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New Faculty Spotlight: Mr. Miller

November 21, 2024
By PCS Marketing Team

We are pleased to introduce our new band teacher, Mr. Matt Miller! Mr. Miller (second from the right in the family photo) earned his Music Education degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Matt's primary instrument is the trumpet, although he is trained on a wide variety of musical instruments. You may have heard Matt perform at our Veteran's Day Program.

Since graduating, Matt has been employed at Noteworthy Music, where he has several students who he continues to instruct. Matt heard about the band director from a posting that his mother saw, and he decided to apply. He wanted to be a teacher to inspire and lead students to do their best in everything they set their minds to. Matt expressed that he wishes to be a positive role model because, too often in our culture today, negative role models are highlighted more frequently than positive role models. When asked why he chose PCS, Matt replied, “I want to lead others to greatness and teaching is the best way I know how. I wanted the opportunity to help students, but also help this school develop a band program that will last.” 

This semester, Matt is laying the groundwork to launch one-on-one lessons next semester. These lessons would include instruction on various instruments, musicianship skills, and performance skills. He also hopes to have group rehearsals and possibly classroom instruction. Currently, Matt is working with the hand chime group this semester. Matt firmly believes that learning music is a worthwhile endeavor. He says, “Music is really cool, and you should consider getting involved in something if you have never before or haven't in a long time. Never listen to music at face value, dig deeper.” 

In his spare time, Matt is dedicated to training for a possible future in baseball. He is gifted and experienced in this area and feels he wants to be ready if God opens the door to that possibility. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He says he is extremely competitive and brings that passion to everything he does. 

While Matt's own experience was in a public school, since joining the staff at PCS he has noticed that things at a Christian school are different. “I could tell right away that this staff and student body is a family. Everyone looks after each other and wants to see others find success. I never had that experience in high school by any means.” We agree that PCS is a special place, Mr. Miller!  We are so glad to have you on staff and look forward to your investment in the students and music program at PCS!

New Faculty Spotlight: Miss Miller

August 26, 2024
By PCS Marketing Team

There's a new face in the kindergarten room, and it's our newest teacher, Miss Miller! We are very happy to have Miss Jenna Miller on staff this year. She is a recent graduate of Geneva College and holds a BA in Elementary Education and K-12 Special Education. She learned of the opportunity from friends who are on staff at PCS. 

Jenna wanted to be a teacher because she loves seeing children grow, discover God's creation around them, and be a light to other children. When we asked Jenna why she chose PCS she replied, “I wanted to work somewhere that I could glorify God in my teachings. I want to be able to tell my students about Jesus and His love for them! Also, having a staff who I know loves and lives for Jesus is amazing to have!” We are so happy to see that she sees the value in Christian education! 

Outside of PCS, Miss Miller enjoys travel, shopping, and doing activities outside, such as fishing. She also said that she already feels welcomed and loved at PCS. If you happen to see Miss Miller, introduce yourself and welcome her to the Warrior Family! 

New Faculty Spotlight: Mrs. Updegraff

August 19, 2024
By PCS Marketing Team

We want to offer a warm welcome to Hannah Updegraff, our new 4th grade teacher! Hannah will be teaching 4th grade Social Studies, Math, Spelling, and Bible along with 3rd grade Spelling and Social Studies. Hannah did her undergraduate at Geneva College where she obtained certification in Elementary Education (Pre-K through 4th grade) and Special Education (Pre-K through 8th grade). She has previously taught at Penn Christian Academy. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys gardening, cross-stitching, and baking pies (yum!). We are very happy to welcome her to the Warrior Family!

Hannah chose PCS because she wanted to serve the Lord in teaching and find a place closer to home where she could serve the students in the community. So far, Hannah has found PCS to be an encouraging environment rooted in sharing the love of Christ with others. She adds that “Everyone has been so helpful and inviting me into sharing the school community with them.” 

When asked how to advise a family considering sending their child to PCS, Hannah replied that,  “Students at PCS will be taught to be a warrior for Christ in every area; they will be strengthen in their Christian walk through the supportive network of teachers and staff and be encouraged to grow as a child of the King!.” 

 

New Staff Spotlight: Lydia

August 15, 2024
By PCS Marketing Team
Lydia is pictured above with her siblings, Sophia, Madeline, and Elizabeth and her parents, Miriam and Shawn Lowery

Lydia Lowery is one of the newest staff members to join the PCS Warrior Family. Lydia, a 2020 PCS alum, is our new Development Director. Lydia holds both an Associate's Degree in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor's Degree in Rhetoric and Writing from Lancaster Bible College. She is also employed by Portersville Presbyterian Church as their Youth Director. When not working, Lydia enjoys playing volleyball, reading, gardening, and spending time with her family and close friends. She is a busy young lady! 

Lydia is looking forward to making a difference at PCS. When asked why she chose this career path, Lydia commented, “I have a strong passion for Christian Education and cultivating a love for Christ in the hearts of students. I believe that investing in the future generation is one of the most valuable things we can do.”  She adds, “I wholeheartedly believe in the vision and mission of PCS. The teachers and staff poured so much into me as a student; I want to help preserve the legacy of PCS by investing my time and effort into it's mission as an adult.” 

Lydia would like prospective families to know that coming to PCS is like becoming a part of a family. “Your family will be loved and your students will be treated well. Private Christian education may be a sacrifice, but it is one worth making!” She would encourage anyone who is looking for ways to support the school, to contact her…she would love to talk!

We are looking forward to seeing Lydia make her mark at PCS as our Development Director! Welcome to the Warrior Family, Lydia!

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Well Done Warrior: Leah

May 28, 2024
By Mary Barnes

Leah has been at PCS for 14 years and is the last of the 9 children in her family to graduate from Portersville! Wow, what a legacy! In Leah's experience, the value of attending a Christian school is learning how to walk the Christian walk. She is grateful that she has had the opportunity to attend a school that is focused on Christ. “I know that I would not be who I am today if I went to any other school with any other focus,” Leah said. The most valuable lesson that she has learned is that your relationship with God is the most important. A meaningful verse to Leah in this season of life is Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. 

Leah says that she is going to miss the teachers, staff, and people the most from PCS, and that everyone has made such a big impact on her in one way or another. In the fall, Leah plans to attend a gap-year discipleship program through One Life Institute in Lancaster, PA. Leah's final words of wisdom for the younger students are, "For those that love having amazing grades, don't stress so hard about school that you forget to have fun!"

We wish you the best, Leah! Well Done, Warrior! 

Posted in Senior Spotlights

Well Done Warrior: Issy

May 19, 2024
By Mary Barnes

Issy has been at PCS a long time--since pre-school! She is the youngest of her siblings to have attended PCS. Issy said that a meaningful scripture verse is Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. Issy will be attending Thiel College and will play on their Women's Basketball team. We wish you the best, Issy, as you go forth and follow God's leading in your life. Well done, Warrior!

Posted in Senior Spotlights
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Well Done Warrior: Cavan

May 19, 2024
By Mary Barnes

Cavan has been at PCS for two years and has been involved in many activities during his time with us. He has been a member of the soccer, basketball, and men's volleyball teams. He can also often be found giving Mr. Chuck a hand when he needs it. Cavan said something he has really enjoyed at PCS is playing sports. He said that after graduation, he will miss the friends he has made here. His advice for younger students is, “Do what you can before you can't anymore.” After graduation, Cavan will be working for a family business, Graham and Sons, Inc. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you, Cavan! You will be missed! Well done, Warrior!

Posted in Senior Spotlights
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Well Done Warrior: Jackson

May 19, 2024
By Mary Barnes

Jackson is a member of the Class of 2024 who has been at PCS for his entire education. He values the Christian community and that the classes are taught with a Biblical worldview. One of his fond memories is playing “rotten egg” every week on the way to chapel. A meaningful verse to Jackson is Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

In the fall, Jackson will be attending Grove City College to major in education. We wish you well, Jackson! Well done, Warrior!

Posted in Senior Spotlights

Well Done Warrior: Caleb

May 19, 2024
By Mary Barnes

Caleb is another member of the Class of 2024 who has been at PCS since kindergarten. Caleb fondly remembers hanging out with friends, and playing basketball and soccer with his teammates over the past 12 years, and he will miss all the friends he has made. Caleb was asked what he valued about attending a Christian school. He replied, “I’ve really enjoyed being in a Christian school, being with great people who care about you, and who truly love the Lord! ”. He also said the most valuable thing he has learned at PCS is what he learned in Civics in Dr. Cost's class. A meaningful scripture to Caleb is Isaiah 41:10, Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Caleb's advice for younger students at PCS is, “Continue to put your faith and trust in the Lord and trust in him with all your heart, mind, and soul.” Great advice, Caleb!

In the fall, Caleb will be heading straight into the workforce, but hopes to take online courses somewhere towards a degree. We wish you the best, Caleb! Well dine, Warrior!

 

Posted in Senior Spotlights

Well Done Warrior: Kara

May 12, 2024
By Mary Barnes

Kara is a member of the Class of 2024 who has been at PCS for five years. She has been a member of the volleyball team and has also served as an officer for her class for the past two years. She is currently the class president. Kara said that her favorite memories from her time as a Warrior are: being a part of the volleyball team, the everyday joking around with her classmates, when she and her classmates played hide and seek in 10th grade for missions week, and the senior wilderness trip. Kara said that the thing she will miss the most about PCS is the community that exists within the school, and that what she values about attending a Christian school is “That scripture is integrated into everything that we are learning and the ability to share our faith openly”. Learning how to defend her faith is the most important thing that Kara believes she has learned in her Christian education. A meaningful scripture verse to Kara is 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 

In the fall, Kara is tentatively headed to Geneva College to study Business Management. We wish Kara the best as she says goodbye to PCS. Well done, Warrior!

Posted in Senior Spotlights

Well Done Warrior: Caydren

May 09, 2024
By Mary Barnes

Caydren has been at PCS since sixth grade. He has participated in athletics for the soccer and basketball teams. He has also served as a class officer and is a member of the National Honor Society. Caydren said that his favorite memories involve time with friends. He said that he will miss the teachers at PCS and that their influence is something he values about attending PCS. A meaningful passage of scripture to Caydren is Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭KJV “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.“

In the fall, Caydren will be attending Geneva College. We wish Caydren the best in his future plans…well done, Warrior!

Posted in Senior Spotlights
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Well Done Warrior: Macy

May 02, 2024
By Mary Barnes

Macy has been a member of the PCS Class of 2024 for 11 years. As she reflects on her time at PCS coming to a close, Macy said that she will miss laughing with her friends every day. Her favorite memories are of the senior wilderness trip, specifically the “spider cave”. She values the fact that at a Christian school she has been able to make good friends who are like minded. The most valuable thing she learned was to show Christ's love to everyone.  A meaningful verse to Macy is Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Macy's advice to younger students is to have fun and don't take things too seriously!

Macy will be taking a gap year after graduation and will then attend Charles Southern University. We wish Macy the best in her future endeavors! Well done, Warrior!

 

Posted in Senior Spotlights
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Well Done Warrior: Shon

April 30, 2024
By Mary Barnes

Shon has been a PCS Warrior since 10th grade. Shon said that when he moves on he will miss his friends at PCS. His favorite memories during his time here revolve around athletics. Shon was a member of the soccer and basketball teams. A meaningful scripture verse to Shon is Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Shon has been attending Vo Tech the past year and will be looking to attend a trade school in the fall for a program in automotive technology. We wish you the best, Shon! Well done, Warrior!

Posted in Senior Spotlights

Well Done Warrior: Matthew

April 30, 2024
By Mary Barnes

Matthew is another PCS Warrior who is getting ready to fly! He has been at PCS for six years and has been involved in athletics--soccer, basketball, and men's volleyball--as well as student leadership, serving as a class officer and in student government. Matthew is also an Eagle Scout and a member of the Lawrence County Sportsman Association.

There are many memories students make at PCS. When asked about his favorite memories, Matthew mentioned he is grateful that he met and was mentored by Cole Wilson, a former student. Matthew also mentioned that he is thankful that he was a part of getting the men's volleyball team started. When we asked Matthew what he will miss about PCS, he said he will miss the teachers and a few students in particular. Matthew had some words of wisdom for younger students. He said, “Have fun when you're younger, because when you are a senior, all you want to do is sleep.”

We like to hear what students value from their time at PCS. Matthew mentioned that he values the great environment at PCS.  Also, something valuable he learned at PCS is that “being right isn't the most important thing.” A scripture verse that is meaningful to Matthew right now is Revelation 3:19-21 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

In the fall Matthew is headed to Norwich University to study Computer and Electrical Engineering. Matthew, you will be missed! Well done, Warrior!

Posted in Senior Spotlights
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