News

Congratulations Patriots Pen Essay Winners!

For the past 11 years, PCA has partnered with the Isle of Palms Veterans of Foreign Affairs (VFW) whose mission is "To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans." 

Each year the VFW sponsors an essay writing contest where high school and middle school students compete at a local level to write an essay on a topic where they can win cash prizes and may be eligible to win college scholarships.

This year the theme was, "What Is Patriotism to Me?" Students in Dr. Ricky Stark's 6th grade ELA class wrote about the importance of freedom and expression of religion. “Students discussed the need to continue to strive for a "more perfect union," said Dr. Stark, “and to ensure that we live up to the fundamental American belief that ‘all men are created equal,’ which of course is rooted in a biblical worldview, by working for the good of our neighbors and our community.”

The contest consists of 4 levels: VFW Post, VFW District, VFW Department (State), and VFW National. Awards and prize money are awarded at each level and this year PCA had two winners from the local level, sixth-graders Aidan Cox who won first place and will receive $100, and Tyler Rosone who won second place and will receive $50. 

 In addition to receiving the cash prize, the students also earned a pizza party for their class which took place Friday, March 26th. 

 When asked how he felt about winning the contest Aidan Cox said, “I was very surprised!”    

 Second place winner Tyler Rosone said, “I felt very excited and I knew I worked hard for it.”

“We strive at PCA to raise up a generation of thinking Christians who can engage all of life with a biblical worldview,”  said Stark. “Part of that responsibility means that we equip students to discern how to live out their faith in the public square, glorifying God in the service of our neighbors and our community. As the Lord revealed through Jeremiah, God's people are to "seek the welfare of the city where [He] has sent [us] into exile" (Jeremiah 29:7). Thus, participating in a contest such as this one allows students to grapple with how our heavenly citizenship can inform our earthly citizenship and how we can speak into our culture from a Christian framework.” 

Congratulations to our winners and thank you for representing PCA well!

Middle School Drama Students Give Excellent Performances!

BRAVO to the 6th and 7th grade Drama class as they wrapped up their performances last week! The students had a lot to share about their experience.

6th grader Parker Pinson, who played an FBI Agent said, “I liked wearing the heads and doing improv.”

Laura Horne, who played Miss Muffet said, “I enjoyed interacting with others and learning things from Mrs. Brown that I can use in my future.”

Ali Wheeler, who played the narrator for Goldie Locks' Mom and Bo Peep added,“I liked hanging out with my friends and saying my lines in front of everyone.” 

Audrey Bright, who portrayed Baby Bear said, “I liked how we could interact with people even during COVID and how emotion came out of the person even though they weren’t speaking.” 

Vivian Preston, who narrated Goldie Locks said, “I enjoyed putting my personality into another character.”

And Wes Knight, the narrator for the Big Bad Wolf summed it all up perfectly when he said, “My favorite part was showing our parents what we do in class and what Mrs. Brown does for us.”

The 7th graders, who worked on their Monologue skills also had wonderful memories.

Sophia Ralph who did a monologue as “The Kitten with a Stolen Mitten” said her favorite part was “getting ready with everyone!”

Josie Hurley, who stepped into character in “Dog Lovin’ Mary” said that, “seeing everyone doing their best and encouraging each other, made this project stand out.” 

 Houston Carter, who played the “Extra Terrestrial” said his favorite part was, “adding my personality into the monologue.”

Mrs. Brown had nothing but smiles and praise for the performances. “Parents were happy to see their kids on stage and it was a fun, relaxing evening with lots of laughs. I was very proud of them.”

Round of applause for Mrs. Brown and her 6th and 7th grade performers!