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PCA Celebrates the Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting of Hope Hill

Written by: Kirsten Schultz, Development Marketing Specialist 

A group of people sit at round tables covered with white tablecloths, listening attentively. Many are smiling, with water bottles and cups on the tables. A heart-shaped decoration is visible in the background.
Students, families, alumni, PCA leadership, and community partners gather for the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hope Hill on May 20, 2025. The event marked a historic expansion of PCA’s campus and vision for future generations.

On the evening of May 20, 2025, Portsmouth Christian Academy (PCA) in Dover, NH, joyfully celebrated a significant milestone with the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Hope Hill—a 23-acre parcel of land recently acquired from the Gasses family to expand PCA’s campus and strengthen its vision for the future.

Families, donors, alumni, students, past and current school leaders, and local partners gathered together in gratitude and celebration. The heartfelt ceremony was led by PCA’s Head of School, Michael Runey, and opened with prayers of thanksgiving offered by PCA Board Chair Jeff Clark. Clark acknowledged the Lord’s faithfulness and the generosity that made this important land acquisition possible.

“This is a day of thankfulness, first to the Lord and to this incredible community,” said Clark. “Hope Hill stands as a testament to prayers answered, dreams realized, and a future filled with hope for generations of students.”

Two men in suits stand in a dimly lit room with one pointing forward. A gift basket and banner are visible in the background.
Children hold up handmade signs thanking supporters at a school event. A large screen displays "#18" in the background.

Special recognition was given to the Gasses family for their support and partnership in making this expansion a reality. The event also welcomed former heads of school and representatives from the Dover Chamber of Commerce, Bank of New Hampshire, and other community leaders who have played vital roles throughout PCA’s 45-year history.

Reflecting on PCA’s journey, Head of School Michael Runey recalled the school’s early days when finding a permanent home was a challenge. That search culminated in the acquisition of the Seaborne Hospital property 25 years ago—a foundational moment that allowed PCA and its students to flourish.

A baseball player in a red uniform holds a bat during an indoor event. A woman sits at a table nearby, watching. Decorative balls hang in the background.
A woman speaks on stage in front of a projection titled "One child = ripples of impact." People are seated in the audience.

“The acquisition of Hope Hill expands PCA’s footprint by over 50%, now totaling 70 acres,” Runey shared. “This new land adds important riverfront property along the Bellamy River. We have only begun to dream about the possibilities—woodland play areas, nature and running trails, science study spaces, athletic fields, and outdoor classrooms—all while preserving the natural beauty of this land.”

Students have already begun exploring Hope Hill—running cross-country courses, birdwatching, and engaging in environmental studies—embodying the spirit of growth and discovery this new space inspires.

Senior Louisa Henker offered a moving prayer of dedication, entrusting Hope Hill to God’s guidance:

“May it be a place where generations of students grow in wisdom, character, and faith… a launching ground for the community that will carry your light into the world.”

A baseball player in a red uniform holds a bat during an indoor event. A woman sits at a table nearby, watching. Decorative balls hang in the background.
Children hold up handmade signs thanking supporters at a school event. A large screen displays "#18" in the background.

May it be a place where generations of students grow in wisdom, character, and faith… a launching ground for the community that will carry your light into the world.

Louisa Henker, PCA Student, Class of 2025

Following Luisa’s prayer, students and community members joined in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Dover Chamber of Commerce. This symbolic event marks a shared commitment to PCA’s mission and the next phase of its “Next 1,000 Graduates” plan.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to walk along the top of Hope Hill to reflect on its potential, connect with fellow supporters, and receive packets of wildflower seeds—a symbolic gift representing growth and new beginnings.

“This celebration is about dreaming big for our students’ futures, deepening their PCA experience, and building on opportunities that maximize their God-given potential,” said Elaina Russo, PCA’s Director of Development. “We are deeply grateful to the Lord and our generous community for turning this decades-long dream into reality.”

“This celebration is about dreaming big for our students’ futures, deepening their PCA experience, and building on opportunities that maximize their God-given potential. We are deeply grateful to the Lord and our generous community for turning this decades-long dream into reality.”

Elaina Russo, Director of Development
A man in a suit playfully gestures with finger guns while standing among seated people at a banquet event in a gymnasium.

PCA warmly invites families, supporters, and the greater Dover community to continue partnering in its mission of providing Christ-centered education while embracing all that Hope Hill offers for generations to come.