Portland Adventist Academy’s Committee of 100 met recently for their fourth annual meeting and brunch. At that time, they were able to distribute more than $26,000 to various projects requested by PAA staff members.
The Committee of 100 was an idea of Ann Axt while she was the academy's development director. Membership is available to anyone who pays the annual dues of $500, which are distributed to the academy with other contributions. "It isn’t often that one gets to give a modest amount and then be able to help decide the distribution of such a large amount of money," explained Axt.
Since its inception, the committee has raised $76,000 for academy projects. The school’s faculty and staff present the project ideas, from computer software and accessories to equipment and remodeling. Each project must enrich the ability of the academy to develop its students for service to their Lord and the Adventist Church.
One committee project awards a scholarship to a junior who will return for his or her senior year. The scholarship has benefited three students already, and a fourth will be chosen this spring.
Cliff Davis, a 1989 PAA graduate, is the president for the 2004–05 year. His goal will be to increase membership and thereby increase the amount that can be distributed to the academy for these special projects.
Terry Verlo, PAA science teacher, gets acquainted with DNA testing equipment purchased by the Committee of 100.
