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Palmetto Christian Academy
THE EAGLE EDITION
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PCA Welcomes Esteemed Lobbyist And Community Leader To Give Commencement Address
Written by PCA Mom Anita Christman
Keep your eyes open to where God is leading you. That's one word of advice that PCA dad Jay Velasquez would like to give graduating seniors. Jay is preparing to deliver the commencement address to PCA's Class of 2017 next week. He says God has taken him down some unexpected roads.
"Don't worry about knowing what you want to do. There are things that will pop up that you didn't dream existed."
Jay was born in Austin, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a law degree.
"Right out of law school, I was practicing real estate law with a firm in Austin," says Jay.
"I did that for 2 1/2 years. Then Phil Gramm, the U.S. Senator from Texas, says he 'rescued me from practicing law.' I went to work on his U.S. Senate staff."
After serving in several roles for Senator Gramm, Jay now works as a lobbyist for financial services clients, such as Vanguard and Fidelity.
Keeping his eyes open to God's leading probably also led Jay to meeting his wife, Karen.
"She was standing in the lobby of our church talking to our pastor," he says.
"I walked up to them wearing my ostrich quill cowboy boots. She looked at me and said, 'Nice boots.' They are a big deal to any Texan. To a girl from Virginia, not so much!"
They were married the next year. Jay and Karen have two sons - Bennett started school at PCA in the third grade and is now a sophomore; JohnPaul is a freshman at Crown Leadership Academy.
With his own sons only a few years from graduating, Jay is excited about the chance to speak to PCA's graduating seniors on May 26th.
"It's the chance to impact them, and as a believer, that's the most important thing you can do in life."
Jay says if he could talk to his younger self as he headed off to college, his advice would be to never take on debt.
"If you have to work while you're in college, work. When you look in the rearview mirror from experience, grades are a lot less important than we make them out to be. There's nothing better than coming out of college with financial freedom. And not having the stress of paying off student loans. For example, to do something you love to do, and not feeling like you have to do something because the pay is a lot higher."
Looking toward his own future, Jay says his dream job would be to serve as a U.S. Ambassador.
"But I would have to talk Karen into it!"
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High School Uniform Rollout: View The Parent Presentation
There's an exciting development coming to high school next year... uniforms! For those who were unable to attend the information session earlier this month, please take the time to review the PowerPoint which outlines why the decision was made and how PCA will be positively impacted.
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High School Uniform Fitting Event: Saturday, July 8th
Your student can see and try on the new school uniform pieces to find the perfect fit! Join us on Saturday, July 8th from 12 pm to 6 pm as we welcome Dennis uniform representatives to our school. Determine your student's size, purchase the items online, and the uniforms will be delivered directly to your door! More details coming soon on what is required for daily and chapel wear plus how to order your items online.
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The Palmetto Show 2017 Provides A Glorious Evening Of Entertainment
Written by 6th Grader Eva Andrus in collaboration with her mom Cassy Andrus
The 2017 Palmetto Art Show was a great success as the talents of the PCA Upper School students shined brightly through the visual and performing arts last Thursday. The Middle School and High School Choirs lifted their voices in worship, while also singing tunes from Broadway shows. High School Senior choir members were recognized throughout the program. The Upper School Band performed amazingly as well, with pieces such as Gap Creek and Midnight Madness. One of the highlights of the evening was the performance of "The King of Love, My Shepard Is", a commissioned work created especially for the celebration of PCA's 25th Anniversary. The band and choirs, along with the clarinet solo of Mac Poston, combined forces to perform this piece of history. Besides the concert, the visual arts were also on display in the ECBC Welcome Center. The works ranged from pottery to oils, to self portraits and collaborative art
pieces. The 8th grade drama students also set up an improvisational booth to showcase more talent. A special thank you to the PCA Fine Arts Department for a wonderful evening and display of God's gifts in our young, talented students.
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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".
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| Senior Maggie Hogan and 2nd Grader Audrey Bright |
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2nd Graders Visit Old Santee Canal Park
Written by PCA Mom Heidi Kallem
The second grade classes had the opportunity of visiting the Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner last Friday! Upon entering the park, we were greeted by expansive land and luscious Oak and Magnolia trees. There is an interactive learning center on the property where the second grade spent most of the day.
The students engaged in three different classes in the learning center. The first class was primarily about the anatomy and regional location of insects. The instructor was impressed with the children's knowledge of scientific terms about the insects (thank you teachers)!
The second graders were allowed to hunt for wiggling swamp creatures for their next lesson! The students borrowed small nets in an attempt to scoop up swamp life. I believe minnows were the catch of the day!
The final class consisted of direct interaction and discussion about swamp animals. The students were allowed to touch a Boxer turtle, an American alligator, and a non-venomous snake! Touching these animals was a blast for the children!
At the end of the day, the students, teachers, and chaperones enjoyed a picnic lunch under the large picnic shelter.
PCA second grade class had a memorable field trip at the Old Santee Canal Park!!
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Kindergartners Explore Sullivan's Island
Written by PCA Mom Leah Chadwick
With summer break around the corner, the kindergarten classes decided to get a head start on the fun in the sun. They visited Sullivan's Island last Friday to learn about all that our area beaches have to offer. Mr. Matt, from the City of Charleston Department of Recreation Environmental Education Program, met us out on the beach and talked about the barrier islands, beach combing, and sea turtles! The children had a wonderful time checking out the shells, going on a scavenger hunt, and learning about the T.E.D. Nets (Turtle Excluder Device) that shrimpers use to protect the sea turtles. Mr. Matt showed the students how the net works, and he did a demo of how a turtle would escape if he were caught inside. The students looked at conch shells with crabs inside, horseshoe crabs, and more. It was an exciting morning with friends, and a great way to start the summer season.
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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.
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Skyler Joseph Anderson
:
Senior Spotlight
At what grade level did you start Palmetto Christian Academy? I started PCA in 9th Grade.
Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities? I have a 3rd degree belt in Tai Kwando. I have also been active in the puppet ministry at ECBC, and with VBS over the years, and the media ministry.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am planning to attend Anderson University to prepare for a career in cyber security, programming, and cryptology.
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? I think that PCA has given me a good foundation for whatever I do in life. I have made some great friends here and I will always remember the teachers who have invested in me.
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Ashley Browne:
Senior Spotlight
At what grade level did you start Palmetto Christian Academy? I started PCA in 6th Grade.
Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities?
Volleyball, soccer, serving as a leader at ECBC's
t412, mission trips with ECBC, a member of National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Spanish Club, and vice president of Future Business Leaders of America. I recently participated in the State FBLA competition for impromptu speaking and won 1st place. I will be flying to Santa Ana, California along with two other PCA students to participate in the national competition.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend Clemson University majoring in Professional Health Studies.
If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money?
Yes, both from Clemson and SC 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? Ashley was the most impacted by the constant Biblical truth poured into her life and was also impacted by all the teachers who put so much effort into not only teaching the material, but building her character.
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Corbett Ciali:
Senior Spotlight
At what grade level did you start Palmetto Christian Academy? I came to PCA in Preschool.
Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities?
Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track, Student Government, National Honor Society, ECBC High School Ministry.
What are your plans after graduation? I will be attending Clemson University and majoring in Health Science with a Cardiac Imaging Leadership Concentration.
If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money?
I have received an academic scholarship from Clemson, the SC Life Scholarship and a scholarship from The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce.
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? The relationships I have made with teachers, coaches and friends at PCA have definitely impacted my life. PCA has definitely prepared me for life after graduation because it has taught me to look at everything in life with a Biblical perspective.
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Alex Palmer:
Senior Spotlight
At what grade level did you start Palmetto Christian Academy? I started PCA in 3rd Grade.
Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities? Soccer, track, and play guitar in Worship Team.
What are your plans after graduation? I plan to attend the University of Alabama.
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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 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.
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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:
Wednesday, May 17th
- 1A Senior Lit CP
Thursday, May 18th
- 3B Bible and 3B Anatomy and Physiology
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Final Day Of School: Early Release Day!
Just a friendly reminder that Thursday, May 25th will be an Early Release Day.
Grades K-4 will be dismissed at 11:30 am. Grades 5-7 will be dismissed at 11:45 am. Grades 8-11 will be dismissed at 11:05 am upon completion of final exams.
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Save The Date: Busing Enrollment Opens July 15th
Next year, Coastal Bus Line will be serving James Island/West Ashley, Daniel Island/Clements Ferry, and North Mount Pleasant students needing private transportation to and from PCA. Enrollment opens
July 15
, so
click here
for rates and save the date to guarantee your student's seat.
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Join Us For Vacation Bible School At ECBC!
Grab your telescopes and head to our clubhouse observatory where endless discoveries await! At VBS, kids will search the skies and God's Word to uncover God's truth etched in His handiwork. They will discover that the God who created everything there is.. the knowable and the unknowable.. has created them to be in relationship with Him! VBS starts on Monday with Family Night at 6:30 pm, then continues Tuesday-Friday from 9 am-12:15 pm.
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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.
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Varsity Boys Soccer Team Made A Valiant Run At State Title
PCA Boys Soccer left everything on the field Friday night as time ran out on their bid for the SCISA 1A State Championship.Defending Champion Beaufort Academy defeated the Eagles 2-1 in double overtime.
The Eagles were without left mid-fielder Gabe Moser, who was injured in the semi-final game two days earlier. PCA Junior Grant Lonneman was lost in the first 15 minutes of Friday's Championship game after a collision with Beaufort's Goalkeeper.
The Eagles fought to a 0-0 tie at the end of regulation, despite competing with 10 players after a PCA player received a red card 20 minutes into the second half. BA scored twice in the first overtime period, then PCA Junior Chad Shimakonis scored on a header with assist from Senior Luke Kasian to give the Eagles a chance. But time simply ran out on the gutsy eagles.
Coach Chris Shimakonis says, "Coach Lonneman and I were off the charts proud by the effort of the 10 Eagles. It was inspiring for everyone who witnessed the match. To lose Grant, Gabe and the 11th player proved to be insurmountable...but don't say that to those 10 players that inspired us all with their effort and will to never give in. It's a lesson for us all.
Kyle and I agree. We may not have gotten the biggest trophy, but then again, maybe we really did.
A special thanks to our PCA fans that wouldn't give in either. We had students painted in Gold and NAVY, teachers, former players and graduates, parents and family to cheer us on! Great environment and great season."
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Five Soccer Players Make All-Region!
Five Varsity Soccer players were selected for all-region from PCA. A huge congratulations to Mackenzie Patrick, Hannah McGrew, Grant
Lonneman,
Luke Kasian and Chad
Shimakonis! We're proud of you for such wonderful seasons and how well you have represented PCA!
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Congratulations To Our 2017-2018 Varsity Cheer Squad!
Congratulations to the young women who made the PCA Varsity Cheerleading Squad!
The cheer tryouts were a great representation of the excitement that is to come this season. Here is your
2017-2018 Varsity Cheer roster:
Madison Broach
Catherine Cave
Ashlyn Crowell
Aspyn Dorsett
Brycelyn Fisher
Aly Godwin
Isabelle Nash
Grace Nason
Claire Shelbourne
Sarah Spivey
Emily Walters
Abby Warburton
This year there will be captains for both squads, game day and competition. Claire Shelbourne will be captain of the game day squad with Isabelle Nash as co-captain. For the competition squad, Catherine Cave will be captain with Grace Nason as co-captain. Great job girls!!!
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4th Grade Tennis Team Makes It To The Semi-Finals
Written by PCA Mom Cassy Andrus
The PCA 4th grade co-ed tennis team wrapped up their season with a successful run in the post-season tournament. After winning against Summerville Elementary, the Eagles moved on to the semi-finals against Stiles Point Elementary. With wins on 2 singles courts by Ethan Gawryluk and Mya Andrus, along with the doubles victory of Tatum Everson and Zach Brennaman, PCA fought to the end on a deciding doubles court with Gavin Wease and Noah Brennaman. Wease and Brennaman came back from a 1-3 margin to pull ahead 5-3. However, the Stiles Point team would remain steady, taking the court victory and ultimately the team win. Coach Michele Gawryluk stated she was pleased with the team's effort and excited about the amount of improvement she witnessed from the beginning of the season to it's exciting conclusion. Congratulations, 4th grade Eagles Tennis Team!
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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!
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Middle School Golf Interest Meeting Today!
If you have a rising 5th-8th grader, boy or girl, who is interested in playing for PCA's Middle School Golf team next year, please join us for an interest meeting today. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 16th at 3:15 pm in Room B214.
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Cross Country Interest Meeting Tomorrow
We will be holding a Cross Country Interest Meeting on Wednesday, May 17th at 3:15 pm in Room B214. This meeting is for rising 6th-12th grade boys and girls interested in participating on next year's Cross Country team.
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Important Dates To Remember
- 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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