At AAA we encourage our students to participate in their service projects in ways that will benefit their communities as well as enhance their areas of interest. This month, we wanted to highlight two students, Gillian Gomes, graduate from the senior class of 2020, and Eden Olson, Class of 2023 who, before COVID-19, were uniquely participating in their communities.

Gillian Gomes, Class of 2020, auditioned and was accepted into a highly competitive Teen vocal Studio at The Seattle Opera. This program is designed for teens whose goal is to turn their singing talents into a profession. Throughout the past year, Gillian has been studying 8 hours a week with some of the best professionals in Seattle. In addition, she has been learning opera technique, history and she performs arias, duets, and trios with 11 others who were selected for the program. In February, Gillian sang a featured role in the sold-out opera, Wilde Trails. Next year, Gillian will be attending Cornish College of the Arts with a double major in musical theatre and opera performance. Gillian’s love of singing and performance also extends to the musical theatre stage. Last year she was nominated by the Fifth Avenue High School Musical Theatre awards for a best-supporting actress award for her role as Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress. The 5th Avenue sees hundreds of musical and picks six lucky actresses for the nomination, so that was quite the honor. Gillian loves to give back as well and her favorite part of working with the Youth Opera has been mentoring younger kids who have the same dreams. She helps teach music and is always there to offer a smile and kind words. She strongly believes that her gift is from God and there are many ways to share it, on and off stage.

Eden Olson, Eden Olson, Class of 2023 has been representing Auburn Adventist Academy as a student leadership board (SLB) member through a project-based learning program at the Holocaust Center for Humanity in Seattle. Student members of the SLB develop skills for leadership, teamwork, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving while gaining a deeper understanding of the Holocaust and related topics. By working together, SLB members carry out meaningful projects that support the Holocaust Center’s mission. The SLB members have the privilege of hearing first-hand stories from survivors or their relatives. Eden relays to Tidings, a bit about her experience with the Holocaust Center:

“As a member of the Holocaust Center for Humanity Student Leadership Board (SLB), I eagerly learn about the Holocaust and the effects it had on many people’s lives. Through the program leaders’ extensive knowledge, I also get to learn about tolerance, anti-bullying, and how it is okay that we are all different. I have learned more about the Holocaust through this program than I have anywhere else. This program provides steps on how we can prevent the harmful treatment of others while standing strong for humanity. I now feel like I can help people have a better understanding of the Holocaust and human rights. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with friends and schoolmates when given the opportunity.

One of my favorite things about this program is connection. I get to meet people and make new friends at SLB meetings, events, and during artifact viewings. I really like hearing guest speakers tell interesting stories about the Holocaust. I meet with SLB members and speakers from different backgrounds such as Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and atheist. We all have the opportunity to share our religious views during our meetings. We talk about how the Holocaust and other events affect our world. Some SLB members have relatives who are Holocaust survivors so I get to hear more fascinating stories through SLB members. During the statewide COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Order, the SLB moved to virtual meetings and started a community connection project. I am honored to provide a virtual social connection with a local Holocaust survivor.

One of my favorite SLB events was held in January 2020. SLB members volunteered at Seattle's Town Hall Live Film-Concerto "The Rescue" to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz. The influential film-concerto portrays the bold story of Colonel Jose Arturo Castellanos, a man who risked his life to save Jewish lives by issuing Salvadoran Nationality certificates at the ‘The Little Factory’ in Geneva. A highlight was having Castellanos' grandsons, "The Rescue" composers and writers, Alvaro Castellos and Boris Castellos, at the event. Alvaro and Boris talked with us about their grandfather’s brave contribution of standing up for people while saving thousands of Jewish lives and about Colonel Castellanos' honorary title: Righteous Among the Nations.

The SLB experience has helped me gain important insight into the Holocaust and has set me up with valuable leadership skills which I plan to use in my community. I have gained confidence and strength in becoming a considerate leader. I plan on promoting tolerance while discouraging all kinds of hate through peace, kindness, and compassion. I hope and pray that my plan of action grows within my community. If you too want to start making a positive difference in your community, I recommend that you visit the Holocaust Center for Humanity beginning with my personal favorite exhibit, Finding Light in the Darkness which displays the stories of Washington State holocaust survivors. By participating, you too can use your knowledge and action to make a positive difference in your community. "

Photo Credit, Lisa Olson & Connor Ferguson

Auburn Academy Students in Community Action