The Crest - Vol.2 Iss.2

Volume 2 Issue 2

28 September, 2023

THE CREST

Hilton Head Christian Academy's Monthly Publication

28 September 2023

Opinion

New Year, New Rules!

By: Luke Williams The telephone acts as not only a helpful device for communication, but also as the staple of the modern era. Most view phones as essential in everyday life; however, what happens when phones get in the way of a productive work environment? Mr. Langhals addressed this issue over the summer, stating, “Phones, although a great tool, are also an incredible detriment to our students.” Among other things, he also explains how the phone ban would allow students to learn “soft skills to interact with each other.” The creation of the new policy to ban phones received its fair share of criticism and support from teachers and students, alike.

When the student populous was polled on this issue, many answers came back such as: “I would really like to call my mom…”, “Repeal the ban!”, and “I do not like it”, along with a variety of other comments that seemed to show disdain towards the new policy.

Caleb Brigstock stated, “They said, in the beginning, it would be freeing to not have your phone, like Retreat. The only thing is that Retreat is fun. As much as we enjoy our teachers and fellow students, the typical day at school is not comparable to Retreat.” While the phone ban was created to provide students with more opportunities to socialize with one a 28 September 2023

Opinion

Opinion

28 September 2023

nother, many claim that it is ineffective and pointless as students had previously interacted with each other daily, even with phones.

Mr. Lingafelt provided a different perspective on this issue, claiming that “It is about presence.” From a biblical perspective, being away from our phones allows us to interact with God and the world around us. Mr. Suddeth, Director of Spiritual Life at HHCA, was interviewed on this topic and he answered a variety of questions. According to Mr. Suddeth “Whether kids could see it or not, a big part of it (the phone ban) came from the people at the school wanting to be part of a mentally healthy environment.” When asked if teachers were held to as high of a degree of responsibility as the students he answered, “Certainly not, definitely a different standard for teachers than students.” He went on to explain multiple reasons as to why this was true, the most important of which being the necessary ability to communicate with other teachers in times of emergency. However; he also states that teachers by no means should be using their phones for personal use, such as social media, during school hours.

While this argument has multiple perspectives, each one holds a certain degree of validity. It should also be noted that this matter is not black and white, as some teachers oppose the phone ban, and some students favor it. Over the next few months, students and teachers will observe the long-term effects of this policy. Will the phone ban increase socialization among classmates? How will the upcoming Retreat influence students’ opinions on the policy? Furthermore, will the ban remain in place, or will the policy eventually be overturned? Stay tuned.

Link to Poll

28 September 2023

Opinion

Student Life

28 September 2023

Homecoming Week: Hit or Miss?

Jackie Hayes “Exciting.” “Fun.” “Hype.”

These are just a few of the buzzwords Upper School students used when asked to describe last weekend’s Homecoming dance.

Last week, in preparation for the Homecoming Dance, Hilton Head Christian Academy celebrated and made preparations for the big day. On September 13th, HHCA’s student section, the CAGE, released the theme, “In the Clouds,” for the dance.

Additionally, HHCA decided to host a school-wide dress-down week with outfit themes for each day. The themes were: Teacher-Student Swap, Twin Day, “Anything but a Backpack”/Pajama Day, Decades Day, and the finale of Extreme Blue and Gold on Friday. The Extreme Blue and Gold Day brought the whole school together in anticipation of the school-wide pep rally before the Homecoming football game on Friday night.

Upon learning about last week’s dress-down themes, Upper School students had some mixed thoughts about which themes were a hit and which weren’t.

Teagan, a Junior class member, stated, “I’m most excited for Anything but a Backpack Day!” While Caitlyn, a Sophomore class member, was most excited to embody “extreme blue and gold.”

After interviewing Upper School students about their favorite dress-down day theme, it was obvious there was a theme that students did not favor over the rest.

Senior class member, Erin Engler, spoke up and said, “I would replace decades day.”

Other highschoolers that were interviewed said similar things. This response from the student body made it evident that “decades day” is a theme that students would rather not see in future dress-up days.

In addition to the dress-down themes, interviewees were asked about their opinion on the Homecoming dance theme, “In the Clouds.” Here’s what they said: “I think the theme is fun and easy to decorate for,” said Teagan.

Additionally, a senior class member, Trace stated, “I like the theme. It's new, different, original.” These responses, among others, reflect our student body's appreciation for the originality of the idea. “In the Clouds” was a hit!

28 September 2023

Student Life

We also asked students what they’re most excited about during Homecoming Week and any advice for freshmen before they experience their first HOCO. “I am looking forward to the dance most,” said Shane, a Sophomore class member. He added a tip, “Don’t try to be the cool person who’s not trying to be involved. Have fun!”

Trace explained, “I look forward to the football game on Friday and the dance. Go, have fun, and don’t be afraid to dance in the middle of the circle, or else it’s boring.”

All in all, HHCA was very excited about the Homecoming game and celebrations at the dance. The week of theme days followed by a school-wide pep rally created a fun and exciting atmosphere throughout the school. These are the days we look forward to at HHCA!

Interviews with the Homecoming King and Queen!

Q: What does being Homecoming King/Queen mean to you?

Jack Ussery: “I think it means my goal at the school is to put a smile on people’s faces, and to enjoy time here at the school and make it better for others. I think winning the reward means it’s appreciated.”

Emma Kate: “I am thankful to be recognized by my peers. I hope when they think of me, they think I’m someone who loves the Lord and wants to live a life with him!”

28 September 2023

Athletics

BUMP,SET,SPIKE! By: Emma Taylor

The Lady Eagles Varsity Volleyball season is going strong with wins against teams like SCDS, Cross Schools, Beach Academy, Beaufort Academy, Whale Branch, and more!

Be sure to support our Eagles and fill the Cage for the home games on the following dates: October 5th vs. Bridges Prep October 10th vs. Hilton Head Prep October 11th vs. JPII

Q/A with team captains Macey Langhals and Margaret Hiers: Q: What is the strongest part of the team?

A: The strongest part is the bond between the team, and how there’s no drama. We all get along and are close, it’s a fun group of people.

Q: What has been your favorite memory on the team(any year)?

A: Our game back in August, this season, beating Beaufort High on their home court with JP2 and Beaufort Academy watching us.

28 September 2023

Athletics

By Luke Strebe The pinnacle of entertainment is here! If you want to see a short production of some adorable kids as Cats and Dogs (but mostly cats!) singing and having a blast, look no further than HHCA’s next show: The Aristocats KIDS! Mrs. Kali Cooke, Mrs. Joy Krimm, and Mrs. Neely Langhals have worked very hard to bring you this amazing show. But so have the amazing students in the show.

Mrs. Cooke is quite impressed with James Burger who plays Thomas O’Malley.

His “big voice” and his work for the character is sure to impress you too. But there has been so much growth among all of the kids. Mrs. Cooke has also been impressed with how quickly everyone has had to learn the show. One of those people is Clara McKiddie, who plays Duchess. Clara has really enjoyed having the main role in the show. Just like the rest of the cast, a hard thing for her is that she “has a lot of lines that (she) has to memorize.” For Clara, it is easier for her to be herself than to play another character. However, her love for acting is a big reason for joining this show.

Aristocats KIDS will be super exciting and entertaining for all! Mrs. Cooke says that anyone as well as people who grew up with the film will enjoy the show.

Students whose friends are in the production will also have a blast seeing them onstage. A big reason for this being the chosen show for Mrs. Cooke was that “Disney’s always fun to do” and that with little kids in the show, having “lots of cats and dogs up there is pretty cute”. The show isn’t just all cats and dogs, though! You will also get to see awesome characters like Edgar, the butler. This is the funniest character in the show according to Mrs. Cooke. Mrs. Cooke is very excited to see the whole show come together but is particularly excited for the climax of the show. This scene will take place on the river and will be a very dramatic end to the adventure. For Mrs. Cooke, her favorite line in the show is “Crazy man! Crazy!” A perfect way to describe this fun-filled production. The show is on September 30 at 5:00 pm. Tickets are available at the window. We hope you’ll come to see this cute and awesome show that is sure to make you say, “Crazy man! Crazy!”

Spiritual Life Theme 2023-2024: "Marvelous Light" Every school year, HHCA's Spiritual Life team decides on a theme around which messages, chapels, and lessons will be focused throughout the year. The theme for the 2023-2024 school year is Marvelous Light from 1 Peter 2:9, which reminds us that God shines His light into every corner of our life and our world, showing us our great need for Him as well as His great guiding love for us.

Recipes with Jill presents

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies I don’t know about you, but I love Fall! It is the best season (mostly because of the sweets). On this months Recipes with Jill, Pumpkin Sugar Cookies.

Ingredients Cookies 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/4 tsp. granulated sugar 3/4 c. unsalted butter, softened 1/2 c. pumpkin puree

Frosting 2 1/2 c. powdered sugar 2 tbsp. pumpkin puree 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 2 tbsp. water

1 large egg 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt 2. In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy. After mixing the sugar and butter, beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract.

3. Slowly add the flour mixture until the dry ingredients are fully mixed. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.

4. Preheat the oven to 350. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. Scoop the dough into balls and arrange them at least two inches apart.

6. Bake until the cookies are golden brown around the edges, usually around 12 minutes.

7. Let the cookies cool for 3 minutes.

8. While the cookies are cooling off, whisk together the frosting ingredients.

9. Once cookies are cooled, coat the top of the cookies with frosting.

10. And wa la! A delicious fall treat!

Crossword

Across

Down 2. Who says that Edgar the butler 1. What portable device was is the funniest character in the banned this school year? show, Aristocats?

5. What Bible book is our theme 3. Who is the volleyball team playing on October 5th?

"Marvelous Light" from?

4. What flavor are the sugar 7. What time is Aristocats cookies in "Recipes with Jill?" playing on September 30th?

8. According to "New Year, New 6. Which dress-up day theme wasn't the student's favorite?

Rules", who overall does not favor the phone ban?