The Eagle's Call
Posts Tagged "Core Values"
NHCS serves in Costa Rica for third consecutive year
February 09, 2026
At the end of January, North Hills Christian School returned to Costa Rica for the third consecutive year to serve alongside Rice and Beans Ministries, continuing a partnership rooted in long-term gospel impact. A team of ten, six students and four adult leaders, traveled to serve local communities through Vacation Bible School, food distribution, and prayer.
Rice and Beans Ministries has been faithfully serving in Costa Rica for nearly 20 years, ministering year-round in the same communities. This consistent presence allows mission teams to join an ongoing work rather than a temporary project, reinforcing trust and relationships already established.
“Our desire is not just to expose students to missions and the world, but to invite them into what God is already doing, putting the school’s mission into practice by impacting the world for Christ,” said Ray Carter, Spiritual Life Director at NHCS. “Rice and Beans doesn’t just visit communities, they walk with them year-round. That consistency shows our students what faithful, gospel-centered ministry truly looks like.”
Each mission day followed a purposeful rhythm. Mornings were spent in local communities hosting Vacation Bible School programs, reaching upwards of 90 children across two different neighborhoods. Through Bible lessons, worship, games, and crafts, students shared the message of Christ in joyful and relational ways.
Senior, Sarah Barringer noted, “Seeing the kids’ excitement and joy made me realize how little it takes to make an impact. They were so happy just to be loved and noticed.”
In the afternoons, the team packed and delivered food bags to families in impoverished neighborhoods. These bags had been decorated and prayed over by NHCS lower school students before the trip, creating a powerful connection between campuses and communities. The food served as a tangible expression of care and a doorway to prayer and gospel conversations with families in their homes. “Food opens doors,” Carter explained. “But the gospel is always the goal. These moments, praying with families, listening to their stories, are where students see their faith come alive.”
For many students, the trip proved deeply transformative. Several shared how the experience reshaped their perspective on joy, contentment, and faith.
“I thought we were going there to bless others,” Senior, Layla Bush said. “But I realized we were the ones being blessed. Their joy didn’t depend on what they had, and that really challenged me.”
This year also marked the second consecutive mission trip for mother and daughter Michelle and London Droddy. Michelle, a physical education instructor and coach at NHCS, returned to Costa Rica alongside her daughter to continue building relationships formed during last year’s visit. “Coming back a second time allowed us to see the lasting impact of this ministry,” said Michelle Droddy, physical education instructor and coach at North Hills. “Watching London reconnect with people she met last year reminded me that these trips are about relationships, not just service projects.” London, a senior, shared how meaningful those reunions were to her.
“Getting to see the two sisters again was unforgettable,” London said. “They remembered me and were so happy to see us. It showed me that this isn’t just a one-time trip; what we do here really matters.” As North Hills Christian School reflects on its third year serving alongside Rice and Beans Ministries, the impact continues to reach far beyond the trip itself, shaping students’ hearts, strengthening their faith, and reminding the entire school community that the gospel is lived out through humble service and enduring relationships.
North Hills Christian Students Serve Hot Meals to Hurricane Victims in Bakersville
October 31, 2024
Salisbury, NC – In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's devastation in Western North Carolina, the small community of Bakersville has found relief and hope through the kindness of strangers. The Troyer family from Johnson City, TN, arrived just days after the hurricane struck, setting up a food distribution site to serve hot meals to those in need. After a school family heard about the Troyer family's relief efforts, they connected NHCS with the Troyers. Students and staff from North Hills Christian School (NHCS) in Salisbury have since joined forces with the Troyers, embodying the school's mission to "equip hearts and minds of students to impact the world for Christ."
"Serving alongside the Troyer family has been an eye-opening experience for our students," said Shari Evans, NHCS's Spiritual Life Director, who led the volunteer groups. "It's one thing to teach about leadership through service, but it's another to see our students actively engaging and making a tangible difference in people's lives."
Earlier this month, in back-to-back weeks, a small group of NHCS students and staff traveled to Bakersville to assist at the food distribution site. Together, they helped serve over 2,000 hot meals to members of the Bakersville community each day they served. The experience not only provided immediate aid but also offered valuable life lessons for the students involved.
"Our hearts were filled as we talked with those we served," Evans reflected. "These interactions have a profound impact on our students, helping them put our mission and values into action."
North Hills Senior and President of the Jr. Civitans, Eden Gilbreath shared that the trip was humbling and highlighted the importance of compassion and service. "Seeing the gratitude in people's eyes reminded me why it's so important to help others," Gilbreath said. "It's an experience I'll carry with me for the rest of my life."
The school's commitment to service underscores one of its core values: leadership through service. Sophomore Penelope Lookadoo shared how witnessing the hurricane's impact firsthand emphasized the importance of this core value. "Seeing the devastation up close really drove home the need to step up and help," Penelope said. "It made me realize that being a leader isn't just about words, it's about living out our faith and making a positive difference in the lives of others."
The commitment of NHCS students and staff showcases the school's dedication to nurturing students both academically and spiritually. By continuing their support of the relief efforts in Bakersville, they are not only offering vital assistance but also living out their mission to impact the world for Christ.
North Hills Christian School Unifies to Combat World Hunger
February 13, 2024
Salisbury, NC – A beloved tradition that had been paused due to the COVID pandemic made a comeback this week at North Hills Christian School. Students, staff, and parents came together to participate in a school-wide fundraising campaign to help alleviate world hunger. A grade versus grade competition began two weeks prior to see who could raise the most money, culminating on Monday in a Feed the Hunger Packathon in the Helen Kelley Smith Gymnasium.
Through their efforts, the school raised enough money to pack an impressive 24,000 meals, highlighting the enthusiasm of the school community and underscoring their continued tradition of service. NHCS has been a longtime supporter of Feed The Hunger, a Christian ministry dedicated to feeding spiritual and physical hunger, especially in at-risk children. Prior to the pandemic, the school annually hosted Packathons, helping students live out one of North Hill’s core values, leadership through service, by exemplifying Christ-like servanthood.
"I am still overwhelmed by what we got to be a part of today. To do what we aim for every day, equipping our students to make an impact for Christ," said high school instructor and event organizer, Constance McGrail. The event brought together the entire student body, which numbers over 500, spanning from preschoolers to high school seniors, giving them a sense of unity and purpose while reinforcing the school’s mission and values.
The meals packed during the event are headed for families in need, both locally and internationally, providing assistance to those facing food insecurity. Feed The Hunger will distribute the meals, ensuring they reach the people who need them most. While addressing the students, Feed the Hunger staff member, Scott Hahn noted, “each box packed includes 240 meals, which can feed one boy or girl every day they go to school for one year.”
The success of the Packathon at North Hills is a testament to the power of community and the difference that can be made when people come together for a common goal. It is a wonderful example of how education extends beyond the classroom, teaching students valuable life lessons about kindness, generosity, and the importance of helping those in need.
As the school looks to the future, the hope is to continue this tradition for years to come, building on the success of this year's event and continuing to make a positive impact in the fight against hunger. The Packathon has not only provided much-needed meals to families but has also nurtured a spirit of service and compassion in the next generation, ensuring that the legacy of giving back continues long into the future.