Report of Fernando (Cal.) Academy by H. G. Lucas

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 5, 1907

Report of Fernando (Cal.) Academy

By H. G. Lucas

THIS school closed on May 28, after a very successful year's work in all departments. It was a satisfaction to have the majority of the students remain with us until the close of the school year. It shows appreciation of the efforts put forth by the teachers in their behalf. In this report I can only touch upon a few of the interesting phases of the work.

During the year one hundred and fifty enrolments were made, as against one hundred and eight last year. Nearly all the students are expecting to return, and they have set themselves to the task of interesting every young person they meet in the school and its work. I believe that our school can be built up most successfully only through efforts of the students.

About sixty of our students took training in the canvassing work under Brother Covell, and forty of these have gone into the field, covering practically all southern California. It was the largest band of canvassers this conference has ever known, and its influence has been felt in the churches. They sell seven hundred or eight hundred dollars' worth of books each week. An encouraging feature is that, while about half the number are working for scholarships, the others have their homes at Fernando, and go out because they know that canvassing is the first step in practical missionary work. These students advertise the school wherever they go, and they have already secured many students for next year.

Two of our young men went to Fallbrook, San Diego County, to hold meetings. They have been very successful in their work as far as reports have come in.

The educational missionary movement inaugurated at the educational convention last summer has inspired our young people to come to our school and to train for definite work in the cause.

Our normal department has been reorganized, and the students of this school did excellent work. While our facilities are still meager, we are making progress. The public-school teachers of the town visited our manual training exhibit, and were surprised at the results obtained.

The school has gained about two thousand dollars this year, after paying all expenses and making good all depreciations.

H. G. LUCAS, Principal.