Auburn Students Live Their Mission

Earlier in the 2010–2011 academic year, Auburn Adventist Academy students selected a vision statement — "United in passion for Christ." However, they decided to wait and consider four mission-statement options.

Students and faculty recently voted on the school's mission statement and selected: "Our mission is to seek divine wisdom, inspire innovative minds and build eternal relationships."

Mission in Action

Two recent community service activities highlight how students are putting the mission statement into action.

In early January, 30 students and faculty planted 300–400 trees and shrubs along the White River Trail. Students dug holes, planted trees and spread mulch to help not only beautify the trail, but to keep it from deteriorating.

Mike Miller, City of Auburn, Wash., parks maintenance manager, was amazed by the students' efficiency and expressed what a pleasure it was for him to work with the academy students. Miller invited Jennifer Woody, AAA campus ministries director, to bring back student volunteers to help with additional projects.

In mid-January, 99 students registered to donate blood during AAA's annual blood drive. Fifty-six of these students were first-time donors.

"I was in awe at how brave and generous the students were," says Yamileth Klingstrand, AAA student health-services director. "They never fail to amaze me."

AAA continues to find creative ways to live out its mission and reach out to the community.

Featured in: March 2011

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