2006 Academy Award for Excellence

UCA placed #1 in the top three Academies in the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists for the Academy Award of Excellence.

Six students: Shari Fogelquist, Elliot LaPlante, Chris Patchett, Aric Vyhmeister, Cody Lonning and Tommy Poole along with three faculty members: Mr. and Mrs. Bovee and Mrs. Wickward, traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona over February home leave to compete for the Academy of Excellence award. Upper Columbia Academy was one of three schools in the North American Division that was selected to travel to the 11 th Annual Alumni Awards Foundation Convention at the Westin Hotel.

Friday morning students were busy either out on the golf course handing out school balls or setting up the school booth in convention hall. Friday night the three schools Highland Academy (Tennessee), Highland View Academy (Maryland), and Upper Columbia Academy (Washington) gave the first of two ten minute presentations which highlighted the spiritual and outreach aspects of each school. Both of UCA’s presentations consisted of speeches, live music and a video. Afterwards, the audience had an opportunity to visit with students at booths outside of the convention room.

Saturday night students attended a banquet which commemorated many individuals for their excellence in Adventist education. Towards the end of the program, the three academies gave a second presentation. UCA recieved the First Place Academy of Excellence award along with $25,000.

The money is being used to start a fund to replace the old busses UCA. The hope is to have enough money raised by the end of the year to buy new busses.

This award is another of the many blessings that God has given UCA this year. Yet, as any one who has been to UCA knows, it doesn’t give justice to the students and faculty who work to make this academy truly excellent.

--Tommy Poole, Class of 2006

Part of the award is a donation by the Alumni Awards Foundation to UCA for $25,000. The students of UCA would like to use this money to purchase some new busses for the school. To accomplish this task, matching funds are needed. If you would like to donate NOW to help UCA purchase new buses, click here

Watch the UCA's video presentations for the Academy of Excellence

View Slideshow of Academy of Excellence

If you would like to know more about the Academy Award for Excellence, visit the Alumni Awards Foundation.