The doorbell rings. As the front door opens, the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls fills the air. A few more students manage to find a place on the floor of the living room, and everyone begins to sing. “Day is Dying in the West” welcomes in the Sabbath hours, announcing the beginning of a much loved tradition. Faculty home vespers has begun.
Auburn Adventist Academy (AAA) is a school devoted to building relationships and creating a sense of family on campus. Faculty home vespers is one of many activities that does just that. ASB Handshake, orientation group-building games, the “Getting to Know You” party, a Sabbath picnic at Lake Sammamish Park, and a weekend spent at Sunset Lake are just a few of the many opportunities provided for students and faculty to get to know each other at the beginning of a school year.
Jessica Noyer, AAA sophomore, shares her experience of coming to Auburn. “On the first day of school, a student came up to me and introduced himself. I was so surprised to be approached by another student. It made me feel really welcome. I’m really glad I came to AAA.”
Dormitory life also greatly affects the atmosphere at AAA. Both the ladies' and mens' deans work hard to create a home environment where young people can feel like they belong. Even years later, after graduation, AAA alumni remember their dorm family with fondness. “The best thing about attending Auburn is the lasting friendships,” said Ronda McKey ('91). “When you get to live with the same people that you go to school with, you really bond with them.”
For the past 87 years, Auburn Adventist Academy has been providing quality Christian education to thousands of young people while giving students opportunities to build lasting friendships.
AAA students pause for a picture together during the weekend retreat at Sunset Lake.
Students play for the title in a foursquare volleyball game at the ASB "Getting to Know You" party
Amy Alderman (left) and Marina Jorgenson are happy to see each other again on the first day of school.
