Adventist School Celebrates 100 Years of Faith and Service in the Dominican Republic

Seventh-day Adventists in the Dominican Republic recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Salvador Alvarez Adventist School in Jababa, Moca. The two-day event brought together dozens of former students—including some who attended during the school’s early decades—their families, former teachers, church leaders, and municipal officials to commemorate the enduring influence of Adventist education since the school’s founding in 1925.

What began as a small church school in the rural community of Jababa has grown into a thriving secondary institution that has inspired and trained students who have gone on to serve as pastors, teachers, administrators, and church workers across the Dominican Republic, throughout the Inter-American Division, and around the world.

A Legacy of Mission and Growth

“This celebration means a lot to us because this is the third Adventist school to reach its centennial anniversary in the Dominican Republic,” Teófilo Silvestre, president of the Dominican Union Conference (DUC), said. “Salvador Alvarez Adventist School is very special because it has prepared so many workers for the church and has made a lasting, positive impact in the community. Its reputation and legacy of service continue to grow with each generation.”

Alexandra Beltré, Education director of DUC, overseeing the National Union of Adventist Schools on the island, agreed. “This 100th anniversary serves as a driving force—a motivation for other fields within the union,” she said. “Seeing how many people have sacrificed time, resources, and even family life for Adventist education is deeply inspiring.”

Remembering the Pioneers

During the commemorations Ángel Guzmán, vice president for academic affairs at the Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary in Puerto Rico, delivered a historical and spiritual message that traced the roots of Adventism in the region and challenged teachers, alumni, and members to preserve the pioneers’ vision.

Across the Dominican Union Conference the Adventist educational system now serves nearly 14,000 students, employing more than 1,000 staff members. “Despite the many challenges we face, it’s the unity and dedication of those who give to support our students that keep us moving forward,” said Beltré. “Last year the system was recognized for reaching 2,600 baptisms across its schools—the highest among the 25 unions in the Inter-American Division.”

Guzmán has served as a teacher, pastor, and university president. A native of Jababa, he studied 14 years at Salvador Alvarez Adventist School, where his mother, Carmen Lizardo, was a teacher.

A School Rooted in Faith and Service

The Salvador Alvarez Adventist School—the only secondary school in the Espaillat Province—continues to thrive under the leadership of Zoila Paulino, principal, who has served since 2011.

“Today we celebrate 100 years of Salvador Alvarez for its legacy of shaping individuals for heaven,” said Paulino. “From the very beginning there were always men and women willing to sacrifice out of love, bearing fruit for eternity.”

With 292 students currently enrolled, the school’s mission remains evangelistic. “Our teachers serve out of love, no matter the pay or effort, instilling values and the love of God in our students,” Paulino said. “We praise God for His blessings and for those who continue supporting our campus and its growth.”

Representatives of the municipal district office in Moca joined the celebration, commending the school’s commitment to faith-based education. “We have come to recognize a century of teaching from the heart, where education has always been rooted in faith and love,” said Cristina Estrella, who oversees human and religious formation in the region.

Transformed Lives Across Generations

José Lizardo, a retired church administrator, recalled how the school changed his life. “I attended public school through grade three but hadn’t learned much. In 1954 my father could finally afford to send me here for fourth grade. I still remember the story of Joseph, the dreamer, which Mr. Alvarez brought to life so vividly,” he said. “It was the first Bible story I ever heard, and it left a deep impression. This school defined my future.”

Lizardo and his parents were baptized in 1956—a decision that set him on a lifelong path of ministry. He later studied at Antillean Adventist University, earned a master’s degree from Andrews University, and went on to serve the church across the Inter-American Division, in Africa, and eventually at the General Conference. “The formation students receive in Adventist schools prepares them for eternity,” he said.

The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.