News

A Powerful And Touching Story Of Life In Germany Under Hitler

PCA’s fifth grade students got what might be a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear a first person account of World War II and life in Germany under the rule of Hitler. Lily Gangway, who is a current 5th grader, invited her great grandmother to share her experiences with her classmates. Mrs. Brigitte Gangway grew up in Nazi Germany and clearly recalls her childhood days during the deadliest conflict the world had ever seen. 

She brought mementos from her days in Germany, and shared fascinating and deeply personal stories with the students who sat captivated throughout her presentation. 

Looking back, Mrs. Gangway says throughout her school days, the propaganda was powerful. German children were taught that they were “super special” and that they should have great pride in being German. They were told that Americans were evil and called them the enemy. 

Mrs. Gangway also talked about her life during the height of the war. Two of her brothers had been called to fight for Germany, one of them, only 16 years old. She also shared that during the school day, sirens would suddenly shriek and bombs would explode nearby. The young students quickly learned how to make their way to hide in underground tunnels that had been dug underneath their school building.

Each story brought to life what PCA fifth graders are studying in Ms. Dorothy Jones’ history classroom. They shared what impacted them the most from Mrs. Gangway’s personal account:  

"I thought it was nice that your mom let the American soldiers in her home and fed them because she hoped someone was caring for her son since he was off fighting the war."

"It was interesting that Hitler's propaganda made you think that Americans were mean and ugly, but when you saw American soldiers, you realized they looked just like you did. You ran home crying and told your mom."  

"I liked the advice you gave us to always respect our flag and the soldiers who defend our freedom."

"You told us that you did not know what Hitler was doing to the Jews, and that you feel ashamed about that."

Perhaps the greatest message that came from Mrs. Gangway’s story of survival and life in Germany, then in America... was to consider what love versus hate would do. She looked at the students, and with a tender heart and soft voice, simply reminded them, “Think how wonderful it would be if we could open our hearts and all love each other.”

Thank you Mrs. Gangway for a beautiful lesson!

Personal Finance Course Equips Students With Financial Literacy

PCA High School students have the unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of financial management through our Personal Finance class. Faculty member Lindsay Kendrick, who teaches the course, says it’s something that she wishes she could have taken in high school. “Students graduate high school and college and are expected to know how to buy a car, what taxes are, the process of buying a home, and to navigate the nuanced world of investing and retirement. They aren't ever taught this, but rather are expected to figure it out,” says Kendrick. “I am so grateful that we offer this course here at PCA to allow students to grow in their knowledge of finance, budgeting, saving, and much more so that they are equipped to honor the Lord and serve him and those around them well!” 

 Throughout the course, students cover a variety of topics from budgeting basics, money saving skills, credit and debt, career readiness, college planning, the role of insurance, taxes - all the way to investing and retirement. 

So how do our students feel about this essential life skills course? Junior Sophie Baumgardner says she believes it will serve her well in the years ahead. “In Personal Finance, I have learned the valuable foundations for managing my finances and building wealth to ensure a solid financial future. I now understand that having freedom in my finances includes having a budget with an emergency fund, getting and staying out of debt, giving, and knowing who I am when it comes to money. I appreciate that PCA offers this class because I can see the importance of teaching young adults how to handle their money, truly preparing them for the future.” 

PCA’s Personal Finance course not only provides practical knowledge but also instills values of responsibility, integrity, and stewardship. Ms. Kendrick explains, “1 Timothy 6:17-21 says, ‘Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.’ My prayer is that after leaving our class the students will see the value that understanding and managing your finances will add to your future and that they will know what it means to be good stewards of all that the Lord has blessed us with!

Through our Personal Finance course, we’re excited to equip our students to become financially responsible adults who are able to navigate the complexities of personal finance with confidence and integrity, always giving glory to God!