The reminders of Christmas are everywhere. So much so that it is impossible to escape the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. Stores and many places of business have been decorated since the end of October; advertisements and commercials are constantly urging us to spend, spend, spend. Christmas music can be found readily as one scans the air waves across the radio dial. Around HCA students are diligently rehearsing for the annual programs we all enjoy. Thousands of homes are decked out with twinkling lights and lawn ornaments.

It can all be overwhelming, but I like it. Amid the frantic rush and pace of Christmas, it is still possible to experience the wonder and reverence of the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. No matter how much secular society attempts to adulterate the true meaning of the grandest birthday celebration in history, the message of Christmas still rings clear for the wise men and women who seek Him.

The compelling message of Christmas begins at the manger, but ends at an empty tomb. Don't make the mistake of lingering at the manger at the expense of missing the purpose of why the Holy Child was born. He came, not only to be the Savior of the world, but to become a personal Savior to all those who will claim the salvation the angels promised when they declared, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

Sadly, many people are aware that a baby was born in Bethlehem, but fail to recognize that Jesus is the only way and the only hope to Heaven. The Scriptures make it very clear that those who fail to accept Jesus as Savior will one day face Him as judge and will experience the wrath of God for eternity.

Receiving the gift of salvation is a simple but vital decision that even a child can make. One must first admit their sin and rebellion against God and then ask for the forgiveness of those sins, accepting what Christ did on the cross. God has promised that all those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Perhaps you have never received God's greatest gift, His Son. Step away from the manger and kneel at the cross.

Blessings,
Mr. Lopez

Barnes & Noble Poster Contest Winners

Barnes & Noble POSTER CONTEST Winners

Drama at HCA!

On November 19, 2011, Highlands Christian Academy was represented at the District 7 Florida High School Thespian Individual Events Festival. Taking 24 students who performed a total of two monologs, four duet acting scenes, one ensemble acting scene, one pantomime, three solos, and a duet musical number—our troupe at HCA came through it with awards and a day full of wonderful memories and challenges to keep improving dramatically!

The following students received “Superiors” and will go to the Florida State Thespian Festival in March: Gabriella Armor and Sofia Merced for a duet acting in Little Women (pictured); Marvyn Louis, Sasha Orrego, Osman Castro, Bethany Chapman, Gabriella Armor, and Bryce Ungerbuehler for a Pantomime called “Night at the Movies.”

These students received “Excellents” in their solos: Gabriella Armor singing “Alto’s Lament” from Broken Broadway; Brianna Bossle singing “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from Little Mermaid; and Amanda Heinrich singing “Last Midnight” from Into the Woods. Amanda will represent us at State with her solo!

Congratulations to everyone!

Drama Calendar

December 2 & 3, 2011—Junior Florida Thespian Festival in West Palm Beach

December 9 & 10, 2011—High School One Act Festival at Deerfield Beach High School

Junior Florida Thespian Festival in West Palm Beach

One Act – School Daze - 21 participated – we received an excellent!

Superior and Best of Show – Brooklyn Carey for Theatre Marketing
Excellent in Solo Musical: Jordan Thomfhorde
Excellent in Monolog: Madison Alexander
Excellent in Duet Musical: Bryanna Haye and Victoria Shephard
Excellent in Duet Acting: Christian Maugee & Kyle Lassen AND Bryanna Haye and Victoria Shephard
Excellent in Ensemble Acting: Jake Adams, Justin Ebenhack, Theresa Pierre Louise, Jennifer Mesagno, Cece Williams, and Nicole Coretti

Now that’s a Lot of Love!

Phenomenal results from
Operation Christmas Child

• 1,132 shoes boxes from Grace Baptist Church & HCA!

• WOW! 175 OF THESE SHOE BOXES CAME FROM ELEMENTARY!

• 7,014 total shoe boxes filled & packed (from our school, church, and community) and shipped to Atlanta – and then around the world!

A BIG THANKS to . . .

· HCA students and teachers for promoting Operation Christmas Child!
· HCA and Grace families for hours of volunteering.
· Coach Jim Good and 9th grade boys for loading all the cartons onto the 40-foot truck.
· Miss Julie Method and her students for helping to put the boxes together.
· Mr. Bill Canning for taking on the biggest day (Sunday) and working with the best crew
of students! (Over 3,000 boxes were processed on Sunday.)
· HCA Maintenance Crew for keeping the flow going!

Please continue to pray as these shoebox gifts are shipped to children
across the globe.

Sunday Singing!
THANKS to our K5 and 1st grade students who sang “Stronger” in the Sunday Service at Grace on November 20. Thanks to the wonderful parents for helping to make this happen!

Thanksgiving Feasting
2nd Grade Style!

Each year at HCA, our 2nd graders dress up as pilgrims and Indians for a Thanksgiving Feast with all the fixins! We are SO grateful to the 2nd grade parents for their enthusiasm in sending in and preparing the food. Our goal is to teach students the traditions of this American holiday as they eat and laugh together and thank God for all He’s given us. Using intentional leftovers, we are able to also share our blessings with local families needing a special meal and a bit of encouragement! Extra thanks to 2nd grade room moms, Christina Champion and Kathleen Steinkamp for being our TRUE FEAST HEROES!

Congratulations November Students of the Month!

Mrs. Meriwether’s Class— Noah Thibeault
Mrs. Scriver’s Class— Kamiya Gonder
Miss North’s Class— Kristen Mohommed
Miss Lystad’s Class—Gustavo Silva
Mrs. Valdes’ Class — Lauren Barry
Mrs. Brisco’s Class— Bianca Francis
Mrs. Wingenroth’s Class— Nicholas Veynovich
Mrs. Jhagru’s Class— Jenna Gauthier
Miss Redman’s Class— Jolyn Forney
Mr. Adair’s Class— Chanz Miller
Mrs. Johnson’s Class— Kyle Calvet

Don’t Miss It! Our Christmas Musical,
Camel Lot

Reminder—on December 13 at 7:00 pm our first through fifth graders will be performing a Christmas musical called Camel Lot. Mark your calendars now for this memorable Christmas event at Highlands Christian Academy. This musical is full of energy, wonderfully written music, great choreography, and a valuable lesson about remembering Jesus, the real reason for Christmas!

Snack Shack - We are looking for someone to take over the managing of the Snack Shack. This person would need to man it (with student help provided) 1.5 hours daily and shop for supplies. We would like to say a “big thank you” to Mrs. Kathleen Steinkamp for taking care of the Snack Shack during this first semester. We would like to congratulate her as she goes home to have her baby that is due on Dec. 7th.

December Calendar