Joy, Peace and Hope
 As we end our fall semester, our big event on campus was the Christmas worship service with the theme of "Joy, Peace, and Hope." In this world of turmoil, which is often a daily reality in our students' hometowns, our school offers much more than a high school education. By preparing these young leaders in academics and faith, we are bringing joy, peace, and hope into their lives. Very soon, they will graduate and bring joy, peace, and hope to the world.
Thank you for all the ways you support our students and our school. Together we are building a brighter future for the whole world, in Christ's name.
Best wishes for a safe and blessed Christmas.
Faithfully,
|
|
Students have completed their semester exams and are enjoying a much deserved Christmas Break. Classes for the spring semester will resume on January 5.
|
Christmas Candlelight Service
 The entire campus joined together for worship with a Service of Lessons and Carols on Saturday, December 6.
In addition to selections performed by the choir, special music included a duet, "Magnificat," sung by brother and sister Ana Karen and Juan Vazquez. Miso Lee served as pianist for the carols and choir music. The ceremony concluded with the traditional singing of "Silent Night, Holy Night" as everyone lit candles creating a circle of light around the chapel.
 We are especially thankful for our student leaders,
Pastor Mary Rogers-Ellsworth, and our choir director, Mr. Joe Garcia, for the many weeks of work they put into planning such a meaningful service.
|
|
National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Twelve students were inducted into the John A. Mackay
 | |
PPAS junior Frida Trevino
receiving her NHS certificate
|
Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) in a special ceremony held at the chapel on Friday, December 5. Students were selected by their teachers as those who most uphold the ideals of scholarship, service, leadership, and character, which are the four pillars of NHS. Inductees were presented with a yellow rose from current members of the chapter and received their membership certificates from Mr. Hardy Robertson.
The newly inducted members, joined by existing members in the photo below, are Clarisse Bucyana, Magdiel Alaniz, Reyna Martinez, Nerina Cruz, Hector Garcia, Keza Bizumuremyi, Vania Jimenez, Frida Trevi�o, Stephanie Kim, Guillain Rurangwa, Carlos Camarillo and Ismael Bartolome. Congratulations to these fine students!
|
Mission Work Group Cooks Up Fun
Volunteers from West Plano Presbyterian Church visited campus November 14-15 to provide cooking classes for our students. Even though the kitchen in the girls' dorm is used extensively, some students have no cooking background and were interested in learning some practical skills.
We are grateful to Jeanne Stone and Don and Barbara Kiser for spending time on campus and helping to enhance our students' education and life on campus. These times together are the foundation of every mission work group. 
We continue to welcome youth and adult volunteers to campus. If you or your church are interested in learning more, please contact Signe Fredrickson at [email protected] or by phone at (210) 618-7067.
|
Our One Act Play cast competed in the annual TAPPS One Act Play Division III District Competition on November 6-7. Students performed "Lily Plants a Garden" by Jose Cruz Gonzalez. Celeste Moreno and Ariel Lima received All Star Cast awards. Natalia Martinez received an Honorable Mention All Star Cast award, and Luis Martinez received an All Star Crew award.
We are proud of all of these students, and we give special thanks to our Theater Arts teacher, Mr. Rick Saenz, for all of his hard work with our drama students.
|
Student Center Construction Update
Even with the rain delays, construction on our new Student Center is progressing nicely. The block wall, which consists of 8 x 16-inch blocks, is being placed on top of the existing ring beam. This will reach a height of 14 feet when completed.
Plumbing, electrical and refrigeration lines have also been installed on the inside of the building in preparation for the foundation work.
Estimated substantial completion of the project is May 2015 with a grand opening ceremony being planned for September 2015.
|
