🎉 BIG NEWS, HCA! 🎉
Our Elementary Fun Run is almost here—and this year, it’s about something BIGGER than ever.
We’re working to raise $25,000 toward our most exciting capital project yet… The Built to Last Project 💙
This project is all about creating spaces that match the growth of our students and our Village, including:
🏫 A brand new building
🏀 A high school-level gym
🎭 A performing arts space
📚 Additional classrooms
💡 Athletic field lighting
🚗 Expanded parking
…and more!
👉 Check out the full vision here: https://aptg.co/MDpd88
💪 We can’t do this without our Village—and that means YOU! Stay tuned for ways to get involved and support.
📅 Mark your calendars:
💻 Registration opened TODAY on MyBooster.com
🎉 Kickoff Day at school – April 15
👟 Fun Run Event Day – April 22
Let’s come together and build something that will serve our students for years to come.
We are the Village. 💙💛
This week, be sure to check out updates on Quarter 3 report cards, important reminders about the upcoming school break week, and ways to get involved as we enter our busy volunteer season. You’ll also find information on Unified Day tshirts, new opportunities like our Elementary Guitar Club, a potential transportation partnership, and several upcoming events and celebrations across campus.
As always, there’s something for everyone in this week’s update—and plenty of ways to stay connected to what’s happening in the Village. 💙🏇
👉 Click the link to read the full Weekly Update: https://aptg.co/33KXDZ
Thank you for being such an important part of Horse Creek Academy.
We are the Village.
🎬✨ STOP SCROLLING, HCA… THIS IS A BIG ONE.
It’s OFFICIAL… HCA is now streaming! 👏
Today marks a huge milestone as our first round of HCA promotions is LIVE on the 4Aiken Streaming Channel — and trust us, this is just the beginning.
🎥 Starting soon, our very own HCA4Aiken student reporters will begin releasing their first round of feature segments. These students have been behind the scenes all over our beautiful city — filming, interviewing, and telling the stories of local businesses, restaurants, nonprofits, and more.
This is what it looks like when learning comes to life.
This is what it looks like when connection meets opportunity.
💙 A HUGE thank you to the City of Aiken for this incredible partnership. To City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh for his leadership and support, and especially to Gary Meadows, City of Aiken Multi-Media Supervisor, who has been working directly with our students — mentoring them in storytelling, production, and professionalism, and truly investing in their growth.
Because at HCA, We are the Village — and in a community like Aiken, where “if you’re lucky enough to live here, you’re lucky enough,” that Village extends far beyond our campus.
🎉 Shoutout to our incredible HCA4Aiken reporters:
Maeline Lambert
Isabella Massotti
Kruti Patel
Ellie Rodriguez
…and to our amazing teacher leader Karen Nelson for bringing this vision to life.
📺 Go ahead and download the 4Aiken Streaming channel on Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire — you might want it 😉
(We may or may not have a little something special coming soon for families who have it… 👀)
Learn more: https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/government/4-aiken/
👀 Don’t worry — we’ll be sharing when each feature goes live so you can follow along and support these students.
This is a big moment for HCA… and we’re just getting started. 💙💛
💙 At Horse Creek Academy, our teachers are the heart of our Village — and we love taking time to celebrate the impact they make each and every day.
🎉 Congratulations to our March Teacher of the Month, Mrs. Erin Thacker! 🎉
🌱 As our Elementary Social Emotional Learning Teacher, Mrs. Thacker plays an incredible role in supporting the whole child. She is known for being a hard worker, always offering thoughtful guidance, and consistently showing up with the kind of care and support our students and staff rely on.
👏 Whether she’s giving the best advice, lending a helping hand, or even jumping in to support programs like our HCA Theatre production of Annie Jr., Mrs. Thacker embodies what it means to be part of the Village.
💙 We are so grateful for the positive impact she makes across our campus — she truly helps create the environment where our students can grow, connect, and thrive.
❤️ Thank you to Chick-fil-A Aiken for continuing to support and celebrate our staff each month!
Join us as we celebrate and support our incredible Special Olympics athletes at Horse Creek Academy!
🌊 This year’s theme: Ride the Wave – United as One
Because at HCA, inclusion isn’t just something we say—it’s something we live.
👕 Grab your 2026 HCA Unified Day T-Shirt and show your support!
Every shirt helps us celebrate, uplift, and champion our students in the Special Olympics program.
📏 Sizes available: YXS – YXL & Adult Small – 5XL
💲 Cost: $20
🗓️ Orders due by 3:00 PM on April 2
👉 Order yours here: https://tinyurl.com/2026hcaunified
Let’s show up strong as a Village and make this Unified Day one to remember. 💙💛
✨ Each month, our students are nominated by staff based on what it truly means to be an outstanding HCA student — living out our pillars of flexibility, service, and connection through their actions, choices, and the way they treat others.
🍀 Congratulations to our March Stallions of the Month! 🎉
• Nolan English (4K)
• Maddox Nix (5K)
• Logan Hedden (1st Grade)
• Harper Bukiewicz (2nd Grade)
• Sealey Harvey (3rd Grade)
• Alyssa McIntosh (3rd Grade)
• Adley Mason (4th Grade)
• Kamryn Davis (4th Grade)
• Jayceon Curry (5th Grade)
• Harper Johnson (Middle School)
• Harlem Elmore (High School)
💙 We are incredibly proud of these students and the way they represent our Village each and every day.
❤️ Thank you to Chick-fil-A Aiken for continuing to support and celebrate our students each month—your partnership helps us recognize the character, leadership, and positivity that define HCA!
🐟 HCA Fishing Tournament Fundraiser 🐟
🎣 Cast a line for a great cause and join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and friendly competition—all while supporting our students!
🌻 Proceeds benefit student travel to FFA State Convention, leadership workshops, camps, and field trips.
📆 May 3, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 105 Twin Creek Farm Rd., Aiken, SC
🌟 Everyone is welcome!
You don’t have to be a pro fisherman—or even part of HCA—to join in on the fun!
👉 Important:
👫Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult
🎒 Bring your own fishing gear, bait, and chairs
🍔 Food & concessions will be available
🏆 Hourly fishing sessions with weigh-ins and prizes every hour
💡 Skip the line and pre-register here: https://forms.office.com/r/RTjuYzcXCY
(You can also register and pay the day of!)
💼 Calling our Village Partners!
If you’re a business or vendor interested in donating prizes, please email kfanning@hcacs.net. We’re building 5 prize bags per hour winner and would love your support!
🎣 Let’s make it a great day for an even greater cause. We’ll see you at the pond!
Horse Creek Academy Aiken acknowledges that the Kershaw campus will be moving forward independently under a new name and identity this summer.
Earlier this spring, the Horse Creek Foundation made the decision to conclude its affiliation agreement with the Kershaw campus following a review of alignment with the expectations and standards that define the Horse Creek model. While HCA Kershaw has operated as its own public charter school, this agreement provided the opportunity to share in the Horse Creek model, brand, intellectual property, and collaborative approach. With the conclusion of that agreement, the school will continue forward fully independently.
In accordance with that transition, use of the Horse Creek name, brand, and intellectual property will formally conclude on June 30.
At Horse Creek Academy Aiken, our work is grounded in a clear and unwavering mission: to serve the whole child through flexibility, service, and connection. This is not just a philosophy—it is a daily commitment reflected in our classrooms, our culture, and our leadership practices.
A defining part of that work is our commitment to collective leadership—where leaders teach, serve, and lead alongside their teams, and where accountability is shared, not shifted. This model strengthens our school, deepens trust, and keeps our focus where it belongs: on students.
At Horse Creek, we hold ourselves to a high standard—because our students deserve nothing less. We believe strong schools are built on consistency, accountability, and a deep responsibility to the families we serve. That belief continues to guide our decisions and ensures that the Horse Creek model remains both meaningful and sustainable.
As the original Horse Creek Academy campus, we are proud to have played a role in expanding access to high-quality public school choice in South Carolina. Today, we remain focused on what matters most: delivering an exceptional experience for our students, strengthening our Village, and supporting future opportunities that reflect the integrity of our model.
⭐️ As Horse Creek Academy Aiken approaches our 25th anniversary, we will continue moving forward with clarity, purpose, and momentum—grounded in our values and committed to serving our students and community at the highest level.
#WeAreTheVillage
We’re introducing a brand new tradition with the first-ever HCA Village Bowl, gearing up for our big volunteer season, and sharing ways to support our students through opportunities like Senior Scholarships and the upcoming Fishing Tournament Fundraiser.
You’ll also find important reminders like last chance yearbook orders, updates on Stuff the Stallion, and a save-the-date for Middle School Formal—plus more ways to stay connected and involved.
At HCA, these moments are what bring our community together—and we love seeing our Village show up in big ways. 💙🏇
👉 Click the link to view the full Weekly Update: https://aptg.co/MYk24R
As always, thank you for being such an important part of what makes Horse Creek Academy special!
On Friday, 50+ students and adults came together for our very first HCA Campus & Roadside Clean-Up Day—and it was nothing short of incredible. From our campus grounds to the roadside along Toolebeck, our Village showed up ready to serve.
👏 Huge thanks to Keep Aiken County Beautiful for partnering with us on the roadside portion of this effort. If you’re driving down Toolebeck and see those bright orange trash bags—that’s the work of our students and families! They’ll be picked up soon, but the impact is already clear.
🌟 Special shoutout to our student leaders who helped drive this day:
-Elementary Beta Club
-Senior Beta Club
-High School Student Council
⭐️ You led with purpose, and it showed.
🌮 And let’s talk about that lunch! A big thank you to 2 Spicy Mama's for keeping our crew fueled with an absolutely amazing meal—well deserved after a morning of hard work!
At HCA, we don’t just talk about service—we live it. Days like this are what it means when we say We are the Village.
💪 And we’re just getting started… We can’t wait to schedule our next clean-up day. With more campus projects and roadside impact ahead, our students will continue leading the way in service—right here in our community.
🌎 Because when the Village shows up, good things happen.
🏆 Gold Merit for HCA Student Council!
We are proud to celebrate our Middle School Student Council for earning the State Council of Gold Merit through the South Carolina Association of Student Councils!
🔥 HCA is on a roll at the state level, and our Student Council is leading the charge with excellence, leadership, and real impact.
🌟 What does Gold Merit mean?
This prestigious recognition is awarded to student councils that demonstrate excellence in leadership, service, school involvement, and community impact. Schools must meet rigorous standards through projects, initiatives, and consistent engagement that positively influence their school and community.
And that’s not all… 👀
At the South Carolina State Student Council Convention, our students brought home multiple honors:
🥇 1st Place – School Service Project
🥈 2nd Place – School Spirit Project
🥉 3rd Place – Community Service Project
💥 They were also recognized as a standout example of student-led philanthropy and community service, and Feast Mode was highlighted as a best practice for building a unified school culture.
👏 Under the leadership of Mrs. Karen Nelson, our Student Council continues to set the standard—leading service initiatives, strengthening school culture, and creating meaningful opportunities for student voice and leadership.
This is what the Village looks like in action. 💙💛
Way to go, MS Student Council!
We’d love for you to join us for our next Horse Creek Academy PTO Meeting tonight, Thursday, March 19 at 6pm!
📍 Location: Dr. Green’s Office (Elementary Building)
PTO is such an important part of what makes our Village strong—supporting events, staff, and experiences that make HCA special. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time, you’re always welcome at the table.
Come connect, stay informed, and be part of what’s ahead for our students and school! 💙🏇
Get ready for a brand new tradition at Horse Creek Academy — the Village Bowl, where school spirit, competition, and community all come together for one unforgettable night!
🔥 Friday, April 17
High School Flag Football Showdown
💗 Girls Game – Upperclassmen vs. Lowerclassmen
Kickoff at 5:00 PM
💙 Boys Game – Upperclassmen vs. Lowerclassmen
Kickoff at 6:00 PM
🌭 What to Expect
Fun food, high energy, school spirit, and a whole lot of Village pride!
📣 Want to Play?
Student interest meeting in Commons A from 3:30–4:00 PM — don’t miss your chance to be part of this first-of-its-kind experience!
👕 Calling Our Village Partners
We’re currently in the planning stages and looking for sponsor jerseys for our teams. If you or your business are interested in getting involved, we’d love to connect! Email Coach Rosenthal (mrosenthal@hcacs.net) and Coach Dumont (mdumont@hcacs.net) for more info!
This is just the beginning… and trust us, you’ll want to say you were at the very first one.
We are incredibly proud of our HCA HOSA students who represented Horse Creek Academy at the South Carolina HOSA State Leadership Conference this week!
🩺 Nine students competed in a variety of health science events, showcasing their knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to future careers in healthcare.
🥇 A special congratulations to our middle school team —
Marilynd Mullikin, Elaina Penvose, and William Fishpaw — who earned 1st place in the state in the Health Education competitive event!
🌎 Next stop: International Competition!
Their state championship win has earned them an invitation to compete at the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis this summer.
👏 A huge shoutout to our HOSA leader, Ms. Ashle Cooper, for her leadership, dedication, and the countless hours she pours into preparing our students for success. Your impact is evident, and we are so grateful for you!
We are so proud of these students for representing HCA with excellence and continuing to raise the bar in our health science programs.
The future of healthcare is bright… and it’s right here in the Village.
We are so proud of every single participant who took the stage this weekend. From confidence and poise to kindness and encouragement behind the scenes, our students represented the very best of Horse Creek Academy.
✨ While we celebrate our winners, we truly believe each participant shined in their own way — and that’s what makes this event so special.
🌟 Congratulations to our 2026 Miss HCA Winners
-High School
Miss Horse Creek – Skyler Kanagy
Miss Senior – Kaylee Fulghum
Miss Junior – Lily Cameron
Miss Sophomore – Madison Morris
1st Runner Up – Kenleigh Wade
1st Runner Up – Lilian Sintich
2nd Runner Up – Allison Visnyai
-Middle School
Junior Miss Horse Creek – Maeline Lambert
Miss Eighth Grade – Ellie Rodriguez
1st Runner Up – Elissa Gomez
2nd Runner Up – Sage Young
Miss Seventh Grade – Callen Lee
1st Runner Up – Kensley Walker
Miss Sixth Grade – Harper Price
1st Runner Up – Adalyn Tibbs
-Elementary School
4K–5K
Tiny Miss Horse Creek – Coraline Busbee
1st Runner Up – Brogan Perry
2nd Runner Up – Arabella Busbee
1st–2nd Grade
Petite Miss Horse Creek – Piper Lee
1st Runner Up – Lillian Massotti
2nd Runner Up – Harper Jackson
3rd–4th Grade
Little Miss Horse Creek – Rowan Dabbs
1st Runner Up – Nadia Toole-Felton
2nd Runner Up – Felicity Deloach
5th Grade
Elementary Miss Horse Creek – Madelyn Barden
1st Runner Up – Anniston Johnson
2nd Runner Up – Sydney Garrett
📣 A special shoutout to our Middle School Cheer Team for hosting such an incredible event! Your energy, organization, and school spirit made the entire event unforgettable.
👏 And thank you to Ms. Heath and Ms. Watson for your leadership and the time and care you poured into making this event such a success—we appreciate you more than you know!
📸 Check out a few pics from the weekend below!
Thank you to our participants, families, judges, and staff who made this such a special event. This is what it looks like when confidence, courage, and community come together.
We are so proud of you all… truly the heart of our Village. 💙💛
Calling all future golfers! Golf Squad is returning to Horse Creek Academy this spring, and spots are almost gone — only 6 spots remain!
This after-school club for K–5 students meets once a week with a local golf professional to learn the fundamentals of golf while building confidence, coordination, and having fun with friends. No experience needed!
📅 Session Dates: March 26 – May 7
🕒 Time: Thursdays | 3:00–4:00 PM
📍 Location: Soccer Field
💲 Cost: $135 for the full session
All equipment is provided, and students even receive a Golf Squad handbook and visor/hat to keep.
⚠️ Spots are first come, first served and nearly full!
👉 Register here: https://golfsquad.com/class/horse-creek-academy-s26
🌟 This past weekend, Ellie Rodriguez (8th Grade) was inducted into the Terry McCoy Hall of Fame at the South Carolina Student Council Conference!
🏆 This prestigious recognition honors outstanding student leaders across the state who demonstrate exceptional dedication to leadership, service, and student voice within their schools and communities. Being selected for the Terry McCoy Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor, and Ellie represents Horse Creek Academy with pride.
🏇🏻 At HCA, we believe in developing leaders who serve others, and Ellie is a shining example of what that looks like in action. Her commitment to Student Council and her positive impact on our school community truly reflect the spirit of the Village.
💙💛 Congratulations, Ellie! We are so proud of you!
This week includes Lucky Day Free Dress tomorrow, important information about upcoming campus safety drills, Read-a-thon prize updates, yearbook last-chance orders, Fun Run shirt distribution, and a ton more Village news.
👉 Read the full update here: https://aptg.co/Y7GC5K
⛈️ We hope everyone across the Village managed the storm safely and had a chance to stay warm and dry today. We’re grateful that it appears the weather was not as severe as originally expected.
⏰ With that said, Horse Creek Academy will return to our normal schedule tomorrow. We look forward to welcoming all of our students and staff back on campus and getting back into our regular routines.
🍀 Reminder: Tomorrow is Lucky Day, so students are welcome to enjoy free dress and wear their green to celebrate!
Note: All afterschool games, practices and activities are still cancelled for today. Thanks! 💙
⛈️ After continuing to monitor the severe weather forecast and reviewing information from the National Weather Service and local emergency management officials, Horse Creek Academy will operate on an eLearning Day tomorrow, Monday, March 16 in order to keep our students, families, and staff safe.
💙Horse Creek Academy serves families across multiple counties, and many of our students and staff travel from areas that may experience higher storm impacts. Moving to an eLearning day also helps reduce travel risks across our broader Village.
⚠️ All after-school practices and games scheduled for tomorrow are also cancelled.
👇 Because this situation developed after students left campus on Friday, Chromebooks and paper packets were not sent home. Teachers have provided learning plans that can be completed with or without a device.
📚 Full eLearning plans and assignment details can be found here:
👉 https://aptg.co/ZTBCK5
🗓️ Assignments for all elementary, middle, and high school students will be due Monday, March 23 to give families flexibility due to this last-minute weather change.
Spring weather in the South certainly keeps us on our toes! Thank you for your flexibility and partnership as we work to keep our Village safe.
💙 Stay safe tomorrow, and thank you for being part of the Village.
