PCA North Life Stories

Prestonwood Christian Academy North 5th Grade students recently welcomed Captain Brad McBride, a Southwest Airlines pilot, as part of the airline's Adopt-A-Pilot Program — an initiative that connects professional pilots with classrooms across the United States to inspire students through aviation-themed learning and mentorship.

Since launching more than 25 years ago, Southwest's Adopt-A-Pilot Program has impacted more than half a million students nationwide. The program blends STEM education with character development and real-world career exploration while introducing students to Southwest's F.L.I.G.H.T. values.

During his visits to PCA North, Captain McBride gave students an inside look at life as a commercial airline pilot. He shared details about daily flight operations, scheduling, reserve pilots, and the teamwork required to keep flights running safely and on time. Students learned about airport security procedures, cockpit instruments, flight speeds, and how pilots navigate between cities across multiple time zones.

Captain McBride also walked students through his own flight routes, showing photos from cities he visited and explaining how pilots manage long travel days, overnight stays, and healthy routines while on the road. His real-world examples helped bring geography and math concepts to life as students calculated flight times, compared distances, and identified the longest and shortest legs of his trips.

A highlight of the experience was the hands-on science instruction, where students learned how airplanes fly through interactive experiments. Captain McBride introduced key aviation concepts such as lift, thrust, drag, and weight, and demonstrated Bernoulli's principle using everyday materials. Students practiced forming hypotheses, observing results, and drawing conclusions as they tested airflow with paper strips, balloons, cups, and a ping-pong ball.

Captain McBride encouraged students to stay curious, ask questions, and engage fully in the learning process. By connecting classroom lessons to real-world aviation applications, his visits helped students better understand how science, math, and engineering work together in practical and exciting ways.

Through the Adopt-A-Pilot Program, students not only gained a deeper understanding of aviation and STEM concepts, but also experienced firsthand how classroom learning connects to future careers and the world beyond school.

 

Prestonwood Christian Academy North recently launched a new mentorship initiative designed to foster relationships, spiritual growth, and leadership development among students. The program, called The Bridge, pairs 6th Grade students with volunteer mentors from the 11th Grade.

"The mentorship program really grew out of a sense that the Holy Spirit was leading me to find more intentional, proactive ways to reach the hearts of our 6th Grade students," Middle School Counselor Kim Jones said. "So often we end up responding to behaviors or situations after they happen, and I felt convicted that we could do more to meet students’ needs ahead of time."

After a period of prayer, research, and collaboration with staff and administrators, The Bridge was created to connect Middle School and Upper School students in a meaningful and supportive way.

The program's primary goal is to provide biblical mentorship through relationship and example. Jones said The Bridge benefits both mentors and mentees.

"On a deeper level, we hope Middle School students will grow individually — learning, maturing, and gaining confidence through the relationships they build with their mentors. By spending time with their Upper School mentors, they are able to see a practical picture of what it means to be a member of the PCA North community and an authentic follower of Christ," she said. "For our Upper School students, the goal is for them to experience what it looks like to lead and disciple someone in a genuine way. At its heart, the program is students leading students."

The Bridge also aligns with PCA North's mission and core values by giving students opportunities to model Christ-like leadership in everyday interactions. The hope is that Middle School students can watch Upper School students live out these values in their daily lives and see an authentic picture of what it means to be a PCA North Lion.

All 6th Grade students participate as mentees, while 11th Grade mentors volunteer and must complete an approval process with Middle School and Upper School counselors. Mentors also participate in training, review expectations, and commit to the program’s time requirements.

Before the program began, mentors attended a training session called Mentorship 101, which covered the purpose of the program, principles of effective mentorship, behavioral expectations and scheduling details. Students were also given time to pray and consider their involvement before committing.

Students typically meet twice a month during activity periods. Sessions are designed to be interactive and relaxed to encourage conversation and relationship-building. Activities have included candy conversation games, bracelet making, tabletop football, and board games. Mentors are also provided with suggested discussion topics, including conversations about upcoming events such as Minimester.

Although still in its pilot phase, The Bridge has received positive feedback from students, staff, and parents.

"We are only a few sessions into the program, but the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive," Jones said.

Looking ahead, program leaders hope to expand The Bridge into a two-year mentorship cycle, pairing 6th and 11th Grade students and continuing the relationships into 7th and 12th Grade. The long-term vision includes commissioning Middle School students to step into leadership roles as they enter 8th Grade.

By connecting students across divisions, The Bridge aims to strengthen community, deepen discipleship, and equip students to lead with confidence and faith.

 

Prestonwood Christian Academy North recognized a landmark achievement as senior Berkley Boyd signed her Letter of Intent to compete at the collegiate level, becoming both the school's first dual-sport signee and its first student-athlete to sign for volleyball.

Berkley will continue her academic and athletic career at Butler College in Kansas, where she will compete in volleyball and track. Her signing represents a milestone for PCA North Athletics and reflects years of commitment, perseverance and leadership across two programs.

A member of the PCA North community since sixth grade, Berkley has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of PCA North volleyball. Her consistency, work ethic and competitive drive helped establish a standard for the program and opened the door for future student-athletes.

"As PCA North's first volleyball signee, Berkley exemplifies the discipline, determination and dedication required at the next level," said Head Volleyball Coach Heather Stewart. "We are excited to see her continue to develop and use her God-given abilities in college."

Throughout her volleyball career, Berkley earned numerous honors, including Freshman of the Year recognition and multiple All-District and All-State selections. She was named District Hitter of the Year as a sophomore and earned First Team All-State honors that season, finishing her career with Second Team All-State recognition as a senior.

Berkley also distinguished herself as a standout in track and field, consistently qualifying for the TAPPS State Meet in multiple events throughout her high school career. As a freshman, she captured a regional title in the high jump and finished as the state runner-up. Her success continued in subsequent seasons, earning additional regional championships and All-State honors.

As a junior, Berkley was named the Regional Athlete of the Meet after winning three regional titles in the high jump, 400 meters and 4x100-meter relay. She went on to finish as the state runner-up in both the 100 meters and high jump, solidifying her place among the most accomplished multi-sport athletes in PCA North history.

PCA North proudly celebrates Berkley Boyd and this significant moment for the school's athletic program. Congratulations, Berkley, on this well-earned achievement and the exciting journey ahead.

At Prestonwood Christian Academy North, learning is designed to extend beyond the classroom and into the world. Through Minimester, Middle and Upper School students step away from their regular schedules to grow spiritually, deepen classroom learning, and live out the Gospel. Each spring, Minimester helps students embrace the Great Commission, “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Middle School Minimester experiences are primarily an extension of curriculum and spiritual development, with a service element included, culminating in a Washington D.C. trip in Eighth Grade. Upper School students take part in mission-focused travel opportunities to DFW, San Antonio, Miami, Costa Rica, England, and East Africa.

Recently, the mission took shape on campus as Upper School students visited Lower School classrooms, building partnerships that connected students across all grade levels. During these visits, the older students shared facts about the places they will serve, the people they will meet, and how God is calling them to love others through service and leadership.

In one PreK classroom, as an Upper School student explained how they share Jesus with the people they meet on their mission trip, a young student eagerly raised his hand and said, “I want to tell people about Jesus too!” This simple declaration reminded everyone that faith is not limited by age and that even our youngest students can learn to share Jesus with others.

Through these classroom partnerships, Lower School students have meaningful ways to join in the mission. They are encouraged to pray for the Upper School teams, asking God for safe travels, open hearts, and lasting spiritual impact. Students can also contribute to “Money for Missions” to help provide essential supplies for the trips. By learning to support others and think beyond themselves, students begin to understand the joy of serving and the importance of putting faith into action. Discipleship starts early, and every student, no matter their age, can share God’s love and impact the world around them.

 

 

PCA North Kindergarten students rang in 2026 and the beginning of the Spring semester with a vibrant and memorable Happy "Noon" Year celebration on their first day back to campus. The classroom buzzed with anticipation as students prepared to welcome the new year at midday, which served as a clever way to mark a fresh start together. Wearing festive 2026 hats they had hand decorated earlier that morning, the children gripped their noisemakers and fixed their eyes on the countdown clock while they waited for the celebration to begin.

The event doubled as an engaging hands-on math lesson where students reinforced their number recognition and sequencing skills. Using a custom made number line, the class practiced counting backward from 20 to build a sense of collective excitement with every digit. As they gathered beneath the balloon drop area, the students tracked a New Year's countdown video and watched closely as the numbers bridged the gap between the holiday break and the promising semester ahead.

When the clock finally struck zero, the room erupted in pure delight as colorful balloons fell from the ceiling. Amidst the cheers and noisemakers, the "Noon" Year celebration served as a beautiful reminder that every new beginning is a gift from God.