Helmets. Knee pads. Harnesses. Car Seats. Baby On Board signs in the back of the mini van. Diaper changing tables in the public restrooms. These are all signs of the times. And, for the most part, I believe they're good signs; signals that adults have made children a priority.  With these signs, however, there is an unintended consequence. Let me explain.

Fifty years ago, my parents raised three children with the goal of developing healthy adults by the time we reached 18 years old. Because preparing us for adulthood was their goal, they made several decisions that today might seem strange:

Today, society seems to embrace a new unwritten rule for parents. It's a gauge by which we all seem to measure whether we're succeeding or failing at being a good mom or dad. It's a total shift from the parents a generation ago. Here is the new report card parents allow themselves to be evaluated by:

You must provide your child every advantage possible to get ahead. 

This ambition seems right at first. After all, what kid wouldn't want his or her parent to be their advocate? 

Read more on The New Report Card for Parents

 

Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities?  I swam for the PCA Swim Team since I was in the 6th grade. In my junior year of high school, I was the SCISA State Champion for the 100 yard backstroke event.  In my senior year, I was the SCISA State Champion for the 200 Individual Medley event and was a member of two PCA relay teams who won the State Championship titles in both of these events. I also swim for a year round club, South Carolina Swim Club.

Music is a big part of my life.  I have taken piano lessons since I was in 2nd grade and enjoy playing the piano. I have participated in numerous auditioned recitals including a performance at a Piccolo Spoleto event a few years ago.  I have been awarded the Cresendo Award by CMTA.  I am a part of the PCA Worship Team.  I have also been a member of the PCA Choir since the sixth grade and am currently a member of the High School Choir.

 

What are your plans after graduation?  I plan on attending Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. My long term career goal is to be involved in research in some field of physical science.

If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money? Centre has awarded me their Faculty Scholarship and a Music Scholarship totaling $112,000. I have also been nominated as a Palmetto Fellow. 

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 inspired me to be a well rounded Christian as I try and walk counter culture. I feel that PCA has prepared me for both college and my career afterwards through the education and the Christian influence on my life.

 

Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities?  I have participated in the PCA equestrian team and swim team. And I am also very involved in Charleston Young Life and had the opportunity to take part on a work crew staff in Missouri this past summer. 

 

What are your plans after graduation?  After graduation I will be attending Belmont University where I will be studying nursing in hopes to one day become a pediatric oncology nurse.   

If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money?  Belmont awarded me with their General Academic Merit 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? 

 

Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities?   JV & Varsity basketball, JV & Varsity football (team co-captain), Varsity soccer, National Honor Society (Vice President).

 

What are your plans after graduation?  I plan to attend Clemson and study business. 

If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money? I was awarded Palmetto Fellows and Life 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? 

Palmetto Christian Academy has made a great impact on my life. It has shaped me both academically and spiritually. The small class sizes have allowed me to forge strong relationships with both students and faculty. The chapels, curriculum, and daily interactions with peers and teachers have shaped a strong Christian worldview that will prepare me well for life outside of PCA.  

 

Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities? I am involved in student government as a senior representative. 

 

What are your plans after graduation? My long term plan is to get a degree in dental hygiene. My immediate plan is to spend the fall semester overseas on a mission base and work in a dental clinic in Peru. 

If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money? I have received the Life 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 been a great place to help build a solid foundation academically and for my faith. I feel very prepared for this next step in my life.

This is an early release day for Lower School students. Upper School will operate on a regular schedule.

Here's what to expect:

Tickets are $45 each. Ellen Peek will be photographing the event and all photos will be made available to students; cost included in ticket price. Also included are dinner and beverages!

Purchase Prom tickets here!