Oregon Conference Educational Superintendent Gale Crosby contacted Randy Thornton, Milo Adventist Academy principal, with some unbelievable news. An anonymous donor was willing to sponsor an unlimited number of Adventist ninth graders currently not attending an Adventist school. It seemed too good to be true that someone would give such a huge gift — tuition, room, board and even books would be covered! This was an answer to prayer for many families who wanted to have their children attending an Adventist academy, but couldn’t afford to send them.
Carlos Lopez says since coming to Milo “I changed my character a lot. I used to have so many problems and now they seem like they’re gone. Milo has changed me spiritually.”
Brianna Hempstead had four family members and a teacher that attended Milo. She always wanted to go to Milo but thought that it would be impossible until hearing about this scholarship opportunity. Brianna says what she likes best about Milo is “the people here are always there for you.”
Noahnna Fullmer loves the location out in the country and that there is always something exciting going on. She says since enrolling at Milo “I’ve grown closer to God and I’ve become more myself.”
Tori Obersinner also says she has gotten closer to God in many ways at Milo, and appreciates the opportunity to pray with other people who have a close relationship with him. Tori’s favorite thing about Milo is being able to work and be around the horses in Milo’s horsemanship program.
Taleigha Schnoor applied for the scholarship because she believed attending Milo would help her life and relationship with God. She reports that is exactly what has happened. She especially enjoys attending worships and vespers, as well as the new friends and experiences she has had.
Benjamin Solorio enjoys being at a school where “everybody knows everybody” and says he has become more bold (in a good way). Benji credits his mom and Pastor Del Griebel for encouraging him to apply at Milo. Griebel is grateful to the donor for providing these scholarships. “I was one of those sponsored kids,” he says. “It changed my life.”
(Back row, from left) Carlos Lopez, Benjamin Solorio, Johnathan Dever and Austin Spencer.
(Front row, from left) Tori Obersinner, Noahnna Fullmer, Jessica Jackson, Brianna Hempstead and Taleigha Schnoor. (Not pictured) Noah Howard.
