Pine Hills Adventist Academy is a K–12 school in Auburn, California, where students learn in a community that connects education with faith. Mace Stokes is a student.
I’m Mace Stokes, the youngest of four brothers, and Pine Hills Adventist Academy has been part of my life since before I became a student. Two of my brothers graduated here, and my dad has volunteered as a coach in several sports for 15 years.
Even with those roots, I’m still discovering where I belong—and lately, that’s been onstage.
I played trumpet in the pit orchestra for The Sound of Music and sang in the barbershop quartet in The Music Man. Now, I’m taking on more challenging singing and acting parts in Newsies.
I never considered myself a typical performing arts kid. But singing and playing a character are more fun than I expected. Drama also gives me time with friends from other classes and a different way to express myself. Performing together feels scary at first. The more we rehearse, though, the more we trust each other. That trust helps me feel comfortable letting people hear my voice. My teacher encourages me and knows when I need to stop practicing. I’m a perfectionist. Sometimes, even when everyone else thinks a song is ready, I want to rehearse it again!
Memorizing lines, learning difficult music, and accepting feedback take patience. When I get frustrated, I pray and ask God for help. There’s something satisfying about finally singing a song I thought I couldn’t.
Creativity follows me into other classrooms, too. Mr. Amato, my science teacher, helps me explore projects beyond regular assignments. During chapel talks, I use photography to illustrate spiritual lessons. Choosing images helps me clarify what I want to share about God and communicate it to my classmates.
What I love most about Pine Hills is being known. I know almost every student, and my teachers care about my life. Our school’s musical theater tradition is now in its 14th year. For me, being part of it means discovering abilities, building friendships, and learning to persevere. At Pine Hills, I have people who encourage me as I grow—and opportunities to use what I’m learning to share my faith.
A Place to Grow. A Light to the World.
#nccsda
