Highland View Academy Welcomes New Faculty

Story by Lori Zerne

As the 2018-19 school year opens, Chesapeake Conference's Highland View Academy (HVA) welcomes new faculty members and a few changes in responsibilities for returning staff.

The administration has hired David Nino to teach music, and his wife, Anaynsi, as school secretary. Andrew Lay, HVA’s previous music teacher, is now focusing his roles as the academy’s advancement director and alumni coordinator. 

David is a music educator who loves working with youth and making music for God’s glory. He says, “Early in my life, my love for music and teaching convinced me to pursue a career in music education.” He has a bachelor’s degree in music education, a master’s degree in music, with an emphasis in theory and composition, and recently started dissertation work for a doctoral degree in educational leadership, with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction. He previously taught at a variety of Seventh-day Adventist universities and academies. 

David’s philosophy focuses on the value of music to impact the performer and audience equally. According to David, “The musical experience must be of value, not only for the one who performs it, but also for the one who listens to it. This balance should also be attached to the mission that we, as Christians, have to proclaim God’s message [by] using our talents.” 

Another faculty member who is transitioning roles is Matthew Price, who is the new head of the boys’ dean. He joined HVA in January as the assistant boys’ dean. Price grew up in western Michigan, worked as a taskforce dean at Mt. Ellis Academy (Mont.), and holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. 

He says, “My favorite thing about being a dean is working with students on personal and academic dilemmas and figuring out the best solution for them.” As the school year begins, he aims to “develop a brotherhood of support and growth with the boys in Hartle Hall, and give the boys a place that they can call home away from home. My goal is to help each boy become a better man,” he expresses. Price is also building the gymnastics program and teaching a history class. His wife, Krista, works as a nurse in the area.

Principal Erik Borges is excited about the changes. “David Nino brings great experience with him, and will help take our music program to the next level,” he says, “and Matt Price brings excitement and passion to help keep the students engaged. We are excited about the things he has planned for the dorm and the gymnastics program.”