TheCrest
Volume 3 Issue 4 March 2025
March 1, 2025
This Issue’s Topics
Senior Splashin’
Student Life
Nathan West, Staff Writer
Luke Williams, Editor
Model United Nations
Bailey Block, Staff Writer
Spiritual Life
Special Student Testimony Chapel Recap
Madison Moore
Athletics
Assembling: New Softball Team at HHCA
Michael Higgins, Staff Writer
HHCA Boys’ Basketball Season Comes to an End
Zac Panzarella, Staff Writer
Fine Arts
A Night to Remember: Winter Recital Shines with Stunning Performances and Heartfelt Farewells
Jetts Nelson, Staff Writer
Features & Announcements
Lucky Day
Sierra Moore
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Senior Splashin’
Nathan West
Staff Writer Luke Williams
Editor
In recent weeks, you may have heard the name “senior assassin” floating around. It may be said with excitement, or maybe even anger. Friends are stabbing each other in the back, friendships are getting rocky, even mentors have been asked to betray their students –but before we get into that, let’s get to the root of what senior assassin is.
Senior assassin is a game where students eliminate each other with water guns in order to work their way to victory. At the beginning of each round, each student is randomly assigned a target. Nobody knows who your target is except for yourself. Once you have been assigned a target, you will have until the end of the round to eliminate your target while avoiding being eliminated yourself. You can avoid being
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eliminated by wearing swimming goggles or floaties. However, there is one day in the round where goggles and floaties have no effect. “Purge day”.
What started out as a fun way for the class of 2025 to bond has turned into a cutthroat contest to win the grand $800 dollar prize. No line is too far for this senior class! Ending the second week of round 2, nearly three fourths of the seniors have been eliminated. All of this has not come easy. Many seniors have teamed up with others in order to advance themselves further into the game.
HHCA senior and future University of Kentucky student, Michael Higgins, was eliminated by his classmate Peyton Dobbs, and said, “Yaknow, if she waited outside my house for an hour and a half I think she deserved [moving on to the next round]”.
This game not only acts as a way for the class of 2025 to bond, but also allows for students to think outside of the box on ways to eliminate their targets. Many students have already gotten out, and at the time of writing this article, only about 15 remain; it just leaves one question: who will win the $800 dollar prize?
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Model United Nations
Bailey Block
Staff Writer
On Thursday, January 30th, Hilton Head Christian Academy took twelve students to the Model United Nations (MUN) Conference at Georgia Southern University. Model United Nations is an educational conference that mocks how a proper United Nations meeting works. The United Nations is an international organization of 193 member states dedicated to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights. This conference has different assemblies such as the General Assembly, Security Council, African Union, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Human Rights Council, and Commission on the Status of Women.
The General Assembly, as the name indicates, is the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative body of the United Nations. It’s made up of all 193 UN member states.
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During the General Assembly, we discussed pre-prepared resolutions to discuss worldwide issues, such as human trafficking, sent in by students and then voted on these resolutions. Along with the resolutions, two crises occurred during the conference and selected countries had to propose a solution to or give a speech about their opinion. Australia, Ellie and I’s country, was chosen to respond to the first crisis regarding the Panama Canal. We received an honorable mention for our response to the situation and were honored to be given that title.
Kendrick Vo also participated in Model United Nations as one of the twelve delegates from our school. He represented the country Guyana in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The goal of the Organization of Islamic Corporations is to strengthen cooperation and solidarity between member states to protect the rights and interests of the Islamic World. During the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s meetings, they were given four issues to tackle. They had to decide the order in which they would approach these issues. After choosing an order to approach the issues, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation worked together to create resolutions for these pressing issues.
Model United Nations is an excellent experience for
students to improve their public speaking, writing, problemsolving, and research skills. Participating in this conference has made me a better public speaker and helped me work under pressure. This conference allows students to understand the global community and issues that are prevalent in today’s society. Overall, this conference is an excellent opportunity for all types of students!
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Special Student Testimony Chapel Recap
Madison Moore
Staff Writer
On February 7th, Hilton Head Christian Academy had the privilege of witnessing peer testimonies in a special testimony chapel put on by Mr. Lucci. Students were able to witness high school speakers Faith Fowler, Mason Dobbs, and Jackie Hayes, each of whom individually shared their story of finding a relationship with Jesus.
When asked why he decided to bring students to the stage, Mr. Lucci provided us with the following: “...I wanted students to have a voice in chapel… I expect… that students will be able to realize there is more to every student here at HHCA. Every student has struggles, highs and lows, and [ultimately,] Christ in their lives.” This was certainly seen in the testimonies, which shared the everyday hardships that come with being a Christ-follower as well as the rewards
reaped by the persistent.
These difficulties faced are more of a commonality in our faith than we may think, which is why it is all the more important to share our experiences with one another (like this) and declare our faith to the world around us. When asked for advice on proclaiming our faith publicly, Mr. Lucci had this to say further: “...it all starts with… actions.. If we show what God can do in our lives, people start to follow.”
This chapel was a great opportunity to show the way Christ has changed and is changing the lives of our student body for His purposes. It acted as a charge, meant to encourage other student-led testimonies and faith-ownership to come, as well as God in our actions. March 1, 2025
March 1, 2025
Assembling: New Softball Team at HHCA
Zac Panzarella
Staff Writer
This spring, a renewed softball team is returning to HHCA after decades – this time to stay! In previous years, when HHCA had a softball program, the team was full of success, even garnering a state championship in 1994. For this new program, the new head coach is Julie Newlands, a coach who played softball at the division 1 level for Gardner-Webb college. The current team has 14 players listed on the roster, more than enough to keep the field competitive. While still new, this new team will face a competitive 14-game season with other local schools. The first game is currently slated to be March 7th at Trinity Collegiate, so if possible, make sure to support the team’s first-ever game! While the program is new, we hope to see softball succeed at HHCA and stay for years of success to come.
March 1, 2025
HHCA Boys’ Basketball Season Comes to an End
Michael Higgins
Staff Writer
The curtain has closed on another season of Hilton Head Christian Academy Boys’ Basketball. The Eagles finished this season with an overall record of 5-21, and a 2-8 record in SCISA 4A Region play. While the final outcome of the season was not what this team had hoped for at the beginning of the season, these players should still be recognized for their hard work and contributions all season long. Team leaders at the end of the season include sophomore Small Forward Ethan Foster, who averaged the most PPG, REB/G, and AST/G, with 14.0, 5.6, and 2.4, respectively; freshman Max Leroux, who averaged the highest FG%, shooting 47%; and lastly, sophomore Joseph Houpt, who led the Eagles in STL/G, with 1.3, and BLK/G, with 0.5. While the 2025 basketball season might be over for HHCA, be sure to check
out other spring sports that are happening in March, like soccer and baseball. March 1, 2025
March 1, 2025
A Night to Remember: Winter Recital Shines with Stunning Performances and Heartfelt
Farewells
Jetts Nelson
Staff Writer
The 2025 Winter Recital at HHCA was nothing short of spectacular as students took to the stage to showcase their incredible talents in a night filled with music, emotion, and celebration of the fine arts. From breathtaking vocal performances to beautifully executed instrumentals, the event left audiences in awe, solidifying the recital as a highlight of the school year.
One of the most memorable moments of the night was the performance by senior Audrey Atkins, who took her final bow on the HHCA stage with an emotional rendition of My
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Days from the new Broadway musical The Notebook. For Audrey, this was more than just a song it was a reflection of her own journey as she prepares for the next chapter of her life.
“I chose the song My Days from the new Broadway musical The Notebook. This song’s lyrics really resonated with me, especially as a senior," said Atkins. "The song follows a girl navigating where she is and where she is heading. She discovers the opportunity to create her own journey and succeed. As I go into the next phase of life in college, making choices and deciding my future is so important!”
The recital was filled with powerful moments like this, as students of all grades demonstrated their passion and dedication to the arts. From soulful solos to dynamic group numbers, the stage was alive with creativity and expression.
Audrey reflected on what this final performance meant to her, describing it as a “bittersweet” moment in her journey. “As a senior, having my last performance on the HHCA stage was so bittersweet! I had so much fun being able to use my God-given talents one last time, but will also miss this HHCA stage. HHCA has fostered my love for fine arts and vocal performance, and it was so bittersweet to say goodbye to something that means so much, while knowing how prepared
I am for the next chapter.”
Beyond her own performance, Audrey expressed immense pride in her fellow students, highlighting the joy of witnessing both experienced and new performers shine on stage. “Seeing my fellow students and friends perform on stage is such a proud moment. Each person showing their appreciation for the fine arts and expressing their talent uniquely is so cool to experience. Not only did I get to be there with my fellow seniors as we all had our final HHCA performances, I also got to see the future talent of HHCA fine arts. Watching my peers succeed in the Winter Recital is such a joy that I will miss in my next stage of life.”
The Winter Recital wasn’t just about individual talent it was a celebration of the entire HHCA fine arts community. “My favorite part about Winter Recital is getting to see everyone come out of their shell and express their unique talents,” Audrey shared. “It is such a cool opportunity for new and experienced performers. Not only do I enjoy being on stage and sharing a moment in the spotlight with others, I thoroughly enjoy seeing each person thrive while doing what they love most.”
As the final notes of the evening faded and the curtains closed, the Winter Recital left an undeniable mark on all who
attended. For the seniors, it was a night of nostalgia and gratitude, while for younger students, it was a glimpse into their own future on the HHCA stage. One thing was certain the spirit of the fine arts at HHCA continues to flourish, inspiring and uplifting all who take part.
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Lucky Day
Sierra Moore
Staff Writer
For years, St. Patrick’s Day has been known as the holiday to celebrate mischievous little green men, pots of gold, and everything Irish. It’s known for its whimsy, charm, and of course, trickery. However, the lesser-known side of the holiday is its origin. Where did these traditions and ideas originate from?
Saint Patrick– a real man who lived during the fifth century– is the patron saint of Ireland as well as its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and spread Christianity to its people. In the centuries following Patrick’s death, the mythology surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in the Irish culture; perhaps the most well-known legend of St. Patrick being that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the
shamrock*. The Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick, created to honor the saint, has been celebrated since the 10th century. It is held on March 17th, the day believed to have been the day of the saint’s passing.
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place not in Ireland, but in America, as History.com states: “More than a century later, homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York City on March 17, 1772 to honor the Irish patron saint. Enthusiasm for the St. Patrick's Day parades in New York City, Boston and other early American cities only grew from there”. These parades and the culture surrounding them grew in size later on due to the large wave of Irish immigrants entering America as a result of the Great Potato Famine. These people, free to express their culture and beliefs in this new country, did just that. Though at first other Americans were wary of these loud and unique new ways of merriment, eventually the love of shenanigans and shamrock green spread throughout the country in the form of celebrations for all on the day of March 17th, Saint Patrick’s Day.
*The Shamrock Analogy, while one of the most common analogies used to explain the concept of Trinity in a simple manner, is shown to be slightly inaccurate in properly explaining the persons of the Trinity and their connections. Though well intentioned, this connection of three in one can be better explained. If you are curious, try asking Mr. Spangler or Mr. Suddeth about it (this is something we have talked about previously in Bible class)!
Sources
1.
History.com Editors. (2019, March 5). History of St. Patrick’s Day. HISTORY; A&E Television Networks. https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/historyof-st-patricks-day
2.
stephoncovington19. (2021, January 6). Shamrocks, water, and other ways to not think about the trinity. East Campus FBCIT.
https://www.eastcampusfbcit.org/post/shamrocks-waterand-other-ways-to-not-think-about-the-trinity
MeetOurTeam
Eli Taylor Editor
Jackie Hayes Editor-In-Chief
Emma Berry
Photographer
Luke Williams Editor
Bailey Block
Staff Writer
Nyla Capers
Staff Writer
Carson Carpenito
Staff Writer
Nina DiFilippi
Photographer
Michael Higgins
Staff Writer
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Brody Mayles
Staff Writer
Madison Moore
Staff Writer
Sierra Moore
Staff Writer
Jetts Nelson
Staff Writer
Nic Panzarella
Staff Writer
Zac Panzarella
Staff Writer
Julia Reis
Staff Writer
Chris Nguyen
Staff Writer
Image & Graphic Credits
Cover: Travis Rupert
Nathan West Staff Writer
Luke Strebe
Staff Writer
Ivey Taylor
Staff Writer
Bailey Block, Canva, @hhcaeagles, Nathan West
“May the God of hope fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15: 13