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PCA's Seven Student-Athletes on Signing Day

On February 3, 2016, Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) honored seven student athletes who signed Letters of Intent to play sports at the collegiate level. “I am proud of these seven student athletes that we are honoring here today,” said PCA’s Athletic Director, Chris Cunningham. “They are not only athletically talented, but they have hearts for the Lord, and we are excited to see them represent Prestonwood Christian Academy at these seven fine universities next year.”

Senior sprinter Jaevin Reed signed to join Texas A&M University’s track and field program next year.  Last spring, Reed won gold State Champion medals in the 200m and the 400m in addition to gold for her anchor leg in the 4x100 relay.  She holds multiple school and TAPPS State records and has been named All-District and All-State.

Senior pitcher and third baseman Jacob Salim signed with George Washington University to play baseball in 2016.  Salim transferred back to PCA for his senior year from IMG Academy in Florida where he led his team in hitting last fall. He was selected to the Perfect Game All Tournament Team in Florida last summer.

Senior Ryan Bradberry signed to play football next year at Augustana University. Bradberry was captain for the State Championship-winning PCA team this season doing double-duty at both outside and inside linebacker.

Senior Deonte Williams signed today to play football at Baylor University.  Williams is a four-year starter, and was named first team All-District and first team All-State at linebacker.

Senior Collin Whitaker signed to play football at Rice University in 2016. Collin is a four-year varsity letterman and a three-year starter. He was named first team All-District and first team All-State both at cornerback on defense and at running back on offense.

Senior Tyreece Rivers signed today to play football at Oklahoma State University.  Tyreece is a two-year starter at left guard and was named All-District.

Senior Will Jones signed to play football for the United States Naval Academy in 2016.  This team captain is a three-year starter, three-year All-State honoree and first team All-State Defensive lineman. 

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th grade) and PCAplus Virtual Academy.  The school has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. In addition to PCA’s spiritual development plan, the school promotes a rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. Interested families are encouraged to schedule a Thursday tour by visiting www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions or calling 972.798.6780.

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Interested in what makes Prestonwood Christian Academy unique? Join us for an upcoming Breakfast Preview at one of our two campuses where you will hear from PCA's Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor and learn how PCA seamlessly integrates the rigor of learning with an intentional biblical worldview for students in Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade at the Plano campus and Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 6th grade at the North campus.

PCA North Breakfast Preview

Jan. 15 at 9:00 a.m.

1001 W. Prosper Trail

Prosper, TX 75078

 

PCA Plano Breakfast Preview

Jan. 22 at 8:30 a.m.

6801 W. Park Blvd.

Plano, TX 75093

 

Please register here to attend the either event. It would be an honor to have you join us!

 

Check out this video for a glimpse of life at PCA Plano from the eyes of current students, parents and staff!

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PCA Seniors unveil the Divine Servant statue in Joshua Plaza.

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) celebrated the opening of a new 18,000-square foot building on its Plano campus today with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The $5.7 million Student Life Center (SLC) will serve as the Chapel and cafeteria for more than 600 seventh through twelfth grade students.

“The new Student Life Center is a place on campus not just where young men and women will study and eat,” said PCA’s Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor. “But it is a place of community – where students and teachers create bonds with each other over meals, study the Bible together and grow to know the Lord.  It is a place where our students will do life together.”

More than 700 students, parents, faculty, Board members and pastors filled the new SLC as PCA and Prestonwood Baptist Church dignitaries cut a ribbon prior to the Upper School’s weekly Chapel service which included student-led worship music and testimonies. The Student Life Center is situated between PCA’s Upper School and the Prestonwood Lake, where the cross from the original Prestonwood Baptist Church is in view from inside.

Prior to the opening of the Student Life Center, Dr. Taylor was joined by Pastor Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church in dedicating the adjoining Joshua Plaza, a courtyard that will serve as a special gathering place to meditate, read and give thanks to God. A school marker, the much-acclaimed Divine Servant statue of Jesus washing the feet of the Apostle Peter, anchors the 5,000-square foot plaza reminding all to have a servant’s heart.

“Joshua Plaza represents PCA’s acknowledgement that God has established this school for the purpose of Kingdom education,” said Dr. Taylor. “And the statue exemplifies PCA’s goal of producing disciples of Jesus Christ!”

The new SLC and Joshua Plaza were enhanced by gifts from the Class of 2014, Class of 2015, and by the Board of Trustees who donated the Divine Servant statue in honor of Dr. Taylor’s 15th anniversary as PCA’s Head of School.

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th grade) and PCAplus Virtual Academy.  The school has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. In addition to PCA’s spiritual development plan, the school promotes a rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. Interested families are invited to an upcoming Preview or to take a Thursday tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions for more information!

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Prestonwood Christian Academy's Prosper Campus, PCA North, invites you to a Breakfast Preview on Jan. 15, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. In addition to meeting PCA's Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor, and PCA North's Principal, Mrs. Donna Leadford, attendees will learn about PCA North's Kingdom education model which places importance on the growth of students' spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors. It would be an honor to host you as you search for the perfect educational fit for your family!

To register for the PCA North Breakfast Preview, please click here and reserve your spot!

PCA North is located at 1001 W. Prosper Trail in Prosper, TX 75078 inside of Prestonwood Baptist Church North Campus. Check out this video for a glimpse of life at PCA North!

 

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PCA Plano Dessert Preview Invite

Interested in what makes Prestonwood Christian Academy unique? Join us for dessert and hear from PCA's Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor, on Nov. 19 at 7:00 p.m.  You'll learn how the school seamlessly integrates the rigor of learning with an intentional biblical worldview for students in Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade. Please register here to attend the event. It would be an honor to have you join us!

 

Check out this video for a glimpse of life at PCA Plano from the eyes of current students, parents and staff!

 

PCA Plano Dessert Preview

Thursday, Nov. 19, 7:00 p.m.

Prestonwood Christian Academy Leadership Center

6801 W. Park Blvd.

Plano, TX  75093

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Today Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) honored seven student athletes who signed Letters of Intent to play sports at the collegiate level.

“I am incredibly proud of the seven students who signed today to play at seven high-caliber collegiate athletic programs,” said PCA’s Athletic Director, Chris Cunningham. “What impresses me more than their outstanding athletic talent, though, is their heart for the Lord. I know they are going to make a positive difference at these universities in more ways than just in their respective sports.”

Senior center Schnider Herard, of McKinney, signed to play men’s basketball at Mississippi State University next year.  As a PCA Lion, Herard has won two TAPPS Division I State Championships and was named MVP of last year’s State Tournament. Last season, Herard averaged 16 points per game, 10.5 rebounds per game and three blocks per game.  The Dallas Morning News named Herard to the Second Team All Area last season, and he is currently the 43rd ranked player in the country as well as being the fifth ranked center.  ESPN ranks him the 67th player in the country.

Senior Courtney Dow, who hails from Frisco, signed with Texas A&M University to play golf in 2016.  Dow is a member of the 2015 Rolex All American Team and is the #1 ranked player in the State of Texas (eighth ranked nationally) among all junior golfers per Junior Golf Scoreboard, which also ranks Dow as the sixth ranked player in the class of 2016 nationally. She is a seven-time USGA Championship Qualifier (five U.S. Girls’ Juniors, one U.S. Women’s Amateur and one U.S. Women’s Amateur 4-Ball), and five-time match play qualifier, including four top 20 finishes. Dow was selected by USGA as a member of the 2015 U.S. Junior Girls National Team to participate in the World Junior Girls’ Championship. Named by Golfweek Magazine as one of the Top 10 national recruits for the Class of 2016, Dow is a five-time American Junior Golf Association winner. She was the youngest ever 2012 Texas State Junior Champion and is a three-time TAPPS 5A individual State Champion including shooting the lowest score ever at the state tournament (67).

Senior Hanna Harrison, of Plano, signed to play women’s golf next year at Dallas Baptist University. Harrison has 11 total wins, including a win at the 54th Annual Jesuit DALLAS Invitational at Brookhaven and the 2015 Falcon Invitational. She is a three-time member of the TAPPS 5A All State Team. Junior Golf Scoreboard ranks Harrison 492nd overall, 55th in Texas, and she is ranked 20th in the class of 2016 in Texas.

Senior Sean Wilcox, who hails from Frisco, signed to play golf at the University of Tennessee.  Wilcox has played in 187 golf tournaments with 38 wins since starting at age eight. In 2013, he was named TAPPS All District, All Regional and All State. In 2014, he was named TAPPS All District and All State. In 2015 Wilcox was named TAPPS All District, All Regional and All State, and he was a member of the 2015 TAPPS Team State Championship Team in addition to being the 2015 TAPPS Individual State Champion. Wilcox has played in four U.S. Kids Golf World Championships, one European Golf Championship, and he is a three-time Dallas U.S. Kids Player of the Year. Wilcox earned a position in the European Ryder Cup and represented the United States with a second place finish. Wilcox was chosen to play in the Texas Jackie Burk Cup, is a two-time player in the Texas Invitational Cup and has played 15 American Junior Golf tournaments with three top 10 finishes and four top 20 finishes. In 2014, Jack and Barbra Nicklaus and the American Junior Golf Association recognized Wilcox as the top fundraiser for Jack Nicklaus Children Healthcare Foundation “Playing for the Future.

Senior infielder Ryan Cash, from Plano, signed to play baseball at Oklahoma State University in 2016. As a freshman, Cash was named Second Team All District. As a sophomore, he was named First Team All District, First Team All State, District Offensive Player of the Year, and he won the team’s Offensive MVP award. Last season, Cash was named First Team All District, First Team All State, District Defensive Player of the Year and won the team’s Defensive MVP award.  Cash was also named Lay Witnesses for Christ Christian Athlete of the Year.

Senior pitcher Jonathan Heasley, of Dallas, signed today to play baseball at Oklahoma State University.  As a freshman, Heasley was named Second Team All District. As a sophomore, he was named First Team All District and Second Team All State. Last season, Heasley was named First Team All District, First Team All State and was named the Team MVP.  Heasley was selected to the All Area Code Team last summer.

Senior shortstop Joshua Salim, who hails from Dallas, signed to play baseball for Ouachita Baptist University in 2016.  He earned Second Team All-District honors for the past two seasons and was the school’s Heart of a Lion award winner last year. 

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th grade) and PCAplus Virtual Academy.  The school has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. In addition to PCA’s spiritual development plan, the school promotes a rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. Interested families are invited a PCA Dessert Preview on Nov. 19, at 7:00 p.m. in the Leadership Center, 6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano 75093.  Online reservations and childcare are required at www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions.  Families may also call 972.798.6780 to schedule a Thursday tour.

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Each fall, Prestonwood Christian Academy hosts the Biblical Worldview Institute; two half-days of training covering important cultural issues. This year’s institute is on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 8:00-11:30 a.m. and Friday, Nov. 13, from 8:00 -11:30 a.m in the Prestonwood Baptist Church* Worship Center.  The theme is “Authority: Who Are You Listening To?” which will challenge students, parents and faculty to understand what is at stake in the battle for religious liberty. Speakers this year include:

  • Dr. Jim Denison, Founder of Denison Forum on Truth and Culture
  • Dr. D. Michael Lindsay, President of Gordon College
  • Christopher Corbett, Vice President of Strategic Communication at Liberty Institute
  • Carly Gammill, Esq., Sr. Litigation Counsel with American Center for Law and Justice
  • Rep. Scott Turner, Texas State Representative, Dist. 33
  • Lily Isaacs, Author of You Don’t Cry Out Loud
  • Kris Paronto, member of CIA annex security team in U.S. Special Mission in Benghazi on 9/11/12
  • Dr. Greg Thornbury, President of The King’s College
  • Phil Cooke, Author of Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media
  • Johnnie Moore, Author of Defying ISIS: Preserving Christianity in the Place of Its Birth and in Your Own Backyard
  • AXIS Live Event – two men, two women, all Millennials

All student attendees are also invited to the Christian College Fair on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the Prestonwood Baptist Church atrium.

More than 1,500 students and parents from schools throughout Texas are expected to attend. The public is also welcome, and can register at www.prestonwoodchristian.org/bwiconference or pay at the door. Cost is $7 per person and includes both days!

One of the most distinctive elements of Prestonwood Christian Academy is the school’s intentional focus on developing a biblical worldview.  These efforts in developing a biblical worldview are not limited to the students, but also extend to faculty and parents as well.  PCA is intentional about making sure students, staff and parents are given opportunities to engage in the hard thinking necessary to learn how to think critically and Christianly about the world around them.

 

**Prestonwood Baptist Church is located at 6801 W. Park Blvd. Plano, TX 75093.

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Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) announced that after an extensive search, Mrs. Barbara Brown will join its staff on Dec. 7, 2015, as the school’s new Senior Director of Technology. In this role, Mrs. Brown will be responsible for executing and maintaining the school's technology plan, chairing the school’s Technology Steering Committee, and overseeing the Technology Support staff and Instructional Technology staff by developing staff training programs.

 “I am delighted to welcome Mrs. Barbara Brown to PCA in such a critical role,” said Dr. Larry Taylor, PCA’s Head of School.  “I look forward to seeing how God will lead us to a new level of excellence as we continue to do all things for His glory.”

Mrs. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Education, Education Leadership from Texas Women’s University. She has spent the past 30 years at Lewisville Independent School District (LISD), where her service most recently includes Executive Director of Digital Learning. Prior positions include Chief Technology Officer and Executive Director of Technology.

Prestonwood Christian Academy’s Technology Program is designed to engage students in learning so that they reach their God-given potential. In 2013, PCA rolled out its Apple® for Everyone program which provides students in grades one through six with a personal Apple iPad®, while students in grades seven through 12 are provided a personal Apple MacBook Air®. Students in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten have access to shared iPad devices in their classrooms. PCA uses the Blackboard Learning Management System to support teaching and learning with mobile devices.

“I believe that the PCA technology program is a model for the nation,” said Mrs. Brown. “My vision is that the seamless integration of technology will have a transformative impact on student learning and engagement.”           

During her tenure at LISD, Mrs. Brown earned many accolades and awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award for Technology in Education from the Texas Computer Education Association in 2013. Other awards and accomplishments include:

  • Directed the largest rollout of Apple devices in the State of Texas; more than 40,000 students in LISD have a personal device to assist them in their learning, engagement and creativity.
  • Received the Apple Distinguished Program Award 2014-16
  • More than 20 years of professional experience in instructional technology.
  • More than ten years of professional experience in educational technology technical services and infrastructure
  • Certified Leadership Coach and speaker with the John Maxwell Team.

Mrs. Brown and her husband, Fred, have two grown children and two grandchildren, and they are long-time members of Prestonwood Baptist Church.

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,500 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th grade) and PCAplus Virtual Academy.  The school has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. In addition to PCA’s spiritual development plan, the school promotes a rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. Interested families are invited to an upcoming Preview or to take a Thursday tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions for more information!

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Special Olympics PCA seniors volunteered with Special Olympics at USA Bowl.

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) sent more than 800 students and faculty members out across the Metroplex on Nov. 5, to serve during the 13th annual PCA Service Day.

“PCA Service Day is one of the highlights of our fall as our seventh through twelfth graders and faculty members serve others across our North Texas community,” said Dr. Larry Taylor, PCA Head of School. “When we serve we are honoring what our Lord challenged His disciples to do after He washed their feet. He told them, ‘I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.’ We want our students to understand that the community, and the world, is a classroom opportunity to learn, serve and invest into others.”

The more than 800 students and faculty members served multiple communities in a myriad of ways. Service projects included:

  • Organizing, cleaning and stocking shelves at two MetroCrest Servivces locations in Farmers Branch
  • Assisting and cheering during a Special Olympics event at USA Bowl in Dallas
  • Assisting teachers in classrooms and on playgrounds at schools including Crossover Mi Escuelita Preschool, Good Shepherd Mi Escuelita Preschool, St. Phillips HeadStart Preschool, Cockrell Hill Mi Escuelita and Sunnyview Headstart Preschool all of Dallas, as well as at Mendenhall Elementary in Plano
  • Organizing donations and cleaning at Union Gospel Mission Thrift Shop in Irving
  • Assisting with preparation of and serving lunch at Union Gospel Mission Men’s Shelter in Dallas
  • Cleaning kitchen, preparing and serving lunch at the Dallas Life Foundation in Dallas
  • Playing games, doing crafts and visiting with elderly residents at Autumn Leaves and Prestonwood Court in Plano
  • Sorting, pairing and boxing shoes at Buckner Shoe Warehouse (Shoes for Orphan Soles) in Mesquite
  • Sorting clothes and cleaning the store at Grace Bridge in Celina
  • Volunteering at H.I.S. BridgeBuilders in South Dallas
  • Sorting and stocking shelves at God’s Food Pantry in Plano
  • Sorting and boxing food at North Texas Food Bank in Dallas
  • Stocking shelves and putting together food boxes for Thanksgiving at Frisco Family Services in Frisco
  • Visiting with residents and making a craft with them at CC Young Memorial Home in Dallas

PCA student, senior Jaevin Reed has participated in four PCA Service Days, and it is a day to which she always looks forward. “Whenever I’m serving someone else, my heart is so happy,” said Reed. “Serving shows me that God is so much bigger and it helps me not be self-centered.”

Serving others is one of the core values at Prestonwood Christian Academy, and in addition to today’s day of service, the Upper School also participates in “Minimester” during a week in the spring when students choose to go on mission trips locally, nationally or abroad. These events have created a culture of servant hearts among the student body. “I think PCA Service Day gives us perspective and good experience in working with people whom you normally don’t see often,” said senior Emily Cassil, whose grandfather was at Prestonwood Court where she was volunteering. “As Christians, we are called to go out into the community to serve. It’s important to live out our faith, which is why PCA takes time out of the school year to learn how to serve.”

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,600 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th grade) and PCAplus Virtual Academy.  The school has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. In addition to PCA’s spiritual development plan, the school promotes a rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. Interested families are invited to the PCA Dessert Preview on Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Leadership Center, 6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano 75093.  Online reservations and childcare are required at www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions.  Families may also call 972.9304010 to schedule a Thursday tour.

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PCA Center Schnider Herard and Family PCA senior basketball player, Schnider Herard proudly wears the jersey of his selected future college, Mississippi State!

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) Senior Center Schnider Herard announced today that he plans to attend Mississippi State University where he will play basketball. His top four schools were Kansas, Mississippi State, Purdue and Texas Tech, and he had received more than 35 scholarship offers from Division One schools.

 “I really believe the coaching staff at Mississippi State is going to do a great job with Schinder,” said Chris Lovell, PCA’s Varsity Boys Basketball Coach.  “He is going to be able to impact their program right away and chase after his dreams all while honoring his Lord.”

Herard has been a First Team All District and First Team All State selection for the past two seasons and was named MVP of the TAPPS 5A State Tournament in 2015.  

In his previous two years at Prestonwood Christian Academy, Herard led the Lions to a 66-8 record, two TAPPS District 1-5A Championships and two TAPPS 5A State Championships. Herard’s averages from 2014-15 were 16 points per game, 10.5 rebounds per game and three blocks per game. The Dallas Morning News named him Second Team All Area last season.  

“I thank God for the talent he’s given me and for all the schools that recruited me,” said Herard. “Mississippi State was ultimately the best choice for me because not only will I get to play right away, but I’m looking forward to playing for Coach Howland. Everyone knows that his teams have been to the Final Four, and I think he will help me to be my best.”

The Prestonwood Christian Academy Varsity boys basketball team has won the past four TAPPS District 1-5A State Championships, and hopes to add a fifth banner to their rafters this year.

Prestonwood Christian Academy has more than 1,500 students enrolled at three campuses: Plano (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 12th grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-Kindergarten 3 through 5th grade) and PCAplus Virtual Academy.  The school has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. In addition to PCA’s spiritual development plan, the school promotes a rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. PCA is currently accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. Interested families are invited to an upcoming Preview or to take a Thursday tour of either campus. Please visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions for more information!