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.
