Principal's Message
December 7, 2009
Someone once said that growth without change is impossible. God makes changes in our lives as part of His plan to develop and mature us into the kind of people that He wants us to become. How we handle these changes determines how far we will succeed in life and the differences that we can make in other people's lives. Change may not be easy or comfortable. We must remember that God strengthens us and helps us to do whatever is necessary to make the adjustment. Remember, with God, change is not the end but the beginning of something new and exciting in our lives and the lives of others. The young people that come to Ozark Adventist Academy are looking for a change that will help them develop a new and exciting direction that will someday help them to live out their dreams as a reality.
It becomes the job of each staff member at Ozark Adventist Academy, community members, church member, and the conference to become stepping stones for the future and dreams of our young people. Remember, the future is only as strong as the commitment and sacrifices that we are willing to give to the present time. We must live each day as if it were our last. The young people in our schools are the true investment to the future of our churches.
Ozark Adventist Academy is truly fortunate to have such great support from the leaders of our community, the near-by churches, the conference, along with our alumni and other donors that are willing to make a difference. Our goal is to help students live their dreams through a strong educational program and a family-type atmosphere. We feel the important ingredients to success are prayer, faith, and teamwork. We are not an island but a beacon that shines and reflects our mission and Christianity throughout the Ozarks. A beacon made up of all of those individuals that support and have become a part of the school. We have developed strength through unity and teamwork as a family.
All of us, including our students, are striving for higher standards and the bar has risen to support our endeavors to promote higher expectations and standards that the students, staff, community, churches and conference expect from quality Christian education and strong morals.
Ozark Adventist Academy out-scored all the public schools in the area in all four core subject areas. The ACT scores revealed that half of OAA students score in the top 25% of college bound students in the nation, a quarter in OAA's top 10% made it into the top 2% nationwide. The remainder of the students scored in the 76th percentile or above.
Have you ever considered that one of your life missions might be to mentor and encourage a young person to achieve a level of success higher than your own? It may be through giving up some of your time or by donations to the many projects that the school is in need of help each year. Remember, that every little bit helps. The rewards that you earn may not burn as brightly as you would like, but they will likely last longer. They will bring you the deep satisfaction that comes from following Jesus’ example of serving, rather than seeking to be served. It is a noble and Godly task to help others fulfill their dreams. Are you up to the task?
The best way to get to know a young person is to get involved. When you get involved you will notice an unspoken change and a move towards acceptance and a desire to understand. It can allow God’s love to flow through you to touch the deepest places in another person’s heart. Places only God can see.
God does change lives at Ozark Adventist Academy in many ways. We recently finished the Union-wide Youth Prayer conference with over 400 in attendance and just finished the Music Festival with students coming from many schools around the Union along with many home-schooled students as well.
We have had many prayers answered through help from those in the community. We have a new Industrial committee that has been formed by the different successful business men in the area to help develop an industry that will provide work for some of our young people. It will provide an opportunity for some to learn a trade and others have the opportunity to expand their art talents through the industry as well. This industry will also help provide other sources of revenue for the school. This industrial committee will help to ensure stronger financial stability for the future of the school.
Again, without your financial support or willingness to become a part of the school and be willing to help change lives and make a difference in the future of the young people, we cannot survive alone as a school. It is not only individuals but also churches that can get together and can provide positive changes. The Springtown, AR church has become an example of going beyond the call of duty this year in supporting OAA, providing much needed help in getting projects completed.
Mike Dale
Principal
For further information, contact:
Mike Dale, Principal
Ozark Adventist Academy
20997 Dawn Hill East Road
Gentry, AR 72734
(479) 736-2221
mdale@ozarkacademy.org