Andrews to Host Standout Spiritual Retreat

For public and homeschooled high school students

The featured speaker for Standout will be Jermaine Gayle, senior pastor of the Kalamazoo Seventh-day Adventist Church. (Photo by Jermaine Gayle)

Andrews University is excited to once again host Standout, a spiritual retreat for high school-aged students from public or homeschool backgrounds, from Feb. 20–22, 2026. Free of cost for all registered students and sponsors, Standout offers complimentary lodging and meals throughout the weekend. The featured speaker will be Jermaine Gayle, senior pastor of the Kalamazoo Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The event will feature several interactive elements. Worship sessions will be held to uplift spirits and deepen faith, showcasing student musicians and inspiring speakers. In addition, workshops will enable attendees to explore purpose and leadership. Each training session has been designed to engage students in thought-provoking conversations and activities, helping them discover their path and potential.

The weekend is not only an opportunity to praise God in community and explore one’s calling but also to experience on-campus life. The retreat will give students an idea of the mission that Andrews University strives to carry out, displaying how the convergence of faith and purpose within a learning environment leads to world-changing graduates. Guests will be able to interact with Andrews students and learn more about attending the University.

Standout is offered to the home and public school community nationwide, creating a unique environment where students can interact with individuals from across the country. Many social activities and events will be held, allowing for attendees to meet new people and create meaningful connections. Standout is an opportunity to engage, foster relationships and strengthen spiritual life. It offers a brief look into the faith-filled community that is Andrews University.

Alanna Rodriguez Merlos, program director of the Discipleship Center, affirms the impact of the event. She emphasizes how Standout can positively affect the relationships that students create, noting, “The friends young people choose [have] a direct influence on their long-term choices. For this reason, the Standout weekend is designed to grow students’ love for Christ in community with each other.”

Rodriguez Merlos adds, “The core value of the weekend is to provide Christ-centered community that contrasts the secular environment that often pulls them away from Christ and [to provide] an environment to make friends that will draw them closer to God.”

Standout is a special, immersive opportunity for public high school and homeschool students to develop relationships founded on faith and community. Packed with the interactive sessions, worship services and campus explorations, this weekend will impact all who attend.

To register, visit www.andrews.edu/go/standout.