📣🏆 Big news for HCA DECA!
👏 We are proud to officially announce our DECA Officer Team for the 2026–2027 school year!
After a competitive and thoughtful selection process, these students rose to the top through their leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence:
✨ Anslee Zielinski – DECA President
✨ Tristan Strother – Executive Vice President
✨ Lulu Martinez – Vice President of Marketing
✨ Micaiah Slater – Vice President of Chapter Development
✨ Lily Cameron – Vice President of Chapter Development
These students represent the very best of HCA—demonstrating strong character, initiative, and a true passion for growing our DECA chapter.
👏 We are confident this team will lead with integrity, creativity, and purpose as they take our program to the next level.
HCA Village, help us congratulate this outstanding group of leaders! 💙
👏 We are proud to officially announce our DECA Officer Team for the 2026–2027 school year!
After a competitive and thoughtful selection process, these students rose to the top through their leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence:
✨ Anslee Zielinski – DECA President
✨ Tristan Strother – Executive Vice President
✨ Lulu Martinez – Vice President of Marketing
✨ Micaiah Slater – Vice President of Chapter Development
✨ Lily Cameron – Vice President of Chapter Development
These students represent the very best of HCA—demonstrating strong character, initiative, and a true passion for growing our DECA chapter.
👏 We are confident this team will lead with integrity, creativity, and purpose as they take our program to the next level.
HCA Village, help us congratulate this outstanding group of leaders! 💙
We’re clearing the shelves and making room for what’s next 👀
🎉 End of Year Sale is HERE!
Grab your HCA shirts for just $10 now through June 5 (or until they’re gone)!
These are perfect for summer, spirit days, or repping the Village wherever you go 💙
👉 Quantities are limited—once they’re out, they’re out!
👉 Hoodies are marked down too, just $15!
👉 New and improved gear for the 26–27 school year is on the way, and you’re going to love it.
Come snag your favorites while you can… and get ready for what’s next.
We are the Village.
🎉 End of Year Sale is HERE!
Grab your HCA shirts for just $10 now through June 5 (or until they’re gone)!
These are perfect for summer, spirit days, or repping the Village wherever you go 💙
👉 Quantities are limited—once they’re out, they’re out!
👉 Hoodies are marked down too, just $15!
👉 New and improved gear for the 26–27 school year is on the way, and you’re going to love it.
Come snag your favorites while you can… and get ready for what’s next.
We are the Village.
✏️📚 Kindergarten 101 is coming to HCA! 📚✏️
Mark your calendars for July 27 at 6:00pm in the HCA Gym for a special evening hosted by our amazing 5K teachers! 💙
This parent-focused orientation is designed to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready for your child’s Kindergarten journey at HCA.
💡 And don’t worry—we didn’t forget about our future Stallions! Students will get their chance to explore classrooms and more at Village Fest on August 6. (More details on Village Fest coming very soon! 😉)
🏇🏻 We can’t wait to welcome you and help you kick off an incredible year!
Mark your calendars for July 27 at 6:00pm in the HCA Gym for a special evening hosted by our amazing 5K teachers! 💙
This parent-focused orientation is designed to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready for your child’s Kindergarten journey at HCA.
💡 And don’t worry—we didn’t forget about our future Stallions! Students will get their chance to explore classrooms and more at Village Fest on August 6. (More details on Village Fest coming very soon! 😉)
🏇🏻 We can’t wait to welcome you and help you kick off an incredible year!
✨ What if school could be… more flexible?
Horse Creek Academy is exploring the possibility of a co-op microschool model designed for students who are currently homeschooling, learning virtually, or interested in a more flexible option—and we’d love your input.
We’re talking about a model that could blend:
✔️ Flexible learning options
✔️ Real-world experiences
✔️ Meaningful connection to a school community
✔️ A dedicated off-campus meet-up space for learning, collaboration, and connection
If your family is currently in a homeschool or virtual setting (or considering it), we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Take a quick interest survey and help us shape what this could become!
📲 Survey Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/1JMYuYKL73
Because at HCA… we are the Village—and we’re always growing. 💙
Horse Creek Academy is exploring the possibility of a co-op microschool model designed for students who are currently homeschooling, learning virtually, or interested in a more flexible option—and we’d love your input.
We’re talking about a model that could blend:
✔️ Flexible learning options
✔️ Real-world experiences
✔️ Meaningful connection to a school community
✔️ A dedicated off-campus meet-up space for learning, collaboration, and connection
If your family is currently in a homeschool or virtual setting (or considering it), we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Take a quick interest survey and help us shape what this could become!
📲 Survey Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/1JMYuYKL73
Because at HCA… we are the Village—and we’re always growing. 💙
🎶 Spring Band Concert – This Thursday!
Join us for a great night of music at our Spring Band Concert on Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 PM in the HCA Gym.
Our student musicians have been working hard all semester, and this is their moment to shine. Come out, show your support, and enjoy an evening of incredible performances.
Let’s fill the gym and celebrate our talented Stallions! 💙🏇
Join us for a great night of music at our Spring Band Concert on Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 PM in the HCA Gym.
Our student musicians have been working hard all semester, and this is their moment to shine. Come out, show your support, and enjoy an evening of incredible performances.
Let’s fill the gym and celebrate our talented Stallions! 💙🏇
👋 Our Weekly Update is live, and this week is full of opportunities to stay connected and involved across the Village.
From our 4K Orientation tomorrow night, to community partnerships like the City of Aiken youth sports volunteer opportunity, and exciting upcoming events like Info Night, the Spring Band Concert, and Middle School Formal, there’s something for every family to plug into.
You’ll also find important reminders about senior events, end-of-year programs, testing dates, and summer opportunities as we head into the final stretch of the school year.
👉 Click the link to view the full Weekly Update: https://tinyurl.com/hcaweekly5-4-26
Quick heads up: You may also see this newsletter come through directly from noreply@hcacs.net. This is a new feature we’re testing as part of an improvement to our communication system for next year. Soon, this will allow the newsletter to display fully in your inbox—no extra clicks needed!
Thank you for staying engaged and connected.
We are the Village. 💙🏇
From our 4K Orientation tomorrow night, to community partnerships like the City of Aiken youth sports volunteer opportunity, and exciting upcoming events like Info Night, the Spring Band Concert, and Middle School Formal, there’s something for every family to plug into.
You’ll also find important reminders about senior events, end-of-year programs, testing dates, and summer opportunities as we head into the final stretch of the school year.
👉 Click the link to view the full Weekly Update: https://tinyurl.com/hcaweekly5-4-26
Quick heads up: You may also see this newsletter come through directly from noreply@hcacs.net. This is a new feature we’re testing as part of an improvement to our communication system for next year. Soon, this will allow the newsletter to display fully in your inbox—no extra clicks needed!
Thank you for staying engaged and connected.
We are the Village. 💙🏇
💅✨ Nail Tech & Esthetics Info Night at HCA
Interested in a future in the beauty industry? Come learn what’s possible at our Nail Tech & Esthetics Info Night!
📅 Thursday, May 7
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Commons B
This is a great opportunity for students and families to explore career pathways, training options, and next steps in nail technology and esthetics—all in one place right here at HCA!
💅🏼 Whether you’re just curious or already passionate about nails, skincare, and more, this night is for you.
We can’t wait to see you there! 💙🏇
Interested in a future in the beauty industry? Come learn what’s possible at our Nail Tech & Esthetics Info Night!
📅 Thursday, May 7
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Commons B
This is a great opportunity for students and families to explore career pathways, training options, and next steps in nail technology and esthetics—all in one place right here at HCA!
💅🏼 Whether you’re just curious or already passionate about nails, skincare, and more, this night is for you.
We can’t wait to see you there! 💙🏇
🏈 Serve Our Community Through Youth Sports! 🏈
🤝 As part of our partnership with the City of Aiken, we’re excited to share a meaningful way for our students (16+) and families to get involved and give back.
👀 The City is currently seeking referees for youth flag football (8U, 10U, 12U). This is a great opportunity to mentor younger athletes, build leadership skills, and support positive youth experiences in our community.
No prior officiating experience is needed—training is provided for anyone with a basic understanding of the game. Officials can work up to 2 games per night (up to 6 per week), and receive $25 per game.
There are also opportunities available for baseball and girls’ softball officiating, with the greatest need right now in flag football. ⚾️🥎
💙If you’re looking for a way to make an impact beyond campus, this is a great place to start!
👉 For more information, email Bret Howell at BHowell@CityofAikenSC.gov
🤝 As part of our partnership with the City of Aiken, we’re excited to share a meaningful way for our students (16+) and families to get involved and give back.
👀 The City is currently seeking referees for youth flag football (8U, 10U, 12U). This is a great opportunity to mentor younger athletes, build leadership skills, and support positive youth experiences in our community.
No prior officiating experience is needed—training is provided for anyone with a basic understanding of the game. Officials can work up to 2 games per night (up to 6 per week), and receive $25 per game.
There are also opportunities available for baseball and girls’ softball officiating, with the greatest need right now in flag football. ⚾️🥎
💙If you’re looking for a way to make an impact beyond campus, this is a great place to start!
👉 For more information, email Bret Howell at BHowell@CityofAikenSC.gov
🚗✨ WANT TO SKIP CAR LINE NEXT YEAR? ✨🚗
Get ready, Village… we’re changing things up—and it’s a game changer.
For the FIRST TIME EVER, our Car Line VIP Auction is happening in MAY, so winners can start enjoying their VIP spots on the very first day of school for 2026–2027! 🙌
And it gets even better…
👉 Elementary is expanding from 3 VIP spots to 4!
👉 NEW this year: 2 Car Line VIP spots in our back parking lot for Middle/High families!
🚨 Bidding Opens: May 11
⏰ Closes: May 22 at 11:59 PM
Winners get to skip the car line EVERY DAY—morning and afternoon. Yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds.
Important: Each individual may only win ONE VIP spot—plan your bidding accordingly!
👀 Stay tuned , we will release the bidding links on Monday, May 11!
✨ More Than a Score
By Dr. Ann Marie Taylor
🗓️ It’s officially testing season—but this is your reminder: our students are SO much more than a number.
💙 At Horse Creek Academy, we believe in effort, growth, and the kind of confidence that lasts long after the test is over.
This one is worth the read 👇
https://www.hcacs.net/article/2857881
By Dr. Ann Marie Taylor
🗓️ It’s officially testing season—but this is your reminder: our students are SO much more than a number.
💙 At Horse Creek Academy, we believe in effort, growth, and the kind of confidence that lasts long after the test is over.
This one is worth the read 👇
https://www.hcacs.net/article/2857881
🌱💙 Connection in action at HCA! 💙🌱
This week, Mrs. Safford’s elementary health classes partnered with Mr. Wooten’s high school agriculture program for a hands-on day in the greenhouse—and it was everything we love about being a 4K–12 school. 👏
Our younger students explored healthy habits and where their food comes from, while our high school students stepped into leadership roles—teaching, guiding, and sharing their knowledge in a real-world setting. 🌿
Moments like this don’t happen everywhere. At HCA, our structure creates natural opportunities for connection across grade levels, where students learn with and from each other.
💙 This is what it looks like when learning, leadership, and connection come together!
This week, Mrs. Safford’s elementary health classes partnered with Mr. Wooten’s high school agriculture program for a hands-on day in the greenhouse—and it was everything we love about being a 4K–12 school. 👏
Our younger students explored healthy habits and where their food comes from, while our high school students stepped into leadership roles—teaching, guiding, and sharing their knowledge in a real-world setting. 🌿
Moments like this don’t happen everywhere. At HCA, our structure creates natural opportunities for connection across grade levels, where students learn with and from each other.
💙 This is what it looks like when learning, leadership, and connection come together!
✨ Juniors and Seniors...Final call for Prom tickets! ✨
🌟 Ticket sales will close this Friday, May 1 at 5:00pm—don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the most memorable nights of the year! And remember, Prom is this Saturday, May 2nd from 7-11 right here at HCA!
Prom is such a special tradition at HCA, and we’d love to see as many of our students there as possible—dressed up, making memories, and celebrating together. 💃🕺
🎟️ Grab your tickets now at https://gofan.co/event/6553886?schoolId=SC100404
📄 Bringing a guest from outside HCA? Be sure to complete (and turn in) the guest form: https://aptg.co/NvLPdn
Let’s make it a night to remember… We are the Village 💙💛
🌟 Ticket sales will close this Friday, May 1 at 5:00pm—don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the most memorable nights of the year! And remember, Prom is this Saturday, May 2nd from 7-11 right here at HCA!
Prom is such a special tradition at HCA, and we’d love to see as many of our students there as possible—dressed up, making memories, and celebrating together. 💃🕺
🎟️ Grab your tickets now at https://gofan.co/event/6553886?schoolId=SC100404
📄 Bringing a guest from outside HCA? Be sure to complete (and turn in) the guest form: https://aptg.co/NvLPdn
Let’s make it a night to remember… We are the Village 💙💛
✨💃 Middle School Formal is coming, HCA! 🕺✨
Get ready for a fun night—our Middle School Formal will be held on:
📅 Saturday, May 9
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
We can’t wait to see our middle school students dressed up and enjoying a great night together! 🎉
🎟️ Tickets are just $10—grab yours today!
👉 https://tinyurl.com/2026msformal
🙌 Want to help make the night even more special? We’re also collecting donations—check out ways to contribute below:
👉 https://tinyurl.com/26msformaldonate
Let’s make it a night to remember! 💙
Get ready for a fun night—our Middle School Formal will be held on:
📅 Saturday, May 9
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
We can’t wait to see our middle school students dressed up and enjoying a great night together! 🎉
🎟️ Tickets are just $10—grab yours today!
👉 https://tinyurl.com/2026msformal
🙌 Want to help make the night even more special? We’re also collecting donations—check out ways to contribute below:
👉 https://tinyurl.com/26msformaldonate
Let’s make it a night to remember! 💙
👀 Did you smell that?
Yep… we did too 😅
Before we all start side-eyeing the hallways or blaming middle school lockers… here’s your quick HCA science moment:
🌾 Local farmers use chicken manure (sometimes called “chicken litter”) as a natural fertilizer to help crops grow—it's packed with nutrients like nitrogen that plants love!
💡 Did you know?
-That strong smell actually comes from nitrogen breaking down
-And when it’s dry outside, the smell can travel farther and stick around longer
-A good rain helps soak it into the soil and clears the air 🌧️
So yes… it’s a little strong right now—but it’s also a sign that fields are being prepped and crops are growing 🌱
👉 Real-life agriculture. Right outside our classrooms.
💙 Huge shoutout to our local farmers—thank you for feeding our community and doing the hard (and sometimes smelly!) work that keeps everything growing.
Because at HCA… even unexpected moments turn into learning opportunities 🏇🏻🌾🐓
Good evening, HCA Village!
Our Weekly Update is live, and it’s packed with important reminders and exciting events as we head into a busy stretch of the school year!
From Senior celebrations and upcoming events, to our Fishing Tournament fundraiser, summer camp opportunities, and key end-of-year dates, there’s a lot happening across the Village.
👉 Click the link to read the full Weekly Update: https://tinyurl.com/hca427weeklyupdate
Thank you for staying connected and engaged—we love seeing our Village show up in such big ways! 💙🏇
Our Weekly Update is live, and it’s packed with important reminders and exciting events as we head into a busy stretch of the school year!
From Senior celebrations and upcoming events, to our Fishing Tournament fundraiser, summer camp opportunities, and key end-of-year dates, there’s a lot happening across the Village.
👉 Click the link to read the full Weekly Update: https://tinyurl.com/hca427weeklyupdate
Thank you for staying connected and engaged—we love seeing our Village show up in such big ways! 💙🏇
👀 Ready to teach at a school that’s doing things differently?
🏇🏻 This is your moment… we have two elementary openings for the 2026–2027 school year!
We’re currently hiring:
✨ Early Childhood Teacher
✨ Elementary Teacher
At HCA, it’s more than a job—it’s being part of a team that values connection, flexibility, and service, and truly puts students at the center of everything we do. 💙
👉 Email your resume to kheath@hcacs.net to apply!
👀 Tag someone who needs to see this or share with a great educator!
🏇🏻 This is your moment… we have two elementary openings for the 2026–2027 school year!
We’re currently hiring:
✨ Early Childhood Teacher
✨ Elementary Teacher
At HCA, it’s more than a job—it’s being part of a team that values connection, flexibility, and service, and truly puts students at the center of everything we do. 💙
👉 Email your resume to kheath@hcacs.net to apply!
👀 Tag someone who needs to see this or share with a great educator!
🏇🏻✨ HCA Teacher of the Month – April! ✨🏇🏻
Let’s hear it for our April Teacher of the Month… Dr. Ashley Galloway-Speight! 🎉
📚 As a rockstar High School English teacher, Dr. Galloway-Speight brings passion, energy, and high expectations to her classroom every single day. She challenges her students to think deeply, communicate effectively, and truly engage with what they’re learning—all while creating a supportive and inspiring environment.
💙 Her impact goes far beyond the classroom—and if you catch her in the mornings at the middle/high school entrance, you might even see some of her awesome dance moves setting the tone for the day! 💃
👏 Dr. Galloway-Speight, thank you for the difference you make at HCA—we are so grateful for you!
❤️ A big thank you to Chick-fil-A Aiken for helping us celebrate our teachers and making moments like this possible!
HCA Village, help us congratulate her! 💛
Let’s hear it for our April Teacher of the Month… Dr. Ashley Galloway-Speight! 🎉
📚 As a rockstar High School English teacher, Dr. Galloway-Speight brings passion, energy, and high expectations to her classroom every single day. She challenges her students to think deeply, communicate effectively, and truly engage with what they’re learning—all while creating a supportive and inspiring environment.
💙 Her impact goes far beyond the classroom—and if you catch her in the mornings at the middle/high school entrance, you might even see some of her awesome dance moves setting the tone for the day! 💃
👏 Dr. Galloway-Speight, thank you for the difference you make at HCA—we are so grateful for you!
❤️ A big thank you to Chick-fil-A Aiken for helping us celebrate our teachers and making moments like this possible!
HCA Village, help us congratulate her! 💛
🎉🏇🏻 BIG WINS FOR HCA TEACHERS!
We are proud to celebrate some exciting news—Horse Creek Academy has been awarded multiple SRNS Innovative Teaching Mini Grants! 👏
Out of 329 applicants, several of our incredible educators were selected… and we couldn’t be more proud!
🌟 Congratulations to:
• Misty Lee (3rd Grade Teacher) – Hands-on Learning Means Brains in Action ($500)
• Jennifer McMillian – Taking STEM to the Air & Beyond ($1,000)
✨ Mrs. McMillian is joining our HCA High School team next year—and we are so excited!
• William Mills (Middle School Teacher) – Coding and Robotics Systems ($1,000)
These grants will support innovative, hands-on learning experiences for our students—bringing ideas to life in the classroom and continuing to push learning forward at HCA. 🚀
⚛️ We are incredibly grateful for the amazing support SRNS provides to educators across Aiken. Opportunities like this make a real difference in our classrooms and for our students.
💙 And we are jus so thankful for our teachers who go above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences every single day!
HCA is on a roll… and we’re just getting started. 👀
#WeAreTheVillage #HCAExcellence #InnovativeTeaching
We are proud to celebrate some exciting news—Horse Creek Academy has been awarded multiple SRNS Innovative Teaching Mini Grants! 👏
Out of 329 applicants, several of our incredible educators were selected… and we couldn’t be more proud!
🌟 Congratulations to:
• Misty Lee (3rd Grade Teacher) – Hands-on Learning Means Brains in Action ($500)
• Jennifer McMillian – Taking STEM to the Air & Beyond ($1,000)
✨ Mrs. McMillian is joining our HCA High School team next year—and we are so excited!
• William Mills (Middle School Teacher) – Coding and Robotics Systems ($1,000)
These grants will support innovative, hands-on learning experiences for our students—bringing ideas to life in the classroom and continuing to push learning forward at HCA. 🚀
⚛️ We are incredibly grateful for the amazing support SRNS provides to educators across Aiken. Opportunities like this make a real difference in our classrooms and for our students.
💙 And we are jus so thankful for our teachers who go above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences every single day!
HCA is on a roll… and we’re just getting started. 👀
#WeAreTheVillage #HCAExcellence #InnovativeTeaching
🎓💙 One of our most meaningful traditions is almost here… the HCA Senior Walk. 💙🎓
🎉 Seniors are invited to join us on Friday, May 22 at 8:45 AM as we celebrate our graduating seniors in a way only HCA can!
This is more than a walk… it’s a full-circle moment. 💙
A chance for our seniors to reflect on how far they’ve come, and for our younger Stallions to see what’s ahead and feel inspired by these amazing almost graduates. 🎓
🎉 Seniors will meet at 8:35 AM in front of the elementary playground to line up before making their way through campus—parading through our buildings as our younger students line the halls to cheer them on.
There’s something powerful about walking the halls one more time—where it all began, and where so much has been built along the way.
🏇🏻We can’t wait to honor this incredible group of students and send them off HCA style!
🎉 Seniors are invited to join us on Friday, May 22 at 8:45 AM as we celebrate our graduating seniors in a way only HCA can!
This is more than a walk… it’s a full-circle moment. 💙
A chance for our seniors to reflect on how far they’ve come, and for our younger Stallions to see what’s ahead and feel inspired by these amazing almost graduates. 🎓
🎉 Seniors will meet at 8:35 AM in front of the elementary playground to line up before making their way through campus—parading through our buildings as our younger students line the halls to cheer them on.
There’s something powerful about walking the halls one more time—where it all began, and where so much has been built along the way.
🏇🏻We can’t wait to honor this incredible group of students and send them off HCA style!
🌿🦁 Safari Adventure Summer Camp at Horse Creek Academy!
Get ready, Village… we’re going on a summer safari! 🐾🌍
🐘 This year’s HCA Summer Camp is packed with hands-on fun, creativity, and adventure—designed to keep students engaged, active, and making memories all summer long. From exciting activities to new friendships, it’s going to be a wild ride!
👉 Sign up now to save your spot: https://forms.gle/voHtMH8jaLSsBWAZA
📚 Who Can Attend?
All currently enrolled HCA students and newly accepted students for the 2026–2027 school year in grades 5K–12th are welcome!
💲 Weekly Rates:
• 1 Child: $90/week
• 2 Children: $140/week
• 3 or More Children: $180/week
🍽 Meals:
• Breakfast provided (Pop-Tart or waffle with juice)
• Afternoon snack provided
• Students bring their own lunch each day
🌟 Spots are limited, and this is one of those programs families always wish they signed up for sooner—so don’t wait!
We can’t wait to explore the safari with your child this summer… because at HCA, learning and fun don’t stop when school’s out. 🌞
Get ready, Village… we’re going on a summer safari! 🐾🌍
🐘 This year’s HCA Summer Camp is packed with hands-on fun, creativity, and adventure—designed to keep students engaged, active, and making memories all summer long. From exciting activities to new friendships, it’s going to be a wild ride!
👉 Sign up now to save your spot: https://forms.gle/voHtMH8jaLSsBWAZA
📚 Who Can Attend?
All currently enrolled HCA students and newly accepted students for the 2026–2027 school year in grades 5K–12th are welcome!
💲 Weekly Rates:
• 1 Child: $90/week
• 2 Children: $140/week
• 3 or More Children: $180/week
🍽 Meals:
• Breakfast provided (Pop-Tart or waffle with juice)
• Afternoon snack provided
• Students bring their own lunch each day
🌟 Spots are limited, and this is one of those programs families always wish they signed up for sooner—so don’t wait!
We can’t wait to explore the safari with your child this summer… because at HCA, learning and fun don’t stop when school’s out. 🌞
