Columbia Adventist Academy (CAA) in Battle Ground, Wash., is blessed to have an increase in the number of students this year but as we all know, “it’s quality, not quantity.” This truism is supported by biblical stories like Gideon and the small gathering in the upper room prior to Pentecost with the ensuing outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Recently, CAA’s chapel highlighted two of our many quality students. Hayden Sherrill is a senior who enjoys academics, sports, videography, leadership and being actively involved in spiritual activities, especially drama. Sherrill’s love of leadership and wanting to use his gifts in that area have led to many offices over the years, and this year Sherrill is the senior class president, a campus ministries member and the student director of media marketing. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and Knowledge Bowl, a group of students involved in academic competitions with other local high schools. His recognition could have been in any one of those areas, but it was his PSAT scores that led to his receiving a National Merit Scholar commendation. Principal Gene Heinrich awarded him his certificate, recognizing his academic excellence.
Jazmine Shepard, known by her friends as Jazzy, is also a senior and multitalented, enjoying academics, sports and leadership. She has held many class offices and is currently senior class public relations. Her outgoing personality is contagious, and her motivation to pursue knowledge has her taking advanced placement classes and online classes. She enjoys reading books whenever she has a spare moment, which isn’t often due to her unique interest. Shepard is a fencer and spends much of her time practicing épée and traveling to tournaments, often on the East Coast. In October, Shepard entered a tournament in Anaheim, Calif., and after several direct eliminations found herself competing for and winning the gold medal in the Women’s Division I Tournament. “It was really fun as that’s the best result I’ve had to this point,” she says. Heinrich made the announcement about her accomplishment to the student body in chapel and showed a video of Shepard’s final competition.
Heinrich concluded the awards by sharing that two other seniors, Nick Squires and Garret Cocklin, had been awarded soccer scholarships following the recent Walla Walla University Friendship Tournament. CAA is indeed blessed. Thank you, God, and “go Kodiaks!”
CAA principal Gene Heinrich announces Jazmine Shepard's fencing accomplishment.
Gene Heinrich, CAA principal, announces the National Merit Scholar commendation for Hayden Sherrill.
