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Foundations for the Future
By Michael J. McKenna

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1

At Mars Hill Academy, we are builders—but only in welfare of others before their own
the shadow of the Master Builder. Every lesson taught, comfort or recognition.
every habit formed, every conversation between We are seeing the fruit of this
teacher and student is a part of something far more labor. Our graduates enter the
enduring than any building of stone or brick. We are next stages of life not only
forming souls—laying a foundation for lives of wisdom, prepared academically but also
virtue, and joyful obedience. In a world where noise grounded spiritually. They navigate
and distraction constantly vie for the attention of young college, career, and, for many of
hearts, we are steadily building students who are them, family with confidence, not
rooted in truth. Our calling is to train students to set because they’ve been shielded
their hearts—to orient their affections—toward what is from adversity, but because they’ve been taught how to
good, true, and beautiful. This is no small task. It begins think clearly, work diligently, repent sincerely, lead
with the Word of God. We teach our students not humbly, and serve faithfully. They are prepared for what
simply to read Scripture, but to love Scripture. Not lies ahead because of what has been laid beneath them: a
merely to know what is right, but to do it, and to delight strong foundation.
in the doing of it. And not to hoard that knowledge, but This past year we celebrated 25 years of Highlander
to live in such a way that others are drawn to do the Heritage—25 years since selecting our mascot and
same. We aim to graduate students who are doers of fielding our very first sports team in 1999. We reflected
the Word, teachers by example, and humble leaders in on the faithfulness of God in the formation of our identity
their homes, churches, and communities. —not only as a school, but as a community. That
This kind of education requires far more than pioneering Highlander spirit continues to inspire us as we
mastering content or passing exams. It demands the build upon that legacy today.
cultivation of character. One of the core virtues we Looking ahead, Mars Hill Academy is preparing to build
strive to instill is ownership—a willingness to take in new ways as well. The board and administration are
responsibility for one’s actions, to acknowledge both thoughtfully and prayerfully laying the groundwork to
success and failure without excuse. Our culture often grow our enrollment and expand our physical campus—
encourages blame-shifting and victimhood. But at Mars an effort rooted in our desire to steward well what God
Hill, we call students to something higher. We teach has entrusted to us and to provide for future generations
them that maturity means recognizing that the choices of students.
they make shape not only their future but the lives of As we approach the 30th year since Mars Hill
those around them. Responsibility is not a burden to Academy’s founding during the 2025–26 school year, we
avoid—it is a gift that God uses to grow leaders. are filled with gratitude—for the firm foundation laid in
Leadership, in turn, is not about taking charge for its years past, for the students and families building with us
own sake. It begins with humble service. Whether a today, and for the vision of what is still to come.
student is wiping down a whiteboard, leading a Clan We invite you to join us in this vision. Pray with us. Walk
Council meeting, cheering on a teammate, or helping a with us. Build with us.
younger student, she’s learning that leading means
giving of yourself for the good of others. That is how we
build community—leadership starts when students
learn to follow well, to serve quietly, and to seek the

MHA Vision Statement

To cultivate wise and virtuous men and women who glorify and enjoy God,
faithfully applying the Lordship of Christ throughout all of life.

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