Spring 2025 Echo Newsletter

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MOUNT PISGAH ACADEMY
Alumni Echo Newsletter
Spring 2025

Principal’s Message
Mount Pisgah Academy is experiencing remarkable growth, and
we are excited to share some highlights with you, our cherished
alumni. With increased enrollment, we see God’s hand at work as
we expand our mission to provide students with a transformative,
faith-based high school experience. It is a blessing to witness more
young lives being impacted spiritually, academically, and socially.
We’re thrilled to announce that the Endowment Committee presented
Phase 1 of our Master Plan to the school board in January. This phase
includes renovating our gym, creating an updated and inspiring space
for students to build teamwork, fitness, and school spirit. Additionally,
we’ve applied for a grant from AdventHealth to resurface and repurpose
our tennis courts, enhancing recreational opportunities on campus.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Alumni Weekend, April 18–19. Join us for the Anderson Golf Classic at Grove
Park Country Club on April 18 and reconnect with classmates while enjoying Asheville’s stunning beauty.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we build a brighter future for Mount Pisgah Academy.
Dewald Coetzer, Principal
Alumni President & Director’s Message
Mount Pisgah Academy’s legacy is filled with countless
stories, friendships, and memories that have shaped the
lives of our alumni. This edition of the newsletter celebrates
those moments, featuring highlights from previous Skyliner
newsletters. We’re thrilled to announce that the MPA Alumni
Archives are now available online, giving you access to old
Skyliner issues, photographs, and more to help you relive
those cherished times and reconnect with our school’s rich
history. These archives serve as a window into the past,
preserving the incredible journey of MPA and its alumni.
With Alumni Weekend fast approaching, we encourage
you to register and join us for this special gathering. It’s a
time to reconnect with old friends, reminisce about shared
experiences, and create new memories together. Your
stories are a vital part of what makes MPA so special, and we’re committed to keeping those memories alive for
generations to come. Thank you for being an integral part of the MPA family—we can’t wait to see you soon!
Tammy (Ellis) Vaughan (‘83), Alumni President
Abby (King) Ackerman (‘16), Alumni Director

Experience The New MPA Alumni Archives
We are thrilled to announce the launch of Mount
Pisgah Academy’s Alumni Archives—a digital
collection showcasing a treasure trove of cherished
memories from our school’s rich history. Over the
past few months, we have unearthed an incredible
array of newsletters, photographs, yearbooks, and
memorabilia that tell the story of our community
and its lasting impact.
JOIN THE EFFORT
We need your help to make the Alumni Archives
even more special! If you have any memorabilia
you’d be willing to lend us for digitization, please let
us know. Your contributions will ensure that even
more memories can be preserved and shared with
the Pisgah family.
A LEGACY PRESERVED
Our team has been working diligently to organize
and digitize these timeless artifacts, making
them accessible to you, our valued alumni. This
ongoing project allows us to preserve and share
the memories that connect generations of Mount
Pisgah Academy alumni. From class photos to
vintage newsletters, this archive offers a walk down
memory lane like never before.
HOW TO ACCESS THE ARCHIVES
Accessing this remarkable resource is simple:
• Visit www.pisgah.us/alumni
• Click the “Create Account” link at the top-right
corner of the webpage.
• Enter your name and graduation year for alumni
verification.
Once verified (may take up to 48 hours), you’ll
have complete access to browse and enjoy these
historical treasures. Keep in mind that this is a living
archive—we are continually adding new items as
time allows, so check back often for updates.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE
We appreciate your understanding and support as
we continue to grow this collection. It’s a labor of
love, and we are excited to share these moments of
MPA’s history with you.
Start your journey into the past today by visiting
www.pisgah.us/alumni. Together, let’s celebrate
the stories and memories that make Mount Pisgah
Academy truly special.

Reconnect At Alumni Weekend 2025
Mark your calendars for April 18–20, 2025, as Mount
Pisgah Academy’s Alumni Weekend promises to
be a time of reconnection, celebration, and shared
vision. This annual gathering brings together alumni,
faculty, and friends to reflect on cherished memories,
honor the past, and embrace the future. With exciting
additions to the schedule and special highlights, this
year’s event is shaping up to be unforgettable.
The weekend kicks off on Friday morning with the 25th
Annual Anderson Golf Classic at the Grove Park Inn.
That evening, alumni will gather at the MPA Church for
registration and a heartwarming vespers service led
by Stephanie Johnson. This opening program is the
perfect way to set the tone for the weekend ahead.
Saturday morning begins with a special new
feature—a breakfast social outside the MPA
Church. From 9:00 to 10:00 AM, guests can enjoy
refreshments while catching up with classmates
and friends. The morning continues with the
worship service, including the Honor Class Roll
Call, alumni scholarship presentations, and
uplifting music and a message by Mark Witas.
After worship, join us for a complimentary lunch
in the gymnasium, followed by class pictures to
commemorate this special occasion. In the afternoon,
REGISTER FOR ALUMNI WEEKEND!
For more information about the schedule,
honor classes, and how to RSVP, visit
wwwpisgah.us/alumni-weekend or scan the
QR code. Make sure to register, in advance,
to help us plan for
meals and activities.
Additionally,
registration is
required for the
complementary
Sunday morning
Business Meeting.
spaces are available for each of the honor classes to
spend time together, while the Memory Room and
Waller Hall will be open for alumni to reminisce.
The day wraps up with the mens’ and womens’
alumni basketball games in the evening, where
alumni can cheer on their classmates or take to the
court themselves for some friendly competition.
On Sunday morning, another addition awaits—a
breakfast and business meeting in the cafeteria. This
gathering will include the discussion of MPA’s new
master plan, a bold and exciting vision for the future
of the campus and its programs. Alumni will have the
opportunity to learn more about these plans, provide
input, and engage in meaningful conversations about
the direction of their alma mater. This event is free;
however, RSVP is required so make sure you register!
This year’s Alumni Weekend will celebrate milestone
classes ending in 0 and 5, but all alumni, regardless
of class year, are warmly invited to join the festivities.
Whether you’re coming to reminisce about your
school days, reconnect with lifelong friends, or
contribute to the future of Mount Pisgah Academy,
this weekend offers something for everyone.
We look forward to welcoming you back to campus for
a weekend filled with joy, fellowship, and inspiration.
Let’s come together to celebrate the past and shape
the future of Mount Pisgah Academy!

FRIDAY EVENING SPEAKER
Stephanie Johnson has
devoted over 47 years to
Adventist education and
ministry, including her
time as a staff member at
Mount Pisgah Academy,
where she made a lasting
impact on students and
colleagues. She also
served at several other
academies and as a youth pastor at WholeLife
Church in Orlando, Florida. Stephanie developed
leadership programs for students and led training
for the Southern Union Prayer Conference, in
addition to contributing to the Encounter Bible
curriculum as part of the NAD religion committee.
A graduate of Southwestern Adventist University
with a B.A. in English and Music and Rollins College
with a Master’s in Counseling, Stephanie is deeply
passionate about nurturing young people’s faith and
character. Married to her high school sweetheart,
Edwin, for 51 years, they have a son, James, two
grandchildren, and two schnauzers. Stephanie loves
camping in their “big rolling dog house trailer” and
cherishes memories from MPA. Read her full bio on
the Alumni Weekend webpage.
SABBATH MORNING SPEAKER
Mark Witas has been a
pastor, chaplain, teacher,
and principal in the
Seventh-day Adventist
Church for 40 years. He
served as chaplain and
Bible teacher at Mount
Pisgah Academy for six
years. Mark has been
a guest speaker for
churches, academies, and hospitals worldwide. He
is the author of four books, the husband of one wife
(his favorite one), and the father of one son (also his
favorite one). Mark is currently the Director of Mission
and Spiritual Care at Adventist Health Glendale, in the
Los Angeles area. Mark has always had a passion for
mentoring young people to success and meaning,
having a treasure trove of lifelong friendships as his
reward.
Anderson Golf
Tournament 2025
Join us for the 25th Annual Anderson Golf Classic
on April 18, 2025 at 8:00 am, at the prestigious
Grove Park Inn Golf Course in Asheville, NC.
This event supports Mount Pisgah Academy’s
Touch a Life Fund, aiding approximately 60
students in accessing quality Christian education.
How You Can Participate:
• Form a Team: Gather a four-person team
or register individually to be matched with
others.
• Become a Sponsor: Showcase your business
while supporting a worthy cause.
Registration Details:
• Deadline: April 11, 2025
• Limited Spots: Secure your place today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a day of golf
while making a meaningful impact. A celebration
lunch is included following the tournament.
For more information and
to register, visit our website
at www.pisgah.us/golf-classic
or scan the QR code.
We look forward to seeing you on the greens!

Memories From the Past
JUNIORS SURPRISE SPONSORS
February 1957
On Tuesday evening, February 12, Mr. and Mrs.
Bishop were called over to Mrs. Strickland’s home -
“to make a picture.” (Mr. Bishop has been helping
make pictures for the annual.)
Imagine their surprise when they arrived and found
the entire Junior Class assembled there They were
greeted by the traditional “Happy Birthday” and
Sandy Lewis, class president, then presented them
with a lovely lace tablecloth.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
September 1960
You could hear a pin drop. Suspense filled the air.
Everyone was quiet as a mouse. Each boy was asking
himself the same question: “I wonder if I will make
the fire department this year?”
The occasion? It was the first Friday chapel period
of the year. Mr. C. E. Davis, the chief of the fire
department, was on the platform. He gave a short
history of the department and then he announced
the personnel, Mr. J. P. Rogers is assistant chief, Mr. S.
J. Crook is captain, Mr. Charles Dowell is firt sergeant,
and Pastor E. R. Reifsnyder is an honorary officer. The
sergeants and two-year men are William Willis, Ronald
Tyson, and Don Vollmet. The Privates and first-year
men are Kenneth Harding, Jasper Henson, Mitchell
Henson, Bill Wood, Arnold Clapp, Jerry Hoyle, Dale
Hanna, and Walton Williams.
Afterwards, the boys were all congratulated and
wished the best of luck. We can really say that we
are looking forward to a great year on the Fire
Department.
TRADITIONS OF THE SEASON
December 1987 | By: Stephanie Servoss
Mt. Pisgah Academy has always held a special place
for the Christmas season. Each individual is affected
by its charm and thus the school as a whole rejoices
together at the remembrance of our Savior’s birth.
But there are several things that need to receive
some noted recognition as being Pisgah Christmas
traditions.
First, one thing that all will notice is that Christmas
trees sprout at various spots on campus: the Ad
Building, the dorms, a few dorm rooms even, and
also in a special classroom or two. Also, the Senior
girls pick a night and at midnight play the roles of
Santa’s helpers and make the girls’ dorm into a winter
wonderland.
Another noted tradition are the lights decorating
the Johnson’s home and also those in Mr. Grow’s
office window! Without them the Christmas season
could never possibily be the same at MPA. These
things decorate the campus and help create the
atmosphere.
Then, the evening of caroling to the community
homes brings a rich blessing to the carolers as well as
those caroled to. After everyone’s voices are getting
hoarse, it’s time once again for the annual Christmas
choir concert. It is an event that many people
attend, and it always proves to be even better than
the previous year. The following evening the band
gives their Christmas concert with a bang.

made this building into something special, the place
for the girls to make home away from home.
Choir to Puerto Rico
March-April 2011
ORGANIZATION AUDITION AGONY
September 1994 | By: Ruthie Kerr
Tryouts, auditions, and interviews: the ways to join
the many organizations at MPA. Wy would anyone
want to go through the nervousness, intimidation,
pain, and torture? Friends, fun, trips, experience,
sharing, and witnessing are only a few answers.
To begin the year, both band and gymnastics
had “camp”. Band started out by practicing until
their lips fell off, eating until their stomachs blew
up, and then heading to Georgia for some fun.
Georgia welcomed the band with a laser show
spectacular at Stone Mountain and the always
high-flying Six Flags. The gymnastics team traveled
to Nosoca Pines Ranch to get a booming start on
routines. Three days were spent practicing, eating,
sleeping, swimming, and being sore. After band
camp and gymnastics training camp, the members
felt like a team ready to face their challenges.
MEMORIES OF HILLTOP
Spring 2003 | By: An Alumnus
My first memories of Pisgah began with moving my
things into Hilltop. My first dorm room. The Nielsens
were also moving into theirn ew home, it was their
first year at MPA as well. Hilltop housed the overflow
from the main girls’ dorm, and Teen Nielsen was
the new girls’ dean for Hilltop. What seemed like a
condemned building so many years ago, proved to
continue to be a home away from home for many
girls. It was amazing what a little love and personal
touch could do for the conditions of this old building.
Many faculty like the Nielsens and later, the Greers,
April 5, 2001. At 1:45 am most choir members were
sitting patiently on a bus, waiting to drive to Atlanta
to board a flight headed straight to Puerto Rico. But
something unexpected happened. A monster storm
rose up right as the bus pulled out of MPA. Two trees
fell right in front of their eyes, threatening their trip.
But Jason Musgrave got the choir to Atlanta safely.
The choir spent one week in paradise, singing for
chidlren and working in various locations. They made
many new friends, saw some really cool things, and
bonded as a group. Many choir members came back
exhausted and some were even a little bit sunburned.
But even after the difficulties and the exhaustion,
everyone felt blessed and very satisfied with their
trip.
SHARE YOUR MPA MEMORIES!
We want to hear from you! Take a stroll down
memory lane and share your favorite moments
from your time at Mount Pisgah Academy.
Whether it’s a special class, an unforgettable
event, or a cherished friendship, your
stories help keep the spirit of MPA alive for
generations to come.
Submit stories to Abby Ackerman, Director of
Alumni, at abby.ackerman@pisgah.us
We cannot wait to hear from you!

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.
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