Testimonials from
Graduates and Parents
Mt. Carmel Christian School was very instrumental in my life and I am elated to share with you some of
the strengths the education there has given me. I attended the school from third grade until graduation. I
continued my education at the United States Air Force Academy. I have completed a Masters of Arts in
Management Degree from Regent University in 1999; and am currently earning a Masters of Science in
Management Degree at the Air Force Institute of Technology.
The strength of the education at MCCS was not only in the academics; it was also in the values that the
institution espoused. The goal of any education is to give the student the ability to reason and think
critically, and MCCS was the enabler that developed my critical thinking skills. The values that were taught
and lived out encouraged such attributes as integrity, commitment, respect, and service to others before
self. This gave me a solid foundation not only for learning, but for life.
The academics at Mt. Carmel also gave me a strong background to compete well with others from
much larger public institutions. My first semester at the Air Force Academy I felt well prepared academically,
while others I knew could point to educational holes not filled by their high school programs. The teachers
at Mt. Carmel are really the backbone of the school. I remember the principal, Mr. Edwards, would teach
current events to us each Friday. He was able to use this time to generate interest in international policy,
the political system, and world-shaping events. There are many great memories, countless of which were
formed because of the example or sacrifice of a teacher.
I cannot encapsulate here every benefit I derived, but hopefully this illustrates the value of the education
that is offered at Mt. Carmel Christian School.
Erik L. Simonsen, ‘88
Major, USAF
I attended MCCS for all thirteen years, and I am so thankful for the wonderful Christian education that I
received. The standard of education is very high at Mt. Carmel. I heard many times throughout my high
school years that the courses I was taking were “college prep.” I was confident that I was being adequately
prepared for college. The courses, such as chemistry, physics, and biology, were tough classes with real
assignments and hands-on labs. I had excellent teachers who were always willing to spend as much one-
on-one time with their students as needed. In my math classes, my teacher did not just stand before us
and lecture; he got us out of our chairs and in front of the chalkboard. My teachers expected excellence, in
everything from book reports to math homework; to how our lockers looked each morning.
When I started into the nursing major at Bob Jones University, I knew that it would be difficult. However,
from the courses I took while at Mt. Carmel, I found that I was more than adequately prepared and the
transition was easy. The Bible, history and science classes that I took were tough, but so were the ones I
took in high school. My new teachers expected excellence, and that learning environment was similar to the
one from which I had just graduated.
I have a scrapbook full of memories from MCCS. I have pictures upon pictures of terrific field trips that
were the highlights of the school year. Many of the friends I made at Mt. Carmel are still close contacts
today. My experience there was a very rich one. Not only do I feel that I received the best education, but I
was blessed also by wonderful, personal teachers, extracurricular activities, and scores of memories.
Mary Milliman, ‘99
BSN, RN, New York City
My name is Dr. Samuel Bigley, and I am a graduate of Mt. Carmel Christian School. My elementary
experience there was a very positive one, with dedicated teachers whose interest was in the students and
focusing on the fundamentals of reading, writing, and mathematics. I especially remember my second
grade teacher, Mr. Sprinkle, who sparked my interest in becoming an avid reader and challenged me to do
my best.
During my junior and senior high years, I was involved with the soccer and basketball teams. I was
privileged to work under some great coaching, and through teamwork we won many trophies for the
school. My years on the yearbook staff were challenging, and gave me a terrific foundation on which to build
my now very proficient computer skills.
When I think of MCCS, I have to say that Mr. Sherwood Edwards, principal and math teacher, was very
influential in my life. Though often firm and strict with me as a student, he was a real testimony to me and
became a mentor to me through his teaching abilities, encouragement, and Christian example.
After graduation from Mt. Carmel, I received my B.S. Degree from Grove City College in the Pre-
Optometric program. I then completed my Doctor of Optometry degree at the Pennsylvania College of
Optometry, and am now in private practice. I feel that MCCS prepared me well for my college years, and
gave me the skills that I needed to compete academically in two very intense collegiate programs.
Dr. Samuel D. Bigley, ‘97
Doctor of Optometry
We chose Mt. Carmel Christian School because we wanted an environment where our children are
taught the same virtues we teach at home; and where they are challenged academically. The teachers at
Mt. Carmel are dedicated to teaching and caring about our children; and our children are dedicated to
learning and love going to school knowing that they are safe, respected, and cared about.
Mt. Carmel has exceeded my expectations in educating our son, Michael, who is now a college student.
Throughout his thirteen years at Mt. Carmel, he was challenged and was an average student. Now that he
is in an environment where he competes with students who have received a public school education, he is
an exemplary student. We must conclude that he received a great foundation at Mt. Carmel.
We currently have two children in Mt. Carmel, and are so pleased that their curriculum continues to
provide a personalized learning environment. This program is innovative and unique, as it enhances
positive relationships between students and teachers by keeping students together each year to take core
courses with many of the same teachers; thus increasing the support students receive from their
classmates, teachers, and other adults. Because they stay together over a period of two or more years,
they will have the ability to foster trust and familiarity between students and teachers; this is a component
that most public school programs have been unable to develop.
The school has been an incredible experience for our family. The standard of academic excellence and
the emphasis on moral and character development has far exceeded our expectations, which are quite
high. The practical side is that everything is in place to have an optimal learning environment. Our children
have not only been challenged academically, but have learned life skills they will carry with them the rest of
their lives. Mt. Carmel has truly been a blessing to our family!
Anita L.H. Abbott, M.Ed.
Public School Teacher
| Erik L. Simonsen, '88 Major, USAF |
| Mary Milliman, '99 BSN, RN |
| Dr. Samuel Bigley, '97 Doctor of Optometry |
| Anita Abbott, M.Ed. Public School Teacher |
| M T. C A R M E L C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L |
| Testimonials |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Mt. Carmel Christian School 1231 Mt. Pleasant Road Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666 (724) 887-7169 mccs@zoominternet.net |