If a merry heart doeth good like a medicine, then Auburn Adventist Academy is definitely following doctor's orders. What is the pulse of AAA’s student body? It is a spirit of service, a commitment to help others.

When there is a need, AAA students are the first to want to help. After the flood disaster in Lewis County, Wash., 49 people went to help flood victims. Students and staff removed insulation, shoveled mud from house foundations and cleaned up water–soaked homes.

The Associated Student Body recently organized a fund raiser earning $835 to help California fire victims as well as a local children’s hospital. Paper feet sold for $3 a piece were put on the walls of the administration building. Organized as a class competition, the seniors raised the most money.

In December 2007 academy students hosted a Christmas party for 43 underprivileged children living in Auburn, Wash. What used to be one of the most glamorous banquets of the year was transformed into a whole different kind of party. Each child was paired with a few academy students who made sure they felt special. Decorating cookies, making crafts, coloring, and pictures with Santa were just a few highlights. When presents were opened, tummies filled, and gift bags presented, it was truly the party of the season. Or, as one child wrote in crayon, “the best day ever!”

Students and staff are excited about sending a missionary band to Maputo, Mozambique, March 17–31. Together with Maranatha, the group of 81 people will camp in tents while building a school and holding a Vacation Bible School for African children.

The students of AAA have discovered the prescription for a thriving life is service, which in turn has become the vibrant heartbeat of AAA.