Dear HCA Family,

This time of year we are thankful for the touch of warm weather, Spring flowers, new growth on the trees and overall freshness. We also think about Easter, with all the pastel colors in the stores advertising Spring.

In 2 Corinthians we learn the old is gone and the new is here. Spring symbolizes a time of new beginnings and renewal. We can relate to this by the love and grace we receive from God. We feel refreshed and renewed. It is also a time for growth – personal and spiritual. 2 Peter 3 tells us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This is not referring to physical growth like you might see from a plant. Rather, this passage is referring to spiritual growth and growing closer to God.

There is a great verse- “He is not here, He is risen!” (Matthew 28:6 KJV) What great news this is, not only for Easter but for every day. We, as Christians, celebrate Easter with a deeper understanding of what this time really means.

I pray God helps us to focus on the miraculous, empty tomb and the significance this means to us all. May you all have a blessed Easter!

God Bless!

March Athletics

Diamonds are a baseball and softball lovers best friend. The temperature is rising and the spring sports teams are in the heat of the season.

After a rough start in March, the varsity baseball team is headed in the right direction and currently on a winning streak. Strong hitting from Matthew Beal and Ethan Higgins has led the way to this team's success. Both players have hit home runs and are starting to gain momentum. Blake Bandy has been the go-to pitcher on the mound, slowing down the opponent’s bats.

Varsity softball started March red hot and beating teams by large margins. The team is using the middle of the season to gear up for a postseason run. The success has come by an overall team performance. Coach Smith is getting the girls ready to compete. The Middle School boy’s baseball team, led by Assistant Coach Kahler, has the boys organized and ready for anything. This team has battled a diverse group of middle school and junior varsity teams and are holding their own. The team has been led by sixth grader Whitten Lott. He is leading the team in batting average, on base percentage and scoreless innings pitched.

Please make your plans ahead of time to attend the end of the year sports awards ceremonies scheduled for Friday, May 5, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

The athletic department is always in need for volunteers. Please get involved. We cannot do it without the help of our dedicated HCA athletic community.

Please come by Saturday, April 1, 2023 for the Spring Fling and visit our athletic booth. We would love to see you. I truly appreciate all that are involved with Athletics at HCA. Thanks again.

**FCAPPS All State Team** was announced for the 2022- 2023 school year. Players from HCA that will be on the team are Trenton Sellers (Receiver), Sam Sanchez (Defensive Linemen), and Cayden Williams (Corner/Safety). Congratulations!

Additionally, Ethan Higgins was named the Heisman Trophy Winner for the 2022-2023 season and he won the academic award. Great job Ethan!

**Fellowship of Christian Athletes**
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is a new program to HCA. We are very excited to have this program started at HCA! FCA is a community working to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

**HCA Campus Huddle:** This March, five HCA students have stepped up to be our FCA campus huddle leaders! The FCA leader meets with them Wednesday mornings for a time of discipleship & plan the campus wide huddle. The Campus Huddle takes place on Wednesdays after school. These five student athletes are facilitating and encouraging their fellow classmates in Christ.

Elementary News

On Tuesday, May 21, 2023, our 4th Grade classes went on a field trip to the Florida Aquarium. Students dissected squids and observed different marine life and had a wonderful time. Looks like fun!

On Friday, March 24, 2023, Mrs. Hinkson’s 3rd grade class and Ms. Rivera’s 5th grade class went on a field trip to Tarpoon Springs. They learned about sea sponges and cruised for dolphins, with success!

Secondary News

SAT’s will be held on campus on Tuesday, April 25. Additionally, PHSC Dual Enrollment registration begins on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. See Mrs. Raley for course selection.

Graduating Senior News!

We would like to congratulate and announce the following two seniors for their academic accomplishments for the Class of 2023. Jensen Wilhelm, as our Valedictorian, and Ethan Higgins, as our Salutatorian. Congratulations to you both!

Jensen Wilhelm

Ethan Higgins

Ms. Salvail’s High School Public Speaking Class had to show different demonstrations to the class. Reece Jackson demonstrated how to correctly secure items with a ratchet strap. “That’s not going anywhere!” Kyle Breault demonstrates his recipe for macaroni and cheese and Mrs. Russell sampled the final product. Skyla Coad demonstrated sketching, using technology, and Jordan Rogers demonstrated the importance of correctly tying shoelaces.

Q3 Grade Recognition

Students at HCA

In the November Issue of the Lions Pride Newsletter, we mentioned that Junior, Josh Suarez, was selected for a NASA internship over the summer at the Kennedy Space Center for the Higher Orbits
Go for Launch.

Go For Launch! is an immersive multi-day program led by Higher Orbits that uses the excitement of space exploration to engage students with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), while also building skills in creative arts, teamwork, communication, and leadership.

Josh was part of a team with three other members. Each team involved in the internship proposed and defended an experiment that could be performed in space. The best experiment would be chosen to compete with the winners of other Go For Launch sessions of the year. The ultimate winning team would have their experiment conducted in space on the International Space Station.

Josh’s team won. Team Laika’s experiment will explore the effects of microgravity and on methanotrophic bacteria aboard the International Space Station. Team Laika’s experiment will be flown aboard SpaceX CRS-27. Crews on the International Space Station will conduct their experiment and provide data back to the Kennedy Space Center. This is so exciting! HCA is very proud of you!

Check out BRPH Series Winners | Higher Orbits for more information on this experiment.

Honor Society

On Thursday, March 2, 2023, the National Elementary Honor Society served at First Baptist Church and helped them prepare for their women and children's ministries.

On Thursday, March 2, 2023, the National High School Honor Society provided community service in preparation for Swampfest.

Employment at HCA

Interested in working at HCA? We have some openings for this year and next year. Please click here www.hernandochristian.org to begin our online application. Thank you.

Positions Available:

Music (Next school year)
PE (Current year and next year)
Part-time Maintenance (Current year and next year)
High School Math Teacher (Next year)
Middle School English Teacher (Next year)
Elementary Teachers (Next year)
Part-time Aftercare (Next year)

HCA Event

HCA Fundraisers

Looking Ahead

Saturday, April 1, 2023 Spring Fling
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Thursday, April 6, 2023 Noon Dismissal

Friday, April 7 - Monday, April 10, 2023 Easter Break (No School)

Friday, April 14, 2023 Family Engagement Night
HCA Gymnasium (5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)

Tuesday, April 25, 2023 SAT Day for registered students
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 29, 2023 Prom

Lions Pride April Newsletter