By Michelle Velbis – Colorado Springs, Colorado . . . On Thursday, May 14, Springs Adventist Academy held graduation. However, due to social distancing guidelines, SAA had to get creative in recognizing the 5 students graduating.

To honor the two 8th grade graduates, SAA decided to invite each student and their immediate families to the school at different times.  The students wore their cap and gown, and they recorded a short video to be posted to Facebook and SAA’s website to celebrated their achievements.

“Elena and Morgan have been my star students this year. They set up a wonderful example in the classroom of diligence, hard work, and creativity. They both graduated with honors this year and I am confident they will be successful in their high school years and beyond,” said Michelle Velbis, 8th grade teacher and principal at Springs Adventist Academy.

“They both demonstrated the CHERISH qualities that we value in the Rocky Mountain Conference and were awarded certificates during the school year for their examples. I have been honored to be their teacher this year.” Velbis added.

Elana, who has attended SAA for 5 years will be attending Odyssey Early College in Colorado Springs, and Morgan, who has attended SAA for 4 years will be attending Spring Valley Academy in Centerville, Ohio.

The other graduating class at SAA included 3 Kindergarteners. Jessica Eubanks, Kindergarten teacher, delivered gifts to the students and gave them a chance to record a video in their cap and gown.

Eubanks commented, “It has been my pleasure this year to teach Maximus, Noah, and Bryelle.  All three of these kindergarteners excelled in class academically and socially.  They are all very happy, funny and inquisitive students and are a great joy to have in class.  They are all well prepared for first grade and have bright futures ahead of them.  I am thrilled that I will be able to teach all three of them in first grade next year.”

–Michelle Velbis is principal and head teacher of Springs Adventist Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado; photos supplied.