By Sean Chapman:
Director of External Affairs
Photos by BFA Communications

If you step into the Maugenhard dorm on a Sunday evening, the first thing you’ll notice is the aroma of a home-cooked meal and the sound of laughter echoing down the hallway. Sunday nights are special—it’s when we celebrate student and staff birthdays, gather around the table, and pause before a busy week begins.

My wife and I have had the privilege of being “dorm friends” with Maugenhard for several years. Alongside the dedicated dorm staff, we’ve gotten to step in to cook Sunday dinners, cover shifts when staff are stretched thin, and simply share life with the staff and students. In doing so, we’ve gotten a front-row seat to one of the most vital engines of dorm life at Black Forest Academy: our Resident Assistants (RAs).

RAs step into a unique role that no one else can fill—they become older siblings to these high schoolers. They are young enough to relate instantly to the students’ world, yet wise enough to mentor, guide, and hold them accountable. Whether offering advice over a late-night snack or cheering at a weekend game, they show our students what it looks like to follow Jesus in real-time. It’s been a joy to watch them grow and thrive in such a demanding role.

Equally inspiring to see is how this network of RAs expands across all the BFA dorms. They support one another, share ideas, and build a tight-knit community among themselves while investing in the next generation of global leaders.

It’s inspiring to see young leaders like Casen, Rachel, and Ereina step into full-time ministry. And because BFA relies on missionary staff to keep tuition accessible for families serving around the globe, their choice to serve is a genuine act of faith and dedication to the Kingdom.

Serving alongside them and dorm parents Chico and Denise Schlonecker has been a personal highlight of our time at BFA. In a world full of noise and distraction, the Maug team leads with quiet humility, intentionality, and a deep love for Jesus. Watching how faithfully they care for these students gives me tremendous hope for what God is doing through the global Church.

Casen, Rachel, and Ereina represent the best of what makes Maugenhard feel like home. Through their sacrificial spirit, boundless energy, and quiet daily acts of service, they aren’t just managing a residence hall—they are helping shape the hearts, faith, and character of BFA students every single day.