Lake Nelson Community Overcomes Obstacles Before Opening Expanded School

This fall New Jersey Conference’s Lake Nelson School in Piscataway re-opened it’s doors with a new name, Lake Nelson Adventist Academy, and an expanded offering of grades through high school, but not until after overcoming many obstacles.

After deciding to expand to a high school in 2013, leaders have dealt with unexpected building regulations, a string of issues with subcontracting companies, two gas leaks, unplanned water shut-offs, foundation problems and flooding, a failed occupancy inspection, among other things, often asking “What else Lord?,” says principal Elisa Maragoto. But members of the constituency and school leaders prayed fervently and persisted throughout the building expansion process. On June 3, staff, students and conference officials dedicated the renamed Lake Nelson Adventist Academy. 

The school, which opened in 1959, offers an early childhood learning center, elementary, middle and high school grades.

Jorge Pillco took the photo of Lake Nelson Adventist Academy Choir members at the school's renaming ceremony.