Alumni Awards Foundation

2012 EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD RECIPIENT, Amber Willis
Miami Union Academy | Southeastern Conference
6th-12th Math

Amber Willis never imagined working in an Adventist school. In fact, she had already signed on with the public school system when God called her to a small Adventist middle school in Atlanta. Ten years later, she is still teaching in the Adventist school system.

“I have learned that this job is more than teaching,” Willis shared. “It’s a ministry. I always say that teaching is my talent, and the bonus is getting a chance to share God’s love while doing it.”

Willis said she is “mathematics’ biggest cheerleader.” She works hard to make learning a positive experience. Before and after school, Willis makes herself available for tutoring students who are struggling.

Each year, her students look forward to Pi Day on March 15. Students spend the entire day making literal pies and implementing the concept through other activities.

Willis used Fantasy Football to teach math concepts, which the students thoroughly enjoyed. When her class won a $1,000 prize, she used the winnings to purchase scientific calculators.

MUA’s principal Renee Hodge said that Waite is a go-getter and is always looking for ways to improve her class, the high school departments and the school at large. “Whatever she can lay her hands on, she shares it, from teaching strategy to fundraising.”

Willis mentors other teachers and conducts workshops for her colleagues and students. In addition, Willis sponsors the junior class and yearbook, and is a member of the academy recruitment team.

“I enjoy connecting the dots between math and Christianity,” said Willis. “My reward comes from seeing the light bulb come on when a student has truly grasped a concept.”

Award presentation was Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Berry University.

Southeastern Conference Superintendent, Carol Byrd, presented the award to Amber Willis.

The latest issue of “The Thunderer” featured Thunderbird’s new principal Rick Maloon. For the full issue click here.

Thunderbird Adventist Academy recently announced that Rick Maloon will join the team as principal for the 2012-2013 school year. Below is a clip from issue seven of The Thunderer.

Maranatha Mission Stories recently featured the Thunderbird dormitory renovation project in one of their episodes. Maranatha Mission Stories is a weekly half hour show about mission stories from around the world. The show airs weekly on 3ABN, The Hope Channel and other stations.

Here is a look at how AAF and Maranatha partnered to improve Thunderbird!

Many of you have already received the first issue of our newsletter, but for those of you that haven’t we wanted to keep you in the loop.

Included in the newsletter are:

• Progress reports
• A sneak-peak at findings from our academy Principal Perspective Survey
• Photos and details from the Maranatha Volunteers International project at Thunderbird
• An inside scoop from Thunderbird English teacher, Rondi Aastrup

You can expect the newsletter in your mailbox every April, July and October.

For those of you that aren’t on our mailing list here is a link to the newsletter PDF.

If you would like to begin receiving the newsletter in July email Kaleigh Benge at kbenge@alumniawards.org. Please include your name and address.

The once drab dormitories at Thunderbird Adventist Academy have gone through a complete overhaul. New carpet, paint, cabinetry and countertops have brightened up the living spaces.

Maranatha Volunteers International finished their four-week commitment in March. But some volunteers have stayed by to assist the local crew and to see the project through to completion. We want to say a THANK YOU to everyone that has put in time and resources to make this project a success!

Here is a quick look at the latest updates: new cabinetry and carpet in the dorm rooms, renovated bathrooms, repurposed space for dean’s quarters. (Photos By: Kristy Conklin)

True transformation is taking place at Thunderbird Adventist Academy. Here is a clip from the latest edition of The Thunderer. For daily updates find us on Facebook.

We want to say thank you to each of the volunteers that have been working so hard to improve the Thunderbird campus!

The Maranatha renovation project at Thunderbird Adventist Academy is going strong. The friendly volunteers have been making tremendous progress in the short two weeks that they have been on site.

The boy’s dormitory has been brightened up with a fresh coat of white paint in the rooms and hallway. The girl’s dorm is still in the process of being painted.

On deck for today: the renovated showers will be cemented and tile will be laid in the boy’s dorm lobby, along with details in the girl’s dormitory bathroom, kitchen and laundry room. Maranatha is also hoping to have carpet, lighting and windows installed by the end of the week.

We want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Maranatha and their volunteers. They are making a huge impact that will help the life and growth of Thunderbird for years to come!

Below are photos of the progress. For daily reports visit our Facebook page or Thunderbird’s Facebook page.

mid-remodel of the assistant girl's dean apartment

gutted/mid-renovation girl's dorm bathroom

work in progress in the girl's dorm shower

working on the girl's dorm kitchen

big rig for a big job

boy's dorm lobby

boy's dorm hallway with a fresh coat of white paint

boy's dorm room

boy's dorm hallway, complete with blue doors

The dormitory renovations have begun at Thunderbird Adventist Academy. More than 60 volunteers signed up to join Maranatha Volunteers International in transforming the dormitories.

Here is a clip from The Thunderer—Thunderbird’s biweekly newsletter. For the full newsletter click here. Keep checking back for more photos and up-dates.

In early December the Renaissance Network partnered with Maranatha Volunteers International to oversee a variety of renovations at Thunderbird Adventist Academy (TAA). Originally, smaller projects were scheduled, such as landscaping, painting, cleaning and carpeting.

Later in December however, TAA received the exciting announcement that Maranatha was going to be able to do so much more. Maranatha secured funds from the philanthropic Commonweal Foundation to complete Phase One of the dormitory renovations—one wing of the boy’s dormitory and one wing of the girl’s dormitory. The other section of each will house students while the construction takes place.

Along with the new funds, Maranatha has pledged to do about $200,000 worth of labor with the help of 61 volunteers. Many of the volunteers come with years of experience and skill in specific construction areas.

“The Maranatha Construction Committee decided that it is important to support our Adventist schools in this way…to help keep them alive and strong,” said David Lopez, Maranatha director of volunteer projects.

The renovation work will include a total makeover of each dorm room—painting, replacing 183 windows, countertops, upgrading lighting throughout, replacing tile/carpet and some framing. In addition, remodeling will take place in both dormitory lobbies, chapels, dean’s offices, and the girl’s dorm kitchen; bathrooms will be made handicap accessible, as well.

Kyle Fiess, Maranatha vice president of marketing, believes this project is a positive move for both TAA and Maranatha. “We are able to help renovate the dorms for TAA, and in turn we have a great project to offer to our volunteers,” said Feiss.

The project has been scheduled for February 13 through March 6, 2012. Already, TAA staff have been gutting the dormitories in preparation for Maranatha’s arrival.

“The dorms are in dire need of renovation,” said Wayne Longhofer, TAA principal. “Our students are thrilled with the progress and are anxious to move into their new quarters.”