PRESS
The Heavens Declare
Pacific Union Recorder - November 2024
Every year our students get to experience a Outdoor School and Elementary Experience as a way to get them into the classroom of the great outdoors. Our high school students partake of Outdoor School and our Elementary students partake of Elementary Experience. This year, both groups experienced the goodness of God by way of nature and the heavens. To read more, click the button below.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
All God’s People
Pacific Union
On October 4, 2024, the Pacific Union visited HIS campus to capture live media of students and staff interacting throughout the day. To view the video, click the video to the right or the link below.
A Little child Shall Lead Them
Pacific Union Recorder - October 2024
One of the special things about children is that most of them are still open — their hearts have not been hardened by life’s adversities. God is a God of purpose, on purpose, and He will often utilize children to carry out said purpose and plans. To read the full story of how God worked through a child to bring his mother to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, click the button below.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
The Nature of Humanity and Horses
Pacific Union Recorder - September 2024
The nature of humanity is learned from those around us, and it is a good thing that we are not doomed to stay stuck in the learned patterns of our life. To read more about the role horses play in the healing process of our students, click the link below.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
Holbrook Hosts Native American Camp Meeting
Pacific Union Recorder - August 2024
Our summers typically kick off with Native American Camp Meeting, and this year was no exception. We heard from several dynamic speakers and were blessed with the music of the Melashenko Family Singers. To read more, click the button below.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
faith like a child
Pacific Union Recorder - July 2024
Baptisms are always a special time where a child of God makes a public declaration of their faith in His son, Jesus. At the end of our school year we witnessed the wonderful miracle of 13 precious souls giving their lives to Christ. To read more, click the button below.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
Train Up a Child
Pacific Union Recorder - June 2024
The end of the school year brings the excitement of senior graduation. However, before our seniors can celebrate the culmination of their high school years, they must first face the task of considering their options for college. Students don’t always have someone they can turn to for this task, so that is where we step in. To learn more about our College and Trade Prep initiative, click the button below.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
Looking Ahead to Summer Experience
Pacific Union Recorder - May 2024
Summer is a time when most students look forward to being home. That’s not the case with every student. For this reason, we offer our Summer Program experience as a means to assist our students in maintaining the momentum they have established throughout the school year. To learn more about what we offer during Summer Experience, click the button below.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
God Kept the Door Open For Me
Pacific Union Recorder: Education Edition - April 2024
Growing up, when people learned I wanted to be a teacher, they would often ask me where I wanted to teach. Ever since I learned about Holbrook Indian School (HIS), It was always my first choice.
By Grace Babcock
Life After HIS: College From a Graduate’s Perspective
Pacific Union Recorder - April 2024
For many of our students, college seems like a pipe dream - something intangible and unreachable. We do our best to encourage curiosity and plans to attend college or trade school after they graduate from HIS. In this month’s article, you will read about an alumna’s college experience as she pursues her dream of becoming a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
Hashknife Pony Express:
a Community Tradition
Pacific Union Recorder - March 2024
The term "community" is foreign to many of the students of Holbrook Indian School (HIS). What does it mean to live in community with those around us? How do members serve their community?
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
No Greater Love
Pacific Union Recorder - February 2024
February is known as the month of love, and there is no greater love than to give of one’s self in service to another. Read how our faculty and staff give love to our students through service in their various roles on campus.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
HIS PERSPECTUS
Pacific Union Recorder - November 2023
In November, the Pacific Union Recorder featured a perspectus for HIS. Take a peek inside to learn more about who we are and what we do.
The End of an Era and the Dawn of a New One
Pacific Union Recorder - January 2024
Just as with anything in this life there are different seasons and chapters that must come to an end. Such was the case for our old horse barn. Thanks to many gereous friends of his, along with a quality contractor and several volunteers - we were able to build a state-of-the-art new barn for our herd of horses.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
Outdoor School Builds Participants’ Everyday Faith in Unexpected Ways
Pacific Union Recorder - December 2023
Each year our students have the privilege to attend Outdoor School where they spend a week learning about various ecosystems in nature or learning about the urban jungle of San Diego. This year’s trip took our crew to Bryce Canyon National Park where they experienced many opportunities to exercise everyday faith.
By Anita Ojeda
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Pacific Union Recorder - November 2023
November is American Indian Heritage Month, but for our students at HIS - every month is American Indian Heritage Month. There is a national crisis affecting our sisters and brothers of the Native Nations across the board, but not too many people outside of the reservations are aware of it. In honor of all the missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, we join those making efforts to raise awareness of this crisis that afffects so many.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
Re-Building for a New Academic Year
Pacific Union Recorder - October 2023
Given many of the stressors that our students face, including the tragic bus accident of last year, it is an incredible privilege to witness how resilient they are and to watch as God pours into their wounded places and lights their faces from the inside out.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
Called to Serve: Staff Stories
Pacific Union Recorder - September 2023
It is clear that God’s ways are truly mysterious. We can make all the plans that we want for ourselves, but it is truly God who guides our steps. And, if we are willing, He will often send us to places we did not expect - or places we asked for. Regardless of how we got here, one thing is for certain - “God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Pacific Union Recorder - August 2023
One of the exciting aspects of Holbrook Indian School is catching up with former students and learning about the impact that attending our school has had on their lives. In this issue, join us as we catch up with three of them to answer the question, “Where Are They Now?”
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
HEALTH EMPHASIS WEEKEND WITH DR. ZENO CHARLES-MARCEL
Pacific Union Recorder - July 2023
It is always a blessing to have visitors who take a vested interest in our students, but it is especially a privilege when a leader from the General Conference makes time to teach our students about the importance of health and how it affects our connection with our Creator. Read more about how God blessed our school - double.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
Holbrook students enjoy elementary experience and outdoor school
Pacific Union Recorder - June 2023
Thanks to many generous friends of HIS, our students have the privilege of enjoying Elementary Experience and Outdoor School. Read more about these two programs and how our students benefit from both.
By Kimberly Cruz, MSW
HIS Nation To the End of Time
Pacific Union Recorder - May 2023
At HIS we are blessed to have an incredibly supportive community. Read more on how God has sent numerous individuals to be His hands and feet serving our youth.
by Chevon Petgrave
ALL THINGS WORKING TOGETHER FOR GOOD
Pacific Union Recorder - April 2023
Students at HIS encounter many opportunities to grow spiritually. Read more in this month’s article about the stories of several students who gave their lives to Christ this school year.
by Chevon Petgrave
A PLOT TO CALL THEIR OWN
Pacific Union Recorder - March 2023
Students from the gardening class at Holbrook Indian School are preparing to cultivate their own plot of ground. Read this month’s Recorder story to find out the end goal that HIS agriculture director and teacher, Daniel Nicholls, has in store for our students.
by Chevon Petgrave
Native American students attend gyc for the first time
Pacific Union Recorder - February 2023
Holbrook Indian School students attended the GYC event for the first time over Christmas break. Read about their first-hand experience.
by Chevon Petgrave
like family
Pacific Union Recorder - January 2023
The unique family environment at Holbrook Indian School (HIS) provides many benefits. Read to see how the faculty family effort at HIS helps to meet student needs.
by Chevon Petgrave
His Life-changing impact
Pacific Union Recorder - December 2022
Read about the many ways Holbrook India School and its supporters have made a significant impact.
by Chevon Petgrave
DINé: PRESERVING THE CULTURE
Pacific Union Recorder - November 2022
November is Native American Heritage Month, and in this article, you can read about how HIS students are celebrating their culture as well as some of the history of the Diné/Navajo.
by Chevon Petgrave
A SAD WEEK, REMEMBERING KIARRA
Pacific Union Recorder - October 2022
Students, staff, and individuals from the Holbrook Indian School community mourned with the family of Kiarra Gordon after her tragic passing in August. You can read this special tribute on the school life of Kiarra.
by Chevon Petgrave
HEALED TO HELP
Pacific Union Recorder - September 2022
Over the summer, a few students and staff from Holbrook Indian School participated in a run across the Navajo Nation to raise awareness for the evangelistic series Message from the Metal Man by It Is Written. Read to find out more.
by Chevon Petgrave
Holbrook Indian School Mourns Loss of Student in Bus Accident
Adventist Review - August 2022
Read the initial press release posted by the Adventist Review on the bus accident that injured six students and claimed the life of 17-year old Kiarra Gordon.
by Holbrook Indian School and Pacific Union Conference
Holbrook Indian School Mourns Loss of Student in Tragic Bus Accident
North American Division News Articles - August 2022
Read the initial press release posted by the North American Division on the bus accident that injured six students and claimed the life of 17-year old Kiarra Gordon.
by Holbrook Indian School and Pacific Union Conference
SUMMER GROWTH AT HOLBROOK INDIAN SCHOOL
Pacific Union Recorder - August 2022
Read about the summer happenings from the 2022 Summer Experience program.
by Chevon Petgrave
NEW HORIZONS: HIS STUDENTS TRAVEL TO ATLANTA TO PRESENT ON OUTDOOR SCHOOL
Pacific Union Recorder - July 2022
Two HIS students traveled to the south east United States for the first time. Read about their exciting experience.
by Chevon Petgrave
A WONDERFUL PEOPLE
Pacific Union Recorder - June 2022
Every year HIS students visit the Navajo capital in Window Rock as part of their Navajo Government class. Read to explore more about the culture and ways of a wonderful group of people.
by Chevon Petgrave
LAST RIDE
Pacific Union Recorder - May 2022
Fred Bruce started the equestrian program at Holbrook Indian School. After 12 years at the helm, he retired along with his wife Pam Bruce in May 2022. Read about their memorable journey.
by Chevon Petgrave
Indigenous School in the U.S. Works to Map the Future of Its Graduates
Adventist World - April 2022
Career shadowing opportunity showcases how to open up options for student advancement.
by Chevon Petgrave, Holbrook Indian School, and Adventist Review
MAPS FOR LIFE
Pacific Union Recorder - April 2022
MAPS is an integral part of Holbrook Indian School’s curriculum, so much so the school has a new person dedicated to facilitating it through-out the all school’s program.
by Chevon Petgrave
Holbrook Indian School Celebrates 75 Years of Transforming Lives
Adventist Review - March 2022
Read about our 75th Anniversary celebration and our school’s history.
by Chevon Petgrave, Holbrook Indian School, and Adventist Review
75 YEARS OF STORIES LIKE THESE
Pacific Union Recorder - March 2022
March 6, 2022, was the 75th-anniversary celebration of Holbrook Indian School (HIS). Read about the impact HIS has had throughout the years.
by Chevon Petgrave
Building Stories of faith
Pacific Union Recorder - February 2022
Read the incredible stories of Randal Schafer’s faith as he helped to build housing for Holbrook Indian School.
by Chevon Petgrave
Don’t Stop The Music: Jaden’s Growth through Music Class
Pacific Union Recorder - January 2022
See how one student’s academic struggles turn into personal growth.
by Chevon Petgrave
WINSOME WITNESSES: celebrating Native American heritage all year
Pacific Union Recorder, Newsdesk - December 2021
In this two-part December article, you can take a look back at how HIS students grow in their Native identity throughout the year and during the special month of November.
by Diana Fish
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH AT HIS
Pacific Union Recorder - December 2021
In this two-part December article, you can take a look back at how HIS students grow in their Native identity throughout the year and during the special month of November.
by Chevon Petgrave
God’s Classroom: HIS Outdoor school
Pacific Union Recorder - November 2021
Read how Outdoor School provides HIS students with an opportunity to explore God’s second book while learning important life skills and achieving school-wide learner outcomes.
by Chevon Petgrave and Anita Ojeda
Holbrook Indian School: Valuing Native American Culture
Pacific Union Conference
This article is a summary report of our mission efforts from 2016-2021.
by Pacific Union Conference
HIS nATION, 75 YEARS STRONG
Pacific Union Recorder - September 2021
In this article, you can read about the impact that friends of HIS have made from the 1960s to 2010.
by Chevon Petgrave
MAPS: Spiritual Growth AT HIS
Pacific Union Recorder - August 2021
Read about our approach to spiritual growth at Holbrook Indian school
by Chevon Petgrave
MAPS: PHYSICAL EDUCATION AT HIS
Pacific Union Recorder - July 2021
In this article, we share a little about our extensive physical education program.
by Chevon Petgrave
MAPS: Academics and Arts at Holbrook Indian School
Pacific Union Recorder - June 2021
HIS English teacher, Anita Ojeda, shares our unique approach to academics.
by Chevon Petgrave and Anita Ojeda
MAPS: mental Health At Holbrook Indian School
Pacific Union Recorder - May 2021
Licensed counselors Laura Sohn and Loren Fish make up the two-person team of counselors at HIS. They review the topic in this month’s issue by sharing some of what their work as counselors at HIS entails.
by Chevon Petgrave, Laura Sohn and Loren Fish
BUILDING NATURE’S CLASSROOM
Pacific Union Recorder - April 2021
Daniel Nicholls is working with students in erecting a new greenhouse on campus for sole purpose of learning how to grow plants.
by Chevon Petgrave and Daniel Nicholls
the man behind the mission
Pacific Union Recorder - March 2021
He has been the main spearhead behind our triplex building project. Read about Randal Schafer’s immense contribution to HIS.
by Chevon Petgrave
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? SHAWNEWA
Pacific Union Recorder - February 2021
Join us as we catch up with 2020 HIS graduate Shawnewa, in this special Where are they now feature.
by Chevon Petgrave
75 YEARS AND COUNTING
Pacific Union Recorder - January 2021
This year Holbrook Indian school celebrates its 75th year of service to Native American youth. Read about our historical journey in this article.
Compiled by Chevon Petgrave
HIS IMPACT
Pacific Union Recorder - December 2020
Read about HIS graduate, Jerena Hunter, and her journey back to HIS.
by Chevon Petgrave and Jerena Hunter
THE FIRST FRUITS: ALUMNI STORIES
Pacific Union Recorder - November 2020
Read about three HIS alumni who went from students to staff.
By Chevon Petgrave
CONTINUING THE LEGACY
Pacific Union Recorder - October 2020
Our students are back!
In this story we share our COVID-19 Re-opening plans and more.
By Diana Fish
NOT BY CHANCE
Pacific Union Recorder - September 2020
Every staff member who joins the HIS family has a story.
Jessica, Olga and Daniel share how the Lord brought them to Holbrook.
By Nicole Potgieter, Jessica Burns, Olga Nicholls and Daniel Nicholls
Student Learner Outcomes — Path to Success
Pacific Union Recorder - August 2020
Holbrook crafts new schoolwide student learner outcomes (SLOs)
By Anita Ojeda
“Life on the Navajo Reservation During COVID-19”
Pacific Union Recorder - July 2020
Holbrook looks at students’ lives amidst the pandemic.
By Starla and Isis, with Nicole Potgieter
“Blessings in ChinlE”
Pacific Union Recorder - June 2020
A look into how students are handling the coronavirus.
By Dale Wolcott & Nicole Potgieter
“Hope Amid the Crisis”
Pacific Union Recorder - May 2020
Holbrook works with the Navajo Nation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Diana Fish & Nicole Potgieter
“A Guide for the Route”
Pacific Union Recorder - April 2020
Holbrook’s enCOMPASS program bridges divides and brings students together.
By Nicole Potgieter
“Chilly Day, Big Smiles”
Pacific Union Recorder - March 2020
Holbrook’s Rec Day provides students off-campus opportunities.
By Nicole Potgieter
“Making Music at Holbrook Indian School”
Pacific Union Recorder - February 2020
Holbrook launches its first year of a full music program.
By Michelle Nieb
“A Refuge in Unfailing Love”
Pacific Union Recorder - January 2020
Principal Ojeda shares his experience changing lives at Holbrook
By Pedro Ojeda
“HIS Kids”
Westwind - Fall 2019
Pedro and Anita Ojeda share how God used their experiences to prepare them for their current work at Holbrook Indian School.
By Emily Huso
“Made to Thrive”
Pacific Union Recorder - December 2019
Holbrook mentors students like Quentina, a challenging student who recently got baptized.
By Nicole Potgieter.
“Ministry at Holbrook indian school”
All God’s People - November 15, 2019; Episode 346
The Pacific Union territory is home to more than 1.2 million Native Americans. Much of the Navajo Nation lies within the Pacific Union. November is National Native American Heritage Month, and during this time, we celebrate the diverse and rich culture, history, and traditions of Native people.
“Reach”
Pacific Union Recorder - November 2019
Students experience outdoor school in Rocky Mountain National Park
By Alyssa Williams with Nicole Potgieter
“Agricultural Program: Growing and harvesting in the desert”
Pacific Union Recorder - October 2019
Holbrook students not only learn to grow food naturally, but are able to provide the cafeteria with fresh greens.
By Alyssa Williams
“Bike Program: Learning a Healthy Lifetime Activity”
Pacific Union Recorder - September 2019
Principal Ojeda shares the benefits of the fun and healthy bike program.
By Pedro Ojeda
“students retrace navajo long walk”
Pacific Union Recorder - August 2019
Students retrace the historical Navajo Long Walk from the 1800s.
By Anita Ojeda
“Celebration culture at holbrook indian school”
Pacific Union Recorder - July 2019
Holbrook Indian School (HIS) seeks to reconnect students to their Native culture, while providing a safe place for Native American children and youth to become successful individuals who are proud of their culture.
By Alyssa Williams and Kelly Williams
“Summer leadership program: a safe haven”
Pacific Union Recorder - June 2019
HIS’s Summer Leadership Program continues to provide a safe haven, which many of our students depend on, through the summer months.
By Kelly Williams
“Adrian Wiles: a cycle breaker”
Pacific Union Recorder - May 2019
Native youth face some of the lowest graduation rates. Adrian is breaking that cycle.
By Alyssa Williams
“Hope: A Future Without Poverty on the Reservation”
Pacific Union Recorder - April 2019
Holbrook aids in breaking the “Rez mindset,” providing students with the mindset needed to escape poverty.
By Jolina Barron
“Healing with Horses”
Pacific Union Recorder - March 2019
Holbrook’s horse program provides a healing and safe place for students to thrive.
By Alyssa Williams
“Mentoring Makes a Difference at Holbrook Indian School”
Pacific Union Recorder - February 2019
This school year God has been blessing the HIS counseling department with many miracles of healing.
By Giselle Ortiz and Loren Fish
“What is Life?”
Pacific Union Recorder - January 2019
Laqueta, a 10th-grader, shares her spoken word of her battles and victory.
By Laqueta