The Crest: Issue #4

THECREST

Hilton Head Christian Academy's Newspaper

Monthly News

Student Life

Reflection of Spirit Week

Interviews with fellow students about spirit week and their opinions of it.

HHCA Takes Third At Local Aacademic WotldQuest Competition

On Saturday, January 28, HHCA competed against other local schools (public and independent) in the World Affairs Council of Hilton Head’s Academic WorldQuest competition. After 5 regular quiz rounds and 2 tiebreaker quiz rounds, HHCA took 3rd place overall.

8th Grade DC Trip

On January 10th to January 13th, the 8th grade Humanities class went on their annual trip to Washington DC.

Fine Arts

HHCA's Annual Winter Recital

On February 11th, several students take the stage as they perform at the school's annual Winter Recital.

Ruby Chapman: 10th Chair Flutist of the SCBDA

An overview of Ruby Chapman's accomplishment.

Special Guest: Pianist Tuffus Zimbabwe

Saturday Night Live Pianist will play at HHCA.

Opinion

Lunch = Munchtime not Crunchtime

Some students think the school should lengthen lunch time.

Through the Eyes of an Islander

Through her op-ed, Jillian Campanella presents a major concern many locals are facing currently, which is overdevelopment. Starting with the process and ending with its drastic results, Jillian hopes to spread awareness on the toll it has taken on the marshlands.

Athletics

Eagles Varsity Basketball Teams Defeat Hilton Head Prep Dolphins in Highly Anticipated Game

Details about the games between the HHCA Eagles Varsity Basketball teams and Hilton Head Prep.

Features & Announcements

Palmetto Girls/Boys State

New leadership opportunities are presenting themselves, as Palmetto Girls State and Palmetto Boys State applications are just around the corner!

Recipes with Jill

Kicking off February with a blast of sweetness, student Josephine Arraj has shared with us her favorite brownie recipe!

What blooms in February

A poem describing what is to come at the end of winter.

Battle of the Books

An overview of the club.

REFLECTION OF SPIRIT WEEK

By Molly Mau

As we reflect on Spirit Week, some questions arise among the students. With this, I wanted to get different students' points of view and opinions about spirit week. One of the students that I interviewed was Claire Robinson. Claire is a new student in the class of 2024 here at Hilton Head Christian Academy. The questions I had asked Claire in her interview were primarily about her opinions of Spirit Week, such as, “In your opinion, did the winners of spirit week deserve to win?” and “What was your favorite part of Spirit Week?”

Another student that I interviewed was Freshman, Luke Williams. While interviewing Luke about Spirit Week, he had some great opinions. When I asked him, “If you could change one thing about Spirit Week, what would it be?” His response was, “I would change the dynamics of who controlled which parts of the commercial and dance.” In their interviews, they both brought up some eye-opening points, opinions, and ideas to improve Spirit Week.

Coach Thein, Mr. Hammer, and Mr. Brown

Lower Schoolers team up for "Rhyme without Reason" day!

Spirit Week has a special place for everyone at Hilton Head Christian Academy. Whether you are a new student or have been here since kindergarten, Spirit Week connects us all through fun activities, dances, and dressing up. It also brings up emotions and memories for everyone and creates a sense of community at Hilton Head Christian Academy.

The Golden Girls! Mrs. Zietz, Mrs. Friesen, Mrs. Borack and Ms. McGowan

Lower Schoolers team up for "Rhyme without Reason" day!

Middle and Upper School students enjoying games

Interview with Claire

Q1: As a new student, what did you think of your first spirit week?

A: "My first spirit week was so much fun! I loved dressing up throughout the week."

Q2: In your opinion, did the winners of spirit week deserve to win?

A: "Honestly I think they do. Whether it was for the dance or just spirit week overall."

Q3: What was your favorite part of spirit week?

A: "My favorite part of spirit week is going to have to be the dance."

Q4: What was your favorite dress-up day of spirit week?

A: "My favorite dress-up was probably dressing up as your favorite TV/Movie character."

Q5: What was your favorite competition event of spirit week?

A: "My fav "

Interview with Luke

Q1: As a HHCA student, what did you think of spirit week as a whole?

A: "I believed Spirit week was a lovely opportunity to connect with my grade."

Q2: In your opinion, did the winners of spirit week deserve to win?

A: "Yes, I believe they had an amazing dance and it was well thought through."

Q3:What was your favorite part of spirit week?

A: "My favorite part of spirit week was the shorter class periods."

Q4: If you could change one thing about Spirit Week, what would it be?

A: "I would change the dynamics of who controlled which parts of the commercial and dance."

Q5: What was your favorite competition event of spirit week?

A: "My favorite event of spirit week was watching the videos."

HHCA TAKES THIRD AT LOCAL ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST COMPETITION

By Nicolas Panzarella

On Saturday, January 28, 2023, Hilton Head Christian Academy participated in the World Affairs Council’s local Academic WorldQuest competition against ten other local schools (both public and independent). The local competition is a qualifier for the national Academic WorldQuest competition in April, which HHCA attended last year after taking first place in the 2021-2022 local competition. Because HHCA won the competition last year, this year’s competition was hosted in the PAC at HHCA.

Academic WorldQuest is a quiz bowl-like competition in which teams of four students compete against each other in answering questions about world events. These events are organized into different topics which make up the five rounds of the competition. The topics for this year’s local competition were Securing the Future of the World’s Wildlife, Combating Global Food Insecurity, The Future of Supply Chains, Battle of the Century: Autocracy vs. Democracy, and Current Events. Each topic got one round, and each round consisted of ten questions, with each question being worth one point. There were 50 questions in total.

HHCA’s team for this year consisted of Christopher Nguyen, Sophia Blackwell, Luke Williams, Peter Rein, and alternate Nicolas Panzarella. Mr. Rudnickas was the team’s coach. Christopher Nguyen, Sophia Blackwell, and Nicolas Panzarella participated last year, while Luke and Peter participated in the competition for the first time. Since only four students can be on the competition floor at one time, the alternate Nicolas Panzarella switched in for Sophia Blackwell after the third round of the competition.

The competition itself had very close results. After the main round, May River High School’s team was in first place with 30 points out of 50 possible points. Heritage Academy was in second place, close behind May River. HHCA had 26 points out of 50 possible points and was tied with other schools for third place, which warranted a tiebreaker round. After another tie and a second tiebreaker round, Hilton Head Christian Academy came in third place with May River High School and Heritage Academy keeping their first and second places, respectively. Because May River High School’s team took first place, they will participate in the national competition.

From left to right: Sophia Blackwell, Peter Rein, Luke Williams, Nicolas Panzarella, Christopher Nguyen, and coach Mr Rudnickas

8TH GRADE DC TRIP

By Christopher Nguyen

From January 10 to January 13, the 8th grade humanities students went on their annual trip to Washington, DC. The group was chaperoned by Principal Smith, Mr. Hammer, Coach Thein, Mrs. Hardin, Ms. O'Connor, Mrs. Tatro, and Mr. Dale, and visited the Lincoln and Martin Luther King memorials along with several Smithsonian museums, the Arlington National Cemetery, the Capitol Building, the Holocaust Musuem, and the Spy Museum. At Arlington, four of the 8th grade students were even able to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a famous historic monument.

Mr. Dale, one of the group's chaperones, has made this trip with his 8th grade students several times. One of his favorite parts of this year's trip

The 8th grade humanities class gathers in front of a painting in the Capitol Rotunda.

was going into the Capitol Building, where he noted: “Regardless of political orientation or beliefs it is always cool to see congressional members in the flesh after seeing them on TV all the time. We always schedule the trip in the beginning of January, which is a busy time in Congress, so we always bump into or see someone working in Congress.” He also enjoyed seeing four of his students lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and “Seeing the students bond on and throughout the trip and the memories that are had as students move through upper school and out into the real world.”

The Winter Recital

As February arrives, the HHCA Fine Arts Department gets re put on one of the school’s most traditional and fun events: the Winter Recital. Every year, students that participate in Fine A have an opportunity to perform whichever song they choose, whether it be from a musical, an instrumental, or even an orig piece. Each year people come to the concert and come out am by the amount of talent in the student body. Come see the Wi Recital on February 11th in the PAC!

The Details

FEBRUARY 11TH, 7:00 PM

HHCA.ORG

HHCA FINE ARTS PAC

BY EMMA BERRY

RUBY CHAPMAN: 10TH CHAIR FLUTIST OF THE SCBDA

HHCA Freshman Ruby Chapman was named 10th chair flautist in the South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA) Region 4 Band. This is truly a remarkable accomplishment, as she was selected among a large public school region extending from our area to Charleston, including schools like Wando High School (4000 students). To be named 10th chair flute for Region 4 is a massive accomplishment.

Chapman says “It is an honor to be able to represent HHCA in this band. I wanted to give some credit to Mr. James Berry. He welcomed me warmly and encouraged me to do band. Also, Mrs. Kali Cooke, my instructor, has prepared me very well for the auditions and I appreciate her help. I want to thank Mrs. Cullen as well for driving us to the auditions. We couldn't have auditioned without her generous transportation.”

When discussing the event itself, Chapman says, “Students throughout the state of South Carolina all competed. I went against the ninth and tenth graders that tried out. We prepared etudes, auditioned, presented scales, and our knowledge of musical theory.”

Ruby wasn’t the only student from HHCA who auditioned. She also says, “It was an honor to be able to audition with Emma Berry and Sean Cullen. We were the only kids from a private school competing.”

Saturday Night Live band in New York City and will present a historic program tracing his musical roots from the Jenkins Orphanage Band of Charleston to today. This assembly performance is free and open to the public and will last about 30 minutes.

Do you feel rushed while eating lunch? So do a lot of students, especially those who have to walk from the trailers to the cafeteria and stand in line for either the microwave or the lunch line. On average, frozen meals take around 3-5 minutes to heat up, and home-cooked meals take around 1-2 minutes. This leaves some students less than the 20 minutes provided to eat their lunch. Others who have to walk from the trailers and wait in line lose around 5-7 minutes of their lunch, which does not give them ample time to munch on their lunch.

Students who are involved in clubs that meet during lunch have even less time to eat because of retrieving food, setting up, cleaning up, and engaging in club meetings. Taking into account factors, such as waiting in line, walking, and club meetings, on average, students only have 15.5 minutes to eat, which is not enough time to finish a full meal. We propose adding an extra 5 minutes which will make up for the time it takes for students to settle down and start eating. This time could be acquired by shortening e-10 or one of the 10-minute breaks in between classes. This would allow enough time for students to eat all of their lunch and it would give clubs more time to set/clean up.

WRITTEN BY JILLIAN CAMPANELLA

THROUGH THE EYES OF AN ISLANDER

Once a small independent town, Hilton Head is now a top 10 seaside vacation spot to many visitors. With its wonderful beaches and flourishing culture, it can be a wonderful hideaway or sanctuary to raise your family in. However, the town and developers have forgotten about their original vision on what a beautiful island should look like.

I write this article not as an expert in developing, or as a degree holder in botany, but as a native-born resident. Living here for 17 years, I have seen the island change in both positive and negative ways. However, I seek to expose the negative aspects of the development on the island that have occurred over the past five years.

Most students and teachers will agree that there is a steady progression of congestion in Hilton Head and Bluffton due to the influx of new residents and visitors that storm our beaches looking for a new beginning for their families. However, many members of our community have not considered the conditions that this process entails when we welcome the masses of visitors and newly committed transplants.

Currently on Hilton Head, Jonesville Road, off of Spanish Wells, is the new site of environmental destruction. Developers are planning to build 96 new homes on 29 acres, which will be called “Bailey’s Cove”. As I’ve stated, I do not have expertise in construction or developing, but I am certain that Jonesville and the island as a whole cannot sustain the people and moreover, the traffic, that the new homes will bring to this area. The once lush, maritime forests that surrounded the marshland have now been clear cut. Dirt and mud puddles are all that remains in this unsecure land ordinance. There is no protection for the tidal, salt marshlands.

Jonesville Road is not the only victim of overdevelopment. Currently, Folly Field is battling the town ordinance of a new seaside resort. Folly Field residents foster the same concerns as me. We know the road and the island cannot sustain this capitalist construction.

With the construction of home sites such as Bailey’s Cove off of Jonesville, we are bringing an average of four people per home to the area. With this, the children of these families are in need of education. Because of the influx of residents and children, schools have met their maximum capacity. So where do these children go to school? How can the schools hold and provide for all of them in a comfortable and yet productive way? Does the town or developers consider things such as roads, schools, water, air, quality of living? My bet is no. There is a bottom line, and money talks.

I am not saying that developers cannot make a profit, or that new people shouldn’t be allowed to live here. What I am saying is there are better ways to balance environmental protections, population services, and cumbersome traffic in order to foster a healthy island to live and grow on.

The island is beautiful as it is, but will it be when all that is left are houses upon houses, endless rivers of gray connecting us to our jobs, and constant bumper to bumper traffic whenever you leave your home? What will happen when there are more people than facilities to support the general population?

Once a small flourishing town, HHI could soon become a concrete jungle if we do not understand the current issues, address them, and speak up about them. And as South Carolinians or even visitors, do not ask the island what it can offer you. Ask yourself what positive and influential impacts you yourself have to offer.

For a brief overview on the current issue, read the island packet's recent article: https://www islandpacket com/news/local/article270850477.html

For a more in-depth and detailed understanding on the issue, read this article, presented by the Jonesville Preservation Society: https://www.jpshhi.org/action-plan

Maritime forests being replaced with tractors and piping

EAGLES VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAMS DEFEAT HILTON HEAD PREP DOLPHINS IN HIGHLY ANTICIPATED GAME

By Liam Reeves

On Friday, January 20th, the HHCA Varsity Basketball teams came out victorious against Hilton Head Prep. The Lady Eagles varsity team, whose game kicked off the night, defeated the Dolphins in a landslide victory. The final score came out to 65 to 32. With this win, the varsity girls continue their winning streak and stay on track to win their 5th state championship.

As for the boys team, it was certainly a much closer game. The game was very back-and-forth, with neither team able to gain a distinct lead until overtime, where the Eagles pulled away and secured their victory over the Dolphins. A victory that was greatly aided by freshman Harrison Skinner, who made six three point shots during the course of the game.

The Cage Cheers on Harrison Skinner as he shoots a free throw

Seniors dressed to dazzle for the annual Senior Recognition Ceremonies. The boys' recognition was held on Friday morning and the girls' ceremony followed both varsity basketball wins!

Girls/BoysState Girls/BoysState Girls/BoysState Palmetto Palmetto Palmetto

Written by Jillian Campanella and Emily Phillips

Hilton Head Christian Academy houses many opportunities for young women and men to develop their leadership skills, knowledge on citizenship, and experience in governmental procedures. To kick off the new year, many opportunities that explore these skills present themselves through the Palmetto Girls State and Palmetto Boys State.

Through these organizations, a handful of outstanding high school students are selected to join a week-long program that educates them in government systems, such as: political campaigns, elections, and the political process. Those selected can expand on their public communication, moral character, work experience, and political understandings, and interests.

Some important remarks include:

Location- Girls: Presbyterian College

Boys: Anderson University

Date- June 11th- June 17th

Costs- Girls: $50 registration fee + $40 for key to room

Boys: $100 for the registration fee + $20 for key to room

*The registration fee will not have to be paid until the selected Applications will open next Monday, February 6th, and are due February, 17th. With the applications, be prepared to answer a few questions concerning your former and current leadership positions, extracurricular activities, and why you would like to be a part of these programs. To acquire an application, see Mrs. Robinson.

Along with applications, students must attend an interview. They are expected to precede in March. Typically, the girls are interviewed by Mrs. Newton. As for the boys, they will be done by Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Robbins, and Mr. Smith.

That is the inside scoop and more information will be provided in the future!

To learn more, please visit these websites:

Palmetto Girls State: https://palmettogirlsstate.net/about/

Palmetto Boys State: https://palmettoboysstate.com/

HHCA's previous students nominated: Josephine Arraj, Caroline Yanker, and Eliza Rose Newton

HHCA's previous students nominated: Wells Sharp and Noah Kauffman

Recipes with Jill February Edition

Dark Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

1 c. Butter

5 oz. weight Unsweetened

Chocolate

1/4 c. Unsweetened Cocoa

Powder

2 c. Sugar

1 tbsp. Vanilla

3 whole Large Eggs

1 1/4 c. Flour

3/4 c. Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Chips

Powdered Sugar, For Sifting

Directions

1.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

This Valentine's Day, treat yourself to these ooey gooey brownies the lovely Josephine Arraj has shared with us. For all the chocolate lovers, they'll leave you bitter and sweet...mostly sweet.

Notes

When the brownies are warm, they will seem overly gooey/soft. As they cool, they will firm up. The recipe serves 16

The total time spent is 1 hour

2.) In a medium-large saucepan, melt the butter with the unsweetened chocolate over low heat, whisking occasionally until smooth and melted. Sprinkle in cocoa powder and whisk to combine. Remove the pan from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.

3.) Stir in sugar and vanilla until just combined.

4.) One at a time, stir in the eggs.

5.) Gently stir in the flour until halfway incorporated. Add the chocolate chips and stir just until combined.

6.) Pour batter (it will be very thick!) into a greased 8 x 8 or 9 x 13 baking pan. (Square pan will result in thicker brownies.) Spread to even out the top and place in the oven.

7.) Bake for 40 minutes, then check the brownies with a toothpick. If it is overly gooey/messy, return to the oven for 5 to 10 more minutes. (Just be careful not to burn the edges.)

8.) Allow to cool completely, then, sprinkle with powdered sugar and cut into small squares. The brownies are very rich!

What Blooms In February

Gabrielle Reis

First bloom the youthful primrose And violets of loyalty, it’s color purple as royalty

Then come the narcissus, in shades of white and yellow Colors to brighten the once gray days

The month of February is one of appreciation

A holiday known throughout the nation

Red roses, and chocolates, teddy bears follow

As the day of cupid is not meant to be hollow

It is a day for lovers, family, and friends, Afterwards the kindness should not end

As the winter cool fades

The spring warmth settles in As sun brighten our longer days

The moon leaves us with it’s shining rays

February begins and with it the winter soon fin

Sonnet 18

By: William Shakespeare

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date; Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimm'd; And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance or nature’s changing course untrimm'd; But thy eternal summer shall not fade, Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st, Nor shall death brag thou wand'rest in his shade, When in eternal lines to Time thou grow'st.

So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

Battle of the Books

BattleoftheBooks(BOB)isaclubofferedat HHCAthatincorporatesstudents’loveof readingwithsomefriendlycompetition.Atthe beginningoftheschoolyear,fifteenbooksare assigned.Allofthesebooksarefairgamefor questionsinthecompetition.Thecompetition washeldvirtuallyinJanuary,andbothHHCA's middleschoolandhighschoolteamsperformed excellently.Intheregionalcompetition,high schoolBOBplaced4thandmiddleschoolBOB placed2nd.Overall,bothmiddleandhigh schoolteamshadanamazingyear,andweare allexcitedtoseehownextyeargoes!

Teens for healthy Youth wants to spread this message to you

Across

2. How many points did Harry Skinner make in the game on January 20th?

5. Who was the Junior that was interviewed for Spirit Week?

7. Who did the basketball team beat on Friday, January 20th?

8. What treat was featured in the "Recipes with Jill" section?

Down

1. What type of marshlands does Hilton Head have?

3. What Middle School DC trip chaperone was interviewed?

4. What flower represents loyalty/devotion?

6. What place did HHCA take in this year's local Academic WorldQuest competition?

9. What did the 8th-grade students lay on the Tomb of the Unknown Solider?