Pastor Héctor Reyes, president of the South Puerto Rico Conference, prays for Amir J.Nuñez, age 18, before baptism during the graduation ceremony on May 23, 2024, in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Amir made the decision to get baptized days before his graduation and wanted to make sure to do at the Dr. Dennis Soto Adventist Academy where he fell in love with the Bible at 12 years old. [Photo: Dr. Dennis Soto Adventist Academy]
June 27, 2024 | Ponce, Puerto Rico | Luis Rivera and Inter-American Division News
Since the age of 12, Amir J. Nuñez has been studying at Dr. Dennis Soto Adventist Academy in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Six years later, just weeks before high school graduation in May, his physical education teacher asked him if he had decided to get baptized. Amir immediately answered that yes, he wanted to give his life to Jesus, and requested baptism during his graduation ceremony on May 23, 2024.
“Amir wanted to get baptized on his last day as a student of our school,” said Eva González, principal of Dr. Dennis Soto Adventist Academy, a K-12 school. She said it was the first time a baptism took place during the graduation ceremony at the school.
Amir J. Nuñez is applauded by his classmates after he was baptized. [Photo: Dr. Dennis Soto Adventist Academy]
Amir had been studying his bible not only during his six years at the school, but also spent time studying on his own with the support of his teachers and school chaplain. Teachers said he not only read the bible assiduously but kept it close to him when he slept.
High School Graduate Amir J. Nuñez holds his diploma next to Principal of the Dr. Dennis Soto Adventist Academy Principal Eva Gonzáalez (right) and Pastor Héctor Reyes (left) president of the South Puerto Rico Conference, on May. 23, 2024 [Photo: Dr. Dennis Soto Adventist Academy]
As a result of the work of teachers and staff, other children and young people have accepted the Adventist faith and are preparing for baptism, added González.
Teachers are highly committed to the mission of sharing the gospel with every student that attends the school, education officials said.
Amir Nuńez (right) stands next to his teacher and spiritual mentor Eduardo López (left), during the high school graduation ceremony. [Photo: Dr. Dennis Soto Adventist Academy]
Established in 1962, Dr. Dennis Soto Adventist Academy is located in Ponce in the southern part of Puerto Rico and saw an enrollment of 212 students during this past school year.
The school is overseen by the Seventh-day Adventist Church on the island, which operates a total of 15 primary and secondary schools, in addition to a university.
To learn more about the Puerto Rican Union, its schools, initiatives, and programs, visit adventistas.pr