Tammy Eliason was just 6 years old when her family moved to Sitka, Alaska, in 1960. Kenneth Kimball, her father, worked in the logging industry and was hired by the newly completed Alaska Lumber and Pulp Mill.
Eliason finished kindergarten in Sitka Public School before she and Karmon, her sister, were enrolled in the newly formed Sitka Adventist School. The little church located on Sawmill and Monastery Street was bustling with children, highlighting the clear need for a school. Eliason loved the one-room classroom with students of all ages, creating many happy memories from that time.
Lifelong friendships were made, and a strong spiritual foundation was created. She remains forever grateful to her parents for their sacrifices and to the dedicated teachers and staff who were committed to providing a nurturing Christian education.
Today, SAS is located in the same building as Sitka Adventist Church at 1613 Halibut Point Road. When Eliason later married and had three children, there was no doubt as to where they would begin their education. Jorgen, Nick and Lindy all completed eight years of elementary school at SAS and went on to attend Adventist academies and colleges.
Today, Eliason's grandchildren continue in Adventist education. Lindy's daughters, Grace Hansen, fourth-grade student, and Molly Hansen, first-grade student, are enrolled at SAS. Nick’s children currently attend College View Academy in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Why do parents choose Adventist education? Because they want their children to receive a Christ-centered education and have faith in the quality of the Adventist educational system. From her own experience, Eliason knows this is the best way to prepare for this world and the world to come.
Tammy (left) and Karmon (third from left) participate in a 1966 Pathfinder event.
Tammy Eliason (left) prepares gift baskets for holiday workers with her granddaughters and Sitka Church friends.
This is the first church in Sitka, Alaska, which served as both a house of worship and a local school.
