The Sagunto Adventist Campus (CAS) celebrated its 50th anniversary from July 12 to 14, 2024. More than 1,200 people participated in the commemoration, enjoying a series of activities and events designed to remember and celebrate half a century of "education for eternity."

The three-day event provided an opportunity for alumni and CAS staff to reunite. Smiles and heartfelt hugs were a common sight throughout the weekend, emphasizing the strong sense of community and camaraderie. Testimonials from pioneers, former students, and employees were particularly touching as they shared their experiences and expressed how the campus has made a positive impact on their lives.

Personalities Present

Various authorities joined the celebration, such as national deputy Óscar Clavel, the mayor of the Sagunto City Council Darío Moreno, councilors, former mayors, and other local authorities. The celebration was filled with inspiring presentations that discussed the campus's history and the importance of a Bible-based education with eternal perspectives. The event emphasized that God has not only guided the institution in the past but continues to guide it into the future, with a renewed focus on the educational and spiritual mission of CAS.

Dr. Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, director of the Education Department at the General Conference (GC); Bill Knott, associate director of Religious Liberty and Public Affairs for the GC; Mario Brito, president of the Inter-European Division (EUD); Julio Carlos Santos, secretary of the Portuguese Union; Óscar López, president of the Spanish Union, and Dr. Roberto Badenas, founder and pioneer of the CAS, among other church leaders who offered presentations highlighting the importance of Adventist education and its foundation.

The Program

The 50th-anniversary program was filled with spiritual and social activities, allowing all attendees to actively participate.

During the celebration, institution leaders inaugurated two new installments on the campus. The first was the "Fruit of the Spirit" catwalk at the entrance of the girls' residence, led by Dámaris López, director of the Art Academy. The catwalk features figures made with the "trencadis" technique, depicting the Fruits of the Spirit in a graphic way.

The second site, the "Plaza de la Familia," was dedicated to the families who entrust their children's education to the campus. This area, presented by Dr. Víctor Armenteros, highlights the church, school, and family as vital institutions in the formation of children and young people, all of which were followed by a tasting of traditional horchata and cartons for all attendees.

Campus Bible

The campus also received a significant gift with the completion of the "Sagunto Adventist Campus Bible" project. This Bible, created in partnership with Safeliz Publishing House, features a unique design and content tailored for the educational community. In addition to the traditional biblical text, it includes comments, reflections, supplementary studies, and texts that highlight the values, mission, and history of the institution. School leaders hope that this Bible will serve as a tangible symbol of the commitment to comprehensive education and spiritual growth on campus.

Historical Concert

The celebration weekend also featured a "historical concert," which included a variety of songs and the participation of the institution's flagship groups.

Each performance provided a glimpse into the past, allowing audience members to revisit memorable and important moments through music. The directors and leaders of each group not only conducted their respective performances, but also shared their personal experiences, stories, and thoughts on the musical and spiritual growth of the institution. Their narratives added depth and emotional resonance, enhancing the overall weekend experience.

Flag Parade

The celebration concluded with a flag parade, demonstrating the great cultural wealth and international impact of the CAS, and an emotional ceremony of thanks to the families of those pioneers who laid the foundations of the Campus and the institutions that have accompanied it for half a century. All staff were recognized with a commemorative medal for their work over the years. From the youngest to the oldest, they took part in this emotional and sincere act of gratitude.

The 50th anniversary of the Sagunto Adventist Campus was not only an occasion to celebrate the past, but also to renew commitment to the Lord for the future in an emotional reconsecration ceremony. The testimonies, reunions, music, and inspiring words contributed to an unforgettable weekend full of reflection, gratitude, and hope.

The original article was published on the Inter-European Division website.