Randy Huang
IVN intern
Madrone Adventist Elementary School, a Kindergarten to eighth grade Adventist school, provides a Christ-centered education to the community of the Illinois Valley. It was built in 1980 and supported by the Cave Junction Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and oversight from the North Pacific Union Conference with the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. When Amy Whitchurch’s family bought property in the area in 1997, her sister applied for a position at Madrone. “For the next 23 years, my sister, my sister-in-law, and myself each took a turn teaching at this quaint little schoolhouse,” Amy Whitchurch, a former Madrone teacher (from 2001-2014) said.
At Whitchurch’s first year of teaching, her sister described the school’s budget as including a “large faith factor.” Still, she persevered through the financial endeavors with faith.
“Since then, there have been many times where this little school for Jesus has appeared to be nearing its end, and each time miracles take place either in the form of new enrollment or generous donations,” Whitchurch explained.
During the years of teaching, Whitchurch had impacted multiple generations, even former students sending their children to Madrone. She shared a touching story about a church member paying a student’s tuition. “One time, I remember hearing from a young lady who wanted to bequeath a piece of property to the school because she remembered how a sweet church lady had paid for her to be able to attend school there. She directly correlated her attendance at Madrone to her ability to escape a life filled with drugs,” She said, “Her story touched my heart!”
Another impactful Madrone staff is Principal Jon Usher. Kim Bowlby was the intern principal and former Madrone teacher until Usher transferred to Cave Junction from Idaho in August 2023. Usher is a devoted Christian, as well as, a husband of Judy Ann and a father of nine children, only two currently at home. He has multiple years of teaching and is dedicated to the people of the Cave Junction Community to further Christian education. Usher demonstrates his enthusiasm for a healthy lifestyle and e-biking to his students by riding to school whenever possible. Meanwhile, Mrs. Usher, known as the Blanket Lady, has a thriving ministry making custom fleece blankets and pillowcases.
As Usher continues to educate young students of Madrone Adventist Elementary School, he said, “Our family is committed to our young people and looks forward to talking with parents and students who are interested in quality education for this world and the world to come.” To contact the school for registration and general information, Jon Usher’s number is 208-963-1408, and Administrator Chris Harwood’s number is 408-813-7053.