
What year did you graduate: 2004
Give us the highlight reel! What has changed since you transitioned from PCS student to PCS Alum?
It’s harder to think of what hasn’t changed over the last 18 years! Wish I could say “my hairline.” The highlight reel would have to begin with marrying my wife Rebecca in 2008, and our three children (Margaret, Owen, and Libby). Before we moved to Franklin, TN, three years ago, our three kids had the enormous privilege of being PCS Bobcats themselves, with their granddaddy as their principal (Mr. Scott Griffith). After graduating from Southern Miss, I pursued a seminary degree from RTS in Jackson, while serving on the pastoral staff of First Presbyterian Church. Serving there for 12 years was a delight, as was getting to teach a few Bible classes at PCS during that time (in a classroom right next door to Ms. Sugg!). In 2019, just before the pandemic, we transitioned to Franklin, TN, where I serve on staff at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church.
What is your most impactful memory of your time at PCS?
The 2002-2003 basketball season (south state champs, baby). When my 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme got searched by drug dogs because it looked like a dealer’s car. Lots of individual memories come to mind (in the classroom and on the field), but in terms of what was most impactful, I simply remember PCS being a place where I was known, loved, challenged, accepted, and given the chance to grow. Teachers like Mrs. Sugg, Mr. Rowe, Coach Smith, Mrs. Wheat, Mrs. Foster, and many others, all contributed to making PCS a special environment that I look back on very fondly.
As you look back upon your education through the lens of a biblical worldview, how has that shaped every good endeavor that you have invested your time, talent, and treasure in since graduation?
The words of the Westminster catechism still ring in my ears, from those early days of memorizing the first question at school – “man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” I’m deeply grateful for the way that I began to learn at PCS that all truth is God’s truth, that we live in his world as his image bearers, and that every square inch of this universe belongs to and reveals him. My time at PCS gave me this lens through which to see myself and the world around me, and I’m still learning how to see through them!
How would you describe the impact of your PCS education to a family considering our school for their child?
PCS is academically challenging while being spiritually formative. The educational process aims at the head and the heart, in a safe and encouraging environment, and is stewarded by caring, qualified teachers who invest themselves in their students. This is what I experienced 18 years ago, and know remains true today.
What do the relationships you made at PCS look like today?
They look like epic, hilarious, ongoing text threads. In the last 18 years, I’ve made a lot of new friends, but like Ben Rector says, “the truth is there’s nothing like old friends.” Looking back, I wish I had kept up with more people better, but I’m so thankful for the friends I shared life with then and continue to share it with now.
What is your one piece of advice for a current PCS student?
There’s a lot of life to live after PCS. Lean into while you can, love the people around you while you can, and pursue truth, goodness, and beauty wherever you are.
HATTIESBURG, MS— Each year the National Merit Scholarship Corporation identifies students across the United States who have scored at a very high level on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test (PSAT/NMSQT) as semifinalists. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of United States high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. Earlier this year, PCS announced that two students in the PCS Class of 2022 were named National Merit Semifinalists. Today, we are filled with pride to announce that Mr. Sam Powell and Mr. Sterling Robbins both advanced to the distinction of National Merit Finalists. Only (0.45%) of high school seniors earn the distinction of National Merit Finalist each year. This hard-earned distinction by Mr. Powell and Mr. Robbins make for a total of 57 students from PCS who have been named National Merit Scholars since the year of 2000. We are proud to be the leading MAIS school with these honors. Earning the distinction of National Merit Finalist is one of the highest honors a high school student can obtain. Our College Counselor, Dr. Joshua Bowen, proudly states, “As a National Merit Finalist, these students truly have the world at their feet as they plan their next steps forward. Many National Merit Finalists are afforded full scholarships for all four years of their undergraduate degree, and both Sam and Sterling become a part of that elite club of high school students who have worked very hard for this outcome. It has been my distinct honor to work with these two young men this year to help them accomplish this goal, and I look forward to watching their success as they both attend the University of Alabama. We are all so proud of both of them and all they have accomplished to date.” PCS Head of School Dr. Seth Parrish shares, “It has been a joy and a blessing to have had the privilege to know Sam Powell and Sterling Robbins. I have been amazed and inspired by their insatiable pursuit of excellence in all things, their leadership among their peers, and most of all the character they have displayed over the years as they have studied His Word. Our mission statement talks about our aim to prepare our students adequately for college. Education is the bread and butter of our day-to-day calling. However, these efforts would be in vain if that education wasn’t under the banner of Christ. We are very proud of both of these young men and pray the legacy of truth, honor, and loyalty will continue with them for all their days.” Sam Powell will be attending The University of Alabama next year with a double major in electrical engineering and piano. Sam shares, “This honor means so much to me. I’ve looked up to a lot of students before me at PCS who were National Merit Finalists, and so now that I am one, I feel like I have reached their academic level that has been a goal of mine for quite some time. I feel very honored to be considered part of some of the top students in the nation.” Sam has been a student at PCS for the last fourteen years. Sterling Robbins will be attending The University of Alabama next year and intends to major in chemical engineering on a pre-med track. Sterling shares, “Being named a National Merit Finalist means so much to me because of all the lessons I have learned about work ethic and devotion. I am very thankful to God for putting me in this amazing position.” Sterling has been a student at PCS for the last thirteen years. |
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For more information and media inquiries, please contact Director of Communications, Kami Bonner via email at kmbonner@pcsk12.org or by phone at 765-215-1334. |
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(Pictured left to right: Kim Smith, Eli Smith, Mr. Scott Griffith, Sophie Woods, Sophie’s “TawTaw,” Mr. Randy Swan, Angela Woods, and Mr. Gareth Bonner)
PCS was proud to host the Forrest County Spelling Bee on February 10th under the direction and leadership of Mr. Scott Griffith. Mr. Griffith has been a long time fan of the spelling bee program, and it was a fitting was to spend his birthday. A big congratulations goes to PCS student Sophie Woods (7th) for her first place finish and ticket to the state spelling bee in the coming weeks. We also wish to congratulate PCS student Eli Smith (7th) for his second place finish. A dear friend of PCS and member of the PCS Family, Mr. Randy Swan, served as our caller, and Mr. Gareth Bonner and Mrs. Kami Bonner served as judges for the event.
FUN FACT: Mr. Gareth Bonner is a former MAIS State Champion speller. He is also the two-peat champ of the T-Bones cafe Adult Spelling Bee events.
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February 7-11, 2022 |
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As promised, our latest PCS COVID-19 numbers are below. These numbers are accurate as of our reported data at the time of sending this email. However, please keep in mind, these numbers are subject to change at any point in time making the following immediately outdated. Thank you for your understanding and your grace. 0 — Staff Positive Cases 0 — Staff Out Due to Known Exposure 3 — Student Positive Cases 2 — Students Out Due to Known Exposure |
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January 31—February 4, 2022 |
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SHOP THE PTO WINTER SWEATSHIRT COLLECTION! |
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As promised, our latest PCS COVID-19 numbers are below. These numbers are accurate as of our reported data at the time of sending this email. However, please keep in mind, these numbers are subject to change at any point in time making the following immediately outdated. Thank you for your understanding and your grace. 4 — Staff Positive Cases 1 — Staff Out Due to Known Exposure 6 — Student Positive Cases 18 — Students Out Due to Known Exposure |
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Join us for our first annual Carols by Candlelight event on December 16th at 6:30 PM. This event will take place at our Secondary School campus in the courtyard area. Learn more about the details of this event and what to bring by clicking the image below. Look forward to seeing you!
A big congratulations to Jonathan Gray, who finished with a perfect 5-0 record for the top spot in the varsity division. Awesome job to our entire Secondary School PCS Chess Team!
2021 MAIS Chess Tournament Results
Lower Elementary Champion: David Mann- First Presbyterian Day School
Runner-Up: Thomas Yates- St. Augustine School
Team Champion: First Presbyterian Day School
Runner-Up: St. Augustine School
Upper Elementary Individual Champion: Ward Sellers- St. Augustine School
Runner-Up: Edward Coco- First Presbyterian Day School
Team Champion: Park Place Christian Academy
Runner-Up: First Presbyterian Day School
Jr High Individual Champion: Tate Ogden- East Rankin Academy
Runner-Up: Cole Dent- The Redeemer’s School
Team Champion: East Rankin Academy
Runner-Up: The Redeemer’s School
Individual High School Champion: Jonathan Gray- Presbyterian Christian School
Runner-Up: Spence Hanegan- Lamar School
Team Champion: Jackson Prep
Runner-Up: East Rankin Academy
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PCS Week-At-A-GlanceNovember 15th—20th, 2021 |
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