Columbia Union News

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

The Columbia Union Conference Office of Education honors four educators with the 2025–26 Outstanding Educator Awards.

“Our Columbia Union educators are living out a sacred calling as, day after day, their dedication prevails in the quiet, unseen moments when extra time is given, care for each student is shown and the love of Jesus is expressed,” says Ruth Nino, associate director at Columbia Union’s Office of Education. “They go beyond a career by investing their hearts and creating spaces where students feel seen, valued and empowered.”

Washington Adventist University incoming freshman Franklin Diaz and Jennifer Perez (’29) have been selected to receive this year’s Next Generation Hispanic Pastor scholarships, provided by the Columbia Union and North American Division.

“There is a lack of pastors,” said Rubén A. Ramos, who recently retired as union vice president for Multilingual Ministries. “We need to encourage our young people who are considering ministry.”

Photos by Melvin Donadelle/Chesapeake Conference and Nicol Belvedere/North American Division

Forty-six Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) teams participated in the 2026 North American Division level event last weekend at Camp Hawthorne in Florida. 

Here are the placements:

First Place

Allegheny East Conference 
Community SDAC of Englewood Falcons Thrivin 5
Filipino-American Oxon Hill Oxen Warriors 
Genesis Jaguars 
Miracle City Knights 1
Muungano Shining Lions Zion Redeemed 

Events like the Pathfinder Bible Experience prepare young Seventh-Day Adventist members for being leaders not only in the church, but in their communities and in the world. Read more about the 2026 Columbia Union Conference Pathfinder Bible Experience here. | Video by Jorge Pillco, New Jersey Conference

On March 14, 62 Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) teams participated in the Columbia Union Conference PBE event. Here are the results. (Read our article here!)

First Place

Allegheny East Conference 
Community SDAC of Englewood Falcons Thrivin 5
Filipino-American Oxon Hill Oxen Warriors 
Genesis Jaguars 
Miracle City Knights 1
Muungano Shining Lions Zion Redeemed