GSAALINKEngaging in ser vice. Training for leadership. Preparing for eternity. Fall 2013

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I just love this time of year—crisp mornings, beautiful colored

trees and the anticipation of changing seasons as we head into

Snowboarding Season, also known as winter. There have been

some changes at GSAA this year as well. These changes include

Patricia Fitting, a certified History teacher, now teaching World

History and Wayne Wentland joining the school as our new

principal.

Patricia, the wife of Matt Fitting, Head Residence Hall Dean,

received her B.S. in history at Portland State University and then

attended Southern Adventist University to receive her teaching

credentials. History is her passion and she is excited about the

privilege of teaching at GSAA.

Mr. Wentland is the former superintendent of the Oregon

Conference. Prior to being a superintendent he has been a boys’

dean and principal of four boarding academies including GSAA.

Wayne arrived on campus the first week in November and is happy

to be back “home” at GSAA. He is looking forward to connecting

with each of the students’ parents just to get to know them and to

hear what they have to say about GSAA and their children.

We also want to congratulate Todd Driver for finishing his master’s

degree in curriculum and instruction. Mr. Driver’s expertise will

help to develop our GSAA teachers’ effectiveness in teaching and

strengthen their curriculum design.

This year has also brought some

challenges as well. With only 54

students we are looking at a

$120,000 shortfall. While this is a

substantial amount, I am sure we

will be able to meet this challenge

through God’s blessings. The

real challenge is to make GSAA more institutionally self-sufficient

financially. This will require some out-of-the-box thinking, input

from stakeholders and our best business minds available. More

than these, we must prayerfully seek God’s will and humbly study

His Word and the educational writings of Ellen White.

Therefore, I am asking you as supporters of GSAA to pray, not

just for our school’s immediate financial needs but also for God’s

solutions to our long term goals of providing Adventist Christian

education that is affordable for all who want it, and that all GSAA

students will find a born-again relationship with God and will share

this great news with others.

Thank you and God bless.

Carpe Diem

Wayne Wentland GSAA Principal

May I suggest a motto for all of us to

follow: “Carpe diem,” seize the day.

Success in life depends on good choices.

Each day we are preparing for a new

challenging and changing world. All of us

can remember how things used to be.

With God’s direction, a Christian home

and school can shape our future. Very

soon we will be facing New Year’s

resolutions. New opportunities will be

available. So how will we respond?

The past is gone and the

future is yet to come. God

has given us today and it is

up to us to decide what we

will do with it. We should be

able to say, “Welcome to the

first day of the rest of my life.”

Every journey starts with one step, take it

now.

Let me invite you to make a daily

commitment to follow the true, accurate

and original G.P.S. guidance system that

never fails: that still small voice calling us

to follow in His footsteps.

When we yield to the

spirit we will not and

cannot fail. It is then and

only then that we can truly

seize the day.

Let a new beginning take place in our

lives. Let the new day begin with joy and

excitement. The journey is in His hands. So

let’s follow the signs sent by the Spirit as we

travel along by seizing the day through Him.

A Note From the Superintendent

Patrick Frey Superintendent of Schools Idaho Conference of Adventists

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“There’s a School That We Love!” Gem

State Adventist Academy. Just the

name evokes memories for each of us.

Good memories, great memories, and,

yes, maybe some memories that we’d

rather forget! We came from varied

backgrounds—some of us were farm kids,

some city kids—but we came together to

get an education. Not only did we come

to study math, science, English, history,

shop, and home ec., but most importantly

we came for the opportunities that Gem

State had to offer that we couldn’t get in

the public schools. We came for the Bible

classes, daily worship, and vespers. Here

we were in an environment where it was

okay to have open discourse about God.

Here we had teachers who would pray

with us and who encouraged us in our

individual walk with God. It was a place to

grow in the Lord!

Gem State remains a blessed place of

opportunity. As my own son begins his

journey at GSAA this year, I am reminded

of the incredible dedication that was

exhibited by our teachers when we

attended. I am reminded because I see

that same dedication in the current faculty

and staff. I know that my son is being given

the same opportunities that I was given

30 years ago. The opportunity to worship

and to pray, but most importantly the

opportunity to become a man who will

walk with God!

Alumni weekend is fast approaching and

the alumni officers are working hard to

plan an event to remember! We look

forward to seeing each of you April

4–6, 2014, to get reacquainted and to

reminisce. Put the date on your calendar

and plan to be here!

Wayne Herbel, Class of 1984 Alumni Association President

Patricia Fitting is our new

world history teacher. Up

until two years ago she

was the Head Girls’ Dean at

Monterey Bay Academy. Before that, she worked

at Portland Adventist Medical Center until the

Lord called her for a higher purpose: teaching

history to teenagers! Patricia attended Portland

State University, obtained a B.S. in history, and

then went on to Southern Adventist University

for her teaching credentials. History is one of

Patricia’s passions, and she feels privileged to be

teaching it at GSAA. The most important thing

to Patricia is to reflect Jesus Christ and for each

student to have a personal relationship with

Him. She is married to Matthew Fitting, GSAA’s

Head Residence Hall Dean, and they have twin

two-year-old daughters: Aubrey and Autumn.

Patricia enjoys watching football—Go Patriots!—

cooking, swimming, playing games with friends

and family, and learning about U.S. history.

This is Allison Berger’s

first year at Gem State

working in the dormitory.

She is thrilled for the

opportunity to get involved and be part of the

students’ high school experience! She is a 2013

graduate from Walla Walla University with a

degree in commercial art and a minor in history.

She loves cats, cooking, and crafts (anything

creative!), taking pictures, and enjoying many

diverse friendships. During her time at WWU,

Allison was a freshman-hall RA, a layout

designer for the school newspaper, and a tutor

for English and writing. One of her favorite

college experiences was being involved in the

select choir, I Cantori, for 4 years. Allison looks

forward to a positive and fun-filled school year

ahead, wanting to be aware of God’s guiding and

loving care in each of our lives.

Allie Suppé is a junior at

Walla Walla University,

currently pursuing

degrees in both history and

English in hopes of becoming an attorney. She

enjoys sports, especially softball and volleyball,

and cannot wait to participate in the coaching

at GSAA. She is an avid skier of Schweitzer

Mountain and is very excited to ski at the new

resorts Southern Idaho has to offer. Not only

does she love to participate in sports, she loves

to watch them as well. Having grown up in the

Bay Area of California, she is a San Francisco

fan indefinitely. She is very excited to partake

in the 2013–14 school year at GSAA, and create

relationships with the students that will

last a lifetime.

New Faces

A Place to Grow in the Lord

“Dear Ol’

Gem State,

Our Pride

and Our

School!”

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The smell of fresh, hot tamales wafted

through the air, surrounded by the

laughter and happy conversations of an

entertained crowd. Gem State’s annual

Fall Festival was in full swing.

When leaves begin to change into their

colorful winter coats, pumpkin pies and

holiday preparations begin to fill up the

calendars of families all around the

Treasure Valley. But for the families and

students of Gem State Adventist Academy,

a very special date is circled in red: the last

Sunday of October, the night of our Fall Fest.

Fall Fest has been a tradition for as long as

our school can remember. It is an event

looked forward to and stressed over by

students and teachers alike. It is a night of

delicious food, themed activities, games,

prizes and great company, put on by the

classes and their sponsors for families,

friends and community members. “It has

a way of bringing the community together

and reflects the students’ dedication to

GSAA,” commented senior Jen Knott. “Fall

Fest will put a smile on everyone’s faces

and fun is guaranteed!”

This year our theme was “A Country

Fair.” It was planned, organized and led

out by the Junior class, Class of 2015,

with Class President Ahe Leoiki at the

head of the extravaganza. With the help

of her sponsors, Dan Ross and Denise

Serack, and her class at her beck and

call, she organized sixteen fun-filled

and oh-so-delicious booths. There was a

bouncy house, a full working trebuchet,

homemade ice-cream, elephant ears,

fresh tamales, homemade strawberry

lemonade and much more. A pie eating

contest, gunny sack races, and a donut

eating contest were thrown into the mix,

with KTSY station manager and radio talent

Brian Yeager as the evening’s emcee. Each

of the classes had at least one booth and

were all able to participate in the

fun-filled night.

When asked how she was feeling now

that it was over, Ahe Leoiki said, “I’m

completely relieved. I can’t believe we

were able to pull it off with a smaller class.

I’m so proud! The turnout was great and it

went over really well. I heard nothing but

compliments. It was such a blessing.”

Fall Fest not only brings the families and

the community of our school together, but

it brings the faculty and students closer.

Through the stress, the chaos, the laughter

and the memories made, we grow

together and become an even stronger

school.

As a senior at Gem State, this year is full

of many last times and yet it is overflowing

with many new beginnings. Surrounded

by all the fun and laughter, I couldn’t help

thinking to myself how it would be my last

Fall Fest and yet for the freshmen class,

it would be the first of many. I have many

amazing memories of the past four years,

and the four Fall Fests I have had the

privilege of being a part of are some of

the best. Fall is a time of thanksgiving, fun,

family, friends and food. What better way

to celebrate that than with Gem State at

our annual Fall Festival!

GSAA’s Annual Fall Festival

Sheann Brandon, Senior

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Heaven’s DoorOn August 28, 2013, the door to the

heavens opened at Camp Ida-Haven. I was

baptized. At the beginning of my junior

year, when I was struggling with my life,

I first heard the word “baptism.” I didn’t

know anything about it, but it was powerful

enough to make me attend an on-campus

Bible study group. A year of studying

the Bible with Pastor Tommy completely

changed my life. I felt God telling me to

come closer to Him. When I arrived at

Camp, I was excited yet scared. However,

with everyone’s support, I walked into the

water. When I came out from the water, I

heard everyone welcoming me. I was born

again. When I asked Pastor Tommy how he

felt about my baptism he said, “Good. I was

To see a video of Kitae’s baptism, along with other videos highlighting the GSAA experience, visit www.vimeo.com/gsaa.

excited for the decision you made. Since

then I’ve seen positive attitudes and great

decisions. It set the tone for the school

year.” I just started my journey with God,

but I am not afraid because I know that He

will be with me no matter what happens.

I want to thank my Gem State friends and

the faculty who helped me make

this decision.

Born Again is not only our school’s theme for the 2013–14 school year but it is also our theme song. This theme has impacted a lot of people, including me, in a positive way. “Born again” is making a change for the better. It is taking a stand to be different and giving up our old selfish ways.

We have all seen or heard about all the

many changes at Gem State Adventist

Academy this year, but we have to trust

in God and know that He will take care of

us. In order to grow we need to be born

again. For me personally, this school has

helped me grow in so many ways. From

my freshman year to my senior year, I

have seen many changes take place.

The decline of students has discouraged

many of us, but the students that still

remain are awesome kids who have made

a difference in my life. This school has

taught me so much—not just academically

but also about myself—and I am so

thankful that I have had the opportunity to

come to this school.

The Student Association (SA) came up with

the theme for this year. When asked what

“Born Again” meant to her, SA President

Sierra Driver said, “Being born again

means being born through Christ, dying to

self, and living through Him.” In John 3:3 it

says, “Jesus answered and said unto him,

verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man

is born again, he cannot see the kingdom

of God.” Let’s all come together and live in

a way that God would be proud to call us

His children.

Kitae Kim, Senior

Born Again

Jen Knott, Senior

“It feels like I’m born again;

It feels like I’m living

For the very first time,

For the very first time,

In my life.” —Third Day

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Gem State Adventist Academy. New

Mission Statement. New Year.

New Opportunities.

The Academy has been taking big leaps of

faith in service to others this year. Our new

mission statement is “Engaging in Service.

Training for Leadership. Preparing for

Eternity.” As a student body we have been

reaching out to the community more in

many different ways.

Once a month we take the time after

lunch on Friday to reach out to the

community through service projects and

visiting our local elementary schools.

At the end of October, students went to

the Boise Central Church to lead in song

service and to share their faith. “It was a

good experience to share my thoughts on

Salvation,” said senior Morghin Small on

speaking in front of church. Senior Jolene

Knott added, “It has given the school a

whole new perspective on service

to others.”

Our chaplain, Pastor Tommy Poole,

expanded on the new mission statement:

“The staff got together and thought about

what Gem State does well and also the

question: ‘What do we want to be known

for?’ We knew we wanted to incorporate

more service opportunities. Academics

and a spiritual campus has always been

a priority, so with the right phrasing, we

came up with our new mission statement.”

We are reaching out to the community

more and making big changes here at

Gem State Adventist Academy!

New Opportunities on the Rise

Gabriel Ceniceros, Senior

missed being in the classroom. After

building 50 homes, he finally retired.

Ray, along with his wife Betty, enjoyed

traveling with Maranatha and

participated in 15 mission trips

to 12 different countries where

he shared his construction skills. Ray

loves old cars, owns a couple, and has

restored one Model-A, in particular, at

least twice! He and Betty live in

Nampa, ID and have four grown

children: Tod (and Tracy) Spainhower, Kevin (and

Dee) Spainhower, Kris Fosness, and Kelly (and Ray)

Northhouse. They have seven grandchildren, and

seven great-grandchildren.

Ray Blue, Faculty 1970–92, taught math, physics, and

computer science. Ray’s lifelong passion was

teaching, and he has fond memories of

Gem State Adventist Academy because he

enjoyed being a part of the students’

lives. He especially enjoyed the science

trips and mission trips, and watching the

transformation of students as they matured

from freshmen into graduating seniors. Following a triple-

bypass surgery in 1992 when his doctor advised he take a less

stressful job, Ray entered the field of home construction, but

Ray & Betty Blue, 1980

Staff from the Past

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Kristen Taylor, 2000,

is currently serving

as the head dean of

women at Walla Walla

University. After receiving

her undergraduate degree at Walla

Walla, she worked as dean of women at

Indiana Academy and Southern Adventist

Nancy (Crisp) Worley,

1968, earned her physical

therapy degree at Loma

Linda University and

served in that field for 40

years. Nancy lives in Roseburg, OR. She

and her husband, George Worley, had

two sons, Steven and David, and eight

grandchildren, which are the light of her

life! In recent years, Nancy and George

found their most soul-satisfying fun when

they started serving the Lord in 2001 in the

mission field during short-term mission

trips to India. George passed away in 2007,

Tony Carter, 1981, lives in

Kent, WA with his wife,

Juls, and his daughter,

Rylee. Tony has worked

as a professional dog

trainer and handler for almost 25 years.

His career has taken him to Miami, FL

and Fairbanks, AK and many places in

between. Tony specializes in “working

after 33½ years of marriage, and Nancy

continued their mission work after that.

In all, they helped establish 25 churches

and lead many people to Christ. Nancy

says the best thing was seeing God

work miracles in impossible situations

for His glory. Sometimes they witnessed

audio-visual equipment working with no

electricity, or incredible responses to the

Holy Spirit in which snake-worshiping

communities would see 500 baptisms

and idol-worshiping families would

throw all their age-old family idols into

the river. Space here does not permit

Alumni Highlights

University before returning back to the

Northwest. Kristen was inspired to pursue

her career in deaning after returning

to Gem State Adventist Academy as a

Task Force Dean during the 2002–03

school year, where some of her fondest

memories of GSAA were made. She is

currently working on her master’s degree

in organizational

leadership. Kristen

enjoys traveling, playing

games, and spending

time with her friends

and two dogs: Bailey

and Pepper.

Dennis Huynh

Upcoming School EventsFallThanksgiving Break, Nov. 26–Dec. 1

WinterBasketball Season Opener, Dec. 5

Christmas Concert, Dec. 13

Christmas Break, Dec. 20–Jan. 5

Cool Ringings, Jan. 16–18

Senior Recognition, Jan. 31–Feb. 1

Winter Outdoor School, Feb. 17–21

SpringAlumni Weekend, Apr. 4–6

Academy Days, Apr. 13 & 14

Tenebrae Vespers, Apr. 18

Spring Break, Mar. 21–30

Graduation, May 30–Jun. 1

a fair account of their rich experiences

and influence, but there are numerous

Indian children named Nancy or George

Worley! Regarding her experience at Gem

State Adventist Academy, Nancy says that

although she had lots of fun, it is here that

she made her decision

for Jesus Christ and

determined nothing

would stand between

her and her Savior—the

best decision of her life!

dogs” and has seen impressive success,

having shown dogs that have won “Best of

Breed” numerous times at the prestigious

Westminster Dog Show and Euckanuba

National Dog Show. While his career

requires an incredible amount of travel,

it also allows him to be home during the

week when he can spend quality time with

six-year-old Rylee, who he says is “the best

thing that’s ever happened to me.” What

Tony appreciates most

about having attended

Gem State Adventist

Academy is making

precious life-long

friends who continue

to be a support.

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Mark Waterhouse,

GSAA math and

science teacher,

stands in front of

his homemade

16-foot trebuchet.

Aside from being

an impressive

contraption and a

medieval warfare

enthusiast’s

dream, the

trebuchet is

also great for

illustrating the

laws of physics.

The counter

weight is

approximately

600 pounds and

it is known to

have thrown a

10-pound pumpkin

about 200 feet.

Mr. Waterhouse

plans to have his

advanced math

and science

students create

their own small-

scale trebuchets

this Spring.

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