I admit it—I had a bad attitude this school year.

I wanted my school to be more fun. So, what did I do? I stayed home instead of going to school activities.

I wanted my classmates to be bolder about their connection to Jesus. So, what did I do? I got depressed instead of inviting them to a Bible study or a prayer group.

Toward the end of the school year, I discovered something: Your own attitude affects you more than anyone else. I decided that the fun and the spiritual atmosphere needs to begin with me!

A goal began to form in my mind: to connect kids who come to Gem State Adventist Academy (Caldwell, Idaho) with Jesus. I began talking with some friends about my goal and someone suggested I run for student association (SA) president. That would give me the platform, a budget and a team to work with!

So I talked to several students whom I knew shared my goal to make Christ first at Gem State. They decided to run for student association offices along with me—and we won!

Mike Dewey, SA vice president, is the most positive, focused person I know. He will get the job done and have fun doing it. His attitude and walk with Christ are an inspiration to me.

Brandon Aberle, SA spiritual vice president, is a tease. But he connects to God in a very big way. He is eager to do what it takes to help others connect with God too.

Traci Pline’s is the voice you hear when you call the school, and yes, she’s just as awesome as her voice. She too wants to help our school grow closer to Jesus. She will be our SA secretary/treasurer in the coming year.

Jon Nickell, our sergeant-at-arms, is a goofball! He always makes people laugh. But deep down, he has a great connection to God too and wants to help our school grow spiritually.

Next year will be an awesome year. You know how I know? Because this summer the SA officers are praying for God’s Spirit.