MPCS | August 2023

LETTER FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL

Read a few words from Head of School, Chris Harmon, Ed.D.

PISGAH FORWARD '29

View our in-depth, five-year plan for our school.

CORE VALUES

Introducing Mount Pisgah Christian School’s Core Values.

FOR PISGAH FUND

Thank you to our For Pisgah Fund and Georgia GOAL supporters.

Learn more about our new, state-of-the-art preschool program and facility. 14

16

MURRAY ACADEMY

25th

ANNIVERSARY

OF SHARPTOP

Celebrate with us as we mark the 25th year of our SharpTop Cove Retreat.

18

WHAT A YEAR

Review the many accomplishments of our fine arts and athletics programs.

CLASSROOM

We are deeply grateful to these faculty members for their years of service to our school. 22

ALUMNI

Catch up with our alumni—from the newsroom to the gridiron.

CLASS OF 2023

Join us in congratulating our graduates in the Class of 2023.

Dear Mount Pisgah Christian School,

It always amazes me how fast a school year seems to go by. During this past year, and my first as Head of School here, meeting our families and getting to know our students was a pleasure. Early in the year, I witnessed that we have an impressive faculty. The thoughtful way they challenge our students academically while inspiring them spiritually and emotionally is nothing less than admirable.

Throughout the year, we asked many questions and received vast feedback, which provided an incredible amount of insight into the life of our school. Your feedback became the springboard to reinforce what we do well and, in turn, showed us some areas where we could perform even better.

This publication provides a reflection on the successes of the past year and, at the same time, lays the foundation for the years to come. Based on the feedback from our many stakeholders, we are happy to share with you Pisgah Forward '29, which is our updated strategic plan. As you read through this new magazine, I hope that you are encouraged about the future of Mount Pisgah . . . I surely am!

In Christ,

Chris Harmon, Ed.D.

HEAD OF SCHOOL

PISGAH FORWARD '29

Welcome to Pisgah Forward '29, our roadmap for the next five years. The Four Commitments of Pisgah Forward '29, grounded upon our Mission, Vision, and Core Values, will serve as our guide as Mount Pisgah Christian School enters a season of promise and growth.

This plan, approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees, defines the school’s direction, directs resource allocations, informs decision-making, and provides key measures for growth and milestones. Even more, Pisgah Forward '29 engages every aspect of MPCS: every student, faculty and staff member, parent, alumni, and friend, uniting the entire Pisgah Community in common purpose—to boldly redesign and rebalance the Mount Pisgah experience in a way that honors the traditions that have made Mount Pisgah strong, while embracing the changes needed for continued growth.

Since 1986, Mount Pisgah Christian School has been committed to an outstanding education that is founded on our faith in Christ Jesus by teaching foundational truth in an ever-changing world. As the last few years have shown, this is needed now more than ever. The next five years undoubtedly will have unforeseen twists and turns, and so this plan must be both one of resolve and flexibility. Regardless of what comes, we hold that the greatest hope for the world is for Christian men and women to engage and lead with a message of hope and goodness.

Pisgah Forward ’29 continues this important calling as we move forward, together.

PURPOSE

Redesign and rebalance the educational experience for all students to cultivate curious, empathetic, and ambitious learners, and to affirm value to their lives, preparing them for tomorrow, all to the glory of God.

For each of the Four Commitments, there are accompanying Rationale and Goals.

COMMITMENT 1:

Rationale

PROVIDE AN INTENTIONAL AND SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

We believe that faithfully and joyfully delivering a Christ-honoring curriculum supports our student’s well-being, fosters innovative thinking, encourages the love of learning, and is the foundation for college preparation and life readiness.

Goals

• Affirm the uniqueness of each learner and provide varied pathways to content mastery.

• Invest and prioritize innovation in both course offerings and the learning environment.

• Reimagine the physical space of the Lower School campus to inspire learning.

COMMITMENT 2:

Rationale

INVEST IN FACULTY TALENT AND DEVELOPMENT

We believe faculty committed to Christ, passionate and skilled in their discipline, dedicated to growing in their craft, and valued by our community will provide an intentional and supportive learning environment.

Goals

• Cultivate a culture that prioritizes mentorship and the ongoing development of our faculty.

• Create an environment that demands professional growth and encourages faculty well-being.

• Recruit nationally for faculty and administrators, especially candidates who excel as teachers, coaches, and advisors.

• Increase the quality and frequency of evaluation, review, and coaching that faculty receive.

COMMITMENT 3:

Rationale

FOSTER STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND BELONGING

We believe students actively engaged in our school community will have a positive sense of belonging and are more likely to enjoy school and flourish in life.

Goals

• Enhance and introduce co-curricular and student life programs that excite, attract, and retain outstanding students.

• Articulate a philosophy and execute a strategy for both Arts and Athletics that ensures that our programs are an extension of our educational mission and that success is well-defined.

• Plan and pursue improved athletic facilities at the Patriot Athletic Campus and Main Campuses.

• Provide a range of opportunities that reflects and serves the diversity of our community.

COMMITMENT 4:

Rationale

ADVANCE PARTNERSHIPS

We believe our strong relationships with current and past families and alumni will enrich the lives of our students.

Goals

• Build a healthy community of engaged and supportive parents and alumni.

• Cultivate a culture of generosity that will support our mission.

° Plan and execute a Capital Campaign that will unify the Mount Pisgah community around a new or renovated Lower School and an improved Patriot Athletic Campus, including a new Field House.

• Enhance the consistency, channels, and content of communications within the community.

• Identify, recruit, and retain mission-fit students with diverse talents, interests, and backgrounds in all grade levels to increase long-term financial sustainability.

2023-24 Patriot Parents Representatives

MISSION

Mount Pisgah Christian School provides an outstanding college preparatory education grounded in Christian faith and values.

VISION

To teach foundational truth in an ever-changing world, empowering students to think critically and creatively and to act with courage and compassion.

CORE VALUES

In the Spring of 2023, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved our Core Values, joining our Mission and Vision as both the cornerstone and lamppost of who Mount Pisgah Christian School is and strives to be. These five Core Values guide and shape the framework of our decisions and actions, reflecting what is deemed most important to who we are as a school.

DEMONSTRATE FAITHFULNESS

We value faith in Jesus Christ as our foundation, serving as the truth that guides our decisions and actions.

EDUCATE WITH INTENTION

We value purposeful education that prepares students to be competitive in an increasingly complex world.

NURTURE COMMUNITY

We value our relationships with one another as we seek to honor Jesus’s command to love one another as He first loved us.

FOSTER INNOVATION

We value the opportunities students have to create, explore, and ask questions that lead to skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

ASPIRE TO DISTINCTION

We strive to achieve the highest standards in serving our community through distinctive academic experiences, student services, and community life.

FOR PISGAH FUND

Anonymous (13)

Jonathan and Ashley Adelman

Joni and Ken Aden

Taiwo and Abiola Adewumi

Lauritz and April Adriansen

Christopher and Kimberly Agin

Joanne Ainsworth

Craig and Fran Ainsworth

Jill Ainsworth

Chris and Lindsay Albrecht

Curtis and Erin Aldrich

Erik and Ana Alford

Paul and Jennifer Aliff

Jason and Kristen Andersen

Hayes Anderson

Gene and Cathy Anderson

Milan and Carmen Andrin

Lawrence and LaTonia Anthony

Bridget Nichols Atchison

Richard and Connie Austin

Courtney Baker

Thomas and Jaime Bale

John and Michelle Ballard

Ed and Karen Barnes

John and Julie Barnett

Jason and Julie Barrett

The Barrett Family

Curtis and Carla Barton

Randy and Andrea Beals

Gretchen Beck

Adam and Samantha Beeler

Julie Bellue

Beau and Brittany Berton

Jimmy and Marcia Bettis

Rick and Geneva Blumberg

Christopher Bock

Alex and Robyn Bonds

James Bonomo

Brad and Amra Boucher

Christopher and Lauri Bradley

Elizabeth Brannon

Pamela Bray

Darren and Claire Breese

Tyler and Shannon Broach

Shane and Vanessa Brock

Karl and Nancy Brown

Jonathan and LeAnne Brown

Lucas Bryant

Christine and Mark Buckis

Chris and Kelly Burns

Nathan and Jennifer Butzen

Don and Jamie Cameron

Hope and John Campbell

Lyt and Heather Capell

Taylor and Mandi Carlock

Keith and Lynda Carpenter

Jocko and Tracy Cendoya

Eric and Heather Chalko

Mark and Lisa Champ

Joseph and Eva Cheely

Yordan and Yordanka Cheshmedzhiev

Ui Haeng Cho and Bo Young Kang

James and Myoung Choi

Ho Hyun Chung and Hyun Sung Lee

Ted and Rebecca Clark

Robert and Amy Cochran

Hugh and Patricia Coherd

Lauren and Matt Cole

Madison Collier

Jeremy and Rebecca Corbett

Lou and Sally Cortez

Jimmy and Sally Cotty

Jenny Creasy

Antonio and Lisa Crespo

Frank and Sarah Crittenden

Angela Crosby

Robert and Christine Crutchfield

Leigh and Elaine Culpepper

Michael and Mandie Cummins

Andy and Alison Cuppia

Missy Curtis

Yinka and Abi Daramola

Joey and Beth Darragh

Ty and Jennifer Dealy

Mark Debrody

Aaron and Ania Decker

Tommy and Lynda Deeley

Bob and Leeann Denham

Maggie Denham

Andy and Jan Diamond

Tiffany Diebold

Martin and Leah Dixon

Shane and Leslie Dobbs

Spencer and Mary Drury

Tripp and Katie Duesenberg

The DuPree Family

David and Lisa Dworkin

Steven and Tiffany Gaeta

Dan and Jennifer Gagne

Shua and Ann Gambill

Mike and Lisa Garrison

Joe and Courtney Gaynor

Flint Geier

Anthony and Jessica Germano

Greg and Juli Gibson

JP and Lynn Gingras

Brad and Emily Glahn

Raja Gnanaraja and Maggi Magdalene

DeAnn Golden

Nathan and Carly Goodroe

Dianne Gormley

Kara Grady

Rusty and Caroline Grant

Tom and Judy Grant

SUPPORTED IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE:

• STEAM Innovation Curriculum: WozEd

• Renovated three classrooms in the Early Learning Center

Alison and Billy Earle

Michael and Lauren Edmonds

John and Lily Edwards

Allison and Tom Edwards

Mel Emerson

Todd and Meredith Emerson

Thomas and Stephanie England

Stephen and Tinsley English

Youngsub Eom and Cherry Kim

Jason and Jennifer Etheridge

Mark and Lisa Farrar

Britt and Bridget Faunce

Oliver Feischhut and Iris Kaminski

Marc and Rita Felice

Rebecca Filson

Oliver Fleischhut and Iris Kaminski

Alljandra Flores

Sonny and Stacey Forsberg

Joel and Margarita Foster

Kellie Frazier

Pamela Frazier-Anderson

LaBryant and Phineka Friend

Michael and Marcia Fullwood

Charles and Stephanie Greene

William and Shannon Grice

Ricky and Nsharra Gross

Shannon Grube

Ted and Kristy Grulikowski

Charlie Haddock

Steve and Jung Hahn

Tim and Erin Hall

Joshua and Caitlin Hamilton

Lindsay and Turkessa Hammett

Lauren and Greg Hanley

Christopher and Jill Hardison

Kelly Harkin

Chris and Melanie Harmon

Jason Black and Kimberly Harrell

Chris and Emily Harrington

David and Jeanne Harris

Meghann Harris

Brian and Terri Harrison

Chad and Kate Hart

Elaine and Robert Hartig

Lukus and Natalia Harvey

Bob Hasty

Todd and Leigh Hasty

Steven and Hannah Haverdink

Cedric and Tamara Haynes

Aaron and Megan Heaton

Evan and Jenna Hecht

Brent and Clayton Hedin

Jerry and Jennifer Hedrick

Alexander and Shannon Heotaky

Alicia Hernandez

Shelby Herrmann

John and Flor de Maria Hiers

Nate and Miriam Hilliard

Daniel Hilton

Matthew and Calista Hixenbaugh

Stephen and Allison Hopkins

Tim and Marsha Horne

Shanna and Chris Hornsby

Alex and Shelly Horwitz

Terry and Melissa Hoskins

Gene and Pauline Houchins

Donna and Tim Houghton

Jay and Anne Howard

Eric and Monique Howard

Josh and Elizabeth Hunter

• Added a clinic to the Middle School

Bennie and Beth King

Anna-Kennon Kingsmill

David and Tricia Kirby

Daniel and Andrea Klevanosky

Kenny and Holly Knowles

Shawn and Megan Koch

Kyong and Jeni Kong

Thomas Korte and Theresa Jarmuz

Adrian and Tara Kosinda

Kyle and Jane Kotake

Wade and Kelly Kruse

Jonathan and Denise Kruse

Tony and Nicole LaJoe

Heath and Tanya Lambert

James and Amy Laskaris

• Resurfaced gym floor in the Drummond Center

• Added drainage system under the softball field to increase playability

Randy and Kara McDaniel

Susan McDevitt

Winston and Nancy McDonald

Craig McGaughey

Allen and Hyun Soon McGee

Carl and Jennifer McGehee

Daniel and Ramona McKee

John and Cammie McLendon

Claire McMasters

Dori McMillan

Brent and Amy McSpadden

Keith and Kelly McSwain

Ambrey McWilliams

Andy and Amy Meadows

The Melioris Family

Fred and Linda Mendoza

Joshua and Wendy Merry

John and Kristin Messinger

Mike and Tiffany Mewbourne

Kurt and Megan Michelsen

Barbara Middlebrooks

Matt and Liz Miles

Andrea Miller

Mary Milligan

Jared and Ashley Mitnick

Taffar and Danielle Mizell

Leon and Carol Monroe

Trey and Britt Monroe

Steven and Doreen Morgan

Cecil and Emily Morgan

Carly Morris

Robert Morris and Christina Mimms

Robert and Mary Ann Morris

Amanda Morris

Max and Jennifer Moseley

Ryan and Luciana Mullen

Patrick Mulrennan

Becky and Glenn Munroe

Bob and Judy Murphy

Brian and Melanie Murphy

Andrew and Erica Mutch

Darrell and Wendy Myers

Mike and Diane Nardella

Dominic and Winnie Nasieku

David and Kayla Neal

Sean and Lauren Nelson

Elliot and Sarah Nolan

Jim and Christy Noll

John and Kerry O’Connor

Phillip and Mary Armour O’Reilly

Rafael and Lara Oliveira

Seth and Allie Ott

Kathryn Ingall

Joe and Debbie Ippolito

Wojciech and Oliwia Iwaszkiewicz

Greg and Amanda Jacobs

Alexis Jalovick

Erik and Ashley James

Mark and Kim Jennings

Carlos and Pegah Jimenez

Jody Johnson

Tim and Leah Johnson

Kyle and Ana Johnson

Danny and Christa Joiner

Daron and Karen Jones

Stephen Joseph and Reeja Stephen

Bill and Whitney June

Rick and Carol Kanemasu

Saba and Souzan Karadsheh

Joan Karmilovich

Ida Kee

Tony and Jolene Kellner

Clay and Stephanie Kelsh

Joe and Jodi Ketter

Jeagyu Kim and Jiyoun Son

Martin and Silke Leber

James Lee

Woo Lee and Haeree Kim

Brian and Candace Lemond

Brandon and Rachelle Lennox

Dr. and Mrs. Quinn Leoni

Eric and Dina Lescourret

Jimmy and Nisha Lewis

Ryan and Pamela Livezey

David and Allicen Lottes

Alex and Justine Louw

David and Kimberly Lucas

Paul and Taylor Macaluso

Matthew and Laura Maddox

Roberto and Catalina Manzur

John Marshall

Rebecca Marshall

Brian and Natalia Martin

Thomas and Tina Martin

Elijer Martinez

Paul Martini

Buck and Andrea Marty

Anthony and Allison Maselli

Corey and Jackie Mayhew

Matt and Leah Mazar

Lisa and Ted McCain

Terrell and Kristen McCollum

Ben and Jennifer Owens

Chris and Stephanie Ozment

Brian and Heather Parker

William and Christine Pascucci

Emily Payne

Roger and Lana Pearson

Richie and Christie Peden

Tony and Alison Perrino

Andrew and Carolyn Perry

Bill and Angela Peterson

Jeff and Sally Pickren

Kelsey Piefke

Chad and Mary Plunkett

Joshua and Lauren Pointer

Mark Barry and Shelly Prox

Nancy Qian

Johnson Rajakumar and Dian Thomas

Scott and Jennifer Raley

Greg Ralls and Elizabeth Lynch

Brian and Christy Ranck

SUPPORTED IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE:

Jonathan and Leslie Stalder

Emily Stearns

Adam and Hope Steele

Christopher and Melba Stevens

Mike and Jamie Stokes

Clifton and Jennifer Stone

Steve and Heather Stonecipher

David and Amy Suh

Rick and Becky Suid

Michael and Erica Sullvian

Chris and Stephenie Surrell

Seth and Whitney Swindle

Rich and Brittany Szabo

Ryan and Leisel Talley

Jared and Lindsey Tatham

Scott and Kolleen Tener

Alex and Courtney Tetterton

Grant Thomas

Robby Thompson

John and Jennifer Timar

Shane and Ashley Tomashot

Tu and Mimi Tran

Tim and Kimberly Trankina

Alan Treece

Susan Trippe

Bo and Catherine Trotter

Fernando Trujillo and Edith Lopez

Bradley and RaeAnn Tucker

Robert and Suzette Reeves

Terrence and Micaline Regis

Jay and Susan Reilly

Jason Ren and Zhe Yuan

Bob and Janet Rhoades

Dana and Tracey Ridenour

Hugh and Christi Robb

Lee and Kimberly Roberson

Ben and Alissa Roberts

Brian and Leah Robertson

Brian and Theresa Robertson

Anthony and Sharon Rodriguez

Adel Yarbou and Blanca Rodriguez

Chris and Jen Rogers

Chris and Leigh Rogers

David and Beth Rogers

Alexa and Derek Romanek

Michael and Carmen Ross

Don and Jennifer Ross

Michael and Angela Rowand

Michael and Kasey Saari

Kelei and Jason Sabatino

The Saldana Family

Syd and Julie Samples

Spencer and Beth Scarbrough

Curt and Ashley Scarce

Andrew Schmidt and Victoria Gagliardi

Josh and Suzy Schneider

Jim and Meghan Schubert

Adam and Kathryn Scott

Clarke and Jennifer Scott

Christopher and April Secen

Dilieth Serrano

Jason and Aimee Shadburn

Collin and Alli Sheets

Samantha Shelton

Joya Shenefield

Steve and Laura Shickle

Wajih and Llynette Shirazi

Cleve and Donna Shultz

Pedro and Flavia Silva

Dr. and Mrs. James Sim

The Simmons Family

Jon and Rachel Skypek

Craig and Jennifer Slike

Bobby and Ginger Smart

Ben and Calin Smedsrud

Brad and Alyson Smith

David and Vicki Smith

Finn and Jennifer Smith

Gregory and Amy Smith

Nate and Janey Smith

Dorothy and Miles Snowden

Dave and Jennifer Sobocinski

David and Emily Sorrick

Tunde and Uli Sotunde

Skip Spriggs and Stephanie Fiber-Sutton

Kenneth and Marie St. Romain

Rick and Amy Van Haveren

Dr. Sharad Virmani and Dr. Regina Khanna

Robert and Tracy Wallace

Brian and Christina Wallunas

Xi Wang and Huaqing An

Webb and Jenny Watters

Rob and Laura Wellon

Jason and Amanda Weston

Nicholas Wheeler

Eric and Dany Weer

Matt and Amy Whitley

Karrie Willard

Julie Williams

Anthony and Maria Williams

Doug Williams

Sylvia Williams

Wendall and Lindsey Williams

Joseph and Eva Cheely

Mike and Dora Willis

Heather Wilson

Larry and Cynthia Wilson

Robbie and Kristen Wilson

John and Diane Winfield

Lisa Wolfe

Steve and LeAnne Wood

James and Diana Woods

Rodney and Marie Woods

Jiandong Xue

Mariam Yale

Jay and Ashley Yarbrough

Ken and Jadideah Yarbrough

Surije Zaineh

Jordan and Jessica Zeitlen

Ann Ziegler

Osahon and Rosemary Uhuangho

• Construction on new Lower School playground

GEORGIA GOAL SUPPORTERS

Anonymous (2)

Thomas and Jaime Bale

Ed and Karen Barnes

John and Julie Barnett

The Barrett Family

William and Pamela Bentley

Jeff and Ashley Bernier

Jason Black and Kimberly Harrell

Tyler and Shannon Broach

Jonathan and LeAnne Brown

Chris and Kelly Burns

Nathan and Jennifer Butzen

Steve and Jessica Callaham

Patrick and Allyson Carvell

Darrell and Helen Caudill

James and Myoung Choi

Hugh and Patricia Coherd

Lauren and Matt Cole

Curt and Robin Crick

Michael and Mandie Cummins

Andy and Alison Cuppia

Missy Curtis

Joey and Beth Darragh

John and Joan Delk

Martin and Leah Dixon

Steve Doughty

Patrick and Tamila Dover

Spencer and Mary Drury

David and Lisa Dworkin

Gnanaraja Elango and Magdalene Jagannathan

James and Melanie Ellwanger

Madalyn Emerson

Brickford Faucette

Joel and Margarita Foster

Dan and Jennifer Gagne

Michael and Norma Gailey

Joe and Courtney Gaynor

Charles and Stephanie Greene

David and Jan Hailey

Gregory and Leslie Hall

Tim and Erin Hall

Chris and Melanie Harmon

Steven and Hannah Haverdink

Evan and Jenna Hecht

Alexander and Shannon Heotaky

Matthew and Calista Hixenbaugh

Tim and Marsha Horne

Shanna and Chris Hornsby

Gene and Pauline Houchins

Eric and Monique Howard

Robert and Nicole Hunnicutt

Josh and Elizabeth Hunter

Joe and Debbie Ippolito

Mark and Kim Jennings

Mark and Kelly Johnson

Saba and Souzan Karadsheh

Tony and Jolene Kellner

The Kimberlin Family

Bennie and Beth King

Adrian and Tara Kosinda

Mark and Brandy Lazzara

Ryan and Pamela Livezey

The Lukowiak Family

Paul Martini

Buck and Andrea Marty

Nial and Kelly McLoughlin

George and Nneka Medebem

John and Kristin Messinger

James and Gay Lynn Morrison

Ryan and Luciana Mullen

Patrick Mulrennan

Mike and Diane Nardella

Diane Norris

Shayne and Cherie O’Reilly

Joe Patrick

Emily Payne

Richie and Christie Peden

Johnson Rajakumar and Dian Thomas

Brian and Christy Ranck

Robert and Suzette Reeves

Christopher Reynolds

Dana and Tracey Ridenour

Hugh and Christi Robb

Brian and Leah Robertson

Christopher and Rebecca Armistead Rogers

Michael and Kasey Saari

Paul and Marie Saari

Kelei and Jason Sabatino

Ruben and Merrie Elizabeth Salazar

Mike and Nikki Schmitz

James and Meghan Schubert

Adam and Kathryn Scott

Collin and Alli Sheets

Cleve and Donna Shultz

Steven and Stacey Sickel

Jon and Rachel Skypek

David and Vicki Smith

Dave and Jennifer Sobocinski

Emily Stearns

James and Tyler Strawinski

David and Amy Suh

Rob and Laura Wellon

Jason and Amanda Weston

Matt and Amy Whitley

Steve and LeAnne Wood

James and Diana Woods

Rodney and Marie Woods

Adel Yarbou and Blanca Rodriguez

C.J. and Amanda Yun

Jordan and Jessica Zeitlen

Grant Thomas

Rick and Amy Van Haveren

American Life Fund

Attento Counseling

Cornerstone Hospitality Solutions

Data Media Associates

Hire ME Law

Inflow CX

JH & Associates

Johns Creek ACE Hardware

The Mediterranean Dish

The Origin Group

PC TicketMart

Providence Wealth Management

Reliable Paper

Southern States Insurance

Superior Land Designs

Tandem Growth Financial Advisors

MURRAY

Mount Pisgah’s Stuart and Eulene Murray Academy opened its doors this fall for the first time. The new state-of-the-art preschool facility provides an environment where students can learn and grow to become lifelong learners.

More than just imparting knowledge, we are committed to setting a foundation firmly rooted in Christian faith and values. Here, we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can flourish and reach their full potential. Our teachers understand the importance of providing quality education that focuses on developing essential skills and the foundation they need for their next academic steps.

The 24,000 square foot, $4 million state-of-the-art facility was renovated on Mount Pisgah’s South Campus Lower School building. The Murray Academy includes 10 classrooms, a dedicated chapel and theater space, an innovation center, and an indoor interactive play area.

What sets Murray Academy apart is its unique, nature-inspired outdoor playscape. This one-of-a-kind playscape encourages children to connect with the natural world in an imaginative environment. Playground features include hand-carved and natural elements at sensory stations aptly named the Eagle’s Nest, Creation Corner, and Hatchling Dig.

It’s not just about play; the Murray Academy is dedicated to fostering a love for lifelong learning from an early age. Our students embark on a journey of discovery in their classrooms, facilitated by advanced technology and multi-sensory experiments. Preschool students have a rich, varied schedule, participating in Chapel, Atelier, Music, Physical Education, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) classes each week.

At the heart of our curriculum is the nurturing of faith. We believe in cultivating a love for Christ beginning in the early years, and our chapel programs are designed to resonate with young minds through singing, dancing, and Bible-based teachings.

Our Atelier space is a creative sanctuary where children can express themselves artistically under the guidance of an Atelierista, or art specialist. Through a variety of mediums such as music, clay, light and shadow, loose parts, paint, nature, movement, and sound, our students have the opportunity to explore their creative potential. Thanks to our small class sizes, our dedicated teachers can give each child the attention they deserve, preparing them for their educational journey ahead.

First made possible by Mount Pisgah Church’s generous gift to the school of the South Campus property, the Murray Academy is named in recognition of a $1 million grant from the Stuart and Eulene Murray Foundation, long-standing supporters of Christian education. Thank you to all of our donors who supported the Planting the Seed campaign to bring to life the vision of a state-of-the-art facility.

With an emphasis on Christian values, a creative and stimulating learning environment, and tailored teaching methods for each student, the Murray Academy will remain a place of joy and discovery for children at Mount Pisgah Christian School.

ACADEMY

From dance parties to messy games to the joy of reaching the top of SharpTop mountain after a hard hike, students cherish memories from these retreats as they grow from wide-eyed 5th graders to confident seniors.

Carly Morris, Class of 2009, and an MPCS teacher, remembers that as a student, her trips to SharpTop Cove profoundly affected her faith.

“The greatest aspect of the SharpTop retreat is that it provides students with space. It offers space to act courageously (my first time on the zipline), space to see vulnerability modeled by teachers as they participate in activities alongside students, and space for students to wrestle with questions during cabin time.”

Alex Parker, Class of 2011, remembers looking forward to SharpTop each year as a time to connect more deeply with God as well as teachers and classmates outside the classroom. Alex now serves as an Associate Pastor at North Raleigh United Methodist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“The impact of chapel, recreation time, and just getting away for a few days were invaluable. In particular, I found it to be a good practice of PB&J (prayer, Bible, and journaling) and those are spiritual disciplines that I still maintain today as a pastor.”

As she prepares for this year’s retreat, she knows the value of what has been entrusted to her. “It’s one of the greatest joys of my life to be able to plan and participate in this retreat as a faculty member, hopefully providing students with the same kind of space that was created for me.” Join

Alex Parker '11, right, with wife Mallory and son Julian

Carly Morris '09 at SharpTop Cove Retreat with MPCS

For a quarter of a century, Mount Pisgah Christian School has nurtured the spiritual life of Middle and Upper School students through annual retreats to SharpTop Cove.

Mount Pisgah Fine Arts programs are ones of distinction, with many opportunities to excel creatively, including: high AP scores, three different arts honor society chapters, All State Art Symposium, GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation, District Honor Band, and GMEA All-State Orchestra.

This past year we had three students accepted into the All-State Art Symposium program and three middle school students who made the GMEA All-State Orchestra, while also having 12 students in the Tri-M Music Honor Society, 24 students in the International Thespian Society, and 20 students in the National Art Honor Society.

All-State Art Symposium Qualifiers - Othelia Han, Lexie Newman, and Isabel Kirby

GMEA All-State Orchestra Members - Jina Di, Charlotte Jeong, and Irene Lee

Thespian Troupe 7371’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream dazzled audiences with its enchanting blend of Shakespearean wit and modern creativity. The talented cast’s clear delivery of the text, combined with innovative set design and captivating costumes, transported the audience into a whimsical realm where fairies and lovers collided. This sold out production showcased our students’ dedication to the arts and was an extremely successful first foray into the works of The Bard!

DANIEL HILTON Director of Fine Arts

The launch of the new high school vocal music program has started a spark of enthusiasm among students, igniting a passion for singing and musical expression. Under the guidance of Mr. Leon Baker, our dynamic and experienced music director, we have begun setting the stage for a future of engaging performances.

The Georgia Athletic Directors Association (GADA) Director’s Cup is the highest achievement a high school athletic program can receive. It is reflective of the overall success of an entire athletic program, with points awarded points for each team based on their finish in the GHSA state playoffs.

While we were awarded the region director’s cup for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, the 2022-23 school year is the first time Mount Pisgah won the state-wide award. This recognition is a testament to our coaches and student-athletes and their hard work and dedication.

Congratulations to our coaches and athletes on making this award happen! Go Patriots!

WRESTLING

Mount Pisgah Christian School’s Varsity Wrestling team brought home another state title this year. The win was a team effort with Tyler Prinzo, Conner Doherty, Brady Nardella, Marley Washington, Tyler Nelson, Joey Bertrand, Max Greene, and Joy Chane all going undefeated for the day. Wrestlers Pierre Nelson, Christian Lange, Dillon Brubaker, Josh Lange, and Steele Brown did not give up a single fall during the championship run.

INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONS

Brady Nardella, Conner Doherty, Joey Bertrand, Marley Washington, and Tyler Nelson

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

For the first time in school history, the Varsity Boys Track and Field team won the state title. The boys were led by individual state champions Makael Carter and Max Tucker, along with additional state qualifiers Nick Anderson, Michael Lynch, Alex Medebem, Winston Simmons, and George Thompson. Carter won the long jump while Tucker won the 400-meter dash and placed 3rd in the shot put.

INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONS

Makael Carter, Long Jump and Max Tucker, 400-meter Dash

FALL

CROSS COUNTRY

Team made a State Meet appearance with eight qualifying runners

EQUESTRIAN

Region Finalists - Faith Dornan, Ella Gaeta, Jade Hudson, Aubrey Sabatino

FOOTBALL

Team made an Elite Eight appearance

VOLLEYBALL

Team made a Final Four appearance

WINTER SPRING

Individual State Titles:

Emma Livezey - 100y Freestyle

Emma Livezey - 200y Freestyle

Team finished 4th in the state

SWIMMING WRESTLING

Team Duals State Champions

Individual State Titles: Conner Doherty, Brady Nardella, Marley Washington, Tyler Nelson, and Joey Bertrand

BASKETBALL

Boys Team made a State Championship

Final appearance

Girls Team made a Sweet 16 appearance

TENNIS

Girls Team made a Final Four appearance

LACROSSE

Girls Team made an Elite Eight appearance

GOLF

Girls and Boys Golf Teams finished 4th at the Class 1-A Div I State Golf Championship

TRACK & FIELD

Team State Champion Title for the Boys

Individual State Titles:

Makael Carter, Long Jump and Max Tucker, 400-meter Dash

Girls Team finished 3rd

Congratulations to Mount Pisgah Athletic Director Ryan Livezey, winner of the 2022-23 Georgia Athletic Directors Association Athletic Director of the Year Award for Class A Division 1. Livezey was one of eight state-wide honorees. Coach Livezey has served as Athletic Director at Mount Pisgah for five years and has been an educator for 26 years. During his tenure, MPCS has won 13 regional finals and four state championships.

Tyler Nelson, wrestling at UNC Pembroke

Brady Nardella, wrestling at Huntingdon College

Monet Dance, basketball at William & Mary

Kaden Alford, baseball at Young Harris College

Joy Chane, football at Washington University

Jack Cendoya, football at Trinity University

Joey Bertrand, wrestling at King University

Madison Nichols, soccer at United States Military Academy at Westpoint

Makael Carter, football at Washington State University

Erin Parker, softball at University of North Carolina

Madison Childress, track & field at University of South Carolina

Josh Tamarkin, lacrosse at Birmingham-Southern College

Aaron Kruse, football at University of Pennsylvania

Listed by column from top left

MARY ANN MORRIS

Assistant Head of School for Academics

22 years at MPCS

“Since she began at Mount Pisgah more than 20 years ago, Mary Ann Morris’s name has become synonymous with dedication, resilience, and academic expertise at Mount Pisgah. She served in various roles, including math teacher, Accreditation Coordinator, Christian Life Coordinator, Director of Faculty Development, Upper School Principal, and finally as the Assistant Head of School for Academics, but her contributions extend beyond those titles. She raised her family here, nurtured hundreds of students, and stood by the community in times of joy and despair.

Mary Ann Morris’ faithfulness to the Lord and His calling on her life, has inspired and served Mount Pisgah Christian School. Her roots, anchored in Christ and His truth, have also anchored us through calm seasons and daily storms. Her well-watered spirit has overflowed to this community through dedication, professionalism, and compassion. And her steadfast trust in the Lord has born fruit—and this fruit has fed and fueled our community.

As we congratulate her on retirement, we celebrate her journey, her service, and above all, her unwavering faith in Christ.”

WHITNEY JUNE

“Our family is grateful to Mrs. June. She has had such a profound and lasting impact on our daughter, going beyond just one academic year. She has truly become a part of our daughter’s life and has helped her grow in so many ways. The skills she cultivated with our daughter have become some of her biggest strengths. We wish her all the best and know that she will have amazing new adventures ahead!”

DIANE WINFIELD

“Diane Winfield was an asset to Mount Pisgah. She lovingly partnered with every family she taught over the years to the benefit of each child that walked through her door. She constantly prayed for her students and for our school. Diane made an incredible impact on me, personally, and was an influential mentor and friend.”

Brie Howell, Lower School Assistant Teacher

Lower School Teacher 30 years at MPCS

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- Erin Hall, Parent '30, '30, '31

Lower School Student Support 10 years at MPCS

- Marie Woods, Associate Head of School, Upper School Principal

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHTS

Lower School STEAM teacher, Mandy Long, and Upper School Science teacher, Ambrey McWilliams, are dedicated to empowering our students to think critically and creatively, and use their content to teach skills such as problem solving and critical thinking.

Mount Pisgah is blessed to utilize the WozEd curriculum in our Lower School STEAM program. Designed by Steve Wozniak, WozEd immerses our students in engineering, coding, and animation activities. One of the most popular activities is 3D printing, where students have the opportunity to look for problems in the real world and design solutions using the Tinkercad platform and Flashforge 3D printers.

Implementing the WozEd curriculum means that our students are enhancing their critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as preparing for the future workforce.

“Providing experiential learning to students is essential,” explains Mandy Long, Lower School STEAM teacher. “WozEd allows them to apply what they are learning in a hands-on way. I believe this is how students learn best, allowing them to achieve and reach their fullest potential.”

Ambrey McWilliams currently teaches Physics, AP Physics, AP Computer Science, and AP Computer Science Principles to our upperclassmen students. She is passionate about “helping students feel okay to not understand, but focus on the process of learning.” In AP Physics, students engage in hands-on lab experiences that explore models of constant motion in an inquiry-based format. In this way, students gain skills while immersed in the scientific process, not just writing notes. According to McWilliams, “my goal is to deepen students’ understanding of science concepts through discovery and collaboration.”

More than reading about concepts such as constant motion, they actively manipulate variables, control the outcome, and observe the results. This experiential approach often brings a more profound understanding of physics principles as students see the theories they learned come to life right before their eyes. This approach is not unique to just McWilliams’ AP Physics class, but all the courses she teaches.

KARLI BARNETT '10

EMMY-NOMINATED REPORTER RETURNS HOME TO ATLANTA NEWS FIRST

Mount Pisgah Christian School is proud to recognize Alpha to Omega alumna Karli Barnett, who recently returned home to join the team at Atlanta News First as a television news anchor and reporter. The Class of 2010 valedictorian graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia in 2014, where she majored in digital and broadcast journalism with a Spanish minor. Karli previously worked at CBS Miami as the weekend evening anchor, nightside reporter, and main fill-in anchor. While in South Florida, her feature report “Mario Strong” was nominated for an Emmy.

MOUNT PISGAH TAUGHT HER TO SEEK OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND ACADEMICS FOR A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION.

“WHETHER IT WAS SPORTS, STUDENT GOVERNMENT, OR THEATRE, I WAS ALWAYS LEARNING IN NEW WAYS,” SHE SAID. “I EVEN HAD THE CHANCE TO BE IN COMMERCIALS AND A MOVIE DURING HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE, THANKS TO MOUNT PISGAH PREPARING ME IN THE FINE ARTS AND SUPPORTING MY EXTRACURRICULAR INTERESTS.”

That education also set her up for success at the college level with study habits and discipline. And even as she works, she returns to a more important foundation—her faith.

“Most importantly, doing a job that requires me to report on some very difficult stories, I am able to look at it all through a lens of faith and an attitude of hope. Having a Christian education gave me a desire to be a voice for people.”

You can catch Karli anchoring on Atlanta News First and Peachtree TV on Saturday and Sunday evenings or reporting nights during the week.

BEYOND TOUCHDOWNS:

MOUNT PISGAH ALUMNUS KYLE SLOTER '12, IN THE WORLD OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Kyle Sloter has navigated his way as a professional quarterback with an unwavering commitment to hard work and dedication. He played college football at Southern Miss before transferring to Northern Colorado, then signed as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL) in 2017. He also subsequently has been a member of the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. His football career continued in XFL league and the United States Football League (USFL), where he plays for the Birmingham Stallions.

From a young age, Kyle was passionate about sports. Through hard work, dedication, and consistency, he transformed his dream into reality. Even today, 11 years after graduation, the attributes he gained at MPCS remain integral to his day-to-day life.

Beyond football, he earned a finance degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 2012, and as his football career winds down, he finds joy in coaching young quarterbacks. Looking ahead, he plans to venture into medical sales and explore opportunities in real estate. His journey serves as an inspiration and a reminder that with passion, dedication, and the right attitude, one can conquer any field they choose.

“I HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE AT MOUNT PISGAH PLAY A LARGE ROLE IN SHAPING ME TO BE THE PERSON I AM TODAY. COACH O’CONNOR, COACH DOWNS, MARY ANN MORRIS, AND PRINCIPAL BILL SHELNUTT ARE PEOPLE WHO STICK OUT THE MOST TO ME AS INFLUENCES IN MY HIGH SCHOOL YEARS.”

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF 2023

Nicholas Eli Anderson, Ansley Grace Austin, Joseph Douglas Bertrand, Elizabeth Marie Bishop, Andrew Timothy Blevins, Caden Trace Broaddus, Aiden Scott Carlock, Makael Lamaury Carter, Jack Patrick Cendoya, Hafseba Birhan Chane, Madison Rhyan Childress, Abigail Lynette Cochran, Lindsey Victoria Costa E Silva, Monet Princess Dance, Andrea Sofia Elorriaga, Carson McKenna Faloni, Siyu Fei, Reagan Laine Foley, Julia Alice Franz, Joshua Santiago Fuentes, Maxwell Isaac Greene, Juan Pablo Guzman, Chaeyeon Han, Ashriel Lynne’ Friend, Rilla Kate Haverdink, Charles Allen Hedrick, Paige Noel Hothersall, Robert Tyler Hunnicutt, Alex Olivier Ianni, Josiah Talbert Jennings, Siheon Ji, Reid Edward Kanemasu, Jihun Kim, Kate McGee Kingsmill, Emily Katherine Koster, Aaron William Kruse, Jadon Bernard Lane, Emma Grace Livezey, Dominic Sam Louw, Michael William Lynch, Charlie Walker Mann, Allison Leigh Marty, Katherine Riley McGehee, Kayla Shawn Mumma, Finley Dean Murphy, Braden Anthony Nardella, Oluwatumilara Oluwatemilorun Owolabi, Erin April Parker, Gavin Pierce Pascucci, Emanuel David Paskov-Hoshko, Grant Jailen Randall, Sophia Lee Rhoades, Ziyi Rong, Paul Andrew Ross, Alexander Jay Sabatino, Lindsay Paige Sanders, Margaret Abbott Sellars, Ily Hope Stevens, Molly AnneKaye Surrell, Joshua David Tamarkin, Reilly Strickland Tenner, Ashley Taylor Tran, Tyler Alexander Webber, Samantha Catherine Wilson, Chen Xu, and Yongyan Zhang

CLASS ACHIEVEMENTS

Jack Harrison Adelman, Ashlynn Marie Agin, Kaden Tyre Alford, Morgan Grace Amato,

AN EXCERPT FROM ALPHA TO OMEGA STUDENT AND CLASS OF 2023 SALUTATORIAN, SOPHIA RHOADES’ COMMENCEMENT SPEECH:

“Sometimes we wish we never had to grow up. It feels daunting to finally be on our own, but I feel encouraged by the place we have grown up in, which has allowed us to move forward in faith and knowledge.

As children and young adults, we’ve been taught to love God and love others, both in teaching and by example by those who’ve come before us. We’ve also learned that whatever we do, to work at it with all our hearts, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Proverbs 22:6, which reads, “start children off on the way that they should go and even when they are old they will not depart from it,” adorns the exterior walls of Geier Hall and perfectly captures the way we’ve been raised at Mount Pisgah. Just as our signatures will always remain on the wooden beams that keep Geier Hall standing, its impact on our hearts will keep us upright as well.”

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHTS

ALLISON MARTY

ATTENDING: Emory University

NOTABLE: Class of 2023 Valedictorian; National Merit Finalist; Georgia Certificate of Merit Award; AP Scholar with Honor; Mock Trial District Level Competition Outstanding Witness Award; Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society; Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica; National Honor Society; National Spanish Exam: Level 4: Silver Medal; Level 3: Silver Medal and 4th place in Georgia

DEAN JI

ATTENDING: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Grainger College of Engineering)

NOTABLE: All-State Orchestra Finalist, North GA Honor Orchestra, AP Scholar with Honor, Published an Internet of Things (IoT) Research Paper to help animals in zoos with a professor at UIUC, Fine Arts Departmental Award, Rising Star Award for Orchestra, International Student from South Korea.

ERIN PARKER

ATTENDING: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

NOTABLE: 2023 Softball Offensive Region Player of the Year; National Honor Society; Dean’s List; School Record in the Shot Put (Track & Field); Scholar Athlete; Hit a double off the fence for her first ever hit in Varsity Baseball; Will play softball for the Tarheels.

TYLER WEBBER

ATTENDING: Hampton University

NOTABLE: Published author: “Why I Matter…a Teen Perspective”; Earned full academic scholarship to Hampton University; Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (Leadership Organization); Varsity Basketball; Varsity Tennis; Student Ambassador

MADISON NICHOLS

ATTENDING: United States Military Academy at West Point

NOTABLE: Will play soccer for West Point; TopDrawerSoccer - Top 150 Club Soccer Player in the US; Varsity Soccer Program goal record (61); GHSA Positive Athlete Award for Varsity Soccer; 4X 1st Team All-Region; 2X GHSA All-Star Team; 2X GHSA All-Star Game