A Night of Gratitude, Aspiration, and Vision: PCA’s Sapphire Gala

This past Saturday evening marked a special event in our calendar: PCA’s Sapphire Gala, marking 45 years of faithful Christian education in the Seacoast and beyond. The event brought together our community to honor the past, envision the future, and express gratitude for the Lord’s faithfulness.
The evening began with a delightful blend of music, mingling, and delicious refreshments on the front lawn of the Sciences and Arts Building. PCA student musicians filled the air with their beautiful songs, while guests enjoyed Italian hors d’oeuvres and blue mocktails inside Troiano Hall. Merriment and joy were evident as guests and members of the community connected with each other.


Head of School Mike Runey kicked off the program by reflecting on PCA’s faithful 45 years of providing exceptional Christian education. He expressed deep gratitude to the Lord for sustaining and guiding the school through both challenges and triumphs. Runey also recognized the incredible contributions of teachers, staff, parents, donors, and alumni who have made PCA a special place. And he acknowledged the notable achievement of PCA students’ academic growth relative to schools across the nation and in New Hampshire, in particular.
Following Mr. Runey’s remarks was the presentation of PCA’s annual Impact Award, which recognizes adult members of the PCA community who embody the school’s core values and demonstrate support and advancement of PCA’s mission. This year’s recipients were the Jordan Family in recognition of their selfless service, giving, coaching, and contributions to PCA over the past 14 years.


A special video montage showcased some of the exciting additions and enhancements made possible by donors since the beginning of the Next 1,000 Graduates Plan. This bold plan outlines PCA’s vision for the future and aims to provide an exceptional education to the next generation of students.
The evening’s dinner menu featured a Taste of Italy, including pesto-glazed meatballs, arancini amuse bouche, antipasto, caprese skewers, arugula salad, chicken saltimboca, braised short rib, roasted asparagus, and Italian desserts.
After dinner, guests were treated to a video message from PCA alumna Alicia Vining. Vining shared the impact of her PCA experience on her faith walk, connections, and career path as a marketing manager with a nationally recognized sports team.
Next was keynote speaker Bob Strodel, director emeritus of Christian Camps and Conferences, Inc., the largest Christian camp in New England. Bob took guests along on his journey from aerospace engineer to camp executive, sharing the significance of following the Lord’s promptings in all decisions, including parenting. He used the metaphor of a 4-legged stool to illustrate cornerstone and complimentary influences in the development of a child’s life, including family, faith/church, Christian education, and when possible, Christian camp. Bob reflected on the choices he and his wife made for their own children and the gratitude for the positive lives their children are leading because of the Christian influences in their youth.
Mr. Runey followed Bob, sharing three important initiatives of the Next 1,000 Graduates Plan, and the impact of those initiatives on the lives of PCA’s students and the future of the school. He brought to the fore that at the heart of the Plan are the young people—God’s people—who are called to be a part of PCA and the responsibility of stewarding them and the programs and spaces that support them. That stewardship includes academic challenge, whole-child differentiation, experiential impact, and financial sustainability. Mr. Runey invited guests to have the impact that only they can on these initiatives and on the lives of PCA’s students.
The evening concluded with dessert and a time of fellowship. Among the guests at the tables were student musicians and AV techs, prefects, ambassadors, and alumni, giving guests the opportunity to gain firsthand insights from students and alumni what makes PCA special.


We want to thank every guest who made this year’s Sapphire Gala a priority and made the event so memorable. You embody that same faithfulness that’s been a hallmark of PCA for 45 years. Your presence and support are invaluable to advancing PCA’s mission. Your faithfulness and generosity continue to inspire us as we strive to provide a Christ-centered education that equips students to make a positive impact on the world.