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Andrews Academy's
Official Newsletter
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Dear AA Families,
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
We ended the year strong with a total of 245 students. Thank you, parents, for your commitment and dedication to Christian Education.
2021-22 Reflection
As we reflect on school year 2021-22, we can see how God has led us through challenging times. We started the year physically distancing with face coverings, and we ended the year not having to distance, with optional face coverings. Our implementation of the devices policy proved to be effective in many ways. We had less issues of cyber-bullying, more social interaction during lunch, and more social activities. The policy will remain in place for the 2022-23 school year. A Parent Meeting will be held in the Fall to review the policy and other relevant information.
Book Buyback
The Andrews University Bookstore will buy back books at scheduled times. When the information becomes available, it will be shared with you so you will know how to proceed.
Future for Intramural Program
The Andrews Academy Board has formed a committee to investigate ways to develop a strong intramural program. We recognize how important it is to provide ways for students to have a balanced experience as they journey through the Academy.
Summer Plans
Please review this E-Sanjo for the summer office schedule. During the summer months, we will spend time deep cleaning, completing necessary repairs, and painting the Commons and shop areas. We will also review the recommendations from the recent accreditation visit. Please pray for us as we address each item.
Parents Spiritually Impacting AA
We are looking for parent volunteers who are willing and able to pray over our school, assist with Bible studies, and mentor young people. If you are interested, please contact me. We look forward to working in partnership with you.
Calendar for 2022-23 School Year
Please take note that the 2022-23 school year starts a bit earlier than in previous years. The faculty pre-session is from August 10-16, and the first day of class for students is Wednesday, August 17. August 17-19 will be half days.
Gratitude and Appreciation
On behalf of the faculty and staff of Andrews Academy, we thank you for your support. Thanks for your prayers, contribution of service, and your sacrifice.
New Student Orientation Brunch
This Sunday, June 5, will be our new student orientation. Please review this E-Sanjo for details.
Psalm 136:1: Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever.
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Senior Class Night
Graduation weekend started with Class Night on Thursday evening, May 26, 2022. This was a time to celebrate and recognize the numerous achievements of the class. The program opened with prayer by the class pastor and a welcome by the president, followed by a presentation of the class gift.
Each member of the class of 2022 took the opportunity to thank their parents for all they have done and to give a rose as a thank you for their love and support. As their picture was shown and their recorded tribute was played, seniors came to the front to collect their roses to give to their parents. This was followed by a tribute to their sponsors, Mrs. Pellegrini and Mr. VanDenburgh, for all of their hard work throughout the four years of working with the class.
Peoples’ Choice Awards, a series of awards voted on by the class to recognize unique contributions of class members, were next. A large portion of the evening was the presentation of awards to individuals for their achievements while at Andrews Academy. There is a whole spectrum of recognition such as spiritual, academics, music, physical education, leadership, responsibility, etc. The Alumni Legacy pin was given to graduates whose parents also attended AA.
Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors: it pays to work hard in school! Many seniors were given college scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $56,000 or more, and sometimes even four years of free tuition (more than a $126,000 value). Andrews University and other organizations gave well over 5.5 million dollars worth of scholarships to Andrews Academy graduates. Andrews University representatives encouraged each senior to follow the direction that God leads them throughout their life and gave a gift to each senior at the conclusion of the program.
Following the program, a reception was held in the Commons. These were just some of the highlights from a very full evening of celebration.
Thank you to the junior officers who worked behind the scenes preparing for the reception and taking care of many details.
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Consecration
Friday evening’s program at Village Adventist church, Consecration (May 27, 2022), was the student’s opportunity to commit and consecrate their lives to Christ as they leave the Academy and begin their place in society as an adult.
Mr. David Cheng had the opening prayer for this program. This was followed by a musical selection by Noel Salgado and Dr. Elsy M Gallardo-Diaz.
Grace Dockerty introduced the guest speaker, her mother Mrs. Erin Dockerty, who asked us to close our eyes, meditate, and listen. She masterfully told a story of going to Yosemite National Park and finally seeing the giant sequoia trees she was searching for, and how their cones hold the seeds sometimes for decades. A fire is needed to open the cone, allowing the seeds to fall out and fall into the ash, which is a good place to grow. Sometimes we need a fire in our life to make us grow. She shared how she knew of Jesus all of her life, but it took a "fire" experience to really get to know Jesus. She shared two important points to remember in really getting to know Jesus:
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To know God takes effort.
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It's important to be quiet, listen, and lean into Jesus because knowing God gives you freedom.
She closed her presentation by asking us to practice listening to Him. Jesus is waiting with bated breath to be known by YOU!
On behalf of the senior class, the class pastor, Jacob Elanko, accepted this challenge and challenged the class to stop, listen, and to really know God.
It is always meaningful when a senior decides to be baptized during Consecration Service. Claire Yang was baptized by Pastor Hajaj, whom she had studied the Bible with. Her dad, Pastor Tony Yang, led in her vows. PMC Youth Pastor Lindsey Pratt had the prayer of consecration following the baptism.
Mitchell Meekma presented a second musical selection. Mr. Philemon Bepe had the benediction.
The Consecration was an inspiring service that indeed focused our attention on consecrating our lives to Jesus. Following the service, many pictures were taken of friends and families.
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Graduation Sabbath School
Sabbath School was held in the Andrews Academy chapel (May 28, 2022). This experience gave the parents of the seniors the opportunity to give in a creative manner their views of the senior’s childhood and to admonish, advise, and assist seniors as they make the transition from academy into adulthood. The Aguilera, Martins, and Weiss families led in song service. The Lyons family had the welcome. Each senior introduced their parents before their part in the service. Scripture was led by Jones family, and prayer was led by the Bokon family. Special music was presented by the Villamizar family. The Hippler, Braswell, and Horvath families each had parent tributes and shared words of wisdom and blessings for the seniors. The offering call was led by the Knudson family, and Mara-Lynn Clay-Humphrey had the offertory. The Lehmann family concluded the program with the benediction.
This program is always such a personal and interesting time of sharing together. We find it interesting to discover how many families move to the Berrien Springs area or refuse job offers elsewhere for the purpose of having their children attend Andrews Academy. It is often during programs like this that parents share how pleased they are for making this choice and for the wonderful experiences their children have had while having their high school education at AA.
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Baccalaureate
Sabbath morning of Graduation Weekend (May 28, 2022) was the Baccalaureate service, a worship experience where we praised our Creator and thanked Him for the wonderful things He has done for us.
The service began with a call to worship by Pastor Kleber Gonçalves, followed by a number of praise songs by the AA Praise Team. This was followed by prayer by Pastor Jose Diaz. The Lemon family had the offering call, and the AA Resound Handbells presented the offertory. Mr. Gordon Thorpe had the scripture reading. Eight seniors presented special music, Help Us To Love. The organist for the entire weekend was Dr. Kenneth Logan.
Elder Edward Woods III, father of Megan Woods and the second of three generations of AA alumni, presented the sermon Lift Your Hands Up. It was based on Exodus 17. When Moses held his hands up, the Israelites were winning the battle, but when he put his hands down, they were losing. He encouraged seniors to hold both hands high in prayer to win the battles in our lives that we will face. The time to pray is now because as believers we will be persecuted. He closed with three reminders:
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Lift your hands in prayer
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Lift your hands in practice
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Lift your hands in praise
It was a powerful sermon, not only for seniors, but for everyone present.
The sermon was followed with a benediction by Dr. Carole Woolford-Hunt. Everyone sang The Lord Bless You and Keep You, and the recessional was Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah. PMC Youth Pastor Lindsey Pratt arranged for each senior to receive a gift as they exited the church at the close of the service.
It was a nice morning to gather at the steps of the church for more photos before and after the service. The entire weekend is a time for seniors, friends, and family to connect closer to God and celebrate the accomplishments of His children. Families from Berrien Springs and from around the world were here to enjoy in the celebrations of the weekend.
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Conferring of Diplomas
Sunday morning of Graduation Weekend was Andrews Academy's Conferring of Diplomas (aka Commencement - May 29, 2022). After the class marched in, the AA board chair, Mr. Fares Magesa began the program with the invocation, followed by class president, Lucas Navia, who gave the final address to the class. Special music was presented by a string ensemble conducted by Dr. Elsy M. Gallardo-Diaz.
Dr. Heather Thompson-Day presented the address to the class by posing a question she had posted on social media: “What do I wish I had known when I graduated from high school?” Many replied with advice, and some expressed that dreams may change. She shared three major concepts in her address:
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Your words matter. Words change your brain and how you think, which is why it is so important to speak to people to build them up.
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Don’t miss your mark. You may not know what your future may hold, but in the present make sure you are doing your best in that stage in your life. “God has (over) a 400 year plan,” so it’s important to let God lead and not miss your mark in each phase of your life.
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There are things that God is waiting to do until you get there; it is all part of His plan!
The Silhouettes presented another special music, Consecration, with words by Ryleigh Snow (class of 2021) and music composed by Mr. Marcelo Martins. The third special music was Goodbye My Friend. Mr. David VanDenburgh, senior class sponsor, presented the Class of 2022. Then Pastor Mario Ferguson gave the Charge to the Class and the conferring of diplomas. Seniors also received the book Steps to Christ from the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
After all the seniors received their diplomas, they transferred their tassel to the other side and were introduced as the new alumni class of 2022. The new senior class of 2023 was then introduced. Everyone sang the commencement hymn, Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah. This was followed with benediction by senior class sponsor, Mrs. Gina Pellegrini.
Congratulations, graduates, on your accomplishments. May each of you keep God first as you venture out in your next phase of life.
Throughout the weekend numerous open houses were held. These are always a fun time to share stories, congratulate, and encourage each other. Thank you to the many families who generously shared for these occasions.
It was a fun and spiritually inspiring graduation weekend.
P.S. In a few weeks, graduates will be able to stop by the Academy to pick up your graduation packets. This is when you will receive a professional picture of you receiving your diploma, a class picture, as well as other important documents.
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NHS Elections
At Andrews Academy, the election of officers for NHS occurs during the close of the school year so that the new officers have time to plan for the next year. Elections were held on May 13, 2022. Congratulations to each and prayers of blessings as you plan for the 2022-2023 school year.
President: Ryleigh Bergmann
Vice President: Alex Wright
Pastor: Anna Rybachek
Secretary: Natalie Mendonca
Treasurer: Michael Woods
Public Relations: Princess Khatri-Chetri
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First Day of School
Wednesday, August 17
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, AM Classes
Please note that the first three days of school will be half days. On Thursday, PM classes will meet in the morning, and on Friday, we will have devotions and HodgePodge.
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June 6-10: Closed
Summer hours will resume on
Tuesday, June 14:
Tuesdays - Thursdays:
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
(or by appointment)
Mondays & Fridays: Closed
July 11-22: Closed
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Tuition
Tuition payment #1 is due on or before Tuesday, August 2.
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2022-2023 Re-Enrollment
Andrews Academy’s administration and staff welcomes you to re-enroll for the 2022-2023 school year. Please take time now to complete your child’s enrollment for next year.
- Instructions and forms are located on the Andrews Academy website.
Class Schedule Information:
Once you have re-enrolled online and completed your Financial Agreement with Ms. Gracie (gaytan@andrews.edu), you will receive an email with instructions on how to make an appointment for a class schedule with our Registrar, Ms. Ivonne.
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Last Day of School - Mizpah
After writing their last exam last Thursday morning (May 26, 2022), students went to the chapel for the Mizpah program. Worship began with singing let by Academy students. Pastor Abraham Henry led in a worship though based on the prophet Jeremiah, a person that was to be God’s voice. Jeremiah had to tell the army to submit to the other army, which made no sense. The pastor drove the point home that submitting to God is the best thing to do even if at first it doesn’t make sense. God had unique plans for Jeremiah, and HE also has unique plans for YOU. God will use you to change the world for Him. He concluded with a plea that each student get to know God and accept the invitation to be His. He then made an alter call to end the school year. Eleven students came forward deciding they would like to be baptized! Please pray for them.
Pastor Ferguson announced that Ms. Joelle Kim will be the new full-time English teacher. He also announced that Mr. Steeves, AA maintenance person, will be retiring. A special prayer was said for both.
Mizpah, the closing program for the school year, began in 1992 under the direction of Dr. Nash. In this program, student leaders present the complete list of student names of the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes. Mrs. Gina Pellegrini presented the faculty and staff list, and NHS and SA presidents represented their organizations. These lists of names were then placed in the Mizpah vault located on the theme wall of the Academy Commons. It is our symbolic way of presenting to God the entire Academy student body and faculty/staff, not only from this year but since 1979 when this building opened. By placing the names in the vault, we are placing each person in God’s hands with a prayer that each person listed will reunite together when God returns to take us to Heaven. The entire school family was then invited to repeat Genesis 31:49: “The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.”
A very important event of the morning was the Andrews Academy family prayer time. As some of you may recall, the Andrews Academy family prayer time also started the year in August.
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Ceramics Final Exam
The ceramics final exam was not the usual paper and pencil test. Ceramics class students had to present the five best ceramic pieces that they created. Mr. Zech Ray (ceramics teacher, AA alumnus, and local artist) positively commented on each of the student’s ceramic artist skills. He pointed out their unique strengths as they developed their ceramic skills this past semester. Mr. Ray had other students comment on each students work. They didn’t always say something, but when they did, it was really cool to get them to open up about their classmates work. They were all so full of encouragement for each other.
Thank you, Mr. Ray, for teaching ceramics this semester, developing the artistic skills of your students, and for the creative “final exam.” It felt like they were part of a ceramic art show presentation.
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New Student Orientation Brunch
This Sunday, June 5, 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Andrews Academy Commons & Gym
Parents of incoming freshmen and other new students, along with your student, are invited to join us to learn more about Andrews Academy, including our music program and classes, get financial information, sign up for classes, meet many of our faculty and staff, and more. We will eat brunch, and students will have fun activities in the gym as well.
If you plan to apply for Financial Aid, please bring copies of the following:
• 2021 W2 or 1099 (if you do contract work)
• 2021 Tax Return
This will help to speed up the processing of your paperwork.
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Home Skills Shop Class Final Exam
Home Skills Shop's final “exam” was the installation of their project that they had been working on this spring: building the doors and header for the AA storage trailers behind the school. This semester they planned, designed, built, and painted the doors and headers. On Wednesday, May 25, during their final exam, they installed the doors and took this group photo with their instructor, Mr. Ron Norton.
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Junior Class Cookie Dough Fundraiser Continues
Now that the other class fundraisers have concluded the juniors would like to continue to sell the unexpected extra cookie dough we received last December. The remaining cookie dough containers can store over a year in the freezer. They have been kept frozen since December and are available for anyone interested in supporting the Junior class and enjoying fresh cookies. Each container can make 30 cookies. We are selling them at a discounted price of $10. Please contact Mr. Atkins (satkins@andrews.edu) to pick some up. We still have many chocolate chip available.
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2022 Summer Program
Where: Andrews University
Bell Hall, Suite 114
Ages: 12+
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What is it?
Social Survival is a therapist led program that combines your love of video games with effective social skill strategies.
What You Will Learn
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How to carry on effective conversation by using a variety of social strategies
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How to interpret body language and other non-verbal communication
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How to connect with peers, maintain friendships, and much more!
For more information:
www.socialsurvival.net
contact@socialsurvival.net
213-510-1084
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When: June 13 - July 1 (Monday - Friday)
Ages 12-14: 8:30-9:30
Ages 15-17: 10:00-11:00
Ages 18+: 11:30-12:30
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* There are options to subscribe to the 2021-22 school calendar on our website.
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Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
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269-471-3138
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