PEDRO PABLO OSORIO
PEDRO PABLO OSORIO
PEDRO PABLO OSORIO
The Florida Conference Office of Education celebrated a major milestone on Sunday, May 31, 2026, as Integrity Learning Academy (ILA) held its inaugural high school graduation ceremony at Florida Conference headquarters. David Mejias, Julia Silva, Ian Villafane, and Luc Villafane made history as the first graduating class of the Conference’s homeschool umbrella program.
Integrity Learning Academy was established to serve the growing homeschooling community by providing legal enrollment, official record-keeping, accreditation services, and educational resources grounded in Adventist values.
“Our homeschool program began as an answer to prayer,” said Rebeca Cruz, homeschool program director. “Florida Conference recognized the need to reach homeschool students and families who longed for their children to be part of an Adventist umbrella school while continuing their education at home. God opened the doors at just the right time.”
For Cruz and the education team, the academy’s first year was a testament to divine guidance.
“What started as a response to that need has become a ministry,” noted Cruz. “We’ve had an incredible first year filled with many blessings, growth, and learning opportunities.”
More than an academic ceremony, the graduation was also a testament to the Office of Education’s mission to bridge education and evangelism. Among those attending was a young girl from Jacksonville, Fla., who discovered ILA online, enrolled, and traveled to celebrate with the class. The young girl’s mother, who previously knew nothing about the Seventh-day Adventist Church, expressed a desire to learn more after witnessing the care and Christian spirit of the ceremony. Conference leaders connected her with a local Adventist church and pastor to continue exploring her faith.
The launch and success of Integrity Learning Academy were made possible through strong organizational support. Cruz credits the leadership of Frank Runnels, Florida Conference vice president for education; Orlando Lopez, Florida Conference president; and the entire Conference administration team for their unwavering backing throughout the inaugural year.
As the four graduates prepare for their next steps, the ceremony offered a moment to reflect on both the hard work behind them and the promise ahead.
“Graduation was truly a dream come true,” said Cruz. “Watching four amazing students receive their diplomas from Integrity Learning Academy was a beautiful and unforgettable moment. It was so much more than a ceremony; it was a celebration of perseverance, faith, and the incredible journey of homeschooling.”
Florida | September 2026
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