Alumni of the Year 2022

Margarett Nelson Nwankpah ’90

Following graduation at Crawford Adventist Academy in 1990, Margarett Nelson Nwankpah, attended Atlantic Union College, Massachusetts. She graduated in 1994 with a BSc. In Business Administration with a minor in Economics. She returned home to Toronto before getting married and moving to Connecticut in 2002.

While in Connecticut, there were no Adventist schools in close proximity of their home. They put this to the Lord in prayer. Her husband then received a job opportunity in Battle Creek, MI and they were able to enroll their son at Battle Creek Academy where Margarett volunteered for 3 years to support the school. While doing so, she was once again reminded that the mission of our schools goes beyond preparing students for their future careers but also for meeting our Lord when He returns. She recognizes the sacrifices our teachers have to make each day – and that their chosen field is not just a job but a mission. 

In 2010, Margarett took a pause to homeschool their two sons, currently aged 17 & 13; and to provide homecare to her mother when she fell sick. She is currently doing remote network support. 

Michelle Nelson Anderson, ‘93

Michelle graduated with the CAA Class of 1993 and also attended Atlantic Union College. She then went on get her MBA at National Louis University, Chicago. She then decided to change career direction, and did her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Dietetics. She is married and currently settled in Connecticut where she works as a registered Dietitian. 

Michelle also shares that there are no Adventist schools within an hour of where she resides. Families are having to move to have access to our schools. 

Sisters, Margarett and Michelle, launched the Mazie A. Nelson Worthy Student Fund in 2021, in honour of their late mother, who made Adventist Education at Crawford Adventist Academy a priority for her daughters. This fund is awarded to Grade 8 graduating students who wish to continue their studies in our High School Division. 

Mrs. Nelson was passionate about Adventist Education. As a single-mother who was able to put her two daughters through Adventist Education, she encouraged other mothers to test the Lord. 

The idea of launching a Worthy Student Fund is precious to the sisters as their mother could not afford to put her daughters at CAA at the same time – sending Margarett first and then Michelle. She worked so hard often taking extra shifts in order to pay tuition. 

As a result of her example, she has seen many parents choose Adventist Education for their children. In her study of the role of Education in the Spirit of Prophecy, she put into practice what she was learning and was actively encouraged parents to also send their children to Crawford. She was vocal about encouraging parents to send their children to Crawford. 

We are inspired by the generosity and the vision of alumni sisters, Margarett Nwankpah & Michelle Anderson as they share the impactful legacy of their late mother, Mazie A. Nelson, extending opportunities for future generations of young people to experience ‘Excellence in Christian Education’ at Crawford Adventist Academy. 

In recognition of their commitment to excellence, dedication, love and support of Crawford Adventist Academy, we present to you the 2022 Alumni of the Year, Ms. Margarett Nwankpah, Class of 1990, and Michelle Anderson, Class of 1993. 

2019 Alumnus of the Year 
Kesean Kenton 
Class of 2002

As a high school student, Kesean Kenton always had a plan and his plan was simple. “I always had a very good idea of what I wanted to do - finish high school, take some courses in graphics and art, work in the industry for a little then start my own business.”

In his senior year, Kesean took on student leadership roles serving as the Rau House Leader and Student Association – Newspaper Editor. In 2001, he also displayed his artistic vision and creativity through his paintings of the athletic figures on the gym walls where they remain today.

Following graduation from Crawford in 2002, Kesean pursued post-secondary studies in Digital Multimedia at Andrews University. He continued his studies in Graphic Design for Print & Web at the International Academy of Design & Technology, Toronto, ON. In the 2009-2010 academic year, Kesean returned to CAA in the capacity of Graphic Design teacher in the High School Division and continued to serve as Online Marketing Consultant until 2012.

Currently the Creative Director, ProtoImage Designs, he continues to remain closely involved with the design aesthetic of the CAA branding including past versions of the school website, promotional material and design and layout of ‘Visionary’ alumni magazine. His love for Crawford is reflected through his prioritization of urgent projects and the personalized customer service he offers consistently.

Passionate about giving youth a platform, he co-founded HEY Magazine, a publication to inspire and elevate the minds of young people. He also enjoys talking to young people and often gives back by returning to speak to our current students to share his experience in industry and entrepreneurship. Most recently, he participated in ‘Rebuilding the Brotherhood’, a one-day campus conference designed to engage and train our young men in Grades 8-12 to be their best version

In the 2001-2002 Trillium, Kesean thanked his parents for their sacrifice. He also thanked his teachers for teaching him perseverance. This same perseverance along with his passion drives him to inspire other young people, including our Crawford students.

In recognition of his ongoing commitment to excellence, dedication, love and support of Crawford Adventist Academy, we present to you the 2019 Alumni of the Year, Mr. Kesean Kenton

Alumnus of the Year 2021
Dr. Tae-Woong Im
Grade 10 Class of 1980

Dr. Tae-Woong Im immigrated to Canada with his parents and brother in December 1970
He and his brother, Tae-ho, attended the local public school for a year-and –a-half while his parents were settling into their new life in Toronto.

Mr. & Mrs. Woon-Uk & Wha-Bok Im, with a firm belief in Christian Education, ensured their sons were enrolled at what was then Toronto Junior Academy as soon as they were able. Tae-Woong graduated from TJA in Grade 10 Class of 1980. Dr. Im’s father, an educator in Korea, served as a church elder alongside his grandfather who pastored the Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church located on Finch Ave., and together encouraged the parents, family and friends to prioritize Christian Education. This spurred the influx of Korean students attending TJA/CAA in those years. The parents were not rich in finances but they had a strong desire to invest in their children’s opportunity to develop a relationship with Christ at our school.

He continued his high school studies and graduated from Kingsway College in 1982. Tae-Woong completed his undergraduate degree in pre-medicine at Andrews University. Dr. Im received his medical degree from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He also completed his internship and residency in Family Practice at Loma Linda University.

Currently residing in Temecula, California, Dr. Im is married to wife, Helen, and together they have two children – both of whom have also graduated from medical school.

He is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He is the President of Rancho Family Medical Group. He has hospital privileges Loma Linda Medical Center Murrieta, Fallbrook Hospital, Rancho Springs and Inland Valley and Temecula Valley Hospital. Dr. Im also travels to Haiti yearly with the Haiti Endowment Fund and conducts medical missionary work.

In memory of his late parents, Dr. Tae-Woong Im has launched an Endowment Fund titled the Woon-Uk & Wha-Bok Im Worthy Student Fund to inspire and assist families and students from our constituent Korean churches and children of missionary families who wish to study in Canada to receive an education at Crawford Adventist Academy.

In recognition of his ongoing commitment to excellence, dedication, love and support of Crawford Adventist Academy, we present to you the 2021 Alumnus of the Year, Dr. Tae-Woong Im.

2019 Alumnus of the Year 
Sheldon Cassimy 
Class of 2004

With absolute disappointment, Sheldon Cassimy opened the doors and entered Crawford Adventist Academy on the first day of high school. As he made his way to his locker, he couldn’t believe this was going to be it for high school. It was the last place he wanted to be. “What’s in this for me?” was his argument to his parents. “You know I want to be in the NBA and Crawford doesn’t even have a basketball team. It’s not fair!” The rhetorical (and sometimes not-sorhetorical) question, “Why don’t they have a basketball team?” nagged at him. While balancing academics and playing street ball with his uncles, he envisioned Crawford having a competitive basketball team. Incidentally, he was voted to the position of Athletics Rep, Class of 2004 officers.

Following graduation with the Class of 2004, Sheldon remained in Toronto and acquired a Marketing Management Diploma from Seneca College. Grateful for a full scholarship, he continued his studies at Canadian University College (now Burman University),  attaining a B.A. Sc. Health and Wellness degree, while playing college ball, winning 4 conference championships.

Currently, Sheldon is a Financial Solutions Specialist/Mortgage Agent and a Basketball Coach/Skill Development Trainer. The sport of basketball and the fundamentals (hence the nickname Funda) for developing life skills for athletes continues to be Sheldon’s passion in his role as coach and assistant coach for various teams across the GTA including, University of Toronto and OUA Men’s Basketball, Brampton A’s (NBL Canada), On Your Mark (OYM) Basketball League and our very own OMEGA Basketball.

Once the student who bemoaned the absence of a school basketball team, Coach Sheldon serves tirelessly at his alma mater instilling a high standard of commitment to excellence on and off the court in our OMEGA athletes. Outside of the OMEGA jersey, Coach Sheldon, recently participated in ‘Rebuilding the Brotherhood’ all-day conference, facilitating a workshop on time management and handling responsibilities - vital life skills required to be the best young man God designed each to be. 

In recognition of his ongoing commitment to excellence, dedication, love and support of Crawford Adventist Academy, we present to you the 2019 Alumni of the Year, Mr. Sheldon ‘Funda’ Cassimy.