More than 100 students from across the South Atlantic Conference gathered for a day of academic competition, fellowship, and spiritual reflection during the annual Festival Expo.
The event brought together school- level champions to compete in spelling bee, science fair, art, and oratorical categories, highlighting student achievement across multiple disciplines while emphasizing shared purpose and community.
The program opened with a charge from David A. Smith, South Atlantic executive vice president. He encouraged participants to pursue excellence with confidence and faith. With families, educators, and peers in attendance — and more than 800 viewers joining online — students delivered polished performances marked by preparation and poise.
In the spelling bee competition, students demonstrated linguistic precision and focus across grade divisions. Science fair participants presented innovative projects addressing real-world questions with creativity and analytical rigor. In the art and oratorical categories, students expressed individuality and faith through visual storytelling and public speaking, centered on the theme “Jesus is Coming Again.”
A few of the winners in the various categories:
Art Contest – Grades 3-5
Chole Swan / Ramah Junior Academy / 1st Place
Jasiel Hallman / Lithonia Adventist Academy / 2nd Place
Christina Holder / Decatur Adventist Junior Academy / 3rd Place
Art Contest – Grades 6-8
Karissa Louisy / Lithonia Adventist Academy / 1st Place
Londyn Bobb / Emanuel Junior Academy / 2nd Place
Layla Gillespie / Ephesus Junior Academy / 3rd Place
Science Fair – Grades 3-5
Ivan Diggs / Decatur Adventist Junior Academy / 1st Place
Qamar Morgan / New Bethel Christian Academy / 3rd Place
Science Fair – Grades 6-8
Abigail Agard / Berean Christian Junior Academy (Atlanta) / 1st Place
Kaleigh Laporte / Decatur Adventist Junior Academy / 2nd Place
Aiden Poole / Berean Junior Academy (Charlotte) / 3rd Place
Spelling Bee – Grades 3-5
Kingston Buchanan / Decatur Adventist Junior Academy / 1st Place
Ivan Diggs / Decatur Adventist Junior Academy / 2nd Place
Lond’yn Benjamin / Lithonia Adventist Academy / 3rd Place
Spelling Bee – Grades 6-8
Samuel Pyinae / Greater Fayetteville Adventist Academy / 1st Place
Oratorical Contest – Grades 3-5
Genesis Calderon / Greater Fayetteville Adventist Academy / 1st Place
Alicia Hilliker / Greater Fayetteville Adventist Academy / 2nd Place
Nathan Brooks / Ephesus Junior Academy / 3rd Place
Oratorical Contest – Grades 6-8
Japheth Serrano / Greater Fayetteville Adventist Academy / 1st Place
RaSheed McMill / Berean Junior Academy (Charlotte) / 2nd Place
Wesley Ivory / Ephesus Junior Academy / 3rd Place
Beyond the competitions, organizers emphasized the importance of fellowship. During a midday gathering, students connected with peers from other schools, sharing experiences, and building relationships in an environment that underscored the broader mission of Adventist education. Many remarked that the impact of the event extended beyond awards, pointing to moments of inspiration, new friendships, and renewed appreciation for Christian education among participants and attendees.
As the program concluded, students and educators left with more than accolades, carrying forward lessons of discipline, collaboration, and purpose.
Leaders said the South Atlantic Conference Festival Expo continues to serve as both a platform for excellence and a reminder of the value of faith-based education in shaping future generations.
South Atlantic | June 2026
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