Gem State Adventist Academy Welcomes New Principal

Peter McPherson, a 1991 graduate of Gem State Adventist Academy, has accepted the invitation of the Operating Board and K–12 Board of Education to become the next GSAA principal. He assumed his responsibilities on July 1.

McPherson has a degree in history and a masters in teaching with an administrator credential from Walla Walla University. After teaching for six years at Newbury Park Adventist Academy in Newbury Park, Calif., he moved to Livingstone Adventist Academy in Salem, Ore., where he has led the history department for the past three years.

Becoming GSAA principal has long been a dream for McPherson. His initial plans include facilitating communication between the various entities of the Idaho Conference. He plans to spend time with the pastors, the elementary school teachers and with the leaders of Camp Ida-Haven and KTSY. He says, "By working together we can enhance enrollment at Gem State. I am excited to come home to Idaho and to my alma mater."

McPherson also worked 16 summers at Camp Ida-Haven. His responsibilities included serving as assistant director and leading the white-water-rafting program. During one summer, Heather Lambie joined the staff at Ida-Haven. After camp season, Peter and Heather stayed in touch and, in 2003, the couple was married at Camp Ida-Haven. Heather is an elementary teacher.

Welcome, Peter and Heather! The couple asks for your prayers as they begin their work at Gem State.

Featured in: September 2008

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