News

Critical Thinking Demonstrated In Senior Thesis Presentations

Impressive. Informative. Inspirational. Our Class of 2023 spent three days last week presenting their Senior Thesis projects, and audience members were simply stunned at their command of knowledge and superb presentation skills. This is the culmination of a year long program which is the capstone of a PCA education.

"The Senior Thesis Conference displayed our students' ability to apply critical thinking skills at the highest level as they covered topics on veteran suicide prevention, the benefits and risks of vaccines, gender and the image of God, as well as many more thought-provoking and relevant topics," said Upper School Principal Sean Keiper. "Our seniors did an exceptional job articulating their research and sharing their perspectives with Biblical truths to support them." 

PCA's Senior Thesis course is required for all seniors, and provides excellent practice in collegiate level research and writing, preparing all PCA graduates for the rigors of college and life beyond. There was certainly a sense of accomplishment seen on the faces of our senior class once their presentations were complete. Great job Class of 2023!

A Memorable 30th Anniversary Celebration: Chili Cook-off & Concert!

What a way to wrap up the last of our big events celebrating PCA's 30th anniversary year! On Thursday evening, PCA hosted a family focused Chili Cook-off and Concert Event that brought together our community for fellowship and fun.  

The front lawns were filled with families enjoying toe-tapping music (provided by PCA Board Member Greg Horton's band) and delighting in the jump castles, hot dogs, popcorn, and sweet treats from an ice cream truck. Inside the Welcome Center, nine chili cook-off teams set up and decorated their tables in unique themes that represented each team's flavor of chili. From “Spice Girls In The Garden” to “The Danger Zone” there was a type of chili for everyone!  

Official judges sampled the chili and cast their votes in several categories while parents and students cast their votes for the People's Choice Award. Here's a look at the winning teams: 

Best Overall Chili - Pork and Beans  

People’s Choice- Pork and Beans

Best School Spirit/Tailgating Theme - The Golden Girls

Best Creative Recipe - Pascutti’s Last Hurrah

Best Traditional Recipe - The Red Hot Chili Ladies

Screams of delight filled the air as the winners were announced and came up to receive their gift baskets filled with goodies. Of course, this event would not have been possible without the help of the PCA village and community.

A special thank you to the Chili Cook-off judges.. Bill Macchio, Editor of Mount Pleasant Magazine, Buster Brown, ECBC Senior Pastor, and Jennifer Horton, Owner of ZAGS and PCA mom.

We also want to give a huge thank you to Tifany O’Neal and Margaret O’Hanley for all of their time and enthusiasm in making this event shine! And last but not least, a big thank you to all of the teams who participated and the families that came out to make this such a fun evening.

Happy 30th Anniversary PCA!!!