The Atlantic Union Conference Office of Education team, which includes Marlene Alvarez, vice president; associate directors Lileth Coke and Theresa Robidoux; and Millie Felt, administrative assistant, worked tirelessly to plan the annual event. “Academy Connect is an opportunity for students to connect with God, each other, and nature while learning skills and preparing for service on their campus,” said Alvarez. “We do Academy Connect because it makes a difference in the lives of the students and our academies.”
From March 6-8, the students immersed themselves in interactive activities specifically created to enhance their personal and collective growth. Topics fell under five categories: Spiritual, Leadership, Art, Music, and Media (SLAMM). Knowledgeable clinicians brought personal and professional expertise to make each session a rich and worthwhile experience. Morning and evening worship and devotionals led by Simona Mills-Pitcher, chaplain at Bermuda Institute; and pastors Kevin Bruce and Stephen Carlile, from the Southwest Region and Montana conferences, respectively, started and ended the day on the right note.
On Sabbath, the students enjoyed a worship service complete with Bruce and Carlile’s final charge before returning to their homes. “When we visit academies, we see the students in action—serving and putting into practice tools received at Academy Connect,” Alvarez said. Students also participated in various service projects in the nearby city of Poughkeepsie. They prepared and distributed hundreds of care packages to people experiencing homelessness and living in local shelters, visited nursing homes, and knocked on doors, offering literature and praying with people. Alvarez reflected on how residents of one nursing home were “moved to tears” after hearing the sermonette and music presented by the students.
A special thank you goes to the SLAMM clinicians who participated in this year’s Academy Connect: Kevin Bruce, Stephen Carlile, Kathleen Fitzgibbons, a church member who is a retired public school principal; Richard Sutton, Bermuda Institute art and design educator; Kirosha Sidelca, Kingdom Voice and Music founder; and Reynolds Rodriguez, New York Conference communication and Youth and Young Adult Ministries director. Appreciation is also extended to the chaplains/sponsors who traveled with the student leaders and supported this event.
