NewsNuggets Page 2

Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, honored 49 students across kindergarten, eighth grade, and Upper School in a series of meaningful graduation events, each marking an important milestone in their academic and spiritual journeys, May 20-24.

The kindergarten graduates captured hearts as they shared how they hope to change the world—dreaming of futures as teachers, scientists, musicians, farmers, a professional wrestler, a fashion designer, and more. They sang “I May Be Small” and “The Butterfly Song” with joy and plenty of smiles before receiving their certificates, May 20.

The eighth-grade Class of 2025 welcomed guest speaker Gale Hendrick, retired MHA teacher and boys’ varsity basketball coach, May 21, who reflected on shared memories of each student and offered heartfelt encouragement.

“I want you to remember that I love you and that I’ll always be interested in your life journey,” he said. He concluded with, “May you continue to be lifelong learners, always aware of those who love and support you, and may you know you have hope and a future.” Before marching out as Mile High Academy’s newest freshmen, the class gifted new basketball hoops to the Lower School playground.

The Senior Class of 2025 observed cherished traditions—the Blessing, a private family gathering on May 23, and the Consecration, a candle-lit Friday-night vespers with the Junior class—before Saturday evening’s Commencement ceremony.

Class president Jazel McDaniel opened the program with words of gratitude, followed by MHA Bible teacher and chaplain RD Gallant, who delivered the commencement address, focusing on the balance between freedom and responsibility.

“Graduates of the Class of 2025 … this is success,” remarked Gallant. He reminded them that true success is rooted in daily choices and service to others, encouraging them to love above self and choose what lasts.

“Our prayer for you at this school is that your lives are filled with stories of success, one after another—that each of your relationships be full of love, and that the love of Jesus be ever evident in your life.”

Gallant closed with simple, heartfelt words: “We love you. We’ll miss you. Congratulations.”

The senior students announced their class gift of scholarship funding for future MHA students and ceremonially passed a Bible to the Class of 2026. They were then welcomed into the Mile High Academy alumni family and stepped off the stage for the final time.

“These graduation moments—whether in kindergarten, eighth grade, or senior year—are incredibly special,” reflected MHA principal Andrew Carpenter. “They mark the forward movement in a student’s journey, each step preparing them for who God is calling them to become. It’s a privilege to walk alongside our students during these milestones. Congratulations to the Class of 2025.”

To view ceremony recordings and printed programs, visit www.milehighacademy.org/graduation.

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

Vashty Segovia Santos – Loveland, Colorado … Students at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, were celebrated for all the hard work they put in this year, May 17. Awards were given for academics, sports, and even attendance.

High-achieving students received medals and pins, and a few students even walked away with $100 bills for having perfect attendance. It was a notable night to recognize all the effort and dedication that went into making this year a success.

Each teacher took a moment to recognize students who had demonstrated superior skills in their class subjects. Many students from each grade proudly received medals, pins, and certificates for their academic achievements.

One of the people acknowledged for the sports awards was Izhuchi Nwankwo, a junior student, who broke a school record for most blocks in a game and tied with the record for most blocks in a season, a remarkable achievement that reflects his hard work and dedication on the court. Damaris Lopez Morquecho and EJ Woy received the athletes of the year awards, while Brayden Marroquin walked away receiving both the soccer and basketball MVP awards.

Another proud moment came when Marcela Zuniga became the first Campion student to receive a special award from the Desmond Doss Foundation.* This prestigious recognition honors her outstanding character and her selfless dedication to helping others. She was nominated by the staff for this award because of her strong character and the way she embodies the values of Desmond Doss. Along with the honor, she received a $1,000 college scholarship.

“It’s important to be different, to stand out, and to reflect the character of Christ,” Marcela shared.

* Please note that the Desmond Doss Foundation is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

—Vashty Segovia Santos, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Jose Briones – Cortez, Colorado … April Wright knows the weight of grief, but she also knows the strength of faith. For years, she supported her husband’s work as a logger and trucker, spending time in the woods, reading devotionals, and praying as he cut trees. It was their rhythm—a peaceful routine that gave her time for reflection.

But on February 20, everything changed.

Her husband didn’t return for lunch, which wasn’t unusual. She didn’t worry at first; delays were common in his line of work. Then a forester arrived, his face heavy with unspoken words. The news was devastating.

Her husband had been trapped under a falling tree. He was unresponsive. The walk toward the accident site felt endless. Fear pressed in, yet she prayed with every step, grasping for hope in a moment that felt unreal. When she saw him, the weight of her loss was immediate and undeniable. There was no preparation for this kind of heartbreak.

Grief overtook her, yet something deeper held her up—her faith and the unwavering support of her church family at the Cortez Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cortez, Colorado. They surrounded her in love, checking in, offering comfort when words failed. It was a moment she would never forget: “They surrounded me with hugs and love and contacted me throughout the week … I always knew that I could count on them. It’s something I needed at that time.”

Nearly 15 months have passed, and, while the pain remains, faith has become her anchor. She holds onto the promise that, one day, her husband will hear Jesus’ voice and rise again. It’s a thought that gives her strength, a reminder that love and hope endure. “Now I just hold on to the promises. One day my husband’s going to hear Jesus’ voice and he’s going to come forth … you’re reminded, don’t give up. Keep going. Hold on.”

There were moments when all she could whisper was, “Jesus, hold me.” But even then, she knew “God’s holding you when you can’t hold on. He is there.” Through unimaginable grief, she has found solace in the community that never let go. Her story is not just one of loss, it is a testament to faith, resilience, and the quiet strength that carries us through life’s hardest moments. Watch April’s story below.

—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photo capture from RMC’s “Always Faithful” video series.

Abigail Brown – Moab, Utah … The Sophomore class from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, went on the annual biology trip to Moab, Utah, May 7-11. Led by Erica Franklin, CA science teacher, they explored the ruins of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, Arches National Park in Utah, and other wonders in the area.

The first stop was Mesa Verde National Park where they were able to take a tour of the ancient balcony house and explore other ruins in the park.

For the remainder of the trip, they camped at “Hittle Bottom Campground” where they bonded over lively discussions around the campfire and huddled up in tents. Heidi Vasquez-Hernadez, CA student, expressed, “It was fun getting to know each other better outside of the classroom setting, while sharing experiences at Moab.”

Every evening, Erik Stenbakken, one of the adult sponsors on the trip, gave inspirational talks about how to finish the race strongly in our spiritual lives. Student Aome Angeles stated, “His talks gave me a different perspective on life and made it feel more purposeful.”

On May 8, the students rafted down the Colorado River where they had water fights and swam in the river. After rafting, the students worked on a class project measuring the water from the river and identified plants on hikes.

On one of the hikes, the group encountered a waterfall and got to go under it. Student Merlina Resendiz shared, “After a hot day it was nice to take a break and play in the waterfall. It was relaxing and peaceful and it felt like a nice reset.”

The students all hiked to the Delicate Arch in Utah on the last day and then split up into different groups to explore various trails of the national park. Elin Sorensen, student, related, “It was fun hiking with my classmates and getting to talk to them while being outside in nature.”

After a trip of exploration and bonding, the group made it back to Campion Academy on May 11.

—Abigail Brown, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.

Alexandra Cordoba – Greeley, Colorado … The Spanish class students at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, put their skills into action this past week by presenting cultural projects to the student body and leading the worship service at Greeley Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church in Greeley, Colorado.

Students in the Spanish I class gave presentations in the chapel where they had the option to either film a cooking video, learn and perform a song in Spanish, or recreate a piece of art from a Spanish artist. Two student groups opted for live performances: Marc and Izuchi sang “Adiós Amor,” and Garry, Jillian, and Phoebe performed “Piel Canela” on stage.

After the presentations, students sampled a wide variety of traditional dishes featured in the cooking videos, including tostadas, flan, pupusas, churros, horchata, and homemade paletas (Mexican ice cream bars). “I was very impressed by the food this year,” said senior CA student Janey Padilla Reyes. “I felt like it was very authentic.”

On May 10, the Spanish II class students, along with a few native Spanish speakers, traveled to the Greeley Hispanic Church for a SWAT trip where they led the entire church service in Spanish. The program included praise music, a children’s story, special music, prayer, scripture reading, and a sermon delivered by senior student Damaris Lopez Morquecho.

Senior student Toby Quillin, who participated in multiple parts of the service, reflected on the experience, “Going on the Spanish SWAT trip was quite enjoyable, even though it took a lot of planning and practice. I was a part of the praise team as well as the special music and sang ‘Eres Mi Protector’ (‘My Hiding Place’). I also gave a prayer. I looked over the script many times so I wouldn’t mess up the pronunciation. It was very fun to put my knowledge of the language to the test.”

—Alexandra Cordoba, Campion Academy Student News Editor. Photos supplied.