Award of Excellence is Highest Award Offered by NAD

Award of Excellence is the highest award that the North American Division (NAD) Office of Education can bestow on an educator. During Sabbath School, February 21, 2009, Larry Blackmer, Vice-President for Education in the NAD presented this award to Clarence Dunbebin, recognizing his more than 55 years in Adventist education.

Larry, in conclusion of his mission emphasis on Christian education, had just told the congregation that he wanted to present the highest award that morning and called Clarence to come to the podium. Clarence was completely surprised.

Twenty years of his time in education was spent as principal of Sligo Adventist School in Takoma Park, MD. He has also held teaching and principal positions at Eastwood Jr. Academy in Ohio, Cleveland Jr. Academy in Ohio, Greater Baltimore Academy in Maryland, Tidewater Jr. Academy in Virginia, Highland Academy in Tennessee, and John Nevins Andrews School in Takoma Park, Maryland. Clarence served as associate superintendent of education in the Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and superintendent of the northern Virginia and Maryland schools. He served as interim superintendent for education in Chesapeake Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Even though he is retired he serves as a teacher for Griggs University.

Clarence Dunbebin is loved by his former teachers and students. Recently the Sligo Adventist School gym was named for him.

“This congregation can be very thankful that we have Clarence in our midst with his interest and expertise in educating our children. It’s good to know that he won’t “rest on his laurels” but continue to support Christian education.