What helps a young adult feel confident when stepping into an unfamiliar environment?

At Cumorah Academy, students spend three months away from home, surrounded by people from different countries and cultures. They attend classes, take on new responsibilities, serve others, and discover more about themselves.

Behind that experience are people who help make the campus feel like a place where students can grow.

Cheryl and Donn Mason, our managing directors, are two of those people. They oversee the well-being of students and staff, support campus activities, and spend much of their time caring for the people around them.

Their presence reflects a simple lesson that can extend far beyond the academy:

Surround yourself with people who believe in you.

A New Chapter After 46 Years Together

Cheryl and Donn came to Cumorah Academy with decades of experience behind them.

They have been married for 46 years, raised five children, and now have seven grandchildren. Their decision to come to campus opened a completely different chapter in their lives.

They first heard about Cumorah Academy through their friend, Kelly ShepherDonn

“We first heard about Cumorah Academy through Kelly Shepherd, who is a friend of ours,” Donn says.

After learning about the academy, they quickly felt drawn to the opportunity.

“Once we heard about Cumorah, we decided this is the place we want to come.”

For Cheryl, the students themselves were an important part of that decision.

“We wanted to be part of this because of the age group among students. We have always enjoyed working with that age group.”

Their experience with young adults made Cumorah Academy a natural place for them to serve.

Expecting Great Things From Students

Working closely with students also means seeing what they are capable of.

From the word go, Cheryl and Donn have high expectations for the young adults who come to campus. Those expectations are connected to their desire to see each student pursue the goals that matter to them. They expect their role as managing directors to put them closer to this special generation.

“Our expectations are that those young adults who are here are successful at the things they want to accomplish,” Donn says.

That perspective can be meaningful for students who are still figuring out what comes next.

Sometimes, having someone recognize your potential can give you the confidence to take the next step.

At Cumorah Academy, students encounter teachers, staff members, volunteers, and other adults who bring different experiences to the campus. Each person has something different to offer.

The Unexpected Moments

For Cheryl, some of the most meaningful parts of her experience have been the moments she could not have planneDonn

“Be prepared for magical moments here that you wouldn’t expect.”

Those moments can come from an unexpected conversation, a new friendship, a shared experience, or simply seeing people from different parts of the world working toward something together.

Cheryl also noticed how quickly the campus can make the world feel smaller.

“It’s something that is hard to describe but is very palpable once you enter campus.”

Students arrive from different backgrounds, yet daily life brings them into close contact. They learn together, serve together, share meals, and experience the ordinary moments that gradually turn strangers into friends.

Cheryl describes this atmosphere through the dedication she sees in the people around her.

“Anytime you’ll be with people who are giving their best and sacrificed so much to be here.”

That spirit of commitment is something students can notice and carry with them.

What We Give Shapes Who We Become

There is another lesson woven into the experience: what we give our time and energy to can shape our character.

At Cumorah Academy, students are encouraged to take responsibility, serve others, develop their abilities, and think seriously about the direction of their lives.

Those experiences do more than fill a schedule.

They challenge students to consider who they want to become.

The same can happen for those who serve alongside them.

Cheryl and Donn arrived with years of experience, but their time at Cumorah Academy has also given them opportunities to learn, connect, and experience something new. Their role as managing directors will shape the lives of many students for sure.

They shared their experience and a little about themselves with us. You can watch it below:

Moving Forward With Faith

Looking toward the future can feel uncertain, especially when you are young and still deciding what direction your life will take.

Faith can change the way we approach that uncertainty.

Rather than having all the answers, we can move forward trusting that meaningful opportunities will appear along the way.

For our incredible managing directors, Cheryl and Donn, coming to Cumorah Academy became one of those opportunities.

Their story also shows that there is no single stage of life when you can begin something new. Whether you are a student, volunteer, teacher, or someone looking for a different way to serve, there is always room to contribute.

Cumorah Academy brings together people who want to learn, serve, and grow alongside one another.

Maybe your next chapter will begin here.

If you are a young adult looking for an experience that challenges you to grow, consider applying to Cumorah Academy. If you have experience and skills you would like to share, consider volunteering with us.

Your next experience may be one you never expected, but one you will always remember.