Mount Pisgah Academy Skyliner Newsletter - September 2025
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
EXCITING NEWS FROM MOUNT PISGAH ACADEMY
We’re so happy to welcome our students back to campus for another school year bursting with growth, learning, and friendship! With a fantastic retention rate of 94%, it warms our hearts to see the trust families continue to place in Mount Pisgah Academy. Over the past two years, we've seen our enrollment grow by 15%, and we believe this is truly a blessing that showcases God’s guidance and the wonderful community we have together.
At MPA, we’re all about making the student experience better in every way—spiritually, academically, and physically. This year, we have some fun updates to share! Our tennis courts are being resurfaced this month, giving our athletes a fresh new space to train and compete. Plus, our library—everyone’s favorite study spot—is now open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m., so students can enjoy more time for research and those quiet moments of reflection. We’re also really looking forward to unveiling a newly remodeled study and student center (replacing the existing library) later this year—a cozy and inviting space designed for collaboration and building community.
On top of that, we’re making great progress on our long-term master plan, which includes some super exciting improvements around campus. One of the highlights is the remodeling of our gym, which will create an awesome facility that better serves our athletes and the whole student body for many years to come.
We’d love your continued prayers as we guide our young people into a closer walk with God while preparing them for life after MPA. Together, let’s make this year one filled with joy, growth, and memorable transformations!
TRASH NIGHT: A TRADITION OF LAUGHTER, COMPETITION, AND SCHOOL SPIRIT
There’s nothing quite like the energy of Trash Night—a beloved Mount Pisgah Academy tradition that transforms ordinary items into the centerpiece of an unforgettable evening.
A few weeks ago, students gathered in the gym, arms full of random treasures from their dorm rooms, ready for two hours of fast-paced fun. Divided into four corners by class, they eagerly awaited the call of each item. When announced, runners sprinted to the mat, hoping to be the first to deliver the correct object and earn a point for their class.
But the night wasn’t just about racing with random objects—it was filled with hilarious bonus challenges too. Students can score points by dropping to the floor in a “cockroach” pose (lying on their backs with arms and legs wiggling in the air) or responding to an “air raid” by covering their heads and lying flat on the gym floor. Later, the competition heated up with a free-throw contest, keeping everyone on their toes until the final buzzer.
The atmosphere was electric—laughter, cheers, and shouts of encouragement filled the gym as anticipation and nerves ran high. Every round brought new excitement, every point added fuel to the class rivalries, and every student left with a smile.
In the end, it was the senior class who claimed the crown, securing the win and adding valuable points to their overall class total for the school year.
Trash Night once again proved to be more than just a game—it was a night of community, friendly competition, and school spirit that students won’t soon forget.
VARSITY SPORTS KICK OFF AT MOUNT PISGAH ACADEMY
The fall season has arrived, and with it comes the excitement of varsity sports at Mount Pisgah Academy! This year marks an important milestone for our athletics program as our teams join the Blue Ridge Athletics Conference, giving our athletes the opportunity to compete against a wider variety of schools and showcase their talents in new arenas.
Leading the way is our new Athletic Director, Shadrach Grentz, whose energy and vision are helping to further develop and strengthen our athletics program. With his guidance, students are not only honing their skills on the court and field but also learning the value of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Our girls’ volleyball team, under the leadership of Coach Bruce Bellchambers and Assistant Coach Desiree Magnant, started the season strong with a thrilling home victory. The energy in the gym was electric as students packed the stands to cheer on their classmates, celebrating every spike, serve, and point with contagious school spirit.
Meanwhile, our boys’ soccer team is ready to take the field with determination, representing MPA with pride as they compete throughout the season. Their commitment to growth and teamwork reflects the heart of what it means to be a Mountaineer.
At Mount Pisgah Academy, we believe athletics is more than just a game—it’s an opportunity to stay active, develop healthy habits, and glorify God through physical strength and discipline. As our teams step into this new season, we are excited to see how God will use these experiences to build character, friendships, and lasting memories. Go Mountaineers!
FRIDAY EVENING VESPERS AT MPA
Friday evening vespers are a special time on our campus when students pause from their busy week to worship, connect, and grow together spiritually. A few weeks ago, our organizations led out in a unique vespers program, giving each group the chance to focus on faith and fellowship in creative ways.
Our Acrosports team gathered on the field, where they shared mini charcuterie boards and connected with their prayer partners through deep conversations. Their focus came from Acts 2:43–47, emphasizing fellowship and belonging as they kicked off an exciting year under the leadership of Dean Meadows.
The Symphony enjoyed a cozy evening around the fire pit, spending time together in worship and conversation about Jesus. It was a wonderful time for the students to come together and bond as they begin practices with one another
Meanwhile, the remaining students joined visiting students from Highland Academy for a hands-on activity. Together, they practiced finding spiritual lessons in everyday household items like a shopping bag, flashlight, and scissors. Laughter and thoughtful discussion filled the room as they shared creative connections. The evening concluded with an afterglow at the Anderson Amphitheater, complete with a fire in the firepit, snacks, and music. It was a beautiful reminder that no matter the format, vespers is a time where our campus family grows closer to one another and to Christ.
CANDIDS
JOIN US FOR iMPAct YOUTH RALLY 2025
Mount Pisgah Academy is excited to host their annual Youth Conference in 2025. MPA invites you to take part in this free two-day conference. Whether you are part of the Carolina Conference or simply interested in personal spiritual revival, we would love for you to spend this time with us, learning, worshiping, sharing, and reflecting on your relationship with Jesus.
Featuring music from Southern Adventist University's Engage Ministries team and sermons by Rodney McFadden, this promises to be an unforgettable experience. This free event is open to youth in 7th-12th grade. Free lodging, food, and a t-shirt are provided to all registrants and their registered sponsors. We cannot wait to have you join us! Register today at www.pisgah.us/impact
Email: abby.ackerman@pisgah.us | Phone: 828.667.2535 | Address: 75 Academy Drive Candler, NC
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