Setting the Pace on a National Scale

Our faculty and staff at PCA continue to broaden their sphere of influence in the academic community throughout the nation.

PCA Director of Guidance & College Placement Dr. Jan Miranda has the honor of being the only high school counselor in the country to serve on the North American Coalition of Christian College Admission Personnel (NACCAP).  She is undoubtedly one of the most respected counselors in her field.  I also want to honor sixth-year Upper School physics teacher, David Steen, who recently replaced the “Mr.” before his name with “Dr.”  We celebrate with Dr. Steen and his dedication to expanding his academic credentials.  PCA Kindergarten Team Leader, Robyn Pryor, a 12-year employee, was recently selected as a freelance writer by The Mailbox, published by The Education Center, Inc.

I am so very proud of our faculty.  These three represent a faculty striving for excellence, which is proof of the need for Investing in Faculty, one of the investment areas of the PCA Initiatives.

Warmly,
Larry

The Most Unique School in the Country

I believe that PCA represents a very unique academy, not only locally, but throughout the nation.  How do we stand out in a sea of private and public institutions?

One of the major reasons is the balance.  An intentional blend of student abilities and the appropriate programs that align with them.  Every student, at every stage of development, can be successful at PCA.  Average students succeed and are placed at the college of their choice.  Advanced and gifted students excel and compete for the nation’s finest institutions, such as Rice, Vanderbilt, Harvard, Yale, Duke and many more.  Students with learning differences succeed at PCA, and are prepared for college and beyond.  PCA students are challenged to think beyond college and certainly beyond self.  More than 450 students are signed up for mission trips this year.  Over 50 percent of our Middle School students, and nearly 75 percent of our Upper School students, are involved in Student Leadership Institute.  Developing servant leaders is the central goal that transcends all curriculum objectives.  Balance is the key but maintaining the focus on the eternal perspective is the rudder, or transcendent cause, that serves as the compass.

Recently, I heard from one of our alumni, Carrie Thomas (PCA class of 2006), a sophomore at Wake Forest University.  Her quote represents what my point about PCA.

“Test your own faith before someone else can.  That way, when people do question your beliefs (and they will-trust me), their words turn from criticism to curiosity.  Always be able to give a reason for the hope that you have.  And this time, I can say that with a complete understanding of what it means.”  Carrie Thomas, Sophomore at Wake Forest University

Indeed, Carrie was prepared academically, and is excelling at this top-tier university.  But, beyond the cognitive ability, she is excelling spiritually because she was prepared to defend her faith and to persuade others while in the marketplace of ideas.  Making people “curious” about Christ is perhaps one of the first steps in this post-Christian America.

 

Warmly,
Larry

 

It Was a Special Moment

There are many “moments” that the Lord allows us to experience for reasons only He and His providential work can explain.  The “moment” with PCA grandparent Zig Ziglar at the 2008 State of School address on Monday, Nov. 3 was one of those moments.  How do you honor a legend?  Not a legend in the way the world defines, but a legend and hero the way God defines.  When Zig walked on the stage, there was a sense of reverence and respect.  When his son, Tom Ziglar, embraced him, there was a sense of love and legacy.  When Zig closed the evening in prayer, there was a sense of stillness.  We were in the presence of greatness as defined in Matthew 20:26-28, “… greatness is preceded by servanthood and humility …”

This was a special moment that I will never forget.  I can think of no better way to honor Zig Ziglar than what we are doing with the Zig Ziglar Servant Leadership Award.

Warmly,
Larry