PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Western North Carolina faced immense challenges after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across our region. Despite the devastation and disruption to our daily lives, our students returned to campus with unwavering determination to support our community. Their response is not coincidental; it reflects the spirit of service cultivated through our intentional weekly projects. From working at distribution points to organizing food and clearing debris from yards, our students embodied the hands and feet of Jesus.
Our dedicated staff refused to let the storm deter our students from their academic journey. Recognizing the lost time, they sprang into action, reviewing standards and pacing guides to ensure our students continued to thrive.
I am immensely proud of the faculty and staff at our exceptional school. They rose to the occasion after Helene, ensuring our daily activities could resume and benefit our students. One of the highlights was the Youth Rally, which brought over 100 students in grades 7-12 to our campus for a powerful experience of spiritual renewal, uplifting messages, community service, and the forging of lasting friendships.
While we have navigated difficulties in the past month due to Helene, I am thrilled to announce that significant progress has been made on the master plan for our campus facility upgrades. We look forward to sharing more about this progress and the upcoming kickoff of our capital campaign.
Warm Regards,
Dewald Coetzer
SCHOOL COMMUNITY RALLIES TOGETHER IN HURRICANE HELENE AFTERMATH
Chantell Coetzer, Director of Recruitment & Development, Service Project Coordinator
When Hurricane Helene struck our area, it caused widespread devastation. However, it also revealed the extraordinary resilience, compassion, and unity of our school community. In the midst of hardship, we were reminded of the strength we draw from one another and from Jesus, whose life of service, love, and sacrifice continues to guide and inspire us during challenging times. His teachings remind us that even in the darkest moments, we are called to be a light for others, to serve, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
After the storm passed, our primary focus shifted to our students' safety. Our staff acted swiftly and decisively, prioritizing each student’s safe return home and peace of mind. Thanks to the dedication of our educators and administrators, every student’s journey home was smooth and secure. While students were at home, many staff members went above and beyond, volunteering their time to assist in the community’s recovery. Teachers, staff, and administrators played vital roles—helping to clear debris, preparing meals for utility workers restoring power, and volunteering at local distribution points to provide food, water, and essential supplies to families affected by the storm. Inspired by the spirit of Christ's selflessness, they served without hesitation.
When students returned to school, they were eager to help, motivated by the example set by their teachers and staff. Service is at the heart of our school’s mission, and long before the storm, our students were already accustomed to serving others through weekly service projects. Thus, when Hurricane Helene hit, it was second nature for them to join the recovery efforts, working alongside staff to make a tangible difference in the community. As Jesus taught, "Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant," our students embodied this message with enthusiasm and compassion.
One of the most impactful efforts involved helping at a Point of Distribution (POD) at Erwin Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church, where students assisted in distributing food and essentials to families hardest hit by the storm. We also partnered with "Light in the Storm Disaster Relief Ministry" to remove debris, help with cleanup, and muck out homes. Through these efforts, we demonstrated our commitment to immediate recovery and strengthening the deep bonds between our school and the larger community. We are immensely thankful to Johnny Rodman, the founder and director of "Light in the Storm Disaster Relief Ministry," as well as Pastor Art and Pastor Bernal for their leadership and guidance throughout these recovery efforts.
As the rebuilding process continues, our school remains committed to supporting our students and the broader community. The actions of our staff and students demonstrate that, in times of crisis, no challenge is insurmountable when we unite. The spirit of service, compassion, and love exemplified by Jesus has guided our response to Hurricane Helene and will continue to inspire us as we rebuild and move forward, stronger than ever.
While the storm may have left its mark, it has also revealed the unshakable strength of our school community—a strength rooted in faith, love, and a shared commitment to helping one another. This strength, grounded in the example of Jesus, is a force that no hurricane can take away.
iMPAct CAROLINA CONFERENCE YOUTH RALLY HOSTS OVER 100 YOUTH
From November 1-3, our campus was alive with the spirit of worship and service as over 100 youth from across the Carolina Conference joined our student body for the iMPAct Youth Rally. This dynamic weekend offered an inspiring opportunity for young people to come together, build connections, and grow their relationship with Jesus in powerful ways.
Engage Ministries from Southern Adventist University blessed us with worship music that was both uplifting and soul-stirring, creating an atmosphere of praise and anticipation. Our guest speaker, Pastor Ron Sydney from Southern California, delivered impactful messages centered on the theme "Only Jesus." His words encouraged attendees to deepen their reliance on Jesus in all aspects of their lives.
In addition to the spiritually enriching main sessions, students embraced opportunities to serve the local community. Many attendees ventured to Swannanoa, a community still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Helene, where they assisted with cleanup efforts, bringing relief to those in need. Another group of students headed to Downtown Asheville, sharing copies of The Great Controversy, planting seeds of hope, and sharing God’s love with those they encountered.
The weekend concluded with our annual Fall Festival, a vibrant event organized by various student classes, featuring food, drinks, and activities. The festival was a fantastic time for attendees to unwind, enjoy community, and support their peers.
Hosting the iMPAct Youth Rally on our campus was a true blessing, and we were thrilled to see so many visitors experience the love and warmth of our school family. We invite everyone to mark their calendars and join us for iMPAct 2025 – a weekend sure to inspire, empower, and ignite the hearts of youth across the region!
CANDIDS
CAROLINA CONFERENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025
Mount Pisgah Academy is excited to host the annual Carolina Conference Music Festival. Musicians in grades 5-12 converge on our campus to practice and worship together, all culminating in an evening performance on Friday night. The various disciplines for their event include choir, handbells, and symphony. In 2024, 250 young people joined us for this worshipful experience. Plan now to join us February 27-28, 2025.
Email: abby.ackerman@pisgah.us | Phone: 828.667.2535 | Address: 75 Academy Drive Candler, NC
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