May 8, 2017      Visit Our Website      
Northwestern University Lecturer Composes Choral Piece To Celebrate PCA's 25th Anniversary!
Written by PCA Mom Anita Christman

"The King of love my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never; I nothing lack if I am His, and He is mine forever..."
Those awe-inspiring words open a musical arrangement written especially for Palmetto Christian Academy.
PCA high school music teacher, Alysia Lambert, commissioned composer Robert Boyd to write a chorus to celebrate our school's 25th anniversary. Boyd composed a musical arrangement entitled "The King of Love My Shepherd Is."
Boyd taught choral music and music theory for thirty-three years at an Illinois high school. He is currently serving as Lecturer in Choral Music Education at Northwestern University  in Illinois.
Boyd writes many arrangements to mark special occasions. In an online interview, he says, "I always want to honor the person that I'm writing for, with them in mind."
PCA's high school chorus will perform the special arrangement for the first time at the Palmetto Show on Thursday, May 11th.
"And so thru all the length of days; Thy goodness faileth never."
Presenting The Palmetto Show: A Special Celebration Of Art And Music!

Come enjoy an evening of Fine Arts entertainment on
Thursday, May 11th at The Palmetto Show! This wonderful night will showcase our Upper School Fine Arts including the Middle School Band and Choir, the High School Choir, as well as a Visual Arts Gallery featuring works by our talented Middle and High school art students. This is an evening to fill your spirit with beautiful music and thought-provoking art... and entry is free! The art show begins at 5:45 pm, and the musical showcase starts at 7 pm. All proceeds from the art show will go directly to support our Fine Arts Program at PCA.
Let's Chat: A Conversation Between Ages

From learning multiplication tables to presenting a senior thesis, PCA students share similar experiences throughout the years. We thought it would be interesting to pair our students.. a senior with a 1st or 2nd grader.. to discuss how each one has been challenged, and discover what each one loves most about Palmetto Christian Academy. What we learned made us extremely proud of how well we are fulfilling our mission. And the kids, as you'll see, just bring us such joy! It's the first in a four part series of "Let's Chat: A Conversation Between Ages".

Let's Chat: Between the Ages
Senior Corbett Ciali and 2nd Grader Tabitha Hewitt
PCA Alumna Receives Academic Recognition
Written by Selina Zubia

We love to brag on the achievements of our alumni! 
Jordan Dukes, PCA Class of 2013, was inducted into the Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society on April 17, 2017. Alpha Kappa Delta is an international sociology honor society dedicated to encouraging and stimulating scholarship while promoting the scientific study and advancement of sociology. The ceremony took place at the historic Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston.   
A senior at the College of Charleston, Jordan will graduate in July. She plans to enter graduate school at either the College of Charleston or The Citadel in the fall. Jordan also attends ECBC.
 
Join us and proud parents Daniel and Vicky Dukes in celebrating Jordan's accomplishment and praying for her as she seeks God's plan for her future.
Way to go Jordan!
Register Today For The Dodgeball Tournament!

Friday is the deadline to register and participate in this year's fantastic PCA Dodgeball Tournament! Students in Grades 3-12 can participate. The cost is $10 per player with a family cap of $20.
The PCA Dodgeball Tournament is set for Thursday,  May 18th from 6 to 9 pm  in the gym! This is one of the biggest events of the year for family fun and fellowship. You'll want to make plans to be there!  
To register for the Dodgeball Tournament, go to www.PCADodgeball.com. 
In addition to student participation, we're challenging our parents and teachers to play too!
Sign up to play and sign up to volunteer with gates and concessions. Simply go to the PCA Dodgeball website above and get in the game!  
The Booster Club will offer full concessions including hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, drinks, candy and more! So bring your appetite and enjoy an evening of friendly competition!
5th Graders Travel Back In Time In Williamsburg
Written by PCA Board Member And Mom Laura Broach

There are a few things that students look forward to as they "grow up" at PCA.  One of those rites of passage is the Fifth Grade Williamsburg Trip! Mrs. Moser, Mrs. Boling, and Mrs. Lamar worked for months to put together the very best experience for our students. 40 students and 23 chaperones, parents, and teachers departed in the wee hours of the morning last Wednesday, and headed on chartered buses to see historic St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia. We enjoyed an amazing reenactment by authentically-dressed actors, and heard the famous speech by Patrick Henry, ending in the words, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" On Thursday, we ventured to Williamsburg and Monticello, and accumulated way too many steps on our fitbits! The well-preserved town of Williamsburg was neat to see, with the little wig-makers shop, the silversmith shop, the tobacco garden, and the courthouse, to name just a few! There's nothing like being immersed in history! Monticello was a highlight for the group, with the sprawling grounds and amazing rooms filled with Thomas Jefferson's personal belongings and inventions.  We had fantastic tour guides all day, who opened our eyes and allowed us to have a whole new appreciation for his accomplishments.

On our final day, we awoke to a massive rainstorm! We pulled on our ponchos, braved the elements, and traveled to Jamestown.  Despite the weather, we were able to see it all: the native village, fantastic museum, and all three ship replicas: the Susan Constance, the Discovery, and the Godspeed! We have to give a special "Thank you" to our terrific and knowledgeable tour guides, who truly saved the day by making our time in the museum a fun experience while we waited out the storm! Once the clouds parted, the students loved walking through the replica village with the church and typical buildings, climbing on those boats, and pretending they were pioneers! What an adventure!

As we reflect on the trip, it is obvious that God's hand was on this special group of students, teachers, and chaperones, from start to finish! We have made memories that we will never forget! Thank you, PCA, for the blessing of such
experiences!



3rd Graders Visit Historic Drayton Hall
Written by PCA Mom Deanna Parker 

Drayton Hall was once one of the most elite plantations existing. Its rare survival allows for it to continue to sit proudly along the Ashley River edge showing off its meticulous masonry. With all its brick, hand created from clay from the nearby ponds, it stands tall in fine example of Palladian architecture. 
Over 250 years ago when the Hall was built, apprentice children signed away a commitment of seven years to work under a mentor to learn and apprentice in a trade to help construct. This day, Palmetto Christian Academy third graders signed their own signature on the dotted line with quill and ink to work as apprentices for the afternoon. After touring the palace and seeing the intricate workings of craftsmanship they gave their hand at chiseling soap stone and wood, pouring plaster molds, stacking bricks and designing architecture. Realizing the skill it takes to craft such a palace makes us all appreciate the beauty of Drayton Hall and it's history that much more!

2nd Grade Economics Excursion
Written by Selina Zubia 

Economics in the second grade?? That's right! It's never too early to begin learning the ins and outs of running a business. Mrs. Rhodes' second grade class did just that. Some of them even donned corporate attire as they visited two popular Mt. Pleasant businesses last week: The Coastal Cupboard and Great Harvest Bread Company.
 
Marilyn Pitner is in Mrs. Rhodes' class and her family owns The Coastal Cupboard. Brad, Marilyn's father, talked to the students about the importance of Christian business practices and toured them around the store. He showed them how store organization and understanding the wants and needs of the customer impacts the success of a retail business.
 
Jerry, the owner of Great Harvest Bread Co., explained to the second graders his motivation for starting the bakery and why he chooses to make the bread in view of the customers. Freshness and flavor are important to Jerry and his passion for that makes for happy clientele.
 
After visiting the two businesses, the kids strolled around Belle Hall Shopping Center looking into shop windows, not to shop, but to analyze how different retail establishments use merchandising to draw in the customer.  If any PCA parents are considering opening a retail business, I suggest they discuss their plans with Mrs. Rhodes' second grade class as those students are well on their way to becoming business experts!  
Senior Spotlight: Our Class of 2017

These students have lived, learned and grown with us here at PCA. We are so proud of our senior class and its accomplishments. As we near the end of the school year, we want to highlight each member of our Class of 2017 over the next several weeks in a feature called "Senior Spotlight". Let's celebrate together what God has in store for their future.
Chase Adam : 
Senior Spotlight

At what grade level did you start Palmetto Christian Academy? I came to PCA at the beginning of 11th grade. 
 
Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities?  I played football and lettered both years, basketball - lettering one year, and lettered two years in baseball.  I am active in the ECBC High School ministry and help with service projects at Seacoast     Church. I have also helped coach my brother's rec basketball team.
 
What are your plans after graduation?  I plan to attend Brevard College and study Sport Management with a minor in Coaching. I also would like to be certified to teach. My long term goal is to coach at the college and/or NFL level.

If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money?  
Yes. Brevard has awarded me their Presidential Scholarship.


How has PCA made a difference in, or impacted your life? Do you feel that Palmetto Christian Academy has prepared  you for life after graduation? 
PCA has made a big difference in my life by pushing me harder than I had ever been pushed. My teachers and coaches at PCA have taught me to be my very best at whatever I do, whether sports or academics. I believe PCA has taught me life skills, such as accountability, teamwork, organization, and perseverance that have prepared me for college and life beyond.
Lindsay Ellington: 
Senior Spotlight

At what grade level did you start Palmetto Christian Academy? I began as a junior in high school. 

Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities?  I played basketball and received all region several times and had the chance to play in the north south game twice.  I also help with the middle school ministry every Wednesday. 

What are your plans after graduation?  I am attending Clemson. My goal is to become a small practice physical therapist. 

If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money?  Yes I received scholarships. 

How has PCA made a difference in, or impacted your life? Do you feel that Palmetto Christian Academy has prepared you for life after graduation? It helped me create friendships with people I know share the same faith. I believe it has prepared me to look at life after graduation with the same Christian worldview. 
Matthew Basha:
Senior Spotlight

At what grade level did you start Palmetto Christian Academy? I started PCA in 12th Grade.

Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities? Soccer, track, and cross country.

What are your plans after graduation? I plan to attend North Greenville University and major in Social Studies Secondary Education. I desire to impact middle schoolers in my classes with a desire for history and more importantly the gospel.

If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money?  Yes.
 
How has PCA made a difference in, or impacted your life? Do you feel that Palmetto Christian Academy has prepared  you for life after graduation? 
Palmetto Christian Academy has been a perfect stepping stone from being homeschooled overseas to college life. PCA has provided me with great Christian friends that will last a life time. Also, PCA has really rooted in me a love for God's Word and a desire to share the love of Jesus to the people around me.
Ethan McGaha: 
Senior Spotlight

At what grade level did you start Palmetto Christian Academy? I started in 10th Grade.
 
Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities? Varsity Football 11th and 12th grade, Varsity Soccer 10-12th grade, National Honor Society, Senior Class President.
 
What are your plans after graduation?  I will either be attending USC or Clemson University, and of any long term career goals I am unsure. I'm considering majoring in journalism, political science, or communication.

If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money?   I've received scholarship offers from both USC and Clemson. 

How has PCA made a difference in, or impacted your life? Do you feel that Palmetto Christian Academy has prepared  you for life after graduation?  I am thankful for the community of PCA. The close environment creates an atmosphere that's easy to make friends in, and develop lasting relationships. I am thankful for these friendships, and I feel as if PCA has prepared me to enter college with a strong Christian foundation.
Academic Awards Ceremonies And Close Of School Program

Be sure to join us for the upcoming Academic Awards Ceremonies for Upper School and the Close of School Program for Lower School.

Here's what you need to know:
Academic Awards Ceremony for Seniors will take place on Friday, May 12th at 8 am in the Worship Center.

Academic Awards Ceremony for Grades 6-11  will take place on Friday , May 19th at 8 am  in the Worship Center.
 
Lower School Close of School Program for Grades K-5 will take place on Thursday, May 25th at 9 am in the Worship Center.
Lower School students will be awarded Character Traits in their classrooms at a time set by each individual teacher.
Spring Exam Schedule 

Here's a look at the final exam schedule for Grades 8-11. The first exam of each day will begin at 8 am. The second exam will begin at 9:35 am. Exams should be wrapped up by 11:05 am. Students only need to attend during the times of their exams.

Monday, May 22 - 1A and 2A 
Tuesday, May 23 - 1B and 2B
Wednesday, May 24 - 3A and 4A
Thursday, May 25 - 3B and 4B
Friday, May 26 - Make up exam day

Here's a look at the Senior Exam Schedule:

Friday, May 12th   - 1B Senior Lit H 
Monday, May 15th  - 2A Algebra 3 and H. Stats and 3A Bible 
Tuesday, May 16th  - 2B Government CP/H
Wednesday, May 17th  - 1A Senior Lit CP
Thursday, May 18th  - 3B Bible and 3B Anatomy and Physiology
Coming Soon: Busing Enrollment Opens This Summer

As PCA's newest preferred vendor, Coastal Bus Line is pleased to announce that 2017-18 enrollment opens in July. Watch for more details, and don't miss this opportunity to get your student on board! We'll be serving James Island/West Ashley, Daniel Island/Clements Ferry, and North Mount Pleasant.
Register Now For Summer Camps!

Get your children moving this summer and engage their minds with PCA Summer Camps! PCA will be offering several camps this year... from athletics to arts to fun-filled preschool camps! Click the link below to learn more about dates and details for all of our camp offerings. Invite your friends.. simply tell them to go to our website and search for the Summer Camps 2017 tab under "Quicklinks".  
Important Note: You will need to contact the coach or teacher listed as camp organizer to register and for payment information.

Eagle Athletic News
Boys And Girls Track Teams Win State!!!

What a day to be an Eagle!  PCA boys and girls track teams won the AA/A state championships at Saturday's meet at Porter Gaud. The boys finished 4 points ahead of Spartanburg Christian to win the school's second state title in track while the girls beat Thomas Sumter by 25 to win the first championship for girls track.   Sophomore Lauren Pernell earned the title of High Points Female, basically the MVP, for the second consecutive year.  

Individual State Champions were:
- Cole Silvester in 100m and Long Jump 
- Lauren Pernell in 100 hurdles, 400 hurdles and Long Jump
- The girls 4x400 team of Reese Baker, Charlee Olson, Catherine Cave, and Mackenzie Patrick
- The boys 4x800 team of Matthew Basha, Gage Kennington, Michael Pernell, and Dalton Welch

Congratulations to our Eagles! What an amazing accomplishment!

Varsity Boys Soccer Team Is Heading To The State Playoffs!

The PCA Boys Soccer team is the SCISA Region II-A Co-Champion! It's the first time our Varsity Boys' team has made the state playoffs. Tonight the Eagles will be hosting a first round game as a #2 seed as we take on Pee Dee Academy at 7 pm at Carolina Park. Please come out and support the team as it pushes toward a state championship.  Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for students.  SCISA does not allow school passes or booster club passes to be used at playoff games.

Here's a look at how the week unfolded:

Last Tuesday, PCA beat Coastal Christian 4-1. Our Eagles fell behind 1-0 in the first half despite dominating the half. Junior Chad Shimakonis scored 3 goals in the second half on assists from teammate Grant Lonneman. Lonneman finished the scoring with a goal late in the game. Coach Chris Shimakonis says, "Absolutely no panic in this team.  They believe they can compete with anyone and can score at any time. Great teamwork, selfless, hard nosed competitors. "

Then on Friday, it was another classic physical battle with cross town 3A rival First Baptist. Region Champions PCA, anchored by a vaunted Eagles defense and goals by Drew Brown and Grant Lonneman, defeated the Hurricanes 2-1.
Coach Shimakonis credits his entire team for the win. "PCA parents and fans were treated to another edge of your seat contest!  FB struck first and that's when we needed someone to shift momentum. It was Senior Night for FB, so the crowd was loud, but not loud enough to stop Drew Brown from changing momentum. His shot from long range tied the game and Grant Lonneman scored minutes later.

We always say this was a team win, and it was again. Our defense probably played one of their best games of the season.  Eagles Goalkeeper Ethan McGaha made unbelievable saves, defenders Alex Palmer, Luke Kasian, Andrew Lindenmeyer, Cameron Sheets and Brady Dumont made play after play to preserve the Eagle victory. Great way to send us into the playoffs starting Monday."
Varsity Girls Soccer Team Wraps Up Season

The Varsity Girls Soccer team finished its season at 6-8 after dropping a 2-4 decision to First Baptist on Friday. Junior Emma Patrick scored both goals for the Lady Eagles. Hannah McGrew had 7 saves. We're proud of our Varsity Girls Soccer team and look forward to next season!
PCA Athlete Selected As All-Region In Baseball!

Congratulations to PCA pitcher/3rd baseman Stephen Hickman who was chosen as All-Region for Varsity Baseball this year! Stephen was a key player for the Eagles this season.. he was one of our starting pitchers and an excellent hitter as well.  Way to go Stephen!
Varsity Golf Team Competes In State Championship

Our Varsity Golf team recently traveled to Myrtle Beach for the state championship tournament and finished in 6th place. The team had an incredible season with an overall match record of 23-3. Coach Tom Orth says there are great things ahead, " I'm extremely proud of the boys for shooting one of their best scores of the season at the SCISA State tournament, a 317 (79 average) compared to our first 18 hole tournament at The Patriot, where we shot a 429 (112 strokes better with a little different lineup). While we will miss Ethan Willis next year as he'll be playing at High Point University, I am extremely excited about the future of PCA golf as this team will return 3 or 4 starters, all of which are 8th graders or younger."
Varsity Boys Tennis Team Celebrates Winning Season

Coach Dewey Caulder and the Varsity Boys tennis team capped off their 6-4 season with a little food and fun after traveling to Hilton Head for their final match.
Unfortunately, Hilton Head Christian proved to be too much for our Eagles as PCA lost 1-7. 
PCA's Michael Pernell won his singles match for the team. Coach Caulder says this is a terrific group of boys and it's been a great season.
MS/JV/Varsity Volleyball Interest Meeting Today!

Mark your calendars for an upcoming Middle School/JV/Varsity Volleyball Interest Meeting for next season. The meeting will take place on 
Monday, May 8th at 4 pm in Room B218. The interest meeting is for any c urrent 5th - 11th grade girls who would like to play volleyball for the Lady Eagles. Parents are encouraged to attend.
Varsity Girls Golf Interest Meeting

We are holding a Varsity Girls Golf Interest Meeting on 
Wednesday, May 10th at 3:15 pm in Room B214 for all rising 6th-12th grade girls wanting to play next year. 
Cheer Prep Clinics For JV And Varsity Cheer Squads

If your daughter is interested in trying out for the JV or Varsity Cheer Squads, she is required to attend the Cheer Tryout Prep Clinics on May 10th and 11th from 4 to 6 pm in the PCA gym. Students may leave at 5:30 
on May 11th if they are participating in the Palmetto Show.
Cheer Tryouts will be held on  May 12th starting at 4 pm in the PCA gym. Students must be re-enrolled for next year prior to tryouts in order to be eligible to participate.
College Recruiting Leader To Visit PCA Campus

The PCA Athletic Department is proud to welcome Mike Dunlevy from Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) recruiting services back to our campus on Tuesday, May 16th at 6 pm.  Mike is the Director of Regional Recruiting for NCSA. He will present a clinic on how to get noticed by colleges for athletic recruiting purposes and will answer any questions that athletes or their parents may have about the process.
Mike was a coach/recruiter on the college level for 28 years at the Division I, II, and III levels.  If your child is a rising 7th - 12th grader and is interested in playing college athletics, you are highly encouraged to bring them and attend this informative meeting! 
Important Dates To Remember
  • May 11 - Palmetto Art and Music Show
  • May 12 - Last Day of Preschool
  • May 12 - Senior Awards Ceremony
  • May 17 - Booster Club Meeting
  • May 18 - FCA Breakfast
  • May 18 - Dodgeball Tournament
  • May 19 - Upper School Academic Awards Ceremony
  • May 19-23 - Senior Trip
  • May 25 - Last Day of School - Early Release Day
  • May 26 - Class of 2017 Graduation
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