💚Growing in Faith, Character & Confidence

‍ ‍

Choosing Joy! 💚

This week in our PreK3–3rd grade chapel, Mrs. Breaux shared an important lesson about the difference between joy and happiness. Students learned that happiness often comes from the things happening around us and can be temporary, but true joy comes from knowing the Lord and remembering how deeply He loves us! 💚

Mrs. Breaux also shared the story of Paul and Silas in prison. Even after being imprisoned for sharing the Gospel, they continued to pray and praise the Lord! Their story reminds us that our circumstances do not have to determine our joy. We can praise God even during difficult times because He is always with us.

✨ The takeaway? Happiness depends on what happens around us, but the joy of the Lord comes from knowing Him!

📖 “For the joy of the LORD is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10

At HCA, we want our students to remember that no matter what life brings, they can always find joy in the Lord! 💚

Guarding Our Thoughts! 💚

This week in chapel, Pastor Crew spoke with our 4th–8th grade students about the importance of guarding our thoughts and focused on Philippians 4:8.

Students were reminded that not every thought deserves their attention! Negative thoughts can creep in and influence how we feel, speak, and respond. That’s why it is important to pause, reflect, and seek God’s guidance before reacting. With God’s help, we can change the way we think and learn to focus on what is true, helpful, and pleasing to Him.

Pastor Crew challenged students to ask themselves three important questions before giving a thought their attention:

💭 Is it true?

💭 Is it helpful?

💭 Does this thought honor God?

📖 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” — Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

At HCA, we want our students to understand that they don't have to believe every thought that enters their minds. With prayer, discernment, and God's Word, they can learn to take control of their thinking and choose thoughts that reflect Christ. 💚

What's Happening in PE? Celebrating Coach Vickie Sketoe! 🏸🏆

At Hamilton Christian Academy, physical education is about more than exercise—it's about building character, developing teamwork, and learning the value of perseverance. This week, we're shining the spotlight on Coach Vickie Sketoe, celebrating her remarkable coaching career and the impact she continues to make in the lives of our students!

A Legacy of Leadership and Achievement

Coach Sketoe brings an incredible coaching legacy to HCA. During her 30 seasons as a head basketball coach, she earned 711 career wins, led teams to 11 state semifinal appearances, and celebrated multiple state championship and runner-up finishes. Her accomplishments include a 2021 Class 2A State Championship at Lake Arthur High School, along with multiple Coach of the Year honors from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and American Press.

In 2026, Coach Sketoe's achievements were recognized with her induction into the Lake Arthur High School Hall of Fame. Her career reflects years of dedication, leadership, and commitment to developing athletes both on and off the court.

Learning, Competing, and Staying Active at HCA!

This week, our students brought that same spirit of determination and friendly competition to PE!

🏸 Badminton Competition: Students across grade levels picked up their rackets and hit the court for a week of badminton! From practicing coordination and sharpening their skills to competing and cheering on their classmates, students had the opportunity to stay active, build confidence, and demonstrate good sportsmanship.

💪 More Ways to Move: Along with badminton, students participated in a variety of fun activities and exercises designed to build physical fitness, improve coordination, and encourage healthy habits.

Building More Than Athletes

Coach Sketoe's achievements remind us that success is about more than wins and trophies. It's about showing up, working hard, encouraging others, and continuing to grow through every challenge.

At HCA, we're thankful for the opportunities our students have to learn these lessons through physical education. Every game, exercise, and friendly competition helps them build confidence, strengthen friendships, and develop the character they can carry into every area of life.

🎨 Art Class Spotlight: Celebrating Alma Thomas!

This week, Mrs. Booth’s 3rd–5th grade students explored the life and artwork of Alma Thomas, an influential African American artist who pursued her passion for art during segregation. Born in 1891, Thomas became known for her vibrant, colorful paintings inspired by nature, flowers, and the world around her. In 1972, she became the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City!

🖌️ 3rd Grade: Students used Thomas’s signature colorful dash technique to create paper collages.

🎨 4th & 5th Grade: Students painted their own interpretations of her artistic style on canvas boards.

Through this project, students are discovering how Alma Thomas overcame barriers, followed her passion, and made history through her creativity.

💚 HCA Artists, Let Your Creativity Shine! Just like Alma Thomas, dare to think outside the box, explore your talents, and remember that your creativity can leave a lasting mark on the world!

---

💚 Until Next Week, HCA Family!

What a wonderful week of learning, growing, and putting our faith into action! From the lessons shared in chapel to the hard work and friendly competition in PE, our students are discovering that growth happens in many ways—through faith, perseverance, teamwork, and the choices we make each day.

At Hamilton Christian Academy, our goal is to nurture not only growing minds but also Christ-centered hearts and strong character. We pray our students carry these lessons with them beyond the classroom and into their homes, friendships, and communities.

📖 “Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

Thank you for being part of our HCA family! We look forward to another week of learning, growing, and shining God's light together. Have a blessed weekend! 💚✨