Gospel Benefit Concert Supports Families in Need

Partnering with teachers, parents, students and God, Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA) strives to prepare students to reach their God-given potential and engage in service for Him. The annual Gospel Benefit Concert in February provides an opportunity for students to put their abilities and service into practice.

At this year’s event, students showcased their talents through singing, playing instruments and interpretive dance, culminating Black History Month. Organizers included Elisa Maragoto, LNAA principal and New Jersey Conference superintendent of schools; Leah Ware, fourth-grade teacher and Angels of Praise and Living Proof Drum Corp director; and Anna-Gayle Hemmings, seventh-grade teacher and Stepping Team and Praise Team director.

The program featured performances from an array of artists, from the LNAA Praise Team, Stepping Team and Drumming Team to the LNAA orchestra and band, musicians, choirs, church groups, poetry readers and drama performers.

Since 2005, the community has joined the academy to help those in need through this concert. Ware says, “This Gospel Benefit Concert is more than a program; it is a way to give back to the community and the world during a month that was set aside for service and helping others.”

With the theme “Rise Up,” the concert shared struggles from the pandemic and difficulties of life in general. The program began with a Parade of Nations, representing the diversity of the student body, an introduction and a word of prayer by seniors Arleny Luna, Student Association (SA) president, and Andrew Lightbody, SA chaplain and Martin Luther King Jr., reenactor.

Students told stories through song, interpretive dance, the spoken word, and reenactment of important speeches by prominent African Americans. Lauson Noel, senior class president, W. E. B. Du Bois reenactor, and member of various groups, shares, “I enjoyed using my talents in music. This event is a lot of fun.”

Senior Sabrina Maragoto, SA Social Events coordinator and Angels of Praise, Orchestra, Choir and Stepping Team member, says, “It feels fulfilling to perform one last time in this exciting concert and know that it is helping others.”

Each year, donations through free-will offerings and food sales are used to support a predetermined cause. Previous concerts have benefited survivors of Hurricane Katrina, the Philippine tsunami, and the fires in Paradise, Calif., and Australia. This year, LNAA families who have experienced significant tragedy were chosen to receive assistance. The academy raised approximately $2,000 to support these families. LNAA leaders thank God for His love and care and the community members for their incredible generosity.

Two Juniors Attend Model United Nations Conference

Earlier this year, two Pine Forge Academy (PFA) juniors attended The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) conference held in the Netherlands. Azrielle Privette, a second-generation PFA student, and Lawrence Wells, the religious vice president for the United Student Movement club, were both thrilled when they learned organizers had accepted their applications as the first students to represent PFA at the conference.

THIMUN is a four-day simulation of the United Nations for high school students and teachers. Due to the diligent work of Jonathan Scriven, associate director of the Honors College at Washington Adventist University and the Model United Nations organizer, this was the first in-person Seventh-day Adventist representation at THIMUN.

The team, along with other Columbia Union academy students, prepared for the event by virtually gathering in weekly meetings where they networked, built friendships and served on economic and social committees. Privette and Wells debated on three committees: The Livelihood of Refugees; Creating a More Sustainable Society by Reducing Food Waste; and Equality Within the World’s Workforce.

The trip was life changing for Privette, who remarks the experience boosted her interest and determination to learn a second language. “This was a great academic experience where we were able to practice our public speaking skills and build connections with others that were outside of our comfort zones,” she says. “It was inspirational discussing world topics with like-minded individuals.”

Wells was also thrilled to spend time with new people in a new and different country. “I really enjoyed coming together to achieve one goal and discussing world issues with young people from all over the globe,” he says. “It was really fun to make these new friends. I pray our school can continue to participate in such an important event.”