Tidewater Adventist Academy (formerly Tidewater Junior Academy), in Chesapeake Va., recently celebrated 50 years of ministry! Alumni, friends and families of TAA participated in the celebratory events of this Golden anniversary. “We had an opportunity to reflect upon the journey thus far and to take a look into the next 50 years, should time last that long,” said Robin Banks, principal.
Pastor Willie Boyd (Norfolk SDA Church) ushered in the Sabbath and “kicked off” the weekend with a vesper service on Friday evening. His message entitled, “Workout” discussed the areas that needed to be “worked out” as TAA alumni, current students and friends continue to support Christian education in this community. Alumnus, Timothy Nelson, vice president for student affairs at Washington Adventist University (Takoma Park, Md.) spoke on Sabbath and Pastor Paolo Esposito of Redeeming Grace Fellowship church ( Chesapeake Va.) led out in the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new playground, “The Park at TAA.” Mr. Jake Villanueva (7th & 8th grade teacher) closed out the Sabbath with a sundown vespers.
“A gathering at TAA would not be complete without an Alumni basketball game in the gymnasium,” said Banks. “The
alumni played in a three game tournament that left many players in pain by Sunday morning.” The weekend culminated with a 50th Anniversary Banquet held in the cafeteria which was transformed into a banquet hall for the 100+ people in attendance.
Opening in 1918, TAA has long established itself as a building block to academic achievement in Christian education. TAA offers academic instruction with an emphasis on excellence in general studies, character education and Christian service. Although most students are members of the Seventh-day Adventist faith, all students who meet basic admission requirements are enrolled without regard to religion, gender or race. A diverse school body, TAA is comprised of individuals from multiple cultural backgrounds. The atmosphere at TAA is one of unity and acceptance. To learn more about this school go to www.adventisteducation.com.
