Mondays with Mike: Emerging Middle School Leaders

Our Middle School students at Portsmouth Christian Academy exemplify what it means to be scholars, athletes, artists, and leaders. They’re not just growing in their studies—they’re growing in character, faith, and the ability to serve others. Listen in to hear how our students are embracing challenges, balancing commitments, and pursuing excellence with a Christ-centered mindset.

Four Expanded Takeaways:

1. Character Development in Action: Our Middle School students demonstrate qualities like humility, respect, and perseverance. They’re not just learning about these values in class—they’re living them out. James mentioned his goal to grow in humility and respect, striving to be more like Jesus, while Lily highlighted her dedication to developing leadership skills by being a positive influence on her peers. PCA’s Middle School environment fosters these attributes, preparing students to be compassionate, Christ-centered leaders.
2. Balancing Excellence and Involvement: Our students actively participate in multiple areas, from academics to athletics and the arts. Lily manages her time between volleyball, theater, and academics, while Lawson balances his passion for sports with his commitment to his studies. This juggling act teaches them responsibility, time management, and prioritization—essential life skills that parents desire for their children.
3. Embracing Challenges with a Growth Mindset: PCA encourages students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Mckayla shared her excitement for memorizing John 1, recognizing it as both a challenge and a chance to deepen her relationship with God. Lawson’s journey from being shy to confidently asking for help shows the transformative impact of our nurturing environment, which builds resilience and a willingness to step out of comfort zones.
4. Faith as the Foundation: Our students are growing in their faith, engaging in daily devotions, and applying God’s Word to their lives. James expressed how listening to worship music with intentionality has deepened his spiritual walk, while Lawson and Mckayla discussed how studying the Bible and daily devotions helped them connect with God. PCA’s Middle School fosters an environment where students develop their faith, equipping them to become Christ-centered individuals who impact the world for good.

I hope you hear how these four, and their classmates, both benefit from and build into a PCA education—where academic excellence, character development, and faith are intertwined to produce well-rounded, Christ-centered students.