The Lake Union and North American Division’s Office of Education believe that teaching young people to be actively involved in witnessing and service activities is central to the educational goals of the school and the mission of the church. For this reason, the Caring Heart Award for Christian Service has been established to give recognition to those secondary students who have demonstrated a personal commitment to active service and witnessing activities.
The Lake Union and North American Division’s Office of Education believe that teaching young people to be actively involved in witnessing and service activities is central to the educational goals of the school and the mission of the church. For this reason, the Caring Heart Award for Christian Service has been established to give recognition to those secondary students who have demonstrated a personal commitment to active service and witnessing activities.
The Caring Heart Award is provided to each North American Division-accredited senior academy that has selected an eligible candidate. The award consists of a special scholarship award certificate with a value of $600, paid by the Union, and is accompanied by a plaque and engraved Bible provided by the NAD Office of Education.
Below are the recipients for the 2024‒2025 school year. The following comments are from nominations submitted for the Caring Heart Award:
Andre Henry has consistently distinguished himself as a leader among his peers, both in and out of the classroom. He has held various leadership roles within the student body, currently serving as the president of the student association. In each of them, Andre has led with integrity, empathy, and a clear vision. He has a remarkable ability to inspire others, foster collaboration, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and teachers alike.
Andre’s sense of responsibility is evident in every endeavor he undertakes. Whether he is preparing for a rigorous national academic competition or organizing a service project, Andre commits himself fully, setting a high standard for his peers. His dedication to excellence is not driven solely by personal determination but by a genuine desire to serve and uplift those around him.
Andre has inspired his peers to take action, making a meaningful impact on the lives of many. His service efforts are always thoughtful and well-planned, demonstrating his deep empathy and genuine desire to create positive change. Andre does not merely fulfill service requirements; he leads by example, modeling a lifelong commitment to giving back.
Andre’s academic record is nothing short of outstanding. He has a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom; one of his latest projects and research has been writing his own music as part of seeking opportunities for enrichment. His participation in local and national academic competitions speaks to his dedication and perseverance. He has recently advanced to finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program. His passion for learning, dedication to serving others, and capacity for leadership make him deserving of the Caring Heart Award.
Kadyn Fields is a remarkable young man whose Christ-like character and spiritual leadership have shone brightly throughout his time at ASPIRE Academy. When tragedy struck our community with the loss of one of our students, Kadyn sprang into action without hesitation. He designed and organized custom sweatshirts for grieving family and friends. These were small tokens that brought comfort and unity during an unimaginably difficult time. This compassionate initiative spoke volumes about his genuine concern for others and his willingness to serve.
Beyond that singular moment, Kadyn’s everyday actions continually uplift those around him. He looks out for his classmates by offering a listening ear, stepping in to pray with someone in need, or helping a peer tackle difficult schoolwork. His support for teachers is equally steadfast; he offers encouragement, assists with classroom tasks, and models respect for their positions and ministry in education.
Kadyn’s unwavering integrity and dedication to living out his faith have inspired his peers and teachers alike to pursue lives of purpose and compassion. His consistent demonstration of high moral standards, genuine empathy, and a heart devoted to service exemplify the very essence of Christian leadership.
Finally, Kadyn was honored this year with the Virtue in Action Award by ASPIRE Academy in recognition of his spiritual leadership. Through his compassionate service and humble heart, Kadyn reminds us that genuine greatness is measured by the grace-filled love we share and the lives we uplift for Jesus.
Aliyah Batemen has attended Battle Creek Academy for 13 years. She has been a member of the National Honor Society for three years and has been on the principal’s list maintaining a grade point average of 3.75 or higher throughout her high school career.
Aliyah truly has a servant’s heart, always seeking to be God’s hands and feet, and serving with a smile on her face. In her church she has helped in many roles including a VBS helper, a TLT Pathfinder, a member of the audiovisual team, singing special music and with a praise team. She is currently the president of the NHS. She has faithfully worked at BCA in various roles throughout the school year and summer months to help pay for her tuition. She has also been a mentee in the [Partnering For Eternity mentorship] program during her high school years.
After high school Aliyah will attend college with the possibility of pursuing a degree in education and mission work, if this is what God is calling her to do.
Always willing to be a cheerful helper, friend to all, with a kind and compassionate heart for everyone, Aliyah has all the characteristics that the Caring Heart Award represents.
Everyone on the campus of Great Lakes Adventist Academy would agree that the Lord has blessed Naomi Uwineza with a caring heart as evidenced by her deep and genuine care and love for others, a reflection of her abiding relationship with Jesus. One of the outlets that Naomi has been afforded to demonstrate her care for others is in her service as a residence hall assistant. She is so attentive, comforting, and supportive of "her girls", not only while she is actively on the clock, but at all times. She serves with a cheerful and willing spirit.
Like Jesus, Naomi has a way of being honest and direct, yet never harsh nor condescending. Others know that she has a deep concern for their wellbeing, especially with her gentle and loving approach. Despite her family having to overcome much adversity as a first-generation immigrant family, with the Lord's help, Naomi and her siblings are determined to be overcomers through education, dedication, and hard work. She remains strong and positive even when she is tired, and she will often put others' needs ahead of her own. Anyone who knows Naomi knows that she has a profound commitment to her Adventist faith, a connection to Jesus through meaningful Bible study and prayer, and is a living example to those around her of a selfless Christian servant leader.
Gabrielle Velasquez is an example of what it means to live out our school's core values: Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, and Integrity. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, demonstrates unwavering reliability, and volunteers her time selflessly. Gabrielle's courage to speak the truth and stand up for what is right reflects her strong character.
In addition to her kindness and leadership, Gabrielle is actively involved in our varsity ladies' volleyball and basketball teams, where she pours her heart into supporting her teammates. You will also see her leading out in our school musicals, choirs, band and talent shows. Whether she's front and center or working behind the scenes, Gabrielle is constantly contributing her talents for the greater good.
Her consistent kindness, warm smile, and servant-hearted spirit have helped foster a positive culture here at HAA. She goes out of her way to encourage and support those around her, especially younger students, serving as a positive role model.
Cing Lam Mang truly demonstrates a "caring heart" with her kindness and her smile. Over the four years she has been at Indiana Academy she has shown accountability, leadership, and a Christ-like heart. Cing loves music and has been willing to share her talent with others. She has been engaged with music from an early age at church and she has been very involved here at Indiana Academy. Her talent for singing has made her well-known around the world in her Zomi church community.
During Cing's junior year she was the girls captain in gymnastics. She is a quiet leader, but the girls loved her, and she was able to foster cohesiveness and create a strong girls’ routine. As a resident assistant her senior year she has taken the job very seriously and worked hard to help the girls on her hall grow academically and spiritually.
Cing never complains and is always willing to help. She has an exceptional dedication to supporting others and a deep concern for the well-being and salvation of those around her. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that others feel cared for, valued, and supported in every possible way.
Wisconsin Academy senior Ziporah Rittenhouse has a quiet, but unmistakably powerful positive influence for Jesus on our campus. She is known for being approachable, kind, and for making herself available, especially for those adjusting to boarding school life. Instead of always sitting with the same group of friends at meals, she goes out of her way to sit at different tables, making sure that no student eats alone. She is a core member of the praise team and is always willing to help with student-led church, dorm worship, or wherever else she might be needed. Her consistently cheerful and positive attitude is infectious. As someone who knows her well said, “She’s literal sunshine.”
Ziporah’s attitude is rooted in her faith and solid relationship with Jesus. She has an intentional prayer life and allows nothing to interfere with personal Bible study and meetings with the Bible club. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Ziporah is her authentic humility. Much of what she does goes unnoticed by her peers because she does it so consistently and quietly, never looking for credit. This Christ-like spirit is the power behind her incredible caring heart.
Compiled by the Lake Union Education department.
