On May 19, Pat and George Eger's combined 81 years of teaching were recognized through a retirement celebration at the Wyndham Garden York. The Egers' four decades of service included Cumberland Christian School in Vineland, N.J.; Christian School of York (CSY); and, for the past five years, Keystone Christian Academy - York (KCA).
The program featured testimonials by former students, parents of students, and colleagues, including a tribute by Dr. Peter Teague, president of Lancaster Bible College, who served with George and Pat when he was superintendent of CSY.
Andrew Blackstone, chair of the CSY board, gave the Egers a piece of art that incorporated three Bible verses representing their lives and ministries as Christian educators while at CSY. On behalf of the KCA board, board member Paul McNally presented framed calligraphy in the shape of a tree composed of the names of all the students during the Egers' tenure at KCA. The Association of Christian Schools also bestowed the Career Service and Achievement Award on both George and Pat.
In 2016, the Egers received the Story Award from the Council for American Private Education for their work in establishing KCA in 2014. The new school would embody their passion to educate children who learn differently from others. Through KCA, the Egers would remove many barriers to Christian education such as faith statement requirements for parents, high tuition, and rigid teaching methods. Instead, the Egers offered an affordable education with a flexible curriculum tailored to individual learning styles and a desire to provide Christian influence and teaching to children who may not have it at home.
The retirement celebration also recognized KCA's other founders: former CSY director of development Kim Martin, who retired from KCA after helping to start the school; business manager Barbara Eisenhart, who is retiring with the Egers; and former CSY teacher Jessica Potter, who was set to replace Pat Eger as head of school effective July 1. Gary Hiller, who served as master of ceremonies for the retirement celebration, will continue as director of development on the administrative team.
KCA serves children from prekindergarten through grade nine within the facilities of Asbury Church at 340 E. Market St. in York's historic district. The school is currently enrolling students for the 2019-20 school year.
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