Fifteen Pacific Northwest academy students received the $500 Caring Heart Award scholarship, made possible through three-way funding from North Pacific Union, local conferences and academies.
Students were selected by their schools for exemplifying the spirit of the Caring Heart — a willingness to serve others. Each student is gifted with a plaque and an engraved Bible, courtesy of North American Division. The scholarship funds may be used toward tuition at an Adventist school or on a short-term mission trip.
Sarah Jane Hoehn
Sarah Jane Hoehn
Auburn Adventist Academy
Sarah Jane Hoehn, AAA junior, exemplifies the compassion, leadership and Christ-centered character that define the Caring Heart Award. An outstanding student and natural leader, Sarah Jane demonstrates both academic excellence and a deep commitment to serving others.
In the classroom, she is thoughtful, engaged and intellectually curious, often leading peers in meaningful discussion and collaborative study. Her teachers consistently note her dependability, discipline and desire to perform at the highest level.
Beyond academics, Sarah Jane’s faith is evident through her joyful service in church ministries, praise teams, Sabbath School and community outreach. As an associated student body officer, she brings enthusiasm, encouragement and genuine care to her classmates, working to make every student feel valued and included.
Sarah Jane’s kindness, humility and servant leadership reflect the love of Christ in action. AAA proudly nominates her for the Caring Heart Award.
Christina Franklin
Christina Franklin
Cascade Christian Academy
Christina Franklin, CCA junior, exemplifies the spirit of the Caring Heart Award. She consistently volunteers — offering her home for class vespers, speaking for worship and helping plan class and student association events — without being asked, and she follows through with excellence.
As class chaplain, she organizes meaningful vespers with games, music and fellowship, and she has shared sermons and her testimony at local churches. She has participated in two CCA mission trips to Belize and spent part of her summers at Young Disciple Camp. Christina is pursuing her Pathfinder Master Guide while mentoring younger Pathfinders.
She cares deeply for her classmates, planning events that bring them closer together and closer to Christ. Even when tasks stretch her comfort zone, she steps forward willingly. Kind, respectful and joyful, Christina was chosen for her genuine care and faithful service.
Faith Gale
Faith Gale
Columbia Adventist Academy
If you’re sitting and talking with a young student at CAA and they express love and concern for their fellow students, you haven’t narrowed the field much for a Caring Heart Award nominee, as it could be one of a plethora of seniors. If you hear them talking about their amazing family and of their deep love for God and the way they see Him working in their lives, you’ve narrowed it marginally.
If you know that they value being a visible leader and have been selected by their peers to fill that role and have been willing to accept an invitation to speak publicly about their Christian walk, then you’ve decreased the number of choices. If you find out that the student is so committed to Jesus that they’ve followed Him in baptism during their high school years, you’ve made great strides in determining who CAA’s choice is.
If, as a staff member, you were sitting and talking with this person when suddenly they looked at you and said, “Look, that student is eating lunch all alone. I’m going to go and talk with them,” then you’d know that our school’s choice for the Caring Heart Award is none other than Faith Gale, CAA senior. Her kind heart oozes; she is an unashamed disciple of Jesus, and we are unashamed to recognize her for this honor.
Meleah Bryson
Meleah Bryson
Gem State Adventist Academy
Meleah Bryson, GSAA junior who emanates kindness and an appreciation for life, is this year’s recipient of the Caring Heart Award. One teacher commented, “When Meleah smiles, it's straight from her heart.”
On campus, Meleah is very involved, participating in multiple music groups and with her class. She helps with Jam ‘n Bread vespers and has been involved in helping with the annual Idaho Youth Conference. She has written personal notes to everyone on campus.
Meleah’s experiences working at Camp Ida-Haven increased her confidence in God and in herself. Additionally, her own family is very important to her. Her words and her actions show much love and compassion for them.
Meleah’s positive attitude and care for others are evident to all. She is a shining example of someone making God first in her life.
Hannah Gabriel
Hannah Gabriel
Livingstone Adventist Academy
Hannah Gabriel, LAA junior, has been a part of the East Salem Church and LAA community since she was 8 years old, when her family moved across the country from Virginia. Since arriving at East Salem, Hannah has been an active participant in Pathfinders, now rising through Teen Leadership Training, where she helps to plan different activities for the club.
Hannah also takes an active role in music ministries as part of East Salem Church choir and singing with different praise groups, as well as playing violin and piano. She is also a leader for the LAA music ministries group, leading out in chapel and helping plan different praise songs each week along with the rest of the class. Hannah has also been a leader in athletics, playing both basketball and volleyball.
Hannah is an extremely ambitious and intelligent young woman who constantly seeks to do her best in all areas that she is able to. She does not limit herself or her abilities, but instead chooses to believe that God has given her the skills that she needs or the ability to learn those skills as well. Even though she has faced challenges, she strives to keep a positive mindset.
Having a caring heart is no surprise for Hannah who grew up in a family that stressed the importance of showing the love of God and care for those around her. She embodies that one of the best ways to have a caring heart is to try and share happiness and joy with everyone that you come into contact with. This is the kind of person Hannah is and why she is a deserving recipient of the Caring Heart Award.
Jesse Read
Jesse Read
Milo Adventist Academy
Jesse Read, MAA junior, is the recipient of this year’s Caring Heart Award for the genuine compassion and selflessness he demonstrates every day. Known across campus for treating everyone with dignity and respect, Jesse consistently stands up for others and makes people feel valued. He is a friend to all — especially those who may feel overlooked — and is intentional about including everyone.
Jesse has served as a class officer for the past two years, going above and beyond in his service to the Class of 2027. He also contributes through teaching Lego robotics, assisting with boys’ soccer, leading small group Sabbath School and serving on the school’s church media team.
Jesse hopes to pursue welding and become a heavy equipment diesel mechanic. He is the son of Josh and Sarah Read of Omak, Washington, and is truly a blessing to the MAA community.
Hannah Balatgek
Hannah Balatgek
Mount Ellis Academy
Hannah Balatgek, MEA senior, is like a sunny day. She faithfully uplifts those around her with a smile and kind comment, always striving to make sure those around her feel welcome to chat.
As a MEA senior, Hannah takes seriously her role as a school tone-setter for the younger students; she goes out of her way to befriend new students and invites to her lunch table anyone who is sitting alone. Each month, Hannah and her fellow Dynamics and Bellissimo students visit different churches across Montana to lead out in their worship services, and during the summer she works as a camp counselor.
MEA’s staff agrees that Hannah is an excellent example on our campus and it’s bittersweet to watch her graduate. Hannah is interested in continuing her music performance career. We wish her well!
CJ Nunez
CJ Nunez
Orcas Christian School
Born in Anacortes, Washington, and raised on Orcas Island, CJ Nunez, OCS junior, has grown into a young man whose faith quietly shapes everything he does at OCS. His relationship with Christ is not just something he talks about, but also something he lives out daily through kindness, responsibility and service.
On campus, CJ is known as a steady leader who encourages others and sets a positive example for his peers. He has a genuine heart for mission work and has been a strong source of support for fellow students preparing for mission trips.
During his time at OCS, he has personally participated in three mission trips to Eastern Oregon, Belize and Hawaii. Through these experiences, his faith has deepened and his desire to serve others has grown, leaving a lasting impact on both his school and the communities he has served.
Dannika AuDuong
Dannika AuDuong
Portland Adventist Academy
Dannika AuDuong, PAA senior, is this year’s Caring Heart Award winner. Intentional in her interactions, she listens first and truly notices people. Dannika brings a bubbly spirit and genuine joy that help others feel welcome and included. She builds community with thoughtful words and humor that lifts people up. Generous and attentive, she consistently seeks ways to serve.
A dreamer with a steady commitment to personal growth, Dannika speaks up for others and values inclusive spaces where everyone belongs. She participates fully in ministry through campus ministries leadership, local church involvement and PAA mission trips.
Dannika plans, leads, performs for and faithfully attends spiritual events, showing reliability and heart. In music, athletics and service, she models kindness, consideration and joy. Those who know her describe someone who notices needs, responds with care and inspires others to grow together in community.
Vanessa Zarabia
Vanessa Zarabia
Puget Sound Adventist Academy
Vanessa Zarabia, PSAA senior, is a kind and sensitive person. She senses when others are having a difficult day and will connect with them. Sometimes it is a simple hello and warm smile. At other times, she’ll ask questions to see if she can help in any way.
Around campus, she often smiles and laughs with others. Vanessa enjoys people and learning their stories. Whether it’s a few people or a larger gathering, she often brings enthusiasm and energy to the room.
Vanessa has a sincere desire to grow in her faith and asks good questions about the Bible, seeking to deepen her understanding and conviction. Her peers see her as one with a personal faith. As her last year at PSAA nears an end, she is considering the possibility of a career in nursing.
Cassidy Sharp
Cassidy Sharp
Rogue Valley Adventist Academy
Cassidy Sharp, RVAA senior, has been a wonderful addition to our campus. She loves to help out in all age groups and has been a tutor to several students in our elementary grades.
She has enthusiastically participated in each mission trip — first North Carolina after devastating hurricanes tore through that region, followed by her time in the Dominican Republic. Each time has made a lasting impression on her outlook and has been a guiding light for her future plans.
Cassidy hasn’t quite landed on the school she plans to attend, but she is confident in the plans God has in store for her.
Luis Cruz
Luis Cruz
Skagit Adventist Academy
Luis Cruz, SAA junior, is a bright and steady presence on our campus — a young man whose leadership is felt not only in his words, but also in the kindness and sincerity he brings to every interaction.
Luis carries a genuine love for Jesus and the gospel, and he shares that love with a beautiful openness. Whether he is preaching in local churches, helping lead spiritual life activities on campus, or offering encouragement to a classmate, Luis consistently looks for ways to let God’s light shine through him. His personal story is powerful, and he uses it thoughtfully to connect with others and point them toward hope.
He has been a meaningful part of student-led Weeks of Worship and traveled with SAA to Belize last spring on the school mission trip. His warmth and compassion made a lasting impression there — students in Belize were drawn to him and his presence brought joy wherever he went. The SAA school community is truly better because Luis is part of it.
SAA staff deeply appreciates Luis and the many ways he enriches our student body. We are grateful that we have one more year to watch him grow, lead and share his spiritual gifts before he graduates in June 2027.
Abdiel Castro Roodriguez
Abdiel Castro Rodriguez
Tualatin Valley Academy
Abdiel Castro Rodriguez, TVA junior, is a student who leads with humility, service and a genuine desire to help others. This year, he demonstrated initiative and leadership by partnering with another student to plan and organize a Bible study for students at our school, creating a space for encouragement and spiritual growth among his peers.
He is dependable and always ready to step in when help is needed. At school and at his church, he faithfully serves as a sound technician, using his skills behind the scenes to support others. His willingness to serve is evident in both big and small ways. When our school playground needed a team to help remove equipment, he immediately stepped forward without hesitation.
Through his humble character, steady work ethic and servant-hearted leadership, Abdiel sets a strong example for our school community.
Jacob Vandenburgh
Jacob Vandenburgh
Upper Columbia Academy
Jacob Vandenburgh, UCA senior, decided to trade the sunny beaches of Hawaii for the wheat fields of Spangle, Washington. Since his arrival junior year, UCA has felt the Holy Spirit work through his passionate, vibrant personality.
Jacob's bold love for Jesus shines through his service to others. He has served his peers as a resident assistant in the dorm and associated student body spiritual vice president and has been heavily involved in music and worship leadership.
Staff and students alike have been blessed by his attention to relationships, especially when he prays with others, no matter their class standing or age. Jacob's impact on our campus will leave a ripple effect of love, compassion and thrill for Jesus for years to come. Jacob plans to attend Pacific Union College after graduating from UCA in June.
Emma Oltman
Emma Oltman
Walla Walla Valley Academy
Emma Oltman, WWVA senior, is known for her heart of service and steady leadership. She takes every opportunity to check in on fellow students, both on and off campus, consistently demonstrating genuine care for those around her.
Emma serves quietly and faithfully — not for recognition, but from a sincere desire to help others feel accepted and valued. She has generously given her time, energy, resources and emotional support to ensure the people in her community feel seen and appreciated.
As senior class president and an associated student body officer, Emma leads with humility and purpose. She is also actively involved across campus as a baritone player in the band and a member of the varsity volleyball team. Through every role she holds, Emma exemplifies compassion, commitment and a deep dedication to uplifting others.
Adventist schools across the Northwest create active opportunities for Christian growth. Find a Northwest Adventist school near you at npuc.org/schools.
