Renaissance Network to Aid Three Adventist Secondary Schools in 2013-14
by Monte Sahlin
AT News Team, October 1, 2013
Thunderbird Adventist Academy in Arizona, Madison Academy near Nashville and Hinsdale Adventist Academy in the suburbs of Chicago have been selected as pilot schools in the Renaissance Network launched by the Alumni Awards Foundation. "Our goal is to see Adventist schools thriving, developing our future church and serving as lights in their communities," stated the foundation leadership.
Specific objectives of the initiative were developed from focus group interviews conducted over the summer by foundation staff with faculty on each campus exploring four basic questions: "(1) What are the attributes of a healthy, excellent Adventist K-12 school? (2) What obstacles or barriers prevent your school from thriving? (3) What is needed to overcome the barriers you have identified? (4) Going forward, what can the Renaissance Network do for you, your colleagues and your school to make it vibrant and excellent?"
In July the principals, business managers and other administrators from the three schools met at the foundation office in Chattanooga. "It was exciting to see the collaboration," a foundation spokesperson said of this planning session. The objectives were refined with this group.
The Alumni Awards Foundation includes alumni leaders from Seventh-day Adventist schools across North America. Earlier this year it announced ten teachers who received top honors for 2013. It is seeking nominations for awards next year. If you want more information, a worksheet to nominate a teacher for an award or to make a donation to support these efforts, you can contact the foundation online at https://www.alumniawards.org or by phone at (423) 308-1855.