Author: Kebrina

Exciting things are happening at MEA! We’re thrilled to share an update on our ambitious new initiative: the “Looks Like Love” Campaign. This campaign is all about building a stronger, more vibrant future for our academy, ensuring its sustainability for generations to come.

“Looks Like Love” will directly address several key areas vital to MEA’s growth and impact. We’re focusing on:

  • Campus Enhancements: Updating and improving our existing structures to provide a more modern and comfortable learning environment.
  • Educational Expansion: Continuing to grow our academic offerings, with a special emphasis on adding valuable trade programs for our students.
  • Community Engagement: Becoming a hub for hosted workshops and educational opportunities, providing teacher training, and offering enriching spiritual retreats.
  • Experiential Learning Destination: Capitalizing on our beautiful surroundings to become a sought-after destination for experiential education, emphasizing outdoor learning and unique opportunities.
  • Program Development: Investing in the creation and enhancement of programs that will benefit our students and the wider community.

We’re tackling these goals head-on, addressing our aging buildings, fostering program development, creating space for hosted events, and ensuring continued growth in our academic offerings.

We’re also delighted to share that the “Looks Like Love” Campaign has already received a wonderful boost! Several generous alumni have stepped forward to sponsor renovations in our dormitory, King Hall. This early support is a powerful testament to the enduring love and commitment of our MEA family.

Want to learn more about how you can be a part of the “Looks Like Love” Campaign and help shape MEA’s future? You can learn more about the campaign here:

Looks Like Love

Davin and Shawna Hammond will be joining us from New Market, Virginia where Davin has served the last 6 years as Principal of Shenandoah Valley Adventist Elementary School.  They have 3 adult children.  The oldest, Rachel and husband Wes, live in Alaska where Rachel teaches.  Daughter Jordyn just finished her Physician Assistant studies and will be working in an Orthopedic Center in Washington.  The youngest, Judah, is a Senior at Southern Adventist University in the Religion Department.

Davin received his B.S. in Elementary Education from Union Adventist University (then Union College) in 1993. While in college, Davin worked on a construction crew which would prove to be beneficial in the years to come. His first teaching position was in Dodge Center, Minnesota where he served for 5 years as 5-8th grade teacher with 4 of those years also as Principal. During the summers, he was able to build homes to supplement the family’s income.  After their first child was born the Hammonds felt the need to be closer to the grandparents and moved to Canon City, Colorado.  Davin served at the 4 Mile Adventist School for 5 years as a Principal/Teacher.   During that time, Davin built the family a home in the Colorado mountains.   After the five years of teaching, an opportunity presented itself to purchase land near the Hammond’s home.  Davin then spent the next 4 years developing and building homes on the property.  In 2007, Davin was then called back into teaching to HMS Richards Elementary School in Loveland, Colorado.  Here Davin spent 12 years as Principal/teacher building and developing the program.  From Colorado, Davin moved to the Shenandoah Valley.  In 2023, Davin received his Master’s of Education in Instructional Leadership from Southern Adventist University.

Davin has a passion for Christian education, outdoor education, mission trips and helping students develop their potential.  

The Hammonds are excited to join the Mt. Ellis family and look forward to sharing in ministry there.

The crisp mountain air and the vibrant energy of our students are hallmarks of Mt. Ellis Academy. Here, amidst the stunning backdrop of the Rockies, young hearts and minds are nurtured, challenged, and prepared for a life of purpose. But the vibrant tapestry of opportunity we weave here – from hands-on learning in our student work program to life-changing experiences in Outdoor School and the thrill of Ski the Summit – relies on a vital thread: our Annual Fund.

This year, that thread is thinner than we hoped. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our giving has fallen short, leaving us with a critical $150,000 gap to bridge by the end of the year. This isn’t just a number; it represents the very experiences that define a Christ-centered Mt. Ellis Academy education and shape the lives of our students.

Imagine a student earning their tuition through the student work program, gaining invaluable skills and a sense of responsibility alongside their academic growth. Picture the impact of church matching grants and distance scholarships, opening doors to deserving students who might otherwise not have the chance to experience our unique community. Consider the dedication of our faculty, continually honing their skills through professional development and training to provide an exceptional learning environment.

The Annual Fund is the lifeblood that sustains all of this and more. It fuels:

  • The Student Work Program: Providing crucial financial aid and hands-on learning opportunities.
  • Church Matching and Distance Scholarships: Expanding access to a diverse student body.
  • Faculty Development and Training: Ensuring our educators remain at the forefront of their fields.
  • Essential Operating Costs: Keeping the lights on, the classrooms warm, and our campus running smoothly.
  • New Program Development: Allowing us to innovate and offer relevant, engaging learning experiences.
  • Enhancement of Extracurricular Programs: From the camaraderie of our athletic program to the adventure of Ski the Summit and Outdoor School, the resilience built in Senior Survival, and the lifelong skills learned in Lifetime Activities (LTAs) – these experiences shape well-rounded individuals.
  • Maintenance and Improvement of Campus Facilities: Providing a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for learning and growth.

A shortfall of $150,000 isn’t just a budget concern; it directly impacts our ability to provide these crucial elements that make Mt. Ellis Academy so special. It means potential limitations on student work opportunities, fewer scholarships for deserving students, and constraints on the enriching extracurricular activities that build character and create lasting memories. It challenges our capacity to invest in our dedicated faculty and maintain the beautiful campus that serves as a home away from home for our students.

This is where you come in.

Your gift to the Annual Fund is more than just a donation; it’s an investment in the lives of our students, the strength of our community, and the future of Mt. Ellis Academy’s ministry. It’s a lifeline that will help us bridge this critical gap and ensure the continued sustainability and growth of our school.

Every dollar contributed directly impacts a student’s journey, empowers our faculty, and strengthens the foundation of our academy. By joining together, we can ensure that the vibrant opportunities that define a Mt. Ellis Academy education remain accessible for generations to come.

Will you partner with us to bridge this gap and empower the future of Mt. Ellis Academy? Your generous gift, in any amount, will make a tangible difference and help us reach our $150,000 goal. Let’s ensure that the heart of Mt. Ellis Academy continues to beat strong, providing a bridge to opportunity for all our students.

Give today and be a vital part of their story.

Donate today

The progress on our new faculty house is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering support of our incredible community. This much-needed space for a staff family to call home is well underway, and we’re thrilled to share an update on the project.

A special thank you goes out to Bryce Rasmussen, ’24, and his crew of friends who volunteered their time and effort to complete all the framing. Bryce chose to frame this house as his senior project last year. While there is a large degree of variation in the complexity of projects, Bryce chose to tackle a project that would leave a lasting impact.

Their dedication and hard work laid the foundation—quite literally—for this project to take shape. Additionally, we’re deeply grateful to Brian Geary, ’99, for his expertise and significant contributions to the roof and dry-in phase. His commitment to this project is invaluable.

We also want to recognize Jared Rasmussen, ’92, whose vision and leadership as the general contractor have been pivotal in bringing this house to life. Jared’s countless hours of coordination and hands-on work have driven the progress we’re celebrating today.

This project wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our community partners, Simkins-Hallin and Kenyon Noble. Their donations have provided essential materials and resources, ensuring that we can continue moving forward. We’re truly fortunate to have such outstanding local businesses standing beside us.

As the house progresses, we look ahead to the next phase: rough-in for plumbing and electrical. With every step, we are closer to seeing this house completed and ready to welcome a staff family. It’s inspiring to witness the collective effort of so many individuals and organizations working together to make this dream a reality.

To everyone who has contributed to this project in any way, thank you. Your support reflects the heart of our community and our shared commitment to making a positive impact. Together, we’re building more than just a house—we’re creating a home that will nurture and support those who dedicate their lives to serving others through their commitment to Adventist education.

Join us for Alumni Homecoming, April 18-20, 2025. We are excited to welcome Art King, ’75, as our special guest speaker for Sabbath worship. For more information and to register, go to: https://mtellis.org/alumni/. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus!

If you are in the market for a little adventure, come join Mount Ellis Academy as they bring Thornton Wilder’s play “The Matchmaker” to the stage. Wilder’s play promises to make you laugh at the misadventures of a wealthy merchant who hires a matchmaker to find him a wife and by play’s end your heart might be touched too. 

The play takes place on The Mount Ellis Academy campus, Saturday March 15 at 7:30 and Thursday March 20 at 6:30. For tickets, call Mount Ellis Academy, or just show up and purchase them at the door. 

You can reserve and pre-purchase your tickets here: https://mountellisacademy.factsmgtadmin.com/form/kKOwvat29?authToken=__token__

February 9-12, 2025

Ski the Summit is a unique spiritual retreat offered by Mount Ellis Academy for 7th – 11th grade students. Participants will spend three days skiing three different mountains – Bridger Bowl; Big Sky;  and our own private slope, Bear Canyon Ski Area – while also having the opportunity to meet MEA students and staff, learn more about the programs offered at MEA, and grow closer to their peers and to Christ through daily worship and activities.  This is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss!  We will be offering mini courses on Monday and Tuesday for those students who want to come to Ski the Summit  but do not want to ski/board.  Previous mini courses have included cooking/baking, photography, art, and rock climbing.  If you choose to stay for our “Shadow Day”, visiting students will be able to attend classes with our students on Wednesday morning in order to experience the full boarding high school experience.

*Price includes Big Sky lift ticket, insurance, activities, room and board.  Price does NOT include lift ticket to Bridger Bowl or equipment rental fees.  Bridger Bowl requires each individual to set up an account with Bridger Bowl and parents must sign waivers.  Accounts for Bridger Bowl can be made at https://estore.bridgerbowl.com/login.   Please  purchase your lift ticket for Bridger Bowl for Monday, February 10 through Bridger Bowl.  Lift ticket prices for Bridger Bowl:  Youth/Adult (RFID and ticket) $10 +52/$10 +$82.**  

**If we have 20 or more adults (19-69) sign up, we will receive a discount code for adult lift tickets with Bridger Bowl.  Please purchase your Bridger Bowl lift ticket after January 20, 2024 and prior to January 27,2025  so that if applicable, you can apply the discount code.

***In the event that you need to cancel your registration, we can not guarantee that we will be able to provide you with a full refund.  We will do our best to accommodate your request, however lift tickets are not refundable past the purchase date.

Accommodations and Meals: Up to 3 nights stay on MEA campus, Tuesday night lodging and Wednesday breakfast available upon request.

***********Sign-up Deadline is January 15, 2025***********

Unfortunately, we can not accept applications received after January 15, 2025.

How to Register:  

  1. Register online OR download the registration forms. Downloaded forms can be returned via email to alumni@mtellis.org.
  2. Please download and sign the EVENT WAIVER for each participant (student and adult): https://mtellis.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Liability-waiver-and-permission-form.pdf. Email the completed waiver to alumni@mtellis.org.  This must be signed in order to participate.
  3. Payments may be made with cash/check, or credit cards.  In order to reserve your spot, payment is due with event registration. 
  4. Sign up with Bridger Bowl.
    • Please go to www.bridgerbowl.com and create an account. 
    • Purchase your ticket for Monday, February 10, 2025.
    • Tickets should be purchased online after January I7 and prior to January 26, 2024 so that Bridger Bowl has time to process our group’s request.  We will be skiing at Bridger Bowl on Monday, February 10.  If we have 20 or more adults (19-69) sign up, we will receive a discount code for adult tickets which we will send to you once we qualify so that you can apply it towards your ticket purchase.

If you would like to rent equipment for multiple days, we recommend that you check out Chalet Sports https://chaletsportsmt.com or Round House Sports at www.roundhouse-sports.com in Bozeman.  You can also rent equipment at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky, but we do not have equipment rentals at MEA available for Bear Canyon.

Questions?  Please call 587.5178 ext 105 for more information.

February 9-12, 2025

Ski the Summit is a unique spiritual retreat offered by Mount Ellis Academy for 7th – 11th grade students. Participants will spend three days skiing three different mountains – Bridger Bowl; Big Sky;  and our own private slope, Bear Canyon Ski Area – while also having the opportunity to meet MEA students and staff, learn more about the programs offered at MEA, and grow closer to their peers and to Christ through daily worship and activities.  This is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss!  We will be offering mini courses on Monday and Tuesday for those students who want to come to Ski the Summit  but do not want to ski/board.  Previous mini courses have included cooking/baking, photography, art, and rock climbing.  If you choose to stay for our “Shadow Day”, visiting students will be able to attend classes with our students on Wednesday morning in order to experience the full boarding high school experience.

*Price includes Big Sky lift ticket, insurance, activities, room and board.  Price does NOT include lift ticket to Bridger Bowl or equipment rental fees.  Bridger Bowl requires each individual to set up an account with Bridger Bowl and parents must sign waivers.  Accounts for Bridger Bowl can be made at https://estore.bridgerbowl.com/login.  

**In the event that you need to cancel your registration, we can not guarantee that we will be able to provide you with a full refund.  We will do our best to accommodate your request, however lift tickets are not refundable past the purchase date.

Accommodations and Meals: Up to 3 nights stay on MEA campus, Tuesday night lodging and Wednesday breakfast available upon request.

***********Sign-up Deadline is January 15, 2025***********

Unfortunately, we can not accept applications received after January 15, 2025.

How to Register:  

  1. Register online OR download the registration forms. Downloaded forms can be returned via email to alumni@mtellis.org.

2. Please download and sign the EVENT WAIVER for each participant (student and adult). Email the completed waiver to alumni@mtellis.org.  This must be signed in order to participate.

3. Complete payment. Payments may be made with cash/check, or credit cards/ACS payment via the link below.  In order to reserve your spot, payment is due with event registration. Checks should be made out to Mt. Ellis Academy with Ski the Summit in the memo.  Payments may be dropped off in the front office or mailed to Mt. Ellis Academy Attn: Ski the Summit 3641 Bozeman Trail Road Bozeman, MT 59715.

4. Sign up with Bridger Bowl.

  • Please go to www.bridgerbowl.com and create an account. 
  • Purchase your ticket for Monday, February 10, 2025. Lift ticket prices for Bridger Bowl:  Youth/Adult (RFID and ticket) $10 +52/$10 +$82.**  
  • Tickets should be purchased online after January I7 and prior to January 26, 2024 so that Bridger Bowl has time to process our group’s request.  If we have 20 or more adults (19-69) sign up, we will receive a discount code for adult tickets which we will send to you once we qualify so that you can apply it towards your ticket purchase.

Equipment Rental: If you would like to rent equipment for multiple days, we recommend that you check out Chalet Sports https://chaletsportsmt.com or Round House Sports at www.roundhouse-sports.com in Bozeman.  You can also rent equipment at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky, but we do not have equipment rentals at MEA available for Bear Canyon.

Questions?  Please call 587.5178 ext 105 for more information.

Christmas concerts are next weekend! Join us as we welcome the Christmas season with our sacred concerts on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Our Saturday night secular concert promises to delight. Don’t miss out on this musical weekend to remember!

Imagine exploring beside alpine lakes, traversing tree-lined trails, floating through Bridger Bowl’s “Cold Smoke”, sharing the gospel through music tours, developing skills on the court and field through varsity games and tournaments: an entire world of learning made possible because of a safe and reliable ride. This could be the reality for Mount Ellis Academy with your help! We’re fundraising for a new bus to expand our horizons and offer improved transportation.  Our students are going places and we need a bus to get there!  Donate today and be part of the journey! The adventure starts here.

Our goal is to raise $65K for a new-to-us 2010 Temsa TS35 bus with 101K miles. Any monies raised > $65K will go towards new tires and a wrap. Imagine! Where will we go next?