Lions Pride March Newsletter
Dear HCA Family,
Can you believe it? We are already entering the last quarter of the 2022-2023 school year. One last quarter to make it count. It’s so easy to think we can just slide down the hill now and not pedal; however, the opposite is true. We need to press harder to finish strong, complete what we started, and reach out to God when we are beyond tired. Please join me to continue to ask God for guidance and wisdom.
We are in the middle of securing an updated permit, paperwork is moving now, as the plans for the first phase are being finalized. The first phase includes: redoing the parking lot, with land clearing for additional parking, additional classrooms, and a pavilion. As soon as we are set with the contractor and engineer to move forward, I’ll be sharing more information. I’ll also share the different phases that will take us into the next several years looking into the future.
What wonderful things God is doing at HCA, far above what was anticipated this year. Yes, we have had some bumps in the road like every year; however, we can see God’s hand in everything, guiding us and teaching us along the way. His ways are always perfect and far better than any plan we can make on our own.
When I allow God to drive, and believe me I like to drive and be in control, I feel less pressure. In the end, don’t we all want to give the wheel to God. Afterall, He has the map, and He loves us more than anything and He will never steer us wrong.
“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3 (NIV)
God Bless!
March Athletics
The weather is warming, pollen is in the air, sounds of spring birds are chirping. It must mean the start of the baseball and softball season. There have been a lot of crimes in the area; stealing bases, vandalism of baseballs and softballs, breaking in gloves, and cattle rustling in the bull pins. Ms. Amy Samson has begun to learn how to wrestle alligators. (Ask her about it) Please plan to come out and support your spring ball teams.
Coach Smith and her coaching staff have been busy preparing the Lady Lions Softball team for a successful season. The team is young, but highly competitive. Make sure you come out to the back of the school in a most picturesque setting and watch the softball team try and steamroll their competition.
The varsity men's baseball team, piloted by Coach Mikkola, are looking to strike down their competition. Seniors Ethan Higgins, Matthew Biel, and Sam Sanchez are looking to lead the team to the top of the list. The men have been busy gearing up for the season.
You never know what you will see at a middle school baseball game. You may even see coach Kahler standing near first base fearlessly knocking down foul balls. The young men are trying their best to grow into playing at a larger field. The team has been busy practicing with high hopes of a successful season.
The athletic department would like to thank all the volunteers, staff, and many people that make it possible to put together the sports programs at HCA. We could not do it without you. Please get involved and let's improve our athletic community together.
Softball Update
Coach Diane Smith
The Lady Lions softball team got their season started this week with two convincing wins over First Academy of Leesburg. The Lady Lions are a young team this year, but a mighty one. The team has seen much growth and improvement over the years and this year that trend seems to be continuing. Our girls are showing stellar defense in the field and explosive bats at the plate. With a total of 35 runs scored in the first two games combined and allowing only two runs against them, the Lions' offense appears to be the most high-powered it has been in recent years. In these first two games three players have hit home runs; Kaylana Lyons, Addy Slocum, and Rae Easton. With the addition of new players KD Carter (pitcher, 2B) and Katelynn Blethen (catcher, 2B) the Lions have been able to fill skill positions that were vacated by seniors that graduated last year. With such a young team already loaded with talent, our girls are expecting a very successful season and an opportunity to build on that success in the years to come!
The Lady Lions roster consists of the following players: Breely Miller (captain, 11th), Holly Robitaille (captain, 10th), Rae Easton (captain, 8th), Kaylana Lyons (9th), KD Carter (9th), Katelynn Blethen (9th), Maria Bozman (9th), Sarah Matthews (9th), Layla Miller (8th), Rachel Hendricks (7th), Addisyn Slocum (7th), and Angie Isner (7th). The Lady Lions also welcome three new assistant coaches this season. They are Coach Nick Miller, Coach Gregg Robitaille, and HCA Softball Alumni Coach Rebecca McCall.
It's going to be a great season! GO LIONS!!
Elementary News
Some exciting things happening in Elementary! For science class, Mrs. McFarland’s first grade class made igloos. Looks like fun while learning!
Secondary News
HCA High School Science Fair
On Friday, February 17, 2023, HCA held a science fair. All of the students did such a great job! Congratulations to our winners!
Overall winners
1st place - Dylan Jackson
2nd place - Elle Szymanski
3rd place - Augustus Rich
Biology
1st place - Dylan Jackson
2nd place - Evan Smith
3rd place - Marya Shuayb
Physical Science
1st place - Madison Ashton
Chemistry
1st place - Elle Szymanski
2nd place - Augustus Rich
3rd place - Samantha McCall
Middle School Dance
There will be a Middle School Dance at HCA which will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. in the HCA Gymnasium. Permissions slips need to be signed and turned in to attend. Please see Ms. Evie in the Secondary office for a form. The cost to attend is $10.00. Volunteers are needed for decorations and set-up on Friday, March 17, 2023. Click on the link to sign up. Thank you. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48AEAF2DA6FAC61-middle
Students at HCA
This year the Pasco County Fair was held on Monday, February 20, 2023 through Sunday,
February 26, 2023 in Dade City, Florida. We would like to highlight two students that participated in the fair.
Eighth Grader, Camdyn Twardosky submitted two photos into the youth photography competition for ages 12-13 at the Pasco County Fair in Dade City, FL at the end of February. His pictures won the Florida Award for best photos depicting life in Florida. He won a cash prize for his work. Camdyn loves photography and his favorite subject to photograph is nature. Great job!
Junior, Payton Meyers, showed a steer at the Pasco County Fair. This is her seventh year! This year her 1,430 lb. steer named “Bubba,” placed 2nd in his class. He was placed as Heavyweight Reserve. Way to go Payton!
Fundraisers
Our popular fundraiser is back again! Support our Class of 2024!
We are having a Krispy Kreme Fundraiser! The fundraiser will run from Monday, March 13, 2023 – Tuesday, March 28, 2023 and orders will be delivered on Friday, March 31, 2023. Find one of our Junior’s and order a box or two of the original glazed doughnuts. Each box is $13.00 and we will receive half of the cost per box. Please note, the students need to collect the money at the time of order. Cash or a check. If writing a check, make it payable to HCA and in the memo section write Krispy Kreme Fundraiser c/o 2024. Thank you in advance for your support!
Admissions
Enrollment this year has gone well! We feel blessed about what the next year entails for HCA! The following classes are full and are closed for enrollment: preschool, 1st, 2nd, 4th and 7th grades. Many open classes are very close to closing.
Looking Ahead
Friday, March 3, 2023 Noon Dismissal
End of Q3
Monday, March 6 – Friday, March 10, 2023 Spring Break
No School
Thursday, March 16, 2023 Spring Pictures
8:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, 2023 Middle School Dance
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
HCA Gymnasium
Monday, March 20 – Friday, March 31, 2023 Spring Map Assessment Testing
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Noon Dismissal