Blue Mountain Academy

Survivor Night

newspaper — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:45:50 +0000

On the 21^st of January, Blue Mountain Academy had its annual Survivor Night. Each year, the Senior class is in charge of this event, and this year , like any other, they did a great job in making this night adventurous and competitive (good competition that is). The night began with the senior class officers leading us out in our school song. Immediately following the prayer, we began the games which comprised of: handstand competitions, team activities, and food eating contests. One thing that we all enjoyed was the making of tribe names. It was fun hearing all the creative names each class came up with like (The Aria15) which was freshmen’s name, the sophomores went by (Black Chuki Chuki), the juniors went by (Tasmanian Devils), and the seniors by (Tribe Savages).

To end off the night, each class was given the task of creating a chant for another class. The sophomores, who had the juniors, did a very good job of making a catchy beat and chant for the class of 2013. The seniors, freshmen, and juniors all did a good job of making each chant exciting and fun. The senior class owned the night by taking first place, followed by the freshmen in second, juniors in third, and sophomores in fourth. Competition is a thing we all enjoyed, but most importantly we learned our strengths and weaknesses as a class. Through these experiences we not only grow as a class, but also as individuals. Kudos to seniors for putting on a fun-filled night.

by: Jackeline Bohorquez

Student Focus Week- Staff’s perspective

newspaper — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:44:29 +0000

As Focus week approached, you heard the nervous rants of student speakers as they tried to finish preparing their sermons. One student said, “I can’t do this! I’m too nervous.” A friend comforted her, and told her that God would use her for amazing things. The week went on and all the speakers delivered a powerful message that touched many hearts in the audience.

The topic was Back to the Basics. What does that truly mean? Blue Mountain Academy students pondered this question for the weeks leading up Focus. Class and Student Association pastors Kiana Gurley, Diana Montalvo, Ezequiel Rodriguez, Emily McAuliffe, and Anna Bugbee answered that simple, yet intricate, question by studying God’s word, using science, and their personal testimonies. What is the basic formula of all things? They all agreed that it is love. We must always start with love. The greatest among all things is love.

It was deeply moving to see students praise God, act out skits, and preach in honor of His name. It’s sometimes hard to reach an entire audience, but it was evident that students were appreciative of the words their peers shared with them. It was indeed a blessing.

by: Dean A’lisa Lashley

Writers Conference

newspaper — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:41:55 +0000

This year I had the opportunity to attend the Washington Adventist University writer’s conference with 8 other students and our sponsor Mrs. Kramer. We arrived at WAU and were treated to a nice meal. To kick off the fun couple of days we spent there, we had an open mic session. Students from all different schools, and even some of the teachers, presented poems they enjoyed by different authors. Others shared pieces of their very own writings.

Stephen Acosta, one of our juniors, wrote some poems right on the spot. We enjoyed his creativity very much. The next morning, we went to different sessions that were based on learning how to write essays and edit them. After our sessions were finished, we loaded a bus and went on a tour of Baltimore. There we toured the harbor and enjoyed getting to know students from other schools. All in all, it was a really enjoyable experience and a great learning opportunity.

By: Anna Bugbee

Student Focus Week- Student’s perspective

newspaper — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:40:36 +0000

by: Dean A’lisa Lashley

Guy’s Club Backpacking Trip

newspaper — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:38:57 +0000

On the third through the fourth of January, BMA’s Guy’s Club had the opportunity to go off campus and enjoy God’s nature in the form of backpacking. Due to the cold weather, a limited number of students chose to attend. Although a small number went on the trip, we had a great time getting to know each other.

The shelter we stayed in had a great view and wasn’t far away. Since we were high up, we were able to get a nice view in the northern direction. The weather this year was great, not too cold or too hot. Freshman, Bobby Locke said, “I really enjoyed the warmer weather. It made it comfortable and there were no bugs.”

The hike up the mountain was only ninety minutes long giving us Friday night and all day Sabbath to rest and relax. Freshman, Jonathan Ringer said, “I enjoyed chilling and spending time with God.” Sabbath was a day not just of rest, but of rest in God’s nature. We were able to walk around camp, build campfires, talk, and worship God.

We not only had a great time with each other, but we were also provided with an opportunity to witness to people outside our group. While we were closing up the night, a father and his son began to set up camp next to us. We all started talking, and pretty soon we were in conversation with both the father and son. We shared our faith not only with them, but also with three other men who came into our Sabbath morning worship. It is always nice to see that God puts witnessing opportunities before us. If we don’t let the opportunity pass, we can be witnesses anywhere and everywhere.

by: Jorrdan Bissell

International Vespers

newspaper — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:37:39 +0000

For our first Friday back from Christmas vacation, we had a special vespers. This vespers focused on celebrating the various cultures, ethnic groups, and countries that are represented here at BMA. When students, staff, and community members came into the chapel they were welcomed by a variety of flags, each one representing the countries we come from.

The program began with a song service that was accompanied by a praise team composed of BMA staff and students. Throughout the rest of the service we received an idea about worship in other cultures through testimonies made by Abigail Opoku, Hannah Ashburn, and Guanbo Shao. Mini skits of worship services in both African American and Hispanic churches were performed to show us the way they worship. Musical selections were performed; Giovana and Bruna Barbosas sang in Portuguese and Noah Kwak in Korean.

We closed the evening with a short message from our SA Pastor Anna Bugbee. She referenced our many differences, yet highlighted our dominant similarity. We all praise God.

by: Joshua Stahl

BMA Welcomes New Principal

Mel Wade — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:33:56 +0000

Today the Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) school board introduced David Morgan as the new principal of BMA beginning July 1, 2012, replacing current principal Craig Ziesmer who will be retiring at the end of this school year.

David began his ministry here in Pennsylvania as the head teacher of the Coudersport Seventh-day Adventist School. After four years of “learning” what it meant to be an Adventist teacher, he moved to Williamsport as a teacher for the Mountain View Christian School. He would later become principal of the Williamsport school. Five years later God would call him home to serve as principal of Reading Junior Academy, a school he attended for 10 years. Eight years later he moved to BMA as Vice Principal. For the past five years David has served as the Vice President of Education for the Pennsylvania Conference. During that time he has helped the Pennsylvania Conference Board of Education become more focused on school performance ensuring that our schools operate as financially stable ministries enabling them to continue being distinctly academic and decidedly Christian.

“David brings a unique strength to the position of principal of Blue Mountain Academy, having served as a teacher, principal, and academy vice-principal here in the Pennsylvania Conference,” shares Ray Hartwell, board chairman for the Blue Mountain Academy school board. ”Having a heart for students and for the mission of Jesus Christ here in the Pennsylvania region, David is well qualified to lead the ministry of Blue Mountain Academy. I welcome the passion and joy he brings to seeing our young people grow in Christ, while also encouraging their academic journey. We are very fortunate to have David’s talents and skills utilized in leading the team at BMA and look forward to his joining the excellent staff at BMA in providing a Christ-centered Seventh-day Adventist education that leads students into lives of service for God.”

David is excited about this new opportunity to impact the lives of young people. He shares the following in response to why he’s taken on this challenge and is excited to again work with young people on a daily basis:

As I was finishing a class current principal Craig Ziesmer had asked me to teach, a student approached me and asked, “Why do you do this?” Somewhat unsure of what he was asking I said, “What are you talking about? Do what?” He looked me in the eye and asked, “Why are you so nice to us?” To this day I am baffled by the question.

Why wouldn’t I be nice? It isn’t that my goal is to be “nice” as a teacher; rather, it is my goal to impact the lives of my students in a positive way with Christian values that instill in them a desire for a Christ -ike character, integrity, and a desire to use the unique gifts God has given them to spread the Gospel. Being “nice” is a tool that opens that door for me to influence my students as my teachers did for me.

As a product of Christian education, ten years at Reading Junior Academy, two years at Blue Mountain Academy, and a degree from Columbia Union College (Washington Adventist University), I learned early on from my parents, my teachers, and my pastors just how important a relationship with God really was. I endeavored to serve Him and throughout my career in the Pennsylvania Conference. I have been given many opportunities to learn, grow, and enhance my leadership abilities.

The greatest impact on my life was as the vice principal at BMA, working for then principal Spencer Hannah. His unabashed love for Jesus Christ and passion to share that with students helped redefine my spiritual walk with God. For the past five years I have been blessed to work as the Vice President for Education of the Pennsylvania Conference. But somewhere along the way I began to feel as if I wasn’t in the right place. I was on the right bus, just not sitting in the right seat.

Knowing that BMA would be looking for a principal, I shared with conference administration that if called, I would answer that call. The opportunity to work with a staff that is both talented and passionate was easy, but even easier was the opportunity to work alongside of them as we teach our students of a loving God that sent His only Son to die for them, regardless of their mistakes, and to help them grow in their understanding a God of such love, to give their lives to Him, and to purpose in their hearts to live a life of service for Him.

The challenges are great. The facility is aging, the students often come with questions of their own self value, and the economy is making it more and more difficult for parents to pay for a Christian education. It is my goal to help our alumni and constituency know that time is short, the army of God is ready and willing, and together, we can make a difference in hastening the coming of Jesus. Blue Mountain Academy: revealing Jesus and making disciples.

Class of 2014 Fundraiser

Mel Wade — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:36:23 +0000

The Class of 2014 has been chosen to be a participant in the Chili’s “Give Back Night” in March 4 at the Wyomissing Chili’s in Reading, Individuals who come to that Chili’s location, on March 4, between the hours of 11am and 10pm, will have 10% of their paid check donated to the class of 2014. Thank-you for supporting our fundraiser!

Bring a copy of the attached voucher with you.

Appalachian Winter Comic by Amy Beisiegel

newspaper — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:49:54 +0000

BMA Offers New Diplomas

Mel Wade — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:20:07 +0000

Blue Mountain Academy is pleased to introduce new diploma options for the 2012-2013 school year. Students will now have two diploma options from which to choose. A Standard Diploma and an Advanced Studies Diploma. These diplomas will maintain high standards of academic excellence while celebrating the success of students that want more than a standard high school experience.

Standard Diploma

This diploma prepares students to enter most colleges with minimum standards. Two years of a foreign language is highly recommended. Check the college of your choice for their requirements.

Minimum GPA of 1.67 (C-)
Mathematics: Requires Algebra I and Geometry
Requires 10 credits of Biology and 10 credits of Physical Science or Chemistry

Required Courses

Religion*    40 credits
English    40 credits
Math    30 credits
Science    30 credits
Social Studies **    30 credits
Applied Arts    5 credits
Fine Arts    10 credits
Health    5 credits
Physical Education    10 credits
Computer Skills    10 credits
Foreign Language    ***
Electives ****    15 credits
Total Credits    230 credits

* 10 credits of Religion for every year in an SDA secondary school
**10 credits of US History and 5 credits of American Government
*** Not required but highly recommended.
**** Up to 10 credits of work credit may count towards electives

Advanced Studies Diploma

This diploma provides more than minimum courses required to enter most colleges. Check the college of your choice for foreign language requirements.

Minimum GPA of 2.67 (B-)
Applied & Fine Arts: Requires a minimum of 5 credits in each.
Requires Algebra I , Geometry, and Algebra II
Math/Science Requirements

Requires Algebra I , Geometry, and Algebra II
Option A: Required 70 credits in math and science (30 or 40 in each) and 20 credits in foreign language.
Option B: Required 80 credits in math and science and 10 credits in foreign language.

Required Courses

Religion*    40 credits
English    40 credits
Math    30/40 credits
Science    30/40 credits
Social Studies **    30 credits
Applied Arts/Fine Arts    15 credits
Health    5 credits
Physical Education    10 credits
Computer Skills    10 credits
Foreign Language    10/20 credits
Electives ***    10 credits
Total Credits    250 credits

* 10 credits of Religion for every year in an SDA secondary school
**10 credits of US History and 5 credits of American Government
*** Up to 10 credits of work credit may count towards electives

General Diploma

The General Diploma is being phased out. Those in attendance at Blue Mountain Academy as a Sophomore or Junior during the 2011-2012 academic year will still have this diploma available to them although they are encouraged to pursue a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma. The details of this diploma are available in the 2011-2012 handbook that can be found on the Blue Mountain Academy web site or by request from the Registrar’s Office.