The fifth graders used Dr. Kathy Koch’s concept of the “8 Smarts” to creatively express worship in ways that reach all learners. They performed a skit and gave teaching to give a special teaching on worship. Mrs. Diniz explains, "Worship is more than singing songs. It’s using our voices, our minds, and our hearts to connect with God, to honor Him, and to invite others to see Him at work in our lives.” This belief in an all-encompassing approach to worship is the foundation of Hillcrest’s classical model, where learning and worship are woven together to deepen students' understanding and love for God.

Down early in the fifth and final set, the Comets battled back to face a 10-12 deficit that had the season hanging in the balance. But instead of tensing up, something extraordinary happened. During a time-out called by Coach Foss, the players returned to the court with smiles on their faces. Fans noticed the change in their demeanor as the team started cheering louder for each other. They weren’t just playing to win; they were playing with joy, a rare sight in such a high-pressure moment.

Starting from an unfavorable box position, Katie wasted no time in the conference meet. She initially pushed hard, quickly securing a spot in the lead pack. She maintained a solid fourth-place position for the first two laps, with a steady pace demonstrating her experience and tactical expertise. However, as the race neared its final stretch, a competitor pushed to overtake her. Though Katie fought to keep pace, a slight gap opened as they entered the final 200 meters. She pushed through a challenging pack and stamped her ticket to the state cross-country meet last week.

Numerous studies emphasize the profound impact of community during difficult times. When people face crises, they rely heavily on their internal faith and the external support of their faith community. This dual strength—inner faith and communal backing—gives children a strong defense against feelings of depression and doubt.

As the Comets march deeper into the playoffs, their chemistry, discipline, and passion for celebrating one another continue to drive them forward. “It was certainly a memorable game for our seniors to have on their home court for the last time,” Coach Foss noted in closing the game and looking forward to more time with her team.

At Sted Chocolate, the children were introduced to the world of chocolate-making, but more importantly, they witnessed the entrepreneurial spirit in action. They saw how ideas come to life through hard work, creativity, and business acumen. This experience sparked imaginations and gave a new perspective on what is achieved by applying the lessons learned in the classroom.

The Comets won in their Section 6A play-in game against the Henning Hornets with a confident 3-0 sweep (25-13, 25-9, 25-17) on their home court. Hillcrest made a solid statement to start their postseason run, led by a team-wide effort that showcased talent and determination.

The tradition of Prayer Day underscores the importance of raising students who are not only intellectually engaged but also spiritually grounded. At Hillcrest, prayer is woven into the fabric of the student experience, reinforcing our mission to build faith, develop intellect, and strengthen character. As Hillcrest continues to raise up students in the classical tradition, Prayer Day remains a cornerstone of spiritual growth, shaping hearts and minds for lives of service, wisdom, and grace.

The Comets mounted an impressive second-half comeback to secure a 28-14 victory over the Underwood Rockets, advancing in the playoffs with momentum and determination. After a slow start, the Comets exploded in the fourth quarter to seal the win in front of an energized home crowd.