03/28/2024
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Tradition is returning to Harrells Christian Academy, and students are leading the way.  HCA’s Student Ambassadors Board is back and prepared to make all visitors and newcomers feel like a part of the family. The goal of HCA’s Student Ambassadors Board is to promote hospitality to those at HCA and in the community.  Ambassadors have a list of duties, including hosting new students, performing school tours to potential families, and lending a helping hand at school events.

The new board members performed their first official duties on Friday, March 22, 2015 as they welcomed, registered, and toured potential families during HCA’s first day of Kindergarten testing for the 2015-2016 year.

HCA previously had a student ambassador’s group, but work with the student organization fell apart when the faculty sponsor left the school due to a family move.  This year, after seeing a need for the group’s services, faculty members Meredith Horne and Karen Burton began the steps to reinstate the group.

Becoming a part of the Student Ambassadors Board is no simple feat.  First, faculty members nominate students they believe would be excellent members of the group based on several factors including grades, communication skills, and general attitude.  From there, students must fill out an application, including three introspective and analytical essays.  Lastly, students participate in interviews to test their ability to think on their feet, speak publicly, and promote hospitality to others.

When the new school year rolls around, ambassadors will aid in HCA’s open house night and will be responsible for hosting new students as they come to Harrells Christian Academy for the first time—whether it be the first week of school or a student who transfers mid-year.  Ambassadors will also be responsible for hosting school tours to potential students throughout the school year.

HCA Student Ambassadors will also be present during the school’s annual Spring Fling and Silent Auction on April 23, 2015.  They will serve in several locations, including greeting and talking about HCA offerings at the student showcase held that same night.

Members of the 2015 board are:  Senior – Ashley Usher; Juniors – Haley Bowles, Mary Grace Norris, McKenzie Parks, Vanna Prestage, and Madison Sauls; Sophomores – Will Huff, Amos Lanier, Luke Quinn, and Brooke Raynor; and Freshmen – Abbigail Clark, Kaleb Jessup, and Sydney Norris.

HCA offers school tours and consultations every Thursday.  If you or someone you know would like to schedule a tour, please contact the school at 910-532-4575.

Kindergarten Registration Begins at HCA

Preparing for the 2015-2016 school year at Harrells Christian Academy kicked off this past Friday, March 22 with the first day of Kindergarten registration.

The full day of testing was hosted by both the PTO and HCA’s Student Ambassadors Board.  Eighteen families came out for individualized testing, curriculum review, tours, and fellowship with students, faculty members, current parents and other prospective families.

As parents walked in, they were greeted by members of the Student Ambassadors board who aided with registration and escorting families to the testing and hospitality rooms.  Members of the PTO were on hand to answer questions from families in the hospitality room as well as hand out goodie bags to the future kindergarteners after they had been tested.

Potential families were also able to enjoy refreshments while Janice Whitaker, Kindergarten assistant at HCA, reviewed curriculum and student projects from this past year. Kindergarten at HCA is built around the basics with a focus on phonics and use of the A Beka program for mathematics.  Students are also exposed to social studies and science, including a weekly hands-on science lab.  Resource classes also expose students to numerous areas of liberal arts educations, including the Spanish language.

Before families left the campus, many enjoyed tours of HCA’s lower school given from the perspective of a student ambassador.  As their first official duty on the Student Ambassadors Board, members of the board found the day to be a great way to reinforce their own love for HCA and all that it has done for them by sharing their experience with others.

Harrells will host their second and final Kindergarten registration date on May 22, 2015.  Availability is limited.  HCA also offers school tours every Thursday for interested families with students at any grade level.  Registration for Kindergarten testing and school tours may both be booked by contacting the school at 910-532-4575.

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