Community Service Day enthusiasm and fun with Heidi Davis ’17, Justin Lee ’17, Allie Mae Magtanong ‘18, Trisney Bocala '18, Meshach Perez ‘17, Earl Eiselstein ‘17, Darnell Devadoss ’17, and Christian Sanchez ‘17
SERVE GOD • VALUE KNOWLEDGE • ACCEPT A LIFE OF SERVICE
Meet Class of 2018 Junior Miranda Benton from Smithsburg, Maryland My name is Miranda Benton, I’m 16 and have attended SVA for three years. I am a member the National Honor Society, Cross Country Team, orchestra (I play the oboe), and I’m Girls’ Club Pastor this year. Girls’ Club helps make the dorm an enjoyable place for everyone, and I feel like we can really make a difference for the girls in the dorm. SVA has impacted my relationship with God because He is a part of my daily life here. I’m excited about God and really want to know Him! Also, the people here are amazing! I have two favorite teachers. Mrs. Griffin because she’s always looking out for me even when I don’t think I need it, and has really taken on the role of being a second mom. And my boss, Mr. McNeilus. His pre-cal and conceptual physics classes are the best! (I also really love orchestra.) He is a great teacher and works hard to make class interactive and get everyone involved. He makes classes really fun, and I enjoy being his reader. My plans for the future are to major in math and become a college professor so I can continue to learn and do research, or to work as an applied mathematician for a company. SVA has changed my life because of friendships. I’ve made reliable friends, closer than any others I’ve had before. We really care about each other. It’s a family here. I know everyone says that, but even before I took classes from teachers, they learned my name. If I walk into the caf or go on a field trip, I can look at anyone and feel like they are my family and it wouldn’t be like I’m butting in or that they wouldn’t accept me. Anywhere I go, I can spot SVA people and know we are right there for each other. They’re always surprising me with how much they include each other and me. There is a real culture of acceptance here, I think because people are from so many different states and countries living together in the dorms. No one is the same, so it makes it okay and gives freedom to be yourself. It really is family. I fit in here and I love it!
SHENANDOAH VALLEY ACADEMY, ESTABLISHED IN 1908, EXISTS TO PROVIDE A DISTINCTLY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST COLLEGE PREPARARTORY PROGRAM THROUGH EXPERIENCES TO PRODUCE DISCIPLES OF JESUS WHO ARE COMPASSIONATE CITIZENS PREPARED FOR COLLEGE AND CAREERS.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
Miranda values the friendships she’s developed at SVA. Right, with classmates Allie Mae and Valerie in Dr. Hanon’s chemistry class.
Right, demonstrating girl power with friends Valerie and Trisney on Community Service Day.
Above, studying in Mrs. Griffin’s US History Class; right, with teammates Lindsey, Valerie and Heidi at a recent Cross Country meet.
Seniors Elizabeth Reedy and Michael Sewell Recognized as Student Workers of the Month in August and September Dean of Student Services Kelly Menhardt (SVA 79) coordinates the work-study program at SVA. Every student is assigned a job on campus or in the community through ASSIST work program which is made possible by a grant administered by Southern Adventist University. Students are held to high standards for attendance and demonstrating work ethics. They are responsible to clock in and out of work, to be on time and fulfill their work schedule commitments. Many students’ tuition assistance depends on their working a required number of hours each school year. Work supervisors evaluate student workers quarterly to provide feedback and encourage students in developing characteristics which will serve them well when seeking summer jobs and work in college. Students leave SVA with an impressive resume with four years of work experience and a letter of recommendation. Many new graduates report this has given them an advantage in seeking work after graduation. Student Worker of the Month, August: Four year senior Elizabeth Reedy is a day student from New Market, VA, is known for her work ethic and is greatly valued by her work supervisor, Registrar Mrs. Wendy Dean for her knowledge and experience. She works in the registrar’s office in the summer as well as during the school year, and was invaluable in training the new office workers at the beginning of the school year.
August Student Worker of the Month Elizabeth Reedy at her desk in the Registrar’s office.
Student Worker of the Month, September: Senior Michael Sewell is a boarding student from Lanham, Maryland. Mike is recognized for his industrious work in the cafeteria, always jumping in to help no matter what he is asked to do. His positive attitude and willingness to work many hours is very much appreciated by his supervisor Food Service Director Bob Ockenga and the entire cafeteria staff. Dean of Student Services Kelly Menhardt recognizes September Student Worker of the Month Michael Sewell at Friday chapel.
SVA Objective Work Ethics: Shenandoah students will learn the skills, values, rewards and dignity of work.
Fun and Easy Ways to Support Shenandoah Valley Academy! Join the growing number of Alumni & Friends who are helping SVA benefit from corporate rewards. AMAZON SMILE: A donation is made to Shenandoah Valley Academy every time you make a purchase on Amazon, by purchasing through Amazon Smile. Visit www.amazonsmile.com to start supporting SVA today! TARGET TAKE CHARGE FOR EDUCATION: Register to earn money for SVA through Target's Take Charge for Education program every time you use your Target RedCard. Target Credit Card and Target™ MasterCard® account holders can sign up for the Take Charge of Education program by calling 1-800-316-6142 or by visiting Target.com/tcoe or an in-store kiosk. The primary cardholder of a Target Debit Card™ can sign up for the Take Charge of Education program by calling 1-800-316-6142. KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM: Simply register your Kroger Plus Card online at https://www.kroger.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow by clicking on “Enroll.” Then search for "Shenandoah Valley Academy" and link your Kroger Plus Card to SVA. Every time you shop for groceries and scan your card, SVA automatically starts earning a rebate. MARTIN’s A+ FOR EDUCATION: Go to www.MartinsFoods/register.com to create an account. Go to the A+ page found under BONUSCARD in the purple bar. Follow the instructions to designate Shenandoah Valley Academy, school ID # 40051
Contact Janel Haas Ware ‘86, Director of Development & Alumni Relations, for information about year-end giving to SVA Address: Dale E. Twomley Hall • Shenandoah Valley Academy • 234 W Lee Hwy • New Market, VA 22844 Direct: 540-740-2202 • Cell: 240-401-1169 • Email: janel.ware@sva-va.org • GIVE NOW Online: www.shenandoahvalleyacademy.org
High-Caliber Faculty & Classes Prepare Students for College, Careers, Life of Service Objective Academics Providing quality college preparatory academics is a core objective at Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA). In addition to high school level classes, Honors, AP and College Dual Credit courses prepare students for college rigor, and help them get a jump-start on earning college credits at approximately 1/3 the typical cost of college credit.
Students work diligently in the science lab.
SVA faculty are known for high-caliber professionalism, and for encouraging students to pursue excellence. Ninety-four percent of teaching faculty have a master’s degree or higher level of education. A few notes about some of our outstanding faculty: •Government and history teacher Gabrielle Griffin (SVA 86) presents professional development in-services to peer educators. She is highly-regarded by students for her mock trial classes, and for leading an extraordinary junior history tour of New England and New York where she was raised. •Tom McNeilus (SVA 72) is considered one of the best math and physics teachers in Virginia. He also teaches college classes at James Madison University (JMU) where he takes students on field trips. He and Mrs. Griffin sponsor SVA’s National Honor Society. •Orchestra and strings director Kelly Wiedemann (SVA 03) also teaches at Eastern Mennonite University and is becoming certificated in music therapy to minister to the sick and dying. She encourages and arranges for students to
participate in music ministry and outreach to the community. This year, to best prepare our young people for careers in healthcare and science fields, the science department and curriculum has been restructured and enhanced. Ellen White wrote, “Nothing will give greater spiritual strength and greater increase of earnestness and depth of feeling, than visiting and ministering to the sick and the desponding, helping them to see the light and to fasten their faith upon Jesus.” (ChS 6:379) As we seek to prepare our students for college and careers through experiences which will produce disciples of Jesus, it seems imperative to ensure students are presented and processing the knowledge needed to reach their potential and achieve academically in the health sciences.
Anatomy and Physiology
Moon is working as a teaching assistant, and a valuable member of the science department team this year.
Biology
Sophomores Juliana Greaver, Ben Adjei and Henry Ware on an insect hunting expedition for Biology class.
Not all learning takes place in the classroom. New biology teacher Ms. Erica Franklin is passionate about teaching and biology, and is often seen leading her biology classes on outdoor explorations including “bug hunting expeditions” to collect insect specimens. Ms. Franklin studied at Walla Walla University, and one of her professors was biologist Dr. Jim Nestler (SVA 80).
Chemistry
Dr. Ron Perkin and teaching assistant Jin Moon lecture in Anatomy & Physiology class.
Dr. Ron Perkin, a graduate of Loma Linda University Medical School and Professor Emeritus of East Carolina State University, is the new science department chair. Dr. Perkin is passionate about teaching students about Anatomy and Physiology. He believes if students study the human body for themselves they will be convicted of a Creator God. He says, “My purpose in being here is to help students learn they can love and serve God and still do science.” Surgeon Dr. John Anderson teaches Anatomy & Physiology with Dr. Perkin. College sophomore pre-med student Jin
Dr. Kelli Hanon takes time from her busy medical practice to teach Chemistry.
Dr. Kelli Fluharty Hanon (SVA ’88) has returned to the science department where she worked as a student to teach chemistry. “Principal Short talked me about teaching, and I said yes right away. God had clearly led to arrange my schedule making it possible.” She adds, “God is working on this campus, and this extraordinary science program is one of the ways His blessings are evident.”
Good things are happening at Shenandoah Valley Academy! Follow SVA social media to learn more.