UCC Students Receive 2025 Caring Heart Awards
Three academy students from Upper Columbia Conference received the $500 2025 Caring Heart Award scholarship, made possible through three-way funding from North Pacific Union, local conferences and academies.
By Isaac Meythaler, UCC Communications Coordinator
Students were selected by their schools for exemplifying the spirit of the Caring Heart — a willingness to serve others. Each student is gifted with a plaque and an engraved Bible, courtesy of North American Division. The scholarship funds may be used toward tuition at an Adventist school or on a short-term mission trip.
Halle Gates
Cascade Christian Academy
Halle Gates has spent her entire academic journey — from kindergarten to senior year — at CCA. As the senior class president, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, earning the respect and admiration of her peers. Halle has a deep compassion for those with special needs, as well as for anyone who might be considered an underdog.
This empathetic nature is evident in her everyday life. She has cared for her older brother with special needs since childhood, a role many have witnessed firsthand. In elementary school, Halle also volunteered alongside her mom to provide lunches at the park during the summer through an organization called Small Miracles.
Her passion for helping others extends globally, as she has participated in a mission trip to Belize, where she assisted at an orphanage. Halle’s hard work and commitment to excellence are reflected in her impressive 3.8 high school GPA. This fall, she will be attending WWU, where she plans to study business communication with a focus on both Spanish and French.
Kaitlyn Rivas
Upper Columbia Academy
Kaitlyn Rivas, UCA senior, has attended all four years and UCA Elementary School for seventh and eighth grade. She and her family have been instrumental in service projects at church and school.
As a member of the UCA student body, Kaitlyn has been a leader as a cafeteria worker and supervisor and is essential to childcare on campus. She has volunteered many hours on weekends at UCA and at Providence Medical Center in Spokane.
She has a heart for service, though sometimes this is only noticed behind the scenes. UCA has been blessed to experience the gifts that God has given Kaitlyn. She hopes to become a nurse where she will surely be the face of Jesus for many of her future patients.
Asher Peterson
Walla Walla Valley Academy
Asher Peterson, WVAA senior, is the ultimate caring heart. Asher is always cheerful and kind. He is a friend to everyone — especially students who might struggle to connect with others. He is friendly, always greeting students and teachers by name in the hallways. He always gives someone the benefit of the doubt, even when they don't return the favor. He looks you in the eye and asks how you're doing — and he genuinely wants to know!
Asher is an athlete, a musician, a thespian and a leader. He always wants to help. He offers heartfelt compliments, and he never gossips. Students trust Asher, which is some of the highest praise that can be offered.
The faculty and staff at WWVA are honored to know Asher and support him as our Caring Heart representative.
For a full list of 2025 Caring Heart Award recipients, see nwadventist.com/feature/2025-caring-heart-awards.
Adventist schools across Upper Columbia Conference create active opportunities for Christian growth. Find an Adventist school near you at uccsda.org/schools.
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