Mount Pisgah Academy Skyliner Newsletter - February 2026
- Feb 17
- 4 min read
STUDENTS GIVE THEIR HEARTS TO CHRIST AT PRAYER CONFERENCE
Written by Emma Sorrells, '27
Each winter, the Southern Union hosts their annual Prayer Conference at Camp Kulaqua in High Springs, FL. This is a time when high school students in the southeast come together to worship in prayer, praise, and community. It is a long weekend of faith-based meetings to refocus our eyes on God and surround ourselves with Him. Opportunities to make new friends, share God, do fun activities, and of course, get away from school, are all presented. I was able to attend Prayer Conference this year for the 2nd time, and I want to share my experience.
When I attended for the first time last year, I had the privilege of leading my own group and learning how to put myself out there for God. I very much enjoyed leading, but this time I wanted to experience the other end of it. To start, I was nervous about being in a group of people I had never met before and had to, most likely, open up to; they ask a lot of deep discussion questions. Nevertheless, I was more excited than nervous to experience this new thing. I ended up loving my group and quickly felt comfortable opening up to them and sharing what was on my mind.
I was also inspired by our speaker, Mr. Taurus, who reminded us every day that we are “made for more”. Additionally, I was inspired by the heartfelt worship we had each day. I realized, as we worshiped and I looked around, that there’s no reason for me to be ashamed to worship as I want. I felt encouraged to let go of any feelings of embarrassment in that moment and surrender in worship. Two of my friends from MPA, Kellee and Omdeep, encouraged me even more as I watched them both give their lives to God through baptism at the end of the week. It was a special day for all of us as we watched them, alongside 30 other high school kids, give their lives to God. What a sight to see.
Throughout the week, I realized more and more that I serve a God who is so much more than the small insecurities that hold me back from Him. I also understood from that week that community is so important. I had felt closed off for a while; this experience reopened my eyes, encouraging me to let people in. I’m so privileged to be in an environment like MPA, surrounded by people who love the Lord just like me.
VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAMS PLACE IN NEWMYER CLASSIC TOURNAMENT
Written by Lexi Downs, '26
The recent girls' basketball tournament was more than a series of games; it was an unforgettable journey of athleticism, teamwork, and unexpected winter wonder, culminating in our team's commendable third-place finish. The event, which will be remembered for its thrilling on-court action and the blanket of snow that transformed the surroundings into a snowy playground, provided memories that will surely last a lifetime. The tournament began with high energy and anticipation. Our girls hit the court with determination, facing an initial setback with a loss in their first game. Far from being disheartened, this early challenge galvanized the team. They quickly regrouped, showcasing incredible resilience and strategy in the subsequent matches. A display of strong defense and strategic offense led to crucial wins in their next three games, building momentum and a positive trajectory in the competition. The atmosphere in the gym was electric, filled with the cheers of fans and the focused calls of the coaches.
Beyond the competitive drive, the spirit of
the event was defined by an element outside the gymnasium walls: the snow. A significant snowfall during the tournament created a magical backdrop and an opportunity for fun, shared experiences off the court. Players and families alike embraced the winter setting, trading basketballs for snowballs in joyous moments. The sound of snow crunching underfoot and the simple fun of playing in the fresh powder added a unique, lighthearted layer to the intense competition, fostering camaraderie that extended beyond the team to the entire community present. As the tournament progressed, the competition intensified. The girls, having found their stride and winning their next three games, secured a spot in the final round to determine third place overall.
The final game was a showcase of their perseverance, culminating in a well-deserved victory and the third-place title. This achievement, while not the championship title, was a significant accomplishment that highlighted their dedication and growth throughout the season. The true victory of the tournament lies not only in the third-place trophy but in the shared experience. The combination of competitive basketball, the excitement of the snow, and the resulting memories of fun and friendship created a truly special event. It was a powerful reminder of what Pisgah shares in sports—the resilience, the joy, and the bonds formed through shared challenges and triumphs. The girls returned home not just in third place, but with a deeper appreciation for their team and a collection of stories to tell for years to come.
We are also incredibly proud of our boys' varsity basketball team, which placed second in its division. Additionally, the boys' team received the incredible sportsmanship award, having shown the greatest kindness and care toward other teams during the tournament. Finally, Juliana Wolff and Alejandro Guerrero, both seniors, won the MVP awards for their respective teams. We are incredibly proud of the Christ-like character of our students and their camaraderie with one another and the other teams. We look forward to seeing both teams compete in their final games of the season during the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference Tournament.
CANDIDS
JOIN US FOR ACADEMY DAYS
Mount Pisgah Academy is excited to host their annual Academy Days from March 27-29, 2026. MPA invites you to take part in this three-day open house weekend. Whether you live in the Carolinas or across the United States, we would love to have you spend time with us, meeting students, experiencing our campus, auditioning for scholarships, and so much more!
This free event is open to youth in 7th-11th grade. Free lodging, food, and a t-shirt are provided to all registrants. We cannot wait to have you join us!
Email: abby.ackerman@pisgah.us | Phone: 828.667.2535 | Address: 75 Academy Drive, Candler, NC
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