The value of Adventist Christian education was certainly affirmed by North Puget Adventist Junior Academy/Skagit Adventist School’s 40th anniversary celebration weekend. As past and present students, teachers, principals and constituents gathered at the North Cascade Church on Nov. 14, 2004, it was a time of homecoming and praising the Lord for 40 years of continuous Adventist education being offered at 530 N. Section St., Burlington, Wash.
The celebration began with a joint church service of the Mt. Vernon Church and the North Cascade Church, formerly known as the Sedro-Woolley Church. During the worship service, Anita Hilde Lang shared historical insights of Adventist education in the area, which dates back to the early 1900s. The service also included remarks from former principals, a video collage of images created by the family of Sheryl Kidrick, weekend coordinator; and an uplifting sermon from Gary Fogelquist, current North Cascade pastor, who explored the reasons why Skagit Adventist School has literally doubled in size during the last seven years of its existence.
The worship service was followed by a potluck dinner held at the school gym. The gym was full as former classmates and teachers shared their memories. After dinner guests were able to tour the current facilities, including the new five-room addition added last summer. The celebration continued into the evening with a special talent show. The weekend ended with the annual school auction on Sunday. Supporters set new records by donating more than $40,000 for the school!
The 40th anniversary celebration highlighted how the Lord has blessed Adventist education in the area. It was evident throughout the weekend that the Lord has blessed in the past, is blessing in the present, and will continue blessing in the future as the little two-room school house has grown up to the point that the current K–10 program is being converted to full senior academy status within the next year or two! Praise the Lord for His blessings of Adventist education in this corner of the Washington Conference.
North Puget Adventist Junior Academy, 1964.
Skagit Adventist School, 2004.
