by Candy Bedford
What makes an Adventist school a success today? There are probably several contributing factors, but certainly one of them is the longevity of special teachers.
When new students look forward to a teacher their parents had, it speaks volumes about that teacher’s influence. Such is the case with two of the teachers at Port Charlotte Adventist School (PCAS). Sadly, we are saying farewell to Adele Jennings and Sandee Lawrence.
Adele Jennings, or Miss J as the students call her, recently finished her 43rd year of teaching. With a great love for God’s second book—nature—her classrooms have enjoyed bird watching around campus, butterfly tents, and raising baby chickens and chipmunks.
“What stands out most are all the blessings God has given me,” says Miss J as she thinks back over the years. “My goal for every child I have taught is that they know Jesus. It is a privilege to give our hearts to Jesus every morning and walk with Him throughout the day.
“What does the future hold for me? I take pictures of wild birds and will be doing more of that. I would love to get involved in giving Bible studies.” Recently at Port Charlotte Church, Miss J and her class of Kindergartners used sign language as they recited Psalm 91 from memory.
Sandee Lawrence is no stranger to Florida Conference. Born in Minnesota, her family moved to Florida where she graduated from Forest Lake Academy in 1966. After teaching assignments in other areas, she permanently moved to Port Charlotte in 1986 and began her legacy at PCAS, often managing multi-grade classrooms. Sandee has also held the position of vice principal over the years and acting principal in the absence of an administrator.
Outside of school, Sandee was involved with Liberty Voices from Walt Disney World and has made several professional CDs. She is also active in Port Charlotte Church’s music ministry. After retirement and 45 years of shaping young minds, she plans to pursue other activities such as traveling, community volunteer work, more music, and lots of reading.
“Even though you may be leaving us at Port Charlotte, Sandee and Miss J, you will long be remembered as the spiritual women that you are and for the guidance you freely gave during your careers. It is with heartfelt love and gratitude that we send you off to officially retire, but your legacies will live within our walls for years to come.” —The Staff and Students at PCAS
On to Oregon!
Randall Claus, fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Port Charlotte Adventist School (PCAS), is currently on a 50-day, 3,900-mile bicycle journey from St. Augustine, Florida, to Medford, Oregon. Inspired by the Sager family’s mid-1800s journey along the Oregon Trail, Randall’s motivation is to meet new and interesting people, get some fresh air and exercise, and, most importantly, raise funds to purchase interactive white boards for PCAS classrooms. Follow Randall’s progress of tales and photos from his journey at http://www.ontooregon.com/