Our alumni are so important to the success and advancement of Auburn Adventist Academy and we love when we have opportunities to connect, interact, and work alongside them. We are excited to share the stories of what our alumni are currently doing and how they offer so many blessings to our school, students as well as the community in which they live and serve.

Ken Hooker (class of 1974) is one such alumnus that we see regularly on our campus supporting our students. He offers spiritual and guidance mentorship to our students, shows support to our girls and boys sports program, and is an active member of Committee for Excellence and Hearts of Gold.

Ken came to Auburn Academy in his junior year after having attended public high school in the previous two years. He had to make the decision that if he really wanted to attend, he would have to participate fully and work on campus, which Ken was happy to do. So he got a job at Harris Pine working outside in the yard doing piece work, “If you didn’t do the work, you didn’t get paid,” Ken remembers. He fondly recalls his two years at Auburn Academy and remembers two men, Mr. David Priest (the athletic director) and Dale Langseth (supervisor at Harris Pine) as being particularly influential in his life during those years. Laughingly, he says that’s where he learned manners, three boys and three girls to a dining table, and everyone remaining seated until the last person was finished eating. Also, he learned that it is as easy and acceptable to make good choices as it is to make the bad, and the consequences of good choices usually so much more rewarding.

Two programs that Ken and his lovely wife Sandy (married in 1996) have been so instrumental in are the sports programs at the Academy and working with the young people at the church. Pastor Angel Ogando, head pastor at the Auburn Adventist Academy church, has appreciated Ken and Sandy’s dedicated work. From teaching youth Sabbath School to hosting Friday night dinner vespers for the AAA students, they are always willing to love, inspire, and mentor the youth. “Ken demonstrates how a man-of-God lives.”

Ken has a busy life with his Total Development business that has been thriving since 1996, but he often makes sure that during the Fall and Winter sports seasons, he makes time to attend games, and provides work opportunities for students to earn money for sports fees. Current athletic director, Steve Martin has a special appreciation for Ken and Sandy’s involvement with the sports programs for both boys and girls. “Falcons Athletics is about TEAM,” explains Martin, “Working together for a common goal and that includes our players, coaches, volunteers, parents, teachers, and community supporters. Ken has been an invaluable member of Team Falcons. His dedication to student-athletes is unmatched, his generosity is humbling as he gives of his time, influence, and finances. He and Sandy are a huge inspiration to me and I am grateful to have them on our team.”

Ken has a dedication to Auburn Adventist Academy and its students and we say thank you. An indicator of how much the students adore him is summed up in them asking him to be one of the life-coach speakers at their senior dedication. Student-athlete Keagan Griffin, stated, “I strongly believe that without him, our scholastic and sports programs would be different and I am very appreciative of his enormous support of me personally and my team.”

When asked if he had something to say to our current students he chuckled and said, “I would tell them, don’t be afraid to make the right choice. Think your choice through, don’t make it on reaction. Find a mentor you can look up to and bounce ideas and discuss problems with, whether it is a teacher, a trusted adult, or a sensible peer.”

Ken, we thank you for your continued support and are so proud to honor you as this month’s Alumnus-of-the-Month.

Alumnus-of-the-Month: Ken Hooker