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Education

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Sacramento Academy Disc Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Kids Abroad
Sacramento Academy Disc Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Kids Abroad 3791 1962 Ken Miller

By Mark Janke

In March, Sacramento Adventist Academy (SAA) hosted its first-ever disc golf fundraiser at the Little Oaks course in Carmichael. By the end of the morning, 64 players had shown up—and together they raised $2,200 to help provide athletic equipment and musical instruments for children in Peru and Zambia.

The tournament was the idea of fourth-grade teacher Chris Duckett, who also built and cares for the 18-hole course on SAA’s campus. Watching other teachers find creative ways to raise money for Maranatha mission trips, he wanted to do his part—and realized disc golf might be the perfect fit.

With encouragement from Principal Matthew Jakobsons (who even jumped in to cook breakfast), the event quickly took on the feel of a true community gathering. Players came from all backgrounds—families, beginners, and experienced competitors—and many others supported the cause even if they couldn’t attend. One highlight was a raffle featuring a custom electric guitar built by SAA woodshop teacher Duane Calkins, which drew plenty of excitement.

The money raised will go toward simple but meaningful supplies—balls, recorders, guitars, and keyboards. For Duckett, it’s personal. His family will be traveling to Peru this summer, where he hopes to help deliver the items in person.

Featured in Northern Lights, May 21, 2026
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Patrice (Patty) Osborne Named Vice President of Education for NCC.
Patrice (Patty) Osborne Named Vice President of Education for NCC. 4000 2250 Ken Miller

When Patrice (Patty) Osborne reflects on her journey in Adventist education, it always comes back to a first-grade classroom—and a teacher who saw something in her early on, “She told me I needed to go into education,” Osborne recalled. “It’s a decision I have never regretted.” That early encouragement helped shape a calling that has now spanned more than forty years.

On May 6, the Northern California Conference Executive Committee elected Patty to serve as the new Vice President of Education after the retirement of Albert Miller, and she will begin in this role on July 1, 2026.
Osborne’s career began in 1982 and has taken her across multiple conferences, including Central California, Northern California, Southern California, and Texico. Along the way, she has served as a teacher, principal, and administrator, most recently as associate superintendent in the NCC Education Department.
A graduate of Andrews University, Osborne also holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, East Bay, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Andrews University.
Throughout her career, Osborne has also prioritized family, finding a meaningful balance between home life and her ongoing commitment to education leadership. A devoted mother of four boys—including twins—she now enjoys the energy and joy of five young grandchildren, ages 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1.
For Osborne, Adventist education has always been about more than academics. “I would not be the Christian I am today without the influence of Adventist teachers,” she said. That conviction continues to shape her vision for the future.
As she steps into this new leadership role, Osborne speaks with both humility and purpose. “When I think about the extraordinary educators across this Conference, I am overwhelmed by the honor of being called to lead them,” she shared. “This is a sacred responsibility, and my commitment is to give my very best every single day.”
She is equally passionate about the broader mission of Adventist education, “Education is one of the most powerful ways we can reach our communities,” Osborne said. “It allows us into the lives of families in a way that is natural and welcomed. Over time, you’re not just teaching—you’re mentoring, guiding, and building relationships that can last a lifetime.”
Leaders across the Pacific Union and NCC have affirmed her appointment.
James P. Willis, Pacific Union Conference Vice President for Education, noted,“Patty is an outstanding educator who has significantly advanced the ministry of Adventist education. Her experience and preparation have equipped her well for this role.”
Marc K. Woodson, NCC President, added, “Patty brings a deep love for Adventist education, a wealth of experience, and a clear commitment to mission. Her leadership reflects both excellence and a genuine heart for students, educators, and families. We are grateful for the many years she has faithfully served in this ministry, and we are confident that God will continue to guide her as she steps into this important role. Patty understands that Adventist education is not just about academics—it is about shaping lives for eternity.”
Now stepping into this new chapter, Osborne carries forward a lifelong calling—one rooted in faith, shaped by mentorship, and lived out both in the classroom and at home. Her leadership will focus on strengthening schools, supporting educators, collaborating across ministries, and continuing to connect students and families to an abundant life in Jesus Christ.

Featured in Northern Lights, May, 2026

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Practical Hands Still Matter
Practical Hands Still Matter 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Nick Sigler

At Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, learning goes beyond the classroom through our popular Industrial Arts program, which gives students practical, hands-on skills. Courses in general shop, woodshop, metal shop—including welding—and auto shop give students the opportunity to work with real tools, real materials, and real projects. While many aspects of modern life are becoming increasingly digital, these classes remind students that the ability to build, repair, and maintain physical things remains an important and practical way to contribute to the world around them.

In woodshop and metal shop, students learn the fundamentals of craftsmanship and fabrication—measuring, cutting, shaping, assembling, and welding materials into finished, useful projects. In woodshop, locally gathered wood from fallen trees on campus is processed through Rio Lindo’s portable sawmill, allowing students to see the process from start to finish as they transform raw materials into items such as furniture and cutting boards. Along the way, students gain something just as valuable as technical ability: the confidence to solve problems and adapt when things do not go as planned. Senior Chris Ermshar stated, “Being in woodshop class has taught me that even when I make a mistake, there are always ways to go back and fix it with a little creativity.”

Metal shop continues that learning as students work with durable materials and real-world tools. Students gain experience with plasma cutters, welders, shop tooling, and engineering. A highlight is the yearly group project where students develop skills in project teamwork, engineering, design, and fabrication. Some past projects can still be seen serving the campus today, including a trailer used by the grounds department and the front gate where everyone enters the campus. Junior Kyler King stated that metals,
“Helped me to develop skills that I didn’t know before, but I am sure I will be able to use to help others in the future.”

Together, these experiences help students develop practical skills and the confidence to apply them in an ever-changing world. Whether preparing for adulthood, entering the workforce, continuing their education, or serving in mission settings, the ability to build, repair, and create can make a meaningful difference.

In a world increasingly shaped by technology and automation, the Industrial Arts program at Rio Lindo reminds students that practical skills still matter. With a growing shortage of trained vocational workers across the country, Rio Lindo is leading the way by equipping students with hands-on expertise that many schools no longer provide. The habits learned in the shop—careful work, persistence, problem-solving, and craftsmanship—prepare students to be capable, resourceful contributors wherever they are called to serve.

Featured in Northern Lights, March 26, 2026
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Pastors Meetings Seek to Engage and Teach
Pastors Meetings Seek to Engage and Teach 4000 2250 Ken Miller

In January, pastors came together at Gracepoint Church for their annual business meeting—a time set aside for learning, alignment, and connection.

The gathering provided policy updates, moments of inspiration, and dedicated Q&A sessions with leaders from various administrative departments. Some of the topics covered were practical and necessary, including employment matters, hiring, administrative processes, and even routine—but important—details like expense reimbursement.

The event also offered pastors a forum to share with administrators the everyday challenges they face, giving leaders better perspective on the realities of leading and pastoring in their communities.

Jim Lorenz, ministerial director, highlighted the value of these gatherings: “One developmental aspect we intentionally address, is adding to a pastor’s professional toolbox with new or improved skills. There is also the communicational part, where different initiatives can be discussed and clarity can be gained, and lastly, there is the camaraderie of colleagues who might not get to see each other very often.”

Interacting in a setting like this strives to build a stronger, more unified team, better equipped to spread the love of Jesus Christ and navigate the challenges and joys of ministry together.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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A Visit That Taught Us to Care
A Visit That Taught Us to Care 3997 2006 Ken Miller

By Beatrice Ahn

In January, Tracy Elementary School students, parents, and teachers traveled to McHenry House Tracy Family Shelter as part of a community engagement experience.

The visit gave students a closer look at housing insecurity in their own area and the role local organizations play in responding to it. As they toured the facility, students asked questions, listened carefully, and began to understand how quickly circumstances can change for families.

With support from the VersaCare Fund and a donor gift, the school was able to provide $1,500 in supplies just as the shelter was updating bedding in each room. Students helped organize and deliver the items, witnessing how ordinary goods can have an extraordinary impact. For many students, the visit made the needs in Tracy feel closer and more real.

On the drive back to school, conversations continued—about fairness, about gratitude, and about what it looks like to help in practical ways. Some students talked about donating items from home; others simply reflected on what they had seen. It was a shared experience that gave our school community something to think about long after the visit ended.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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STEMpossible at Rio Lindo’s “Spy” Academy
STEMpossible at Rio Lindo’s “Spy” Academy 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Nicholas Sigler

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy transformed its campus into a world of secret missions and scientific discovery during its “Spy” Academy STEM Camp, the first since 2018.

Middle school “agents-in-training” from six NCC schools spent two days diving into hands-on activities that blended creativity, curiosity, and real-world science. As Emma, an eighth grader from Feather River, shared, “It was a great opportunity to meet other schools and make new friends. The teachers were friendly and helpful. I learned that lasers show up better in the dark and fog, and the light bounces off mirrors.”

Students began their mission by constructing their own laser mazes. Using geometry and spatial reasoning, they positioned mirrors to guide a laser beam through a complex path, learning how light reflects and how real security systems operate. Agents then moved into the cryptography lab, where they created ciphers and used mathematical patterns to crack secret messages. By applying logic and number sequences, they decoded clues that revealed new “intel” throughout the camp.

Next, participants experimented with invisible ink, testing everyday substances—from lemon juice to baking soda to cabbage-based indicators—to discover which solutions could hide or reveal messages using heat or chemical reactions. Campers finished their training by engineering LED magnetic trackers, wiring small circuits with lights and magnets to create devices that could flash or stick to metal surfaces, mimicking tools used in real investigations.

Through experiences like “Spy” STEM Camp, Rio Lindo isn’t just making science fun for students in the NCC—it’s helping them imagine their futures. By blending teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on engineering with a mission to make science exciting, accessible, and unforgettable, the camp equips young people for advanced coursework, technical careers, and real-world challenges.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 25, 2025
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Nadine Davis Passes to Her Rest
Nadine Davis Passes to Her Rest 3879 2051 Ken Miller

Davis attended Mt. View Academy and Pacific Union College. She joined the NCC in 1993 and served as the school secretary at Orangevale Elementary for 4 years.

She returned to Orangevale as a teacher in 2021 and remained through November 2025. Coreen Hicks, Associate Superintendent, shared that Davis taught with Kingdom Kids, Orangevale’s pre-first class, first grade, and third grade during her tenure. Health issues eventually led her to leave full-time teaching, but she continued to volunteer up to two weeks before her passing.

Hicks continued, “In Nadine’s final days, I was deeply moved by her unwavering faith in God and the quiet peace she showed as she surrendered everything to His care and trusted His will.”

Former Orangevale pastor and friend Jon Cicle shared, “I will always remember Nadine as a woman of rare tenderness—deeply caring, quietly compassionate, and guided by her steadfast love for Jesus. Her gentle spirit and the light of her faith touched everyone who knew her.”

On December 6, the Orangevale Student Christmas program will be at Orangevale SDA Church during the church service, followed by a potluck lunch. At 2 PM, there will be a Celebration of Life service at the church.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025
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Building Character, One Adventure at a Time
Building Character, One Adventure at a Time 3888 2078 Ken Miller

By Eddie Heinrich and Barry van Iderstein

Northern California Conference (NCC) Pathfinder and Adventurer leaders continue to provide programs that encourage and teach enthusiastic youth. Over three weekends, youth gathered at Leoni Meadows to take part in spiritual programs, participate in hands-on learning, and earn honors.

In October, over 600 Pathfinders attended the NCC Pathfinder Camporee for a weekend of outdoor adventure and spiritual growth. Despite rainy weather on Thursday, spirits remained high, and by Sabbath morning the skies cleared for a day of activities. Weekend highlights included the blacksmithing honor (supported by Pacific Union College and Adventist Health), the Parade of Nations, a Leaders in Training social activity, and four baptisms. The theme “All In” encouraged Pathfinders to live out their faith through worship, service, and community involvement, while honor classes and service projects fostered friendships and character.

Following the Camporee, the NCC Adventurer program hosted two weekend events—one in Spanish and one in English—bringing young children and families together. The 2025 theme, “Down on the Farm,” offered hands-on experiences exploring food, farm life, and Jesus’ birth. The Spanish event welcomed more than 70 families; the English weekend hosted 30. Children earned awards while parents participated in family ministry activities and guest-led worship. Sunday included go-kart rides and a historic train ride.

Together, the Pathfinder and Adventurer programs showcase the NCC’s commitment to fun, faith-filled events that build character, foster spiritual growth, and inspire service.

Featured in Northern Lights, December 1, 2025
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Rain Can’t Dampen the Spirit at Rio Lindo’s Record-Breaking Sports Camp
Rain Can’t Dampen the Spirit at Rio Lindo’s Record-Breaking Sports Camp 4004 2250 Ken Miller

Even gray skies couldn’t dim the energy on Monday, September 29, as more than 190 students from 11 Northern California Conference schools converged on the campus of Rio Lindo Adventist Academy for its annual Sports Camp.

The event, which has averaged 142 participants over the past decade, celebrated its largest turnout in years—a sign of growing enthusiasm for this much-anticipated day of athletics and fellowship. The schools that sent their enthusiastic students included: Clearlake, Echo Ridge, Feather River, Hilltop, Middletown, Napa, Redding, Redwood, Tracy, Ukiah, and Westlake.

The morning began in Rio’s gymnasium, where students joined together for a spirited worship and orientation. Afterward, they were divided by grade and gender into groups led by Rio Ambassadors, student leaders who guided their squads throughout the day and offered encouragement at every station.

Participants rotated through a series of athletic challenges including basketball, volleyball, flag football, and soccer. Each session—facilitated by volunteer coaches and Rio staff—focused on skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship before wrapping up with scrimmages.

For many students, especially those from smaller schools, Sports Camp offered a unique opportunity to connect and grow alongside a wider community of peers. “It was so much fun to play with new people,” said Simon Sigler from Redwood Adventist Academy. “I got to learn a lot!”

By mid-afternoon, the clouds that had hovered all day finally opened up, drenching the fields in a sudden downpour. But rather than dampen spirits, the rain only added to the memories. Laughter echoed through the campus as students dashed for shelter, soaked but smiling.

The day concluded with an awards assembly recognizing outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork in each athletic session. As everyone departed and the rain continued to fall, students left Rio tired but happy—already talking about next year’s Sports Camp.

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Faith, Fun, and Fellowship Shine at 2025 Pathfinder Camporee
Faith, Fun, and Fellowship Shine at 2025 Pathfinder Camporee 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Eddie Heinrich

From October 2–5, the Pathfinder Camporee brought over 600 Pathfinders together at Leoni Meadows Camp for a weekend of fellowship, spiritual connections, and outdoor adventure.

Each year, Pathfinders eagerly anticipate the Camporee—and this year was no exception. Rain showers greeted campers on Thursday as they set up, yet spirits remained high. By Friday, clouds lingered but gradually gave way to sunshine, and by Sabbath morning, the weather was beautiful.

The Camporee featured a wide range of highlights: the blacksmithing honor, supported by Pacific Union College and Adventist Health; the Sabbath morning Parade of Nations; a Saturday night social for the Leaders in Training (LITs); four baptisms; and an inspiring talk by Tobin Dodge on ministry in the Arctic Circle—along with many other memorable moments.

This year’s theme, “All In” encouraged Pathfinders to put faith into action through service, worship, and community engagement. Attendees participated in worship services, honor classes, and community projects, all while building friendships and growing in character alongside their peers.

For Pathfinder clubs, families, and church leaders alike, the 2025 edition was an unforgettable experience—a time where faith, fun, and fellowship came together in the stunning setting of Leoni Meadows.

Featured in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
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