Chesapeake Conference

Story by Rob Gettys

Thirteen upperclassmen sat on Highland View Academy’s (HVA) chapel stage late last year and faced their principal, Rob Gettys, who asked them to remind the audience of the four characteristics they were being recognized for that day. With the National Honor Society (NHS) crest highlighted over their heads, they collectively responded with, “service, leadership, and character,” before stalling on the last essential characteristic of an NHS member. The new inductees nervously glanced at each other before senior Desmond Nana remembered the very first standard that made them eligible to apply, and laughingly responded, “academics!”

Grasonville member Sue Tyler (right) presents “Blessing Bags” to a staff member at the Bay Hematology and Oncology Center.

Story by Evan Knott

Members of Chesapeake Conference's Grasonville (Md.) church recently donated “blessing bags” to the Bay Hematology and Oncology Center in Centreville, Md., aiming to bring comfort to cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Church members assembled and delivered the bags, filled with blankets, slippers, puzzle books, chapstick, wipes and various other comfort items to those facing the challenges of cancer therapy.

Students prepare to rake leaves in Highland View Academy’s community.

Story by Rob Gettys

Highland View Academy (HVA) leaders and students are committed to serving their local com- munity. In years past, they have planned and implemented a “Week of Service” in the spring. This year, they chose to spread the service days throughout the school year to place a more consistent emphasis on serving their community.

Recently, HVA students entered the community to rake leaves, split and stack firewood, pick apples from a family orchard—located on a farm with a medical mission program that serves advanced cancer patients—and participate in many other service-related activities.

Story by Evan Knott

The Triadelphia church in Clarksville, Md., recently celebrated 50 years of ministry in Howard County, marking half a century since its founding members began construction on its current building. Before moving to its current site, the congregation held services at the Glenelg Methodist Church during the initial years after members began meeting in 1967.