Seventh-day Adventists in the Dominican Republic recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Salvador Alvarez Adventist School in Jababa, Moca. The two-day event brought together dozens of former students—including some who attended during the school’s early decades—their families, former teachers, church leaders, and municipal officials to commemorate the enduring influence of Adventist education since the school’s founding in 1925.

What began as a small church school in the rural community of Jababa has grown into a thriving secondary institution that has inspired and trained students who have gone on to serve as pastors, teachers, administrators, and church workers across the Dominican Republic, throughout the Inter-American Division, and around the world.

A Legacy of Mission and Growth

“This celebration means a lot to us because this is the third Adventist school to reach its centennial anniversary in the Dominican Republic,” said Teofilo Silvestre, president of the Dominican Union. The first Adventist school established in the country was in Mella, the second in Barahona, he noted. “Salvador Alvarez Adventist School is very special because it has prepared so many workers for the church and has made a lasting, positive impact on the community. Its reputation and legacy of service continue to grow with each generation.”

The school’s mission-driven culture keeps Adventist education alive nationwide and stands as a reference point for our entire system, affirmed Silvestre.

Alexandra Beltré, education director of the Dominican Union overseeing the National Union of Adventist Schools on the island, agreed.

“This 100th anniversary serves as a driving force—a motivation for other fields within the union,” she said. “Seeing how many people have sacrificed time, resources, and even family life for Adventist education is deeply inspiring,” Beltré said.

Beltré emphasized that Adventist education remains a divine calling. “Celebrating this centennial reminds us that Adventist education was founded by God Himself in Eden, and we are called to continue it,” she said. “These 100 years are unprecedented, and the support we see here should be shared and replicated across the country.”

Remembering the Pioneers

During the commemorations, Dr. Ángel Guzmán, vice president for academic affairs at the Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary in Puerto Rico, delivered a historical and spiritual message that traced the roots of Adventism in the region and challenged teachers, alumni, and members to preserve the pioneers’ vision.

Across the Dominican Union, the Adventist educational system now serves nearly 14,000 students, employing more than 1,000 staff members.

“Despite the many challenges we face, it’s the unity and dedication of those who give to support our students that keep us moving forward,” said Beltré. “Last year, the system was recognized for reaching 2,600 baptisms across its schools—the highest among the 25 unions in the Inter-American Division.”

Guzmán has served as a teacher, pastor, and university president.  A native of Jababa, he studied 14 years at Salvador Alvarez Adventist School, where his mother, Carmen Lizardo, was a teacher.

In his message, Guzmán credited the Gómez family of Jababa for their early dedication to the faith.

“One donated the land, another built the first church, and a third worked as a carpenter,” he said, describing their legacy as “a vision born of family and faith.” That same passion, he noted, led not only to the founding of a church but also to the establishment of the school in 1925—built on the conviction that “our children must be educated under the shade of Christian values.”

Reflecting on the school’s legacy, Guzmán urged the audience to honor their spiritual inheritance. “If our pioneers returned today and saw where we are, would they say it was worth it?” he asked. Drawing from Matthew 25, he reminded the congregation that “the most important celebration Jesus wants is not here—it’s in heaven. What God wants to count is not years of prestige, but souls and lives in His Kingdom.”

A School Rooted in Faith and Service

The Salvador Alvarez Adventist School—the only secondary school in the Espaillat Province—continues to thrive under the leadership of Principal Zoila Paulino, who has served since 2011.

“Today we celebrate 100 years of Salvador Alvarez for its legacy of shaping individuals for heaven,” said Paulino. “From the very beginning, there were always men and women willing to sacrifice out of love, bearing fruit for eternity.”

The school began as a small church school offering three grades and now includes preschool, primary, and secondary levels, along with a computer lab, art and music rooms, a multi-purpose courtyard, and administrative offices.

With 292 students currently enrolled, the school’s mission remains evangelistic.

“Our teachers serve out of love, no matter the pay or effort, instilling values and the love of God in our students,” Paulino said. “We praise God for His blessings and for those who continue supporting our campus and its growth.”

A teacher at heart, Paulino remains deeply committed to the school and its students. “I was born in this community, I grew up here, and I hope to live the rest of my life here,” she said.

Paulino studied at the same school, as did her three adult children—one now a pastor for the Adventist Church on the island, and two daughters who are psychologists, one of whom currently serves as the school’s psychologist.

The school continues to live out its Adventist educational mission through consistent spiritual and community engagement. Each year, students and staff participate in two Weeks of Prayer, receive regular chaplain visits for spiritual counseling, and carry out outreach programs that bless the wider community. These include visiting nursing homes, cleaning homes, donating clothes to children in need, distributing Bibles and Adventist materials in other schools, and joining local health initiatives in partnership with nearby organizations.

Paulino said the school’s growth has been made possible through the commitment of alumni and supporters.

“Many have helped us expand our facilities—adding classrooms and bathrooms to our preschool, primary, and secondary buildings,” she said. Future plans include building a covered snack area and a shaded space where students can gather during breaks. “We also plan to cover the sports field so students can stay active even during the rainy season,” she added.

Honoring Those Who Built the Legacy

Representatives of the municipal district office in Moca joined the celebration, commending the school’s commitment to faith-based education.

“We have come to recognize a century of teaching from the heart, where education has always been rooted in faith and love,” said Cristina Estrella, who oversees human and religious formation in the region.

Relatives of Luis Gómez, a natural medicine doctor who founded the church school with only seven students in grades 1–3, were honored.

In addition, family members of Salvador Alvarez—who taught grades 1–4 beginning in 1942 and for whom the school is named—were honored during the celebration.

“He cared deeply for his students and served selflessly,” said his daughter, Sara Alvarez Piantini, who attended the event with her siblings, Víctor and Damaris Alvarez, along with several generations of family members.

Transformed Lives Across Generations

José Lizardo, a retired church administrator, recalled how the school changed his life. “I attended public school through grade three, but hadn’t learned much. In 1954, my father could finally afford to send me here for fourth grade. I still remember the story of Joseph, the dreamer, which Mr. Alvarez brought to life so vividly,” he said. “It was the first Bible story I ever heard, and it left a deep impression. This school defined my future.”

Lizardo and his parents were baptized in 1956—a decision that set him on a lifelong path of ministry. He later studied at Antillean Adventist University, earned a master’s degree from Andrews University, and went on to serve the church across the Inter-American Division, in Africa, and eventually at the General Conference.

“The formation students receive in Adventist schools prepares them for eternity,” he said. Together with his family, Lizardo reaffirmed their ongoing commitment to support the school and its students.

Continuing the Legacy of Faith

School psychologist María Fernanda Santos, 25, is among the new generation carrying that legacy forward. A graduate of the Salvador Alvarez Adventist School and the Dominican Adventist University (UNAD), she has served the school for four years.

“Giving back for what was done for me—that was my first thought,” she said. “I studied here all my life, and I saw how every door opened once I placed everything in God’s hands. A scholarship appeared when I least expected it, and thanks to that, I was able to graduate without difficulty.”

She said her teachers were more than educators.

“They were mentors—sometimes like grandparents or uncles. Their constant support shaped my values and my outlook on life,” she said, noting the lasting influence of teacher Carmen Lizardo, Dr. Guzmán’s mother.

A Celebration of Enduring Faith

The centennial weekend featured music and worship services, drama performances, and recognition ceremonies honoring former teachers, family members, and donors.

Church leaders, school staff, and alumni reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Salvador Alvarez Adventist School, ensuring that its mission of faith-based education continues to shape future generations in Jababa and beyond.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.