The Crest - Vol.2 Iss.5

THE CREST THE CREST

Hilton Head Christian Academy's Monthly Publication

Hilton Head Christian Academy's Monthly Publication

hhca’s

THE CREST

The latest news and updates about HHCA reported by its students

ISCA RISING STARS ALSO

ENVIRONMENTAL TRIP

LADY EAGLES BRING HOME SCISA STATE BASKETBALL TITLE

MULLET MONSTROSITIES OR HARMONIOUS HAIRCUTS?

HHCA BOYS GOLF WINS FIRST MATCH

Guatemala Experience

By Luke Strebe

Field trips enter the air! The students in the Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos club had the opportunity to go all the way to the country of Guatemala to serve others While being with the children in Guatemala, students experienced a way of life very different from their own They were given an opportunity to minister to children who possess very little These children are orphans and relish in the opportunity to connect with others During this time, HHCA students provided that connection that they often take for granted in their daily lives. One of the things they most enjoyed was playing with kids in the town. They were able to form bonds with these children as they spent quality time with them. They played soccer with them a few of the nights they were there. A lot of fun was shared, especially on the last night when an intense game ended in a tie. Not only did they teach the kids things they never knew, but the students themselves were taught as well They found that there were games the kids were able to teach to them

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All students on trip at San Jose Cathedral in Antigua, Guatemala (taken by Christine Jackson)

Beyond the experiences they shared with the children, they were able to discover the beauty of Guatemala. Included in this was their tour of the town of Antigua, the former capital of the Spanish Empire This gave them a historical experience for them to enjoy, as well as being able to see the beauty of the places they visited In conclusion, this trip was a wonderful opportunity for all of the students that had the chance to experience it Not only did the students have the opportunity to share memories with the kids there, but also made new ones in the place they visited. What an incredible opportunity to share the love of God with these kids. This trip exemplifies the mission that our community and school represents. Beyond the classroom and into the community, the love of Christ is the center of our time

Guatemalan Church Hall

Photo Credit: Luke Williams

ISCA Rising Stars

By: Eli Taylor

It's that time of year again! The 11th Annual ISCA Rising Stars has happened. According to seasoned performer Lucy Reese, ISCA is, “a fun talent show that many different acts can participate in.” She adds, “I enjoy doing it every year because it's a fun way to perform and watch so many other talented people in our local community”. It is an exciting opportunity for all performers. After the audition videos are sent in, the Top 25 Acts are chosen by a group of esteemed judges and then contestants are sent on stage to perform for the big money prize. This year, the Senior Division prize money was as follows: 1st place $500, 2nd Place $400, 3rd Place $300, 4th place $200, and Star to Watch $100 The Junior Division Prize is $250 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd place, $100 for 3rd place, and $50 for Star to Watch There are also numerous scholarships that are given to help encourage youth to better their skills With so much at stake, you would think it would be nerve-racking to perform HHCA star, Millie Gilbreath, claims, “It can be [nerve-racking] because it’s at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, which is a very cool theater It can make you feel a little nervous, but once you get over the nerves, it’s so much fun!” Motivation often overrides nerves, and one thing our performers can claim is motivation to succeed

Obviously, as with anything, there are improvements to be made All of our interviewees had the same suggestion to separate categories Millie Gilbreath sums it up perfectly, “The only improvement I think could be made is that the judgment is very subjective because there are so many different types of talent that compete, like how do you judge a dancer against a singer? It’s just very difficult.” Not to mention, 3rd - 12th graders are eligible to perform. Video auditions were due February 19th, 2024 and the show took place on March 9th, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the HHP’s Main Street Youth Theater. Thirteen of the twenty-five acts performed were performed by HHCA students! Some of the highlights were Connor White’s hilarious u ” . The act won 4th Place Overall. Sadie Marcotte won A just goes to show how much talent we have in our Eagles!

Left: Jacey Robinson Middle: Millie Gilbreath Right: Ellie Lentz

Photo Credit: Michelle McElroy-Cox

Photo Credit: Michelle McElroy-Cox

Lady Eagles Bring Home SCISA State Basketball Title

By: Liam Reeves and Claire Robbins

Is it a winning streak or a tradition? On Saturday, February 24th the Lady Eagles basketball team defeated John Paul II to win their sixth state championship in a row After a back-and-forth game, the Lady Eagles managed to secure the championship with a final score of 68 to 44 This SIXTH championship win marks the end of a very successful season in which the Lady Eagles achieved a 17-7 record Not to mention, these athletes went undefeated in the region When asked about his feelings on the team’s continued success, Coach Bobby Thompson said, “It's an honor to be a part of #6 We have been so blessed to have such an incredible run of success ”

The match up between John Paul II and our Lady Eagles was incredible to watch Both the Warriors and Eagles would not go down without a fight The tension was palpable, but our Lady Eagles prevailed Thank you to all of the students that showed up and supported the Lady Eagles! They make it easy to have school spirit!

The sixth championship win established a dominant foothold in SCISA history for the Lady Eagles as they maintain the longest championship win streak in SCISA basketball In response to this success, Coach Thompson attributed their exceptional success to the incredible players he coached, He says, “The biggest factor of our team’s success isn’t much of a secret it’s great players who aren’t afraid to work hard… They are about business when it comes to outworking other teams ” The Lady Eagles basketball season has been an exciting one to watch, and fans are certainly waiting anxiously for the next season of greatness to come from HHCA

Butterflies Take Us Away

By: Madison Moore

On February 27th, the Environmental Club visited the Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head Island While there, students of the club perused a farmers’ market filled with upcycled and local products as well as fresh produce for sale (and maybe pet a civilian dog or two) Then it was on to the main mission: to learn about building a butterfly garden at HHCA. A museum guide led them to the butterfly garden where they learned concepts such as: which plants attract which pollinators, how far apart our plants should be placed apart from each other, and which pesticides to avoid in order to avoid poisoning pollinators. This information immensely helped to forge an outline for the school’s own butterfly garden

With the guided part of the tour over, students had extra time to ask questions and explore Fischer, freshman member of the club felt that it is important to have a school butterfly garden because, “it will bring beauty diversification to our school ” Now, the Environmental Club is working to find a home on campus for the butterfly garden Ms McGowan, one of the advisors to the Environmental Club, said that possible placement for the garden could be “on either side of the football field where foot traffic is low but where it would be visible to everyone on campus ” The plan is to start small (with five plants or so) and expand when the time is right The garden is intended to become a special place for students to pray and meditate within God’s creation while also doubling as an educational tool for science classes Most importantly, this will be a place for the whole school to enjoy even if it’s as simple as slowing down for a breath of fresh air away from the walls of learning. Stay tuned for updates!

Coastal Discovery Museum Butterfly Garden

Environmental club members: Brianna Williams, Payton Vadas

Coastal Discovery Museum Butterfly Garden

Mullet Monstrosities or Harmonious Haircuts?

By: Camille Sposato

For some, Winter Break is an opportunity to relax and spend time with the family, but for HHCA’s male population it is a prime opportunity for a much-needed haircut Some of which were required cuts to follow the school’s dress code The ongoing debate on whether or not the school should be able to restrict the length of hair for the boys at HHCA has occurred as a result

It is no surprise that all three teachers interviewed are pro-dress code, but the reasons why differ quite a bit Mr Collins believes that having uniform haircuts creates a “professional” look and deepens “community” and “unity” within Hilton Head Christian Academy Mr Abbott shares his sentiment, but emphasizes the importance of teaching young people how to abide by regulations because it in turn teaches respect which prepares them for their future careers.

On the other hand, some students believe that the rules dictating hair length should be abolished because of the personal importance hair holds to individuals. Just upon hearing the words “dress code”, Junior Christopher Nguyen grimaces, spelling out “E-U-G-H”. Senior Eli White disagrees with these regulations because “some people have certain haircuts based on culture and identity”. When everyone is forced to represent the same look for “professionalism”, oftentimes culture may be discarded or neglected American schools have a long history of restricting certain black hairstyles as a method of oppression However, HHCA Principal Shannon Smith has already taken this into account and amended the hair policy to take a more inclusive approach to our seemingly growing diverse student body He met with students last year to review our hair policy specifically with the aim to be inclusive of all cultures

Some religions and cultures do not cut their hair for many reasons, but most commonly because it is considered a gift from their Creator There is a certain sacredness to hair Many students take on the argument, “If Jesus had long hair, why can't I?” Mr Lingafelt, a veteran Bible teacher, denounces this argument due to the lack of evidence regarding our Lord and Savior’s hair length, as well as the notion that by that logic everyone would also be forced to dress like him, which would not be too favorable at the Academy today Sandals and tunics just aren’t in fashion anymore unless Mr Lingafelt would like to set trends. Furthermore, despite the belief that Jesus would have had long hair because he was a Nazarene, some religious researchers believe Jesus in fact did not have long hair because he was described as “un-noticeable” when moving through crowds in Luke 4:30; John 8:59; and 10:39. It was custom for Jewish men to cut their hair short due to God's rule. So no, the Jesus actor Jonathan Roumie from the hit show The Chosen might not be the most accurate depiction of Jesus (at least hair wise).

Despite the debate over this topic, both sides don’t hesitate to understand the other. Caleb Winget, a supporter of the dress code, says “If the mullet looks good like Dawson’s, he should be allowed to keep it ” Cultural identity or school rules uniform haircuts or freedom of expression – we are all united under God and seek to glorify His Kingdom with our luscious locks

Dawson Taylor’s “mullet”

Fellow senior, Charlie Pierce, cut Ashton Tollerton’s hair to which Tollerton responded “bet”. This student does not care about the dress code rules, or his hair apparently

HHCA Boys Golf Wins First Match

By: Christopher Nguyen

The defending champs are back in action! Boys Golf has officially started with the reigning state champions hosting their first region match of the season at Hilton Head Lakes Golf Club Gabe Schmitz, Sage Bradshaw, JP Reed, Phillip Court, and Christopher Nguyen took on schools from around the area including John Paul II, Colleton Prep, Bethesda Academy, and Thomas Heyward, and brought home the win by 7 strokes against runner-up Heritage Academy Last year, this same group took home the SCISA 3A State Championship trophy, winning against Hilton Head Prep by 2 strokes. The team also traveled to Frisco, Texas over the summer to compete in the National High School Golf Invitational. Their first official tournament took place on March 4th and 5th at the Lowcountry Invitational hosted at Palmetto Bluff and Berkeley Hall. HHCA golf finished 4th with Sophomore Sage Bradshaw winning the individual title with consecutive rounds of 69 and 70 finishing at -5 under par. This was an exciting start to the season as the team looks to defend their trophy at the SCISA State Championship in April. Christopher Nguyen, Junior member, predicts they will “definitely” win states this year because they are team that “builds each other up”. It’s all for an Audience of One

From left: Coach Spangler, Christopher Nguyen, Sage Bradshaw, JP Reed, Gabe Schmitz

Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Golf Team, Michael Spangler

Marvels for Music Man

By: Ms McGowan & Cami Sposato

Come one, come all! The Music Man is coming to the Hilton Head Island Seahawk Cultural Center with a robust variety of songbirds from our own student body! This musical will challenge your ability to discern the scammers from the scammed for the sake of a good time with a side dish of love

Caleb Winget embodies the “townsfolk” persona with his ensemble performance and claims that the crowd will be most entertained by Jack Mau playing the Mayor of River City Millie Gilbreath, a veteran theater performer, is most excited to see fellow Senior Ava Hahn take the stage with her voice in Act I then descend to the pit to “tickle the keys’ melodies” Maya Norcross can’t wait for everyone to see the work that comes together during tech week. Our showstoppers stay overtime, one day even 12 hours, to practice in full costume, with lights and the orchestra!

Sienna Reed says she loves to work with the older kids because they’re “really funny and great role models” They inspire her as a person, actress, and Christian This show’s cast depicts the tight family community that HHCA has to offer Sienna can’t wait for everyone to come and see her favorite number “76 Trombones” filled with exciting music and fun dances

Mrs McElroy-Cox and Mr Berry have been wanting to put on this show for many years, and now, according to Mrs McElroy Cox, the Fine Arts Department is finally ready to put on such a big production because they certainly have the talent. She is most excited for everyone to see all the hard work come together on stage.

There are twenty Seniors in this show. These students have poured years into Theater performances It will be bittersweet, but all great things must come to an end Come see their final farewell on the HHCA stage!

Don’t miss out on the epic romance between Emma Kate Dalzell, Connor White, and Charlie Peirce

The Luck of the Irish Parade Around HHI

By: Emma Berry

St. Patrick’s Day is upon us! On March 17th, get ready to jump into spring with the Hilton Head Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

Founded in 1983 by local business icon Tom Reilley and a few friends and family, the Hilton Head Island St Patrick’s Day Parade has grown to become one of Hilton Head Island’s most traditional and popular yearly events Not to mention, it is South Carolina’s oldest parade! More than 25,000 residents, which is over half of our population, come to Pope Avenue every March to enjoy floats and musical melodies of marching groups that represent local businesses and charities, high school and university marching bands, the U.S. Marine Corps Band from Parris Island, and many more entertaining entries.

Over the past years, parade-goers have enjoyed the exciting military jet flyovers, special appearances from famous personalities like Nashville recording star Michelle Murray, and my personal favorite the magnificent Budweiser Clydesdale horses The parade was recognized in 2002 as one of the top 20 tourism events in the Southeast and continues to be an exciting, funfilled event for the whole family

Experience the vibrant celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day for yourself on March 17th beginning at 2pm on Pope Avenue! We could all use a little luck of the Irish!

Crossword

DOWN

1 WHAT TOWN DID THE GROUP TOUR IN GUATEMALA?

2. WHAT TEAM FINISHED AS RUNNER-UP IN HHCA'S FIRST REGION MATCH?

4. WHAT COUNTRY DID HHCA VISIT?

6. WHERE DID THE HHCA VARSITY GOLF TEAM TRAVEL OVER THE SUMMER?

8. HOW MANY CONSECUTIVE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS HAVE THE GIRL'S VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM WON?

10. WHO WON THE INDIVIDUAL TITLE AT THE LOWCOUNTRY INVITATIONAL?

ACROSS

3. WHAT DAY IN MARCH IS THE SAINT PATRICK'S DAY PARADE?

5 WHAT KIND OF GARDEN IS THE HHCA ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB MAKING?

7 WHICH BIBLE TEACHER BELIEVES IN SHORT HAIR CUTS FOR MEN?

8. HOW MANY SHOTS DID HHCA BEAT HERITAGE BY?

9. ACCORDING TO SENIOR, CALEB WINGET, WHO HAS AN AWESOME MULLET?