Lacy Huston, a Gem State Adventist Academy senior, came to the boarding school as a Junior. It was not long before she was a connected and active part of the school family. Now she can’t imagine being anywhere else, and is grateful for the opportunity.
Lacy lived in Salmon, Idaho, most of her life. She attended the Adventist elementary school for several years before going to the local public high school.
Overtime, Lacy became increasingly unhappy. Disliking school, feeling friendless and finding no interest in extracurriculars like sports, she could feel herself shutting down. She brought her struggles to God in prayer.
Having memories of attending special events at GSAA — like the Cool Ringings Bell Festival and Academy Day — Lacy felt she really wanted to be there. But she also wanted to follow God’s plan for her life.
“Lord," she prayed, "If you want me there, please show me. If not, I will try to be happy to stay here.”
Like Gideon in the Bible, she put out a fleece, telling God that if one person in her church family were to ask if she was going to go to GSAA, she would take that as a sign to pursue it.
Several weeks passed without a mention. But then, at a church event, someone approached Lacy and asked about GSAA. Before the event was over, two more people mentioned GSAA to her!
Excited to see God working to answer her prayers, Lacy spoke to her parents about her prayer and her desire to attend GSAA. A plan was set in motion to make it possible.
When Lacy's parents drove away from the school, she sat in her dorm room and began to feel nervous. She wondered if she had made the right decision. Moments later, there was a knock on the door. It was Sierra Davis, a senior, who warmly welcomed Lacy and invited her to come play volleyball.
It didn't take long for Lacy to connect with new friends and feel like she fit in. She even joined the volleyball team and later the basketball team. She says the sports program has a good atmosphere and feels like family to her.
Lacy said her grandma believes attending GSAA has made her blossom. Lacy agrees.
Bible class has made an especially great impact on Lacy's Christian walk. Lacy says she has new understandings about God and has spiritually matured in ways she would not have, had she stayed in her public school.
Lacy continues to see herself growing, moving forward and feeling happy in her environment at GSAA. She believes hers is a miracle story, and she is happy to share it. She is grateful to her family and the Salmon church family for their love and support, while Gem State students and staff are grateful for Lacy's presence in the school family.
Lacy on campus
Lacy (far right) singing with senior praise team at Senior Recognition weekend
Lacy on campus
Lacy makes a play during a volleyball match.
Lacy and her mom stop for a photo during Senior Night volleyball.
