News

The Process & Privilege Of American Citizenship

Caroline Atkinson’s second grade class has been learning about the United States government and what it means to be, as well as how to become, a U.S. citizen. Lucky for them, one of their classmates' dad’s, Michael Shuttleworth, has dual citizenship in both England and the United States! Shuttleworth came in to speak to the students and share his experience.

He began by explaining the process of receiving a visa and green card (as well as what each of those documents meant). He also shared his personal story of citizenship, and what that looked like as far as getting together the correct documents, taking a test, and being sworn in as a U.S. citizen. 

“It was great getting to explain to the kids what an amazing privilege they have of being born in America,” explained Shuttleworth, ”and all the freedoms that includes.” 

Naturally, our second graders' inquisitive minds led to many questions:

“Have you ever met the Queen of England?’ 
Answer: “I’ve not met the queen but I got to see her at the Highland Games, which was smaller than a Battery game. She was standing about 50 yards from me with a bunch of the royal family!”

“Which passport do you use?”
Answer: “English to get into England, American to get back into America. It really cuts down on the lines. Plus, I feel cool, and I get a ‘welcome home’ at both ends.”

It was a wonderful opportunity for students to hear first hand about the process that they had spent so much time reading and learning about!

A Stunning Stage Production Brings Narnia To Life!

Three days of thunderous cheers and applause were heard from sold out crowds to the Middle School cast, as well as Director Jenni Brown, for incredible performances last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe".

The actors wowed the audiences on stage, but there was also a lot of activity backstage that was truly awe-inspiring.

Responsible for getting their costumes on and their make-up done, students alongside wonderful parent volunteers and PCA staff came together to bring each character to life. 

A behind the scenes glimpse backstage would show Mrs. Beaver putting on Mr. Beaver's make-up before applying her own. You would see the White Witch making sure her eye make-up was just right before turning to Tumnus to ensure she had the right amount of white spots on her face. You would witness parents taking the fresh faces of students and turning them into the works of art as they transformed into the characters of Aslan and Fenris Ulf.

Goblins painting themselves green, a mother helping turn her daughter from a school girl into the prim and proper young woman that is Susan, were among the amazing transformations. And Lucy, after making sure her braids were knotted tight, took over the colorful application of the unicorn's make-up.  

You would hear the words, “Does anyone need a tail pinned to them?” being called across the choir room turned costume and make-up department, and nervous laughter coming from the actors.

“I am very proud of the way my students handled themselves during the performances,” said director Jenni Brown. “After working through some opening night jitters they worked together as a team and pulled out a win! They supported and encouraged one another behind the scenes and onstage and that made me smile. I also thought the 7th graders did a great job with the commercials and their parts as the two armies. I am so blessed by the way God gives me joy through my students."

These highly anticipated productions aren’t just made up of the amazing talents one sees onstage, but the village that it takes to make these live works of art truly shine. Between rehearsal hours, makeup time, costume ideas and the organization and orchestration of all, a big standing ovation and Bravo goes out to the staff, students, and talented director Jenni Brown!