Story by Janel Haas Ware
This year, the new school year at Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) began as expected: registration, orientation, dorm move-in, first classes, greeting new and old friends and teachers—and, most importantly, sacred time was set aside for worship and prayer to dedicate everything that happens on campus to God. Students, faculty and staff committed to a year with Jesus as the center of campus life.
Story by Ashley Boggess
At Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA), teaching is more than a profession—it is a ministry. Each classroom is a sanctuary where God’s calling and purpose meet daily instruction. The teachers are mentors and spiritual guides who have embraced their role as a lifelong mission.
Story by Lauren Esveld
This year’s spiritual retreat for Spencerville Adventist Academy took place at the restful Mount Aetna Camp and Retreat Center in Hagerstown, Md. Having a spiritual retreat at the beginning of the school year served as a refreshing pause that fostered unity among the students and led to reflection and spiritual growth.
The weekend centered on the powerful theme found in John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (NIV).
This week at the Columbia Union Conference Board of Education and Executive Committee meetings, the Office of Education staff reported on Columbia Union’s 2025–26 enrollment numbers. The numbers are as follows:
505 students in eight Early Childhood Education stand-alone centers
2,757 students in 52 schools offering grades PK–8 or K–8
697 students in six junior academies
541 students in four boarding academies
2,177 students in nine senior academies
Total numbers include:
Story by Janel Ware
At the 62nd General Conference (GC) Session in St. Louis, the Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) Music Department had the opportunity to shine. SVA Music performed in concerts on the convention center’s main and theater stages, held pop-up concerts throughout the week, entertained at the SVA booth in the exhibition hall and even showcased their talent on the Three Angels Broadcasting Network.
Director Daniel Biaggi and Associate Director Kelly Wiedemann Jaén led the inspiring tour, accompanied by incoming SVA Music Director Andrés Mendoza, along with a group of alumni musicians.