Erica Evans (17), a senior at Andrews Academy, attended the Berrien Springs Village School prior to the academy. Born in Busan, South Korea, Erica lived there for five years. Amazingly enough, she had no knowledge of English when she arrived here in August 1996. However, as you listen to Erica's fluent English today, you would be unaware her mother tongue is Korean.

As Erica reflects about her early life in Korea, she recalls the big family there and memories of all they were able to do together. Since moving to southwestern Michigan, Erica has grown her personal friendships to replace the large family she left behind in Korea.

Erica enjoys participating in the Andrews University orchestra, cooking pastries and touring with her friends on music trips. She indicates that music will always play a big role in her life.

Erica has achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA while working as a reader in the academy's chemistry department and serving as the Student Association social vice president. She currently teaches conversational English to Korean students, and hopes to use her skills as she prepares for a career in medicine after graduating from Andrews Academy in June 2009.

Chikondi Kamvazaana (17), a senior at Andrews Academy, has been in Adventist education since kindergarten. He attended Ruth Murdoch Elementary School where he made friendships that will last a lifetime. Since arriving at Andrews Academy his freshman year, Chikondi has made additional friendships that broaden that already-firm base of relationships he enjoys with a passion.

Born in Summerville, Georgia, Chikondi lived there for only a short time. After living briefly in Chicago, his family moved to Berrien Springs where the children would have access to the complete educational environment.

Chikondi was recently elected to serve as the new 2008–2009 Andrews Academy Student Association president. He will lead about 275 students in a variety of activities. Chikondi's upfront musical abilities with the djembe during morning devotions as well as his participation in band has played a major role in the development of his leadership talent. He has been a member of the band since third grade.

Chikondi enjoys social studies and religion classes at Andrews Academy and is strongly considering a career with a bent toward political science or religious education. He is especially grateful for his mother who, as a single parent, strongly supports Christian education and the positive effects it has on each student who enjoys studying in that environment.