"The Bibles are a perfect gift for our graduating seniors because essentially the last message we send them is that God always goes with you,” says Somer Penington, high school religion teacher at Redlands Adventist Academy. “At Redlands, each faculty member signs the Bibles, hopefully communicating that we attest for the power these Words have had in our lives, and we hope these graduating seniors choose the same Words to guide their own lives.”

La Sierra University and a donor gave approximately 600 New International Version leather-bound Bibles to academy seniors throughout the Pacific Union Conference.

“It takes place in chapel, and you sit with your class and listen to a speaker give good wisdom,” says Erin Hinkle, 2004 graduate of Loma Linda Academy and La Sierra University freshman. “They call your name, and you walk down and receive a Bible. The Bible is something I will keep. I use it all the time.”

“I would love for all of the students to come to La Sierra University, but it matters more to us that they be a part of God’s work,” says Samuel Leonor, Jr., La Sierra University campus pastor. Leonor added that many parents expressed appreciation for the Bible gifts and that the students were appreciative.

Loma Linda Academy director of development Donna Hadley writes, “The results of the dedication service this past spring were astounding. At the request of the senior class president, faculty members wrote personal notes to each student in his or her Bible. It was such a memorable occasion that students and those in attendance have asked for the senior dedication to become an annual event at our school.”

“This Bible gift says something about the things that we believe are important,” says Gene Edelback, La Sierra University vice president for enrollment. “This is also a gift that they will be able to keep for a very long time.”

“As a graduate of La Sierra University and lifelong Adventist educator, I can think of no greater gift to provide to seniors than a personalized copy of the Scriptures,” says Kelly Bock, Ph.D., director of education for the Pacific Union Conference. “In our techno and media rich environment, students need to be encouraged to spend quiet time in the Scriptures.”