Mount Pisgah Academy Alumni Echo Newsletter - Fall 2024

Subscribe to
Continue Receiving
Print Newsletters
www.pisgah.us/alumni
MOUNT PISGAH ACADEMY
Alumni Echo Newsletter
Fall 2024

Principal’s Message
As we reflect on the journey of Mount Pisgah Academy, we are reminded
that the essence of our success is deeply intertwined with your stories and
achievements. Each of you carries a piece of our school’s legacy, and it is your
continued support and involvement that drive our mission forward.
The memories you cherish from your time at Mount Pisgah Academy are not just
echoes of the past; they are the foundation upon which we build the experiences
for our current and future students. Your time at Mount Pisgah Academy was
more than just academic learning; it was a period of spiritual growth, pursuit of
excellence, and a commitment to service. These values remain at the heart of
our mission today, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every student has the
opportunity to experience the same transformative journey that you did.
Our current Master Plan is a reflection of this commitment. With a focus on enhancing our campus and enriching
our educational environment, we are striving to create a space that nurtures a deeper relationship with God,
encourages academic excellence, and emphasizes the importance of service to others. Your continued support
and involvement are crucial as we embark on these exciting developments.
We invite you to stay connected and engage with our community. Your insights, mentorship, and contributions
help us create an environment where current students can flourish just as you did. Together, we are building on
a legacy of excellence and compassion that defines Mount Pisgah Academy. Thank you for being an essential
part of our story.
Dewald Coetzer, Principal
Alumni President & Director’s Message
Change brings a mix of excitement and anticipation. It
can feel like sitting at the edge of your seat, wondering
what’s next. We hope that this change in your alumni
leadership brings you nothing but excitement! As alumni
ourselves, we understand firsthand the needs and desires
of our alumni family. Partnering together, we have
some exciting plans in the works for our community.
One of our upcoming projects is an online alumni database,
giving you access to PDF versions of past newsletters and
yearbooks. We’re also revamping the beloved Memory
Room and eagerly preparing for Alumni Weekend 2025.
We are so excited to work with and for you, and we look
forward to making our alumni association stronger than
ever!
Tammy (Ellis) Vaughan (‘83), Alumni President
Abby (King) Ackerman (‘16), Alumni Director

Academic & Spiritual Growth
Last year, Bethany Johnson, our Instructional Coach,
attended the Marzano High Reliability Schools
Summit in San Antonio, where she was inspired by
the speaker’s message about progress: “Wherever
your school is right now, that’s the perfect place to
start, as long as you aren’t in the same place next
year.” Armed with this motivation, our teaching
staff took major steps forward. We embraced
Standards-Based Learning, revamped our course
curriculums to align with the latest NAD high school
standards, and even dedicated long summer hours
to ensure we were ready for the 2024-25 school year.
The best part? We’re just getting started! This
year, Johnson attended another High Reliability
School convention in Birmingham with three
additional teachers. We’re excited to learn fresh
ways to elevate our academic program and
continue meeting our students’ needs. Already,
we’ve seen an uptick in student engagement, and
teachers are more united and dedicated than ever.
To support this academic growth, we’ve rolled out
several new initiatives. Our PASS (Period for Academic
Success) program gives students with a D or F in a
class dedicated time after lunch to receive one-onone
guidance. Plus, we’ve launched an iPad program,
which enhances textbook compatibility and makes
learning more accessible.
On the spiritual side, we’ve brought fresh energy
and intention into our programming. This year,
we’re hosting two powerful Weeks of Prayer, each
featuring dynamic, engaging speakers who are
ready to inspire our students. But it doesn’t stop
there—our new chaplain, Joe Frescino, is putting a
greater emphasis on music and student leadership
in worship. Students are actively taking ownership
of services, not just through leading songs, but
by providing morning prayers, sharing personal
testimonies, and even delivering children’s stories.
Our Friday night vespers have also evolved.
They’re now more hands-on, with students
participating in interactive afterglows where
they can reflect, discuss, and dive deeper into
the spiritual topics covered. This interactive
approach helps them connect more meaningfully
with their faith, creating an environment where
spiritual growth is tangible and community-driven.
We’re also expanding opportunities for our
students to get involved in leadership roles during
church services—whether it’s praying, leading
a children’s story, or giving a testimony, they’re
stepping up and becoming more confident in their
spiritual journeys. We believe these opportunities
not only deepen their faith but also equip them
with leadership skills they’ll carry into the future.

Explore Our Master Plan
We are thrilled to share the findings from our recent
master planning sessions, which reflect the collective
vision and aspirations for the future of Mount Pisgah
Academy. Over the past several months, we have
collaborated with various organizations to create
a comprehensive master plan that addresses the
evolving needs of our campus. As you review the
details below, we hope you will share in our excitement
and be inspired by the wonderful transformations
that are on the horizon for our beloved academy.
Our master planning team presented two major
proposals: a renovation and addition to Waller Hall with
either the renovation of our existing gymnasium or the
construction of a brand-new facility. These proposals
aim to enhance our campus facilities, making them
more functional, accessible, and reflective of the
beauty that surrounds us. The final decision regarding
these proposals will be made in the next few weeks.
Waller Hall Renovation & Addition
Waller Hall is a cherished building on our campus,
serving multiple purposes for students and faculty
alike. However, as many of you know, some aspects
of the building, such as bathroom locations, are less
than ideal. The proposed renovation seeks to address
these issues while also adding new features that will
enhance the functionality and appeal of the building.
One of the key changes includes relocating the science
department to the current Bible classroom on the first
floor. This move will create a larger, more integrated
space for both classroom and lab activities, freeing
up valuable space in the Administration Building for
other uses. Additionally, the installation of an elevator
will make Waller Hall more accessible, fostering a
more collaborative environment for all students.
The current entryway on the east side of Waller
Hall would be demolished and replaced with a
beautiful outdoor staircase, providing additional
storage space beneath. Upstairs, the kitchen
and dining hall will remain largely unchanged,
but an elevated outdoor seating area is planned,
offering a stunning view of the Blue Ridge
Mountains—a perfect spot for dining and fellowship.
An exciting new addition to Waller Hall is a dedicated
music department. This space will include a large
practice and recital room for our symphony and choir,
along with additional offices and practice rooms for
students. The recital hall will feature large windows
overlooking the campus, providing a picturesque
view of the mountains. New bathrooms will be added
on the second floor, offering convenient access for all.
Behind the music department, the plan includes
the construction of a new student center—a
welcoming space where students can gather
during their downtime. This center will connect to
the athletic fields at the back of campus, creating a
cohesive and accessible area for student activities.
Gymnasium Renovation or Construction
The committee also proposed significant changes
to our gymnasium. One option is to renovate the
existing facility, starting with widening the entrance
to accommodate greater pedestrian traffic during
large events. The installation of retractable bleachers
will focus attention on the main basketball court,
while also allowing spectators to enter safely along
the edges of the gym. The current women’s restroom
would be demolished and relocated to the opposite
side of the gym, adjacent to the men’s restroom.

ich history. Behind the seating area, a new student
center would overlook both the basketball court and
the athletic fields, integrating the spaces into a unified
campus experience. If a new gymnasium is constructed,
the tennis courts would be relocated to the site of
the current gymnasium following its demolition.
Additional Considerations
This renovation would include updated bathrooms,
new staff offices, and a potential classroom space.
The demolition of the existing women’s bathroom
would allow for an expansion of the parking lot
on the west side of the building. Additionally, the
current tennis courts would be resurfaced to include
a basketball court, tennis court, and pickle ball court.
An alternative proposal involves constructing
a brand-new gymnasium, which would require
more resources but offer even greater benefits. If
feasible, this new facility would be built on the site
of the existing tennis courts, with large windows
facing campus and retractable seating similar to
the proposed renovations. The entrance to this new
gym would feature a space to showcase alumni
memorabilia, creating a connection to the academy’s
Beyond these major projects, the committee also
proposed several smaller but impactful changes.
These include reconfiguring the entrance to
campus, modifying pedestrian walkways, adding
a greenhouse for student use, and enhancing the
campus landscape with more plants and forestry.
While we are excited about these proposals, we
recognize that not everything can be accomplished
at once. Our team is working diligently to determine
the most feasible projects as we design our upcoming
capital campaign. We hope this information excites
you as much as it does us, and that it instills a
sense of hope and pride in the strides Mount
Pisgah Academy is making toward improvement.
We greatly value your faith in our mission and
look forward to the incredible things we can
achieve together. The future of Mount Pisgah
Academy is bright, and with your support, we are
confident that we will continue to grow and thrive
as a leading institution of Christian education.

From California to Carolina: One Student’s Journey
Brian Rochman’s journey to Mount Pisgah Academy
began with a prayer and a dream. Growing up in
Chula Vista, California, he heard about MPA from a
family friend and was immediately drawn to the idea
of attending a boarding school across the country.
Excited about the possibility, Brian approached his
mom, but she was hesitant to send him so far from
home. Undeterred, Brian prayed, trusting that if it was
meant to be, things would work out. After some time,
his mom researched MPA and decided they should
visit for Academy Days in 2023. During their visit,
both Brian and his mom fell in love with the school,
and they made the decision for him to attend that fall.
The summer before Brian’s freshman year brought
unexpected challenges—his family experienced
two tragic losses, making the thought of leaving
home even harder. They were emotionally and
financially strained, but Brian’s family stepped out
in faith, trusting that MPA was the right place for
him. Despite his excitement for the new chapter,
Brian arrived on campus feeling a mix of nerves,
loneliness, and lingering sadness from the summer.
Once at MPA, the school’s supportive environment
and structured schedule helped Brian regain a sense of
joy and productivity. Classes, choir, work assignments,
and weekend programs kept him busy and focused,
giving him little time to dwell on his grief. Though
his first semester wasn’t without challenges, Brian
remained committed to personal growth. He visited
the school counselor, Ms. Schleenbaker, for advice and
made time to strengthen his relationship with God.
After a reflective Christmas break back home in
California, Brian returned to MPA with renewed
determination. He began stepping out of his
comfort zone, making new friends, and getting
more involved on campus. He had meaningful
conversations with the chaplain about faith and
even joined the school’s mission trip to Peru (see
picture above). The trip was a transformative
experience for Brian who preached the gospel to
the local community. Through this experience,
Brian discovered a deeper connection with Jesus
and grew spiritually in ways he hadn’t anticipated.
By the end of his freshman year, Brian could see how
much he had grown—both personally and spiritually.
He finished the year with strong friendships, good
grades, and a renewed sense of purpose. Now in
his sophomore year, Brian continues to thrive. He’s
involved in the choir and praise team, and recently
enjoyed a biology trip to the Ark Encounter and
Cincinnati Zoo, where his love for science flourished.
Reflecting on his time at MPA, Brian is grateful for
the structure, support, and spiritual growth the
school has provided. He’s learned valuable time
management skills, developed a deeper relationship
with God, and found a sense of belonging in the
MPA community. Looking ahead, Brian is excited
to continue his journey at MPA, with plans of being
a four-year senior and graduating in 2027. He’s
especially thankful for the donors who support MPA
through Touch a Life, making his experience possible.

Completed Projects Spotlight
Ballfield Bathrooms
After many setbacks, we are thrilled to announce the
completion of the ballfield bathrooms. This new facility offers
convenient restrooms during recreation time, varsity sports
practices, and games. The building also features a storage
area and a central concession stand, creating an excellent
venue for selling snacks and drinks at events. A special thanks
goes to everyone who contributed to this project over the
years, with particular appreciation for Glen Robertson.
Conference Room
Last school year, a vision emerged to create a dedicated
meeting space for both staff and students. With careful
planning, an office and closet were combined and transformed
into a stunning conference room, seating 12. Equipped with
the latest technology, the room facilitates virtual meetings
and is even being used for an online college statistics course.
A special thanks goes to Louie and Nancy Parra, along with
the other individuals who helped make this vision a reality.
Jacob’s Ladder Lighting
The pathway and steps from the girls’ dorm to the
administration building were previously unlit, posing a safety
concern. Recognizing the need, the classes of ‘61, ‘62, ‘63,
‘64, and ‘65 joined forces in 2023 to raise $10,000 through an
alumni fundraising campaign, with the Carolina Conference
offering a $5,000 match. The lighting is designed to cast
maximum light on the steps, enhancing safety for students
navigating the path in the dark. Thank you to these classes!
Anderson Amphitheater Lights
We are excited to announce the installation of permanent
lighting at the Anderson Amphitheater. This space is
frequently used for afterglows and vespers events but lighting
has always been a challenge. Thanks to a generous grant
from AdventHealth, the new lights will greatly enhance the
experience, providing both functionality and ambiance. The
lights are equipped with dimmers, allowing for adjustable
mood lighting depending on the event.

Mount Pisgah Academy
75 Academy Drive
Candler, NC 28715
We look forward to seeing you at Homecoming Weekend April 18-20, 2025!
Join us for a Business Meeting April 20 at 9:00 am in the MPA Cafeteria.
CONNECT WITH US!
We want to hear from you!
Update your information
and let us know about the
recent events in your life!
You can also opt-in to our
print alumni newsletters.