Mondays with Mike: Starting Strong — Voices of Middle and Upper School Student Leaders

In this episode, Mike sits down with four remarkable students—two upper school seniors PCA Class of 2025) and two eighth graders (PCA Class of 2029)—who are leaders in their respective divisions: Hattie and Elijah in our Middle School, and Louisa and Gideon from the Upper School.

Hattie: Scholar, Artist (percussion, especially drums), Athlete (soccer and basketball). She has a deep care for others and prayer as a way to connect fellow students. 

Elijah: Scholar, Artist (he was a cast member in our musical Newsies last spring), and Athlete (XC); he also leads on the worship team and hopes he and his peers can connect more in that space.

Gideon: Scholar, Athlete (soccer, baseball), Artist (coffee house lead singer) and Spiritual Life Prefect. He has a desire to promote empathy and more deeply caring among his peers. 

Louisa: Scholar, Artist (she was also in Newsies as a cast member), and Athlete (soccer); she is also a Spiritual Life prefect and seeks to model and promote integrating the Christian faith in all of life at PCA. 

Our discussion delves into their thoughts and feelings about the upcoming school year, with a special focus on how their spiritual lives intersect with their learning and growth. They share the challenges and joys they encounter, offering a glimpse into their personal journeys.

First, our students introduce themselves, providing a sense of their backgrounds and experiences at PCA. From Louisa’s 14-year journey to Elijah’s fresh perspective in his second year, each student brings a unique viewpoint.

They then discuss the ways they have witnessed God at work within the PCA community, highlighting moments of transformation and acts of kindness that have inspired them. Louisa and Gideon reflect on the impact of mission trips and classroom experiences, while Elijah shares his surprise at the welcoming and supportive environment of PCA compared to his previous schooling experiences. Hattie emphasizes the importance of prayer and support within the community, recounting a touching story of how the PCA community came together to help a family in need.

The conversation shifts to the integration of spiritual growth and academic life. Louisa and Gideon discuss how they strive to honor God in all aspects of their school life, from academics to athletics, and the importance of practicing integrity, discipline, and humility. They also touch on the challenges faced by their generation, such as the lack of compassion and curiosity, and the struggle against the “cool” facade of indifference.

As the discussion wraps up, each student shares their hopes for the year ahead. Gideon and Louisa aspire to inspire and support their peers, fostering a community centered on Christ’s love. Elijah and Hattie express their desire for more engaging and varied worship experiences, hoping to see their peers connect more deeply with the music and the message.

This episode offers a heartfelt and inspiring look at the spiritual and academic journeys of PCA students, highlighting their dedication to fostering a loving and supportive community. Join us as we explore the ways in which faith and learning intertwine at PCA, and how these young leaders are making a difference.