Our students have unique opportunities to share experiences and to learn about different cultures from their classmates who are from different countries. During lunch on September 12, Liman (Jacob), Bifeng, Biyun and Shing Kwan gave a wonderful and informative presentation about the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated in their country. And, all students were treated to mooncakes, a Chinese delicacy which is offered between friends or during family gatherings when the festival is celebrated. Just one more example of why Pan Am is such a special place!

Each year, the Campus Ministry Council kicks off the school year with a community-bonding “SPLASH” event to help our students gets acquainted with each other in a fun setting. Although it was hot outside on Saturday, August 17, students enjoyed the inflatable water slides and playing various “cool” games around campus. Students were randomly assigned to 10 different “family” groups for the activities, and then everyone joined together for a pool party after dinner.

If you are seeking a quality Christian education for your 7th-12th grader (or know someone who might be), we are still accepting applications for the 2019-2020 school year. Day students are accepted, and scholarships and financial aid are available.

In a special opening Convocation service on Friday, August 9 in the chapel, new students were presented with a bilingual Bible containing their native language in one column and English parallel to it. Students will use these Bibles throughout their years at Pan Am - in the classroom, in worship, and in their time of personal reflection. We were honored to have two special guests join us today – Mr. Bert Alvarez, who worked at Pan Am from 1983-1986, and Esteban Gonzalez, PPAS Class of 2019, who will be attending TAMUK in the fall. Both shared encouraging words and advice with our students, and we are grateful for their participation and support.

We are working hard to form partnerships with various agencies to ensure a smooth transition for our families from Mexico. As part of this effort, PPAS Admissions Team members attended the 2019 Student Visa Intergovernmental Symposium on May 22 at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley-Brownsville. They had the pleasure of visiting with Samantha Lopez, the UTRGV International & Student Services Director; Rafael Hernandez, the U.S. Consular Officer in Matamoros representing the U.S. Department of State; Mario Campbell, HSI Supervisor; and Maria Kishore, Assistant Port Director for the Office of Field Operations Port of Brownsville U.S. Customs and Border Protection.