F E B R A U R Y

2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8

O U R J O U R N E Y

A monthly publication of Lake Nelson Adventist Academy

NEWSLETTER STAFF Matthew Camacho—11th Vanessa Guerrero—11th Steven Escano—10th Jose Martinez—10th Barath Mathanbabu—10th Nolan Pieters—9th Alexandra Seferlis—10th Brendan Sierra—12th Carlos Torres—9th Bethany Washburn—12th Mrs. Leonora Seferlis

INSIDE Love Gives and Serves Mrs. Hemmings 2 Ms. Stoica 2

Puerto Rico Benefit Concert 3 LNAA Outreach Ministries 4 LNAA Orchestra 5 Seniors: 6

Karissa Osorio

Jenny Pontarelli Alumni Spotlight 7 Peter [Buddy] Kovalski Carrying the Torch 8 Open House 8

Love Gives and

Serves...

T he core of those who follow Jesus

is love, and the natural

consequences of love found in acts of

generosity and service to others. Jesus

asked us to take care of each other, to

take care of those less fortunate, just as

He did in loving service.

I n the 21st century a

good Samaritan is

certainly an

uncommon breed.

People’s lives are

filled with busyness,

leaving no time to

give…no time to show

love.

I read of a man, a

FedEx employee,

who daily delivered to

the dialysis center. Day in and day out

he saw the patients’ pain and decided to

do something; decided to donate one of

his kidneys. Of course, they thought

him mad, and subjected him to several

psychological tests. After two years he

was finally able to donate his kidney.

When he was asked why, he simply

replied why not? His wife answered,

“he had nothing to give but himself, and

he did that unconditionally.”

G od’s love flows unconditionally, and

through Jesus' example of love,

generosity flows:

For God so loved the world that He

gave His one and only Son, that

whoever believes in Him shall not

perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

W hen the Kingdom of God comes in

completeness, it will be a

kingdom of justice and peace for all. In

the meantime, we are to serve in our

communities to bring a foretaste of that

Kingdom to our world. “Share with

God's people who are in

need..." (Romans 12:13)

T he Holy Spirit equips

us with different

talents that enable us to

effectively serve both the

church and the community

in which He has placed us.

It is God's job to equip us.

It is our job to humbly

serve using those gifts.

I t is through this

mandate, to love and

serve, that LNAA dedicates time and

resources to our outreach ministries and

benefit programs. In this issue you will

see God’s love at work. No matter how

big or small, the entire LNAA family

shows an attitude of servitude.

L ove gives. Love serves. The natural

consequence of making love our

number one priority is placing our lives

in a position of giving and serving.

How will God have you serve Him in

His world?

Leonora Seferlis

LAKE NELSON

ADVENTIST ACADEMY

732.981.0626

lakenelsonsadventistacademy.org

The Legacy 2 Lake Nelson Adventist Academy

Anna-Gayle Hemmings

Q. What is your role here at Lake Nelson Adventist Academy?

A. “A Spiritual leader, not just guiding students to be good citizens, but paramountly to lead young lives to Jesus and prepare them for eternity.”

Q. How long have you been employed at LNAA?

A. 16 years since 2002

Q. Why Lake Nelson Adventist Academy?

A. “I believe that God lead me here...After 9/11 I felt it was time to listen to God and leave New York and come to New Jersey.”

Q. What was your dream job as a young child?

A. “Zoo keeper, I like animals.”

Q. What changes have you experienced through the years here at LNAA?

A. “The building of the High School and having to move around [from one classroom to another] was a lot to adjust to.

Q. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A. “Gardening, it’s a lot of fun to see how things grow. Just like how children grow. I like to see my plants growing from every spring to fall.”

Q. What roles do parents play in your classroom?

A. “Parents can be very supportive in many areas and I reach out to them for their help as often as I can.”

Q. What do you try to instill in each of your students?

A. “The most important thing I instill in all of my students is a Christ like character. That’s my most important goal in life and that covers a lot of things.”

Q. Do you view your students as your mission?

A. “Absolutely, yeah I mean they’re my life. Beside my family, my students are important. God is guiding me to help them. They are my own children when they are with me, challenges and all.” Ms. Stoica also ministers to other students at school “through the Black Light Ministry I help students to see that God is real. He can help us be victorious in the spiritual battles as well as the other areas of life.”

Nolan Pieters—9th

M rs. Hemmings’ professional journey includes returning to

where it all started: her alma mater. A Lake Nelson School alumna, she believes in LNAA because she is a product of the school and now she can give back, be part of something greater, and contribute to LNAA’s success. She returned to LNAA in 2010 and is an integral member of the Lake Nelson Adventist Academy staff family.

M rs. Hemmings has a BS Biology with a minor in chemistry from Oakwood College. Her

education endorsements include: Biology, Chemistry, English, Integrated Science, & Jr. Academy Mathematics. She is currently the athletic director, gymnastics and volleyball coach, 7th grade teacher, 8th grade science teacher, HS biology teacher, and HS American Literature.

T eaching was not Mrs. Hemmings first career choice. She originally planned to go into

medicine. She now believes that teaching is where God called her to be and is using her experience and skills in the classroom.

H er philosophy is that every student can learn. This guides her actions, her sense of humor

and story telling: presenting lessons in an engaging manner with games, and genuine care for her students becomes part of her teaching strategies. She continues to learn and grow with each class, and is blessed to be sharing this journey with her students.

W hen not in school, she enjoys writing, reading, playing volleyball, dramatic plays, games,

laughing, traveling, the beach and spending time with her family and husband—”this June my husband, Clement and I will have been married for 10 years. We grew up as childhood friends and remain friends. We walk through life together”.

“M y greatest passion is people. How can I help? Is what I always ask. I do my best to always

smile. I believe heaven is a happy place and if all I can share with you in passing is a smile to lift a moment and share happiness, then I choose to always walk with a smile.”

Matthew Camacho—11th

Susan Stoica

L NAA student artists, vocalists, instrumentalists, and guests

dedicated their skills to a worthy cause, during the 10th annual Gospel Benefit Concert for Puerto Rico, on Saturday, February 17th. The concert featured performances from a variety of LNAA talents: Angel praise team, stepping team, drum team Revelation, and guests such as the Immensus 8, Barbara McNair singers, and Cornerstone group from the Indonesian Pioneer Church.

“W e unofficially started the Benefit Concerts in 2005

and have continued sharing our talents to bless those in need,” said Ms. Ware coordinator of the event. “This Benefit Concert is more than a program, it is a way to give back to the community and the world, during a month that was set aside for just that: service and helping others.”

D r. Green, a parent of three of our LNAA students and an

avid supporter, shares her testimony on the impact of the Gospel Concert: “I just want you to know that what you all did over the years with the Concerts, brought my family to the school. One of our friends from First Bilingual Church, said ‘You all should check out the Gospel concert’. We came and this is how our family got introduced to the school.”

I n October 2017, Hurricane María caused extensive damage to

Puerto Rico, destroying electricity grid and roads. leaving many

residents without access to water, electricity, safe housing, or means of transportation. We came together from our hearts, to praise God and help those less fortunate, both here at home and abroad.

“A t Lake Nelson we used our God-given talents to help

others,” giving support through “actions, as a selfless act,” said nervous Angels Praise member, Alisha Plasencia, 11th grade. “This is why I love Lake Nelson,” she exclaimed after an energetic performance from the Stepping Team.

V anessa Guerrero, a member of the stepping team, Angels

praise team, and drum team Revelation, said about the team’s two month practice, rehearsal, and hard work, “it taught me that when you work really hard, it pays off. It's not about me, it's about God and helping Puerto Rico.” During her performance she felt God’s presence and knew she was doing the right thing. She wants others to know that our students are using their talents for God, blessing others with what God has giving them. “The Gospel Benefit Concert gave the students the opportunity to do just that.”

T he Gospel Benefit Concert continues onwards to bless

others. It has fulfilled the calling to help those in need, to help Puerto Rico this year, and will continue to bless others in the future.

Alexandra Seferlis—10th

PUERTO RICO Gospel Benefit Concert

Sharing Blessings THROUGH THE YEARS

2005 Tsunami Thailand

2006 Hurricane Katrina

2007 LNAA Community Efforts—the Brysons

2008 Honduras Flooding

2009 Salvador Hurricane

2010 LNAA Student Worthy Fund

2011 Earthquake Haiti

2012 LNAA Community Efforts—Ps. Gonzalez

2013 LNAA New Building

2014 Tsunami Philippines

2015 LNAA Science Lab

2016 Hurricane Haiti

2017 Hurricane Puerto Rico

Immensus 8

Barbara McNair singers

LNAA HS Choir

Angel Praise Team

Mr. Javier & Stephen

Darius & Kimani

Revelation drum team

The Legacy 4 Lake Nelson Adventist Academy

H ere at Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA),

giving back is part of our scholastic program, part

of our legacy. We have been building this legacy of

giving with the involvement of students, staff, teachers,

family, friends and church partners who generously and

consistently support LNAA’s Outreach Ministry efforts.

D uring LNAA’s 60 years, we impacted the lives of

many through different efforts These efforts were

coordinated at a school-wide level:

the Gospel Concerts, Food and

Clothing Drives, Christmas

shoebox project, Soldier shoebox

project, St. Jude’s Math-a-thon;

and at a grade level, projects such

as class donations and trips to

minister to those in need.

This year several of the

Elementary/Middle School classes are sharing their

blessings:

F IRST GRADE: the first

graders and Mrs. Seferlis, support “Food for the

Poor” for Guatemala, where $350 help support a family

of five for the entire year. The class comes together

with several fundraising efforts such as bake sales, sock

snowmen and Christmas cards made and sold by the

students. Thus far they have been able to help two

families per year, for the past three years.

F OURTH GRADE: Ms. Leah’s class is helping out

homeless families through the NJ Family Promise

program. She chose to help homeless families because

she feels that even though much is being done for

unfortunate families, “there are many families in our

immediate area that are struggling to find food, money,

or even a place to sleep.” This is how the fourth graders

are making a difference.

S IXTH GRADE: taught by Ms. Stoica, is helping

Papua New Guinea through her friends of Adventist

Frontier Missions (AMA). Ms. Stoica a veteran

missionary to Papua New Guinea, helps Adventist

missionaries’ friends buy necessities (cleaning, cooking

products, clothes, etc.) to distribute to the natives. She

feels very connected to the

people in Papua New

Guinea and is passionate

to help her friends.

E IGHTH GRADE: Mrs.

Howard’s eighth-grade

class is helping families in

Middlesex County by

hosting dinner for

displaced or homeless

people. The class hosts

several dinners throughout

the year and with the

support of students, families, and friends of the

classmates, they provide food, cooking materials,

utensils, and juice, as well as their service and company

for the families or individuals while they're enjoying a

warm home cooked meal. “The food and the company

gives guests the feeling of home.” This is an important

project as keeping families together is extremely

critical. Even if the individual does not have a family,

the students and the class become a temporary family

for that person, even if it is for one day.

T hese are just a few examples of LNAA’s outreach

ministry efforts. Living our legacy through our

theme “Blessed to Bless”—we are giving back, whether

through school-wide programs or

one classroom at a time.

Steven Escano —10th

LNAA Outreach Ministries

Seniors serving at Elijah’s Promise Care packages

Sock Snowmen fundraising

S elected members of

LNAA’s orchestra were

invited to participate in the Dominican

Independence Day Concert in Jersey

City. The event on Tuesday, February

27, included the participation of

different schools sharing their talents.

The LNAA orchestra under the leadership of one of

LNAA’s music teachers, Henoc Morobel, was excited

to participate in the celebration. The orchestra

performed the Star-Spangled Banner, the National

Anthem of the Dominican Republic accompanied by

the vocals of Alisha Plasencia, 11th grader, and

Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The ceremony concluded

with closing words from the Jersey City’s Mayor

Steven Fulop.

L NAA Orchestra is a collection of approximately

190 student musicians from kindergarten to 12th

grade. The Orchestra, Band and Choir teachers are

Noel Javier (HS band and elementary band), Enoch

Morobel (orchestra instruments & music theory 3-8

grades and string instruments pre-k – 2), and

Kimberly Francis (H.S. Choir). The orchestra

performs throughout the year during special events

and at church visitations. The musicians are

preparing for the Spring Concert of May 17th.

Nolan Pieters—9th & Leonora Seferlis

The High School gives back:

N inth grade: With the guidance of Ms. Boggess, some of the classmates helped put together

shoeboxes for Operation Shoebox, a program where shoeboxes are filled with toys and given to less fortunate children at Christmastime. The class is planning to prepare bagged lunches for the homeless and displaced citizens of the nearby towns. They would use their donations to put together portable meals and donate them to a local soup kitchen.

T enth grade: The class had gathered food donations from the school and gathered funds for shipping the

donations to the struggling parts of Puerto Rico. After Hurricane Maria devastated the country, any kind of donations were a huge blessing. Collection efforts are still ongoing; contact Ms. Lopez for any contributions or drop them off in the donations box at school.

T welfth grade: Mr. John and the senior class arranged several days to volunteer at Elijah’s Promise Soup

Kitchen, where the displaced or struggling citizens nearby. The students alternate between meal prep,

serving the meals to the guests, cleaning up in the kitchen and the dining room, and doing dishes in the kitchen. Their efforts keep the Soup Kitchen orderly and clean for the guests.

T he teachers and students at Lake Nelson Adventist Academy are

dedicated and active in the ministry of “Blessed to Bless” The major goal is to stimulate the students to take some definite follow-up actions as they begin to realize that one person can make a difference.

W hatever activity we choose to do, the reward extends benefits to those we are helping as well as

us. The ability to reach a hand to those around us, even in a small way, helps our spiritual growth as well.

Bethany Washburn —12th

Giving Back

The Legacy 6 Lake Nelson Adventist Academy

K arissa Osorio grew up in the Bronx, New York. She was raised

by a Jamaican mother and a Columbian father. After attending Colonia High, Karissa found her way to Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA), as her parents wanted a better academic and spiritual environment—a place where the Osorio sisters could build a relationship with God. Karissa enjoys LNAA, where she found “teachers [that] are more understanding, kind, and patient than my public-school teachers.” Karissa appreciates the great example of a Godly life that each of the teachers at LNAA.

S he appreciate the value of the school’s extracurricular programs, where she finds a

healthy way of having fun and sharing her talents. She is a member of the National Honors Society, LNAA Step Team, secretary of her 12th grade class, and a member of the LNAA Student Association.

K arissa’s leadership and serving attitudes extends from the school to her church

where she serves as a leader of the Lake Nelson SDA Church’s Pathfinder Club and enjoys helping kids in both spiritual and physical

aspects; and in her community, she volunteered at her pediatrician’s office, local public library and tutoring children with autism and down-syndrome. She enjoys seeing the impact she makes.

K arissa plans to study pediatric medicine at Southern Adventist

University. As she embarks on her next chapter of life, she believes that her years at LNAA have prepared her for any academic or spiritual challenges adulthood brings. Karissa favorite verse, John 1:5—guides her through any season of her life: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Vanessa Guerrero —12th

O ne of the toughest girls you could possibly meet is Jenny Pontarelli.

She may not sound nor look intimidating, but she’s a fighter, and you can only recognize that through her story.

J enny was born and raised in Venezuela. However, for various reasons, drawing from

her inner strength, she packed her humble belongings and moved to a new country, her new life. Nothing about this new life was easy, “Everything is complicated and hard when you can’t understand anything.” At the beginning of this new life, Jenny felt hopeless and alone. She wished she could go back in time and stay in her country. She knew the problems she was facing were paled in comparison with those of the people in her country, and she knew it was only best to stay here, but she was homesick. That is when Jenny called her family to come move with her and create a fresh start.

F ortunately, upon arrival in the US, Jenny could count on the support of her aunt. Still

feeling stranded from her world, Jenny knew that everything was happening for a reason, and she knew that God had a plan for her.

T hrough this journey, Jenny learned to recognize God’s voice through the little

details He places in her life. The little details that brought her LNAA: her uncle, a pastor, who introduced her to the Christian Academy; her cousin’s words, who was already attending the school. These little details were as obvious

as as a shining light guiding her where God wanted to place her. She enrolled by faith, knowing very little English. She recalls the friendliness, and even the chocolate the she received the first day from a fellow classmate. These little details made all the difference.

T hroughout her difficult journey, Jenny continues to be humble and in everything

gives credit to God. She learned to be patient, and undoubtfully knows God positioned here at the academy for a reason. Currently, Jenny is the Senior Vice President of her class, and will continue her education at Southern Adventist University, where she plans on studying to be a social worker and psychologist, to pursue her passion… helping others.

J enny holds onto God’s promises of Psalms 121 whenever troubles come her way

“the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Brendan Sierra —12th

Peter Kovalski, P eter [Buddy] Kovalski is a

Lake Nelson Adventist Academy alumnus whose family forms part of a dedicated group of visionaries who started the Lake Nelson School. Mr. Kovalski’s commitment to this school is rooted in selfless dedication that originated 60 years ago when his father, his uncle and a group of faithful few, helped build and fund what is now the Lake Nelson Adventist Academy.

T hanks to the support of the Adventist churches of

Plainfield and New Brunswick, Buddy was able to join Lake Nelson School in the 1967-68 school year in first grade “Their deep, unwavering faith and commitment from the church members, provided strength and hope. They gave everything, their money and their time to keep children in this school.”

B uddy recalls starting school after the Civil Rights

Movement. He explains how the school was a ‘safe place’ and a ‘blessing’ to those who attended. Buddy felt that the Adventist community did an outstanding job in helping parents keep their children in the school. He explains that it was rare for someone not to join Lake Nelson because of financial issues.

B uddy joined his brothers in LNAA, and that made him

comfortable. His aunt was his first grade teacher, and the friends he had at church were the same friends he had at school; his life at the school felt just like home.

“The atmosphere was great. The kids around me had the same religious mindset, they knew who I was, so it all [life at school] felt pretty normal to me”.

B uddy holds Lake Nelson dear to his heart. He reminisces on

the activities, such gymnastics, volleyball, and soccer; the annual Christmas musical, Festival of Nations, and the Orange Fundraiser. All of these events became some of his favorite memories of his school experience. He really loved the comradery that he had with the people at school. “It felt as if everyone was just a big family. We were all united,” he fondly states.

A fter LNS, Peter [Buddy] Kovalski pursued his higher

education. He is a graduate of Columbia Union College in Finance. His career journey includes Portfolio Manager and Bank Analyst at Alpine Woods Investments LLC. Principal bank and thrift Securities Analyst at Lieber & Company and Evergreen Asset Management Corp. Bank Analyst at Williams Securities and Ryan, Beck & Co. to mention a few.

H is advice to the students: “Enjoy your youth while you

have it and make good friends. Enjoy life as it happens, but never forget about your educational life because that is one thing that no one can take away from you. People can put you down but just know that you are in a special place that is providing you with knowledge and skills to get through life. Be thankful of the teachers, they are the ones

preparing you for life.”

H e advises the parents: “Do not take for granted that the

school is here, and do not lose the fact that this school is a special place. This school is providing spiritual education for your children and is also helping to prepare your kids for life. Do not neglect the needs of the school, because they are doing something very special for your children.”

B uddy remains an LNAA advocate and supporter.

During the weekends, he humbly serves in as many areas as he can, from rental supervisor, handyman, landscaper of the school, to custodian. Peter [Buddy] Kovalski is proud of the work his family put into the school for over 60 years, “it was actually worth it.”

T he Kovalski’s served according to their calling and

have left their mark upon the life of LNAA and remain an example of the pioneering backbone that built this school and still is faithfully serving today.

José Martinez—10th

Bloomberg News

The Legacy 8 Lake Nelson Adventist Academy

T he Genesis of love for Christian education at Lake Nelson Church started

in the city of Plainfield, NJ, more than six decades ago. The Adventist Bible believers felt a fire in their heart as they read the encouraging words of Ellen White about giving their children values and principles to reproduce the character of Jesus in their life. Many families got together and started a flame that is still burning strong today. This flame is passed from one generation to the next.

T he torch of Christian, the runners, passing the torch

of hope to the next generation, to shape every student’s characters for Eternity. This is the reason why our constituent churches: Lake Nelson Church and New Brunswick Church, invest in Lake Nelson Adventist Academy. “This is our ministry and all the new believers that joined the church family become a partner in ministry.”

C ommitted to the mission of providing a quality academic education, the churches

come together and contribute financially and spiritually. These churches include:

Lake Nelson SDA Church (LNC)

565 So. Randolphville Road, Piscataway, NJ

New Brunswick English Seventh-day

Adventist Church (NBSDAC) 339 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ

T hese two churches love the school and believe firmly that Christian education is

important in the salvation of souls. They believe that the school was placed there by the grace of God to help young people get closer to God and build up his kingdom. The goal of The LNC and NBSDAC is to guide children towards an understanding that God is at the center of every pursuit of knowledge, and help them be the Salt and Light in the world.

Barath Mathanbabu—10th Ps. Thorp & Ps. Lee

Ps. Thorp

Ps. Lee

Jenny 12th Helping in 1st grade

Sirr 9th Helping in kinder

LNAA Peer

mentoring or Readers, is a model that enlists high school students to assist teachers in the classroom mentoring elementary students.

T he major objective of the program is to provide leadership and development opportunities to the high

school students. High school students are assigned an area of responsibility, whether a classroom, sports support, admin, art, etc.

T wice a week, these HS students help the teachers with the students in a one-on-one or in group settings. The

teachers dedicated support and supervision, involves the HS student in different areas, such as math, reading, and art. Ms. Ware, 4th grade teacher, shares that “We have significantly seen improvement in our students’ focus, behavior and reading skills.”

T he results are: increased overall leadership and literacy skills of both peer mentors and students, caring students

who are responsible and have the desire to make a difference, and students with greater appreciate of the dynamic of a helping hand.

Leonora Seferlis

Nancy 10th Helping with Admin

Choosing the

right school is

an important

decision!