Junior High Renovation Ribbon Cutting

The event, held on October 11th, 2023, was a celebration of the school's dedication to fostering a holistic educational experience that blends scientific exploration with the richness of the humanities. The atmosphere was electric as guests, including community members, teachers, and students, gathered under a canopy of colorful balloons and a vibrant red carpet.

The renovations, completed in the summer of 2023, transformed the second floor of the Junior High gymnasium into the new STEM Wing, while the Humanities Wing received its facelift the previous summer. The new spaces incorporated modern design elements, including carefully selected colors, furniture, and classroom layouts, aimed at inspiring students in their learning journey. These upgrades were a long-awaited necessity, as the old classrooms, dating back to the 1950s, were no longer equipped to support the evolving curriculum and the needs of modern-day learners. Principal Sovory addressed the challenges faced in previous classrooms, stating, "Our teachers did their best to provide hands-on learning experiences in their previous classrooms, but students had to work on desk tops or floor spaces. Now, they have the room and the materials to effectively participate in hands-on learning."

The new Science and Technology labs have already facilitated engaging experiments, including exploring photosynthesis and the carbon cycle, measuring velocity with matchbox cars, and designing prototypes for water bottle lids.

The renovations also catered to the school's staff, providing a dedicated lounge for teachers to connect and relax, as well as an improved office space designed for collaboration and parent meetings.

"This is the culmination of countless prayers, planning, and generous support from donors for this project," said Amy Sovory, Principal of the Junior High. "We wanted to celebrate and reflect on the blessing of both of these new spaces for our Junior High campus."

The program commenced with a warm welcome from Loma Linda Academy Board Chair, Paul Herrmann, followed by an opening prayer from Vice-Board Chair, Angela Lalas. Datha Tickner, Superintendent of Schools of the Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SECC), provided a brief history of the project, while Iveth Valenzuela, Head of Schools, elaborated on how these renovations align with the school's TK-12 Vision.

Principal Sovory delved into the intricacies of the renovation process, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. The program concluded with acknowledgments from Valenzuela and a prayer of dedication by Verlon Strauss, Treasurer of the SECC.

Anticipation filled the air as honored guests and principals approached the stage for the much-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony. After a ceremonious countdown, the ribbon was cut, marking the official opening of the new wings. Applause erupted, symbolizing a new chapter for Loma Linda Academy Junior High.

Guests were then invited to embark on group tours of the Innovation Lab, three classrooms, and two labs in the STEM Wing, followed by a visit to the Humanities Wing and the new front office. Leading these tours were Junior High students handpicked for their leadership and character, part of the school's Student Ambassador program. Dressed in their blue ambassador shirts and proudly holding LLA flags, these students introduced each classroom, explaining the ongoing projects and showcasing the innovative learning taking place within those walls.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours served as a testament to Loma Linda Academy's unwavering commitment to providing its students with a learning environment that fosters both academic excellence and personal growth. The new STEM and Humanities Wings stand as symbols of the school's dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared to make a positive impact on the world.