Michigan—Students at Battle Creek Academy (BCA) are learning about cultural diversity in a whole new way this year. They are not just reading about it in Social Studies class. They are experiencing it firsthand thanks to the 13 or so new students who have enrolled for the 2007–2008 school year. These students or their parents have come from Russia, Brazil, Peru, Vietnam, Korea, and several countries in Africa.

"It's certainly a different group than last year," says Nicole Mattson, who has taught Kindergarten at BCA for the past four years. "The cultural diversity creates a different and exciting atmosphere. The dynamic in the classroom is interesting and fun." Mattson says that more than 50 percent of the students in her class speak English as a second language.

The local students aren't the only ones who benefit from this "cultural melting pot." There are six foreign exchange students in the academy grades this year, representing the countries of Vietnam and Korea. Many of these students have come from public schools. God has given these students the opportunity to come to BCA to learn in an Adventist atmosphere and to live with Adventist host families. The students, host families, and BCA staff members are certain to gain a blessing during their time together.

Wendy Keough, co-director of marketing and recruitment, Battle Creek Academy