By Love Pickle – Loveland, Colorado … Reminiscing about days gone by, 450 alumni returned to Campion Academy, September 18, where they spent the formative years of their youth, in order to reconnect with friends and classmates.

Alumni walked through their old hallways and witnessed the changes to the campus that have taken place over the years. Reflecting on the changes, especially the new pavement made in the past 70 years, Arlene Reeder-Russell, class of ’51, was filled with joy, “I am just thrilled with the changes. Everything that they have done has been marvelous. I like everything about alumni weekend, and I come almost every year.”

The Reeder Golf Classic began the weekend of activities, fellowship, and reconnections.  After the competition, alumni and students gathered to enjoy a time of socializing in the cafeteria while enjoying a meal prepared by the chefs of Campion Academy. The evening concluded with a vespers program featuring the Voice of Prophecy’s Discovery Mountain actors and an afterglow around the fire pit to sing praise songs and enjoy s’mores.

“It’s been ten years, but it feels like two. So much has happened in our lives, and it’s weird being back,” Jessica Montoya, class of ’11, commented.

The next morning Sabbath School featured a panel of staff alumni sharing their Campion experiences. Inductions to the Hall of Faith presented during the morning included Kathy class of ’72, Kevin Binder class of ‘73, and Kenneth Gregerson class of ‘71, who were recognized for their long-term dedication to the academy. The alumni of the year award was dedicated to H.M.S. Richards class of 1914.

The music department serenaded the attendees with student arrangements in handbells, orchestra, choir, and the select choir, Koinonia.

“It is just exciting. I was excited to come back and see all the staff and some friends who are still here. It is nice to see the fountain and that the picnic tables are back. It is nice knowing that the current students can have a better year,” said a fresh alumni, Nelly Salinas class of ’21.

Concluding the weekend was the highly competitive volleyball and soccer games pitting alumni against students, in which alumni dominated both matches.

–Love Pickle Campion senior; photos supplied