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Potomac Conference Celebrates ‘Impact 2022’

Camp Meeting Reimagined.”

Story by Debra Anderson

For the first time in three years, Potomac Conference constituents met for in-person celebrations of camp meetings. Renamed “Impact: Camp Meeting Reimagined,” the gatherings were a welcomed experience for those longing to come together in a decades-long tradition of spiritual renewal and fellowship.

The first assembly took place mid-June at Shenandoah Valley Academy in New Market, Va. More than 3,500 of Potomac’s Hispanic community members joined with family and friends to experience three days of worship, spirit-filled sermons, uplifting music, inspirational seminars, special programming for children and youth, good food and lots of fun-packed activities.

Special Education Director Joins Education Team

Potomac Conference, Juwel Watson

Story by Debra Anderson

Juwel Watson is the new director of special education for the Potomac Conference. A former fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Takoma Academy Preparatory School in Takoma Park, Md., Watson has a solid academic background and a wealth of experience in special education.

The Potomac Conference Office of Education has been on a mission to hire a qualified specialist to provide guidance and support to schools that have students with special education needs. Departmental data shows a significant need in the conference to expand the opportunities for students who qualify for special education.

‘The Big Three’ Retire From Takoma Academy

Story by Salena Fitzgerald

Three beloved and accomplished Takoma Academy (TA) staff members retired at the end of the 2021–22 academic year.

C. Dunbar Henri received his Master of Divinity from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary (Mich.) in 1983. After 18 months of singing and traveling with the Heritage Singers out of Placerville, Calif., he pastored three churches in Maryland from 1983–1986 before joining TA’s staff full-time.

During the last 37 years, Henri has served as a Bible teacher and administrator, including two stints as TA principal from 1995–1997 and 2005–2009. During his first stint, he became the first black princi- pal to serve at TA. He also served as vice principal.

Shenandoah Valley Academy Music Is on the Road Again

Story by Janel Haas Ware

After a three-year hiatus, Shenandoah Valley Academy’s (SVA) choir and orchestra hit the road for a tour of the Midwest during the 2021–22 academic year. For many students, this was their first music tour ever. Under the direction of Daniel Biaggi, music director, and Kelly Wiedemann, associate music director, the group set out bright and early on a Tuesday morning.