As another school year draws to a close, the Chinook Winds Adventist Academy family finds itself standing at a meaningful intersection of gratitude and anticipation. This year has been marked by growth, challenge, achievement, and God’s unmistakable faithfulness. Through every chapel, classroom lesson, concert, athletic event, service project, and quiet moments of student support, our school has continued its mission of engaging students to follow God completely, act unselfishly, and achieve excellence.
As we look ahead to the 2026-27 school year, we are pleased to welcome Lee Richards as Principal and Sandra Dodds as Music Teacher. Their appointments bring a wealth of experience, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to Adventist Christian education. Mr. Richards joins CWAA after more than four decades of service in Adventist education across Canada. His leadership philosophy is rooted in service, integrity, and building strong school communities where students can flourish academically, socially, and spiritually. During his recent visit to our campus as part of the North American Division’s accreditation process, Richards spoke of the potential and possibilities he saw within our school. Those words resonate deeply with who we are and who we aspire to become.
Mrs. Dodds returns to a community that already holds a special place in her heart. Many within the CWAA family remember her years of service here, and we look forward to the experience, creativity, and passion for music ministry she brings. Her vision of music as a pathway to connection, healing, worship, and joy aligns beautifully with the mission of our school. While we celebrate these exciting additions, we would be remiss if we did not pause to recognize those who have faithfully led us through this past year.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Principal Darren Shankel and Lara Melashenko for steady leadership, commitment to students, and dedication to the mission of Adventist education. We are equally grateful for our vice principals Rick Fowler and Lori-Anne Kennedy, whose care, wisdom, and countless hours of service have helped shape the daily life of our school. Their leadership provided stability during a season of transition and has helped cultivate a learning environment where students have been encouraged to grow not only in knowledge, but also in character and faith.
We also recognize the remarkable faculty and staff of Chinook Winds Adventist Academy. The true strength of a school is not found in its buildings or programs, but in the people who show up each day to invest in the lives of young people. Teachers, educational assistants, office staff, support staff, coaches, volunteers, pastors, and parents have collectively contributed to a school culture that seeks to reflect the love of Christ in practical and meaningful ways.
Throughout the year, students have been challenged to discover their gifts, deepen their faith, serve their communities, and pursue excellence. Behind each of those opportunities stands a team of dedicated adults who believe deeply in the transformative power of Adventist education.
As we prepare for a new chapter, we do so with confidence that God continues to guide this school. We celebrate the foundation laid by those who have served faithfully; we welcome those who are joining our community. And as we celebrate God’s faithfulness in this season and look ahead with anticipation, we are reminded of the promise found in Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (NIV).The story of Chinook Winds Adventist Academy is ultimately God’s story, and we look forward to all He will continue to accomplish through this community in the years ahead.
-Ashia Lennon , School Pastor | Chinook Winds Adventist Academy