Testimonials

What students have to say

My service with Mountain Alliance made me into a better friend and person all around. I’ve consistently stuck with the group ever since, even managing to go to New Bern, North Carolina during my senior year to help with hurricane relief. I can say that putting my service above my personal life has shaped me amazingly, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

— William Becker, Class of 2019

Mountain Alliance has made a lasting impact on me and my life. I have made so many memories on the various trips I’ve been on. Memories I never want to forget. From the amazing moments of the Grand Canyon to the small moments in the van. Mountain Alliance has provided me with so many opportunities I would never get on my own. It is by far one of the best programs at the high school and anyone who is not involved is missing out. '

— Annie Veno, Class of 2021

I’ve learned so many great outdoor skills and will always keep those skills in my brain. Some activities I especially loved were rock climbing, outdoor photography and the photo shows, and the river cleanups and pulling out tires from the river… Thank you all for four years of taking care of me and helping me grow as a person.

— Jacob Hoke, Class of 2020

My first Mountain Alliance trip was a lot more than I ever expected it to be. I never thought it would change my perspective on human demographic and poverty issues. I was pretty hesitant when I heard we were going to be working in a soup kitchen; however, once we actually went inside it looked like a 5-star restaurant and I was more than happy to treat the kind diners like 5-star customers. I made personal connections with people I would've never had the opportunity to even speak to and heard so many vivid stories ranging from living on the streets daily to a happy childhood in Charlotte. I became closer to the other girls on the trips and met a few new friends, as well. Overall a 10/10 trip, would recommend.

— Emma Kitchin, Class of 2021

Mountain Alliance has provided me so many wonderful benefits, that it would be difficult to choose only one. In partaking in Mountain Alliance, I have gained many outdoor skills, leadership skills, and safety skills. I have been on multiple overnight trips, so I have learned things such as tying different knots, setting up a tent/tarp, and even how to properly pack a backpack. I was a student leader for one year, and during that time I learned just how much the Staff did, as well as how to efficiently lead people. There are so many wonderful people and experiences you gain from the program, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

— Ashlyn Critcher, Class of 2019

I'd definitely say that participating in Mountain Alliance has allowed me to make friends with a wide variety of people that I may not have ever gotten to know had I not gone on some of the trips. It's also made me get closer to the people that I'm already friends with so that I have some solid friends I know I can count on. Lastly, it's introduced me to some cool activities that I may not have ever gotten to participate in had it not been for Mountain Alliance.

— Tommie Freundlich, Junior (Class of 2022)

What parents have to say

My daughter went on the service spring break trip and had a great time.  But more importantly, her and her friends talked a lot about the service projects themselves with comments like: "...felt like we made a difference", "doing something substantial", "how appreciative the animal rescue people were".  From a parent's perspective, that is very cool.

— Mountain Alliance Parent

It has been, without a doubt, the very best educational experience for our son. He has learned responsibility and service to his community through Mountain Alliance programs. He has learned the value of hard work. His sense of accomplishment is priceless.

— Mountain Alliance Parent

My daughter has discovered so many new strengths in herself and a new sense of self confidence. She loves being part of something bigger than herself and making a difference.

— Mountain Alliance Parent

I will say (again and again and again) that Mountain Alliance has made the most tremendous impact on her success in school, her self-understanding,  and her confidence in knowing that she can do anything she sets her mind to. Though she often wriggles her way out of photos and into the back rows, she is getting up a 5 am to bake goodies to share completely because she wants to, and she talks about joining climbing clubs and begs me to go contra dancing with her once a month. None of these things would ever in a million years have happened before. She loves school and lives for every Mountain Alliance adventure. 

— Mountain Alliance Parent

My daughter has been enjoying the Mountain Alliance trips so much. I am so pleased that she can be part of it.  The environment is so positive and exactly what she needs!

— Mountain Alliance Parent