The night of Senior Dedication, September 6, unfurled in a whirlwind. Earlier that afternoon, the junior class officers had started cleaning up the student center and placing black-covered tables outside as decor. The first call time for seniors was at 6:00 that evening and went on until 7:00, when the entire class was called to be lined up and have a short practice. As the seniors lined up, with officers in front and then everyone else alphabetically in order behind them, lots of nerves were in the air as this official ceremony made the dawning reality of seniorhood become increasingly real. Dressed in blue and black, colors of sophistication and intelligence, two by two the senior pairs started to walk in. Parents, family, fellow students, faculty, and more watched as this defining moment that every student at SVA waits four years to experience commenced. After making his way to his place on the stage, Mr. Short gave a short welcome which was followed by the invocation done by class pastor Caley Rae Smith. The senior praise team then took the stage to welcome the congregation to join them in
Shen-Val-Lore
The Student Voice of Shenandoah Valley Academy
Senior Dedication Tamar Hamilton
song. After singing “Open the Eyes of my Heart,” “Graves into Gardens,” and “So Will I,” senior village senator Faith Richardi came to the front to read the Bible text of class 2025. “It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my ways perfect,” Psalm 18:32 (NKJV).
The speakers for the night were Mr. and Mrs. Vardiman, parents of senior Ian Vardiman. So, following Faith, Ian took the stage to proudly welcome his parents. Mrs.Vardiman started with a story about a farmer who was having trouble plowing his fields straight. The story goes that one day his neighbor, who was older and more experienced, spent some time watching him and told him that the problem he was having was because his head was bent down towards the grass, instead of held high so that he could see. Mrs. Vardiman related this to the senior class aim, “Rise above, rise to God,” and how they should keep their focus upward and God will then make their paths straight.
Mr.Vardiman then began to tell some personal stories about leadership that he has accumulated from his time
in the military. He finished off with important principles about leadership for the seniors to use not only this last year of high school but all throughout their lives.
After that very encouraging talk for the night, soloists Tamar Hamilton and Nolynn Dahlberg sang a beautiful rendition of “Take it to Jesus,” accompanied by Mr. Daniel Biaggi on the piano. The next portion of the ceremony is called the Sacred Charge, in which the seniors are faced with multiple statements and respond with the agreement, “By God’s grace we will.” Afterwards, Pastor Timothy Harley prayed the Prayer of Dedication, and Michael Herold played an absolutely stunning piece called “Meditation” on violin. Senior girls’ senator Juridia Castellanos then had the benediction. Following that, the seniors walked out to the sound of the “Triumphant March.” With that, it was time for the reception in the student center.
When approaching the doors, the first thing seen were about 2-3 bouncers.
Their job was to keep the younger SVA student body out of the party since it was for only seniors and their families. Mixed lemonade and punch drinks, cookies, pita chips, humus, little sandwiches, and fruit were spread out on the back table. The room was full of happy families and high spirits.
Parents took photos of their children, and seniors took pictures with their friends. Outside, the black tables had fairy lights centered on them, adding to the ambiance.
When asked about her feelings at the ceremony and reception, Dean Kristi gave three words, “It was good.”
Which seemed to be the overall theme of emotions surrounding this event. SVA can add another successful dedication to the books. Until next time ;)
Who is Your Student Association?
Tori Zimmerman
Every year new students join the Student Association (SA), and this year is no different. There are many questions about the positions on SA and in this article you will find answers to some of these questions. Each officer has answered a few questions that I had for them and given me an inside peek into what it is like to be an officer for the SA.
Our president this year is Andres Muñoz. This is his second year being in a leadership position for SA. During his sophomore year, he was the audio-visual tech and now in his junior year, he is president. The questions I asked him are as follows:
How does this year compare to your previous year in SA?
“This year’s SA is a real treat to be a part of. We have an excellent team of new officers who each bring a fresh perspective to our planning and preparation. My previous year in SA was certainly quite different, with SA nearly entirely seniors. This year we are blessed to have a sophomore, some juniors, and some seniors. Having such a diverse group of officers goes such a long way in facilitating discussion and plays a major role in guaranteeing that SA is an accurate representation of the student body as a whole. I am very proud to be working with the group we have this year, and am excited for what is in store this year.”
What are some of your goal for SA?
“A major goal I have for our SA this year is to lift up the new voices we have on campus. The freshman class is the biggest in the school, and a major goal of mine is to make our new students feel warm and welcome. I remember my first few months at SVA, a freshman away from home, navigating life on my own for the first time. At times I felt lost and in unfamiliar territory, but it was the energy and effort of others that slowly eased me into this environment. That is the spirit I want to cultivate on this campus, and is something that this year’s SA officers have taken to heart.”
What do you enjoy about being an SA officer?
“As an SA officer, I enjoy the privilege I have to serve such a large group of people with my time and my ideas. In the past as I took part in the events we had year-round, I never thought about what was happening behind the scenes to make everything happen that I had enjoyed. I watched as others stepped up and used their talents for the glory of God on campus, and now I get to stand in that same position. This year I am blessed to be able to play a small part in what goes on behind the curtain, cultivating an enjoyable, exciting, and engaging school year for us all.
Next is our vice president, Genesis Roldan. Genesis is a junior this year and has previously been a part of the school senate. Now as vice president, she is in charge of it. My questions were:
What is your favorite part about SA?
“My favorite part of being on SA is trying to bridge the gap between the staff and students and striving to make SVA the best it can be for us and then generations to come. I also enjoy the challenges of organizing events that bring glory to God and bring us closer together.”
What made you decide to run for SA?
“I ran for SA because SVA has given so much to me that I felt I had to give a little back to the SVA community. Being a part of SA has granted me the opportunity to effect changes to better accomplish our individual goals as students.”
What do you look forward to most with your new leadership position?
“I look forward to building a better school on the foundations previous generations have laid down for us through listening to students and their concerns, bringing them to the attention of staff, and mediating a reasonable solution whenever possible, as well as helping organize events that students will enjoy attending and participating in and making them feel included in the day-to-day activities that SVA has to offer.”
Lia Thomas, a senior, is our secretary this year. I asked her these questions:
How have you enjoyed being a part of SA this year?
“SA this year has been super fun. We’re a very motivated group and love planning events. I love hearing and talking about all of the creative ideas and how we can bring them to the students to make everything more enjoyable for them.”
What’s the most exciting part of being a part of SA?
“The most exciting part about being in SA is leading out in the events. I enjoy watching everyone play and helping them with all the rules.
What is the hardest part of your job and what are some tips for future secretaries?
“The hardest part of the job is time management. If anyone wants to be part of SA next year, make sure you have the time, energy, heart, and care for the student body to properly play whatever role you plan on playing. It’s hard but definitely doable and worth it.”
The next SA position I interviewed was Ajani Shaw, the pastor. I asked him three questions and he gave back wonderful answers.
Why did you choose to be pastor for SA?
“I chose to be SA pastor because I felt as if I wanted to give more to my campus. Before I chose to run specifically for pastor, individuals like Jonathan Pelote pushed me and really hammered into my head the fact that pastor was the position for me. I stepped out in faith and told God if this is what He wants for me, He will make it happen, which He did.”
What is your favorite part of being a pastor?
“As of now, my favorite part is getting to share messages to the rest of the student body. Sure, for me it is very nerve-racking because I don’t enjoy public speaking, but after the fact, when I see and hear how what I say impacts people, it feels good.”
What do you look forward to most this year for SA?
“I am looking forward to the events that we have to plan; we are a new group this year, as most of SA last year were seniors. This year’s SA brings a lot more diversity when it comes to class.”
Asa Johnson is the youngest member of SA but has one of the most important jobs. He is the treasurer and therefore responsible for the money. The questions I asked him for this interview were:
Why did you choose to join SA as a sophomore and would you recommend it?
“I chose to become a part of SA as a sophomore because I knew that I could make a difference in the SA team by helping to plan budget friendly events, creating and maintaining a transparent budget, and listening to the ideas of my peers.
Yes, I recommend being a part of SA as a sophomore because if you have the knowledge, skills, and ability to have a positive effect on the student body, you should run.”
Do you plan on running again next year and what would you do differently now that you know what SA entails?
“Yes, I will run for a Student Association position next year. It is still early in the school year to determine if I would do anything differently.”
What does it feel like being part of SA?
“It’s an honor to be part of SA this year, and I’m grateful that I was given the opportunity to serve my student body.”
Guerdy Thomas, a senior, is the Social Secretary for SA. I asked Guerdy a few interesting questions about his position in SA:
Is it better to compete in SA events or plan them since you’ve done both?
“I wouldn’t like to choose one or the other because I thoroughly enjoy doing both. If I were forced, I would say planning them! It may seem like an odd choice, but I get this sense of joy and happiness when I plan ideas I know my peers will enjoy. It always brings a smile to my face.”
What makes your role as social secretary special?
“I say my role is special because I have a unique opportunity to really dig into social life at SVA and determine what the students like or dislike. It may be a job but it definitely does not feel like one. I already enjoy talking and exchanging information with others, so my job is a breeze!”
What is the quality you need most for your position?
“The qualities you really need for this position are positive thinking and social skills. It is very important to think positively about yourself in a position of leadership, otherwise you will look down on yourself and people will start to look down on you. Social skills are highly important because you need to understand the cues and roles of each class and persons. To know how to communicate and share information with the students is a super important part of being on SA and I am happy to be in that position!”
Seth Job, another senior, is our SA sports secretary. If you know Seth, then you know he is always involved in sports in one way or another. The questions I asked him were:
Is this your first leadership position, if so, how did you prepare for it?
“Yes, this is my first official leadership position at SVA. Preparing for this role, I have been leading out in activities on campus in the music department. I have been involved in leading multiple praise teams as well as other small groups in campus activities. I have been an RA in the boys’ dorm. I have helped the boys’ dean in leading out in dorm activities as well as in other general activities. Last year, I was on the leadership team for the student-led Week of Prayer. I was heavily involved in preparing the things going on, specifically in music. I helped make sure that everything ran smoothly during WOP. Finally, I have been involved in every boys’ varsity sport since sophomore year, being either manager or player. I have helped lead and run the teams alongside the coaches.”
What is your favorite SA event?
“My favorite event that SA does is probably either Almost Anything Goes or Junk Scramble. I love the class-on-class intensity. Especially being in the senior class, we have a heated
rivalry with the junior class that has been going on since the juniors were freshmen. I love seeing each class involving everyone to work together as one class. I also LOVE hyping everyone. Before each SA event, I usually hype everyone up which is fun to do, getting everyone excited for the events we have planned.”
What is the biggest job in your role?
“The biggest job I have as SA sports secretary is to help Mr. Heilman with athletic events as well as plan my own events. Speaking of planning my own events, a little sneak peek for this future year. I plan to have an SVA Cup Basketball Tournament and a Champions League Tournament as well for all people, village, dorm students, and for parents and faculty that live
here. I love sports and I want to give everyone an opportunity to come play the sports they love and have fun too! I also hope to have plans with Mr. Heilman about maintaining our fields and gym. I help out with intramurals, helping him run them and being a ref.”
Last but not least is Sienna Dauer, our AV secretary. I had a quick interview with her, only asking two questions:
What made you decide to join SA? “I wanted to have fun with the camera.”
What is the best part about being in SA? “My favorite part is planning the events.
I hope you, the readers, now know more about the student leaders in our school and what it is like being a part of SA. I know there is excitement and anticipation for what SA has plans for this year. I personally believe that the first SA event, Almost Anything Goes, was the best it has been in my four years here at SVA. Keep up the great work, SA, and we are all wishing you luck on your upcoming events!
Welcome New Staff
Mention: Mochi the Cat
Senior Survival: Building Eternal Bonds in the Great Outdoors
Faith Richardi
One of the first senior bonding experiences of the year at Shenandoah Valley Academy is Senior Survival, which is a class camping experience at Camp Overlook starting on Wednesday afternoon on October 29 and ending Sunday morning. During this time the students compete against each other, hike, camp, do Bible studies, and eat lots of really good food.
Before the students leave for Camp Overlook, they are assigned to one of three groups: Team A, B, or C. The teams would then compete against each other in a variety of activities, from building bridges to climbing walls. The factor most feeding the competitive spirit between teams on the trip was the coveted first place prize. The winning team would be taken to the restaurant of their choice free of charge. The second place team would get to go to Pack’s for ice cream, and the losing team would get the sympathy prize of eating first at Sunday’s brunch.
When the seniors arrived at camp on Wednesday, already tired from the bus ride and morning classes, the first task was to build shelters, and make their new home. This year’s class was blessed with hot, humid weather, as well as the chance of rain for at least two
nights. This meant that students had to make sure their camp was waterproof. After suffering in the heat all afternoon, PH made a gracious change in schedule to allow for the students to cool down that evening. The boat activity was moved ahead in schedule, so all the seniors climbed back in the van to be driven to a small pond on the property. Each team was given cardboard, a roll of duct tape, two nails, and two sheets of plastic. These supplies were to be used to build a boat that could carry seven of the team’s members across the pond, one at a time. While some teams struggled to build a boat that could float, for some, it was the most fun activity. When Luis Ac was asked about his favorite Senior Survival activity, he confidently answered, “The boat activity, ‘cause team C lowkey cooked.”
Throughout the next two days, these teams took turns trying to complete activities, called Initiative Problems, for the fastest time. While on the surface these activities might have just seemed like a ploy by PH to watch the seniors struggle through complex and frustrating instructions, they were actually there to teach important skills such as teamwork and communication, while also pointing to a spiritual lesson. PH emphasized that spiritual
journeys are not something anyone goes through alone, and that we should help each other overcome temptation, addiction, and feelings of unworthiness.
Each day was divided into three different class sections, with the three teams rotating around to each of these sessions throughout the day. While the Initiative Problems session is perhaps the most remembered, the other two sessions have lasting importance as well. Rusty Litten came to camp to teach the class titled “Survival,” in which students were taught a variety of things such as first aid, how to build a fire, what to do in natural disasters, and how to tie knots. Mr. Litten emphasized the importance of always having a PMA, or positive mental attitude. The other class was “Wild Edibles,” and required students to walk around the camp, collecting wild edibles they found. Both classes were there to help educate the students on what Christians will have to do in the End Times to survive.
The classes weren’t the only focus, though. Another big reason PH makes this trip happen is for seniors to learn about End Times. The seniors read through the first few chapters of The Great Controversy and learned the importance of being ready for
Jesus to come. When asked about what specific part of the book stood out to her, Tori replied, “I found it interesting how we will be able to tell the difference between Satan coming as Jesus and Jesus actually coming. I just found it enlightening.” PH knows how hard it can be for teenagers to find time and
motivation to study the Bible, and this is why Senior Survival is so important. It gives each student time to truly be one on one with God.
While Senior Survival can be uncomfortable physically and even mentally, it is a formative part of the senior year in its impact on the students’ relationship with God, and also with each other. This friendship and bonding that happens as a result of Senior Survival is best said in Jeannette Mahoro’s words. “Don’t take the experience [Senior Survival] for granted, you’ll grow as a class. Don’t be sad if you aren’t in a group with your friends, because that’s how you’ll get to know more people.”
This year’s first Week of Prayer started off on Monday, September 9. The main speaker was Gem Castor, a missionary and member of A.S.A.P ministries who led with the help of Gabriel Bonds. He shared stories of trusting in God, which he built his life upon.
On Monday, he shared the story of the missionary who originally inspired him, George Muller. Muller decided that the orphanage he built would rely only on God and not on any other monetary sources. The main basis of his faith was prayer, which was also the focus of this week, with 6:30 prayer meetings happening daily. Pastor Gem preached in the morning during a daily chapel session, and then in the evening at church. During the evening meetings, he called everyone to the stage and had a popcorn prayer, with one person adding on one line after another. After the prayer was over, he would give us a fun social challenge such as shaking at least 30 people’s hands or telling as many people as you could that Jesus loves them.
Near the end of the week, Pastors Gem and Gabriel went to the Religion classrooms for a Q & A. Also, at the last meeting, 25 students accepted the call and decided to start on the path to baptism. “My favorite part was being able to be vulnerable and let it all out with my friends,” says freshman Jael Blackett.
Week of Prayer
Josie DeClerck
After the last evening meeting on Friday night, there was a communion where students had the option to wash each other’s feet and later participate in the drinking of grape juice and the eating of the unleavened bread. Later, students had the opportunity to share their testimony/walk with God. Pastors Gem and Gabriel challenged each other to meet everybody and get everyone to sign their mugshot books provided by the school. Overall, it was a great experience.
The International Camporee Experience
Ajani Shaw
Every five years, Pathfinders from every continent gather for a weeklong social, cultural, educational, and spiritual camping adventure called Pathfinder International Camporee. The previous home, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was no longer able to host the event because the number of participants had outgrown the space. Everyone looked forward to experiencing the new location in Gillette, Wyoming. The small town welcomed approximately 60,000 local and international participants from August 5-11 to experience the penultimate event for Pathfinders young, old and young at heart.
For those who have the opportunity to experience this life-changing event, they are often asked the question, “What is so exciting about International Camporee?” Without a doubt, International Camporee offers a wide range of activities in which individuals can participate. A major activity this year was the nightly dramatic presentation about Moses based on the theme: “Believe the Promise.” During the day, Pathfinders completed honors, shopped for Pathfinder merchandise, and experienced different foods from all over the world. A highlight of the day was being able to talk with Pathfinders from other countries such as Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and Brazil. Best of all, we had the opportunity to pin trade. Although pin trading is always done, at International Camporee it is imperative because of the opportunity to practice negotiation and bartering skills. At every camporee, Pathfinders receive conference pins which
they exchange for pins from other countries, conferences, unions, and clubs who all create pins embracing the theme for that camporee. Another unforgettable experience was the journey to Gillette, which for many clubs was long and grueling. For my home club, the Manassas Trailblazers, our trip was a 26-hour-long bus ride with occasional stops for food and restroom breaks. Nathen Shaw, freshman, said, “Getting off the bus was fun, we got to stretch our legs after sitting in that cramped bus.”
It is often said that a Pathfinder Camporee, whether conference or international, is not a camp without unexpected weather occurrences. Our time in Gillette lived up to the expectations brought by mother nature. Before the trip, Pathfinders were told to bring long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Why, you might ask, aren’t we going to be in the desert? The reason was wind burns, which are like sunburn but caused by dust and wind. Thankfully, no one experienced wind burns during our stay. When we arrived at Gillette on Monday, August 5, 2024, we were greeted with a humid, dry, dusty, windy environment. We quickly unloaded our gear from the bus, got our tents up, and settled in and got ready for the fun. Later that night, we were greeted with a thunderstorm which passed quickly. On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, a new weather challenge presented itself. The morning started fine as we got ready for the day’s fun and adventure. Suddenly we received an announcement blasting through the camp informing clubs to secure the campsite because a huge storm and
tornado was about to touch down. We jumped into action, securing tents and other belongings so that they would not blow away or get wet when the rain and heavy winds came through. About 15 minutes before the storm touched down, we were told to evacuate the campsite and head for stable shelter. In those moments before the storm, it was utter chaos and mass confusion with people panicking and crying; it was just a very hectic experience, but we survived. After the storm there was a double rainbow, ensuring God’s promise to us. Wednesday through Friday was normal, and we were able to resume honors, recreational, and pin trading activities. The muchanticipated evening program, the dramatic presentation about Moses, was rained out, so it was canceled for many of thenights. This tends to be the best part of the camporee experience, and many Pathfinders were disappointed.
When the weather was favorable and the evening program occurred, we witnessed many youths getting baptized and listened to the main speaker, Pastor Damian Chandler, charge the Pathfinders with messages of hope, action, and an unwavering reliance on God. On the final night, he delivered a powerful message on the Passover when the children of Israel were preparing the leave Egypt. Through simple props, he illustrated with a brush and red paint the painting of blood over the doorpost of the Israelite homes. These stone doorposts had the names of every occupant of the house etched into the doorpost. The main point, according to Pastor Chandler, is that God wants us to keep
painting his blood on each other; to keep painting until every name is covered in the blood of Jesus as we go out and make disciples of others. He also provided a reason for why we keep painting the doorpost. He said, “When you get tired, and you feel like you want to stop painting, I want you to step out of your house, and I want you to see those fathers, mothers, and pastors who are still painting their doorposts. It gives us hope and keeps us accountable to keep painting. . . .” Wow! What a message!
Despite the obstacles encountered, the International Camporee was a great experience. The messages based on the theme “Believe the Promise” served as motivation for spiritual growth, and the friendships developed with individuals near and far, the honors, recreational, artistic, and nature activities completed are all elements that have deepened my insight and purpose to intentionally connect to God daily so that His will be done in my life daily as I seek to bring others to salvation. Everyone should get an opportunity to attend Pathfinder International Camporee at least once so that they can experience this exciting youth evangelistic event which is sure to strengthen their relationship with God.
Senior Officers
President: Nolynn Dahlberg
Vice President: Donovan Hernandez
Secretary: Samantha Trigo
Pastor: Caley Smith
Parliamentarian: Sam Girven
Treasurer: Naomi Pakkianathan
Girls’ Senator: Juri Castellanos
Boys’ Senator: Luis Ac Figueroa
Village Senator: Faith Richardi
Officers 2024-2025
Junior Officers
President: Sophia Trigo
Vice President: Abigail Dugre
Secretary: Marcos Torres
Pastor: Grace Atama
Parliamentarian: Jim Perez
Treasurer: Janae Hsu
Girls’ Senator: Evelin Balcarcel
Boys’ Senator: Emmanuel Matagaro
Village Senator: Matthew Hernandez
Girls’ Club Officers
President: Tamar Hamilton
Spiritual Vice Pres.: Caley Smith
Social Vice Pres.: Jeannette Mahoro
Secretary: Abby Moore
Senior Rep.: Kaylyn Morris
Junior Rep.: Madison Wilson
Sophomore Rep.: Kendri Gordon
Freshman Rep.: Kaylee Buckland
Village Rep.: Jackie Vidal
Sophomore Officers
President: Derek Alcantara
Vice President: Jake Pacylowski
Secretary: Hannah Hunt
Pastor: Thalia Trasporte
Parliamentarian: John Mathai
Treasurer: Kristofer Hoffman
Girls’ Senator: Giselle Castillo
Boys’ Senator: Ayden Christiansen
Village Senator: Micah Molina
Freshman Officers
President: Na’Hamani
Hubbard
Vice President: Elijah Masikonde
Secretary: Nayomi Siever
Pastor: Daniel Torres
Parliamentarian: Samuel Onoffrey
Treasurer: Thor Swenson
Girls’ Senator: Maya Castillo
Boys’ Senator: Nathen Shaw
Village Senator: Alexis Mace
Boys’ Club Officers
President: Kevin Quintiana
Vice President: Jim Perez
Pastor: Alfred Ortega
Senior Rep.: Luis Ac Figueroa
Junior Rep.: Andrew Martin
Sophomore Rep.: Cassius Hartman
SA Officers
President: Andres Muñoz
Vice President: Genesis Roldan
Secretary: Lia Thomas
Pastor: Ajani Shaw
Treasurer: Asa Johnson
Social Secreatary: Guerdy Thomas
Freshman Rep.: Erick Avendano
Village Rep.: Kyle Goodwyn
Sports Secretary: Seth Job
AV Secreatary: Sienna Dauer
Happy Birthday! Crossword: staff at sVa
aCross
2.
Editor:
Chloe Juncal
Sponsor: Mrs. Boyer White
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