked on, additional awards were handed out.  Sixteen seniors were inducted into the National Honor Society and 12 juniors recognized as provisional NHS members. Four students shared short speeches about the meaning of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

Darcy Force; photos supplied by Campion Academy News. Pictured: Sandra Marin was the recipient of the new Art Brown scholarship for excellence in science and work ethic