Page 5 - 2024-2025 Annual Report

This past school year marked a meaningful milestone at
Mars Hill Academy: 25 years since the launch of our athletics
program and the adoption of our Highlander mascot. From
the first basketball team to today’s robust lineup of sports
offerings, athletics have played a vital role in shaping student
life and school spirit. But even more, they have offered a
visible expression of the virtues we aim to cultivate—courage,
perseverance, discipline, and joyful camaraderie.
To celebrate this legacy, the 2024–25 school year carried
the theme of Highlander Heritage, a reflection on the
faithfulness of God over two and a half decades of seeking
truth, beauty, and goodness in athletic pursuit. In true Mars
Hill fashion, we marked the occasion not just by looking back
—but by building forward.
One of the most visible and creative elements of the
celebration was a complete refresh of our Highlander mascot
image, bringing new life and clarity to a symbol that has long
stood for strength, tradition, and conviction. Alongside the
launch of the updated design, we invited the entire school
community to participate in a naming contest to give our
Highlander an official identity. After dozens of creative entries
and enthusiastic voting, the winning name was revealed:
Hector—a nod to the heroic figure of classical antiquity and a
fitting emblem of valor and virtue.
But the celebration didn’t stop with a name and a logo.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community—
especially those who contributed through the paddle raise at
a past Highlander Hoedown—we were able to commission
and unveil a custom Highlander mascot suit. Hector has
already made several spirited appearances at games and
school events, delighting students and rallying support with
Highlander pride.
This anniversary offered more than a trip down memory
lane. It reminded us of who we are and why we do what we
do. As we look ahead to Mars Hill Academy’s 30th anniversary
in the 2025–26 school year, we do so standing on a rich
foundation—a legacy of excellence, meaningful tradition, and
a community committed to raising up wise and virtuous
young men and women who glorify and enjoy God in all of
life.
Hector may be new—but the spirit he represents is 25
years strong.

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