
We’re officially 7 days away from kicking off Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, and we’re continuing to unwrap what makes Horse Creek Academy so special.
🎁 Welcome to Unwrapping HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights...and isn't today the perfect day to unwrap something special?! 😉
✨ Day 7: Tradition
Traditions are how memories are made — and at HCA, they bring our Village together year after year. From schoolwide celebrations to moments that mark new beginnings, our traditions create a sense of pride, joy, and belonging that students and families carry with them long after the day ends.
📸 Speaking of traditions… check out this photo from one of our favorites: Village Fest — a time when our entire community comes together to celebrate the start of a new school year, reconnect, and kick things off the Village way.
Because some traditions don’t just mark moments — they build community. 💙💛

With just 8 days to go until Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing to Unwrap HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights — sharing what makes life in the Village so special. 💙💛
✨ Day 8: Adventure
🐎Learning at Horse Creek Academy doesn’t stay within four walls. From field trips and outdoor learning to hands-on experiences, special events, and opportunities that stretch our students beyond the classroom, adventure is part of the journey here. We believe curiosity grows when students explore, experience, and engage with the world around them.
Because when learning feels like an adventure, students don’t just show up — they lean in. 💙💛
🚣 Check out the photo of some of our Middle/High students practicing real-world life (and adventure skills) while kayaking this fall. Experiences like these help students learn teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance — all while making memories they’ll never forget.

With 9 days to go until Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing to unwrap what truly makes our Village special.
✨ Day 9: Support
At Horse Creek Academy, support isn’t a department — it’s a mindset. From academics to social-emotional growth, our students are surrounded by adults who collaborate, communicate, and show up for one another every single day. When educators feel supported, students feel it too — and that’s how a Village thrives.
📸 Check out the photo to see some of our incredible supporters in action — members of our SPED team coming together at one of their monthly dinners to encourage, connect, and support one another. This is the heart behind the work, and we’re so grateful for this team.
Stay tuned as we continue unwrapping the highlights that make HCA shine. 💙💛

Horse Creek Academy FFA is excited to partner with Shoemaker Equipment Supply for an incredible Bush Hog Raffle!
🎁 One lucky winner will take home a Limited Edition Bush Hog FFA medium-duty cutter—a serious win for any landowner or equipment lover.
🎟 Raffle Tickets: $50 each
📍 Where to buy: Shoemaker Equipment Supply – Aiken
🗓 Deadline to purchase tickets (if still available): February 22
Even better? 💙 All proceeds benefit the Horse Creek Academy FFA program, supporting student leadership, agricultural education, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Support our students, support agriculture, and take a chance on an amazing prize! 🌾💙

🎁 With 10 days to go until Open Enrollment opens for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing Unwrapping HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights by spotlighting what fuels learning at its very best.
🔍 Day 10: Curiosity
🧐 At Horse Creek Academy, curiosity is encouraged, celebrated, and protected. We want students asking why, exploring how, and wondering what’s next. Whether it’s hands-on projects, meaningful discussions, creative problem-solving, or real-world connections, curiosity drives deeper learning — and keeps school exciting.
📈 When students are curious, they’re engaged. When they’re engaged, they grow. And that curiosity doesn’t stop in the classroom — it follows them into who they become.
Stay with us as we continue unwrapping the moments, mindsets, and magic that make our Village shine. 💙💛

✨ Celebrating Our 2026 Teachers & Staff of the Year! ✨
🌟 We are so proud to recognize these incredible members of the HCA Village who go above and beyond for our students, staff, and families every single day. It is truly an honor that these amazing people call Horse Creek Academy home.
🏆 Staff of the Year: Ashley McCormick
Ashley is always on call and always willing to help. From managing substitutes for a staff of over 200 (no small feat!) to supporting on-site volunteers, tackling lost and found, and stepping in wherever needed — Ashley is the definition of dependable and dedicated.
🌟 First Year Teacher of the Year: Will Mills
Will joined us after a career change, and we are so glad he did! He teaches Middle School Fundamentals of Computing and has already made a huge impact with his passion, creativity, and connection with students.
🛝 Elementary School Teacher of the Year: Misty Lee
Misty is a true rock in our elementary school. As a third-grade teacher and leader, her impact reaches far beyond her classroom — influencing curriculum and supporting learning across multiple grade levels.
📚 Middle School Teacher of the Year: Gavin Armstrong
Gavin has been a staple in our middle school for several years and continues to shine. Currently teaching 7th grade Language Arts, he brings consistency, care, and a deep commitment to helping students grow.
💙 High School Teacher of the Year: Valerie Steen
A true SPED superstar, Valerie serves our middle and high school students with disabilities and is always on the move — supporting Special Olympics, planning meaningful experiences for students, leading HCA’s STEAM Night, and so much more. Her heart for students is unmatched.
We are incredibly thankful for each of you and the impact you make in our Village every day. Help us in wishing a BIG Village congratulations to our 2026 Teachers and Staff of the Year! 🎉💙






As we continue counting down to Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, we’re spotlighting the people and values that make our Village what it is.
✨ Day 11: Voice
At Horse Creek Academy, voice matters. Students are encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and advocate for themselves. Families are welcomed as partners. Staff voices are valued, trusted, and heard. When people have a voice, they feel ownership — and that’s when a Village truly thrives.
📸 Check out today’s snapshot featuring one of those voices:
Pete Frommer — former Director of Aiken Public Safety, proud HCA grandparent, and leader of our HCA Heroes program. We’re incredibly thankful for voices like Pete’s on our campus and the wisdom, care, and leadership they bring to our students every day.

🎉 Open Enrollment Countdown! 🎉
We’re officially 12 days away from kicking off Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, and each day we’re continuing to unwrap what makes Horse Creek Academy special.
🎁 Unwrapping HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights
✨ Day 12: Safety
At Horse Creek Academy, safety is foundational. It’s the trust families place in us each morning, the preparation behind the scenes, and the intentional steps we take to ensure our campus is secure, supported, and ready for learning. When students feel safe, they can focus, grow, and thrive — and that peace of mind matters just as much to families and staff.
Because a strong Village starts with a safe one. 💙💛
📸 Check out the photo of our School Resource Officer, Kris Howard! We are incredibly grateful to have an SRO on campus this year and deeply thankful for our partnership with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office. Their presence and collaboration help keep our Village safe, supported, and at ease every single day.

💙 We hope the next couple of weeks are filled with rest, joy, and meaningful time with the people who matter most. Thank you for an incredible first half of the year—we are so grateful for each and every one of you.
We’ll see our students and staff back in the new year on January 5th, refreshed and ready for all that’s ahead!

🎁 With just 13 days until Open Enrollment opens for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing Unwrapping HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights by spotlighting what truly brings our Village together.
✨ Day 13: Community
Community at Horse Creek Academy means showing up for others in meaningful ways. It’s students learning that their actions matter, families rallying around a cause, and real-world service becoming part of who we are—not just something we talk about.
🤝 Check out the photo — our Middle School Student Council was proud to present the Aiken Homeless Coalition with donations of winter hats, pajama pants, gloves, and socks, all collected during our Jingle Jam Dance to help keep individuals warm this winter.
💙 This is what community looks like at HCA: compassion in action, led by our students.
Stay tuned as we continue unwrapping what makes our Village shine. 💫

⭐️We are incredibly proud to celebrate HCA Senior Randy Williams, who has been appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to serve on the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Council (GJJAC)—an impressive honor and a big deal for our Village!
🏛️ This statewide council is made up of judges, attorneys, elected officials, and community leaders who are dedicated to protecting and supporting youth across South Carolina. Council members receive specialized training in youth safety and education and meet monthly to help guide meaningful work impacting young people throughout our state.
Even more remarkable? To our knowledge, Randy is one of the youngest individuals ever appointed to this council. 🤯 Talk about leadership in action!
Randy’s voice, perspective, and commitment to service truly represent the very best of Horse Creek Academy. We can’t wait to see the impact he continues to make—this is just the beginning.
👏 Join us in congratulating Randy on this incredible achievement!

👉 Tomorrow, Thursday, 12/19, is a half day at Horse Creek Academy.
🕚 Elementary dismisses at 11:00 AM
🕛 Middle/High dismisses at 12:00 PM
🚫 No aftercare will be offered
Please plan accordingly and make sure dismissal arrangements are set ahead of time. Thank you for helping us keep things running smoothly as we head into Winter Break—we're almost there! 🌲💙

And auditions kick off as soon as we return from Winter Break—cue the excitement.
🎭 Our HCA Theatre Department is thrilled to announce Annie Jr., with onstage roles open to students in 1st–8th grade and high school students leading all production roles (set design, choreography, sound, lighting, and more). This is truly a Village-wide production.
🎬 Who Can Audition?
-Boys and girls in grades 1–8
-No required ages, heights, etc. for any role
-Everyone is encouraged to try out—featured roles and ensemble!
-High school students will shine behind the scenes, running the full production.
🎤 Audition Schedule (All auditions begin at 3:20 PM)
-Monday, January 5: Elementary students auditioning for the role of Annie
-Tuesday, January 6: Middle school students auditioning for the role of Annie
-Wednesday, January 7: Tier 1 & Tier 2 auditions (all ages), this is for small featured speaking lines and singing roles
-Thursday, January 8: Ensemble-only auditions (no featured lines or solo singing); callbacks will also take place this day
🧭 Logistics for Families
-Elementary students will remain in their dismissal rooms and be walked to auditions by staff—no worries there!
-Parents may wait in Commons B during auditions.
🎟️ Performance Dates
-April 2 – School-day performance (student audience only)
-April 2 – 6:00 PM public performance
-April 3 – 6:00 PM public performance
🎟️ Tickets will go on sale after Winter Break
📣 Stay in the Loop!
-Audition packets are available in the Front Office
-Join Mrs. Culp’s Remind for updates, reminders, and important info
👉 Text @annie2026 to 81010
This production is shaping up to be a magical mix of talent, teamwork, and confidence-building—whether students are center stage or running the spotlight. We can’t wait to see our Village shine. 💙💛
🎶 Let the countdown to Annie Jr. begin!

🎁 We’re officially 14 days away from kicking off Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, and each day we’re unwrapping another highlight that makes Horse Creek Academy special.
✨ Day 14: Creativity
At Horse Creek Academy, creativity isn’t limited to an art class or a single project — it’s woven into how students think, learn, and express themselves every day. From the arts and hands-on learning to problem-solving, collaboration, and innovative thinking, we encourage students to explore ideas, ask questions, and approach challenges in new ways. Creativity helps our students find their voice, build confidence, and see possibilities beyond the expected.
Stay with us as we continue Unwrapping HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights — there’s so much more to discover about our Village. 💙💛

We’re excited to share that HCA Middle School Cheer will be presenting the 2026 Miss Horse Creek Pageant—a fun-filled weekend celebrating confidence, school spirit, and our amazing students. 💙💛
🗓 March 13–14, 2026
Mark your calendars now—more details are coming soon, and you won’t want to miss it!

🎁 We’re officially 15 days away from kicking off Open Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year, and each day we’re unwrapping another highlight that defines who we are at Horse Creek Academy. 💙💛
✨ Day 15: Leadership
At HCA, leadership starts early. Our students are given real opportunities to lead — whether that’s through Student Council, clubs, classrooms, or service — learning confidence, responsibility, and how to use their voice for good.
💙 And leadership doesn’t stop with students. Our collective leadership model empowers staff to lead from their strengths, collaborate meaningfully, and feel supported in their work. When educators feel valued and trusted, it shows — happy teachers create thriving classrooms, and thriving classrooms create confident, successful students.
📸 Speaking of leaders… we love this snapshot of our Middle School Student Council — they are a great example of what leadership looks like in our Village.
More highlights coming as we continue the countdown!

We’re excited to celebrate Aliza, who has been selected as a 2025 STEM Career Connections Apple Watch Giveaway winner through the SRS Community Reuse Organization (SRSCRO)! 🍎⌚️
🧪This opportunity highlights Aliza’s interest in STEM and the incredible possibilities available to students who lean into learning, curiosity, and future-focused careers. We are so proud of her!
💙 A huge thank you to SRSCRO for investing in students across our region and for being such a strong partner in creating meaningful STEM opportunities. Support like this truly makes a difference.
Way to go, Aliza—enjoy your Apple Watch as you keep exploring big ideas and bright futures! 💛

Our Golf Squad after-school club is returning for a winter session and is open to K–5 students! Students will meet weekly with a Golf Professional, build skills, and have fun with friends—all on campus. Best part? All equipment is provided, and each participant receives a Golf Squad Handbook and a hat or visor to keep.
🗓 January 15 – February 26
👉 Sign up online at https://golfsquad.com/school/horse-creek-academy
Spots are limited—don’t miss it!

🎁 With 16 days to go until Open Enrollment opens for the 2026–27 school year, we’re continuing our Unwrapping HCA: 20 Days, 20 Highlights series — sharing what everyday life in our Village really feels like.
✨ Day 16: Joy
😄 Joy shows up in the little moments at Horse Creek Academy — laughter in the hallways, pride after a performance or game, students excited to share their learning, and staff who genuinely love what they do. We believe school should be a place where students (and staff!) feel happy to be, not just a place they go. When joy is present, confidence grows, relationships deepen, and learning sticks.
Stay tuned as we keep unwrapping what makes the HCA experience special. 💙

❄️ We’ve officially arrived at our final week before Winter Break, and we just want to say thank you for a fantastic 2025. It’s been a full year of growth, connection, and community—and we’re so grateful for our HCA families.
❗️As we head into this last stretch, please be sure to read this week’s Weekly Update. We’ve shared some big news, and you’ll want to scroll all the way through—there are multiple pages packed with important information, reminders, and upcoming events.
👉 Check it out at https://aptg.co/lcjxD3
Thank you for being such an incredible part of our Village. We’re excited to finish the year strong and head into the break together!
💙💛