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Thunderbird Adventist Academy

Alumni News

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Whether you are new to the alumni club, or have been around for a while, your presence and support is appreciated.

Allow me to introduce myself - My name is Randall Harrison and I am the new Director of Advancement and Engagement at Thunderbird Adventist Academy. I am looking forward to connecting with our alumni and becoming better acquainted with each and everyone one of you.

This community thrives, thanks to the generous support of our TAA alumni

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If you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions please do not hesitate to reach out. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to improve and expand our mission; affording our students a variety of opportunities to EXCEL: Experience Jesus, Communicate clearly and think critically, Embrace service & citizenship, and Live healthfully in body and mind.

Thank you and God Bless,

Randall Harrison Director of Advancement & Engagement

New Staff Introductions

Jovannah Poor Bear-Adams will teach English for grades 9-11 this school year and brings her family from Dakota Adventist Academy. There, she taught English and served as the vice-principal. Prior to that, she worked at Holbrook Indian School, again as an administrator and teacher

Jovannah and her husband Zak graduated from Union College in Lincoln NE. Her bachelor's degree is in English Education and she is currently pursuing her master's degree in Educational Leadership Zak and Jovannah have five children, the oldest being a freshman at TAA.

In their free time, the Adams' family enjoys camping and hiking at their favorite spots around Arizona One thing they're looking forward to, after moving back to the area, is finding new places to explore.

Randall Harrison is the new Advancement and Engagement Director at Thunderbird Adventist Academy. Born and raised in Southern California, she attended La Sierra University earning a B. A in Liberal Studies and an M.A.T in elementary education Before this, she worked as the office manager at Thunderbird Christian Elementary, where her two children attend In her free time, Randall enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling with her family She is looking forward to connecting with the TAA community, especially the alumni.

Mikey Stewart-Tapasco, an alumnus of Thunderbird Adventist Academy, has stepped into the role of Business Manager. Mr. Stewart-Tapasco graduated from TAA in 2018, and he continued his education at Walla Walla University, earning a BBA with a concentration in Accounting Before taking the call to serve at TAA, he worked as a financial auditor with the General Conference In his free time, Mikey enjoys playing tennis, going on walks with his wife Erika, and studying for the CPA exam. Mikey looks forward to helping TAA administration in furthering the work of Christ by mentoring and nurturing our young students

Eben Molina is joining the maintenance department, bringing his expertise and skills to the team Originally from Mexico, Eben has found his home in Prescott He is looking forward to getting to know the TAA community, while tackling the many maintenance projects around campus. In his free time, Eben enjoys cruising around on his motorcycle and exploring the mountains in Prescott and the surrounding area. His favorite bible verse to share is Isaiah 49:11 "And I will make all my mountains a road, and my highways shall be raised up."

Whether it is through traditional golf played on a course or modern alternatives like Topgolf, a growing number of high school students are showing an interest in the sport This increase in interest is what prompted Mr Gile to start a golf program here at TAA. He believes that golf is a sport that can open up many opportunities in life. It can be enjoyed with family, friends and business acquaintances. Mr. Gile hopes that by introducing students early on to golf, it can help inspire a lifetime passion for the sport

TAA TO HOST FIRST STEM FESTIVAL

Our Academy is excited to welcome over 150 bright young Adventist students, ranging from the 5th to 8th grade for a two-day journey into the world of STEM.

During this Festival, our Academy students will take on leadership roles, guiding and mentoring the younger students in breakout sessions and leading in worship.

Professors from prominent Seventh-DayAdventist Universities will be present to oversee the program and provide guidance in the STEM workshops.

We are asking for your financial support to make this Festival a success. By financially partnering with TAA, you are contributing to the development of the next generation of Christian Seventh-Day-Adventists STEM leaders

If you would like more information or would be interested in making a donation for this event please contact our Advancement office or donate through our website

Funds donated will go directly towards the STEM festival program

SHARING STORIES & CELEBRATING THE PAST

Our stories are the threads that weave us together, connecting our past to our present and guiding us towards the future We learn from our stories, gain wisdom and inspiration. When we share our stories, we can learn from each other and build on that to create a brighter future for the next generation

TAA alumni, we want to hear your stories! We want to celebrate your accomplishments, your career, family announcements and fun hobbies You are a member of our community, and your membership is everlasting; it never expires

Please take a moment to check out our website and submit your stories! Be sure to indicate whether or not we may use your stories for publication For those who are not tech-savvy give us a call and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you.

*Bottom left - 1986 Acro Gymnastics Team

rharrison@taaschool.org

(480) 948-3300

https://www.thunderbirdacademy.org/

*Bottom right picture - Wes Stout replaces the diesel injector spray nozzle and adjusts the valves on the 1160 Caterpillar engine of the 1974 Bluebird All American used for the bus route.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct. 21 - Festival of Praise 4 pm @ the Scottsdale-Thunderbird SDA Church

Oct. 17 - Chipotle Fundraiser

Oct. 21 - Fall Festival 7pm

Oct. 29-30 - STEM Festival

Dec. 16 - Christmas Concert 7:30 pm