Hello friends! Although it’s been a super busy semester, it’s been the best time of my high school career and I’m so excited to tell you all the details. Where should I begin?
I left off on our last blog post talking about the Junior/Senior Camp Out, and that was definitely the highlight of my Senior year so far. The girls and guys stayed in separate parts of Camp Au Sable. I can not tell you how much I ate that weekend. Two of our students’ moms, Mrs. Pittman and Mrs. Burby came to cook for us and it was amazing. You know that feeling when you’ve been eating too much and have to unbuckle your belt? I felt that every day. We also had worship twice a day which included reading from a book, acting out stories, and singing. For church, we joined the guys and had worship outside while they played their instruments for song service. It was beautiful to be outside in nature with my classmates and hear the birds singing along with us. Not only were we able to worship together, but we also participated in go karts with one another and rode horses alongside each other as well.
In October, all the alumni came back and we had a beautiful weekend full of stories shared, memories relived, and special musics that still replay in my mind from time to time. There’s something so special about comparing stories on campus that fills my heart with an abundance of joy. After the Sabbath was over, our basketball teams played against the alumni. I was able to make the team this year and it was a lot of work, but even more fun. It’s so nice to be a part of a smaller group and get to know one another better. I felt a part of something and practices were the highlight of my week. We made so many memories, especially the memory of beating the Alumni ladies’ team, but who was paying attention to the score?
November came and Leaf Rake went in the blink of an eye, but was still very enjoyable. Every year we go out and rake leaves for the community and those who are not able to do it themselves. What takes us thirty minutes to do, could easily take someone else a few hours. Although it was cold and at times tiring, nothing warms the heart more than the smile on the faces of those we were able to help.
Following the weekend of Leaf Rake was Senior Recognition weekend. If you didn’t know, I am a Senior myself this year. We put on an awesome two part play about the story of Job. One of our own seniors wrote the entire script! There were lots of practices, a few tears, and a bunch of excitement. What’s a play without a sett? Our sponsor, Mr. Rogers and his plant services workers worked tirelessly to hand craft us a beautiful backdrop and even threw in some rocks. Well what’s a backdrop with no color? Several seniors helped out with painting the scenery, and if you came, you’d know that they even added cute little sheep. Everyone in our class contributed something whether it was doing special musics, getting costumes ready, acting, or being backstage. The weekend went smoothly and not only were we able to bond more as a class, but we also bonded spiritually.
Then in December, the school was decorated for Christmas. In the Learning Center we always put up a tree and lights, and we even played instrumental Christmas music from time to time. My personal favorite time of the year is always Christmas time because of how much food we get to consume. A week before break we have our Faculty Family Christmas parties where we go to our assigned staff family’s house and enjoy a nice warm meal with our GLAA siblings. It’s at this time that we play games and really get to know each other better. Then we start studying for finals week. We like to have something called Destress Fest leading up to those stressful days of exams. Monday we had muffins that the staff ladies made for us. Tuesday was popcorn we popped using the Cafeteria’s popcorn machine, and Wednesday we enjoyed refreshing smoothies. Who can be stressed while eating?
There you have it, the first semester of the 2022-2023 school year! We’ve accomplished so much this year, yet we still have so much to do. We just got back from Bible Camp and we’re starting our student Week of Prayer. Touring groups are going out this weekend, and the Juniors have Junior Presentation coming up. After that, the Aeros will go out to the Upper Peninsula for their Listen America tour. That’s all just in one month! Before I know it, graduation will be here. If you wanna see everything from a closer lens, check out our Facebook and Instagram!
Great Lakes Adventist Academy 