Hilton Head Christian Academy students, faculty, and staff recently paused during special Chapel gatherings to celebrate something deeply woven into the fabric of HHCA: the people who faithfully invest in the lives of students each and every day.

Lower School recognitions took place during a special Lower School Chapel on Friday, May 1 as part of HHCA Mentor Appreciation Week, while Middle School and Upper School recognitions were celebrated during the school’s final all-school Chapel of the 2025–2026 academic year.

At HHCA, we intentionally refer to teachers as Mentors because the role they play in the lives of students extends far beyond the classroom. Through discipleship, encouragement, accountability, and Christ-centered relationships, HHCA mentors help students grow academically, spiritually, emotionally, and personally.

Building relationships is foundational to the HHCA experience, and our mentors work diligently to ensure every student feels known, valued, challenged, and loved.

During these special Chapel services, HHCA recognized the 2025–2026 Mentors of the Year along with faculty and staff members celebrating milestone years of faithful service to the school community.

Lower School Mentor of the Year: Brooke Brown

The Lower School Mentor of the Year award recognizes a mentor who faithfully creates an environment where young students are encouraged, supported, and inspired as they begin building a strong foundation academically and spiritually.

This year’s honoree, Brooke Brown, is known throughout the Lower School for her steady presence, joyful spirit, and deep commitment to students and colleagues alike. Whether through meaningful classroom experiences, intentional relationships, or quiet acts of service behind the scenes, Brooke consistently reflects the heart of mentorship at HHCA.

She brings a calm, positive energy into everything she does and approaches each day with humility, grace, and a servant-hearted mindset. Students are drawn to her engaging and creative teaching style, while fellow mentors value her dependability, encouragement, and willingness to support others wherever needed.

More importantly, Brooke models Christ-like leadership in both word and action. Through patience, kindness, consistency, and faithfulness, she helps students feel seen, valued, and deeply loved.

Brooke is a caring and gifted mentor who leads with humility, grace, and a genuine love for students. She creates a classroom environment where children are encouraged, engaged, and known, and her influence extends far beyond academics. Brooke is also an incredible teammate and a quietly effective leader whose steady presence strengthens our entire Lower School community. Most importantly, she reflects Christ’s love in the faithful way she serves others each day.

- Dana Jenkins, Lower School Principal

Middle School Mentor of the Year: Tamara Davis

Middle school is a uniquely formative season in a student’s life, and few people embody the patience, steadiness, and servant-hearted leadership needed for those years more faithfully than Tamara Davis.

Highly respected by both students and peers, Tamara was recognized by fellow mentors for her nurturing and consistent presence within the HHCA community. Colleagues described her as welcoming, patient, humble, and deeply committed to serving others well.

One mentor shared: “They love middle schoolers and pour into them daily. They have a servant attitude and growth mindset. They are quick to help their peers and have continued to be a resource for new teachers.”

Another mentor added: “Their presence at HHCA has been steady, nurturing, and consistent. They welcome everyone with kindness and helpfulness and are a tremendous asset to our community.”

Throughout the school year, Tamara has consistently stepped forward to support students, assist colleagues, cover classrooms, serve at the front desk during busy moments, and willingly accept leadership opportunities wherever needed.

Tamara’s impact on our middle school community is impossible to measure. She leads with humility, serves without hesitation, and models Christ-like care in the way she supports students and colleagues alike. She has earned the respect of this community through years of faithful and consistent investment in people.

- Jay Scarbro Middle School Principal

Upper School Mentor of the Year: Courtney Hays

Known for her engaging classroom environment, strong relationships with students, and passion for bringing learning to life, Courtney Hays has made a lasting impact on the Upper School community.

Courtney received multiple nominations from fellow mentors who praised both her excellence in the classroom and the intentional way she invests in students academically, socially, and emotionally.

One colleague shared: “She continuously strives to put forth her best work and encourages students to do the same. She loves and interacts with students the way Jesus would. She shows compassion while also holding students accountable.”

Another mentor wrote: “She provides students with rich learning experiences that require both critical thinking and biblical integration. She challenges them to think deeply and engage history from a variety of perspectives.”

Students know Courtney as a mentor who not only teaches curriculum, but brings it to life in meaningful and engaging ways. Her classroom reflects both academic excellence and a genuine desire to help students grow in wisdom, character, and understanding.

Courtney has an incredible ability to connect with students while also challenging them toward excellence. She teaches with passion, purpose, and intentionality, and her commitment to biblical integration helps students see learning through the lens of faith. She is deeply respected by both students and peers, and this recognition is incredibly well deserved.

- Shannon Smith, Upper School Principal

Celebrating Faithful Service

In addition to recognizing this year’s Mentors of the Year, HHCA also celebrated faculty and staff members reaching milestone years of service to the school community.

These individuals have faithfully invested their gifts, talents, leadership, and love into generations of HHCA students and families. Their consistency and commitment have helped shape the culture and mission of Hilton Head Christian Academy for years.

5 Years of Service

• Laurie White – Assistant Director of Admissions
• Haley Labrot – Director of Development
• Lauren Borack – Upper School Humanities Mentor
• Matt Lingafelt – Spiritual Life Mentor
• Mike Spangler – Spiritual Life Mentor
• Rachel Odum – Middle School Math Mentor

10 Years of Service

• Andrew “Drew” Dale – Middle School Humanities Mentor
• Christine Jackson – Upper School World Language Mentor

15 Years of Service

• Cheryl Norton – First Grade Mentor
   

Faithful service matters deeply at HHCA because the work happening here is eternal in nature. Each of these individuals has helped shape the lives of students through their consistency, commitment, and willingness to serve others well. We are incredibly grateful for the impact they continue to make on this community and for the countless ways they help advance the mission of HHCA every single day.

- Doug Langhals, Head of School

As the school year comes to a close, the HHCA community celebrates and gives thanks for the mentors and staff members who continue to live out the school’s mission of helping students Know Christ and Make Him Known. Their influence reaches far beyond classrooms and campuses, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and lives of students for years to come.