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Growing in Faith and Service

December 11th, 2018

Chapel and AssemblyDuring the first semester, Pacifica hosted seventeen outside speakers and heard from eight faculty members during chapel and assemblies. Dr. Herman Suit of Harvard University spoke in September about his pioneering work on targeted radiation treatments for combating cancer, and had a lively interchange with our students about the intellectual value of skepticism. In October, Dr. Beck Taylor, President of Whitworth University, discussed the value of a liberal arts education. In November, Dr. Hans Keirstead from UCI shared his groundbreaking work in stem cell research as it might lead to a cure for cancer. A lively discussion with students about the ethical implications of stem cell harvesting ensued. In December, Dr. Daniele Struppa, President of Chapman University, described the connections between painting and mathematics, challenging our students not simply to learn “things,” but to learn “how things connect to each other.” It was a enriching semester full of wonder, healthy debate, and challenges to embrace thinking and living well.   Student RetreatThis September, all Pacifica students, faculty, and staff traveled to Oakbridge Young Life Camp in Ramona, CA for three days of games, fellowship, skits, and worship. This annual event provided both students and faculty the chance to step out of their comfort zone, take risks in a safe and fun environment, and thereby foster deeper relationships with one another. Ben Simonson, our invited speaker from Rock Harbor Church, presented three Gospel-centered messages sparking meaningful small group discussions, further developing those relationships. Highlights of this year’s trip included Rev. Butler and Coach Berokoff dressed up as 1970’s Elvis’ who performed alongside a “live” trout named Tommy, student “color-group” competitions resulting in the Blue Team’s first-ever victory, student-led vespers services, and Mr. Balmer leading the whole school in a sing-along of “Sloppy Joe” from the SNL Lunch Lady skit accompanied by dancing faculty members dressed in cafeteria food costumes.   Community ServiceAllyson Scharrer, Class of 2020, inspired the student body to partner with Venture, an organization that helps rescue young women from human trafficking in Nepal. She created Pacifica’s first annual “Hike for Hope” to raise money and awareness to support this important cause. On December 1, approximately 60 Pacifica students, parents, and friends of the school hiked at El Moro State Beach raising over $11,000 to date. Pacifica students also participated in Operation Christmas Child Boxing Day for the fourth year in a row, filling over 300 boxes with toys and love for children around the world.To date, 152 of Pacifica’s 176 students have completed over 3,278 service hours, worth a total of $77,232 in economic value, as determined by Mobileserve, our Community Service management platform.  
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