Principal's Message
Dewald Coetzer
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is hard to believe we are already in the 6th week of school. My family and I feel privileged and excited to serve at MPA, and we eagerly look forward to the many blessings God has in store for the students and families of MPA. Every day, we are greeted with friendly faces and contagious energy. This fuels my drive to see MPA be the school of choice for all families. I know God has a purpose and a plan for each of our students here at MPA.
As I reflect on the three goals I shared in my introductory letter of providing students the opportunities to see and meet God, providing an academic program that prepares them for college and career, and providing an educational experience that they will reflect fondly on, I feel more motivated and energized than ever to achieve these goals to the glory of God and the benefit of our students and staff. I know we can accomplish these goals, and I also recognize that all stakeholders must engage to achieve them. So, I encourage you to lean in on the development and growth of your child spiritually, academically, physically, and emotionally. Ask them how they are doing, be interested, motivate, and encourage them, and they will exceed your expectations. These years are fundamental in their growth and development and require the adults in their lives to show up. We must remind our students that they are God's children and, through the Holy Spirit and our encouragement, they can build inner wealth in knowing who they are and whose they are as stated in Job 33:4, "The spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life."
I pray that your child and family will be incredibly blessed by attending MPA and that together, we will be the school God has called us to be.
Thank you, and God bless.
Welcoming Our New Staff
We are so excited to introduce several new staff members for this school year!
Dewald Coetzer, Principal
Chantell Coetzer, Service Project Coordinator & FTC Coach
Brittany Howard, English Teacher
Jacob Krein, Science Teacher
Tara Piercy, Assistant Girls' Dean
Use the arrows on the left and right side of the photo grid to view the staff photos.
The Best Night of the Year
Abby Ackerman, Marketing Director
Hearts race as students await the next item to be called. Could it be an umbrella or nail polish? Ms. Bedwell reads "a loaf of bread," and all the classes begin to scramble, hoping to be the first to bring the item to the middle of the gymnasium.
Trash Night is a favorite evening for many students, staff, and their families. Students gather random items from their dorm rooms and homes to bring to the gymnasium as contributions for their class. As each new item is called, classes work together to find the item and run it to the mat. It is an exhilarating night filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition. This year, the junior class came out on top with a score of 74 points! Who will win next year?
Students Worship in the Mountains
Mark Galvez, Chaplain
Sister White once said: “God has surrounded us with nature's beautiful scenery to attract and interest the mind. It is His design that we should associate the glories of nature with His character.”
Church on the Mountain fosters community and connection within our congregation. The event solidifies a bridge between our students and their church. As sunlight filters through the leaves and fresh air fills our lungs, the setting becomes an open canvas for God to reveal His character. Through shared worship & fellowship amidst the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, we find a renewed sense of unity that transcends age, reminding us that our faith is a timeless and interwoven tapestry that connects us all.
Seniors Create Memories During Senior Survival
Nancy Parra
When the senior class left on Sunday, August 13 for Senior Survival, there was excitement and talk about what would take place and what they would need to do to “survive.”
The 20-member class, along with their class sponsors (Bruce Bellchambers and Nancy Parra), Chaplain Mark Galvez, and Coach Tyler Hedges, arrived in the Chattanooga, TN area mid-afternoon to face their first challenge – escape rooms. The class and sponsors were divided into groups, and the race was on to see who could finish first. Each group faced a different set of puzzles and mysteries to solve. Pastor Mark enjoyed watching each group from a TV screen in the back room.
"It was a very unique experience. It pushed most of the class past their comfort level. And a lot of people may or may not have learned how to set up a tent.” - Seth Wait '24
After the escape rooms, the group left for Southern Adventist University’s Outdoor Education Center where they were going to spend the next 3 days. The class quickly set up tents and then began challenge number two – a high swing and initiative games. These were cut short by a thunderstorm that moved through the area. Not all the girls' tents were set up, so several had to bunk together in soggy tents and some wet belongings. The next few days consisted of caving, a high ropes course, a canoe trip to Bat Cave to see the bats fly out at sunset, ziplining off a tall tower, and a river rafting trip. The group happily survived more rain storms, extremely hot, sticky weather, one shower in 2 days, and an encounter with a baby copperhead snake. They celebrated a birthday (happy birthday John), played games, laughed a lot, enjoyed a great meal in the college cafeteria, swam in the pool at Southern, and had class meetings to plan their year.
“It was fun. I got closer to my class and working together with the activities allowed me to make new friends within my class.” - Santia Smith '24
All in all, I believe the class survived and thrived with the whole experience. The two new seniors who just joined the class this year had an opportunity to get to know their classmates and the class bonded in an all-new way. Special thanks to Coach Tyler, Pastor Mark, and Southern Adventist University’s Outdoor School, Marketing Department, and cafeteria for a very memorable experience!
Candids
For more photos, visit our Facebook page: Mount Pisgah Academy Bulletin Board
IMPACT CAROLINA CONFERENCE YOUTH RALLY
Mount Pisgah Academy is excited to host their annual Youth Conference in 2023. MPA invites you to take part in this two-day conference. Whether you are part of the Carolina Conference, or if you are just interested in personal spiritual revival, we would love for you to spend this time with us learning, worshiping, sharing, and thinking about your relationship with Jesus.
With music from Southern Adventist University's Engage Ministries team and sermons by Philip Baptiste, this is sure to be an amazing 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!
Email: abby.ackerman@pisgah.us | Phone: 828.667.2535 | Address: 75 Academy Drive Candler, NC
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