Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Mrs. Peeler's 25th Anniversary

We have all been in gatherings over the years where someone was honored for something they did. Sometimes in those events, the person being honored had a specific personal impact on SOME of the individuals in attendance. But, rarely do you honor someone who had an impact on EVERYONE in attendance. However, such is the case with Connie Peeler at HCA. 

Having joined the school in the fall of 1998 as a kindergarten teacher, Connie quickly displayed her passion for the hearts and minds of young children, including my own daughter, Sydney, who was in Connie's kindergarten class in 2001-2002. Mrs. Peeler simply wants her students to know Jesus, love one another well, display discernment, and develop the heart and mind of Christ to become adults who will also make a difference in the lives they touch. 

Connie's drive for excellence in what she did, the respect she held on campus from parents and teachers, as well as her understanding of Classical education, led us to hire her as the Grammar School Principal in the fall of 2006, where she continues to serve to this day. When our accreditation team visited campus last fall, they were quickly impressed to recommend Mrs. Peeler present her skills at the national conference this summer, as other school could learn from her leadership. 

To say that Connie has had an impact on HCA is a massive understatement. She has been the foundation for our Grammar School, and a stable rock upon which the success and growth of the entire school has been built. Of course, Connie would deny that, which is part of what makes her so special to this place. To do something so well with such humility is an example to all of us who claim to be believers in Christ. For, after all, isn't that the standard that Jesus Himself set two thousand years ago? 
More than 500 cards from the HCA family!


As Mrs. Peeler completes 25 years at HCA this Spring, please join me in celebrating a life well-lived, and a job well done. Thousands of young lives have been pointed to the Lord, and strengthened for success because of her endless hours of devotion to them. The Proverbs 31 woman is often celebrated as the example for biblical womanhood. As I read it, these two verses stand out and make me think of Connie Peeler: 

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. - Prov. 31:25-26 

If you are a student, Mrs. Peeler simply loved you. 

If you are a parent, Mrs. Peeler partnered with you in the growth of your children. 

If you are a teacher, Mrs. Peeler led with wisdom and grace. 

If you are me, Mrs. Peeler has been an unwavering friend, a partner in ministry, and a true servant to our mission at HCA.

Thank you Mrs. Peeler for your faithfulness to the students and families at Hickory Christian Academy! Congratulations for 25 years of excellent service to the Lord! We wouldn't be who we are without you!