Caring Heart Award

Eleven Northwest academy students were recipients of the 2003 Caring Heart Award, which is funded by a private foundation and the North American Division. These students were selected by their schools for exemplifying the spirit of the Caring Heart—a willingness to serve others. Each student received a $500 scholarship to be used toward tuition at an Adventist school or on a short-term mission trip.

Jesse Thomas is the first Caring Heart Award winner from the newest academy in the North Pacific Union Conference—Orcas Christian School. The son of Burke and Barabara Thomas, Jesse is bound for Trinity Western University next year. A mission trip to Mexico, care for the elderly and community clean-up projects were just a few of his many activities.

Desiree Danielson came to Cascade Christian Academy from British Columbia. Daughter of Kent Danielson and Barbara Parzak, she is planning to study drama in college as a way of reaching others for Christ. Mission trips to Costa Rica and Africa and participation in her church’s video ministry filled a lot of time for this bubbly, outgoing young lady.

Walla Walla College is the destination of Tobi Foster, daughter of Rick and Wendy Foster. She was a consistent and very busy spiritual leader at Milo Adventist Academy and participated in Oregon Youth Challenge for two summers. Her mission trip to Belize inspired her to become involved in mission work after graduation from college.

Jacque Giem’s love for children has inspired her to attend Andrews University where she will major in psychology and eventually get a master’s degree in elementary school counseling. She has been a Pathfinder leader, has helped with Vacation Bible School for three years, has taught handbells to children and has gone on two mission trips while at Gem State Adventist Academy. Her parents are Ross and Jodi Giem of Meridian, Idaho.

A degree in elementary education from Walla Walla College is the goal of Nichole Golden, 2003 graduate of Columbia Adventist Academy. She participated in three mission trips to the Appalachians sponsored by the Meadow Glade Church and has been an outdoor school counselor. Nichole is the daughter of Julie Williams and Gary Golden.

Jason King, son of Larry and Debbie King, plans to attend Southern Adventist University to prepare to be either a teacher or pastor. Throughout his years at Mt. Ellis Academy he served as chaplain of his class and the associated student body. He also volunteered to preach in several area churches that had the services of a regular pastor only once a month.

Walla Walla Valley Academy’s winner is Benjamin Morris, son of Robert and Monique Morris. His future plans include developing his musical skills and branching into areas such as psychology, sociology and aviation. He was a recognized spiritual leader on campus as well as being involved in the Big Brother/Big Sister organization.

Emily Peterson has made two trips to Peru where she has helped boys and girls in a Lima orphanage. She plans to major in social work and minor in Spanish so that she can return there or go to another country to help those in need. Her parents are Ken and Claudia Peterson, members of the Oasis Christian Center, and she is a 2003 graduate of Portland Adventist Academy.

Becky Rode, daughter of Emil and Phillis Rode of Vernonia, Oregon, attended Puget Sound Adventist Academy for the past two years. She spent three summers working with Northwest Youth Challenge, spoke for Revelation seminars, and served on mission trips to the Philippines and Costa Rica while working her way through school. Law is her chosen profession.

Chester and Cindy Schurch are the parents of Angela Schurch, Auburn Adventist Academy’s winner. She is planning to pursue a nursing degree at Southern Adventist University. Angela was nominated because of her leadership in spiritual and musical activities on campus and her willingness to help others whenever needed.

Phillip Sherwood will be returning to Upper Columbia Academy this fall for his senior year and is planning to use his scholarship on a mission trip. He has been active in the prayer ministry, spoke for week of prayer and participated in other spiritual and musical activities. Has parents are Thomas and Doreen Sherwood of Pasco, Wash.

Elaine Bradshaw is North Pacific Union Conference Office of Education administrative assistant and registrar. She writes from Gresham, Oregon.