Mondays with Mike: From PCA to the World – Alumni Reflections on Faith, Learning, and Impact

Happy Monday, PCA!

Today is Columbus Day, a federal holiday that invites us to reflect on how we, as individuals and families, have arrived at this moment—here at PCA in 2024. As we consider our own journeys, I’m encouraged by how we approach the teaching of history at PCA. Our curriculum emphasizes curiosity, facts, and multiple perspectives, all of which guide us toward seeking God and knowing the truth.

As a historian, I am passionate about helping students ask better, probing questions and use trustworthy resources to draw the best possible conclusions. I hope that as we head into the final two weeks of the first quarter, you’re able to enjoy a brief pause and reflect on what’s been accomplished so far.

This week, we turn our focus to our alumni. With over 1,100 graduates impacting the world for good, we regularly seek their feedback as we continue to refine and enhance our programs. Today, we’re hearing from two graduates of the Class of 2024, Yohan Koshy and Wade Michaud, who share their experiences post-PCA.
Additionally, I’ve included a link to a video testimonial from 2015 graduate Alicia Vining, who serves on PCA’s Alumni Council (scroll to the end–you don’t want to miss it). As you listen to their stories, I hope you are encouraged to see that PCA’s commitment to providing an excellent, challenging, Christian education is being fulfilled—and that we aim to build on that foundation even more in the years ahead.

Key Takeaways: 

1. Long-Term Growth and Connection: Yohan and Wade both shared how their journey at PCA, from early childhood through upper school, created lasting relationships and meaningful memories. Their stories highlight the lifelong impact that a nurturing school environment can have, starting from the early years.
2. Holistic Education and Participation: Both alumni reflected on the wide range of opportunities at PCA—from varsity sports and fine arts to leadership roles and academic challenges. PCA’s well-rounded education helps students engage in diverse areas, fostering their growth beyond academics.
3. Spiritual and Academic Preparation for College: Yohan and Wade both emphasized how well PCA prepared them academically and spiritually for college life. PCA not only equips students with the knowledge they need for college success but also instills a strong spiritual foundation for navigating the challenges of life beyond high school.
4. A Strong School Spirit and Legacy of Support: The alumni recounted examples of PCA’s school spirit, where students and athletes supported each other across different activities and grade levels. This sense of community and encouragement, which starts in middle school and strengthens in upper school, illustrates how PCA fosters a legacy of camaraderie and support among students, building school pride and unity.

Overview:
In this episode, Mike Runey interviews two recent PCA alumni, Yohan Koshy and Wade Michaud, who are currently college freshmen. Both students reflect on their time at PCA, sharing insights into how the school prepared them academically, spiritually, and socially for the next phase of life. They discuss their involvement in sports, fine arts, leadership, and how PCA’s close-knit community fostered a strong sense of school spirit and camaraderie. The episode offers valuable insights into how PCA shapes students to flourish in college and beyond.

Guest Introductions:

• Yohan Koshy: From Dover, NH, Yohan attended PCA from preschool through 12th grade. He’s now a freshman at Wheaton College, Illinois, studying Christian Formation and Ministry. Yohan reflects on his 14-year journey at PCA, recalling memories from preschool through graduation and the lasting impact the school had on his life.
• Wade Michaud: A PCA student since 5th grade, Wade is now studying nursing at Wheaton College, Massachusetts. He shares how PCA’s challenging academics and nurturing community prepared him for the rigors of college life, particularly in a demanding field like nursing.
  

Key Themes:

1. Lifelong Connections and Memories:
   • Both Yohan and Wade emphasized the deep, lasting connections they formed at PCA. Yohan, who spent 14 years at the school, described vivid memories from preschool and how these experiences shaped him. Wade also shared how, even as a high schooler, he felt connected to students across all grades, thanks to the small, tight-knit community.
   • This underscores the value of long-term stability and community at PCA, where relationships built early on can last through graduation and beyond.
2. Well-Rounded Educational Opportunities:
   • Both alumni were heavily involved in PCA’s extracurriculars. Yohan played varsity basketball and soccer, participated in orchestra and jazz band, and co-hosted PCA ESPN during his senior year, where he interviewed athletes and emceed pep rallies. Wade participated in varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, and cross-country, and was involved in student government.
   • They both appreciated the range of activities that allowed them to grow not just academically, but in leadership, arts, and athletics. PCA fosters well-rounded development in students by providing opportunities to explore diverse interests.
3. Impactful Teachers and Courses:
   • Yohan spoke about how his Old Testament, apologetics, and missions teacher, Mr. Abood, pushed him to excel both academically and in athletics. He appreciated how Mr. Abood’s high expectations challenged him to perform at his best in all areas.
   • Wade highlighted how Mrs. Graustein, PCA’s head of the science department, prepared him for the intensity of college-level science labs. He mentioned that his current college labs feel easier compared to high school, thanks to the rigorous training he received at PCA.
   • Both alumni agreed that the apologetics and worldview course was one of the most impactful classes they took, as it laid a strong foundation for applying biblical principles in their daily lives and prepared them to navigate the challenges of college from a Christian perspective.
4. Strong School Spirit and Community:
   • A major highlight of their PCA experience was the strong sense of school spirit. Yohan described how the small size of the school created a unified community where everyone knew each other, making it easier to cheer for peers at sports events and other activities.
   • Wade shared a memorable story about how the entire varsity basketball team showed up to cheer for him and Yohan at their 8th-grade championship game, even though they weren’t required to attend. This legacy of support was carried on by Yohan and Wade when they became upperclassmen, attending games and leading chants to rally younger students.
   • They both noted that PCA’s school spirit was strongest during their senior year, with alumni continuing to return and support current students during key events like homecoming. This culture of mutual encouragement and investment in the school community extends beyond sports, influencing the entire school atmosphere.
5. Transitioning to College: Academic and Spiritual Preparedness:
   • Yohan and Wade both shared how PCA equipped them well for college life. Yohan mentioned how the Christian environment at Wheaton College, Illinois, feels similar to PCA, and how he values the continuation of spiritual growth through regular Bible study and chapel services.
   • Wade spoke about the discipline required to maintain his faith in college, where he no longer has chapel services as frequently as he did at PCA. He found a strong church community but acknowledged the challenge of balancing academic demands with maintaining a consistent spiritual routine.
   • Academically, both felt over-prepared for college. Wade noted that PCA’s science labs were even more challenging than his current college ones, and both alumni credited their teachers for preparing them with rigorous coursework that made the transition to college smoother.
6. Leadership and Legacy:
   • Yohan and Wade reflected on how their leadership roles at PCA—whether as prefects, athletes, or event organizers—prepared them for taking initiative in college. They emphasized that PCA taught them the importance of stepping up as leaders in their senior years, particularly in fostering school spirit and encouraging younger students.
   • Their stories illustrate how PCA instills leadership qualities in students by offering them numerous opportunities to lead within the school community, preparing them to take on leadership roles in college and beyond.

Closing Thoughts: In closing, Yohan and Wade expressed their gratitude for the education, friendships, and spiritual foundation they received at PCA. Both are thriving at college, but they fondly remember their time at PCA and the deep impact it had on their lives. The episode highlights the well-rounded, Christ-centered education that PCA offers and how it prepares students not just for college, but for life.

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