Parkersburg Academy Cultivates Spiritual Atmosphere

Story by Liz Bailey

Through intentional effort and strategic planning, the staff at Parkersburg Academy (PA) in West Virginia has been dedicated to cultivating a more vibrant spiritual environment by introducing God and nurturing the relationship of each student with Jesus. It is noteworthy that 70 percent of PA's student body comes from families who are not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

PA has incorporated family Friday evening vespers into the school calendar and partnered with the Parkersburg (W.Va.) church to organize engaging monthly children's church programs. These initiatives are designed to attract attendance not only from Adventist church families but also to provide an inclusive space for families who are not Adventist. This welcoming approach aims to communicate that all are invited and welcome as part of the church family. Each month, both the school and church campus come together for a spiritually uplifting program that delivers messages to help strengthen their relationship with Jesus.

Earlier this year, PA utilized the North American Division’s Pentecost 2025 initiative and, under the guidance of Walter Cardenas, the conference’s Hispanic Ministries coordinator, organized an evening Week of Prayer. During this event, school families were welcomed to a family worship-style gathering that included a complimentary supper. The evening also featured break-out sessions where parents engaged in discussions on relevant topics while students participated in their own activities. Attendees were encouraged to make personal and family commitments to follow Jesus and prioritize Him at the heart of their family life.

All the parents who were present voluntarily expressed their desire to participate in Bible studies. They also shared their appreciation for the worship sessions and discussions.

“We saw our school grow together in community and in purpose,” shares Monica Zill, PA principal. “It was so good to offer an event that was so meaningful to our school families.”

As the school continues to reach their community for Jesus, they solicit prayers on their behalf.