Non-Adventist Pastor Enrolls Son After Witnessing Student's Transformation at Sierra View Junior Academy

A man walked into Principal Carol Bovee's office at Sierra View Junior Academy on the Tuesday before school started.

"Good morning, Mrs. Bovee," he greeted in Spanish. "I want to enroll my first-grade son."

After introducing herself, Bovee asked the usual questions: Would you like to know about our school? Do you know about Adventists? Would you like a tour?

To each question, he responded, "No, not really."

Curious about his confidence, she asked, "How did you hear about us?"

"Ah," the man laughed. "I am the pastor of Adrian Sandoval, your 10th grader." His expression softened, then grew serious. "I've never seen a young man change so completely as he has over the past few years at your school. I want that kind of environment for my son."

A Sunday-keeping pastor was enrolling his son at Sierra View Junior Academy because of Adrian.

A Struggling Start

Everyone at Sierra View liked Adrian. His sparkling eyes and quick wit kept classmates and teachers laughing — sometimes at the wrong times. He didn't have an off switch. His energy filled every moment, whether it helped or hurt the class. Academically and behaviorally, he arrived well below grade level.

With patient teaching, he began catching up, but fun still mattered more than growth.

Then came seventh grade. His need for attention intensified. One morning, after a series of poor choices, the school had to suggest his parents find another placement.

After Adrian left, the classroom quieted. He was missed. The staff prayed for him, knowing the school he moved to wasn't the best fit.

A Heartfelt Return

Three days before the following school year, Adrian and his dad sat in Bovee's office at Sierra View.

Adrian shared his public school experience. "Mrs. Bovee, I realized I don't want to be at a school where teachers let me break the rules," he said. His dad added, "He wanted to return to a school that teaches about God and holds students to high expectations."

Astonished, Bovee asked Adrian to write an essay explaining what he had learned and why he wanted to return. To her surprise, he brought it the next morning — complete and heartfelt.

Sierra View gave Adrian a second chance with strict conditions, but he hardly needed them. He returned transformed: still fun-loving, but now focused, responsible and a positive leader.

Mission Ignites Purpose

In ninth grade, he joined the Central California Conference mission trip, worked hard, helped lead Vacation Bible School and spoke for Sabbath School. When he returned, he shared his experience with his Sunday church, calling it a blessing.

Now Adrian's pastor sat opposite Bovee, hoping his son would receive the same blessing and experience similar growth. His eyes sparkled. "You know Adrian presented about the mission trip you took him on?"

Bovee nodded as the pastor continued. "He told us, in church, that he had learned at Sierra View Junior Academy that if we love Jesus, we have to do something with that love. You know, Mrs. Bovee, at my church we now have a mission committee because of Adrian. He is leading it and says our church should spread the love of Jesus in our community."

This year at Sierra View Junior Academy, two familiar faces often walk the hallways side by side: Adrian, now a 10th grader, spiritual leader and student body officer, and little Caleb, his Sunday church pastor's son — both learning what it means to let God's grace change a life.