Atholton Academy opens Outdoor Education Center on Earth Day

Story by Evan Knott, Photos by Melvin Donadelle

On Earth Day 2025, Chesapeake Conference's Atholton Adventist Academy held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new Outdoor Education Center, made possible by a $50,000 grant from the State of Maryland.

The event featured special guests including State Senator Clarence Lam, State Delegate Jessica Feldmark, and Public Engagement Officer Deli Okafor. During the ceremony, Senator Lam announced an additional $150,000 in funding for further improvements to the outdoor learning space.

Young students from the PreK 3, PreK 4, and Kindergarten classes delighted the audience with a special song about caring for the earth, symbolizing the school’s ongoing commitment to environmental education.

Special recognition was given to Atholton Church member Brian Liu for his efforts in helping submit the grant proposal.

Atholton Academy hopes the new Outdoor Education Center will serve as a valuable resource for both students and the broader school community for years to come.