Adventist education is crucial in helping young people stay connected to Jesus
Thunderbird Academy Hosts Music Festival
BY JEFF ROGERS
Thunderbird Adventist Academy's (TAA) campus was alive with harmony and praise during the annual Arizona Conference Music Festival, a special event featuring band performers, bell choirs, and vocal choirs from around the conference and Vegas Valley Adventist Academy. The festival, which mixes the talents of over 200 elementary students with high schoolers, offered an event filled with learning, collaboration, and an inspiring performance for church on Feb. 22.
Upon arriving Thursday afternoon, participants immediately engaged in intensive clinics led by experienced clinicians, refining their instrumental and vocal techniques. Lindsay Eldevik headed the choir clinic portion. Dean Kravig returned as the band clinician for another year. Thunderbird Adventist Academy Music Director Talea Shupe was the handbell choir clinician and was responsible for leading out in the event.
Over the day and a half of rehearsals, the students rehearsed and practiced in anticipation of the final concert on Sabbath morning. Even though they were tired from the amount of rehearsal it takes to participate in a successful festival, the students and clinicians worked hard together. Students staying overnight in the dorms during the evenings and enjoyed group activities with the TAA Student Association team, Storm Ministries team, and faculty and staff.
“It was a joy to hear all of the wonderful music and songs played and sung by all,” said TAA Principal Michael Tomas. “Kudos to Miss Shupe and all those responsible for putting together a wonderful weekend of music, memories, and fun for our Arizona Conference students.”
The festival aimed to help students grow in their musical abilities and unite people in worship and community. Fellowship was a key part of the event, and on Friday evening, the visiting students got to roast hot dogs and make s’mores with TAA faculty and other festival attendees. The Thunderbird Academy Storm Ministries also led out in a special praise and worship vespers program.
The festival concluded with a grand finale concert for the Sabbath divine service in the TAA gym. Students showcased what they had learned throughout the previous two days. Families, friends, and community members filled the gym, enjoying a program of inspiring melodies and heartfelt praise.
Exploring the Heavens: Students Experience the Wonders of Space with STARLAB
BY CHANDRA YOUNG
"The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork" (Psalm 19:1, NKJV).
Thunderbird Christian Elementary (TCE) recently embarked on an exciting journey through the cosmos by renting the STARLAB portable planetarium from Arizona State University’s School of Earth and Space Exploration. This immersive experience directly introduced the students to the wonders of the night sky, making science and faith come alive in an extraordinary way.
Principal Chandra Young received specialized training through ASU to prepare for this adventure, thanks to Marilyn LaCount, who connected her with their space exploration program. The training included setting up, operating, and taking down the STARLAB, ensuring that the students would have the best possible experience. Once trained, Young can check out the planetarium for two weeks at a time, providing ample opportunity for exploration and discovery.
The STARLAB was set up in the lobby of the Scottsdale-Thunderbird church, where it nearly filled the entire space, reaching just shy of the ceiling. Its impressive size and immersive projection capabilities allowed students to enter a world beyond their own. Adobe Adventist and Maricopa Village Adventist schools were invited to join this celestial exploration, making it a shared experience for even more young learners.
During their time in the STARLAB, TCE students delved into the mysteries of the night sky, learning about constellations, the solar system, and the galaxy's vastness. More importantly, they explored the connection between astronomy and faith, discovering where the Bible references the heavens. One significant discussion centered around Job 38:31, in which God asks, "Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades? Can you loosen Orion’s belt?" (NIV). This verse served as a powerful reminder that if God has placed and sustains the billions of stars in the universe, He indeed watches over each of us with the same precision and care.
STARLAB offers many more presentations and educational opportunities, making it an invaluable resource for the curriculum. The science standards cover the study of the heavens. With access to this interactive planetarium, teachers can move beyond textbooks and engage students in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Whether exploring celestial navigation, planetary motion, or the universe's structure, STARLAB allows teachers to bring science to life while reinforcing the beauty of God’s creation.
The STARLAB experience exemplifies the mission of integrating faith and learning. By studying the heavens, the students expanded their scientific knowledge and deepened their appreciation for God’s handiwork in the universe.
Reflections on Small Schools
BY CHRIS JUHL, ARIZONA CONFERENCE EDUCATION SUPERINTENDENT
I had the incredible privilege of attending and teaching at several different Seventh-day Adventist schools, both small and large. I also became the principal of one of the largest church schools in North America. I loved every school I attended, but small Adventist schools are the heart and soul of our educational system. Of the 704 Adventist schools that teach PK-12, including elementary schools and academies, 52% are schools with either one, two, or three teachers.
The story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer always reminds me of our small schools. “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6, NIV). School size does not hinder or restrain our Heavenly Father from doing great things.
Adventist education in small schools is quality education. I grew academically at every Adventist school I attended. However, it was, at times, even more meaningful. While at Topeka Adventist Church School as a seventh and eighth grader, I grew academically and as a student leader. At a small school with only 19 students and two teachers, I was able to be that “big fish in a small pond.” In addition to moving through the curriculum at my own pace, I was the newspaper editor, lead in the school play, and a tutor to my younger schoolmates.
Arizona is also blessed to have multiple small schools across the state. One of these schools is Cochise Adventist Christian School, located in Bisbee, Arizona. At this small school with only 12 students, Juliebee Roberts is the head teacher and is assisted by Sandy Spooner. Good things are happening at the Cochise School. Student standardized test scores—MAP Testing—showed a 20% growth over last year in the fall testing. For the recent winter testing, 80% of the students showed either high achievement, high growth, or both on the reading and math testing. All at a one-room school in Bisbee, Arizona!
