MPCS | August 2023

AUGUST 2023

03

LETTER FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL Read a few words from Head of School, Chris Harmon, Ed.D.

04

PISGAH FORWARD '29 View our in-depth, five-year plan for our school.

08

CORE VALUES Introducing Mount Pisgah Christian School’s Core Values.

09

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

14 16

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

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

18 22 24

26

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.

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.

A LETTER FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL

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

3

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.

4

PISGAH FORWARD '29

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:

PROVIDE AN INTENTIONAL AND SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Rationale 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:

INVEST IN FACULTY TALENT AND DEVELOPMENT

Rationale 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.

To see the full version of Pisgah Forward '29 visit: PisgahForward29.org

5

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:

FOSTER STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND BELONGING

Rationale 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.

6

To see the full version of Pisgah Forward '29 visit: PisgahForward29.org

PISGAH FORWARD '29

• 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:

ADVANCE PARTNERSHIPS

Rationale 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

To see the full version of Pisgah Forward '29 visit: PisgahForward29.org

7

WE ARE PISGAH 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.

8

FOR PISGAH FUND

A 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

B

G

D 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

SUPPORTED IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE: • STEAM Innovation Curriculum: WozEd

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

• Renovated three classrooms in the Early Learning Center

C 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

10

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

E 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

F 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

H 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

FOR PISGAH FUND SUPPORTERS

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

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

L Tony and Nicole LaJoe Heath and Tanya Lambert James and Amy Laskaris

• Added a clinic to the Middle School • 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

N Mike and Diane Nardella Dominic and Winnie Nasieku David and Kayla Neal Sean and Lauren Nelson Elliot and Sarah Nolan Jim and Christy Noll

O

I Kathryn Ingall Joe and Debbie Ippolito Wojciech and Oliwia Iwaszkiewicz

J 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

K 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

M 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

John and Kerry O’Connor Phillip and Mary Armour O’Reilly Rafael and Lara Oliveira Seth and Allie Ott Ben and Jennifer Owens Chris and Stephanie Ozment

P 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

Q Nancy Qian

R Johnson Rajakumar and Dian Thomas Scott and Jennifer Raley Greg Ralls and Elizabeth Lynch Brian and Christy Ranck

11

SUPPORTED IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE: • Construction on new Lower School playground

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

T 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

U Osahon and Rosemary Uhuangho

V Rick and Amy Van Haveren Dr. Sharad Virmani and Dr. Regina Khanna

W

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

S 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

12

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

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

X Jiandong Xue

Y Mariam Yale Jay and Ashley Yarbrough Ken and Jadideah Yarbrough

Z Surije Zaineh Jordan and Jessica Zeitlen Ann Ziegler 1986 Society Member

GEORGIA GOAL SUPPORTERS

GEORGIA

GOAL SUPPORTERS A Anonymous (2)

B 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

C 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

J 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

E Gnanaraja Elango and Magdalene Jagannathan James and Melanie Ellwanger Madalyn Emerson

F Brickford Faucette Joel and Margarita Foster

G Dan and Jennifer Gagne Michael and Norma Gailey Joe and Courtney Gaynor Charles and Stephanie Greene

H 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

I Joe and Debbie Ippolito

J Mark and Kim Jennings Mark and Kelly Johnson

K Saba and Souzan Karadsheh Tony and Jolene Kellner The Kimberlin Family Bennie and Beth King Adrian and Tara Kosinda

W Rob and Laura Wellon Jason and Amanda Weston Matt and Amy Whitley Steve and LeAnne Wood James and Diana Woods Rodney and Marie Woods

Y Adel Yarbou and Blanca Rodriguez C.J. and Amanda Yun

Z Jordan and Jessica Zeitlen

L Mark and Brandy Lazzara Ryan and Pamela Livezey The Lukowiak Family

M 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

N Mike and Diane Nardella Diane Norris

O Shayne and Cherie O’Reilly

P Joe Patrick Emily Payne Richie and Christie Peden

R 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

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

S 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

T Grant Thomas

V Rick and Amy Van Haveren

13

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.

14

Learn more about the Murray Academy program and view more photos: WeArePisgah.org/MurrayAcademy

MURRAY ACADEMY FEATURE

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

SHARPTOP ANNIVERSARY FEATURE

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.

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.”

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.”

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

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.

Carly Morris '09 at SharpTop Cove Retreat with MPCS

“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.”

Join us in praying that this year our students will once again encounter Christ at SharpTop Cove. As we celebrate 25 years of this transformative tradition, we look forward to many more years and praise God for its eternal impact.

17

FINE ARTS

THANK YOU

TO OUR PISGAH PATRONS FOR SUPPORTING THE FINE ARTS AT MOUNT PISGAH

JOIN TODAY! CLICK HERE

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

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.

18

WeArePisgah.org/PisgahPatrons

Director of Fine Arts

19

ATHLETICS

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

20 WeArePisgah.org/PatriotClub

ACHIEVEMENTS IN ATHLETICS

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

CROSS COUNTRY

SWIMMING

TENNIS

Team made a State Meet appearance with eight qualifying runners

Individual State Titles: Emma Livezey - 100y Freestyle Emma Livezey - 200y Freestyle

Girls Team made a Final Four appearance

EQUESTRIAN

Team finished 4th in the state

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

WRESTLING Team Duals State Champions

FOOTBALL

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

Team made an Elite Eight appearance

VOLLEYBALL

BASKETBALL

Team made a Final Four appearance

Boys Team made a State Championship Final appearance Girls Team made a Sweet 16 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.

Listed by column from top left

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

THANK YOU

TO OUR PATRIOT CLUB MEMBERS FOR SUPPORTING ATHLETICS AT MOUNT PISGAH

JOIN TODAY! CLICK HERE 21

OUR FACULTY

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.”

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

WHITNEY JUNE

Lower School Student Support 10 years at MPCS

“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!”

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

DIANE WINFIELD

Lower School Teacher 30 years at MPCS

“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

22

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHTS

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.

23

ALUMNI

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.

CLICK TO JOIN OUR

PISGAH ALUMNI NETWORK

OR UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION

24

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

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.” 25

CONGRATULATIONS C L A S S

O F

2 0 2 3

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

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHTS

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 For more Graduate Spotlights please visit: WeArePisgah.org/GraduateSpotlights

27