Dr. Bishop T. Keith Hicks, born in Marion, South Carolina, is the son of James Thomas Hicks and the late Willa Dean (Moore) Hicks. As the third of five siblings—two older siblings, Paula Dean and Ira Howard, and two younger siblings, Priscilla Dawn and David Brain—he comes from a rich legacy of ministry within the Church of God. His great-grandfather, great-uncle, and uncle were all pastors, instilling a deep sense of divine calling in him.

Dr. Hicks first recognized his call to ministry during his kindergarten years at Easterling Elementary. After hearing God’s voice for the first time, he excitedly rushed home to share the news with his grandmother, who astutely replied that she already knew of his calling.

In 1994, Dr. Hicks married Gloria Kaye (Sasser) Hicks, and together they have built a loving family for over 30 years. They are blessed with three biological children, Caleb Stuart, MaKayla Dawn, and Kayse Dianne, and an adopted daughter, Hillary, who joined the family in 2007. Their children and spouses actively serve in ministry, continuing a beautiful legacy of faith. Dr. and Mrs. Hicks take great joy in their nine grandchildren: Mason Stuart, Gavin Cole, Aria Dean, Moeslee Kaye, Braylee Dawn, Sasser Brian, Jayden, Jaxtyn, and Josiah. In the spirit of Scripture, they believe, “Blessed is the man whose quiver is full.”

Dr. Hicks has pastored various churches across South Carolina, and he is currently in his eighth year at Bennettsville Church of God, marking his longest tenure as a pastor. His commitment to his congregation reflects his dedication to serving God and his community.

In addition to his pastoral role, Dr. Hicks has been a fifth-grade teacher at Scotland Christian Academy since 2021. His passion for education deepened after the passing of his mother, which spurred him to complete his academic journey as a means of coping with his grief. In 2022, he graduated with a double bachelor's degree in Psychology, with a focus on Crisis Counseling and Christian Counseling. He furthered his education with a Master of Education emphasizing Higher Education and Educational Leadership in 2023, followed by a Doctorate in Philosophy with an emphasis on Counselor Education and Supervision in 2024.

Dr. Hicks attributes his achievements to the unwavering support of his loving wife, Kaye, and their beautiful children. He gives all glory and honor to God for granting him the strength to accomplish these goals before reaching the age of 50. His only regret is that his mother could not witness his accomplishments.

As Dr. Hicks looks to the future, he plans to continue teaching at Scotland Christian Academy, where he has been for over the past 4 years, and pastoring Bennettsville Church of God for over the past 8 years and as long as the Lord allows. His life exemplifies the power of faith, family, and resilience, inspiring those around him to pursue their paths of service and fulfillment.

Mrs. Nicolette Hood was born and raised in Laurinburg, North Carolina, to Peter Paul Beatty Sr. and the late Donna Sue Caulder Malotte. As the oldest of four children and the only girl, she naturally stepped into the role of nurturer and leader from a young age.

Mrs. Hood's spiritual foundation was laid early in life by her grandmother, Maxine Walters Caulder, who taught her the importance of going to church and following Jesus. That influence shaped her into the woman she is today: a devoted Christian who strives to instill Godly values not only in her own children, but in every child her ministry and classroom reach.

At just 13 years old, she felt God's call to teach while attending a small church that had no Sunday School program. With a willing heart, she stepped up to meet the need. Throughout her teen years, she continued to answer that call by serving in Good News clubs and camps, preparing her for greater opportunities in ministry and education.

In 2014, Mrs. Hood married her husband, Jeffrey Hood. Together, they are raising three children: Ryan(13), Thomas (9), and Lilly (8), with a foundation rooted in faith and love. She is a longtime member of the Bennettsville Church of God, where she has served in various ministry roles for over 11 years, including Children's Church teacher and, currently, the Bible Study teacher for the primary class.

Since 2022, Mrs. Hood has been a proud part of the Scotland Christian Academy family. She began as an after-school care teacher and, after earning her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University in 2024, transitioned into teaching high school science and history. This year, she is thrilled to teach 5th-grade science and history, her passion for education and ministry now fully intertwined.

Mrs. Hood attributes her journey to those who came before her, those who paved the way and challenged her to rise higher.

As she looks ahead, her mission is to remain steadfast: to serve, to teach, and to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people at Scotland Christian Academy and beyond.