Second Grade Visits Poplar Grove Plantation

HCA Graduate Speaks About Leukemia

Mr. Hunter’s language arts class is reading a book entitled Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie. This book, by Jordan Sonnenblick, is about a boy named Steven who finds out that his brother Jeffrey has leukemia. The story chronicles the experiences of Jeffrey and Steven throughout the ordeal.

On Wednesday, November, 16, 2011, Dillon Villegas (son of Emily Villegas) came to speak to the class about leukemia. Dillon was diagnosed with leukemia during his high school career. He enjoys recounting his experiences and inspiring others who are going through difficult times. He is a strong Christian who loves to proclaim how his experiences have strengthened his faith in God.

Dillon shared a lot of information about how he has dealt with the disease. Students were amazed by the number of pills that Dillon had to take. During his presentation, he said, “I did the math on the way here. I have had to take 29,oo0 of these pills,” as he pointed to a green bottle.

 Students were able to ask Dillon questions about leukemia. When a student asked Dillon how he felt about having the disease, Dillon said, “I was angry with God at first and I didn’t understand it, but now I am closer to God than ever and I love to share my testimony with others.”   

Message from HCA Board

Dear HCA Families,

            What an exciting time it is to be a Harrells Christian Academy Crusader!  With our building project nearing completion, our upper school students and teachers are preparing to make the move to their new high school classrooms.  Our new building comes complete with state of the art technology, larger classrooms, and science labs with new equipment. The Activities Center is open for physical education classes and basketball practice.  All of our basketball teams, from middle school to varsity, are enjoying the additional court space.  The final phase of the Activities Center will include the installation of bleachers and completion of locker rooms, concessions, stage, etc.  At the end of the project, we will be proud to have on our campus the HCA Activities Center, a facility not only for athletic events, but also for classrooms, lower school events, middle and upper school banquets, and graduations.

            At our last full board meeting for the year 2011, the Board of Directors stands committed to doing all things possible to ensuring “excellence in education through Christian motivation.”  With this in mind, and recognizing how last year’s large increase may have put a financial strain on many families, the board has voted to not increase tuition for the 2012-2013 school year.  It was a very difficult decision for the board and one we do not take lightly.  The school is faced every year with rising costs and although many needs remain from completion of the capital campaign to doing all we can to retain top quality teachers, everyone at HCA from the board to Dr. Montgomery is committed to providing an affordable quality education in a safe, Christian family environment.  At HCA, we pride ourselves on developing the whole child- academically, socially, artistically, athletically, and most importantly- spiritually.

            I encourage you to continue to stay involved as a parent in the constant changes HCA goes through to continually improve the education that your child is receiving.  You will notice on our website that the school hosts tours every Wednesday at 10:00 am or by appointment.  Check the website daily to see all the good that goes on at HCA and share the news with others.  Please continue to support all of our programs through our Academic and Athletic Boosters and our Capital Campaign.   If you have any questions about how you as a parent can best help the school please don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Montgomery, a teacher, or a board member.  Harrells Christian Academy will be stronger if we all work together!

            Thank you again for your continued support of Harrells Christian Academy.  May your family be blessed this Thanksgiving holiday and may you be reminded each and every day of God’s love and His many blessings

Wendy Murphy

Chair, Board of Directors