Boise Valley Adventist School opened its new 17,175-square-foot gymnasium—complete with commons area for hot lunch and social gatherings, two classrooms, two restrooms, and a music room—after 15 years of waiting to replace the one lost in a tragic fire.

The school broke ground in the spring of 2004, and on the weekend of Aug. 27, 2005, the school celebrated the building's completion. Friday evening, Allan Sather, principal; Arne Nielsen, Idaho Conference education superintendent; Steve McPherson, Idaho Conference president; Raul Castanon, building committee chair; Ann Blackman, school board chair; and students Jason Christensen and Tori Yeager cut the ribbon and dedicated the facility to God's service. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by a Good News singers concert.

On Sabbath, more than 300 members from the Cloverdale and other Treasure Valley Adventist churches attended church in the gymnasium. Speaker Douglas Roe, from Camp Ida-Haven, challenged the staff, parents, students, and congregation to use the facility for God's glory.

Saturday night, after a short vespers, the gym was open for volleyball and table games. The school board provided popcorn and water bottles to round out the event.

On Aug. 29, the first day of school, students could not contain their enthusiasm and excitement. They are looking forward to basketball season!