Hill Country Christian School | The Bard 2021

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THE BARD

HILL COUNTRY

2 0 2 1

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OF AUSTIN AUSTIN T E XA S VOLUME

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HILL COUNTRY

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12124 RR 620 North º Austin, TX 78750 º 512.331.7036 º hillcountrychristianschool.org Jeff Marx, Head of School º Jessica Tracy, Lower School Principal º Matt Donnowitz, Upper School Principal

NOR remember

Two-a-Days

Eating in the Lunch Room School Shopping Sporting Events Field Trips High School Retreat Sharing Snacks Roasters Senior Privileges Water Fountains House Events Phone Pockets

Chess Club Team Parties Riding the Bus Lockers Recess Group Work Sharing Pencils Chapel Homecoming Dance Beginning of the Year Parties Printing in P9 Service Hours Knights Unite Birthday Party Snacks

Life used to be so simple.

So predictable.

Sure, there were things we worried about.

We’re students; that’s what we do.

Like the Bio test we forgot to study for or finding the perfect prom dress.

Then COVID happened.

Sent home for the fourth quarter, we now worried about touching our faces too much.

We sanitized groceries.

We hoarded toilet paper.

After finishing the year Zooming at home, we went into summer thinking (or was it hoping?) that two months of quarantine, or maybe the Texas heat, would bring an end to this bad dream we called 2020.

After a break filled not with vacations and camps but rather binge watching Outer Banks, we were restless and optimistic.

We hoped when we went back, this would all be behind us.

That we could see our friends again.

That life might actually return to normal.

But would it?

Are you sure?

M A L?

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AUGUST

NOT FAST Ascend App

Staggered Dismissals

Sitting Alphabetically

Plexiglass Dividers

Cohorts

Synchronous Learning

Masks

iPads on Zoom

Shortened Seasons

GoFormative

Hand Sanitizers

Online Meetings

Contact Tracing

CROSS COUNTRY

T SO ST No Visitors

Sideline Spacing

Temperature Checks

005

Roasters Delivers

Designated Drop-offs

6th Graders with Laptops Online Tickets

Limited Seating

Class Bathroom Breaks

In reality, the return to school meant giving up all expectations of normalcy.

Teachers taught both in-person and on Zoom.

Safety protocols limited interaction outside of class.

Everyone wore masks.

We couldn’t even fill up our water bottles.

While it was nice to be around friends, it seemed inevitable we’d eventually be sent home.

Would we last two days or two months?

And if we did go home, would we ever come back?

We just didn’t know. And so we moved forward as best we could.

And we waited. Not even sure of what we were waiting for.

We just waited. And wondered.

Would we ever be sure of anything again?

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AUGUST

Head of School Dr. Marx recounts planning for reopening during a pandemic BARD STAFF: Tell me about summer planning: when did it start, and what were your initial thoughts?

DR. MARX: Planning started on the 24th of June. We looked at all kinds of scenarios; we looked at a hybrid schedule where not all the s tudent s would be on c ampus, we looked at remote learning, and we decided to go with synchronous learning because that way we had the flexibility to give everybody a choice and for people who got sick or had to quarantine to participate in classes while they were at home, which seemed like it would happen a lot this year.

How did you address concerns a b o u t r e enrollment?

From about March until June 1, for three

months, we weren’t allowed to have anybody tour the school.

There was basically little or no admissions activity for three months. That picked up a little in the summer, but even in mid-July, we were down 30% in enrollment inquiries and tours from a year ago. So we were praying and we were a little worried.

How did you deal with that?

When LISD announced they would not b e me e t ing in physical classes until at least af ter Labor Day, we had a deluge of applicants. From mid-July until mid-September, our admissions volume skyrocketed. We ended up with a K-12 enrollment that was slightly over last year’s.

When school started, how long did you think [the school] would last without a case?

from experts, from the CDC, and from other schools.

How did you come up with the plan for synchronous learners streaming into the classroom with the on-campus learners?

We expected both students and teachers to quarantine, missing a lot of school, and we wanted them to be able to participate in the classroom even if they were remote.

Fur ther more, i t was clear that we were going to have a lot of kids and families that weren’t comfortable in physical classes, and we wanted to offer everyone the option to still come to our school, but participate remotely until they were comfortable.

“

Mr. Donnowitz, Upper School Principal

NEW RULES Policies are instituted in response to COVID-19

Students have their temperature taken each morning

Several different drop-off locations are created

Parents cannot leave their vehicles to walk their children inside

Grades are released from classes at staggered intervals

007

Uncertainty is the overarching principle in the COVID world.

Things were constantly in flux; policies were always changing.

We had to navigate all of that.

CROSS COUNTRY

We all kind of took bets, and the facilities guys at the church, we all talked about how long we thought we’d go without a case, and the consensus was four weeks. So everybody thought we were gonna make it four weeks, maybe. And we ended up making it eleven weeks, so that’s pretty good.

How did you develop the dif ferent cohor t s and the school’s mask policies?

A lot of it comes from collaboration with our peer schools. I got some examples of return-to-school plans from schools that I really respect, and we partly crafted our plan, in format and in content, from those. And honestly, a lot of it came from the CDC. The CDC was posting guidance on starting K-12 schools way back in the spring, as early as April-May. We get a lot of great articles from our accreditation, SIS, from CISA, and also from the Texas Pr ivate Schools Association. So just reading lots of articles and publications

NEW YE NEW GY NO BAS

YEAR. GYM. ASKETBALL?

photographer Allison Read

“

I thought that we might not even have a season.

I was worried in the beginning, before the season started, because everything seemed so tentative.

Colt Lychner (‘22)

While this certainly wasn’t the way we would have drawn it up, It’s not as if the year was all bad.

We celebrated the school’s 25th anniversary.

We renovated the Library.

We converted P2 into a STEM lab.

And we celebrated the grand opening of the MAC. And all of those things we do every year?

We still did them… we simply adjusted.

We still gathered boxes for Operation Christmas Child, They were just collected in the lobby.

We still prepared Senior Thesis speeches, But simply presented them in the Worship Center.

We still crowned a Homecoming Court, But it was just announced virtually.

People feared a global pandemic would change our identity.

We’re not so sure it did.

Looking Back

Significant events over the past 25 years 1998

Hill Country Christian School founded by HCBC

1998

Consolidated with Hill Country Christian Heritage School

2000

First graduating class

2004

School expanded to newly built building

2015

Shelby Rozek (4) becomes the first child of an alum to enroll

25 y e a r s

2018

Historic $1.2M gift launching the building of the Multipurpose Athletic Center (MAC)

2020

Grand opening of the MAC

AUG FIRST DAY BACK On the first day of school after months of quarantine, Craig Wilson (8),

Kayla Maki (8), Janae Wallace (8), Isaac Shin (8), Joshua Shuffield (8), and Wesley Kwan (8) work behind plexiglass dividers in IPC. “I stay in my IPC class from the start of the day until lunch is over,” Wallace said. “We can’t space out, so we have to wear masks all the time and it’s kind of uncomfortable.” photographer Nathan Breinich

UST I definitely wanted to come back. Now that we’re in school, I’m just trying to find a sense of normalcy.

Victoria Rogers (‘21)

REALITY The school’s 25th year brings with it the introduction of various new procedures THE CORONA CURTAIN

AUGUST

SO WHY THE CURTAIN?

“It is a good idea because she can still see and hear us. It keeps her and us safe from getting COVID-19.”

Gabe Collins Class of ‘24

014

“It’s better than nothing, but I don’t know why she has a dog gate because she is already six feet apart from the class.”

Bethany Kwan Class of ‘22

4

Will Scata (‘22) ° Mrs. McColl

photographer Kristen Kjar

1

Everyone knew walking through the door into a new class would look different, but no one could have predicted what teacher Mrs. McColl had set up in her history classroom.

“It was weird coming f rom public school and having a shower c ur t ain an d a d o g gate be one of the first things I saw,” Kayla Crowe (‘24) said. “At first I thought I walked into the wrong room.

I had to keep myself from laughing.”

Many were impressed with the lengths she went to in order to avoid exposure to COVID-19.

“I think it’s impressive how she came up with that idea and was able to lay it out using the ceiling,” Will Scata (‘22) said.

“She put a lot of effort into it, but I think it’s a bit excessive.”

LOWER SCHOOLERS’ NEW DESKS “It actually feels pretty good.

Everyone has less stuff to move around, so it’s not cramped. We have our own big crates so that we can store more things.”

Wyatt Masri (2)

“I like it because we have more personal space and we don’t get our stuff mixed up.

I don’t like that I am far away from my friends which makes it hard to talk to them.”

Gia Lewis (2)

“I don’t like it because I do not have much room and I can’t rest my feet on anything. Also, I am far away from my friends and that makes me sad.”

Luke Wright (1)

Y

ASCEND SCREENING

Ben Kreager’s desk

photographer Grace Marx

CHAPEL CHANGES Chapel over a Zoom call requires the students to worship from inside their classrooms.

“We plan the songs and messages beforehand,” Christian Mote (‘22) said. “We are trying to touch on issues in Christianity that are often overlooked.”

Some members of the worship team like the changes.

“Since there is only one class in Chapel at a time, I do not feel as stressed performing in front of everyone,” Kinsey White (‘24) said. “I still can’t wait until we can all get back together in one room.”

TEACHERS USING AIRPODS

“Ms. Etherton wears [AirPods] while teaching which helps her teach the online and inperson kids at the same time.”

Emma Colvin (‘23)

“I think it works as long as they don’t have two in at the same time. I don’t have AirPods so I don’t envy any teachers.”

Sophia Garrison (‘21)

“It makes it easier for teachers to hear people on Zoom. Mr. B has a cool case on his that matches his personality.”

Drew Evans (7)

“It looks cool, but I also want AirPods.

It helps the class to not be distracted by what the students online are saying.”

Caleb Forrister (6)

5 Ainsley Brunson (‘21)

015

Ms. Etherton ° Sophia Garrison (‘21)

3

25 THINGS

The new Ascend app creates different and more challenging morning circumstances for students.

“I once was sent to P9 for not filling out the Ascend app in the morning,” Grant Davis (‘23) said. “It was unfortunate because I was in the middle of taking notes for my AP class so I missed out on important stuff.”

The app also caused troubles for students who rushed to get ready for school.

“My mom was testing out the app the weekend before we had to use it, but she accidentally answered a question wrong and I was given a red screen for that day,” Paige Cates (‘22) said. “Luckily I was able to get a green screen and attend school the next day and now I pay attention to the questions.”

TEMP CHECKS Checking temperatures helped prevent a school-wide COVID-19 outbreak. The moment students arrived at school, faculty members took their temperatures before they were allowed to proceed onto campus.

“My dad has to take my temperature every morning before school,” Hailey Farrell (3) said. “I like it because it relaxes me and it doesn't affect my schedule in the morning that much.”

JUST CHECKING IN

Before early morning cheer practice, Tori Martins (‘24) gets her temperature checked by a coach. “The pandemic was a wakeup call,” Martins said. “It showed us that temperature checks are needed as an everyday environmental tool to keep us safe.” photographer Grace Marx

7

HILL COUNTRY’S MOST LETHAL

With both parents and siblings at Hill Country, these students could shut down the school if they contracted COVID-19 “I feel powerful. Everyone is relying on me not to get sick. If my siblings got sick before me, I would be so mad at them.”

Kristen Hudgens (‘22)

“I guess I don’t really care because I’m not expecting to get COVID. It would be funny if I did because it would just wipe out the entire upper school.”

Kimo Horvath (‘23)

“My dad was super duper strict at the beginning of Corona and I still try to be cautious at school because my great grandmother lives nextdoor.”

Kinley Billingsley (‘23)

8

LUNCHES DIVIDED

LUNCH ON THE BRIDGE

Students pick creative spots to eat their lunch outside. “I like how each class has a seperate day for the playground,” Chloe Okpaku (4) said. “It’s not as crowded. I like to sit up high and eat.” photographer Bethany Kwan

BLAST OFF!

CATCH! *Outside in the parking lot,

Brady Cates (5) throws a ball to a class-

mate. “I like being outside for lunch since it makes it easy to go to recess,” Cates said. “When you’re done you can go play.”

photographer Bethany Kwan

During a day without the playground for recess, fourth graders launch foam rockets. “I liked the rockets because when you stomp on them they go so high,” Parker White (4) said. “I like the feeling of power when it goes high.”

photographer Allison Read

10

NO WATER FOUNTAINS

“I definitely don’t like them being closed. I drink a lot of water throughout the day and it’s kind of annoying.”

Aly Woodford (8)

“It doesn’t really affect me because I tend to bring my own water from home. I don’t refill it throughout the day.”

Nora Hamilton (‘21)

“My favorite thing to do at recess now is play freeze tag or just walk and talk with my friends.”

Presley O’Grady (2)

"I don’t mind not getting to use the playscape. There’s lots of other things to do, like play trucks. " Brody Thayer (4) 017

9

ALTERNATING PLAYGROUND DAYS

25 THINGS

In order to keep students in grade level cohorts, Upper School lunches took place in the students’ previous class.

For new students, having lunch in an assigned classroom posed a challenge when it came to making friends.

“I’m sad I don’t get to meet the rest of our grade,” Gracie Cheek (‘24) said. “I’m not socializing and I don’t know all the people that go to my school.”

Lower school students ate outside, where they were free to spread out on the pavement.

STEM LAB RENOVATION

Cecilia Lockey (‘23)

Samara Shervan (‘22)

SCHOOL AT HOME AUGUST

13

Mrs. Sorley º Ashleigh Nelson (‘23) º Huaicheng Xie (‘24) Silas Tsuei (‘22)

Abe Rheinheimer (8)

11

"It wasn't what I was expecting. In Mrs. Hannusch's room, there was another wall in there; when I walked into the other room, there was a lab."

Drew Evans (7) “It helps with time management; the individual space makes it much easier. We can lock our stuff up, so it’s more secure and a better work environment.”

Joshua Huang (‘21)

“It’s hard to socialize with the teacher because you typically just see their face and the ceiling.”

Cecilia Lockey (‘23)

018

“An essential is “I have my schoolissued Macbook on a [to] have space small shelf to the side for textbooks and and a keyboard and printed homework, monitor hooked up as well as a computer.” on my desk.”

Samara Shervan (‘22) Abe Rheinheimer (8)

16

THE REST 21

Staggered times for access to lockers means athletes have to wait their turn

Ten more changes caused

by COVID-19

Students stay in first block class for four hours

NEW LIBRARY

"Right after school ended, we went to look at the books and checked out the ones no one has read in like four years," Peyton Galella (7) said. "We got rid of about 7,000 books, and we gave those to the teachers and the rest to Mr. Bland."

Some students preferred the old library.

"I was hoping when they went through all the books and removed some of the books, which I’m not excited about, that the books would continue to be ordered by the Dewey

Decimal system," Amadeus Kwan (5) said. "Also it’s annoying that you can only check out books one or two times a week instead of more often."

Others liked the renovation.

"It looks much nicer and more directed towards the older kids than the super young ones," Blade Gilley (8) said. "There used to be numbers on the mats and the color scheme seemed more childish, but now it looks more like a public library because of the gray color and the wood floors."

17

18

19

22

23

24

Upper school classes are released during different times

Mr. Donnowitz teaches Philosophy

Lower School students have to be picked up through carpool

Seniors cannot use elevators

Students cannot hang out at Roasters and have to order food online

High School retreat is postponed

15

CLEAR DIVIDERS

14

photographer Bethany Kwan

"Portable 2 is more cramped now and we can't all use and share the same stuff so the labs take much longer.

The clear dividers don't really bother me, other than the fact that if we are doing group projects, the dividers mute the sound a little bit so it is harder to hear the other person."

Josh Kriel (‘23)

NEW LS MUSIC CLASS “I like how all the dancing tires me out. I didn’t think that we were going to do any acting exercises.”

Heidi Hufnagel (1)

20

No use of bathroom during breaks

25

Field trips have been cancelled

DIVIDED BY DIVIDERS During a lab in

IPC, Lathan Cecil (8) works with his partner, Addison Cox (8). “Having masks and clear di-

viders have affected my learning because there is something in front of me,” Nia Mwangi (‘24) said. “It is kind of hard to talk to other people but I don’t mind them.” photographer Bethany Kwan

EARLY BIRDS In one of the first practices of the year, runners get ready to start their mile repeats. “Morning practices are a lot cooler,” James Martens (‘24) said. “I didn’t mind waking up early so they weren’t that bad.” photographer Allison Read

I’m Not Sure...

athletes express concern over COVID-19 Haley Milton Grade 7 “I am unsure if we will even be able to finish the season and how everything is going to work. I don’t know what to expect. I know it will be different.”

AUGUST

Hudson Archer Grade 8 “Our schedule is already so up in the air. A lot of our meets we weren’t sure we were having until recently and we’re still not sure if they could get canceled.”

Betsy Connell Grade 7

020

“I’m nervous that they are not going to be organized well. I’m expecting that there will be a big rush on getting in and out of the meets as quickly as possible.”

rise & grind

morning practices make athletes

When David Herring (’21) got ready for early morning practice, it was 5:00 a.m. Within the hour, cross country athletes were warming up for the five mile run. Practice ended before school began.

With the construction of the MAC, the school scheduled more morning practices. While students enjoyed the ability to go home at 3:30, some adjustments were more difficult.

“You have to adjust your sleep and work schedule heavily,” Joshua Huang (’21) said. “It’s like a balance because you have to wake up around 5 a.m.

Previously I went to bed around past midnight.”

Huang wasn’t the only one to recognize the impact of this change on this year’s schedule.

“Due to morning practice, I can only get about five hours of sleep each night,” Ryan Hatfield (’22)

“COVID might affect [the meets], so they’re breaking it up into sections.”

Riley Teeter (7)

said. “This can be very straining, both physically and mentally the next day,” The installation of showers in the MAC also allowed for morning open gyms for all sports.

“I like before school open gyms better,” Caeden Kieper (‘21) said. “I have more time to hang out with friends and do homework after school.”

Despite the general COVID-related uncertainty that accompanied it, the athletes entered the season with optimism.

“We want to make a run for the state championships, so the more times we can get into the gym to get shots up and practice on our own, the better chance we will have against the other teams, Kai Orred (’22) said. “Not many people want to go out and practice in the mornings.”

“

This is my last year to outdo myself, and I don’t want to regret anything when I leave.

Hunter Masters (‘21)

FAST AND FURIOUS Nearing the finish line, varsity boys complete their race. “My teammates’ encouragement is the only reason I am still running,” John Connell (‘23) said. “The first few years of XC were hard.” photographer Allison Read DETERMINATION

Mid-stride, ten meters from the line, Lauren Giarratano (‘23) finishes her run. “I always wonder if I’m a good enough actor to get out of running,” Giarratano said. “I have the worst mentality.” photographer Allison Read

T SAMANTHA PATTERSON (‘22)

ROMAN ARCE (‘23)

Zoom Group Chat

Bard Staff: What are some Zoomisms... you know, stuff people say on Zoom all the time?

Lilah Scimone (4): You are muted.

Lauren Parr (8): We cant see your screen.

Conlan Keadle (6): Ok boomer.

Cecilia Lockey (‘24): I have a question.

Abbey Giles (6): Mr. Strubhar?

JOAQUIN KOLL (5) To: Everyone

Type message here...

KAIO TOLEDO DOS SANTOS (6)

JINXI LI (‘24) 104

Unmute Stop Video

WHAT’S

YOUR

move?

Families face multiple deadlines regarding synchronous learning

Participants Chat Share Screen JULY 1

Parents were informed of the three options for the school year: 100% on-campus, hybrid learning and 100% remote learning

AUGUST 2

The first decision deadline for opting out of on-campus learning

AUGUST 9

Students were given an extention for the decision to opt out of on-campus learning

AUGUST 11

Due date for COVID-19 liability waiver required to attend school on-campus

AUGUST 13

Elementary students return to school either oncampus or online

TO ZOOM Some students began the year attending classes at home...

“I stayed home to keep my family safe. My dad is a football coach at the University of Texas and if he gets sick, he is out for at least two weeks.”

Jordin Boulware (8)

“There are definite perks to being online, I get more sleep, longer breaks, more free time to study and just being able to do things I wouldn’t be able to at school. It’s hard to focus though.”

Ian Shin (‘22)

ELIZABETH ALEGRE (7)

“I’m kinda on the other side of the world and the commute is too long. It highkey feels like a vacation but that makes it difficult to focus.”

Dorcas Wong (‘21)

Z00M

NOT TO ZOOM or

KAIDEN AND KALEB NELSON (7)

...others began the school year on campus

MORGAN EIZENHOEFER (4)

Reactions

More

AUGUST 17

AUGUST 30

First day of school for upper school after being postponed from August 13th

Deadline for remote learners to opt back into oncampus learning and return on September 8th

...and some altered course and attended after Labor Day

Leave Room

AUGUST 31

Ascend health screenings are implemented for on-campus learners

“It was difficult being online, because you couldn’t see the class as well and you didn’t get any handouts. Now I’m in person and it’s better.”

Cody Cheng (‘24) “Zoom stinks. Some teachers struggled with the initial technology, which made it difficult for those online. I was constantly looking at ceilings, not being able to hear my teachers or missing papers that I needed to participate in class. And I was lonely, my whole life was in my room.”

Sophie Sayles (‘22)

023

“I started in-person so that I could see my friends, but given the lunch ban on sitting with people outside class, I don’t know why I’m still here.”

Lizzie Towell (‘23) “I chose [in-person] because it was hard to focus online with the distractions at my house, and my grades took a dive because of online school.”

Nick Burgess (8)

SEPT EMBER

“

My [family] tried to think what we’re gonna do when the coronavirus ends, and we’d have a big party.

William Claunch (PK)

SORT THIS OUT

As they pick out parts for Robotics, Brendan Melancon (‘21) and Adarsh Vadlapatla (‘22) focus intently on their work. “Once we had the design we started building the robot and doing software for it,” Vadlapatla said.

“And this will be the end of it.” photographer

Nathan Breinich

R

Stories behind students’ cars

SEPTEMBER AUGUST

PARTY

“

I have a Wash ‘N Roll membership, and one time I was using the vacuum cleaner and I vacuumed my aux cord. I grabbed it and tried to pull it out. I was not able to get it out though, so I lost my aux cord.

Ryder

Allison Read (‘22)

026

“

Madi Billingsley (‘21)

[When I park] I make sure I don’t touch anybody, and I hit the front curb then stop. If you go any further, it is bad parking. That is what goes through my head Debbie when I park.

Hedy Zhang (‘21)

In My Head

Lower schoolers describe their ultimate dream car

Hedy Zhang (‘21)

“I want a Jeep that has black and green fire on the side, with a tire on the back, four doors, and some windows.”

Lindsay Snapp Grade 3

“My dream car is a Lamborghini that is cherry red. Its doors fold up and it has lots of room.”

Jude Ryg Grade 4

“A pink car with yellow stripes that can fly. It has wings and sparkle boosters. It can also go underwater.”

Addison Ver Meer Grade 4

“A hover convertible with its own robot attatched to auto drive for you. It also has an iPad to download and buy anything for free.”

Ben Lakey Grade 4

Paige Cates (‘22)

I’m driving Swag Wagon, a mini van, and it’s not the best car in the world, so I thought I’d make the best out of it. I am treating Swaggy very very well because if I don’t crash Swaggy, then I get a different car senior year.

Silver Bullet

CROSS COUNTRY CARS

“

Swag Wagon

Paige Cates (‘22)

Sophie Sayles (‘22)

027

Caramel Macchiato

Unnamed

Grace Marx (‘21)

Gage Kenyon (‘21)

“I want a teal, pink, and purple unicorn flying car with glitter boosters and a smiley face.”

Lilah Scimone Grade 4

“I want a monster truck tank. “I want a motorcycle. It is “A purple jeep with gold “My dream car is a It has shiny leather seats, green, 40 feet tall, 50 feet stars and hot pink doors. It Lamborghini with two real gold on the outside wide, a pool in the car has a lightning bolt on the doors and the color is black and blue. It also has and neon windows. It also with a diving board, and a side and lots of windows. It has an arcade machine.” gumball machine.” can fly too.” my name on the side.”

Ben Finnessey Grade 3

Warren Wright Grade 4

Anthony Kinne Grade 4

Ellie Callegari Grade 3

dress to

028

SEPTEMBER

Lower schoolers dress up as different nouns during September’s Noun Day When tasked with dressing up in a visual depiction of a noun for Noun Day, the second graders didn’t hold back. Students came to school dressed in costumes ranging from Wonder Woman and Davy Crockett to Big Ben and the school itself.

“I dressed up as Hill Country Christian School,” Juniper Whitted (2) said. “I really like the school and thought it was funny—I like that I get to enjoy playing with my friends and I get to have my mom [Mrs. Whitted] here. I liked my costume very much; I liked that my mom let me take picpic tures and then took them out and put them in the windows.”

Multiple students chose to dress in animal costumes instead.

“I liked [my costume].

RAVEN MCFERREN (2)

I dressed up as a cheetah. I picked it because I thought it was cute,” Raven McFerren (2) said. “I liked my skirt a lot.”

No doubt one of the most elaborate outfits of the day belonged to Anna Grace Appenbrink (2), who came to school dressed as a jellyfish by carrying an umbrella prop.

“I dressed up as a pretty jellyfish. I picked it because we ran out of ideas except for the jellyfish and the other ideas didn’t work,” Appenbrink said. “We couldn’t do an ococ topus because we couldn’t have eight tentacles. [The other ideas] weren’t as good, and we wanted something special and homehome re made. I really liked my costume.

Plus, I got to ride up the elevator, so that was fun.”

GRANT VANDENBURG (2)

MICHELLE ROZELL (2)

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

In between takes while filming Knight Under the Stars, Silas Bland (K) prepares for his turn.

“I sat there and talked,” Bland said. “I liked recording [the video]. The light was really bright.” photographer Nathan Breinich

ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS

In Art class, lower schoolers are challenged to imitate famous artists. “[The artist] drew lines and filled them in with pastels,” Hannah Kainer (1) said. “He would paint in the lines, so we tried to do that too.” photographer Crystal O’Grady

trend of the month

mobile app ‘Among Us’ becomes a school-wide hit

“I found out about it through Bethany [Kwan (‘22)] and Wesley [Kwan (8)] because they play it with their friends.

When you win as a crewmate, it’s re really satisfying, but I prefer to be an im imposter. You get to kill people and you don’t have to do tasks.”

Ethan Kriel Grade 6 "I think Among Us is a very good game, I do not play it too often, but I do like that it brings people together to think and use their brains, which is a fantastic feature in a game. I dislike that they made it free on mobile but not on desktop.”

AJ Giarratano Class of ‘24 “I really like the game, me and my friends play all the time. I also watch gameplay on YouTube and find it really entertaining.

I like how you can play with friends or with random people, and how you can be a big brain detective when you’re a crewmate.”

LOWER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Amadeus Kwan Grade 5

029

ANNA GRACE APPENBRINK (2)

COLTON GAITHER (2)

GRACE ROBERTS (2)

RED HOT

After the Lady Knights score a point, the student section erupts with yells and cheers. “The energy was there, and the MAC really helped with that,” Matthew DeLaCruz (‘22) said.

“We had an actual student section in the stands, even with COVID capacity.”

photographer John Horvath

OOH AYY Celebrating after scoring a point, Miriam Vacek (‘23), Mandy Glace (‘21), Mia Cline (‘23) and Elyssa Burleson (‘23) encourage each other before the next point. “After we score a point I think ‘that’s awesome and great job team!’” Cline said. “Then we need to get the next point, and win.”

SERVE IT TO ME

photographer Melissa Vacek

As the opposing team sets up for the next point, Rayna Faulk (‘23) gets ready to break the serve.

“I’m watching the server and where their shoulders are pointing,” Faulk said. “I also look at where people are on the court so I know if I need to pinch to one side.”

SEPTEMBER

photographer John Horvath

the

030

first

The first volleyball game in the MAC was a highly anticipated moment for students After years of waiting and months walking past the construction, it finally happened.

The MAC, the new athletic facility with a full gym, locker rooms, showers and storage, would finally open and host a home volleyball game.

The anticipation was building up to the opening serve against Holy Trinity.

And then it happened.

The first point scored in the MAC was recorded

by Anna Hudgens (‘23).

“I looked over at my dad after the point and he was like ‘That was the first point ever!’ and it was so exciting,” Hudgens said. “I scored off of a tip and I felt a lot of joy and excitement.”

Despite having limited attendance, the team knew that having fans and a student section in the new gym would bring the gameday atmosphere to whole new level.

“It was really cool to play in front of a crowd in the MAC because it’s been talked about for so long,” Sarah Colvin (‘21) said. “It created a different environment. It makes you want to work harder and perform better.”

“It was good to finally play a game in the MAC. It’s a huge upgrade from the old floor.”

Grace Jackson (‘22)

However, there was a time when having a student section at all was being questioned.

“Initially, I heard we wouldn’t have a student section,” Mandy Glace (‘21) said. “It was really disheartening to hear but we ended up having one so that was good.”

Once the team learned that the student section would be able to attend games, the question then became: Are you sure it can still create the same atmosphere? Will it live up to the hype?

“Having student section there and cheering us on is really encouraging, it really amplifies our energy,” Glace said. “Having our classmates cheering us on helps us keep from getting down on ourselves and we feed off their energy.”

Limited attendance did not stop the student section from energizing the team. Limited attendance did not discourage the players, and the MAC’s innaugural season was not remembered for what could not happen, but it was remembered for what did.

SPORTS 031

Chosen One

Each practice a JV volleyball player chooses a drill Kristen Hudgens Class of 2022

IN YOUR FACE

After scoring a point,

Anna Hudgens (‘23), Emma Colvin (‘23), Ann Elise Chesney (‘23), and Kayla Crowe (‘24) celebrate by doing

a cheer. “Coach Kiki taught us some of her cheers from her old school,” Chesney said. “When we are unified in doing them, it makes our energy a lot better.”

photographer Allison Read

SPIKE FEST While Hannah Shoaff (‘23) enjoys hitting at the net, it has gotten increasingly difficult. “I have played volleyball for about ten years,” Shoaff said, “But now everyone is a lot taller which makes it harder to hit.” photographer Allison Read

"I chose hitting lines because it is so fun to practice. You’re just practicing hitting and it’s just the hitters, that get to do it so more time for me."

Morgan Hatfield Class of 2024 "Every day coach let us alternate who got to choose the drill. I chose a game called USA because it is a fun game to play as a team."

Josie Beiler Class of 2024 "I chose queens because it allows everyone to get playing time with people you won’t normally play with. It gives us something to look forward to."

ALPHA PHI SPANISH

classes it’s time to change

032

SEPTEMBER AUGUST

New classes never offered before allow students to learn more about their interests This year in particular has brought with it more than just a new virus. Several new classes that have never been offered before have finally become a reality. Sophomores are taking What are you the brand new Epistles of Paul working on? course. “[In AP Drawing,] I “It’s a fun class. It’s pretty chill have done several and we get to learn about the Bi- hyper-realistic ble and Paul,” Emma Colvin (‘23) drawings of my dogs and am currently said.

Another new course offering, working on a ‘calm before the storm’ Entrepreneurship, is similarly ex- battle scene.” citing. Students in this class learn about entrepreneurship by cre- Will Scata Class of 2022 ating their own business plans related to their own personal "[In New Testament interests.

Survey] we are “I hope to learn really basic starting in the Old skills for starting a business,” Testament and going Ainsley Brunson (‘21) said. “I’ve through the whole always been an entrepreneurial Bible. Right now we person and I know that my ca- are in 1 Samuel.” reer and my future will revolve Caden Billingsley around entrepreneurship and Grade 7 being a self-starter, so I hope to

What’s New

TRYING SOMETHING NEW The most interesting things from new classes

learn how to further my abilities in that.”

Though many sophomores were initially enthusiastic about being able to enroll in an AP course for the first time, they have some concerns about the AP History class work load.

“It’s probably my most stressful class, just the amount of work and studying that goes into it. I hate history in general.

I don’t know why I put myself through this AP class because it’s more than I can handle,” Brianna Vilcek (‘23) said.

Still, others believe that having more course options is an exciting change. The new Engineering class worked on a camera obscura project, where they used cardboard boxes to project images.

“In my opinion, it took a really long time. It’s actually really cool what we made in the end though,” Danika Duncan (‘24) said.

“My business plan “We made a cam- "It’s fun to look at is a charcuterie era out of a box other worldviews shop. [It] is a way where we cut a and the differfor me to bring hole, light would ence between out my creative come through an atheistic side, food and and it would worldview and a things that I love project an image Christian worldinto one.” on the back.” view."

Nora Carter Grace Hamilton (‘21) DiGesualdo (‘23) O’Brien (8)

The all-girl AP Spanish class posts group photos on their sorority Instagram account. “A Dior model viewed our story,” Lauren Reese (‘22) said. photographer Sophie Sayles

SPELL IT OUT Fourth graders do spelling bookwork in their free time after taking a quiz.“ When I was doing my spelling I was doodling in my book a little.”

Sophia Delgadillo (4) said. “After that I read a book.” photographer

Rebekah Saenz

CROSS COUNTRY 033

CREATING MASTERPIECES Mrs. Rot’s fourth graders each get to make their

own landscape projects and share them with their classmates. “I put bricks all over the castle for my project.” Rylan Smith (4) said.

“I tried to put vines on it but it didn’t work.”

photographer Kinley Billingsley

OCT

SWEET AND SPOOKY

In preparation for Halloween, Daniel Pretorius

(3), Christopher Kiang (3), Mia Christianson (3) and Adelaide Cottom (3) carve a pumpkin. “We put a candle inside it and it lit up,” Anthony Guevara (3) said. “Then we turned the lights off and it was like God lighting up the world.” photographer John Horvath

“

First of all, it wasn’t a matter of if someone would get COVID-19, it was when someone would get it.

Emory Rhoden (‘23)

OCTOBER 036

Extra for English High standards in Mrs. Novlan’s English class encourage the best from students

Wesley Kwan (8)

Sophie Sayles (‘22)

Kayla Santos (‘23)

“Her class moves at a fast speed, which keeps it engaging for me. I feel like I put more thought into my work and be more thorough.

I also pay more attention to details.”

“I just feel a need to perform when I’m in that class. I want her to be like, ‘Oh, Sophie’s a genius!’

That’s why I always try for good writing, but I’m not sure if it ever works out.”

“The class is interesting to talk in since we discuss politics as it relates to what we read. My grades go wishy-washy for her reading quizzes, but she’s a good, hard teacher.”

OUTDOOR LAB

Focused on their assignment, Andrew Prescott (‘24), Riverson Shaw (‘24) and Faith Farr (‘24) navigate Labster. “I feel like it is good,” Prescott said. “It can look the same as a real lab.” photographer Rebekah Saenz

A CASE OF PERSPECTIVE After sketching an outline, Sarah Schauer (6) colors in the finishing touches. “We were doing one point perspective,” Schauer said. “We would make it look 3-D so it gets smaller the closer you get to the point.” photographer Nathan Brreinich

&error

COVID-19, laggy websites and a case of melted chocolate make for interesting labs in class

While labs are typically the highlight of any science class experience, in October, it seemed like they could only go wrong.

In freshmen Biology, students used an online lab service called Labster to simulate a typical lab experience.

“I hate it,” Mallory Senior (‘24) said. “We never actually learn anything on it, and its so old that it never works.”

Classmate Sam Williams (‘24) agreed on the frustrations of the software. “I actually got a virus from Labster,” Williams said.

“It is too glitchy, too old and it dosen’t run on Chromebooks.”

Eight grade Integrated Physics and Chemistry class also experienced difficulty with a lab involving chocolate.

“The room was hot because the air conditioning broke,” Ela Scata (8) said. “So when we opened the chocolate, it was all melty.”

The melted chocolate could have caused a mess and ruined the process of their experiment.

Virtual Math

“My first reaction was we are gonna get chocolate everywhere,” Nicholas Silbermann (8) said. “It’s going to get on the scale and we won’t be able Experiences to use it [to measure the chocvary online olate].”

Despite the melted chocolate, “It was more difficult to pay attention than the eighth graders were reto learn Pre-Cal on sourceful and made the best Zoom. The math was of their lab. easy, but class was “It actually worked out fine,” at the end of the day Silbermann said. “At the end, and I just wanted to someone in our group ended leave.” up eating it all.”

John Connell Virtual learners also faced Class of 2023 challenges when trying to fol“It depends, but I don’t low along with labs online. ask many questions “Doing the physics lab onin class, so obviously line while everyone else was it is harder to learn physically doing the lab was online.” kinda weird,” Samara SherJenna Gilmore van (‘22) said. “It was hard to Grade 7 follow as well since the first priority is the people that are "Math was easy online there and able to do the lab. since Mr. Struhbar The audio and camera qualzoomed in on the board and made ity didn’t help. It required a everything clear.” lot of faith in others as it is Jacob Hobbs hard to verify answers.”

Oh, I’m Sure

Seniors choose to take standardized tests despite test optional policies

“I wanted a score to represent my academic ability, so I just gave it a shot and took it.”

Hedy Zhang (‘21)

Grade 6

“My parents were like, ‘You’re still taking them!’ but I actually wanted to as well.”

Brayden Smith (‘21)

PAPER PLANES

In the STEM Lab,

Alexis Aguayo (4) sets up her project.

“We did a pinball airplane experiment,” Aguayo said. “I was trying to knock down pins with my paper airplane.” photographer

Nathan Breinich

SAND TIME

The sand tray in Ms. Etherton’s classroom provides a distraction

for students. “Her sandbox is a place for peace in the classroom,” Kai Orred (‘22) said. photographer Grace Williams

“I had to go to San Marcos to take my test, but I realized it was my only chance.”

Kalyn Lee (‘21)

HOM

MEANT by

Allison Read (‘2

2)

NOT what we

With all the new COVID protocols, there would not be a school sponsored Homecoming dance. However, high schoolers still wanted a dance and so each grade planned their own, unaffiliated with the school. With that came the freedom to create their own rules, including the dress code. “I wore a short bright green dress,” Lucy Carsner (‘24) said. “I thought it was exiting and outgoing, but it was not at all in dress code. I feel like the dress code for homecoming is kinda stupid because it is outside of school and you can’t wear a lot of the dresses in stores.”

?

who wore

It

Lucy C ar sner (‘24)

DISORDER ORDER in the

COURT

The homecoming court is an annual tradition where nominees are announced in a pep rally before the game and crowned afterwards. This year, things were a little different. “During a student council meeting we were asked whether we wanted the court to be crowned at the pep rally or the game,” Kelii Horvath (‘21) said, “There was a lot of back and forth on that, including two different surveys sent to student council and the student body. Essentially, the students wanted it to still be at the game while administration wanted it at the pep rally. Eventually, it didn’t matter when the game was canceled we ended up doing it in chapel when we got back from quarantine.”

sent home

Every year, high school students compete in a wagon decorating and racing competition between grades. But this year the sophomore class experienced something different when their grade was sent home mid-week. “Decorating our wagon was actually pretty fun,” Emma Colvin (‘23) said. “We had this whole plan to use the pool noodle french fries to whack people while we were racing. It was going to be really great. But then our grade was sent home because of COVID, and it was actually really disappointing.”

ME

The entire Upper School was sent home due to a COVID outbreak during Homecoming week

Twin Tuesday

TV Thursday

“I just wore my casual clothes, but I’m fairly uncreative in my style so I had an extra set of the same clothes. I concluded that since no one else would twin with me, my Halloween decorations might.”

“My friend gave me this Chewbacca costume and told me to wear it and go get judged because he was too embarrassed to do it himself.”

Riverson Shaw (‘24)

Ryan Hatfield (‘22)

Reagan Foster (‘23) Laurel Foster (‘23)

Madi Billingsley (‘21) Ainsley Brunson (‘21) Hedy Zhang (‘21) Christian Mote (‘22)

Whataburger Wednesday

Spirit Friday

“We had Wednesday off for conference day so a lot of our grade met at Whataburger. It was really great getting to hang out with friends outside of school, especially now that it’s rare with COVID.”

“Last year’s seniors started the tradition of senior overalls and I loved the idea so I wanted to continue it. I’m glad I made them and had the chance to wear them at school, even if the school got shut down at the end of the day.”

Will Scata (‘22)

Grace Marx (‘21)

Kai Orred (‘22) Madi Billingsley (‘21)

Kristen Kjar (‘22) Lauren Reese (‘22) Allison Read (‘22) Christian Mote (‘22) Colt Lychner (‘22) Charlie Sullivan (‘22) Matthew DeLaCruz (‘22) Will Scata (‘22) Silas Tsuei (‘22) Kai Orred (‘22) Sophie Sayles (‘22) Paige Cates (‘22) Kristen Hudgens (‘22)

WHERE’S the

?

The week started out like any other, but halfway through most of high school was sent home.

Later in the week, the entire Upper School was sent home due to COVID cases and the Homecoming game was canceled. “After it was canceled, we decided that we should just have our own pick-up football game,” Sam Williams (‘24) said. “Most of the football team came and some of the varsity basketball team, Afterwards, we went back to my house and had a party. Kai Orred (‘22) and Steel Kupec (‘21) got into a boxing match, Steel won.”

game

STILL “I think it’s a really good idea to get the underclassmen to middleclassmen to train them to be better gentlemen in life and teach them how to lead better. Being with other guys makes it a lot easier because it’s not just you going through it, everyone is going through it.”

Kai Orred (‘22)

Thespian Society

OCTOBER

Despite many cancellations and restrictions, these clubs are

“[We have] Zoom game nights. Pretty much only sophomores and a couple freshmen have showed up so far but they’re pretty fun. We wanted to do a pre-Ren fiesta where we just celebrate the Ren Fest and just get the nerves out but obviously we’re not doing the Renaissance Festival.”

Lauren Giarratano (‘23)

“[We want to have] another virtual Christmas-themed game night and then the aftershow party.”

040

Sami Taylor (‘23)

NHS “Mrs. Horvath gave us really swag masks and she had us come upstairs and form an assembly line so that whenever the middle schoolers came to give their boxes to her room they would hand it to us. When there was no one there we played ninja.”

Kristen Hudgens (‘22)

NOVEMBER 7

Quarantine, which began on the 23rd of October, officially ends.

NOVEMBER 9

“

All Upper School students may return to in-person class.

SENT HOME The statistics resulting from a multiple-grade shutdown

285

quarantined students

2

weeks at home

Stella Wiegert (8)

Mass Quarantine

First reactions from those quarantined mid-week

“A lot of people called me and we had a group FaceTime.”

Kinsley Drenner (‘23)

4. HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM GOING ONLINE LAST MARCH?

“It feels different because I’m one of the few people [in my “I talked to my friends on one of class] who is online.” our random group chats just to Caden O’Donnell (8) let them know that I might not “It’s different because, unlike see them for a while.” last year, we have to do school Will Scata (‘22) on Fridays. Also, we know the official date that we can come “I thought, ‘Well, so much for “I talked to my family first, back this time.” complaining. Then I texted a good end to Cross Country Ann Elise Chesney (‘23) Allison [Read (‘22)] to season.’” see if I could still go to the John Connell (‘23) “It feels different because we homecoming dance.” really didn’t have much of a “At first I was furious. Then I Bethany Kwan (‘22) warning [this time], and we realized maybe this was God’s know it’s not going to be as way of telling me I need a break 3. DID YOU SEE long.” from the craziness and stress THIS COMING? Dillon Horne (7) school has brought back on me.”

“I did because ten weeks without “It feels way different because Brianna Vilcek (‘23) a single case is really impressive. I’m a senior this year and I’m “I know I’m going to miss my Considering other schools had now going to miss my last high friends and volleyball, but it’s cases within days, it would’ve school homecoming football nice to have a break.” happened eventually.” game and dance.”

Mia Cline (‘23) Joshua Huang (‘21) Morgan Glatzl (‘21)

1. WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL REACTION TO HAVING TO QUARANTINE?

positive HS cases

10

COVIDfree weeks

51

hours on Zoom

2

positive MS cases

041

“

2. WHO WAS THE FIRST PERSON YOU TALKED TO?

7

COVID-19 SHUTDOWN

IT L

I was shocked at first, but I thought through it and realized that it was probably for the best.

SQUEAKY CLEAN

RUNNING FAST Running down the field with the football, Jackson Young (7) attempts to make a touchtown for the team.

“Sometimes when I get nervous before a game,” Dillion Horne (7) said, “to calm my nerves down, I just focus and go along with it.” photographer John Horvath

New locker rooms spark opinions

SIDELINE CHEERING

HOLDING TIGHT

OCTOBER

“I have morning practices for cross country, so it’s nice to be able to shower afterwards.”

Gretchen Bode (‘22)

With pompoms in the air, Gracie Cheek (‘24), Grace Marx (‘21) and Samantha Patterson (‘22) cheer as loudly as possible.

“My favorite cheer was Red Hot. It was fun to do the cheer,” Patterson said. “But the best part was the crowd involvement.” photographer

In a game against Veritas, Nathan Bernoski (‘22) holds his opponent from getting to the quarterback. John Horvath “I think we had a really good community this year with a smaller team,” Bernoski said.

“I got to grow with the freshman quite a bit.” photographer John Horvath

POM-POMS WAVING Cheering at the top of their lungs, Kinsley Ruskin (6), Gracie Smit (7), Danielle Orbock (8), Kayla Maki (8) and Elizabeth Alegre (7) wave their pom-poms as they get the crowd excited. “I didn’t expect almost all of our games to be cancelled because of COVID,” Smit said. “So we ended up only doing one out of the three football games.” photographer Kelii Horvath

“I once ran out of shampoo, so it was really helpful to have the shampoo cart in the locker rooms.”

Kalyn Lee (‘21)

into the fi

042

When the football captains leave the game, freshmen forced to carry team “The lockers are really big. They can fit an entire person in them and can hold a lot of stuff.”

Andrew Teeter (‘24)

“Some people would buy good towels to leave there, and some would buy the cheap ones that weren’t soft.”

Sam Williams (‘24)

When seniors Kelii Horvath (‘21) and Steel Kupec (‘21) went out of the game, the football team was left with over half of the players being ninth graders.

“I was thinking, ‘This is bad,’” Ty Curry (‘24) said. “I was actually playing wide receiver at the time, and I was really concerned because both of our best players were out.”

While the lack of two players was a concern to the freshman, they were also worried about the size of the opposing players.

“We were going against seniors who are like at least 160 or 170 pounds at least, and it is very difficult for one freshman who is 130 pounds to tackle 170 pounds,” Kyler

Cline (‘24) said. “It would take at least two good freshmen.”

The football players felt a new kind of pressure as well since this was their first year playing on the varsity team.

“You grow up, and you’re just watching it, like you’re watching the older kids play,” Sam Williams (‘24) said. “Then to actually be out there and other people are watching you, it was a lot.”

The pressure was on high for first-year Hill Country students.

“When I entered the year, I was nervous because I was at a new school and a new team and was playing against 18 year old men,” Riverson Shaw (‘24) said. “I quickly got comfortable with my team and made a lot of friends.”

LUCKY ITEMS

Athletes always bring certain items to games "I wear the same socks to every game because I like how they look, and they are the team colors.

They are black, white and blue, and I got them around August.”

Alex Cepeda (8) "I got my lucky cheer shoes in sixth grade when I started competing.

I wore them to every competition.

When I wear them, all the memories from cheer come back.”

Tori Martins (‘24)

043

fire

SPORTS

"I have a pink and black bracelet I got during freshman year during Breast Cancer Awareness that I’ll wear on my wrist, put it in my sock, or somewhere else.”

Aaron Sass (‘21)

LINING UP Getting ready to block the PAT, Kyler Cline (‘24), Kimo Horvath (‘23), Steel Kupec (‘21), Hunter Masters (‘21), and Sam Williams (‘24) line up. “I enjoy football because of the team dynamic of it,” Masters said. “I usually play individual sports like cross country and track.” photographer John Horvath

rollin’ they see me

044

OCTOBER

Despite concerns, PK’s Bike Day is saved Although there was uncertainty about lower school events, preschoolers were happy to find out bike day would still happen.

“On bike day, we rode bikes around a circle in the parking lot with our friends,” Morgan Baltazor (PK) said. “My bike had a seat in the back for my babies to sit on while I rode around. I lost the strap for the babies to sit on, so it was hard for the babies to sit with me.”

Each preschooler had a unique bike that they showcased during bike day.

“My bike had many cool colors on it, “ Lincoln Bledsoe (PK) said, “and its name was Sicken.”

Some were more focused on speed.

“I rode my green bike that goes really fast,” William Claunch (PK) said. “I tried pedaling as fast as I could.

My dad was watching me and said that I was going really fast.”

Those focused on speed were in the mood to race.

“I went really fast on my

green balance bike,” Elizabeth Davis (PK) said. “I raced my friends, and I won. I rode around with my friend Vivian [Duncanson (PK)] and had a lot of fun going really fast.”

Although there were a few bumps in the road, there weren’t enough to stop the preschoolers.

“I fell two times. The first time, my Minnie Mouse bike landed on my tummy, and the second time the bike landed on my head. I thought I had broke my head open,” Duncanson said. “I biked with my friends and raced with them from cone to cone, and I won both times.“ Bikes were not the only set of wheels present at the race.

“I brought my pink scooter, and during bike day, I hurt myself,” Lucy Brothers (PK) said. “I think my scooter wheel hit my ankle, but I got back on my scooter. After racing for a while, I was all by myself, so I went and sat with my mom.”

RACING BIKES Early in the morning, preschoolers bring their bikes out for some fun. “I got to race my friends,” Llewellyn Whitted (PK) said. “My friend Bennett [Marchand (PK)] didn’t have a bike, so I let him ride mine.” photographer John Horvath

Fun Fall Friday

First Graders play, do projects and other events all related to fall

“During Fun Fall Friday, we did an obstacle course, and on the course, there were hula hoops. There was also a fun bean bag toss where you toss bean bags into a frisbee.”

Hannah Kainer Grade 1

“We made a booklet about pumpkins, then we ate pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin soup and pumpkin spiced cookies.

My favorites were the pancakes and the cookies.”

Colin Majeda Grade 1

“We did a scavenger hunt and other projects.

My favorite part was the leaves project. We collected leaves and hung them up. They were all really pretty.”

Ella Kinne Grade 1

“My favorite activity was counting pumpkin seeds.

We had a competition to see who had the most, but I didn’t have enough seeds to win. I was really close though.”

Alex Ramirez Grade 1

VOLCANO DAY Sophia Delgadillo (4) watches her volcano erupt. “I

named my volcano Mt. St. Mr. Giles,” Delgadillo said. “We put baking soda in our volcanoes, then we poured red colored vinegar in it too.” photographer Kristen Kjar

SOCK HOP Kindergarteners take a trip back to the 1950s for a day. “I liked playing with the hula hoops,” Aaron Royce (K) said. “I did some hula hoops around my waist, rolled it and twisted it with my hand.” photographer Nathan Breinich

LOWER SCHOOL EVENTS

homecoming hype

“My mom suggested I do Pippi Longstocking hair for crazy hair day. I liked that I had the craziest hair in the whole class.”

Helen O’Rand (4)

“I picked a mask and an outfit that was swirly and colorful. There wasn’t really anything special about my outfit, but I liked the pastel colors.”

Adelaide Cottom (3)

“I dressed up for Neon Tuesday. My parents said I am not old enough to go to the homecoming football game since it is past my bedtime.”

Charlie O’Rand (1)

045

Dress up days excite Lower School students for Homecoming

“

Half of me saw [the shutdown] coming, but the other half of me said that it wasn’t going to happen.

Christopher Hobbs (7)

E

AN EMPTY CLASSROOM When tenth grade gets quarantined, Mrs. Horvath teaches to an empty room. “This feels a lot different from going online in March because it feels a lot more personal rather than just being preventative,” Rayna Faulk (‘23) said. “I also wasn’t prepared.” photographer John Horvath

NOV EMBER

ALL THE WAY Continuing with pressure, Caeden Kieper (‘21) goes up for a contested layup. “The game was a little chaotic,” Kieper said. “We had only a couple of practices under our belt.” photographer Logan Trenner IT’S MINE

NOVEMBER

After tracking the ball through the air, Liza Sayles (8) and Kaydence Hubbard (7) go to hit the ball from their setter. “Setter is a great position,” Miley Johnson (7) said, “especially when you have a good connection.” photographer Logan Trenner

Back and Forth 048

Players fight till the last second in playoff game

After being quarantined, the football team saw Dallas Lutheran in the first round of the playoffs.

“It was very stressful,”

Christopher Silbermann (‘23)

said. “We knew the team we played was a really good team.”

It was a one-score game at halftime, and it was neck and neck until the final whistle.

"It was a stressful game to watch," Kelii Horvath (‘21) said. "There were so many lead changes that I got a headache."

A hard fought game came to an end with a 74-80 loss.

“It was exhausting but very intense back and forth,” Ethan Howard (‘24) said, “so we kind of had to play every play like it was the last play.”

photographer Logan Trenner

No State Runners quarantined before the biggest meet

“I had worked for four years to get to my senior year meet, and I had gotten second in the meet prior so I was really excited for it because I think I could have done well.”

Hunter Masters Class of 2021

cut short

Due a COVID outbreak, the perfect season is

winning the point, 7th/8th grade 5A players celebrate. “I think it’s really fun, I definitely enjoy passing,” Alyssa Hill (7) said. “It’s also really cool having the different jersey.”

photographer Logan Trenner

“It sucked, because state is the last meet and you’re really excited, and last year when I did state, it was my best race. You have all of your season’s like skills and they just build up.”

Sami Taylor Class of 2023

“I was upset that lockdown was going to end the day afterward, but it’s not a fun course. I was happy to not have to run all those hills. I was also sad I missed Twisted Root.”

John Connell Class of 2023

“I had done better in my “I was pretty disappointed last race, so I was kinda that I didn’t get go to this sad about it, because I [state meet]. I was kind could have done pretty of looking forward to the well compared to what I whole experience.” did my freshman year. So I Zane Thompson was sad about that.”

Class of 2024 Gretchen Bode Class of 2022

049

LET’S GO!*Jumping for joy after

but it was my last year to play with my grade,” Kayla Maki (8) said. “It was a bummer but I still have four more years.”

While the season may have been cut short, the part that was played saw the team finding great success, winning all of their games.

“Our teamwork was really good this year and I think that played into it,” Maki said.

The teamwork that helped see the team to an undefeated record was fostered during morning practices which were new for the team this year.

“Mostly everyone showed up to the early morning practices,” Danielle Orbock (8) said. “We had good camaraderie and really wanted to make each other better. The only bad thing about them is that I had to wake up at like 5:45 each morning.”

SPORTS

“We won all of our games,” Aly Woodford (8) said, “we were probably gonna win the tournament.”

Woodford was one of the team leaders when Middle School Volleyball’s end-ofseason tournament was canceled due to the school-wide shut down. Woodford along with her teammates were ready to cap off an undefeated season with some hardware.

“It was kind of devastating that we didn’t get to play,” Woodford said. “For a lot of us it’s our last year playing together so it was sad missing the tournament. It was still good winning all of our games though.”

Missing the tournament was very discouraging for the eighth graders as this would be their last time playing together before high school.

“It’s not like my senior year

ELEC

WEE In a year like 2020, it was only fitting to have an

CTION

EK BEFORE

Events before the election made it like no other

“I think mail-in ballots are cool.

It’s interesting to see how life is moving forward, but it worries me if your ballot gets lost.”

Danielle Orbock (8) “I wasn’t surprised when Trump tested positive. He was parading around without a mask, and that’s what happens when you don’t take proper safety precautions against this virus.”

Kinsey White (‘24) “Texas has never been a red state, it’s a nonvoting blue state. That it’s a battleground in this election shows that more of the population is gaining accessibility to voting.”

John Connell (‘23)

DURING

The course of the election changed overnight

NOW IT’S SURE

Students share reactions to Biden winning the election “I was on my couch when I found out and my parents were like, ‘Oh my gosh, that Biden guy,’ but I was like, ‘All right.’ I’m hoping for some good change."

Lauren Giarratano (‘23) "To be completely honest, I’m moving to Mexico. I even sent [Sam Williams (‘24)] a picture of me packing. I was not very happy."

Ethan Howard (‘24) "I knew Biden was going to win. I’m excited that we have a female vice president. It means that probably a female president is coming and that will be awesome."

Peyton Galella (7) "I was really excited that Biden won the election. I’m hoping to have a president that truly cares about the American people and is focusing on stopping the spread of COVID." Kailey Kirkland (‘23) "The election was rigged and it shouldn’t have happened that way.

Everything that Trump has done in a good way Biden is going to repeal and do his own way."

Charlie Reisch (6)

AFTER

No one was sure about how the election played out

“I was watching the election and it started to annoy me a little bit, so I stopped watching when Trump said he had already won. It shocked me.”

Zackariah Westbrook (7)

“It is frustrating that we still don’t know who the president is. I think that it is taking way too long for all of the votes to come in and that is suprising.”

Jenna Romney (6)

“If there is voter fraud, I thought to myself, ‘If you don’t have enough faith in your candidate that you have to fake votes to win, clearly you didn’t pick a good candidate.’”

Kayla Santos (‘23)

“I was less moved after the election since I didn’t vote. I don’t know if the claims of voter fraud have any merit, but you do need real evidence to prove them.”

Riley Peck (‘21)

“This year, my main concern during the election is the riots that will probably happen downtown, no matter who wins.”

Janae Wallace (8)

"Just because the media announces something does not mean it’s accurate, and I’ve seen that its been hard to predict the outcome of the election.”

Lauren Reese (‘22)

MA

in the

Suiting Up

052

NOVEMBER

Varsity Basketball Boys dress up for game day

“A couple of us were sitting around and thinking that it would be fun to dress up and bring a different energy because this year is different from the past years.”

Kai Orred Class of 2022

“We thought it was a really fun thing to do and get ready for game day. We dressed up like NBA players, so some people were trying to imitate Russell Westbrook.”

Matthew DeLaCruz Class of 2022

“It’s a creative thing we do together as a team. I think Caeden [Kieper (‘21)] did the best because the theme was NBA drafting, but Colt [Lychner (‘22)] was the most creative.”

Silas Tsuei Class of 2022

AC

Pandemic and new facilities alter practices and games LOCKER ROOM SLIP AND SLIDE

With COVID-19 precautions in place, online ticketing was implemented to ensure a limited capacity for games in the MAC. “The online ticketing process was going to a site, putting a code in and scanning a QR code at the gate,” Ashleigh Nelson (‘23) said. “It isn’t too hard, and it’s a lot harder to lose than a physical ticket. However, I miss walking past the gates as a student.”

Other students found online tickets more difficult.

“It’s really easy to get the tickets as long as you have the code,” Nathan Snapp (‘23) said. “But it’s hard to get a ticket because the code is located at the MAC.” For some, acquiring tickets wasn’t necessary.

“I’m the announcer for basketball games, so I don’t have to get tickets. At the beginning of the year, they asked me to be the MC,” Grayson (‘21) Brougher said. “It’s been a really fun experience, it being my senior year.

I’ve been able to engage with the student body a lot more, which is what I wanted to do before I graduated.”

When the MAC was built, a camera was installed to livestream the games, which became beneficial when COVID hit. With the camera streaming games, students could cheer on their classmates from the comfort of their own home.

“I watched the games virtually whenever I had to quarantine or was not able to go to the games that were far away,” Hannah Shoaff (‘23) said. “Although, I prefer in-person games because they are more interactive, easier to watch, and it is always fun to watch games with your friends.”

Her brothers agreed with her response.

“It wasn’t the same,” Levi Shoaff (‘23) said. “You couldn’t be with your friends, and the camera was a little bit behind, but it was still good.”

“I enjoyed watching the games because I was on the basketball team, and I could see my team play even though I was quaran quarantined,” Wyatt Shoaff (‘23) said.

“Nor“Nor mally if you’re sick, you only get to know if you won or not after the game.”

What do you do between school and games?

“Usually I get food, do homework, play a game, talk or watch something. If there’s no game before us, I’ll like to start shooting to warm up. If there is a game, then I go and watch it.”

Grace Jackson Class of 2022

Senior Signing

Sophia Garrison signs to swim for the University of Alabama On November 11th, Sophia Garrison (‘21) signed her letter of intent to swim as a collegiate athlete for the University of Alabama, formally committing after an initial verbal commitment months prior.

“I felt really grateful for the opportunity. Throughout my junior year, I talked to a bunch of schools over the phone and through emails,” Garrison said. “I went on five official greeting trips and weighed the pros and cons of every school I visited. Alabama was the best option; I loved all the coaches, the campus, the team and the school.”

At Garrison’s signing, her fellow seniors gathered to watch and celebrate her commitment.

“It was exciting to watch her sign because she’s been working so hard for years and years to get to this point,” Kalyn Lee (‘21) said. “She’s definitely earned it.”

“It was really cool to see her sign to Alabama,” Hunter Masters (‘21) said. “Seeing one of our students, especially one in my grade, get a scholarship and signing to a college is really cool.”

053

VIRTUAL GAMES

SPORTS

After one morning practice, varsity football decided to make their morning a little more interesting by making a slip and slide in the showers.

“It started with just soap and water, but we thought oil might be better. Turns out oil and water don’t mix,” Steel Kupec (‘21) said.

“It ended up being super funny because the water in the showers beaded off of us, so we couldn’t really get clean and smelled like oil all day.”

It was all fun and games while it lasted, but the clean-up took a little longer than anticipated.

“It sucked because we didn’t actually slide, and it just made a big mess,” Quaid Jackson (‘24) said. “Since Sam [Williams (‘24)] brought the olive oil, he had to clean it up the next morning, and I watched him clean it up.

I would do it again if we could.”

“We’re the dumbest team in TAPPS, so we didn’t realize that the olive oil wouldn’t just wash out,” Williams said. “The slip and slide is our annual tradition now.”

ONLINE TICKETS

DEC

EMBER

“

I think [the school] will make it through to Christmas, but after that, I don’t know.

Kyle Smith (7)

THIS IS NUTS Split into different tribes for Anatomy and Physiology, Hunt-

er Masters (‘21), Sophia Garrison (‘21) and Kelii Horvath (‘21) are tasked with breaking open coconuts. “Dr. Cheng

gave us all coconuts,” Garrison said, “and we went out in the parking lot, cracked them on the fire hydrant and harvested the coconut water.” photographer Grace Marx

CARRIAGE RIDE While performing Tuck Everlasting, Landon Carr (8) and Aly Woodford (8) ride into town. “I played Mae,” Woodford said.

“She was the mother of the Tuck family.” photographer John Horvath

LOVE’S A GAME Josh Kriel (‘23), Kimo Horvath (‘23) and Matthew DeLaCruz (‘22) share a laugh in Much Ado About Nothing. “My character was tricked into marrying his cousin,” Kriel said. “But it ended up being the girl he wanted to marry.”

photographer Allison Read

spotlight on Actors across grades overcame various challenges when it came to their modified theater performances

Performers share how they step into character

"I played a wealthy "I was the grandma, wife, and she really and it was pretty acted in a way funny acting as an that was unheard old person. I had of for the time. an accent, and I The upper-class had this gray hair looking costume spray thing to help helped me be her.” me look old."

Victoria Betsy Connell (7) Rogers (‘21)

"I played The Stranger in the Yellow Dress, and we changed it to a girl since there were more [girls]. I tried to think how she would act."

Haley Milton (7)

057

TIME TO SHINE

“It wasn’t as difficult to stay motivated as I thought it’d be,” Lauren Giarratano (‘23) said. “It’s because I was in a duet with my favorite person [Ryan Hatfield (‘22)].”

Though many thought COVID provoked the most changes, a missing actor in the eighth graders’ final performance caused a hectic last-minute switch.

“Our character didn’t show up, so we had a seventh grader stand in,” Landon Carr (8) said. “He read right of off the script the whole play for us.”

The stand-in, Caden Billingsley (7), was informed mere minutes prior to showtime that he would need to fill in.

“It was crazy,” Billingsley said.

“There was pressure to get it right because I didn’t want to mess up their play. The eighth graders portray their characters differently than [the seventh graders] did, so I just had to learn what my new character did. I put on my costume and just read off the script.”

THEATER

Cue the Change

With uncertainty regarding the ability to put on live performances during COVID, many productions faced alterations.

In lieu of a play, sixth graders COVID-19 performed individual scenes impacts theater to stay in smaller cohorts.

"This would have been “People laughed about my my first year going scene because at the end, I to Ren Fest, so I was have to ask a girl out,” Ethan disappointed when Kriel (6) said. “It was not a lot it was canceled. of fun.”

However, I’d never Seventh graders performed been before, so it made it feel normal.”

Tuck Everlasting.

“I thought our play was very Morgan Hatfield structured,” Peyton Galella (7) Class of 2024 said. “But it’s funny when we "We really had to mess up on stage.” work on projecting High school students also our voices when we performed scenes and mono mono- practiced because of logues. [wearing] masks."

“Since we could only have a Lizzie Towell limited audience, there wasn’t Class of 2023 the pressure of having it be perfect,” Angelina Jones (‘24) "Wearing the masks said. “Everyone relaxed, but at and social distancing made theater the same time, some of us re re- significantly less free. laxed too much and didn’t get I don’t like it as much." much done.”

Hudson Archer However, many students still Grade 8 practiced extensively.

DECEMBER 058

AHEAD OF DEFENSE

Dribbling in front of the defender, Kaiden Nelson (7) gets the ball to the hoop. “Playing the games are really fun because everyone on the team is friends,” Nelson said. “We only lost one game.” photographer

Kristen Kjar

HANDS UP

On defense, the junior varsity girls’ team boxes in their opponent. “I played on both the junior varsity and the varsity team,” Gretchen Bode (‘22) said. “I enjoy playing the sport and being around my friends.” photographer

Allison Read

A QUIET GYM When games are quiet, the varsity girls amp it up. “Playing [Texas School for the Deaf] is different because we create our own energy,” Grace Jackson (‘22) said. “I’ve always loved playing them.” photographer Kelii Horvath

an almost perfect

6A middle school boys team plays 11 game season, winning ten and losing one

First Season

LAY IT UP

Mid-jump, Jackson Young (7) lifts the ball up in order to make the

basket. “I was just glad that we got to play, even if there wasn’t a crowd,” Young said.

“The missing crowd threw off the balance of the game.” photographer Kristen Kjar

REACH FOR IT

Under pressure, Nick Cheij (6) tips the ball. “I play hockey, so

I know the feeling of starting out,” Cheij said. “It’s not that stressful once you do it for a while.” photographer John Horvath

JV girls only get one December game

“I was disappointed because our other games got canceled because of COVID.” Rebekah Saenz (‘23)

“We had some hard practices, but it was nice since we weren’t under pressure.”

Gracie Cheek (‘24)

“We were bummed out, but it worked better because we were down to five players.”

Angelina Jones (‘24)

059

of the season, there were a lot of ball hogs, but as we kept practicing, we learned how to pass.”

The canceled postseason tournament would have given the team a chance to play Brentwood after a 47-56 loss.

“When the tournament was canceled, it sucked because the team we lost to, we could have beaten,” Christian Wilson (8) said. “We played well in the second half of the season. And then we won in our first tournament.”

However, there were a few challenges along the way.

“I thought it was really fun, but I was a little disappointed because throughout it, we had to quarantine twice, and then we had the snow week, where we would have had two or three games,” Alex Cepeda (8) said. “The one game that we did lose was because we were tied up and a player on the other team made a shot it right when the buzzer went off.”

SPORTS

When the seventh and eighth grade middle school boys began their season, they were presented with a new practice schedule.

6th grade boys “It was a hard transition from play together for last year because this year, the first time we had a lot of early morning practices,” Joshua Shuffield (8) “It helped me get said. “Waking up at five thirty better at the sport.

With COVID I can’t every morning wasn’t fun.” see my friends as There were also some new often, so it helped me drills to run. be more social.”

“A lot of the drills our coach Graham Hackney had us do was focused on the Grade 6 aspects of good moral ethics, so it was frustrating losing our "Playing basketball game against Brentwood,” helped me get stronger because of Shuffield said.

Along with new drills, there the exercise. I also got to socialize." were also new friends to be Sam Hernandez made.

Grade 6 “At the beginning of the season, I didn’t know very many “The team had a people on the team, so it was good season. I liked cool getting to know all the playing knockout, but guys as the season went on,” I realized that I am not Oliver McSpadden ( 7 ) a basketball player.”

Colter Hammack said. “We worked Grade 6 really well together. In the beginning

what games?

second what a crazy season to be

060

DECEMBER

in

In order to become ranked second in state, the varsity boys basketball team put in work and, in doing so, built themselves a reputation.

“We hold each other accountable, especially on the break and offseason, we tried going to open gyms,” Silas Tsuei (‘22) said. “It’s pretty exciting to be second in state, especially as someone who was here freshman year when we were still young and figuring out how to work together.

So seeing where we are now I can say I’m proud of how far we’ve come. Our physicality and defense have really improved.”

Other players echoed that same sentiment.

“We really have improved since last year,” Jonathan Lee (‘23) said. “We worked really hard on the offseason.”

There was value and appreciation for everyone on the team.

“Having Ethan [Howard (‘24)], Caeden [Kieper (‘21)] and Brady [Woodford (‘21)] on the team has really helped,” Levi Shoaff (‘23) said. “It’s been really cool seeing the team play together. We have a game or a practice everyday of the week.

So we worked really hard for second in state.”

Everyone worked together which brought them even closer as a team.

A New Court?

The 4A middle school boys get to play in the MAC

“I feel like Caeden brings a good energy to the team as well as a good amount of confidence,” Landon Wiste (‘21) said. “I’m happy we are second in state since it’s my senior year, and I’m ending on a good note. Some practices and drills kill me, but when we scrimmage each other, it helps us build as a team because we do different combinations of people, so we can see how we all work together.”

The team’s improvement motivated players to keep getting better.

“Coming from last season when we had a losing streak, it’s really cool to see how our team has turned around,” Luke McSpadden (‘23) said.

“I feel like our team chemistry has helped with that. It’s all really exciting, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

There is no doubt that the team had a successful season, and players have expressed how the experience has been humbling for them.

“Having the title of second in state means that we have really big shoes to fill, so we just have to make sure we come out strong at every game and that we’re not complacent,” Kieper said. “It’s a feat to have that rank, so we have to keep playing strong and not get comfortable.”

“Moving to the MAC was a “It’s a different atmosphere. welcomed change. We all And since it’s a lot bigger, it was a bit overwhelming, like the MAC more than the old gym. Although, we but I am getting used to it. I do miss the old gym do sometimes practice in though because it is the the old gym when there gym I grew up with.” are people in the MAC.”

Nick Burgess Grade 8

Dillon Horne Grade 7

“In the MAC there aren’t people sitting a foot away from you on the sideline. The MAC is also a lot better to practice in.

I only miss eating lunch in the old gym.”

Caden O’Donnell Grade 8

“I like the MAC because it is a lot bigger and it has better backboards. I also like that the MAC has more then just the court, like the locker rooms and weight room.”

Cristian Flores Grade 8

CUT ‘EM OFF Dribbling the ball, Riverson Shaw (‘24) slides past his opponent. “We were the underdogs,” Shaw said. “They had more players than us, so I ended up having to play the entire game.” photographer Kelii Horvath

BRUTE FORCE

The South Austin Warriors were not easy opponents. “We only had six players, then one of them fouled out,” Andrew Teeter (‘24) said. “It was tough to play against a team who had fresh players.” photographer Kelii Horvath

SPORTS

Defeat of a Rival

DOWN THE LANE

Midair,

Colt Lychner (‘22) goes up for a

shot. “Whenever I go for a shot, it’s almost all power getting to the rim,” Lychner said. “Then once you are in the air, it’s pretty much all finesse in order to get the bucket.” photographer

Bethany Kwan

The 3A middle school boys team beat Round Rock in their regular season match-up.

“It was a really good game,” Grayson Wempe (8) said. “I got to play for a long time. We all had good sportsmanship, and I’m excited to play them in the finals.”

This game gave the team a chance to improve.

“At first we weren’t really intimidated because they were a small team,” Landon Carr (8) said. “They were able to catch rebounds really well. We ended up winning, and it felt wonderful because both teams put up a good fight.”

061

The 3A middle school team takes on the Crusaders

seasonal drinks

Upper Schoolers share their favorite holiday drinks

‘tis the Lower School students celebrated the birth of Christ by depicting different roles in the Nativity scene

DECEMBER

“[I drink] eggnog.

However, in my family, we color it purple and call it egg juice.”

Drew Evans (7)

“Every year during December and the beginning of November, my family makes horchata. It’s special.”

Katriel Harland (‘21)

ANGELS AND SHEPHERDS

“Most of the girls were angels and some of us talked on the microphones and we sang songs."

Victoria Rueda (K) “We sang songs for our parents and we got to dress up as shepherds and angels."

Adelina D'Agostino (1)

MANGER SCENE

BETHLEHEM MARKET

“I dressed up as a “We were all out on the shepherd and then it sidewalk and we had started raining. We sang marketplace props and Silent Night and O Come we were pretending to All Ye Faithful.” sell different things.”

Walker Stanley (2) Mason Pace (4) “I dressed up as a “I wasn't pretending to sell shepherd and we sang anything. I was more of a We Three Kings and a blacksmith, pretending I couple of other songs." took orders from people.”

Eli Becker (3) Caleb Kreager (5) FLOWER CROWNS

While drawing in customers, students pretend to sell goods. “I was selling fabric with my friends," Julianne Wu (5) said, "and we were yelling to people ‘Buy fabric! It’s the best fabric in the world! Come and get it!’” photographer Nathan Breinich

062

GETTING TO WORK For the Bethlehem Marketplace, Joel Collins (4) pretends to be a blacksmith. photographer Nathan Breinich

“I love to drink hot cocoa. I always put marshmallows and whipped cream on it.”

Kinsey White (‘24)

Natalie Reese ('24)

WE THREE KINGS Dressed as characters from the nativity scene, Lower School students retell Jesus' birth and sing carols. "We were doing a play for the birth of Jesus," Jason Alegre (3) said. "I was one of the three wise men." photographer Nathan Breinich

O, NIGHT DIVINE In the annual Christmas play, Landry Rogers (1) plays the role of an angel in Bethlehem. “We were dressing up as angels for the Christmas performance,” Rogers said. photographer Nathan Breinich

christmas

CHRISTMAS

“Emma [Colvin ('23)], Ann Elise [Chesney ('23)], and Kinley [Billingsley ('23)] really wanted to do [matching pajamas], so me and Luke [McSpadden ('23)] kind of just went along with it because we all really like Christmas.

We went to Target and got pajamas, then we put the pajamas on and we took Christmas pictures.”

Khristian Letz (‘23)

GOIN' ON VACATION

Lower School students talk about their Christmas break

“I went to my grandma’s house and we had a party when it was Christmas time. I opened my presents. My grandma and grandpa invited people.”.

Cylas Vasquez (1) “[During] Christmas break I traveled to a lot of places and I also [went] to a farm and there’s a lot of animals and also I got to pet some rabbits and ride a horse.”

Sowon Yang (K)

063

“I went to Florida and we went all kinds of places and we had a hotel. We went to the ocean. [My favorite part was] making a sand castle with my dad.”

Sophie Kiang (1)

WATCHIN Netflix and Disney+ viewers discuss the most binge-worthy shows

DECEMBER

Top 6 at Hill Country

CRIMINAL MINDS “I started watching Criminal Minds because I’ve watched it ever since I was a kid with my mom, and just something about it is compelling.”

Victoria Rogers (‘21)

STRANGER THINGS

COBRA KAI

“I like this show because it tells the story of this relationship from both sides, and you get to see why they acted like they did, and where their decisions have taken them.”

Isabella Olson (8)

“I like that I can watch it over and over again. El is my favorite character because sometimes you don’t always expect the character to do whatever they do, and that’s why it makes her interesting.”

064

Caleb Forrister (6)

THE 100

“My mom and I watch shows that we think we would like together. The show is about these people that come down from space and land on earth, having to survive.”

Willy Kipfer (6)

Recommended for You

THE MANDALORIAN

“I like that each episode is left on a cliffhanger. My favorite character is Grogu because he’s really cute and tiny, and I like tiny things.”

Sophia Miller (4)

MARVEL

“I’m currently trying to watch all the movies in chronological order.

I’ve always liked Marvel because I watched the movies with my cousins when we were little.”

Grace O’Brien (8)

DISNEY

“Frozen 2 is my favorite Disney movie. It’s my favorite because it takes place in a magical forest, and my favorite character is Elsa.”

Kynslie Williams (2)

The Office removed from Netflix: Students sound off

“It’s horrible, awful and just plain stupid all at once.

It makes me feel less special, knowing Michael isn’t there to screw up my life anymore. I think Michael is hilarious because of how clueless he is and naive.

We had got Netflix free with T-Mobile, and now they ripped one of my favorite shows from me.”

Abe Rheinheimer (8) “I was upset when I found out that The Office was taken off Netflix because I was just starting to watch it. I was like, ‘Dang, I guess I should have watched it earlier.’ Pam is probably my favorite character because she’s really nice and funny.”

Kinsley Drenner (‘23)

VAMPIRE DIARIES “A lot of shows don’t focus on vampires, and if they do, it’s a stereotypical version of vampires. However, this one shows vampires in a different, more positive light.”

Rebekah Saenz (‘23)

GREY’S ANATOMY “I’m not usually interested in these kinds of series, but this one is just dramatically dramatic with people dying, blood and drama with people.”

Sara Hernandez (6)

“I was very sad about it because I was in the middle of re-watching it for the seventh time. I think they should’ve kept it on Netflix. I understand they want to make more money but it’s just kind of annoying because I was in the middle of watching it.”

Gwen Wiegert (6)

“I was really upset when I found out it was taken off Netflix. I decided to watch The Office because a lot of people said it was good. I watched it and found it to be really funny. When I watch it, it’s kind of relaxing. There’s nothing really like The Office.

It’s funny, it’s entertaining and it’s not stressful.”

Gracie Smit (7)

“Star Wars stands out because of the incredible universe that it is in and how it’s constantly expanding while also delving into more intricate themes, such as government and all the flaws in society.”

Ian Shin (‘22)

PIXAR

“I watched a lot of Pixar movies before. My favorite movies are Toy Story and Toy Story 4 because Forky is super funny in Toy Story 4.”

Gabby Wallace (1)

“I honestly was really upset because every once in a while, I go through phases where I really crave The Office, and I just want to watch it so bad. So a few times, I’ve literally gone to Netflix and typed it and been like, ‘Why is it not on here?’ I get really angry because I think it was one of the best shows on Netflix.”

Blaire Loveday (‘21)

065

“I was a little confused because of how well it’s done and how many people watch it. I enjoyed watching The Office because the way they go about their humor is really funny. It’s not slapstick humor, but it makes you uncomfortable to the point where you laugh, and you’re embarrassed for that person.”

Angelina Jones (‘24)

STAR WARS

STREAMING SERVICES

?

ING

We’re Closed

UARY

“

Me and my mom made bets over how long it will be until my grade quarantined.

I said less than two weeks.

Gracie Smit (7)

WINTER WONDERLAND When Austin gets snow for the first time in years, Caeden Kieper (‘21) and Ty Vacek (7) go sledding. “Caeden, Luke [McSpadden (‘23)], Ty and I went down to Ainsley [Brunson (‘21)]‘s lake to go sledding,” Ellie McSpadden (‘21) said. “We sled down a big hill and pushed people down.” photographer Ellie McSpadden

JANUARY

SHOTS FIRED After his penalty found the back of the net, district Offensive Player of the Year Aaron Sass (‘21) gets ready to celebrate. “After I score a penalty,” Sass said, “I like to think of some dumb celebration to do.” photographer John

068

Horvath

DROP ONE HUNDRED Varsity Boys Basketball scores 100 points for the first time

"We had about 40 points in the first quarter, so we set our goals to get 100. Their scoreboard could only show a double zero so we literally broke their scoreboard."

Colt Lychner (‘22) "[Concordia] couldn’t handle the press and we would literally just rip the ball from their hands. We pretty much scored whenever we wanted wherever we wanted."

Landon Wiste (‘21) "We saw our chance to make history and we took our chance to do it. I scored 16 points which is the highest I have scored in a Varsity game so far."

Ethan Howard (‘24)

driven for With no bus for away games due to COVID, players must carpool or drive themselves HOW WAS IT WHAT DO YOU WITHOUT A BUS? GET AT BUC-EE’S?

“It kind of sucks because we had to force our parents to drive, and you can’t really hang out with the team. It’s usually super fun on the bus, so it kind of made the trip boring.”

Levi Shoaff (‘23)

“I always get a bag of Sour Patch Kids exploders, a thing of chocolate milk and some other candy I feel like getting. I get the chocolate milk because it’s good for recovery.”

Kimo Horvath (‘23)

“We had to take a bunch of cars. I found with basketball, it’s more fun to be in the bus with the whole team than in a car, and we could have gone to places together.”

Gretchen Bode (‘22)

“I stopped at Buc-ee’s twice and got jalapeño peanut brittle and a fruit cup. The brittle was introduced to me because I love peanut butter. It was really good.”

Brianna Vilcek (‘23)

CROSS HIM UP

Running the offense for the JV basketball team, Ty Curry (‘24) puts a move on a defender. “I was the point guard,” Curry said. “The second half of the season I started playing better, but then COVID hit.” photographer Kelii Horvath

1004 miles driven to away games

3

trips to Waco for district games

58

goals scored

5

penalties scored to win a game

10

SWITCHING THE FIELD

In a game against Waco Reicher, Wyatt Shoaff (‘23) sends the ball to a teammate. “We got further than we thought,” Shoaff said, “because it was most of the team’s first year playing.” photographer Logan Trenner

POSSESSION GAME To control the game, possession must be dominated in the midfield. “Playing in the midfield is very exhausting,” Christopher Silbermann (‘23) said. “It’s very physical out there.” photographer Allison Read LOCKDOWN DEFENSE

After stopping a Vanguard fastbreak, Kinley Billingsley (‘23) pressures the opposing guard. “Defense can be hard,” Billingsley said, “because you have to know where to go and trust your teammates.” photographer

Allison Read

All-District honors

4

clean sheets

069

“I usually get a yogurt and some candied pecans.

The candied pecans are my grandma’s favorite, and I like them too. The yogurt is also a good snack.

Victoria Rogers (‘21)

Soccer players had many accomplishments but clocked many miles along the way

SPORTS

“I’ve only been on the bus once or twice before, but I think it would be nice to ride with the whole team.

I was pretty disappointed we didn’t get to use the bus, but it’s whatever.”

Mason Mattox (‘24)

AROUND THE WORLD

always on

The 6A girls’ basketball team describes the work they put in

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JANUARY

WHAT DID IT TAKE?

DID IT PAY OFF?

“I put 90 percent into “I put a lot of work basketball because I in. There were a lot of had other sports going practices, like four a on at the same time. We week. But we won a lot didn’t do too well in the of games by working beginning, but I improved together. We had really on my shooting.” good teamwork.”

Kaydence Hubbard (7) Riley Teeter (7) “I put in a lot of work. I got “Basketball isn’t really better at my ball handling my strong suit, but I skills. I’ve been playing feel like this year was for around two or three the year I improved years, and I have seen the most. I’ve definitely improvement.” seen improvement in my dribbling and shooting.”

Miley Johnson (7) Betsy Connell (7) “I think we worked really hard as a team because “I’ve been playing we went to as many basketball for a while. I practices as possible. I used to just see it as a did work on my own game, but I really wanted when the season was to get better, so I feel put on hold because of like my hard work paid COVID or the snowstorm.” off, especially with my shooting form.”

Lily Carsner (7) Sadah Thompson (7)

BOXED LIKE A FISH

Along with offense, the defense helps carry the team to victory. “During practice, we would encourage one another,” Chelsea Hudgens (8) said. “We had a hard time getting into a positive mindset.” photographer Kelii Horvath

Second Chance?

6A middle school basketball playoffs get canceled

“I was really disappointed that our playoffs were canceled because we would have played the only team we lost to, but then they were canceled.”

Ty Vacek Grade 7

“Our team wanted “I was really sad because a rematch against I was looking forward Brentwood, so I was really to winning the playoffs disappointed, and I wish as a team. I talked to my we could have played. It friends about it, and we could have just got moved all said that we were sad.” to the next week after that.”

Lochlan Keadle Grade 8

Kaleb Nelson Grade 7

ONE VS. FIVE

Escaping the opponent, Haley Milton (7) runs for the ball.

“It was our second game, and we lost pretty bad,” Milton said. “It was hard to stop them. They were really tall, and they’d block our shots.” photographer Logan Trenner SPORTS

IN FOCUS In order to get ahead of the opponent, Mallie James (6) dribbles alongside her teammate. “That was our first game,” James said. “I liked it because it encouraged us to keep up the hard work.” photographer John Horvath

soccer frenzy “I didn’t want it to get canceled because my [last] season got canceled a fourth of the way in, and I didn’t get to play then.”

Jake Pryor (‘24) “It was discouraging because I’ve been playing since freshman year, so I’m glad we found someone who wanted to coach our team.”

David Herring (‘21) “I think it would have been sad because our team this year was pretty good, and it was a fun team to play on. So, I’m glad we got to play.”

Danika Duncan (‘24)

071

Soccer players describe the uncertainty around their season

LIFE “

I play on an actual volleyball team, which is basically just a bunch of guys messing around.

We have won some tournaments and we went 6-0 in our last one. It’s the first year I’ve played, and it’s fun.

JANUARY

What students do outside of school

“

072

Nathan Snapp (‘23)

I started playing club volleyball when I was 11. I changed teams like every year, but now I’ve been on the same team for three years. The coaching there is really good and I like that I get to travel around the country.

Alexa Cortez (‘23)

After Hours

Middle Schoolers reveal what happens after school

“Typically I just relax the rest of the day and do my homework. It’s very nice to relax at home after a hard day at school.”

Landon Nazarenus Grade 6

Break Time

Lower Schoolers’ after-school activites

“I like to play with friends. We ride around on our scooters. My scooter is blue.”

Kinsley Gaither (4)

“I watch TV or play soccer. One of the shows I’m watching is Animaniacs.”

Jackson Alamo (3)

“I have a bike that I like to ride. It has lots of colors and I also have a helmet.”

Hannah Yin (K)

“

Austin Jones (‘21)

073

I think Brady [Woodford (‘21)] got a set and we started to play at Boys in Christ. Now it is all we do when we hang out for fun. There is no better feeling than beating your friends in spikeball.

Brady Horne (‘21)

“I just go home and do my homework normally when I’m not in a sports season.

I also like to call my friends and talk to them.”

Ainsley Jackson Grade 7

STUDENT LIFE

“

The first time I ever heard of the twofor-one pizza deal was when Jonathan (‘21)] and [[Peery (‘21) David [Herring (‘21)] were going. At first I thought the pizzas were small, but they are actually pretty big.

“When I get home I always “If it’s a soccer day, I get “My friends and I log into get snacks. I do some ready for soccer and do group chats and play of my homework, take a homework until I have to video games together, break and do something, go. On a regular day, I which is a fun way to stay then go back and finish.” watch TV or talk to people.” in touch with my friends.”

Sadah Thompson Grade 7

Gabby Vilcek Grade 8

Lyla Holsman Grade 8

“I eat a snack and if I have practice, I’ll get ready for that. If I don’t, then I will play with my dog. I like to eat chips or a granola bar.”

Graham Hackney Grade 6

JANUARY 074

home base

Another quarantine sends baseball players home early into the season

Gabe Collins (‘24)

“During the offseason, we went to fix up the fields, and then someone tested positive, so we had to quarantine. It slowed down the season, but it did not affect how we played.”

“We took the time off during quarantine and the snow break to have online practices to learn signs. It was unfortunate that it happened but was probably the Nathan best time to have to quarantine.”

Bernoski (‘22) “The quarantine was slow, we didn’t have many people at the time because of basketball, so quarantine helped us catch up and get some of those kids back Brendan for the rest of the season.”

Melancon (‘21)

A NEW TEAM

Moving past the defense, Brianna Vilcek (‘23) kicks the ball. “I underestimated the team,” Vilcek said. “Playing with the boys has helped me become more physical and tough.”

photographer John Horvath

ON THE RUN

Arm outstretched,

Gretchen Bode (‘22) looks to steal the

ball. “I have enjoyed this season and have learned a lot,” Bode said. “Practices have helped me get better, and I have had a lot of fun playing.” photographer Allison Read

AIMING IN

Avoiding the goalie,

Aaron Harris (‘24) aims to score a goal.

“Our team had a lot of skill and were very competitive,” Harris said. “We all cheered each other on during the games.” photogra-

pher John Horvath

what are

the

With the luck of a coin toss on their side, varsity girls basketball scores the first playoff game in the MAC

Team Spirit

During the game, both fans and players cheered on the varsity girls as they competed to win the game.

“I was really excited that we got to have another playoff game in the gym,” Kinley Billingsley (‘23) said. “But I found out that I had to quarantine, so I had to stay home for the next two weeks, but I still cheered on my team from home with my sister Madi [Billingsley (‘21)] and was able to see Ellie make a buzzer-beater, which was cool.”

The girls’ victory marked the first ever playoff win achieved in the MAC. “We all were really happy and cheered. We actually had a crowd, and we could actually hear our student section, so that was nice and made it special,” Grace Jackson (‘22) said “It was a great opportunity to win the first ever playoff game in the MAC.”

Swimmers must prepare for meets on their own time

“I was just really out of shape, and I was telling myself over the weekend I was going to get in the pool, and then I didn’t, so I regret that.”

Allison Read (‘22)

075

“Having warm-ups before you go and swim your meet is helpful since we don’t have practices as a team.”

Bethany Kwan (‘22)

FIGHTING FOR IT Wyatt Shoaff (‘23) fights for possession of the ball. “The team we played was tough and physical,” Shoaff said. “The game was high intensity, and I ended up getting a yellow card.”

photographer John Horvath

YOUNG TALENT

SPORTS

With the season coming to an end, the varsity girls basketball team headed to the playoffs and was given the opportunity to play the first playoff game in Basketball teams talk about their the MAC. “I was sitting in stat class, and camaraderie my coach emailed me, asking if "I think that the team I wanted to flip a coin to have a really took advantage chance of playing at home or to of the extra time play at a neutral court,” Ellie Mc- during quarantine Spadden (‘21) said. “I emailed and put in some extra the coach back and told him ‘Al- work on the court.” right, let’s flip the coin,’ and then Matthew DeLaCruz we won the flip, thank the Lord.” Class of 2022 Others had similar feelings for "We’ve done our best the exciting news. to play for God and “I didn’t even know that we for each other which were going to flip a coin to see has really been where we were going to play, empowering.” so finding out we won a coin Ella Bernoski flip and getting to play at home Class of 2023 was so exciting,” Emory Rhoden "Everyone welcomed (‘23) said. “It was really special me to the team with because it was a playoff game open arms, and it that we were able to have at our was one of the most gym, which meant we had a lot positive experiences.” of students and parents there to Kinsey White Class of 2024 cheer on the team.”

who needs practice?

Looking to score,

Ty Curry (‘24) dribbles toward the hoop.

“We had a rough start to the season because of COVID,” Curry said. “We learned to adapt and ended up being a solid team.” photographer Kelii Horvath

“One day, I even said, ‘Later I’m going to ride my bike to the pool in my neighborhood,’ but it never happened.”

Meagan Hernandez (‘22)

INSURRECTION IN D.C.

Pro-Trump supporters storm the Capitol on January 6th prior to the certification of the Electoral College votes. “People shouldn’t do that,” Steel Kupec (‘21) said.

“It was a bad representation for the entire Republican party.”

photographer Lev Radin

current events Amidst political turmoil and COVID-19, the new year sparks several shocking

s

HOW DID THE D.C. RIOT COMPARE TO THOSE FROM THE SUMMER?

LOOKING BACK, DO YOU THINK THE ELECTION WAS FAIR?

HOW DID YOU REACT AFTER HEARING ABOUT THE D.C. RIOT?

“I see some similarities between the riots at the Capitol and the riots during the summer. The rioters at the Capitol are sore losers, and the riots during the summer were for a real, true cause.”

John Connell (‘23)

“I believe that in every election there is an element of cheating.

This election, I feel there was maybe a bit more.

However, I do know that God has a plan.“ Cecilia Lockey (‘24)

“I thought the riots were stupid. It is just a dumb way to get arrested and go to jail. I think it was a very bad day for democracy.”

Levi Shoaff (‘23)

“I thought that if they “Yes, I think that there was want to protest, they “The riots in the summer a recount, and the winner can protest. They have were actions created by was the same. I think it freedom of speech, so I radicals. While there is no was fair even though honestly don’t really care justification for violence, other people think it’s about what they do. They there should be a civil wrong. Those people can do what they want.” fight against social and can’t accept defeat.”

Riverson Shaw (‘24) racial injustices.”

Avery DiGesualdo (‘21) “I was really disappointed Ainsley Brunson (‘21) “This is such a about it. My first thought “I don’t think violence is controversial question. was to react with anger, ever the right answer, I believe there is some then I prayed. I realized for either of them. The cheating. No matter who that in a situation like that, riots at the Capitol were is running, fraud happens as Christians, we’re called definitely not justified.” every year.” to respond with prayer.”

Grace Williams (‘22) Mallory Senior (‘24) Kinley Billingsley (‘23)

A NEW VACCINE

The impending COVID-19 vaccine sparks controversy

“I think high risk people need the vaccine first. I don’t think offices should pass out the vaccine to people who don’t need it.”

Kinsey White Class of 2024

“The vaccine “I don’t trust “I think the vaccine could be good. I is stupid. It hasn’t the COVID-19 think it will allow been tested vaccine. I think people to move there could enough. I think on with their potentially it shouldn’t have normal lives and been released so be unhealthy not be miserable fast, so I will not side affects for younger people.” anymore.” be taking it.”

Caden Billingsley Gretchen Bode Hailey Smit Class of 2022 Grade 7 Class of 2024

“I’m not against the vaccine or anything. I just want everyone who needs it to get the vaccine as soon as possible.”

Joshua Lockey Class of 2021

Fire and Water For many, a piece of art can take quite a while to complete. However, faced with so many complications in an unprecedented year, things take longer than usual.

“My art projects usually take one to two weeks,” Kian Stevenson (4) said. “But this one took three to four weeks to complete. I drew the piece this way because fire and water don’t mix, and I wanted it to be unique.”

Every artist has a favorite piece of their work, and Stevenson shares his.

“My favorite part of the artwork is the way the fire and water are going towards each other,” Stevenson said.

078

JANUARY

Fourth grader Kian Stevenson describes his latest art project

WRITING CODE

Similar to last year,

Emma Gilmore (‘23) is responsible for coding. “Samara [Shervan (’22)], Cody [Cheng (‘24)] and I are on the software

team,” Gilmore said. “Our main job is to code so the robot knows where and how to move.” photographer Rebekah Saenz

MAKING CHANGES In class prior to a competition, Adarsh Vadlapatla (‘22) applies low friction tape to a polycarb plate on the robot. “I’ve worked on the robot VLQFH ZH UHFHLYHGbWKH JDPH IRU ZKLFK ZH KDG WR EXLOG WKH URERW Ő 9DGODSDWODbVDLG “I just helped make the computer aided design become a reality.” photographer Rebekah Saenz

TIME TO RESET

Preparing for the next round of competition, Joshua Huang (‘21) resets the robot. “I thought we did well in the competition,” Huang said. “We got a personal best, which is pretty good.” The team scored 8th in the nation in the competition. photographer

Kelii Horvath

Formative Opinions GoFormative allows students to take tests and quizzes online

“It’s all that Mrs. Nazarenus “I like GoFormative because uses in AP Spanish, so using it is easy to use. It notifies teachers when students the international keyboard switch between tabs or copy and all those things on and paste something from GoFormative is hard another site. Overall, I think it because I don’t know how is a good website.” to use the accent marks.”

Paige Cates Class of 2022

Carter DiGesualdo Class of 2023

“I like how [on GoFormative] we can do all of our assignments online and it gives us responses if we got the question right or wrong.”

Nathan Connally Class of 2024

“I think that GoFormative is annoying because whenever the WiFi shuts off, all of my work gets lost and I have to start over. One time, it happened during a quiz, and I got a zero.”

Rebekah Saenz Class of 2023

rush

for

that online competitions are easier, or at least less stressful, because there is only one robot on the field instead of four.”

Samara Sherven (‘22) has a similar outlook on the virtual competitions. “[Last year] you went into the gym, there were two separate fields and four teams competing in each field at a time,” Sherven said. “This year, it’s going to start at nine AM. Then we have six rounds that we do ourselves, and it goes a lot faster because we just get ten minutes off, then we run again, and it ends a lot quicker, so we get to go home a lot faster.”

First-year team members looked to find similarities to rohotics in their past experiences.

“When I joined the robotics team, I had previous experience in Lego Robotics,” Dillon Mendrala (‘24) said, “which is similar in the team aspect and building the robot itself, and this made it easier adapting to the team.”

079

Computer Aided Design.

Virtual competitions.

Improved tech.

These are just three of a multitude of changes this year for students in robotics. For senior Joshua Huang (‘21), many of these changes were welcomed improvements.

“This year, we’ve utilized more CAD [Computer Aided Design], custom parts and better control loops,” Huang said. “These changes are much better than previous years, and it allows us to create more complicated mechanisms, which in turn increase our efficiency. Very good changes.”

Due to COVID requirements, competitions were exclusively digital. According to freshman Cody Cheng (‘24), this was another benefit of taking the class.

“I’ve seen the robotics team compete before, but this is my first year of robotics, and I have not really had experience with in person competitions,” Cheng said. “I think

ACADEMICS

Robotics team adjusts to the new virtual competitions and technological upgrades

LET IT SN JANUARY

“I cried and died. I went sledding with a board that was not a sled and was not intended for the purpose.”

Adarsh Vadlapatla (‘22)

080

“Well, at first, I was grumpy, because my mother woke me up, but then it was pretty awesome, and my dad took some cool pictures of me in the snow.”

Kayla Santos (‘23)

K elii H or vath (‘21)

SNOW “I was excited. I built a snowman and a snowdog, made a snow angel and threw snowballs at my dog.”

Ashleigh Nelson (‘23)

Jordan White (6)

081

“The snow was amazing. I have never been in the snow before, so it was really exciting. We tried to go sledding, but it didn’t work, but we did have a snowball fight.”

Hailey Smit (‘24)

“After I got home from a birthday party, I was inside for about five minutes, then me and my brother had a five minute snowball fight.

Then we built half of a snowman, then played HORSE, then finished the snowman and teamed up against my mom.”

Gabriella Valenzuela (6)

SNOW DAY

“I woke up to my dad pelting my window with snowballs, so it was pretty surprising. I was pretty shocked because the snow just kept coming, and I expected it to stop after an hour or so.”

Grace Marx (‘21)

“

“My family went out and made snowmen, and our cul-de-sac had a huge snowball fight. Me and my sister made snow angels, and I took my bunny briefly out in the snow since he had never seen it in snow in his entire life.”

Matthew DeLaCruz (‘22)

I was shocked and really happy when I saw snow. I had a snowball fight and made a five and a half foot tall snowman.

I drank lots of hot chocolate.

RU We’ve had a few Upper School cohorts get COVID, but I think we can trust in God and persevere.

Hunter Hokr (6)

RUARY DANCING QUEEN

At the annual PK Sock Hop, Morgan Baltazor (PK) shows off her hula hooping skills. “[Hula hooping] was my favorite part about the sock hop,” Baltazor said. “I liked it because I like hula hooping.”

photographer Nathan Breinich

SNOW VID-21

A WEEK

WITHOUT

power

Ethan Howard (‘24)’s numbers for his week at home

Texas’ worst winter storm gave students an extra week off

17

hours without power

FEBRUARY

7

movies watched

6

days below freezing

084

3

seasons of a show streamed

5.5

inches of snow

FEBRUARY 11

“It hasn’t snowed in Texas in a really long time so I was really excited to go with my friends and play with them, or play with my dog.”

Xander Duncan (6)

Snowed In

The Texas snow left some without supplies

“

1. WHAT DID YOU DO DURING THE WEEK OFF DUE TO THE SNOW?

2. WHAT WAS THE GROCERY STORE LIKE DURING THE SNOW STORM?

3. WHAT WAS THE MOST SHOCKING PART OF THE SNOW STORM?

“We went to HEB and all the shelves were empty. The only thing they really had were some weird vegan chickpeas.”

Sami Taylor (‘23)

“The most shocking and the part I didn’t like about this was that a lot of good healthy trees fell and died.”

Colter Hammack (6)

“I went to a small grocery store. “The water and power outage, because it makes me realize all It was surprisingly full, so I the things we were using with didn’t have any trouble finding “My friend got stuck at my electricity and water.” house for seven days, so we just the things that I needed.”

Lizzy Reese (6) Grayson Brougher (‘21) watched movies.”

Kaydence Hubbard (7) “We went to one, but the line “The most shocking thing for was absurdly long, so we drove me was how some days were “I had to take gallons of water super sunny and a little bit out to my horses like four or five to another and my mom went in and got what she could. As warm, but other days were times a day for them to drink, overcast and really cold.” and that’s pretty much all I did. my mother was leaving, the line to get in was growing, Elizabeth Alegre (7) I watched a ton of TikTok.” stretching from both entrances.”

Morgan Glatzl (‘21) “I didn’t expect all the ice on the Kayla Santos (‘23) trees. Usually it’s just the road “I did chores, played with my “The aisles were so bare.

There that ices, but seeing all the trees dog, played some board games wasn’t meat, eggs, bread or encased in ice was an insane and did a marathon of Pirates milk. At some stores, there experience.” of the Caribbean.” were over 200 people waiting Lizzie Towell (‘23) Blake Aguayo (7) outside to get in.”

Blade Gilley (8)

S

FEBRUARY 14

“I was expecting my dad to come home, but his flight got delayed.

I was also sick with the flu.”

Khyia Stevens (‘24)

FEBRUARY 15

“My power was out for most of the day on Monday.

So I was mostly playing Solitaire on my phone, because it is my only app that doesn’t require wifi.”

FEBRUARY 16

“I played games with my friend and rtied learning small talent kind of things. And saketd a lot inside.”

Carter Armbruster (‘22)

FEBRUARY 17

“I got a sleeping bag and a piece of cardboard, and then I went to my backyard and slept outside.“ Wyatt Shoaff (‘23)

Samantha Melancon (‘24)

FEBRUARY 19

“I was sitting inside by the fire and also playing video games and hanging out at home. And then later that night I started taking pictures of snowflakes with my camera.”

FEBRUARY 22

“I went to church in downtown Austin, and then after that I went to go to get P. Terry’s, but they were almost completely out of food because of the water shortage.”

Ellie McSpadden (‘21)

Landon Wiste (‘21)

Ethan Kriel (6) and Josh Kriel (‘23)

A MODERN

ICE AGE

Nia Mwangi (‘24)

Ann Elise Chesney (‘23)

SNOW SHUTDOWN

During the unexpected break, students took advantage of the opportunity to play in the snow

Khristian Letz (‘23), Kinley Billingsley (‘23) and Luke McSpadden (‘23)

085

School was cancelled for a week and Texas made national news during the

SNOW

FIGHTING TO WIN Pressed at halfcourt, Caeden Kieper (‘21) tries to get around the Dallas Lutheran guard.

“The playoffs were so hype,” Kieper said.

“I loved playing with this team and I’m going to miss it next year.” photographer

John Horvath

LOCKDOWN DEFENSE

new territory

Defending an opposing guard in the playoffs, Kai Orred (‘22) denies the opponent any space. “Making it to the playoffs was great,” Orred said. “I loved the energy of the season.” photographer John Horvath

086

FEBRUARY

Cheerleaders share about cheering at basketball games

“I loved cheering at basketball this year. Everyone at the games were so hype.”

Gracelyn Joly (‘24)

“The atmosphere and the crowd involvement at the games made it easier to cheer.”

Kristen Kjar (‘22)

“I didn’t think I’d enjoy cheering at basketball games, but I ended up really loving it.”

Grace Marx (‘21)

With multiple teams advancing to the postseason, athletes take

new strides BASKETBALL

The varsity girls became the second team in Hill Country history to advance to the second round of playoffs.

“I was worried that I wasn’t going to be able to play this year because of my shoulder injury,” Ellie McSpadden (‘21) said.

“I learned to play every single game like it would be my last.

I was proud of our team in the playoffs. Nobody expected us to even win the first game of playoffs. All of our team was united and we had the mindset of winners. We went into our last game with that attitude and we left everything on the court.”

strange season

SOCCER

Knights Soccer made it to the second round of playoffs. The team finished with a winning record of 9-2.

COVID rules “I was really disappointed effected the that we got knocked out of the state swim meet playoffs. As a team, I think we "We had to wear masks performed really well,” Aareverywhere we went. on Sass (‘21) said. “I know we You could only take worked hard this year and it your mask off when showed. I thought we were goyou were behind your ing to go pretty far, and we did. block, right before We just got beat by a better you compete."

Meagan Hernandez (‘22) team. This season I really enjoyed getting to meet younger “Swim felt weird—there guys and play alongside them. was only one meet. I It was a good soccer season. I didn’t expect to do know I’m going to miss it.” good. I ended up placing second in the 50 free.”

Allison Read (‘22)

Ellie McSpadden (‘21), Kristen Hudgens (‘22), Allison Read (‘22) º photographer Rebekah Saenz

“Normally I wouldn’t make it to the state meet, but because there was only one meet, I did. I’d bring extra masks because I knew they’d get wet.”

Bethany Kwan (‘22)

Levi Shoaff (‘23) º photographer John Horvath

KEEPING POSSESSION Fending off an opposing player, Danika Duncan (‘24) dribbles into space. “[I liked] getting to play on a co-ed, mostly boys team,” Duncan said. “I think it’s more competitive and fun for a high school team.” photographer John Horvath

EYE ON THE PRIZE Sending the ball into the box, Wyatt Shoaff (‘23) gives his teammates a chance to score. “Our season was so great this year,” Shoaff said. “I’m excited for next year and seeing how far we go.” photographer John Horvath

GOING FOR GOAL In an attempt to score, Kelii Horvath (‘21) takes the ball in front of the goal. “The game stated off rough when they scored first,” Horvath said. “I felt a lot of pressure to score or help Aaron [Sass (‘21)] score because I did not want it to be my last game.” photographer John Horvath

GAMES GONE

Middle school basketball playoffs get cancelled

"I was really disappointed when I found out that our playoffs were cancelled. Our first loss was Brentwood and I wanted to play them in the championship.”

Ty Vacek (7) “This year I really enjoyed the bonding between our team. I liked playing with 8th graders. I wish we could’ve had playoffs. I think we would’ve won it all.”

Kaiden Nelson (7)

SPORTS

“We were one of the best teams.

I knew we had a high chance of winning. We won last year, and it would’ve been crazy if we could win two years in a row.”

Joshua Shuffield (8)

IT’S A PARTY Sophia Garrison swims to first place at girls varsity meet. “This should be a nice quote right here,” Name LastName (8) said. “Finish the quote out.” Maybe add an ending sentence. photographer Peter Pan

087

CATCH YOUR BREATH

Nearing the end of the first 50 of the 200 individual medley, Sophia Garrison (‘21) swims butterfly.

“I’m mainly a breaststroker,” Garrison said.

“That’s my favorite stroke, but I also love swimming individual medley because it combines all the strokes in one race.” photographer TAPPS

TIME

to head

Seniors deal with new obstacles posed by COVID amid their search for their next destination

Reach for the Stars

FEBRUARY

“UT was kind of my reach school because their architecture acceptance rate is really low. It was the most stressful thing on earth because the decisions got delayed.

I had to wait two extra dreadful weeks.”

Set in Stone

“I’ve always wanted to go to Texas A&M, ever since I was a kid.

I love the campus. It felt really good when I committed and I was really happy.”

Lauren Connally (‘21)

Rachel Huang (‘21)

Home, Sweet Home

“I knew I wanted to go to Baylor, but when I toured there for like the fifth time this year I loved it and knew I was supposed to go there. I felt the Lord was telling me that He wanted me to go there.”

Ellie McSpadden (‘21)

Going in Blind

“I have done plenty of webinars about [Norwich] but I’ve never been on campus. It’s kind of crazy because it’s gonna be my new home for the next four years. It also is in a completely different environment than here.”

Aaron Sass (‘21)

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Luke McSpadden (‘23)

location

PIN your

In academic and college advisor Ms. Pyo’s office, a map with the locations of colleges from across the nation sits, embedded with multicolor pins—many placed by senior Blaire Loveday (‘21).

“Ms. Pyo asked me once if I wanted to put a pin on the map and now she lets me do it for everyone,” Loveday said. “Whenever anyone decides on a college or gets accepted into a new college, I put a pin on the map.”

What started as a simple favor turned into something Loveday got to do for the rest of the year— pinning her classmates’ future schools on the map.

“I put a yellow pin for decisions a red pin if they get accepted somewhere new. It will be bittersweet when I put my own pin up.”

COLLEGE mail’s here

As students get closer and closer to graduation, mail from colleges starts to pour in—and in the case of many recipients, is left to accumulate.

“It’s pretty annoying, though I ignore most of it,” Jonathan Peery (‘21) said. “I did get mail from some awakened school of mystics to join their cult university but I was like, ‘I think I’m good.’”

Schools sending generic mail to thousands of prospective students did not sit well with Avery DiGesualdo (‘21).

“I was indifferent towards it all because they probably send it to everyone,” DiGesualdo said. “I didn’t sign up for it so it’s a waste of paper and time.”

UPDATE CENTRAL As seniors apply to colleges and get decision updates, they must update their Naviance account. “I update it whenever I get results back,” Aiden Cline (‘21) said. “It was something I did automatically because Ms. Pyo was always reminding me.” photographer Kelii Horvath

LETTER 090

AUGUST

look for the

NORA HAMILTON (‘21)

Future athletes share their excitement about playing and lettering in sports in high school “I like the feeling when the volleyball bounces off my hand.”

Naomi Sharples (3)

“I look up to being a soccer pro. When I play for the school I’ll get new friends.”

Cash Turner (3)

“I’m looking forward to basketball because I’ve always played.”

Madison Bockus (4)

Athletes share their decisions to sport a jacket of their achievements WHAT DOES A LETTERMAN MEAN TO YOU? “I think people who wear one are the jocky type.

The more patches that they have, the more experience they have.”

Landon Nazarenus (6) “I played volleyball and I plan on getting a letterman. They just show that you played on a varsity team and it’s just cool to have after you grow older.”

Alexa Cortez (‘23)

recycling Freshman uses alum’s jacket

“I wear my sister’s letterman. It’s like half my body size so it is very comfortable and it keeps me warm.

This one guy, Tommy [Gilliam (‘24)], said I was the only person who looked good in letterman jackets. People are always like, ‘Where’d you get that!’ or ‘How’d you buy that!’, but I’m like, ‘It is actually my sister’s.’”

Natalie Reese Class of 2024

“I got one because of the tradition. It’s just the typical high school experience. I joined varsity cheer and then I got one to remember high school by.”

Kristen Kjar (‘22) “I’m planning on ordering one for track, especially if I do well in districts.

They’re just cool. Who doesn’t want one? It’s almost a sign of status in a weird way.”

Josh Kriel (‘23) “I’m the soccer manager, and I got one because I wanted something to remember my senior year by that I could potentially use the rest of my life.”

Victoria Rogers (‘21)

Letterman owners’ favorite patches

“This was an award I got my freshman year.

It meant I was between the 9th and 18th best players in TAPPS.” Nathan Bernoski (‘22)

“I like it because it just says all-district, not saying that I only got an honorable mention, which I think is funny.”

Kimo Horvath (‘23)

“Tennis is the only sport that I played in all of high school. It reminds me of making state.”

Hedy Zhang (‘21)

“I got it three times, leading me to receive all-state nominations.”

Aaron Sass (‘21)

“I got the yearbook patch on my letterman once I finished my first year on staff in 2018.”

Grace Marx (‘21)

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“I play basketball for school and all the high school players who have lettermans are really good. They get more attention than you get in middle school.”

Riley Teeter (7)

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BUY ONE?

PATCH CHAT

LETTERMAN

R

e

high school hopes

FEBRUARY

LISTEN TO ME Third graders learn about sound waves using cups attached to string. “We learned about a part in your inner ear that makes you dizzy,” Naomi Sharples (3) said. “I didn’t know that before.” photographer Nathan Breinich

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES The library isn’t just for checking out books. “We have done an activity where we helped Mrs. Galella choose which shoes to wear for her walk in the afternoon,” Daniel Pretorius (3) said. photographer Nathan Breinich

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postponed party

Valentine’s Day parties get rescheduled after a surprise winter storm “I was really sad. I really wanted to celebrate it that day. I thought it was fun because we got to celebrate Valentine’s Day at last and we were waiting so long for it.”

Emma Edwards (3) “Valentine’s means a lot to me. It’s about family, friends, loving one another and caring for each other. It’s not about business.”

Adelaide Cottom (3) “I had mixed emotions.

We read a book about valentines and we passed out candy.”

Declan O’Connor (3)

In It to Win It

Winners explain their Speech Meet experiences

“I won first place and I was happy. When my dad found out, he was happy too. I liked that it was online and other people were with us, too.”

Cylas Vasquez Grade 1

“[I recited] To God with Love by Alice Joyce Davidson. I was writing a letter like someone would really write to God. I wanted to show what God could do.”

Kynslie Williams Grade 2

“I did We Shall Fight on the Beaches by Winston Churchill. He was a British patriot who was trying to help the people get motivated for the war.”

Austin Masri Grade 5

“I was thinking when I show my parents they would be impressed. They said they were really happy for me because I won second place in Bible Study.”

Helena Salviander Grade 1

for

Being in preschool is an exciting time for these students

PLAYING AROUND

A Valentine’s Day sock hop calls for neon colored hula hoops. “[I like] using them. I wanted to because I didn’t know how to.” Bennett Marchand (PK) said. photographer Nathan

Breinich

“It’s going pretty good.

[I want] to have a superhero party because then we can dress up as superheroes.”

Dakota Masri (PK)

093

“I think I really like “I like reading stories. [preschool] because [We read about] when Jesus went to borrow the if you make a mess it’s what you’re supposed to donkey and the people were shouting ‘Hosanna.’” do. You get to learn a lot.

It’s really fun and there’s Kyler Liska (PK) opportunities and on holidays like Easter you “I’m just with my friends get to do some really fun because [they are] so things.” good to me and the school helps me learn William Claunch (PK) reading and about God.” “[We] meet new friends. [I Lincoln Bledsoe (PK) like] going to recess with my friends.”

“It’s fun. I get to do these cool projects. I got to Jaxon McCormick (PK) make a donkey.”

“My mom and dad bring Llewellyn Whitted (PK) me to school. [I like it] because I can see my “[I like] doing art in art teachers. I like going to class and doing songs and all kinds of fun stuff.” recess and doing crafts.”

Hunter Arnett (PK) Temple Leick (PK)

LOWER SCHOOL EVENTS

ready school

DOWN THE STRETCH

With a lap to go in his 800m race in Marble Falls, John Connell (‘23) is neck-and-neck with his competitors. ”It went really well,” Connell said. “I got much better times than I thought I would, given that it’s been two years since I’ve done some of those events.” photographer John Horvath

MAR

“

My takeaway is that since you never know what’s going to happen, be flexible and be able to be fine with whatever God puts in front of you.

Natalie Reese (‘24)

JUST THE FACTS The statistics for the boys’ and girls’ golf season

15

boy golf players

AUGUST MARCH

7

tournaments competed in

6

girl golf players

096

7

hours at each tournament

3

practices per week

0

hole in ones

tiny but Low participation sparked uncertainty about the feasibility of a full softball team The softball season was almost cancelled before it even started.

“I didn’t think I was going to join this season,” Samantha Melancon (‘24) said. “So when I actually joined and I heard that we might not have a team I was a little upset.”

Some people claimed that regardless of whether or not the season happened, they would still practice outside of school.

“If it doesn’t happen that’s pretty sad,” Ashleigh Nelson (‘23) said. “But I’m still gonna practice over the off-season.”

While some players were concerned about the season alone, others were concerned about the school dropping the sport.

“Softball is brand new,” Grace Jackson (‘22) said. “I was like, ‘It can’t die now, because if it dies it might die forever.’”

There were 22 players interested in softball at the start of the season, but over the next two weeks severTRYING TIMES While the sun shone

al players decided against playing.

“It was a lot of time for me, and I felt like I couldn’t really balance school and softball very well,” Reagan Foster (‘23) said. “The practices were like three hours long. Personally I felt like during practice I wasn’t learning anything. It just wasn’t feeling like this is what I’m going to have fun doing, and I just wasn’t enjoying it like I should be. I decided if I can’t really make it two weeks I’m not really gonna make it the rest of the season.”

The team was left with nine players to compete with.

“I think it’s a good start for now because we’re still building the program and everything,” Kinsey White (‘24) said. “I mean, we would love to have more girls. Ideally, we would like to have a total of thirteen to fourteen, but we’re good with what we got right now, we’re doing alright.”

down on the course, Khristian Letz (‘23) attempts to putt amidst a difficult landscape. “It was a really hard course,” Letz said. “It was really long, and it had a lot of terrain with a lot of flying shots.” photogra-

pher Kelii Horvath

RAINY DAYS

Testing the course and taking aim, Mandy Glace (‘21) gets ready to putt. “My putting was not terrible but not my best,” Glace said. “It was really rainy the morning and day before, so the greens were a little slow and hard to read.”

photographer Kelii Horvath

THINK TWICE

As Natalie Reese (‘24) catches the ball at second base, she

quickly thinks of where to throw it next.

“I feel like we have to do a lot though,” Reese said. “Like you have to think about where, if you get the ball, where you’re going to throw it to every single time.” This was Reese’s first season playing softball.

photographer John Horvath

SPORTS

SET PIECES

Waiting for Aaron Sass (‘21) to send a corner kick into the box, Landon Carr (8) and Nicholas Silbermann (8) attempt to gain position. “We

had to basically square up with people,” Silbermann said. “And we had to make sure that they couldn’t get the ball in and we could get the ball out and everyone tried to corral around the goal and make sure that they didn’t have to do push-ups.” photographer John Horvath

Golfers discuss joining with no prior experience

"At first I was hesitant about it, but both my parents played for 20 years, and so they were happy that I’d be getting into it.”

Brianna Vilcek (‘23) "It was honestly just because a lot of my friends were doing it. My mom has been wanting to me to play golf and it’s a good life skill so I decided, ‘Why not?’”

Emma Colvin (‘23) "I wanted to try something new because I’m not playing a spring sport. So I wanted to stay active during the off-season for volleyball.”

Ann Elise Chesney (‘23)

097

FOR THE FIRST TIME

SICK

WE’RE

Spring Break and the one year anniversary of the COVID shutdown leave everyone thinking

of

MARCH

Florida

“I really liked this night because we went down to the beach at sunset and ate pizza.

We played football, made TikToks and took pictures. I went to go get ice cream with some of my friends.”

Arizona

“We went on a hike called Cathedral Rock. We got to climb up the mountain and we were fortunate to have really nice weather.”

Paige Cates (‘22)

Kinley Billingsley (‘23)

Brianna Vilcek (‘23), Anna Hudgens (‘23), Hannah Shoaff (‘23)

098

Port Aransas

“It was almost as if it was back to normal because the mask mandate was lifted. We relaxed on the beach, drank smoothies, watched the sunrise and biked up and down the beach twice a day.”

“ Josh Kriel (‘23)

Kristen Hudgens (‘22)

Washington

“My family, including my cousin Ari [Marx (8)], took a train from Austin to Seattle.

We went through LA, all the way up the west coast, over the course of three nights. We spent a couple days in the city before driving to Leavenworth.”

Grace Marx (‘21)

I don’t like COVID. We were going to travel somewhere for spring break, but we didn’t get to because of COVID.

Ava Prescott (2)

vaccine?

With the COVID vaccine becoming more available to the public, people are having to make the decision on whether or not to get it.

“I think it’s good that people are getting the vaccine because they haven’t been able to talk or see other people and that can affect their mental health,” West Kouri (‘23) said.

Some people know others who have already been vaccinated.

“My grandma got the vaccine,” Lauren Connally (‘21) said. “When there’s enough for everyone, I’ll get it.

Once everyone gets the vaccine, COVID will stay around, but it won’t be as bad.”

099

THE

tests

With new restrictions, getting a COVID test has become the new normal.

“I have been tested for COVID four times,” Jordan White (6) said.

“Not so fast,” Craig Wilson (8) said. “I have taken five COVID tests.”

However, they are not the only ones with high test counts.

“In total, I have taken around eight COVID tests,” Andrew Teeter (‘24) said.

SPRING BREAK

On March 10, Govenor Greg Abbott lifted the statewide mask mandate— a descision met with many differing opinions.

“He shouldn’t have had one in the first place as it is an individual’s right to choose,” Hudson Archer (8) said. “However, I am grateful our state is getting back on track.”

Some are confused with the timing of the annoucement.

“I thought it was very random because I thought Texas was actually starting to recover,” Sara Hernandez (6) said. “Now people can take off their masks. Even though there are vaccines, not everyone will wear masks.”

WHERE’S

?

who’s counting

masks go off

MARCH

Setting Records

FINISH LINE Andrew Prescott

(‘24) finishes his 800m race in Marble

Falls. “I run a lot on my own and practice hurdles once a week,” Prescott said. “It has been difficult to practice because it has been a short season.” photographer

Players reflect on the 250th win for the baseball program Early into the season, the baseball team looked to win their 250th game.

“We were more focused during the game,” Austin Jones (‘21) said.

“After the game, we were relieved to have won (23-0) over New Braunfels.”

Both coaches and players celebrated the accomplishment.

“The team was excited to have won the game,” Sam Williams (‘24) said. “Coach especially enjoyed it because he has been a big part of the baseball program.”

The team was off to a great start to the season.

“It was great because we were part of a big accomplishment for the baseball team,” Charlie Sullivan (‘22) said.

John Horvath

100

Kai Orred (‘22)

BACKHAND SWING

In his first district match, Silas Tsuei (‘22) reaches to return a serve. “Since it has been a short season, we no matches before district,” Tsuei said. “We have had to adjust and prepare differently this season.” photogra-

pher Kelii Horvath

DOWN THE FIELD

Looking to pass the ball, Gabby Vilcek (8) run downs the field. “I have had to prepare for the season differently,” Vilcek said. “It has been difficult to do because of COVID.” photographer

Kelii Horvath

Practice to Win

Athletes explain how they prepare for track events

“It’s been difficult to “I have mainly focused practice because of on shot put and discus. shortened practices and I have been working at improving my skills during cancelled meets. I’ve practice and I have seen a been running a lot on lot of improvement, which my own so that I can stay conditioned.”

I am very grateful for.”

Josh Kriel Class of 2023

Faith Farr Class of 2024

“This year I have been participating in many track and field events. At practice there is a lot of repetition which allows me to run and try to get faster.”

Christian Mote Class of 2022

“We have not had many track events this season which has been something I have had to adjust to. I have been conditioning myself and practicing my hurdle technique.”

Aaron Harris Class of 2024

struggle when competing is a

because of COVID,” Nathan Connally (‘24) said. “When they cancelled the games, I was shocked. It was unfortunate because I had really wanted to play those games.”

With less time to prepare, players found other ways to get ready for their seasons.

“This season we had to practice at an indoor facility, where you hit into a screen, which we use to play golf holes or games,” Khristian Letz (‘23) said. “I have spent time outside of school practicing on the weekends normally playing nine holes.”

Despite the adjustments players across sports attempted to stay optimistic about their seasons.

“Since tennis is a distanced sport, we have been very lucky to have a tennis season this year, but we do have restrictions and have to wear masks,” Hedy Zhang (‘21) said. “We have not had much time to prepare for district, but our team has continued to practice and we are all pushing hard to get better this season.”

101

Shortened seasons, less time to prepare and the question of even having a season have forced players to adjust and prepare for games differently.

“This season, we have only nine players on the softball team, and it has been scary knowing that we might not be able to play if someone gets sick,” Rebekah Saenz (‘23) said. “Our team has adapted and handled the situation well, staying optimistic throughout it all.”

Athletes’ typical preparation for an upcoming season faced limitation.

“It has been a lot harder preparing for the soccer season because I have not been able to go to as many soccer camps and we have had fewer practices,” Isabel Sass (8) said. “We have had to adjust to breathing underneath a mask while playing, which has been difficult to do.”

Many have had games entirely cancelled due to COVID outbreaks.

“I have lost out on many games throughout the year

SPORTS

Because of COVID, athletes have had to learn to adapt in a unique season

what’s your Businesses and backgrounds are made up on the spot in Entrepreneurship to meet scenario criteria

102

MARCH

BEFORE

Students in Mrs. Tsuei’s entrepreneurship class are put in pairs and are given time to prepare for an assigned business scenario.

“Everyone’s given a piece of paper with criteria that we need to meet,” Austin Jones (‘21) said. “We have to check off whether or not we meet it.”

One student starts as a judge while their partner does the scenario before the roles are flipped.

“You have to know what you’re going to talk about and come up with a marketing plan based off of [the criteria]. I like to make a checklist of what I need to do.”

Preparation is timed, however, so Jones has heard many backstories that his classmates came up with.

“We have ten minutes to prepare so people like to have creative stories.”

DURING

Part of the difficulty in the scenarios is that they are all unique.

“The different scenarios are things like if you are a manager of a store, you are a CEO of a company or you are presenting a new product,” Nora Hamilton (‘21) said. “You have to state why the product would be good to have and make up research to benefit your product.”

Presenting the idea and meeting criteria or each scenario is only half of the activity.

“The judge asks you questions about how the product would work and stuff. It helps us get a perspective about what we will have to go through in the real world for things like presenting ideas to our bosses and stuff like that. It’s good to have experience responding to questions too.”

WHO IN HISTORY? Sophomores dine as a historical character in AP European history

"It was a break from just taking notes and normal class.

I was Woodrow Wilson and the best part about it was that I didn’t have an accent."

Hannah Shoaff (‘23)

AFTER

When presentations are done, student receive feedback regarding their scenarios from their classmates to learn how to improve upon what they did.

“We go back to the classroom and discuss our solutions,” Hudson McLeod (‘23) said. “We also give each other the sheet with criteria on it.”

Not everything about the business scenario is about the product or plan each student came up with, however.

“We get back the information about how professional we were and did we shake their hand and stuff like that.”

One of McLeod’s ideas received great reviews from their peers for its comedic relief.

“I had one crazy idea about how markets could use drums to get food places on an airplane.”

"Dressing up was "There were a lot of arguments that my favorite part. were entertaining Mine was pretty accurate. Miriam to watch. I got to put on a fake tattoo, [Vacek (‘23)] was but I couldn’t do a Pablo Picasso and Russian accent." put popcorn on her painting.”

Jonathan Lee (‘23) Emily Becker (‘23)

PIECE BY PIECE As the next step in his project, Andrew Prescott (‘24) places new beams on his tower. “We made a building out of wood,” Prescott said, “and put beams on the side to prevent it from swaying in wind.” photographer Kelii Horvath

YOU’VE GOT THREE During a competition, Zachary Carroll (‘24) alerts Adarsh Vadlapatla (‘22) and Joshua Huang (‘21) when their robot has collected three rings. “We had the winter storm which set us back pretty far,” Carroll said.

“My job is to count the amount of rings we have. If we get four we get a penalty.” photographer Kelii Horvath

ACADEMICS 103

MARCH

GOOFING AROUND

With arms around each other and climbing on each others’ backs, fifth graders enjoy letting all seriousness go. “I enjoyed [performing] with my friend Brady [Cates (5)],” James Orbock (5) said. “It was fun to do a song where you don't need to be really serious, and you can just goof off and have fun.”*-

104

photographer Nathan Breinich

Road to the Cross Students share their experience preparing for Easter Ethan Adepetun Grade 2 "I liked the station with Pilate washing his hands in front of the crowd because it shows the people that he was innocent of killing Jesus."

Kolt Liska Grade 2 "We were learning about Jesus and his journey. My favorite station was when we put the rocks that represented our sin inside the water."

Benjamin Willis Grade 5 "We didn't have it last year, so I'm glad we had it this year. My favorite station would be the one when we marked on the cross."

GOT A GOAT With animals surrounding them, preschoolers enjoy a petting zoo. “The goats were really cute, and I got to feed them,” Dakota Masri (PK) said.

“That was my first time to hold a goat.” photographer Bethany Kwan ONE FISH, TWO FISH

To celebrate the author’s birthday, kindergarteners dress up as Dr. Seuss characters. “I dressed up as The Cat in the Hat,” Justin Terech (K) said. “During the week, we read Dr. Seuss books.” photog-

rapher Bethany Kwan

LIKE A COWBOY Galloping down the field, first graders celebrate Texas Independence Day. “We were basically just running with the horses,” Colin Madeja (1) said. “My favorite part was when we lassoed the longhorns.” photographer Bethany Kwan

DRIBBLIN' AWAY

Pounding the stage with basketballs, fourth graders show their skills. “My favorite thing was dribbling a basketball to the beat of a song,” Noah Christianson (4) said. “We were able to show people what we could do and have fun while doing it.” photogra-

pher Nathan Breinich

Every grade in Lower School had the opportunity to show their parents what they had done in each special throughout the whole year. While Evening of Truth, Beauty and Goodness usually consists of singing, basketballs made an appearance to show what students had been doing in PE. "We dribbled a basketball to a song, basically," Everett Wilkerson (4) said. "We did different motions while dribbling a basketball to make it more interesting. It was a lot of fun."

Brady Cates (5) agreed.

"My favorite thing that night was the basketball routine," Cates said. "You could do it differently than what other people did. You could personalize and do what you thought was fun. That's what made the whole routine so unique."

Other students recalled doing a variety of the night’s diverse acts.

"We talked about a story from Dr. Seuss: ‘I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!’ Then we did a turtle song and answered some questions," Camden Terlip (K) said. "After Evening of Truth, Beauty and Goodness was done, I showed my parents my

"The basketball dribbling was my favorite because it was something I've never done before on stage."

Austin Masri (5)

artwork from art. My artwork was a drawing of a snowman. My favorite part about the whole night was probably when I got to see my parents in the audience."

Students also got to show their parents their work in specials other than PE, music and art.

"We did some STEM and library projects. I liked it because we did motions, and it was funny," Lauryn Henderson (5) said. "Some of us dressed up as robots to show what we had done in STEM class.

We also got to hold up signs with Morse code written on it."

For certain fifth graders, the performance of one specific song became their favorite event of the entire night.

"We sang the song 'Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)' from Annie Get Your Gun. It was a really fun song to do because we could just goof off and act silly. We didn't need to be as serious as we would have to be for other normal songs," Zechariah Utama (5) said. "I climbed on Benjamin [Willis (5)]’s back because we thought it would be a fun ending for the song."

105

Evening of Truth, Beauty and Goodness is filled with many unique performances

LOWER SCHOOL EVENTS

special skills showing off their

IN

Through A Lens

Synchronous learning had its mixed reviews

AUGUST MARCH

“

2. WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT ONLINE SCHOOL?

4. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST DAY OF IN-PERSON SCHOOL LIKE?

106

“You didn’t have to wear a mask, you didn’t have to carry “It didn’t feel really abnormal or a heavy backpack, you didn’t 1. WHAT anything. A lot of the teachers have to get up as early and you were super surprised to see me ARE YOUR could stay in your pajamas.” because they hadn’t known THOUGHTS Lizzy Reese (6) before the break.”

ON VIRTUAL “I think the best thing was being Josh Dailey (‘24) able to do school in pajamas LEARNING? “I was feeling pretty exhilarated. and the ability to have bigger I was like, ‘I’m ready to go.’”

“I enjoyed it. Wearing breaks.”

Joshua Lockey (‘21) sweatpants every day is not a Gwen Wiegert (6) heavy burden to bear.”

“It was surprisingly normal, “Sleeping in and enjoying a Bella Burgan (8) everyone was just like ‘Hi Abe, fuller 15 minute break.”

I forgot you were so short,’ and “It has its ups and downs. It Cody Cheng (‘24) then went about their day.” really is great though, we have things like GoFormative to 3. WHAT ABOUT Abe Rheinheimer (8) take tests and quizzes on and “I had a hard time figuring out THE WORST? the teachers will give you all where to go for each class.” the information you need on “I had to get up every day Conlan Keadle (6) upcoming and current things.” and not see my friends, just a teacher on a screen.”

Jaxon Gardiner (7) Gabe Collins (‘24) “I think that schools should do all or nothing.”

Cecilia Lockey (‘24)

DAYS WE’LL

NEVER

forget

Not every day looks the same for online students

AUGUST 28

The first of many WiFi problems began for Sophie Sayles (‘22).

SEPTEMBER 3

Before school began, Abbey Giles (6) attended the first Thursday morning Zoom meeting with Mrs. Schulenburg.

DECEMBER 7

Kaio Toledo dos Santos (6) came school in-person for picture day.

DECEMBER 11 After weeks of logging on Zoom from Hong Kong, Dorcas Wong (‘21) gave her senior thesis presentation inperson.

JANUARY 6

Hudson Archer (8) spent the day watching the news instead of paying attention to classes on Zoom.

Who’s Counting?

Virtual student Rachel Huang (‘21)’s year by the numbers

Mary Gilliam (8)

MARCH 22

Drew Evans (7) had three words to describe how he felt about returning to in-person school: “I’m so happy.”

MARCH 28

After being online for quarters two and three, Makel Stephens (8) returned for quarter four and attended the eighth grade retreat.

8

hours of sleep per night

7

trips to school

10

books picked up from school

0

in-person classes

107

I want to thank everyone who helped me while I was in virtual school.

Everyone made it really easy to adjust from being online to in-person for the first time in a year.

5

hours of driving saved every week

SYNC LEARNING

“

Looking back through the eyes of our online students

100

percent of the school year online

LIBRARY ESCAPE ROOM

After being tasked with using ciphers in an escape room simulation, Noelle Sharples (5), Sophia Flores (5), Hannah Farrell (5) and Erin Shin (5) practice cracking codes. “We were learning about codes, and the librarian was looking to see if we could crack them,” Sharples said. “I liked it because it was a good challenge.” photographer

Nathan Breinich

PEO

O

“

If this year has taught me anything at all, it’s that hard things come and we can’t stop them.

We have to find ways to work through them instead of giving up.

Karsen Wallace (‘23)

Christine Aguayo April Atkinson Edward Baptiste Jill Bayer Kristi Billingsley Sarah Bland Nathan Breinich Kimberly Burke Elaine Burleson Lindsey Callagari Bradley Cauley Ashley Cavanagh Art Cheng Catherine Cheng

PEOPLE

Alicia Cole Greg Craycroft Pete Craycroft Debbie Dalke Susan Dehnel Matt Donnowitz Heather Etherton Christopher Felleisen Theresa Galella Mike Giles Leslie Glace Dayanna Gonzalez Alice Goulet Kimberly Hannusch Kristin Harrison Angel Hernandez Mary Lou Herring Janet Holder Scott Horne Carolyn Horvath John Horvath

110

Philip Hudgens Karen Jasek Hannah Kapitaniuk Cruz King Arleen Kirklin Ginger Kral Leticia Lair Holley Loveday Nichole Lucero Patty MacMullen Jeff Marx Caitlin McColl Casey McMickle Kathleen Melancon

FACU

Sharon Mitchell Karen Nazarenus Chase Newman Sarah Novlan Crystal O’Grady Lisa Pantoja Rickie Paules Suzanne Pokorney Jessica Pyo Sherrie Reichenau Jennifer Reisch Nancy Rot Glenna Sager Laura Schulenburg Susan Seale Kerry Smelser Tracy Smith Janet Snapp Hannah Sorley Jacob Strubhar Jessica Tracy

Without A Break New rules take away teachers breaks

“It takes away some time just to not be around students.

Even though we love students, it’s nice to have a break.”

Mrs. Horvath

“I’m an introvert, so I enjoy having some space for myself, but I also really enjoy getting to know my students.”

Mr. Felleisen

PORTRAITS

Tina Tsuei Annette Vickers Kimberly Von Lehmden Lisa Whitted Evan Wiatrek Ambur Willis

“Ms. Etherton and I move the divider in the middle of our portable so we can alternate lunch days.”

Mrs. McColl

111

ULTY

PEOPLE

LOW SCHOOL CANDY CRAZE

112

Lower School students’ favorite types of candy

NOODLE JOUSTING During the Renais-

sance Festival, students hit each other with noodles. “It was fun to sword fight because it was like pretending I was a real knight,” Anthony Kinne (4) said. photographer

Bethany Kwan

EAT MORE CHICKEN

Fourth graders eat chicken nuggets at their Renaissance Festival. “I dressed up as a princess and we had some Chick-Fil-A nuggets at our feast,” Shelby Rozek (4) said.

photographer Bethany Kwan

BOOKMARK MAKERS Students create and decorate their own book marks. Ben Lakey (4) said. “We got to make pretty bookmarks and put our names on them.” photographer Bethany Kwan

“I like Snickers “I love Skittles, “If Nutella counts “Normal chocolate because caramel lollipops, M&Ms, as a candy, is my favorite. I is really good. If Hershey and then Nutella is also like any I had to choose, every kind of definitely my types of Snickers I’d always pick sweet chocolate. favorite. I just or Kit Kats. chocolate over After I eat love everything Basically anything gummy and hard chocolate, I drink chocolate as long chocolate that candies.”

Dr. Pepper.” as it’s not bitter.” has a wrapper.”

Will Peeples (4) Luke Miller (1) Alexis Wallace (4) Oliver Cottom (K)

“All lollipops are my favorite. I especially love Blow Pops because they last a very long time,and I like the gum after too.”

August Claunch (1)

WER

Hunter Arnett º preschool Morgan Baltazor Lincoln Bledsoe Lucy Brothers William Claunch Elizabeth Davis Vivian Duncanson

James McNabb Zachary Nicholson Violet Scimone Marx Succes Gavin Tally Gavin Verwayen Llewellyn Whitted

PORTRAITS

Sarah Hansum Caroline Harper Jones Shane Lockey Caroline Madeja Bennett Marchand Dakota Masri Jaxon McCormick

Alexandra Adams º kindergarten Isaiah Avila Annabelle Becker Sienna Belaj Silas Bland Scotty Church Oliver Cottom

Mason Lopez Quinn Nicholson Alana Pace Olivia Rozell Victoria Rueda Eli Spates Justin Terech Beckett Treadaway Luke Turner Petra Warner Lucia Widjaja Scarlet Williams Sowon Yang Chloe Ahn º first grade Austin Alexander Lila Arnett Riley Arnett Charlotte Britcher August Claunch Adelina D’Agostino Vinni Davenport

113

Quest Gilley Connor Guidry Josie Hammack Everett Kurz Nathan Jang Jaxson Leick Raegan Lind

SCIENCE FAIR Numerical statistics of the fifth grade science fair

80

days from start to finish

PEOPLE

5

scientific method steps followed

3

114

ribbon places

8

special award categories

2

competition rounds

37

student projects

Liam Davis /DXUHQ 'HƓQH Emma Hansum Elera Holden

Addison Horne Heidi Hufnagel Hannah Kainer Sophie Kiang

Nathaniel Kim Ava McCormick Luke Miller Austin Nakama

*ULIƓWK 2DNHV Lael Ryg Natalia Scalisi Cylas Vasquez

Gabby Wallace Gabe Washington Brandon Willis Kate Zatopek

second grade º Anna Grace Appenbrink Elaine Bryan Reed Edmundson Colton Gaither

Ethan Girdler Brooks Jones Gia Lewis Wyatt Masri

Jackson McArthur Raven McFerren Presley O’Grady Katelyn Rincones

Grace Roberts Michelle Rozell Isabel Rueda Hunter Salazar

Graham Scimone Walker Stanley Reagan Thayer Madelyn Turner

Noah Washington Jason Alegre º third grade Eli Becker Mia Bland Ellie Callegari Mia Christianson Adelaide Cottom Boden Davenport Emma Edwards Hailey Farrell Ben Finnessey Anthony Guevara Liam Hansum Jax Hill Lincoln Hokr Sloane Holmberg Maksim Ivanov Christopher Kiang Ben Kreager Samuel Laurentiu Jacob O’Banion

Quintin Whitted Jariah Williams Alexis Aguayo º fouth grade Bethany Alexander Titus Becker Trinity Bledsoe Madison Bockus

PORTRAITS

Declan O’Connor Daniel Pretorius Aden Rylaarsdam Arie Rylaarsdam Naomi Sharples Lindsay Snapp Cash Turner

Drew Callegari Carter Cheng Noah Christianson Joel Collins David Degroot Andrew Delgadillo Sophia Delgadillo

Savannah Jones Anthony Kinne Ben Lakey Miles McCullough McKenzie McFerren Allie Milton Beck Norrell Jackson O’Grady Helen O’Rand Chloe Okpaku Mason Pace Will Peeples Joey Petrocelli Shelby Rozek Jude Ryg Lilah Scimone Joy Victoria Shaver Rylan Smith Luke Stanley Kian Stevenson Brody Thayer

115

Morgan Eizenhoefer AJ Fischer Kinsley Gaither Elijah Girdler Riley Hernandez Elijah Huang Brock Jacobs

Liana Toledo dos Santos Addison Ver Meer Alexis Wallace Ashton Walser Parker White Everett Wilkerson Warren Wright fifth grade º Molly Bland Sophia Boles Slate Borkland Annabeth Britcher Alex Bryan Thomas Burgess Brady Cates

PEOPLE

Grace Edmundson Hannah Farrell Sophia Flores Sydney Gilmore Lauryn Henderson Aland Jackson Ethan Kinne Caleb Kreager Amadeus Kwan Ryan Lambert Kamryn Lowery Grace Millican Nickolas Moya Hannah O’Connor James Orbock Isabella Puckett Nadya Royce Noelle Sharples Erin Shin Zechariah Utama Grady Wempe

116

Peyton Williamson Benjamin Willis Julianne Wu Bella Young Sam Zatopek

Spelling Bee Finalists

35 Lower School students advanced to a final round where they competed across grade levels

CARTER CHENG (4)

ANNABETH BRITCHER (5)

BODEN DAVENPORT (3)

contest? how do you spell

Hill Country hosted the annual spelling bee competition to challenge Lower Schoolers

Big Changes From Kinder to First Grade

“This year we have spelling tests. You have to make a word all by yourself. It’s hard and we get bonus words like ‘hypothesis’ and I can spell them.”

Riley Arnett Grade 1 “I like art this year. I’m making a penguin and cutting out paper and gluing it on how I want to make it.”

Brandon Willis Grade 1

S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G During the spelling bee, Rylan Smith (4) waits for her next word. “I didn’t really like it because I do not like speaking in public,” Smith said.

“Everyone being there made it scary.”

“Science is my favorite this year,” Jax Hill (3) said. “We are working on these water wheels and they make electricity.”

“I really like speed drills [in math],” Landry Rogers (1) said. “They are easy and nice to me.”

117

“I have to make new friends now. It has been easy and I like to play with my friends at school.”

Nathaniel Kim Grade 1

trend across grades.

“For me, the hardest part was just the nervousness,” Ethan Kinne (5) said. “This is my first year at the school, and I was hoping that I would do well.”

But despite spelling bee worries, contestants still managed to enjoy themselves.

“It was really great,” Jariah Williams (3) said. “I like spelling hard words like amphibian or primatologist, and I love spelling big things a lot.”

Even the location added to the excietment of the competition.

“It was really fun if you won, and I liked it since it was in the AZ,” Naomi Sharples (3) said.

In the end, contestants were recognized for their success during the spelling bee.

“I felt really lucky about how I placed,” Carter Cheng (4) said. “I spelled some of the words wrong in my head but I still got them right. And my number was 13, and that made me feel really lucky to compete.”

There’s always a favorite element to every year

PORTRAITS

Preparing for the spelling bee was no easy matter.

“I studied for weeks for a long time,” Nadya Royce (5) said. “I went through every word, and in my mind I tried to spell it.”

Some studied non-stop for the spelling bee.

“The day before the final spelling bee,” Kamryn Lowery (5) said, “I probably studied from the time I got home until I went to sleep. I studied really hard.”

However, preparation wasn’t every student’s key to sucess.

“I didn’t really study because my homework load is bigger this year and I didn’t have time to,” Jackson O’Grady (4) said.

“That’s why I’m so surprised I made it past the first round.”

Despite all the preparation, or lack of it, several students still were nervous the day of the competition.

“I was nervous because everyone was staring at me,” Hunter Salazar (2) said. “There were words I didn’t know how to spell, like double.”

Nervousness seemed to be a

The Best Part

“I love how the teacher [Mrs. Jasek] has been nice,” Gia Lewis (2) said. “She dosen’t push us too hard on math.”

photographer Nathan Breinich

SCIENCE LAB Third graders measure the speed at which water’s temperature changed for a lab. “It was super slow,” Sloane Holmberg (3) said. “It took five minutes, and that was for the quick version.” photographer Nathan Breinich

MATH FACTS Intent on her work, Lauren Define (1) completes a math fact family worksheet. “We mostly do subtraction,” Define said. “It can be hard but I like addition better.” photographer Nathan Breinich

“I love experiments,” Morgan Eizenhoefer (4) said. “We are doing one on wet and dry crackers and seeing how they taste.”

MIDDL PEOPLE

sixth grade º Will Appenbrink Embree Barnes Seth Burnaman Nick Cheij Xander Duncan Taryn Dyess Caleb Forrister Abbey Giles Chloe Guevara Graham Hackney Colter Hammack %UDHGHQ +DWƓHOG Molly Hernandez Sam Hernandez Sara Hernandez Jacob Hobbs Hunter Hokr Adam Holguin Sarai Holmberg Mallie James Willy Kipfer

118

Anna Kreager Ethan Kriel Zoie Leick Landon Nazarenus Alexis Poltrock Jeanette Poltrock David Poppe Lizzy Reese Charlie Reisch Karsyn Reyna Jenna Romney Kat Ruskin Gabriel Scalisi Amy Schauer Sarah Schauer Addison Stanley Ayden Tindol Kaio Toledo dos Santos Jamison Turner Gabriella Valenzuela Jordan White

SC

LE Christmas it’s beginning to look a lot like

STUDY HALL

BREAKDOWN Students breakdown how they spend their homeroom time

“We played spades with a deck of cards that Mrs. Schu has. We usually play hangman and then we play a game with a ball where you just pass it around but we pretty much just play a bunch of games.”

Samuel Poppe (8)

Painted Pottery Art classes make unique pottery

“We’re using foil as our base inside and putting clay around it. I’m making a cow.”

Kayla Maki (8)

“We came into class that morning and our TA surprised us with donuts.”

Blade Gilley (8)

“I built a little pot and then I stabbed a bunch of holes around it so it has a design.”

Taylor Henderson (7)

Carol.”

Another favorite activity was holiday-themed games.

“We did a Hawaiian Christmas Kahoot in Civics,” Blake Aguayo (7) said.

Theater students participated in a white elephant gift exchange.

“I gave a big bag of Sour Patch Kids, and then I got these baked goods from Isaac [Shin (8)], like cookies and macaroons,” Aly Woodford (8) said. “We basically just all got candy and gift cards.”

While most gifts were similar, one stood out.

“I gave a live fish that we got at PetSmart that day and just like some food for it, and then I got a pig that screamed and a jar of peanut butter,” Caden Billingsley (7) said. “My mom, the theater teacher, wouldn’t let me steal the fish back.”

119

“We sometimes play the game Mafia and we play hangman or we just sit around and talk. One day we drew a bunch of [pictures] on the board for the class after us and wrote quotes from each other.“ Grace O’Brien (8)

In the weeks leading up to Christmas break, kids celebrated the holiday season with the annual Corny Countdown in Mrs. Bayer’s classroom and other Christmas festivities.

“The Corny Countdown is all of Mrs. Bayer’s corniest jokes to help get us excited for Christmas,” Bella Burgan (8) said. “My favorite one is the joke ‘What do you call a broke Santa Claus?... St. Nickel-less.’”

“One of the other favorite jokes was ‘What is Santa’s biggest fear?’” Liza Sayles (8) said. “‘CLAUS-trophobia.’”

Other students watched Christmas movies in various classes.

“We watched a Charlie Brown Christmas in Bible,” Gabriella Valenzuela (6) said, “and in English we are going to finish watching A Christmas

PORTRAITS

"During homeroom, there isn’t an actual Zoom call to log into so technically it’s a long break for me.

But I do work on any homework that is due the next day. I might even work on homework that’s due that day if I was too lazy to do it.”

Jordin Boulware (8)

Middle schoolers describe the Christmas activities they participate in during the holiday season

“I made a bowl and it had a handle on it. I’m planning on painting it.“ Gracie Smit (7)

CHOOL

Memorable Monologues Monologue contest award winners share their reactions to finding out they won

Alexis Poltrock (6)

PEOPLE

Ethan Kriel (6)

Gwen Wiegert seventh grade º Blake Aguayo Elizabeth Alegre Caden Billingsley Ryan Borkland Lily Carsner Nate Cavanagh Claire Cheng Betsy Connell Ben Conwell Aiden Eizenhoefer Drew Evans Ethan Finnessey RJ Fischer

120

Peyton Galella Jenna Gilmore Anderson Gross Anna Henderson Taylor Henderson Alyssa Hill Christopher Hobbs Dillon Horne Kaydence Hubbard Trent Hurn Ainsley Jackson Miley Johnson Luke Lee Adam Martens Oliver McSpadden Sam Mendrala Haley Milton Kaiden Nelson Kaleb Nelson Owen Purslow Jackson Rose Nathaniel Sharples Gracie Smit Kyle Smith Jacob Spates Riley Teeter Sadah Thompson Ty Vacek Zackariah Westbrook Jackson Young eighth grade º Hudson Archer Gracie Bockus Jordin Boulware Bella Burgan Nick Burgess

“The monologue that I wrote was about being pulled into a mirror by my evil reflection. I was surprised that my monologue won second place, because I did not think that it would even get published.”

“I wrote about the city of Abawa, from the movie Aladdin. When I found out that it had been published, I felt very proud of myself. I had only written a few at the time, so I was excited that one was chosen for publication so soon.”

Seth Burnaman (6)

“My topic was a man who was sucked from normal life and turned into a monkey. I was glad that my monologue was chosen because anyone’s could have been chosen.”

“Mine was about a boy who tries to blame various mishaps on The Invisible Man. When I found out that it had been published, I was like ‘finally,’ because I had written and Anna submitted a few before this one, but Kreager (6) none of them were released.”

Rifles for Watie To interact with the books they read, sixth graders create projects

“In this book the main “Rifles for Watie is a book about a spy in the Civil War character, Jeff, is a spy for named Jeff. For my project, the Union in the Civil War. For my project, I made a I made an acrostic poem photo album of my stuffed with a complex sentence animals to portray a brief for each letter of the title summary of the novel.” describing the book.”

Kat Ruskin Grade 6

Nick Cheij Grade 6

“The main character in Rifles for Watie, Jeff, leaves his family to go serve as a spy in the Civil War. For the project, I chose to write an acrostic poem rather than a photo album to recount the book.”

Jeanette Poltrock Grade 6

Landon Carr Lathan Cecil Alex Cepeda Addison Cox Cristian Flores Blade Gilley Mary Gilliam

PORTRAITS

Lyla Holsman Elizabeth Huang Chelsea Hudgens Kaden Knisley Wesley Kwan Browning Lind Kayla Maki Ari Marx Luke Nelson Ashleigh O’Banion Grace O’Brien Caden O’Donnell Isabella Olson Danielle Orbock Lauren Parr Colton Patterson Samuel Poppe Abram Rheinheimer Isabel Sass Liza Sayles Ela Scata

121

Isaac Shin -RVKXD 6KXIƓHOG Nicholas Silbermann Makel Stephens Matthew Synstegard Gabby Vilcek Janae Wallace Grayson Wempe Stella Wiegert Christian Wilson Craig Wilson Aly Woodford

IN THE

MIDST

of change

Some things manage to stay the same. Lizzy Reese (6) highlights what those things are for her

6:45 AM

“I have to wake up pretty early every morning, which can be hard, but it’s necessary because we live about 20 minutes away from school.”

8:30 AM

“We always get ten minutes to be on our phones at the beginning of History, my first class, but I don’t have one yet so it’s kind of boring.”

11:45 AM

“At lunch, I always sit outside with the same group of friends. We always goof around and have a good time laughing about things that happened that day.”

2:05 PM

“My last class of the day is Science.

It’s always tiring and challenging because we are learning physicsrelated content and everybody is tired from their day at school.”

3:30 PM

“We always have to wait for Natalie [Reese (‘24)], my older sister, to come out of school so we can drive her to softball practice, which can get pretty boring.”

class of 2024 º Josie Beiler Savannah Boles McCade Brown Zachary Carroll Lucy Carsner Katie Cavanagh Gracie Cheek Cody Cheng Kyler Cline Gabe Collins Nathan Connally Kyler Conner Kayla Crowe Ty Curry

PEOPLE

Josh Dailey Danika Duncan Faith Farr AJ Giarratano Tommy Gilliam Rex Grayson Aaron Harris 0RUJDQ +DWƓHOG Ethan Howard Quaid Jackson Gracelyn Joly Angelina Jones Jinxi Li Cecilia Lockey

122

James Martens Tori Martins Mason Mattox Mason McCullough Dillon Mendrala Nia Mwangi Andrew Prescott

HIGH

Jake Pryor Natalie Reese Mallory Senior Riverson Shaw Hailey Smit Ryan Starek Khyia Stephens Andrew Teeter Emily Becker º class of 2023 Ella Bernoski Kinley Billingsley Elyssa Burleson Adam Celauro Ann Elise Chesney Mia Cline Emma Colvin John Connell Alexa Cortez Drew Darsey Grant Davis Carter DiGesualdo

PORTRAITS

Kinsley Drenner Grace Farr Rayna Faulk Laurel Foster Reagan Foster Lauren Giarratano Emma Gilmore Kimo Horvath Anna Hudgens Kailey Kirkland Josh Kriel Jonathan Lee Khristian Letz Katherine Lockey

Tests and quizzes often catch students unprepared

“Yes, others tell me when I have a quiz or test, and I study before and usually do fine.”

Lauren Reese (‘22)

“For the reading quiz in english, I sped-read the two chapters in five minutes or so before class.”

Grayson Brougher (‘21)

“I forgot I had a test in math, and it didn’t go well but I passed because I’m too smart.”

Mason Mattox (‘24)

123

what TEST?

A PLASTIC HOME Dr. Cheng’s

A&P class was divided into tribes for competitions. The lobster tribe competes with other islanders to make a sturdy shelter.

“Our tribe had to find a way to create a shelter that everybody could fit under,” Blaire Loveday (‘21) said. “It was a really fun, nice break from actual learning.”

photographer Grace Marx

BRAIN GAMES

In Anatomy and Physiology, Morgan Glatzl (‘21) dissects a sheep’s brain with Mandy Glace (‘21).

“It was funny. Mandy thought it was gross so I was doing all the cutting,” Glatzl said.

“I thought it was pretty cool.” photographer

Grace Marx

STRENGTH TEST In lieu of a lesson, groups partake in a fun activity. “This is a basic structure test,” Riley Peck (’21) said, “I used a wooden board to create wind, and if it successfully passes the test, we got a certain number of points.” photogra-

REFERENCE

pher Grace Marx

to

December

124

The junior Physics class makes a bet in hopes of avoiding their midterm Have you ever seen somebody attempt to get the attention of a celebrity on social media?

When Paige Cates (‘22) brought up this particular trend one day in class, it was almost an offhand state-ment, so everybody was surprised when it amounted to a possible cancellation of the dreaded midterm.

“If Taylor Swift likes or comments on my Instagram post, I’ll cancel the Physics midterm,” Mrs. Sorley announced in reply.

Cates, initially excited by the prospect, said, “Being an optimist, I thought that it was possible, but the more I thought about it, Taylor Swift

doesn’t follow any people and has all of her comments turned off.

Then I knew it was impossible.”

Classmate Kristen Hudgens (‘22) was similarly hopeful for the prospective exemption.

“We reached out to a lot of famous people that we thought might know Ms. Taylor, but it turned out that she didn’t like [the post].”

Allison Read (‘22) even enumerated the accounts she reached out to.

“I messaged 13 people, most of them fan accounts, to try to get her attention.”

Others, like Colt Lychner (‘22), were more hesitant to simply forget everything they learned about vectors and force diagrams before the semester’s end.

“When I first heard the idea I first was totally for it but then reality set in that it definitely was not going to happen,” Lychner said. “So I started studying anyway.”

GAME STOCK

AP Macroeconomics students invest when GameStop prices skyrocket

Hudson McLeod Luke McSpadden Ashleigh Nelson Emory Rhoden Mason Rodriguez Rebekah Saenz Kayla Santos Hannah Shoaff Levi Shoaff Wyatt Shoaff Christopher Silbermann Nathan Snapp Sami Taylor Lizzie Towell Logan Trenner Miriam Vacek Brianna Vilcek Karsen Wallace

Meagan Hernandez Kristen Hudgens Grace Jackson Kristen Kjar Bethany Kwan Colt Lychner Christian Mote Braden Nardecchia Kai Orred Allison Read Lauren Reese Sophie Sayles

365 days of listening

#1 artist: Drake

272

hours listened

#1

song: After Party

DON TOLIVER

#3

song: Blueberry Faygo “I think it’s fun "Honestly, I don’t “I didn’t invest in GameStop and beneficial care too much because I am and it teaches an about the stock opposed to video applicable, real market, but the games. Most of life skill. I focused whole Reddit my shares are on the companies thing with AMC Chipotle Mexican I knew well and and GameStop were prospering.” was really funny.” Grill.”

Gage Kenyon (‘21) Grace Marx (‘21) Kalyn Lee (‘21)

“I invested [in “I think [the GameStop] too project] was late because useful because I thought it it teaches the would reach fundamentals. $1000, as it was I invested in already breaking name brand records.” companies.”

Landon Brayden Wiste (‘21) Smith (‘21)

LIL MOSEY

Pop: Top Genre

125

Will Scata Samara Sherven Charlie Sullivan Silas Tsuei Adarsh Vadlapatla Grace Williams

Faith Farr (‘24) shares statistics from her 2020 Spotify Wrapped

PORTRAITS

Nathan Bernoski º class of 2022 Ryan Boatright Gretchen Bode Paige Cates Matthew DeLaCruz 5\DQ +DWƓHOG

Spotify Wrapped

Madi Billingsley

Grayson Brougher

Ainsley Brunson

Aiden Cline

Sarah Colvin

Lauren Connally

Avery DiGesualdo

Sophia Garrison

Mandy Glace

Morgan Glatzl

Nora Hamilton

Katriel Harland

David Herring

Brady Horne

Kelii Horvath

Joshua Huang

Rachel Huang

Austin Jones

Gage Kenyon

Caeden Kieper

Alpha Omega

Alpha Omega

Alpha Omega

Alpha Omega

Alpha Omega

Alpha Omega

Alpha Omega

Future Planning College application run down by end of January

Steel Kupec

Alpha Omega

Kalyn Lee

Joshua Lockey

Blaire Loveday

Alpha Omega

196

college applications sent out

76

different schools Hunter Masters

Alpha Omega

Ellie McSpadden

Alpha Omega

Brendan Melancon

3

SENIORS

Grace Marx

Alpha Omega

rejections

Riley Peck

Jonathan Peery

Victoria Rogers

Aaron Sass

4

186 Brayden Smith

Alpha Omega

Landon Wiste

Alpha Omega

Dorcas Wong

Brady Woodford

college essays written

66

majors applied

Hedy Zhang

127

early decisions by December

128 AUGUST

DAY 101 To celebrate the 101st day of school on January 29th, Addison Horne (1) and Gabe Washington (1) dress up as dalmatians. “We dressed up like dogs from 101 Dalmatians,” Horne said. “I felt really excited and happy. We got to make a dalmatian craft afterwards.” photographer Nathan Breinich

“

REF

I think this year was intense, but that doesn’t mean I want to forget it. I think this really helped me realize how important it is to care for each other.

Amy Schauer (6)

LASSE

BIG RED EXPLOSION After putting Mentos into a soda bottle, Will Peeples (4) and Luke Stanley (4) observe the chemical reaction. “If you twist the cap quickly, the built up pressure in the bottle will overflow and explode,” Stanley said.

“Also, if you loosen the cap and throw the bottle on the ground, it will shoot up like a rocket.” photographer Bethany Kwan

shadow boxes Third graders retell fables through artistic expression in this ongoing tradition

Aden Rylaarsdam (3)

“One day when we’re finishing the teacher said, ‘It should be done today.’

It is a lot of work. You use the materials to create a storyboard.”

Mrs. Burleson

Mrs. Snapp

Mrs. Paules

Mrs. Smith

PRESCHOOL

FRONT ROW Kyler Liska º Grace Miller º Llewellyn Whitted º Caroline Harper Jones º Bennett Marchand BACK ROW Mrs. Burleson º Vivian Duncanson º Caroline Madeja º Jaxon McCormick º Shane Lockey º Gavin Tally º Lincoln Bledsoe º Mrs. Holland MISSING FROM PHOTO Morgan Baltazor º Violet Scimone

PRESCHOOL

FRONT ROW Mrs. Vickers º Gavin Verwayen º Marx Succes º Dakota Masri º Elizabeth Davis º Lucy Brothers º Mrs. Snapp BACK ROW Temple Leick º James McNabb º Hunter Arnett º Zachary Nicholson º William Claunch º Sarah Hansum

CLASSES

FRONT ROW Lucia Widjaja º Alexandra Adams º Scarlet Williams º Everett Kurz º Mrs. Paules ROW 2 Josie Hammack º Luke Turner º Petra Warner º Raegan Lind ROW 3 Camden Terlip º Beckett Treadaway º Quinn Nicholson º Sowon Yang BACK ROW Annabelle Becker º Nathan Jang º Silas Bland º Mason Lopez

“A shadow box is a box where we draw fables. We started at the beginning of December with some materials, making the characters and such. It Jariah takes a little bit of work, but Williams (3) it’s very good otherwise.”

Daniel Pretorius (3)

KINDERGARTEN

FRONT ROW Justin Terech º Quest Gilley º Hannah Yin º Aaron Royce º Oliver Cottom º Victoria Rueda º Mrs. Smith BACK ROW Scotty Church º Isaiah Avila º Jaxson Leick º Alana Pace º Eli Spates º Connor Guidry º MISSING FROM PHOTO Kimberly Knowles

“Mine included people and some grass and a river and there were axes in the river. I was illustrating the fable ‘Mercury and the Woodman.’”

“I like shadow boxes because they reflect certain times in the book or fable that you’re writing about, and you can make Sloane your own characters if you Holmberg (3) make your own story.”

131

KINDERGARTEN

REFERENCE

FRONT ROW Chloe Ahn º Madison Tally º Lael Ryg º Vinni Davenport º Mrs. Dalke ROW 2 Luke Wright º Alex Ramirez º Ava McCormick º Austin Nakama BACK ROW Emma Hansum º Colin Majeda º Brandon Willis º Liam Davis MISSING FROM PHOTO Landry Rogers º Gabby Tsalamandris

38

people involved in the show

132

20

Lower School acts

55

minutes long

6

different grades

14

musical performances

Mrs. Melancon

Mrs. Dalke

FIRST GRADE

FIRST GRADE

FRONT ROW Ella Kinne º Riley Arnett º Nathaniel Kim º Mrs. Melancon ROW 2 August Claunch º Isaiah Vettraino º Kate Zatopek BACK ROW Luke Miller º Addison Horne º Liam Miller º Lila Arnett MISSING FROM PHOTO Aden Allen º Austin Alexander º Avah Jovanovski º Mark Shi º Gabe Washington

Talent Show

The annual talent show was moved online

“

1. WHAT WAS YOUR ACT IN THE TALENT SHOW?

2. HOW LONG DID YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR ACT?

4. HOW WAS IT WATCHING THE TALENT SHOW ONLINE?

“I practiced for 20 days, about ten minutes per day.”

Ellie Callegari (3)

“We had to watch it on TV, but I liked that because I didn’t have to leave the classroom.”

Katelyn Rincones (2)

“Our [Mrs. Cole’s class’] black light dance act was really cool. It took us about two weeks to prepare. We practiced about ten minutes each day.”

Chloe Okpaku (4)

“I thought [the show] was still pretty good. I liked the drawing one best, mainly because it was Sonic and the artwork was realistic.”

Hunter Salazar (2)

“I did drawing because I’m really, really good at it and it’s kind of a hobby. I like drawing Sonic, and sometimes random 3. HOW DID “The virtual talent show didn’t cartoons.”

YOUR ACT GO? change much. I liked Kace Kian Stevenson (4) “I performed Turkish March by [Liska (3)]’s piano piece. I have a piano too, and it plays “I played my recorder because I Wolfgang Amadaeus Mozart. got introduced to it last year in I was really nervous because it that entire song if you press one is a difficult piece. I was really key.” music, and it was really fun.”

Grant Vandenberg (2) proud afterward.”

Allie Milton (4) Kace Liska (3) “The talent show felt the same “Every year I do a violin piece as any other year, really. My “I did jumps and somersaults and this year I did Minuet in favorite part was when the two with my friend Alana [Pace G by Beethoven. I like to do girls did gymnastics because of (K)]. We messed up a couple pieces from my violin book.” the music and their skill.” times but it went good.”

Emma Edwards (3) Madelyn Turner (2) Quest Gilley (K)

FRONT ROW Charlie O’Rand º Cylas Vasquez º Helena Salviander º Adelina D’Agostino º Mrs. Reichenau ROW 2 Sophie Kiang º Griffith Oakes º Lauren Define º Hannah Kainer BACK ROW Charlotte Britcher º Gabby Wallace º Natalia Scalisi º Heidi Hufnagel MISSING FROM PHOTO Shelby Lorance º Liam Noel º Eloise Miailovich

Mrs. Jasek

Mrs. Reichenau

FIRST GRADE

SECOND GRADE

FRONT ROW Wyatt Masri º Presley O’Grady º Elaine Bryan º Raven McFerren º Isabel Rueda º Mrs. Jasek BACK ROW Juniper Whitted º Walker Stanley º Gia Lewis º Grace Roberts º Brooks Jones º Anna Grace Appenbrink MISSING FROM PHOTO Ethan Adepetun º Graham Scimone º Noah Washington

CLASSES

TIME TO MEMORIZE Speech Meet skills came naturally to some, but not to all

"I started memorizing Ephesians 5:15-21 back in January.

Focusing on learning it was the hardest part."

Peyton Williamson (5)

"Mine wasn’t hard "I started to memorize, memorizing mine because it was about two months sort of like a song ago. Finding time and I’m good to memorize was at music, so my hard, because mom made a I had other tune to go with it." homework."

Mia Bland (3) Titus Becker (4)

"I did John "The week after I got my F. Kennedy’s poem, I started inaugural address. memorizing. I It was hard. You had to speak up had to figure since I was online, out what he was but it was easy to saying and think memorize." how he said it."

Bethany Brady Cates (5) Alexander (4)

133

CASTLE CONSTRUCTION

Demonstrating his project, Andrew Delgadillo (4) shows his army men to Rylan Smith (4). “I made an army, a lake and a castle,” Delgadillo said. “I wasn’t able to finish it in class, so I had to take it home.” photographer Kinley Billingsley

EYE ON THE BALL

During recess,

Luke Stanley (4) plays defense on Parker White (4). “I like recess because I get

to hang out with my friends,” White said.

“We also talk about how we are doing.”

photographer Allison Read

Mrs. Lair

Mrs. Harrison

Mrs .Von Lehmden

Mrs. Cole

SECOND GRADE

THIRD GRADE

FRONT ROW Boden Davenport º Jax Hill º Jason Alegre º Ben Kreager º Mrs. Harrison ROW 2 Eli Becker º Kace Liska º Lindsay Snapp º Mia Bland º Maksim Ivanov BACK ROW Cash Turner º Arie Rylaarsdam º Ellie Callegari º Aden Rylaarsdam º Ben Finnessey MISSING FROM PHOTO Kasen Koll º Lincoln Hokr º Jackson Alamo

134

REFERENCE

FRONT ROW Reed Edmundson º Madelyn Turner º Grant Vandenberg º Ethan Girdler º Jackson McArthur º Mrs. Lair BACK ROW Hunter Salazar º Kolt Liska º Michelle Rozell º Colton Gaither º Katelyn Rincones MISSING FROM PHOTO Ava Prescott º Kynslie Williams º Reagan Thayer

THIRD GRADE

FRONT ROW Emma Edwards º Jariah Williams º Hailey Farrell º Quin Whitted º Sloane Holmberg º Mrs. Von Lehmden ROW 2 Jake O’Banion º Daniel Pretorius º Declan O’Connor º Anthony Guevara BACK ROW Adelaide Cottom º Naomi Sharples º Jeremiah Bolke º Christopher Kiang º Mia Christianson MISSING FROM PHOTO Samuel Laurentiu

We’re Thankful

First graders take time to show their appreciation for their fathers

“We made ties with notes on them. For me, my dad didn’t come, because he was in New Mexico. So my uncle had to come, but I’m still thankful for my dad.”

Isaiah Vettraino Grade 1

“We wrote on ties that we made for our dads about how much we love our dads and what things we would do for our dads when we love them.”

Liam Davis Grade 1

FOURTH GRADE

FRONT ROW AJ Fischer º Carter Cheng, Allie Milton º Savannah Jones º Mrs. Cole ROW 2 Joel Collins º Addison Ver Meer º Titus Becker º Elijah Huang BACK ROW Noah Christianson º Miles McCullough º Chloe Okpaku º Mason Pace º Riley Hernandez MISSING FROM PHOTO Lilah Scimone º Caleb Shi º Liana Toledo dos Santos

“We sang, wrote about how much we love our dads on ties and told them a memory verse that we memorized. I told my dad that I loved him.”

Lael Ryg Grade 1

“We made books for our dads and we took a picture of them. The books said we love you and other stuff about our dads. We sang Good, Good Father.”

Addison Horne Grade 1

LIKE A MONKEY

While at recess,

Violet Scimone (PK) hangs on the

stair rails on the playground. “I play freeze tag with Llewellyn [Whitted (PK)],” Scimone said. “You get frozen until another that is not the freezer tags you. Then you are back in the game.”

photographer Allison Read

CLASSES

Preschoolers dress up as their favorite things that start with the letter P “I was Princess Sophia because I love her. She is the greatest princess, because she solves problems.”

Vivian Duncanson (PK) “I was a puppy. My mommy made my costume out of hot glue and fabric. We went outside and we were able to act like what we were. So I was a puppy.”

Jaxon McCormick (PK) “I was a princess, because I wanted to be one. I was a pink princess, because my favorite color is pink and Belle is my favorite princess.”

Caroline Madeja (PK)

135

p-day

NATIVITY The Fields

“I really wanted to be an angel when I die and go to heaven, so I chose to be an angel in the play. I didn’t want to be a shepherd or a sheep, since I was a sheep last year.”

Lower Schoolers perform a COVID-safe Christmas play The Marketplace

“I was a shepherd with my two friends, Austin [Masri (5)]] and Aland [Jackson Jackson (5)].

It was kind of weird because we brought real goats.”

Thomas Burgess (5)

Lauren Define (1)

Sienna Belaj (K)

Isabella Puckett (5), Aland Jackson (5)

The Helpers

REFERENCE

The Manger

“I was Joseph. It was kind of weird acting like Joseph because I don’t know what it’s really like to be a grown-up yet. So I’m kind of wondering about that and like how I’m going to have a baby.”

Reed Edmundson (2)

“We stood in front of them on our knees and did the motions for them so that they did not get lost.

We learned the motions before them because Mrs. Whitted showed us a video and then taught us the motions for the kids.”

Embree Barnes (6)

FOURTH GRADE

FRONT ROW Morgan Eizenhoefer º Trinity Bledsoe º Luke Stanley º Alexis Wallace º Helen O’Rand º Mr. Giles ROW 2 Madison Bockus º Drew Callegari º Jackson O’Grady º Beck Norrell BACK ROW Kian Stevenson º Will Peeples º Brock Jacobs º David DeGroot º Parker White MISSING FROM PHOTO Bethany Alexander

Mrs. Rot

Mr. Giles

136

Michelle Rozell (2)

FOUTH GRADE

FRONT ROW Sophia Delgadillo º Shelby Rozek º Jude Ryg º Andrew Delgadillo º Rylan Smith º Mrs. Rot ROW 2 Warren Wright º Ben Lakey º McKenzie McFerren º Joey Petrocelli BACK ROW Kinsley Gaither º Alexis Aguayo º Everett Wilkerson º Anthony Kinne º Sophia Miller

HEART HANDS

During the evening of Truth, Beauty and Goodness, Jariah Williams (3) preforms How Great Thou Art in front of parents. “We sang a bunch of songs.

I don’t even remember them all,” Williams said. “The basketball was my favorite part, though.” photographer Nathan Brienich

HOWDY COWBOY

Texas Independence Day brought forth Texas-themed activities in which Griffith Oakes (1) practiced roping a cow. “My favorite part was lassoing the cow,” Oakes said. “It was sometimes hard, but sometimes it wasn’t.” photographer Bethany Kwan

IT’S SO FLUFFY Playing with animals at the Lower School petting zoo, James McNabb (PK) holds two bunnies next to each other. “There was a bunny dad and a littler bunny,” McNabb said. “I don’t really like bunnies that much because they hop out of my hands.” photographer Bethany Kwan

FRONT ROW Grace Millican º Caleb Kreager º Nickolas Moya º Sam Zatopek º Slate Borkland º Isabella Puckett º Mrs. Atkinson ROW 2 Austin Masri º Hannah O’Connor º Kamryn Lowery º Lauryn Henderson º Thomas Burgess BACK ROW Molly Bland º Bella Young º Aland Jackson º Grady Wempe º Ethan Kinne º Sophia Boles MISSING FROM PHOTO Joaquin Koll º Morgan Lorance º Sydney Wilson

Mrs. Kapitaniuk

FIFTH GRADE

“We made pioneer dolls, did a scavenger hunt outside and made butter.”

Madelyn Turner (2)

FIFTH GRADE

FRONT ROW Julianne Wu º Amadeus Kwan º Annabeth Britcher º Grace Edmundson º Alex Bryan º Mrs. Kapitaniuk ROW 2 Sydney Gilmore º Zechariah Utama º James Orbock º Nadya Royce º Erin Shin BACK ROW Brady Cates º Peyton Williamson º Noelle Sharples º Benjamin Willis º Sophia Flores º Hannah Farrell MISSING FROM PHOTO Mia Shetty

“We had to dress up in uncomfortable costumes and watch a video.”

Zan Song (2)

137

Mrs. Atkinson

Second graders partake in typical pioneer tasks

“We got to play with lamps and poke holes in them and we made dolls.”

Ethan Girdler (2)

CLASSES

Pioneer Day

STUDENT COUNCIL

138

MISSING FROM PHOTO Matthew DeLaCruz

FRONT ROW Grace Marx º Hedy Zhang º Sophie Sayles º Ellie McSpadden BACK ROW Hailey Smit º Kelii Horvath º Sam Williams º Anna Hudgens º Kimo Horvath MISSING FROM PHOTO Allison Read º Kristen Hudgens º Hunter Masters º Steel Kupec º Madi Billingsley

THESPIANS

FRONT ROW Lauren Giarratano º Drew Darsey º Hedy Zhang º Sophie Sayles º Nia Mwangi º Samantha Melancon ROW 2 Lizzie Towell º John Connell º Kimo Horvath º Kinsley Drenner º Morgan Hatfield º Sami Taylor BACK ROW Josh Kriel º Nathan Snapp º Ryan Hatfield º Adam Celauro º Mason Mattox MISSING FROM PHOTO Kailey Kirkland º Ian Shin º Matthew DeLaCruz º Dorcas Wong º Victoria Rogers º Grace Jackson º Samara Sherven

NJHS

BOYS IN CHRIST

REFERENCE

FRONT ROW Silas Tsuei º Kelii Horvath º Landon Wiste º Grayson Brougher BACK ROW Brady Woodford º Brady Horne º David Herring º Caeden Kieper º Kai Orred

FRONT ROW Claire Cheng º Hailey Smit º Cecilia Lockey º Kinsey White º Katie Cavanagh º Nia Mwangi º Liza Sayles ROW 2 Wesley Kwan º Elizabeth Huang º Ryan Borkland º Lily Carsner º Betsy Connell º Peyton Galella º Abe Rheinheimer ROW 3 Janae Wallace º Morgan Hatfield º Gabby Vilcek º Gracie Bockus º McCade Brown º Jake Pryor BACK ROW Isaac Shin º Zachary Carroll º Kyler Cline º Sam Williams º Jack Young º Oliver McSpadden º Aaron Harris MISSING FROM PHOTO Jacob Spates

º Hudson Archer º Bella Burgan º Lyla Holsman º Browning Lind º Caden O’Donnell º Ela Scata º Matthew Synstegard º Aly Woodford º Cody Cheng º Danika Duncan º Faith Farr º Rex Grayson º Andrew Prescott

STATS give me the

School clubs took a hard hit with COVID-19

22

check mate

Chess Club members express their experiences as a part of the only elementary school club

“I really like chess club a lot. It’s super fun to be there, and I’m so happy I got to play chess this year. Playing chess made me happy, and not many people like to play chess, but I don’t care. It’s fun.”

Juniper Whitted (2)

“Chess was online, which was weird, but I still liked it. My most favorite part of it was when I was playing my dad and I had six pieces left, and he only had his King left. I made my dad forfeit. It was awesome.”

Graham Scimone (2)

“I liked how I was able to play against different people every round, and all the people that I played were all different skill levels. I enjoyed playing against random people that I didn’t know any of their strategies.”

Parker White (4)

clubs last year

10

clubs this year

50%

decrease in MS clubs

1

elementary club

2/5

of clubs not meeting

1

club moved on zoom

HCLA

DECA FRONT ROW Abe Rheinheimer º Wesley Kwan º Haley Milton º Betsy Connell º Elizabeth Huang º Peyton Gallela º Claire Cheng ROW 2 Alyssa Hill º Ari Marx º Gracie Bockus º Grace O’Brien º Kayla Maki º Aly Woodford º Gabby Vilcek ROW 3 Ryan Borkland º Nicholas Silbermann º Mary Gilliam º Stella Wiegert º Christian Wilson º Adam Martens ROW 4 Jenna Gilmore º Eli Alegre º Gracie Smit º Owen Purslow º Caden Billingsley º Kyle Smith º Isaac Shin BACK ROW Addison Cox º Nick Burgess º Landon Carr º Jackson Young º Ty Vacek º Anderson Gross MISSING FROM PHOTO Ainsley Jackson º Kyle Smith

º Sadah Thompson º Hudson Archer

TAPPS canceled Theater participants share their thoughts

FRONT ROW Bethany Kwan º Grace Marx º Hedy Zhang º Sarah Colvin º Madi Billingsley ROW 2 Ellie McSpadden º Kalyn Lee º Nora Hamilton º Silas Tsuei º Kai Orred ROW 3 Blaire Loveday º Ainsley Brunson º Sophie Sayles º Lauren Reese º Kinley Billingsley BACK ROW Ryan Boatright º Braden Nardecchia º Colt Lychner º Miriam Vacek MISSING FROM PHOTO Allison Read

º Mia Cline

CHESS CLUB

Crowe º Danika Duncan º Rachel Huang º Ian Shin

JUNIOR THESPIANS

140

REFERENCE

FRONT ROW Sophie Sayles º Joshua Huang º Hedy Zhang º Bethany Kwan º Jake Pryor ROW 2 Christian Mote º Silas Tsuei º John Connell º Mason Mattox º Angelina Xiao ROW 3 Colt Lychner º Emma Colvin º Andrew Prescott º Lauren Reese º Grace Williams BACK ROW Adarsh Vadlapatla º Jinxi Li º Tori Martins MISSING FROM PHOTO Mia Cline º Kayla

FRONT ROW Leader Cody Cheng º Nathaniel Kim º Juniper Whitted º Presley O’Grady º Graham Scimone º Declan O’Connor º Hailey Farrell º Grant Vandenberg º Jackson McArthur ROW 2 Alexis Wallace º Titus Becker º Savannah Jones ºAlexis Aguayo º Shelby Rozek º Sophia Miller º David DeGroot º Helen O’Rand ROW 3 Mason Pace º Jackson O’Grady º AJ Fischer º Elijah Huang º Carter Cheng º Morgan Eizenhoefer º Joey Petrocelli º Ben Lakey ROW 4 Sophia Flores º Erin Shin º Brady Cates º Luke Stanley º Will Peeples º Drew Callegari º Parker White BACK ROW Leader Mrs. Cheng º Benjamin Willis º Alex Bryan º Amadeus Kwan º Zechariah Utama º Sydney Gilmore º Hannah O’Connor º Hannah Farrell MISSING FROM PHOTO Mark Shi º Anna Grace

Appenbrink º Katelyn Rincones º Zan Song º Alexis Aguayo º Titus Becker º Savannah Jones º Caleb Shi º Grace Edmundson º James Orbock

“I felt pretty sad when “The funny thing is “I was really bummed out “Honestly, when I heard the same exact thing because I was the only we were doing the same TAPPS got canceled, I would have read a story happened to me last freshman who made scenes for TAPPS as last about a bird, and now I year, with the same scene it into TAPPS, but that year, I was disappointed. don’t even remember the too. I was really excited might be okay. If we did Now both times it has storyline. I was looking to do it, but, I mean, at do it this year it would gotten canceled, but forward to TAPPS, but least after three years of have just been me talking there’s always next year now I have one less thing working on it, I’m sure it’ll into a camera and then and maybe they’ll be to worry about.” be great next year.” sending it to a judge.” different this time.”

Drew Darsey Lauren Giarratano Mason Mattox Ryan Hatfield Class of 2023 Class of 2023 Class of 2024 Class of 2022

MS SPIRIT COUNCIL

TAPPS FRONT ROW Lauren Giarratano º Drew Darcey º Hedy Zhang º Sophie Sayles BACK ROW Mason Mattox º Josh Kriel º John Connell º Ryan Hatfield MISSING FROM PHOTO Matthew DeLaCruz º Madi Billingsley

FRONT ROW Gabriella Valenzuela º Mallie James º Lizzy Reese º Zoie Leick º Jamison Turner º Alexis Poltrock º Addison Stanley ROW 2 Aiden Eizenhoefer º Kayla Maki º Chloe Guevera º Jeanette Poltrock º Claire Cheng º Peyton Gallela º Betsy Connell ROW 3 Adam Martens º Isabel Sass º Haley Milton º Jordan White º Gracie Bockus º Lauren Parr BACK ROW Christopher Hobbs º Blade Gilley º Joshua Shuffield º Ari Marx º Grace O’Brien º Daniella Orbock MISSING FROM PHOTO Kaio Toledo dos Santos º Kat

141

NHS FRONT ROW David Herring º Landon Wiste º Joshua Huang º Bethany Kwan º Hedy Zhang º Grace Marx º Kristen Kjar ROW 2 John Connell º Christian Mote º Sophia Garrison º Mandy Glace º Sarah Colvin º Kinsley Drenner º Kinley Billingsley ROW 3 Logan Trenner º Kimo Horvath º Adam Celauro º Brady Horne º Jonathan Lee º Grayson Brougher º Lauren Reese ROW 4 Silas Tsuei º Colt Lychner º Emma Colvin º Emory Rhoden º Kayla Santos º Sami Taylor º Brianna Vilcek ROW 5 Ellie McSpadden º Kalyn Lee º Paige Cates º Kristen Hudgens º Grace Jackson º Grace Farr º Elyssa Burleson º Hannah Shoaff º Ashleigh Nelson BACK ROW Kelii Horvath º Adarsh Vadlapatla º Madi Billingsley º Grace Williams º Sophie Sayles º Anna Hudgens º Meagan Hernandez MISSING FROM PHOTO Allison Read º Mia Cline º

Rayna Faulk º Lizzie Towell º Miriam Vacek º Nathan Bernoski º Will Scata º Samara Shervan º Ian Shin º Aiden Cline º Rachel Huang º Gage Kenyon º Brady Woodford º Dorcas Wong

DRESSED TO IMPRESS Middle School Spirit Council plans a dress-up and game day for middle schoolers. “We get to plan a lot of fun things in Spirit Council,” Claire Cheng (7) said, “and because of COVID-19, we need it now more that ever.

We planned a Food Day where you can dress-up, and then there’s a fun activity or game during the school day. It was fun to see all the different food costumes.”

CLUBS

Ruskin º Charlie Reisch

Molly Hernandez (6)

AT THE LINE Lined up ready to snap the ball, the middle school football team faces Marble Falls Faith. ”It’s really fun hitting people,” Jacob Hobbs (6) said.

“If there is someone you don’t like you can tackle them and you can’t get in trouble for it.” photographer Kelii Horvath

Football

Football

Veritas º 30-76 L Dallas Lutheran º 74-80 L

Cheer

SCHEDULE Summit º 14-70 L Concordia º 72-23 W San Marcos º 32-69 L

MIDDLE SCHOOL

FRONT ROW Kaden Knisley º Alex Cepeda º Jaxon Gardiner º Ben Conwell ROW 2 Christopher Hobbs º Caden Billingsley º Samuel Poppe º Luke Nelson ROW 3 Nick Burgess º Jackson Rose º Kyle Smith º Trent Hurn º Sam Mendrala BACK ROW Lathan Cecil º Ty Vacek º Dillon Horne º Jackson Young º Landon Carr MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Philip Hudgens º Coach Craig Bland º Coach Christopher Felleisen º Coach Rick Hernandez º Drew Evans º Adam Holguin º Ethan Kriel º Jacob Hobbs º David Poppe º Hunter Hokr SCHEDULE Austin Royals º 30-9 W

TEAMS

FRONT ROW Kyler Cline º Ty Curry º Brendan Melancon º Ethan Howard º Riverson Shaw ROW 2 Coach Craig Bland º Christopher Silbermann º Sam Williams º Quaid Jackson º Hudson McLeod º Coach Philip Hudgens ROW 3 Captain Steel Kupec º Hunter Masters º Captain Kelii Horvath º Nathan Bernoski º Kimo Horvath MISSING FROM PHOTO Aaron Sass º Coach AJ Sanchez º Coach Scott Horne

Veritas º 20-9 W Faith Academy º 39-6 W

Cheer

VARSITY

143

VARSITY

FRONT ROW Grace Williams º Kinley Billingsley º Madi Billingsley º Gracie Cheek BACK ROW Grace Marx º Captain Nora Hamilton º Allison Read º Tori Martins MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Taylor Loter º Coach Katie Matus º Kristen Kjar º Hailey Smit º Gracelyn Joly º Mascot Mason Mattox

MIDDLE SCHOOL

FRONT ROW Kat Ruskin º Peyton Galella º Claire Cheng º Elizabeth Alegre BACK ROW Kayla Maki º Gracie Smit º Danielle Orbock MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Katie Matus º Ryan Borkland º Makel Stephens º Ela Scata

SCHEDULE 9/12 º Thrall XC Invite #2 10/3 º Founder Classic XC Invitational 10/10 º BCS Bears Invitational 10/22 º Belton Invitational

VARSITY

FRONT ROW Hannah Shoaff º Emory Rhoden º Mia Cline º Alexa Cortez º Meagan Hernadez BACK ROW Manager Paige Cates º Elyssa Burleson º Captain Sarah Colvin º Miriam Vacek º Grace Jackson º Captain Mandy Glace º Coach Kierra Dillard º Coach Angel Hernandez MISSING FROM PHOTO Anna Hudgens º Manager Nathan Snapp SCHEDULE Austin Royals º 1-3 L Holy Trinity º 3-0 W Live Oak º 1-3 L Founders º 0-3 L

SA Saints º 0-3 L Brentwood º 0-3 L Concordia º 1-3 L RRCA º 0-3 L San Juan º 3-0 W

Cross Country

MIDDLE SCHOOL

FRONT ROW Isabel Sass º Riley Teeter º Haley Milton º Betsy Connell BACK ROW Landon Carr º Nick Burgess º Cristian Flores MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Jiro Daniels º Hudson Archer º Lochlan Keadle SCHEDULE 9/12 º Thrall XC Invite #2 10/3 º Founder Classic XC Invitational 10/10 º BCS Bears Invitational 10/15 º Ranger Time Trial

Volleyball

Cross Country

FRONT ROW James Martens º Gretchen Bode º Sami Taylor º Kalyn Lee º AJ Giarratano ROW 2 John Connell º Wyatt Shoaff º McCade Brown º Mason Mattox º Ryan Hatfield BACK ROW Joshua Huang º Zane Thompson º Captain Hunter Masters º Nathan Connally º David Herring MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Ali Conneh º Coach Jiro Daniels º Lauren Giarratano º Andrew Teeter

Volleyball

144

REFENECE

VARSITY

JUNIOR VARSITY

FRONT ROW Reagan Foster º Kayla Crowe º Josie Beiler º Rayna Faulk º Laurel Foster º Captain Kinsley Drenner BACK ROW Coach Kierra Dillard º Captain Anna Hudgens º Kristen Hudgens º Morgan Hatfield º Emma Colvin º Ann Elise Chesney º Grace Farr SCHEDULE Austin Royals º 0-2 L Holy Trinity º 2-0 W Founders º 2-0 W Live Oak º 2-0 W Founders º 2-0 W

SA Saints º 0-2 L Brentwood º 2-0 W Concordia º 2-0 W RRCA º 1-2 L San Juan º 2-0 W

Volleyball

Volleyball

MASCOT PRIDE Cheering on the football team, mascot Mason Mattox (‘24) holds pom-poms and leads cheers.

“I like to see the little kids and I got to miss some school,” Mattox said. “It was really fun going to the football games and basketball games. It was super cool seeing everyone there.” photographer Kelii Horvath

6TH GRADE 5A

FRONT ROW Sarah Schauer º Amy Schauer º Mallie James º Zoie Leick º Lizzy Reese BACK ROW Addison Stanley º Gabriella Valenzuela º Jamison Turner º Embree Barnes MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Tayla Terry º Molly Hernandez º Sarai Holmberg SCHEDULE RRCA º 0-2 L Redeemer º 2-1 W

TSD º 0-2 L RRCA º 0-2 L

cheerful chants Players describe their favorite sideline cheer

7/8TH GRADE 4A

FRONT ROW Liza Sayles º Kaydence Hubbard º Miley Johnson º Alyssa Hill º Ari Marx BACK ROW Ainsley Jackson º Gracie Smit º Danielle Orbock º Layne Henderson º Jordin Boulware MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Cheryl VanDyke º Manager Owen Purslow SCHEDULE Regents º 2-0 W Hyde Park º 2-0 W Saint Gabriels º 2-0 W

“My favorite cheer is probably when someone got an ace and we congratulate them. It is my favorite because it is a big Owen thing when the other team Purslow (7) can’t return a serve.”

SA Saints º 2-0 W Redeemer º 2-0 W

Ari Marx (8)

“It was for serving and it went ‘B-R-E-A-K, break the serve.’ It was just fun to say and it was just like really fun to chant with everyone.”

Swim

FRONT ROW Lauren Parr º Gracie Bockus º Grace O’Brien BACK ROW Chelsea Hudgens º Gabby Vilcek º Aly Woodford º Kayla Maki MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Brittany John º Lyla Holsman º Ela Scata TSD º 2-0 W SA Saints º 2-1 W

Basketball

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SCHEDULE RRCA º 2-1 W Regents º 2-0 W Regents º 2-0 W

6TH GRADE BOYS

FRONT ROW Sam Hernandez º David Poppe º Colter Hammack º Jacob Hobbs ROW 2 Conlan Keadle º Willy Kipfer º Will Appenbrink º Ethan Kriel º Graham Hackney BACK ROW Hunter Hokr º Coach Tayla Terry º Nick Cheij º Charlie Reisch SCHEDULE RRCA º 7-35 L St. Gabriel º 13-32 L Veritas º 8-14 L

perfect practice

Players talk about favorite things to do in practice

Holy Family º 12-44 L Brentwood º 15-14 W Hyde Park º 11-52 L

“I like the jailbreak drill because you can work on spot hitting and someone tries to catch your ball.”

Amy Schauer (6)

VARSITY

FRONT ROW Bethany Kwan º Meagan Hernandez BACK ROW Sophia Garrison º Allison Read MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Greg Goulet SCHEDULE 2/8 º TAPPS State Championship

Basketball

Volleyball 7/8TH GRADE 5A

6TH GRADE GIRLS

FRONT ROW Mallie James º Addison Stanley ROW 2 Gabriella Valenzuela º Sara Hernandez º Zoie Leick º Sarai Holmberg BACK ROW Molly Hernandez º Coach Theatris Wardlow º Jamison Turner SCHEDULE RRCA º 4-45 L St. Gabriel º 1-58 L

“I like serving because I was getting better at it and because before I wasn’t as good at it.”

Jamison Turner (6)

Holy Family º 8-14 L Brentwood º 10-15 L Hyde Park º 2-27 L

“I liked when we would do 3v3 because it would help us practice and get in the mood for the game.”

Zoie Leick (6)

what’s the

Athletes of various sports discuss their typical game day schedule SOFTBALL

“You have to get to the school at like 7 a.m. and then take the bus over.

Then we get there and hit balls on the range for like an hour and then everyone starts at different holes and there are like 80 people playing at once,” Ryan Boatright (‘22) said. “Then you play for five hours. Then you’re done. Golf is fun and you get out of school for an entire day and it’s the perfect combination.”

TRACK

“We wake up really early, around five, and then drive there. We watch the field events if we aren’t in them and after that is an hour and a half break. Before the running events start, everyone’s sleeping. They wake up and go on a light jog before they run their events,” West Kouri (‘23) said. “It takes forever. After that, we all go for a group dinner, and then we’re done. The days are really long, but really exciting.“

LET’S TRY AGAIN Team photos were retaken without COVID spacing

"I looked at the picture. I thought it looked weird because we are a team and supposed to be together. We didn’t have to wear masks, but it looked weird.”

Reagan Foster (‘23) "I thought the photo was a little unusual, but I really respected it and we had to go with all the COVID things and stuff like that."

Luke Nelson (8)

TEAMS

“We warm up and do stretches, then we go and get ready. If we do field first, then we do that and then we have fun. We usually play really well,” Lucy Carsner (‘24) said. “I think everyone’s position that they play they play well and we play well together as a team. They are really fun to play the games and missing class is my favorite part.

I love missing school. I usually miss my last two classes which are Biology and English.”

GOLF

"It made sense because of COVID but I think it would have been better if we could take it closer together and like be more connected as a team."

Makel Stephens (8)

"I thought it was fine. I didn’t know how it turned out but I thought it was fine. I feel like the first one could have been better but I couldn’t really see how they ended up."

Ainsley Jackson (7)

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"I didn’t really think much of it. I figured, since there’s already a bunch of regulations and stuff, but at least we didn’t have to wear masks for pictures."

James Martens (‘24)

San Marcos º 49-14 W Holy Family º 29-18 W Brentwood º 30-7 W Hyde Park º 31-12 W

VARSITY BOYS

FRONT ROW Ethan Howard º Captain Kai Orred º Brady Woodford º Jonathan Lee º Silas Tsuei ROW 2 Levi Shoaff º Matthew DeLaCruz º Captain Colt Lychner º Luke McSpadden º Captain Caeden Kieper º Landon Wiste BACK ROW Manager Ryan Boatright º Coach Angel Hernandez º Coach Josh McKinney º Coach Craig Bland º Manager Braden Nardecchia SCHEDULE Concordia º 101-28 W RRCA º 63-37 W San Juan º 77-32 W Concordia º 100-20 W

7/8TH GRADE BOYS 3A

FRONT ROW Kaden Knisley º Anderson Gross ROW 2 Blake Aguayo º Grayson Wempe º Zackariah Westbrook º Adam Martens BACK ROW Lathan Cecil º Coach Mike Aguayo º Landon Carr SCHEDULE RRCA º 39-14 W Redeemer º 13-4 W CTCS º 18-7 W

Veritas º 22-24 L RRCA º 34-19 W

Basketball

SCHEDULE RRCA º 30-36 L Regents º 11-46 L CTCS º 36-3 W Veritas º 35-10 W

Basketball

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FRONT ROW Miley Johnson º Betsy Connell º Chelsea Hudgens º Haley Milton ROW 2 Kaydence Hubbard º Riley Teeter º Sadah Thompson º Isabel Sass BACK ROW Coach Tim Thompson º Lily Carsner º Coach Larry Johnson

Basketball

Basketball

7/8TH GRADE GIRLS 6A

RRCA º 70-31 W San Juan º 72-30 W Lutheran North º 66-59 W Reicher º 43-68 L

VARSITY GIRLS

FRONT ROW Manager Emory Rhoden º Kinley Billingsley º Gretchen Bode º Madi Billingsley ROW 2 Anna Hudgens º Kristen Hudgens º Allison Read º Kinsey White BACK ROW Coach Brent Jackson º Captain Grace Jackson º Ella Bernoski º Captain Ellie McSpadden º Coach Mike Johnson SCHEDULE Castle Hills º51-34 W New Braunfels º 40-42 L New Braunfels º 39-38 W RRCA º37-39 L

Castle Hills º 66-45 W RRCA º30-70 L New Braunfels º 48-50 L CTCS º48-42 W Lutheran North º 32-98 L

FRONT ROW Luke Nelson º Jackson Rose ROW 2 Trent Hurn º Dillon Horne º Jacob Spates BACK ROW Caden O’Donnell º Coach Pete Irvin MISSING FROM PHOTO Nick Burgess º Cristian Flores

7/8TH GRADE BOYS 6A

FRONT ROW Alex Cepeda º Christian Wilson º Ty Vacek ROW 2 Lochlan Keadle º Blade Gilley º Kaleb Nelson º Joshua Shuffield BACK ROW Oliver McSpadden º Kaiden Nelson º Jackson Young MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Mike Maul SCHEDULE Veritas º 58-20 W Regents º 44-34 W

Holy Family º 41-22 W Brentwoodº 47-56 L Hyde Park º 50-21 W

TEAMS

Regents º 15-14 W SCHEDULE St. Gabriel º 55-9 W Veritas º 39-20 W Brentwood º 44-27 W RRCA º 42-20 W CTCS º 57-16 W

Basketball

Basketball

7/8TH GRADE BOYS 4A

COMING HOME Running across the plate, Charlie Sullivan (‘22) scores another run. “It’s kind of a rush,” Sullivan said. “You don’t really notice you scored until you get to the dugout and everyone is high-fiving you and it’s like, ‘Oh, I scored.’” photographer John Horvath

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SCHEDULE Founders º 29-32 L Valor º 30-32 L Founders º 21-52 L Veritas º 11-43 L

Basketball

JUNIOR VARSITY GIRLS

FRONT ROW Angelina Jones º Kinley Billingsley º Gretchen Bode º Khyia Stephens ROW 2 Coach Brent Jackson º Manager Emory Rhoden º Coach Mike Johnson BACK ROW Gracie Cheek º Ashleigh Nelson º Rebekah Saenz º Sami Taylor SCHEDULE Savio º 15-35 L Founder º 12-38 L

Vanguard º 16-13 W Concordia º 15-18 L Concordia º 8-20 L

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Track

REFERENCE

FRONT ROW Ty Curry º Rex Grayson º Riverson Shaw ROW 2 Huaicheng Xie º Gabe Collins º Andrew Teeter BACK ROW Nathan Connally º Coach Angel Hernandez º Christian Mote MISSING FROM PHOTO AJ Giarratano º Manager Mallory Senior º Manager Quaid Jackson

Track

Basketball

JUNIOR VARSITY BOYS

VARSITY

FRONT ROW Captain Allison Read º Anna Hudgens º Brianna Vilcek º Gracie Cheek º Faith Farr º Sami Taylor ROW 2 John Connell º Zane Thompson º Jonathan Lee º James Martens º Huaicheng Xie BACK ROW Christopher Silbermann º Wyatt Shoaff º Grant Davis º Andrew Prescott MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Angela Pie º Aaron Harris º Captain Hunter Masters º Captain Mandy Glace º Nathan Connally º AJ Giarratano º Ryan Hatfield º Quaid Jackson º Josh Kriel º Captain Christian Mote º Manager West Kouri º Manager Danika Duncan º Coach Mike Maul º Coach Brian Cheek SCHEDULE Northeast Austin Relays º 3/20 Faith Acadamy Relays º 3/27 TAPPS District Meet º 4/12 TAPPS Regional Meet º 4/22 TAPPS State Meet º 4/30

MIDDLE SCHOOL

FRONT ROW Embree Barnes º Chelsea Hudgens º Jamison Turner º Anna Kreager º Zoie Leick ROW 2 Creed Kouri º Luke Lee º Zackariah Westbrook º Ethan Kriel º Gwen Wiegert BACK ROW Coach Scott Horne º Cristian Flores º Landon Carr º Nick Burgess MISSING FROM PHOTO Mallie James º Sara Hernandez º Nicholas Silbermann º Gabriella Valenzuela º Gabby Vilcek SCHEDULE Live Oak Relays º 4/9 FEAST Invitationals º 4/17 CAPPS District º 4/22-4/24

Baseball

Softball VARSITY

FRONT ROW Captain Meagan Hernandez º Natalie Reese º Kinsey White º Samantha Melancon ROW 2 Manager Angelina Jones º Captain Grace Jackson º Ashleigh Nelson º Lucy Carsner º Rebekah Saenz MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Ray Dise º Coach Kierra Dillard º Karsen Wallace

SCHEDULE New Braunfels º 29-7 W New Braunfels º 23-0 W Concordia º 12-11 W Concordia º 6-1 W RRCA º 14-0 W

RRCA º 4/1 Kerrville º 4/6 Kerrville º 4/9 San Juan º 4/20 San Juan º 4/23

Soccer

Soccer

CTCS º 4/6 Concordia º 4/8 Vanguard º 4/16 Holy Trinity º 4/20 Concordia º 4/21 Reicher º 4/23

FRONT ROW Brayden Smith º Gage Kenyon º Captain Steel Kupec º Riverson Shaw ROW 2 Charlie Sullivan º Ethan Howard º Brendan Melancon º Kai Orred º Nathan Bernoski BACK ROW Logan Trenner º Austin Jones º Ty Curry º Sam Williams º Gabe Collins º Coach Pete Craycroft MISSING FROM PHOTO Manager Nora Hamilton º Manager Sarah Colvin º Manager Morgan Glatzl

TEAMS

SCHEDULE Faith Academy º 23-12 W CTCS º 18-3 W Vanguard º 5-6 L Holy Trinty º 3/26 Reicher º 3/30 Faith Academy º 4/1

VARSITY

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VARSITY

FRONT ROW Mason Mattox º Brianna Vilcek º Gretchen Bode º Danika Duncan º Manager Victoria Rogers ROW 2 David Herring º Hunter Masters º Kimo Horvath º Aaron Harris º Jake Pryor BACK ROW Wyatt Shoaff º Levi Shoaff º Captain Kelii Horvath º Andrew Prescott º Christopher Silbermann MISSING FROM PHOTO Captain Aaron Sass º Coach John Ford º Coach Jacob Belloni SCHEDULE Reicher º 2-0 W Live Oak º 13-0 W Vanguard º 4-3 W Veritas º 3-1 W Live Oak º 8-1 W Reicher º 10-0 W

Holy Trinity º 9-8 W Vanguard º 0-1 L Veritas º 1-3 L Holy Trinity º 4-0 W Highlands º 3-2 W All Saints º 1-3 L

MIDDLE SCHOOL

FRONT ROW Ari Marx º Wesley Kwan º Kaden Knisley º Gabby Vilcek ROW 2 Cristian Flores º Christian Wilson º Isabel Sass º Nicholas Silbermann BACK ROW Nick Burgess º Caden O’Donnell º Landon Carr º Lathan Cecil MISSING FROM PHOTO Coach Jacob Belloni º Lochlan Keadle º Ethan Finnessey SCHEDULE Hyde Park º 4/7 Regents º 4/14

TSD º 4/20 Regents º 4/28 CAPPS Distict º 5/1

HIGHLIGHTS let’s hear the

MS Track

“My favorite part is the coaches, because they are kind and uplifting and help you fix what you are doing wrong. We are currently working on triple jump and field events.”

Creed Kouri (8)

Middle Schoolers discuss the merits of their sports

MS Tennis

“I joined tennis because I enjoyed playing it and it gives me another sport to do in the spring. I played in sixth grade and I enjoyed it.”

Blade Gilley (8)

Chelsea Hudgens (8), Ethan Kriel (6)

REFERENCE

MS Soccer “We get to play on the field, so we don’t have to go anywhere for it.

The coaches are really nice and we get to do scrimmages and learn new skills.”

Nicholas Silbermann (8)

Gabby Vilcek (8), Lathan Cecil (8), Christian Wilson (8)

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switching positions

Sixth grade basketball players talk about the hardest part of playing their position “I was point guard.

Positions are the hardest part because you have to like memorize the plays and when a play is called you have to remember how to do it.”

Addison Stanley (6) “I was not prepared for running and it was my first time to do basketball. I was a forward and you have to catch up with everyone and you have to run a lot to go get the ball.”

Sarai Holmberg (6) “I had never played basketball before, so positions were really hard since I had to learn the game first.”

Mallie James (6)

Abe Rheinheimer (8), Jordin Boulware (8)

MS Golf “When we practice, the coaches help us out. The practices are simulators that we use with a putting green that we can change and different angles we choose from to practice with.”

Blake Aguayo (7)

Gabriella Valenzuela (6), Oliver McSpadden (7)

Tennis

Tennis VARSITY

FRONT ROW Adarsh Vadlapatla º Christopher Silbermann º Grace Williams º Hedy Zhang º Kinsley Drenner º Cody Cheng BACK ROW Coach Heather Etherton º David Herring º Aaron Sass º Sophie Sayles º Lauren Reese º Silas Tsuei º Ian Shin MISSING FROM PHOTO Kelii Horvath º Christian Mote º Coach Keaton Drenner

SCHEDULE 4/7 º Hyde Park 4/14 º Regents

4/20 º TSD 4/28 º Regents 5/1 º CAPPS District

Golf

Golf

FRONT ROW Coach Heather Etherton º Blade Gilley º Abe Rheinheimer º Isaac Shin º Colton Patterson BACK ROW Jordin Boulware º Ari Marx º Betsy Connell º Owen Purslow º Ainsley Jackson MISSING FROM PHOTO Nicholas Silbermann º Coach Keaton Drenner TEAMS

SCHEDULE 3/25 º TAPPS District 3/30 º Regents 4/9 º TAPPS State Meet

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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VARSITY

FRONT ROW Anna Hudgens º Brianna Vilcek º Ann Elise Chesney º Emory Rhoden º Emma Colvin ROW 2 Kyler Conner º Ryan Starek º Captain Grayson Brougher º Khristian Letz º Hudson McLeod º Will Scata BACK ROW Luke McSpadden º Adam Celauro MISSING FROM PHOTO Ian Shin º Levi Shoaff º Colt Lychner º Rex Grayson º Carter DiGesualdo º Ryan Boatright º Mandy Glace º Coach Philip Hudgens SCHEDULE 2/8 º Regents 2/24 º Regents 3/1 º Wolfdancer

3/29 º Hyde Park 4/13 º TAPPS District 3/1 º TAPPS Regionals 3/26 º TAPPS State

MIDDLE SCHOOL

FRONT ROW Molly Hernandez º Gabriella Valenzuela º Sarah Schauer º Addison Stanley º Mallie James ROW 2 Christopher Hobbs º RJ Fischer º Jacob Hobbs º Willy Kipfer º Seth Burnaman ROW 3 Nick Cheij º Ben Conwell º Blake Aguayo º Nicholas Silbermann º Jordan White BACK ROW Caleb Forrister º Christian Wilson º Kyle Smith º Oliver McSpadden º Trent Hurn º Coach James McSpadden MISSING FROM PHOTO º Adam Martens º Charlie Reisch º Craig Wilson SCHEDULE 2/8 º Regents 2/24 º Regents 3/1 º Wolfdancer

3/29 º Hyde Park 4/13 º TAPPS District 3/1 º TAPPS Regionals 3/26 º TAPPS State

GRACE

MARX

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REFERENCE

Dear Grace, Never drift off course from these two goals for your life: to walk in wisdom and to discover discernment. Don’t ever forget how they empower and strengthen you, dear Grace, inside and out, and inspire you to do what’s right; You will be energized and refreshed by the healing they bring. Proverbs 3:21-22 º We love you so much, Mom and Dad

DAVID HERRING

David, it has been such a blessing to watch you grow into the wonderful young man we could not be more proud of. The grit and determination you demonstrated developing from fun-loving toddler to thoughtful, well-spoken student has also been on display on the sports fields, and it makes us appreciate your achievements even more.

We all love you and can’t wait to see what God has in store you for you in the next chapters of your life. º Love Mom, Dad, brothers and sister-in-law

SENIORS 155

GARRISON

Sophia Jack, You are our greatest joy! You are beautiful and strong, disciplined and kind, smart and hardworking. You understand it takes perseverance and sacrifice to succeed at hard things. So go with God out into the world and let your light shine for His glory! Seek the good of others and be excellent in all you do. Be brave, be wise, and always stand for truth! º Love you always and forever, Mom and Dad Psalm 37:3-4

MASTERS

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Hunter, God has abundantly answered our prayers for your physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual protection through these first 18 years. With confidence that He will fulfill Isaiah 40:31 and Jeremiah 29:11 in your life, we now send you into the world. º We love you always and forever! Mom, Dad & Jakob

STEEL KUPEC Steel, The world can offer you many things but only He can offer you everything. Hold tight to Romans 8:28 and always remember to stride long and finish. º We love you and are proud of you dude!

Mom, Dad and Kes

AVERY Philippians 1:6 “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

So thankful that God entrusted us with you and we have witnessed your journey to this moment. While not always a smooth path, the walk has been glorious.

You have made our home more beautiful with your presence and more joyous with your wit. We are going to miss you but are so grateful that you are prepared for the next journey God has in store for you. You are ready and you DUH JRLQJ WR VKLQH :H ORYH \RX DQG FDQQRW ZDLW WR VHH WKH EHDXW\ \RX FUHDWH b º Love, Mom, Dad, Madi, Sophie, Carter and Connorb

SENIORS

GAGEKENYON

Blaire, You make our family so much fun! Your wit and sense of humor keep us laughing and on our toes. The way you love your friends so fiercely and your heart for everyone you meet are a joy and blessing to us. We love you and are immeasurably proud to be your people. º Love, Dad, Mom, Sarah and Zach

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BLAIRELOVEDAY

What an adventure it’s been! We are so proud of the road you have traveled and excited for what’s to come. We love you so much and pray you will continue to seek God’s will in all you do.

May The Lord bless you and keep you, The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; May The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. º Love always, your biggest fans, Mom, Dad & Kate

Caeden What an amazing and unique human being you are!

You have such a fun and refreshing flare, matched only by your eccentric style. We’ve always said that God has you marked for something special, and your senior year has already begun to reveal some glimpses of God’s glory! Keep being you, son!

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REFERENCE

º Love Mom, Dad and Cailyn Marie

VICTORIA ROGERS

Victoria, We love you so much and are so proud of you! We pray that you continue to pursue God in all that you do and that your life is overflowing with blessings. You are so dear to our hearts and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for you! º Love, Mom, Dad, Jamie, Parker and Logan Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.”

HAMILTON Nora, We are so proud of you and all that you accomplished during your years at Hill Country. Your perseverance, kindness and love for Jesus and others will serve you well as you enter your next chapter. You are a remarkable young lady with a bright future. We look forward to seeing all that He has in store for you! º With much love Dad, Mom and Natalie Isaiah 40:31

SENIORS

“So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.) Kid, you’ll move mountains!”

Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

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MELANCON

Hey Bubba, Here you go...out of the house! We believe in you and are confident that there are no limits when you set your mind and heart to something. You are a man with many gifts: a huge servant’s heart, overwhelming love to share and kindness galore that you spread like confetti. Our prayer for you is that you will keep pushing through things that are new with confidence, God’s guidance, and with great focus on what He wants you to do. God has big plans for you to impact many lives in positive ways. We are proud of the man you have become, the challenges you have persevered through, your accomplishments in high school and even your video games!! Remember Philippians 4:13 always! º Love you tons, Mom and Dad

Sarah

REFERENCE

Sarah, It’s been such a blessing to watch you grow into the woman of God you’ve become. We are so very proud of you!

Your sensitive, kind heart as well as your skill in listening and counseling, and hard work ethic will benefit you in your life’s journey, relationships and future career. We pray you continue to seek Him first in all that you do throughout your life. º We love you very much, Mom & Dad “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

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BRADYHORNE Brady, We are so proud of the young man you’ve become. We can’t wait to see what God has in store for you during your next chapter of life. º We love you! Mom and Dad 1 Timothy 4:12

AINSLEYBRUNSON Ainsley, You are an incredible gift to us. You bring much laughter, adventure & excitement to our home. We look forward with joyful anticipation of what God will do in your life and through you. We love you! º Love Dad, Mom, Cori & Addie

SENIORS

CLINE

What a blessing it has been to watch the Lord grow you into the man you are today! We are so proud of you. Your diligence, wisdom, lovingkindness and sense of humor are such gifts to our family. We are going to miss you as you embark on this next step in your life, but we can’t wait to see how God continues to use those gifts. Always remember that whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Col. 3:23), continue to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly (Micah 6:8) and trust the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6). Know that you are greatly loved and will always have our loving support. º We love you!

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AIDEN

BROUGHER

REFERENCE

Grayson, We are so proud of the young man you’ve become and we are looking forward to seeing where the Lord leads you next and the adventures that await you. º We love you, Mom & Dad

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MORGANGLATZL We love your spirit. We love your heart. You are beautiful inside and out and we are so proud of you! º Love, Mom and Dad

RILEYPECK

Riley, You have already proven yourself to be a courageous warrior, a tenacious student and a true gentleman of humor, grace and discretion. All of these will serve you well as you enter college. You are ready and we are so excited for you.

“Do justice; love kindness; walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Katriel

Jonathan, You are a true blessing to your family and all who know you.

Your humble kindness and enduring friendship compliment your curiosity, imagination, creativity, joy and laughter.

You exemplify the righteousness of God by being “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.”

James 1:19-20 As you grew and flourished throughout this first chapter of your life, may you continually be blessed through college and beyond, exploring the world and embracing opportunities to fulfill your dreams. Be strong and confident knowing we believe in you and love you so much, always. º Mom, Morgan, Chris & Dad

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JONATHANPEERY

SENIORS

Katriel, Just the other day, you were a little girl playing in the sand on the beach at Jamaica Beach House, and now today you are all grown up and have become a beautiful woman of God. We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished! As you continue on to a new chapter in your life, may you always be fascinated by the beauty of God’s works; from a stormy night in the mountains, to the many colorful flowers growing in the fields, to the sunshine on the waves of the ocean beaches. May your artwork and designs continue to always reflect God’s amazing love, and as it is written in Psalms 20:4, May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.

We love you more than words can ever say! º Love, Mom and Dad “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

LAUREN

CONNALLY Congratulations on everything you have accomplished Lauren! God has given you unique talents and passions, and we are so excited about all of the opportunities that you will have to grow in them as you head off to A&M (WHOOP!). When things get difficult, reflect on the times you resolved to keep moving forward when it was hard and the ways in which you grew as a result of those times. Remember the Lord is near and cares for you. He is working in you, and he will never leave you or forsake you. We love you, we support you and we are rooting for you!

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REFERENCE

º Love, Mom & Dad

AARON SASS Dear Aaron, We are beyond proud of you! The journey wasn’t always easy but you made it! As you start on the next phase of your life, stay courageous and always keep Christ as your foundation so that you may weather the storms of life.

SENIORS

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and what may be pure and blames for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ and praise of God” Philippians 1:9-11 º With Much Love, Mom, Dad, Josh, Alexandria and Isabel

ELLIE “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. “Ephesians 3:17

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Ellie, You are rooted and established in LOVE: love for God, his people and his kingdom. May you continue to bear fruit in your next season of life. We know that you are prepared and equipped for every good work! º Love, Mom, Dad, Luke and Oliver

Mandy GLACE

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Mandy, Watching you grow up has brought us so much joy. Your kind and gentle spirit is a blessing to everyone around you. We’re proud of your accomplishments and excited for you as you take steps towards achieving your professional goals at Colorado Christian.

Remember to always follow God’s lead and then trust you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. We will always be here to support you! º Love always, Mom & Dad

WOODFORD Brady, You are an incredible blessing in our lives and have been since the day you were born. You have worked so diligently and we are incredibly proud of all your accomplishments. You have a servant’s heart and your compassion and desire to serve others will impact many lives. We know He has wonderful plans for your future and we are excited to witness the rest of your journey!

Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” º We love you! XOXO, Mom, Dad, Maddy & Aly

BRAYDEN SMITH Brayden, We are proud of you... your next phase of life will be exciting and challenging. Just remember Proverbs 9:10 “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” º Love, Mom and Dad

AUSTINJONES

SENIORS

Austin, Congratulations on completing this chapter of your life.

God has blessed you with so many wonderful qualities.

Your honesty and integrity just to name a few. We are extremely proud of you. If we can leave you with a little advice as to take on the next stage of life. Always remember to seek God’s council and do not let anyone tell you that you cant do something. If they do, accept it as a challenge to prove them wrong.

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Hedy 167

My sweetheart Hedy, You are the best gift from God in our life and we always give thanks to God for you. You are outgoing, humous and proactive. Ever since you were born, your clear, sweet and strong voice has brought us a lot of joy. You are independent, hard-working and self-driven. In the past six years, you have been studying in US by yourself. You have grown into an elegant and mature young lady and a deep thinker who loves God. We are so proud of you! We thank God for watching over you and pray that He will continue to guide and bless you. May his will become your content and joy. Keep your good work and enjoy your college life. º We love and support you forever!

KELI’I

HORVATH Keli’i, While we hope that you always look back fondly at your time at Hill Country, our hope and prayer is that the best is yet to come.

We are confident that you are ready to take the next steps in your life and couldn’t be more proud of the man you have become. We have been so blessed to have you as our son and will miss hearing your laughter and commentary, seeing your smile and getting big hugs everyday. We love you always! º Love, Mom and Dad

168

REFERENCE

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

MADI

SENIORS

Our Madi, You are passionate. May you always seek God’s will for your life and never settle for the mundane. You are strong.

May the joy of the Lord always be your strength. You are a leader. May you always lead others to Christ and to a deeper relationship with Him. You are selfless. May you always have a compassionate heart, loving others more than yourself. You are dedicated.

May you always run the race set before you with perseverance and a steadfast spirit. You are fun. May you always see the joy in all things, big or small, bringing laughter to all those around you. You are bold. May you always use your voice to defend the oppressed, love His people, and share His message with all nations. You are His. May you grow to love Him more each year, understand the power of the Holy Spirit, and know of His great love for you always. You are ours and we couldn’t love you more. º Mom, Dad, Kinley and Caden

JOSHUA HUANG Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.... “Be strong and courageous... for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8-9)

169

Our dearest Joshua, You are God’s answer to our prayers for a son. You have used kindness, helpfulness, and respect to bless God and those around you. Your investment into robotics, academics and the senior thesis have awed us to the realization that you have grown into a dignified, mature and very capable young man. We are incredibly proud of you! Keep working hard to give God the glory for how He has richly gifted you. º We love you! Mom and Dad

REFERENCE

LANDON WISTE Landon, We are extremely proud of the remarkable young man that you are!

We love you! º Mom, Dad and Taylor

170

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

LOCKEY

You’re truly unique. You’re thoughtful, observant, intelligent and gifted. You’re a blessing and a gift to your family. You’re a wonderful son and brother. You bring humor and wit into the lives of those around you. You’re a ray of hope in a world of doubt. You’re joyful, perseverant, kind and loving. We love you. The Lord has plans for you and we cannot wait to see where He takes you. º Mom, Dad, Katherine, Cecilia and Shane Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

KALYN LEE

Kalyn, As we look back into your life, we have clearly seen His faithfulness. You worked hard, persevered and God saw you through it all. He loves you and sees you, our kind and wise daughter. We pray that God would continue to reveal more of Himself to you in big and small ways. We love you so much and desire God’s best for you. º Love Mom, Dad and Luke

SENIORS

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

171

adviser JOHN HORVATH

seniors

GRACE MARX editor-in-chief

REFERENCE

001-009, 010-011, 012-013, 024-025, 028-029, 034-035, 040-041, 046-047, 054-055, 066-067, 082-083, 094-095, 108-109, 128-129. 172-173, 182-193

KELII HORVATH copy editor 022-023, 026-027, 030-031, 038-039, 048-049, 068-069, 072-073, 088-089, 102-103

KALYN LEE design editor

001, 004-005, 010-011, 020-021, 032-033, 040-041, 042-043, 062-063, 074-075, 092-093, 106-107

JOSHUA LOCKEY

172

002-005, 010-011, 020-021, 124-125, 182-185, 190-193

juniors

OPERATIONS

The 25th volume of the Bard was printed by Balfour Publishing Company in Dallas, Texas.

It is a 192 page book printed in fullcolor on 100 lb. glossy paper.

350 copies were sold betweek $55-65.

225 additional copies were printed by Balfour to be used as a national sample.

The poster insert was printed by 360 Press Solutions.

PRODUCTION

The book was created using Adobe InDesign CC and Photoshop CC on 2 Mac Minis and 17 Macbook Airs. Photos were taken using nine Canon 60D, two Canon 80D and two Canon 6D Mark II cameras. All submitted photos for seniors from professional photographers were run with permission. All portrait and class photos and most team photos were taken by Lifetouch.

ALLISON READ section editor 022-023, 026-027, 030-031, 038-039, 048-049, 126-127, 130-137, 142-153, 154-171

KRISTEN KJAR photo editor 014-015, 044-045, 052-053, 058-059, 060-061, 070-071, 098-099

BETHANY KWAN coverage editor

THEME

The theme, Are You Sure?, was a natural choice for the book. Going into the year, we really had no idea what to expect.

We decided that the most appropriate way to introduce our theme of uncertainty in this year of uncetainty was with a little uncertainty.

That’s why the theme is not included on the cover or even on the title page.

We wanted the reader to feel some uncertainty. It seemed fitting.

That’s exactly how the year began.

Our focus groups agreed with our decision.

We developed our theme over the summer in a socially distanced workshop with Samantha Berry.

Juan Valdez took our cover idea and made it work.

FONTS & COLORS Avenir Next Baskerville

24, 100, 99, 25 91, 48, 49, 34 Pantone 877c

The Veterans

These seniors have been staff members since their freshman year

018-019, 042-043, 052-053, 060-061, 064-065, 104-105, 114-115, 174-181

MEAGAN HERNANDEZ

022-023, 026-027, 030-031, 038-039, 048-049, 138-141

GRACE WILLIAMS

016-017, 036-037, 050-051, 056-057, 090-091, 116-117

KALYN LEE (‘21) DESIGN EDITOR

GRACE MARX (‘21) EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

STAFF STATS

From the adviser...

Mr. Horvath

Kelii, Sharing these four years with you will forever be a highlight of my life.

Dad

Wooooow. What a year.

Guys, nothing in my years on staff could’ve prepared me for what we’d deal with this year — the turbulence COVID would throw us into. From Zooming into our initial planning sessions ten months ago to conducting our first submission whilst I was quarantined, much of my time as editor was spent second-guessing — fitting, I guess, for a theme such as ours. Without such a capable and perservering staff as y’all, it wouldn’t have worked. Kudos for the late-night editing sessions and dealing with frantic final edits. Some of my fondest high school memories have been made in the yearbook room, and thanks because of y’all.

Don’t eat too many jellybeans without me next year! Xoxo,

Grace Marx

sophomores KINLEY BILLINGSLEY

020-021, 086-087, 112-113

020-021, 032-033, 042-043, 078-079, 084-085, 096-097, 120-121

LOGAN TRENNER

014-015, 044-045, 052-053, 074-075, 100-101

freshmen KAYLA CROWE

0

days with 100% of staff in-person

4

64-ounce jars of jellybeans consumed

24

hours of yearbook camp

2

times our editor-inchief was quarantined

8

boxes of Saccone’s pizza devoured in latenight editing

018-019, 122-123

JOSH DAILEY

016-017

GRACELYN JOLY

016-017, 036-037, 050-051, 114-115

CECILIA LOCKEY

022-023, 078-079, 080-081, 084-085, 096-097, 110-111 KELII HORVATH (‘21) COPY EDITOR

HAILEY SMIT

020-021, 032-033, 042-043, 062-063, 096-097, 118-119

17

members on staff

173

REBEKAH SAENZ

The numbers behind the staff’s production of Are You Sure?

COLOPHON

Bard Staff, I hope every time you pick up this book or even just see it on the shelf you feel a deep sense of pride. You set lofty goals, and despite facing many obstacles, you persevered and you finished.

Thank you Seniors. for your dedicaton to excellence.

Kalyn, I admire your fearless approach to yearbook. You stretched yourself to make this and all of us grew as a result.

Grace, Your growth over four years has been remarkable. Without your competitive fire, this book would look quite different.

From the editor...

IND

A

Adams, Alexandra..113, 131 Adepetun, Ethan...........104, 133, 181 Aguayo, Alexis.........37, 115, 136, 140 Aguayo, Blake..........84, 119, 120, 148, 152, 153 Aguayo, Christine..........110 Ahn, Chloe.............113, 132 Alamo, Jackson73, 134, 181 Alegre, Eli ......................140 Alegre, Elizabeth......23, 42, 84, 120, 140, 143 Alegre, Jason..........62, 114, 115, 134 Alexander, Austin..113, 132 Alexander, Bethany.......115, 133, 136 Alford, Carolyn...............181 Allen, Aden ............132, 181 Alwell, Rose Ann............181 Anatomy & Physiology...54, 124 AP Art ............................. 32 AP European History...........

32,183 AP Macroeconomics ....125 $SSHQEULQN $QQDb*UDFH 28, 114, 133, 140 Appenbrink, Will ...118, 146 AP Spanish ................33, 79 Arce, Roman ........... 22, 181 Archer, Hudson ........20, 57, 99, 106, 120, 138, 140, 144 Armbruster, Carter ..85, 181 Arnett, Hunter .93, 113, 131 Arnett, Lila............. 113, 132 Arnett, Riley ..113, 117, 132 Art (LS) ...................... 29, 78 Art (MS) ................. 36, 119 Atkinson, April ...... 110, 137 Avila, Isaiah ........... 113, 131

B

Baltazor, Morgan ...... 44, 83, 113, 131 Baptiste, Edward .. 110, 179 Barnes, Embree ....118, 136, 145, 150 Baseball..74, 100, 149, 151

Classes

Basketball (MS)..58, 59, 60, 61, 70, 71, 87, 146, 148, 149, 152 Basketball (HS).....52, 58, 59, 60, 61, 68, 69, 74, 75, 86, 148, 150 Bayer, Jill ........................ 110 Becker, Annabelle.113, 131 Becker, Eli........62, 114, 115, 134 Becker, Emily.........40E,102, 123 Becker, Titus..........115, 133, 134, 140 Beiler, Josie.....31, 40E, 122, 144 Belaj, Sienna .................. 113 Bernoski, Ella..40D, 75, 123, 148 Bernoski, Nathan..........40D, 42, 74, 90, 91, 125, 141, 143, 151 Bible ............................. 32 Bike Day.......................... 44 Billingsley, Caden.....32, 57, 77, 119, 120, 140, 143, 169 Billingsley, Kinley....16,40D, 63, 69, 75, 77, 85, 98, 123, 140, 141, 143, 148, 150, 169, 173 Billingsley, Kristi ... 110, 169 Billingsley, Madi ............. 26, 31, 39, 40E, 75, 126, 138, 140, 141, 143, 148, 169 Bland, Craig ... 18, 143, 148, 181 Bland, Mia .... 114, 115, 133, 134 Bland, Molly .......... 116, 137 Bland, Sarah................... 110 Bland, Silas...... 29, 113, 131 Bledsoe, Lincoln...... .44, 93, 113, 131 Bledsoe, Trinity ..... 115, 136 Boatright, Ryan.....40C, 125, 140, 147, 148, 153, 191 %RFNXV *UDFLH......120, 138, 140, 141, 146 Bockus, Madison ....91, 115, 136, 190

Anatomy & Physiology......

54, 124 AP Art .........................32 AP European History.......

32,183 AP Macroeconomics.125 AP Spanish ............33, 79 Art (LS) ...................29, 78 Art (MS) .............36, 119 Bible .........................32 Engineering........32, 103 English .................36, 121 Entrepreneurship.......32, 102 History .......................102 Integrated Physics and Chemistry.......12, 13, 37 Library .......18, 108, 109 Physics ................37, 124 Robotics..25, 78, 79, 103 Science...........36, 45, 92, 117, 130 Theater (HS)........56, 57, 140 Theater (MS)........56, 57, 120 Track (HS)........ 94, 100, 101, 147, 150 Track (MS)........150, 152 Yearbook..........172, 173

%RGH *UHWFKHQ % 49, 58, 69, 74, 77, 125, 144, 148, 150, 151 Boles, Savannah ....40F, 122 Boles, Sophia ....... 116, 137 Bolke, Jeremiah.... 134, 181 Borkland, Ryan .....120, 138, 140, 143 Borkland, Slate ..... 116, 137 Boulware, Jordin ...23, 119, 120, 145, 152, 153 Breinich, Nathan ........... 110 Britcher, Annabeth . .....116, 137 Britcher, Charlotte........113, 133

Brothers, Lucy.........44, 113, 131 %URXJKHU *UD\VRQ $ 40E, 53, 84, 123, 126, 138, 141, 153, 162 Brown, McCade ......21, 40B, 122, 138, 144 Brunson, Ainsley....... 15, 32, 39, 40F, 66, 77, 126, 140, 160 Bryan, Alex ....116, 137, 140 Bryan, Elaine ......... 114, 133 Bryan, Ellie .....................133 Burgan, Bella ........106, 119, 120, 138 Burgess, Nick ... 23, 60, 120, 140, 143, 144, 149, 150, 151 Burgess, Thomas ..116, 136, 137 Burke, Kimberly .............110 Burleson, Elaine ... 110, 131 Burleson, Elyssa..... 30, 40C, 123, 141, 144 Burnaman, Seth 118, 120, 153

C

Callagari, Lindsey ..........110 Callegari, Andrew .........115 Callegari, Anneliese......114 Callegari, Drew .....115, 136, 140 Callegari, Ellie.........27, 115, 132, 134 Carpignano, Kassandra 181 Carr, Landon.......56, 57, 61, 97, 121, 140, 143, 144, 148, 150, 151, 176 Carroll, Zachary ... 40B, 103, 122, 138 Carsner, Lily ..40A, 70, 120, 138, 148, 40A &DUVQHU /XF\ * 122, 147, 151 Cates, Brady..........17, 104, 105, 116, 133, 137, 140 Cates, Paige.......15, 27, 33, 39, 40E, 79, 98, 125, 141, 144 Cauley, Bradley .............110 Cavanagh, Ashley ........110 Cavanagh, Katie .. 40E, 122, 138, 190

DEX Cavanagh, Nate ............. 120 Cecil, Lathan ...19, 121, 143, 148, 151, 152 Celauro, Adam .... 40B,123, 138, 141, 153 Cepeda, Alex .. 43, 59, 121, 143, 149 &KHHN *UDFLH & 59, 122, 143, 150 Cheer (HS)..........43, 86, 143, 145 Cheer (MS) ............. 42, 143 Cheij, Nick ......59, 118, 146, 153 Cheng, Art................55, 110 Cheng, Carter .......105, 115, 117, 134, 140 Cheng, Catherine..110, 140 Cheng, Claire........120, 138, 140, 141, 143, 178 Cheng, Cody....23, 40B, 78, 79, 106, 122, 138, 140, 153 &KHVQH\ $QQb(OLVH ...... ..31, 40D, 63, 85, 97, 123, 144, 153 Christianson, Mia.... 11, 35, 115, 134

Christianson, Noah.....105, 115, 134 Christmas.. .......62, 63, 119, 136, 185 Church, Richard ............. 113 Church, Scotty ...... 113, 131 Claunch, August ...112, 113, 132 Claunch, William .....24, 44, 93, 113, 131 Cline, Aiden ..40D, 89, 126, 141, 161, 186 Cline, Kyler ......40F, 42, 43, 122, 138, 143, 161, 40D Cline, Mia.......30, 40E, 123, 140, 141, 144, 161 Cole, Alicia ............ 110, 134 Cole, Robert................... 181 &ROOLQV *DEH ... 14, 40E, 74, 106, 122, 150, 151 &ROOLQV *DEULHO .............. 122 Collins, Joel .... 62, 115, 134 Colvin, Emma......15, 31, 32, 38, 40C, 63, 97, 123, 140, 141, 144, 153, 160 Colvin, Sarah.........30, 40D, 126, 140, 141, 144, 151, 160 Connally, Lauren....40D, 88, 99, 126, 164

Connally, Nathan ...40C,79, 101, 122, 144, 150 Connell, Betsy....20, 57, 70, 95, 120, 138, 140, 141, 144, 148, 153 Connell, John ..........21, 37, * 123, 138, 140, 141, 144, 150 Conner, Kyler.......40C, 122, 153 Conwell, Ben .......120, 143, 153 Cortez, Alexa ....40F, 72, 91, 123, 144 Cottom, Adelaide ...35, 45, 92, 115, 134, 137 Cottom, Oliver ....112, 113, 131 Cox, Addison ..19, 121, 140 &UD\FURIW *UHJ ............. 110 Craycroft, Pete ..... 110, 151 Cross Country (HS) ....20, 21, 48, 49, 144 Cross Country (MS) 20, 144

Crowe, Kayla .... 14, 31, 40E, 122, 140, 144, 173 Curry, Stancey................181 Curry, Ty.... 40F, 42, 69, 122, 143, 150, 151

D

D’Agostino, Adelina......62, 113 D’Agostino, Adelina... 113, 133 Dailey, Josh ...... * 122, 173 Dalke, Debbie....... 110, 132 Darsey, Drew ........40D,123, 138, 140, 141 Davenport, Boden ..... ..115, 134

Next Steps

Thoughts about moving to MS, HS, or college

“I’m excited to have more freedom, but nervous because there’s more stuff and having to get organized with all the different classes.”

Isabella Puckett Grade 5 “It’ll be fun. I’ll be getting new teachers, so I’ll meet new people.

I’m excited about classes next year."

Craig Wilson Grade 8 “It’s nice that I’m moving out because I’ll be living on my own. I’m sad that I’m not going to see my friends.”

Jonathan Peery Class of 2021

Davenport, Vinni...113, 132 Davis, Elizabeth......44, 113, 131 'DYLV *UDQW ...15, 40C, 123, 150 Davis, Liam ....114, 132, 134 Davis, William ................113 'HƓQH /DXUHQ ......113, 114, 117, 133, 136 Degroot, David ..............115 'H*URRW 'DYLG .... 136, 140 Dehnel, Susan................110 DeLaCruz, Matthew 30, 39, 40C, 52, 56, 75, 81, 125 138, 141, 148 Delgadillo, Andrew ...... 115, 133, 136 Delgadillo, Sophia ... 32, 45, 115, 136 'L*HVXDOGR $YHU\ % 77, 89, 126, 157, 186 'L*HVXDOGR &DUWHU 40E 79, 123, 153 Donnowitz, Matt ..... 1, 7, 18, 110, 186 Drenner, Kinsley .... * 123, 138, 141, 144, 153 Dr. Seuss’ Day ..............104 Duncan, Danika ....32, 40C, 71, 87, 122, 138, 140, 150, 151 Duncanson, Vivian..........44, 113, 131, 135 Duncan, Xander ......84, 118 Dyess Collins, Taryn ......118

ZIP ON

At the eighth grade retreat,

Isabel Sass (8) zips down the line after

completing the rock wall. “It was really fun and a good bonding experience between the eighth graders and the juniors,” Sass said. “You got to do cool things like go down zip lines and rock climb.” photographer

Bethany Kwan

FREE FALLING

After being pulled up by his friends, Landon Carr (8) swings freely waiting to be stopped. “We played nine-square a lot,“ Carr said. "I was actually king for a while, until someone got me out on a lucky shot.” photographer Bethany Kwan

E

(GPXQGVRQ *UDFH ...... 116, 137, 140 Edmundson, Reed ..... 114, 134, 136 Edwards, Emma .....92, 115, 132, 134, 137 Eighth Grade Retreat ...189 Eizenhoefer, Aiden..... 120, 141 Eizenhoefer, Mae .......... 136 Eizenhoefer, Morgan ..... 23, 115, 117, 136, 140 Engineering ............ 32, 103 English .................... 36, 121 Entrepreneurship... 32, 102 Etherton, Heather...15, 110, 153 Evans, Drew ........15, 18, 62, 107, 120, 143 Evening of Truth, Beauty and Goodness..104, 105, 137

F

Farrell, Hailey...16, 115, 134, 140 Farrell, Hannah .... 108, 116, 137, 140 Farr, Faith...... * *

)DUU *UDFH... 40D, 123, 141, 144 Faulk, Rayna ..... 30, 40B, 47, 123, 141, 144 Felleisen, Christopher...110, 143 Finnessey, Ben ........27, 115, 134 Finnessey, Ethan...120, 151, 191 Fionda, Dave.................. 181 Fischer, AJ.....115, 134, 140 Fischer, RJ ............. 120, 153 Flores, Cristian..60, 97, 121, 144, 149, 150, 151 Flores, Kelly .................... 181 Flores, Sophia .......105, 108, 116, 137, 140 Football (HS)........42, 43, 48, 53, 143 Football (MS) ...42, 43, 142, 143 Ford, John ...................... 151 Forrister, Caleb . ........15, 64, 118, 153 Foster, Laurel .... ...40D, 123, 144 Foster, Reagan.......39, 40C, 96, 123, 144, 147

G

*DLWKHU &ROWRQ ..... 114, 134 *DLWKHU .LQVOH\ ......73, 115, 136 *DOHOOD 3H\WRQ 57, 120, 138, 140, 141,143 *DOHOOD 7KHUHVD ......92, 110 *DUGLQHU -D[RQ ....106, 143, 181 *DUJLXOR &DUO\ .............. 181 *DUULVRQ 6RSKLD & 53, 55, 87, 126, 141, 146, 155 *LDUUDWDQR $- 40E, 122, 144, 150 *LDUUDWDQR /DXUHQ 40D, 51, 57, 123, 138, 140, 141, 144 *LOHV $EEH\ ... 22, 106, 118 *LOHV $ELJDLO ................ 118 *LOHV 0LNH ............ 110, 136 *LOOH\ %ODGH ..... 18, 84, 119, 121, 141, 149, 152, 153 *LOOH\ 4XHVW .113, 131, 132 *LOOLDP 0DU\ .........107, 121, 140 *LOOLDP 7UH\ .... 40E, 91, 122 *LOPRUH (PPD ' 123 *LOPRUH -HQQD 140 *LOPRUH 6\GQH\ 140 *LUGOHU (OLMDK ................. 115 *LUGOHU (WKDQ........ 114, 134 *LUGOHU .DL ..................... 137 *ODFH /HVOLH................... 110 *ODFH 0DQG\ ' 126, 141, 144, 150, 153, 166 *ODW]O 0RUJDQ ........40E, 84, 126, 151, 162

Golf (HS) ....96, 97, 101, 147, 153 Golf (MS)...............152, 153 *RQ]DOH] 'D\DQQD .......110 *RXOHW $OLFH ..................110 *UD\VRQ 5H[ ... .....40E, 122, 138, 150, 153, 40E *URVV $QGHUVRQ 148 *XHYDUD $QWKRQ\ ..35, 115, 134 *XHYDUD &KORH .............118 *XHYHUD &KORH .............141 *XLGU\ &RQQRU..... 113, 131

H

+DFNQH\ *UDKDP 118, 146 Halloween .......................35 Harmilton, Carmen .......181 Hamilton, Nora.........17, 32, 40E, 91, 102, 126, 140, 143, 151, 159 Hammack, Colter......59, 84, 118, 146 Hammack, Josie....113, 131 Hannusch, Kimberly......110 Hansum, Emma ....113, 114, 132 Hansum, Liam ...............115 Hansum, Sarah .... 113, 131 Harland, Katriel ......40E, 62, 126, 163, 187, 40E Harris, Aaron 40B, 74, 101, 122, 138, 150, 151 Harrison, Kristin .... 110, 134 +DWƓHOG %UDHGHQ ..........118 +DWƓHOG 0RUJDQ .. ..31, 40F, 57, 122, 138, 144 +DWƓHOG 5\DQ 40B, 57, 125, 138, 140, 141, 144, 150, 178 Henderson, Anna ..........120 Henderson, Lauryn ...... 105, 116, 137 Henderson, Taylor .... ....119, 120, 145 Hernandez, Angel 110, 144, 148, 150 Hernandez, Meagan 33, 40D, 75, 86, 125, 141, 144, 146, 151, 172 Hernandez, Molly ........118, 141, 145, 146, 153 Hernandez, Riley...115, 134 Hernandez, Sam.....59, 118, 146 Hernandez, Sara.......65, 99, 118, 146, 150 Herring, David...20, 40B, 71, 73, 126, 138, 141, 144, 151, 153, 155 Herring, Mary Lou .110, 177 Hill, Alyssa ..... 49, 120, 140, 145 Hill, Jax ..........115, 117, 134 History ...........................102 Hobbs, Christopher .......46, 120, 141, 143, 153 Hobbs, Jacob.........37, 118, 142, 143, 146, 153

Hokr, Hunter...........82, 118, 143, 146 Hokr, Lincoln......... 115, 134 Holden, Elera................. 114 Holder, Janet ................. 110 Holguin, Adam ..... 118, 143 Holland, Erika ....... 131, 181 Holmberg, Erica ............ 181 Holmberg, Sarai ...118, 145, 146, 152 Holmberg, Sloane..... ...115, 117, 131, 134 Holsman, Lyla..........73, 121, 138, 146 Homecoming 3, 10, 38, 39,45, 182 Horne, Addison ...114, 129, 132, 134 Horne, Brady ........./40E, 73, 126, 138, 141, 160

How has the school changed in the past 25 years?

“We’ve grown as a school and upgraded a lot of things, like the sports facility.”

Mrs. Herring

“It’s a lot bigger than it used to be, and with the size there’s more of an energy.”

Mr. Horvath Horne, Dillon....42, 60, 120, 143, 149 Horne, Scott 110, 143, 150 Horvath, Carolyn.....47, 110, 168 Horvath, John.......110, 168, 172, 173, 177 Horvath, Kelii...38, 40A, 40F, 42, 48, 55, 80, 87, 126, 138, 141, 143, 151, 153, 168, 172 Horvath, Kimo...16, 40E, 43, 56, 69, 91, 123, 138, 141, 143, 151, 168 Howard, Ethan..40E, 48, 51, 60, 68, 84, 122, 143, 148, 151

Huang, Elijah.........115, 134, 140 Huang, Elizabeth...121, 138, 140 Huang, Joshua..........18, 20, 40D, 78, 79, 103, 126, 140, 141, 144, 169 Huang, Rachel........88, 107, 126, 140, 141 Hubbard, Kaydence..48, 70, 84, 120, 145, 148 Hubler, Carmela ............ 181 Hudgens, Anna.........30, 31, 40D, 98, 123, 138, 141, 144, 148, 150, 153 Hudgens, Chelsea...70, 121, 146, 148, 150, 152 Hudgens, Kristen....16, 31, 33, 39, 40F, 86, 98, 125, 138, 141, 144, 148, 189 Hudgens, Philip....110, 143, 153 Hufnagel, Heidi.....19, 114, 133 Hurn, Trent....120, 143, 149, 153

I

Integrated Physics and Chemistry........ 12, 13, 37 Ivanov, Maksim ..... 115, 134

J

Jackson, Ainsley....73, 120, 140, 145, 147, 153 Jackson, Aland....116, 136, 137 Jackson, Amy ................. 181 -DFNVRQ *UDFH ( 53, 58, 75, 96, 125, 141, 144, 148, 151 -DFNVRQ 4XDLG * 122, 143, 150 Jacobs, Brock ....... 115, 136 James, Mallie ..71, 118, 141, 145, 146, 150, 152, 153 Jang, Nathan .113, 131, 190 Jasek, Karen ......... 110, 133 Johnson, Miley .... ....48, 70, 120, 145, 148 -RO\ *UDFHO\Q ........40E, 86, 122, 143, 173 Jones, Angelina 40D, 57, 59, 65, 122, 150, 151 Jones, Austin 40F, 73, 100, 102, 126, 151, 167 Jones, Brooks ....... 114, 133 -RQHV &DUROLQHb+DUSHU 113, 131 Jones, Savannah ..115, 134, 140 Jones, William .............. 114 Jovanovski, Avah . 132, 181

K

Kainer, Hannah.........29, 44, 114, 133 Kapitaniuk, Hannah...... 110, 137 Keadle, Conlan ......22, 106, 146, 181 Keadle, Lochlan .....70, 144, 149, 151, 181 .HQ\RQ *DJH % 126, 141, 151, 157 Kiang, Christopher.........35, 115, 134 Kiang, Sophie.........63, 114, 133 Kieper, Caeden.........20, 31, 40D, 48, 52, 60, 66, 86, 126, 138, 148, 158 Kim, Nathaniel......114, 117, 132, 140 King, Cruz....................... 110 Kinne, Anthony .......27, 112, 115, 136 Kinne, Ella ...... 44, 132, 181 Kinne, Ethan. 116, 117, 137, 190 Kipfer, Willy .... 64, 118, 146, 153 Kirkland, Kailey ..... 51, 123, 138 Kirklin, Arleen ............... 110 Kjar, Kristen.......33, 39, 40F, 86, 91, 125, 141, 143, 172 Knisley, Kaden ......121, 143, 148, 151 Knowles, Kimberly 131, 181 Koll, Joaquin ... 22, 137, 181 Koll, Kasen............. 134, 181 Kouri, Creed..150, 152, 181 Kouri, West ......40F, 99, 147, 150, 181 .UDO *LQJHU .................... 110 Kreager, Anna .......118, 120, 150 Kreager, Ben ......... 115, 134 Kreager, Caleb .......62, 116, 137 Kriel, Ethan .........29, 57, 85, 118, 120, 143, 146, 150, 152 Kriel, Josh....19, 40E, 56, 85, 91, 98, 101, 123, 138, 141, 150 Kupec, Steel.....31, 39, 40D, 42, 43, 53, 76, 127, 138, 143, 151, 156 Kurz, Everett .......... 113, 131 Kwan, Amadeus..... ...18, 29, 104, 116, 137, 140 Kwan, Bethany........14, 40B, 75, 86, 125, 140, 141, 146, 172 Kwan, Wesley......12, 36, 97, 121, 138, 140, 151

Events Bike Day....................... 44 Christmas.....62, 63, 119, 136, 185 Dr. Seuss’ Day ..........104 Eighth Grade Retreat .......................189 Evening of Truth, Beauty and Goodness....

104, 105, 137 Halloween....................35 Homecoming .. 3, 10, 38, 39,45, 182 Operation Christmas Child ..............10 Petting Zoo ......104, 137 Pioneer Day ..............137 Renaissance Festival 112 Science Fair................114 Snow.........66, 67, 80, 81, 84, 85, 182 Sock Hop ..............83, 93 Speech Meet ......93, 133 Spelling Bee......116, 117 Talent Show ..............132 Texas Independence Day.......105, 137 Valentine’s Day ..........92

L

Lair, Leticia ........... 110, 134 Lakey, Ben ..... 26, 112, 115, 136, 140 LaLanne, Ann ................. 181 Lambert, Ryan................ 116 Laurentiu, Samuel.........115, 134 Lee, Jonathan.........60, 102, 123, 141, 148, 150 Lee, Kalyn.........20, 37, 40B, 42, 53, 127, 140, 141, 144, 171, 172 Lee, Luke .......120, 150, 171 Leick, Jaxson ......... 113, 131 Leick, Temple .. 93, 131, 181 Leick, Zoie .... 118, 141, 145, 146, 147, 150 Letz, Khristian........ 40B, 63, 85, 101, 123, 153 /HZLV *LD 133 Library ........... 18, 108, 109 Li, Jinxi....22, 40D, 122, 140 Lind, Browning ..... 121, 138 Lind, Raegan ......... 113, 131 Liska, Kace.....132, 134, 181 Liska, Kolt ......104, 134, 181 Liska, Kyler ...... 93, 131, 181 Lockey, Cecilia..18, 22, 40E, 77, 106, 122, 138, 170, 173 Lockey, Joshua.......40D, 77, 106, 127, 170, 172, 192 Lockey, Katherine.........40D, 123, 170, 190 Lockey, Shane .......113, 131, 170 Lopez, Mason ....... 113, 131 Lorance, Morgan .. 137, 181 Lorance, Shelby .... 133, 181 Loveday, Blaire.......40E, 65, 88, 127, 140, 157 Loveday, Holley ............. 110 Lowery, Kamryn ....116, 117, 137 Lucero, Nichole ............ 110 /\FKQHU &ROW * 61, 68, 125, 140, 141, 148, 153

M

MacMullen, Patty ........... 110 Madeja, Caroline .... ......113, 131, 135

Looking Back

Students reflect on a difficult year

Majeda, Colin.........44, 105, 132, 181 Maki, Kayla..........12, 42, 49, 119, 121, 140, 141, 143, 146 Marchand, Bennett.........44, 93, 113, 131 Martens, Adam.....120, 140, 141, 148, 153 Martens, James......20, 40E, 122, 144, 147, 150 Martins, Tori......16, 40D, 43, 122, 140, 143 Marx, Ari.........98, 121, 140, 141, 145, 151, 153 0DU[ *UDFH * 42, 81, 86, 91, 98, 127, 138, 140, 141, 143, 154, 172 Marx, Jeff ................1, 6, 110 Masri, Austin...93, 105, 136, 137, 181 Masri, Dakota..93, 104, 113, 131 Masri, Violet ................... 181 Masri, Wyatt.....14, 114, 133 Masters, Hunter.......21, 40E, 43, 48, 53, 55, 127, 138, 143, 144, 150, 151, 156 0DWWR[ 0DVRQ * 122, 123,138, 140, 141, 143, 144, 145, 151 Maul, Mike............. 149, 150 McArthur, Jackson . ......114, 134, 140 McColl, Caitlin .........14, 110 McCormick, Ava ... 114, 132 McCormick, Jaxon..........93, 113, 131, 135 McCullough, Mason.....122, 40B McCullough, Miles.......115, 134 McFerren, McKenzie.....115, 136 McFerren, Raven.....28, 114, 133 McKinney, Josh......148, 181 McLeod, Hudson..40C, 102, 125, 143, 153 McMickle, Casey ........... 110 McNabb, James....113, 131, 137 McSpadden, Ellie ....40F, 66, 75, 85, 86, 88, 127, 138, 140, 141, 148, 165 0F6SDGGHQ /XNH * 60, 63, 66, 85, 88, 125, 148, 153, 165

“I feel like the school is giving us a lot of room to mature and grow. I think we were able to finally have some human interaction.

This really helped with my mental health.”

Amy Schauer Grade 6

Sports

Baseball 74, 100, 149, 151 Basketball (MS)...58, 59, 60, 61, 70, 71, 87, 146, 148, 149, 152 Basketball (HS).....52, 58, 59, 60, 61, 68, 69, 74, 75, 86, 148, 150 Cheer (HS)..........43, 86, 143, 145 Cheer (MS) ........42, 143 Cross Country (HS) ....20, 21, 48, 49, 144 Cross Country (MS) ...20, 144 Football (HS)........42, 43, 48, 53, 143 Football (MS) ......42, 43, 142, 143 Golf (HS) ....96, 97, 101, 147, 153 Golf (MS)..........152, 153 Soccer (HS).... 68, 69, 71, 74, 75, 86, 87, 151 Soccer (MS)........97, 100, 101, 151, 152 Softball.........96, 97, 101, 147, 151 Swimming......75, 86, 87, 146 Tennis (HS) ....100, 101, 153 Tennis (MS).......152, 153 Volleyball (HS)....30, 31, 144 Volleyball (MS) ....48, 49, 145, 146, 147

McSpadden, Oliver........59, 120, 138, 149, 152, 153, 165 Melancon, Brendan........24, 40B, 74 127, 143, 151, 159 Melancon, Kathleen......110, 132 Melancon, Samantha ...40D, 85, 96, 138, 151, 181 Mendrala, Dillon......40E, 79, 122 Mendrala, Sam.......120, 143 Miailovich, Anna ............ 181 Miailovich, Eloise . 133, 181

0LOOHU *UDFH ......... 131, 181 Miller, Liam ........... 132, 181 Miller, Luke ...112, 114, 132 Miller, Sophia .........64, 136, 140, 181 0LOOLFDQ *UDFH ...... 116, 137 Milton, Allie ...115, 132, 134 Milton, Haley .......20, 57, 71, 120, 140, 141, 144, 148 Mitchell, Sharon ...........111 Mote, Christian..........15, 39, 40A, 40D, 101, 125, 140, 141, 150, 153 Moya, Nickolas ..... 116, 137 Mwangi, Nia ..... 19, 40E, 85, 122, 138

N

Nakama, Austin ...114, 132, 190 Nardecchia, Braden......40F, 125, 140, 148 Nazarenus, Karen....79, 111 Nazarenus, Landon..72, 91, 118 Nelson, Ashleigh..18, 40D, 53, 58, 81, 96, 125, 141, 150, 151 Nelson, Kaiden..23, 58, 87, 120, 149 Nelson, Kaleb...23, 70, 120, 149 Nelson, Luke.........121, 143, 147, 149 Newman, Chase ............111 1LFKROVRQ 4XLQQ Nicholson, Zachary.......113, 131 Noel, Liam ............ 133, 181 Norrell, Beck ......... 115, 136

O

Novlan, Sarah ................111 2DNHV *ULIƓWK.......114, 133, 137 O’Banion, Ashleigh ......121 O’Banion, Jake ..... 115, 134 2ō%ULHQ *UDFH ...... 32, 64, 119, 121, 140, 141, 146 O’Connor, Declan ..........92, 115, 134, 140 O’Connor, Hannah.......116, 137, 140 O’Donnell, Caden..........60,

“The contrast of being in “My favorite things about “The voicing of differing person and online stood opinions and beliefs this year have been the out to me the most. When cohorts. I have enjoyed throughout the school. I I was quarantined, I missed getting to know fewer think it’s fantastic to have seeing friends, hands-on people very well but also such a diverse body to betactivities and even the spend time with the other ter learn about such issues change of scenery.” cohort through electives.” from differing sides.”

Claire Cheng Ryan Hatfield Liza Sayles Grade 7 Class of 2022 Grade 8

121, 138, 149, 151 2ō*UDG\ &U\VWDO ........... 111 Oō*UDG\ -DFNVRQ 117, 136, 140 2ō*UDG\ 3UHVOH\ 133, 140 Okpaku, Chloe.......17, 105, 115, 132, 134 Olson, Isabella .........64, 121 Operation Christmas Child 10 O’Rand, Charlie ..... 45, 133, 181 O’Rand, Helen .......45, 115, 136, 140 Orbock, Danielle......42, 49, 51, 121, 141, 143, 145 Orbock, James.....104, 116, 137, 140 Orred, Kai....20, 37, 39, 40F, 52, 86, 125, 138,

P

140, 148, 151 Pace, Alana ...113, 131, 132 Pace, Mason ...........62, 115, 134, 140 Pantoja, Lisa .................. 111 Parr, Lauren ... 22, 121, 141, 146 Patterson, Colton...121, 153 Patterson, Samantha..22, 42, 181 Paules, Rickie ........ 111, 131 Peck, Riley...... 40E, 51, 127, 162, 191 Peeples, Will..........112, 115, 130, 136, 140 Peery, Jonathan .... 40C, 73, 89, 127, 163, 175 Petrocelli, Joey......115, 136, 140 Petting Zoo ..........104, 137 Physics .................... 37, 124 Pioneer Day ..................137 Pokorney, Suzanne ....... 111 Poltrock, Alexis ....118, 120, 141 Poltrock, Jeanette..118, 141 Poppe, David .......118, 143, 146 Poppe, Samuel......119, 121, 143 Prescott, Andrew.....36, 100, 103, 122, 138, 140, 150, 151 Prescott, Ava ... 98, 134, 181 Pretorius, Daniel.......35, 92, 115, 131, 134 Pryor, Jake......40D, 71, 123, 138, 140, 151 Puckett, Isabella....116, 137, 175 Purslow, Owen......120, 140, 145, 153 Pyo, Jessica ..............88, 111

R

Ramirez, Alex . 44, 132, 181

Read, Allison.......26, 33, 38, 40B, 39, 75, 86, 125, 138, 140, 141, 143, 146, 148, 150, 172 Reese, Lauren...32, 33, 40D, 51, 123, 125, 140, 141, 153, 189 Reese, Lizzy.....84, 106, 118, 121, 141, 145 Reese, Natalie...40B, 62, 91, 96, 123, 151, 188 Reichenau, Sherrie........111, 133 Reisch, Charlie .......51, 118, 141, 146, 153 Reisch, Jennifer ............ 111 Renaisance Festival .....112 Reyna, Karsyn ............... 118 Rheinheimer, Abe ... 18, 65, 106, 121, 138, 140, 152, 153 Rhoden, Emory......35, 40D, 75, 125, 141, 144, 148, 150, 153 Rincones, Katelyn.........114, 132, 134, 140 5REHUWV *UDFH ......114, 133, 190 Robotics ..... 25, 78, 79, 103 Rodriguez, Mason ......... 125 Rogers, Landry........62, 117, 132, 181 Rogers, Victoria.......13, 40F, 57, 64, 69, 91, 127, 138, 151, 158 Romney, Jenna ........51, 118 Rose, Jackson ......120, 143, 149 Rot, Nancy ............. 111, 136 Royce, Aaron .. 45, 131, 181 Royce, Nadya ........116, 117, 137 Rozek, Shelby....10, 33, 112, 115, 136, 140 Rozell, Michelle .... 114, 134 Rozell, Olivia .................. 113 Rueda, Isabel ........ 114, 133 Rueda, Victoria........62, 113, 131 Ruskin, Kat.42,118, 141, 143 Ryg, Jude ........ 26, 115, 136 Ryg, Lael ........114, 132, 134 Rylaarsdam, Aden.........115, 130, 134 Rylaarsdam, Arie...115, 134, 191

S

Saenz, Rebekah...... 40E, 58, 59, 65, 79, 101, 125, 150, 151, 173 6DJHU *OHQQD ................ 111 Salazar, Hunter .....114, 117, 132, 134 Salviander, Helena ...... ...93, 133, 181 Santos, Kayla.....36, 40F, 51, 80, 84, 125, 141 Sass, Aaron.......40C, 43, 68, 87, 88, 91, 97, 127, 143, 151, 153, 165 Sass, Isabel ..........101, 121, 141, 144, 148, 151, 176

“

I think the school has changed in terms of culture.

The student body seems to be ready for change in terms of how we see Christ and our relationship with God.

Mr. Baptiste

BY THE NUMBERS Numerical statistics from the school year

35

virtual students in Q4

REFERENCE

0

days of total school shutdown

91

180

faculty and staff

530

students at the beginning of the year

48

classrooms

25

years of Hill Country

Saxman, Suzanne............181 Sayles, Liza .....48, 119, 121, 138, 145, 178 Sayles, Sophie....23, 27, 33, * 125, 138, 140, 141, 153 6FDOLVL *DEULHO ............... 118 Scalisi, Natalia ....... 114, 133 Scata, Ela.........37, 121, 138, 143, 146, 190 Scata, Will............14, 32, 39, $ * Schauer, Amy........118, 129, 145, 147, 178 6FKDXHU $P\ *Z\Q ...... 118 Schauer, Sarah........36, 118, 145, 153 Schulenburg, Laura.......106, 111 Science.......36, 45, 92, 117, 130 Science Fair ...................114 6FLPRQH *UDKDP 133, 140 Scimone, Lilah...........22, 27, 115, 134 Scimone, Violet.....113, 131, 135 Seale, Susan ................... 111 Senior, Mallory...... 37, 40D, 77, 123, 150, 40D Sharples, Naomi.....91, 92, 115, 117, 134 Sharples, Nathaniel......120 Sharples, Noelle...105, 108, 116, 137 Shaver, Joy Victoria......115 Shaw, Riverson.........36, 39, 40B, 42, 61, 77, 123, 143, 150, 151 Sherven, Samara.......18, 37, * Shetty, Mia............. 137, 181 Shi, Caleb ......134, 140, 181 Shi, Mark .......132, 140, 181 Shin, Erin.......105, 108, 116, 137, 140 Shin, Ian............ 23, 65, 138, 140, 141, 153 Shin, Isaac ......12, 121, 138, 140, 153 Shoaff, Hannah........31, 40F, 53, 98, 102, 125, 141, 144 6KRDII /HYL * 69, 77, 86, 125, 148, 151, 153 Shoaff, Wyatt ...40B, 53, 69, 85, 87, 125, 144, 150, 151 6KXIƓHOG -RVKXD 87, 121, 141, 149 Silbermann, Christopher * 143, 150, 151, 153 Silbermann, Nicholas ...37, 97, 121, 140, 150, 151, 152, 153 Smelser, Kerry .............. 111 6PLW *UDFLH 119, 120, 140, 143, 145 Smit, Hailey ......40E, 77, 81, 123, 138, 143, 173 6PLWK %UD\GHQ * 127, 151, 167

Smith, Kyle .....55, 120, 140, 143, 153 Smith, Rylan....33, 115, 117, 133, 136 Smith, Tracy ........... 111, 131 Snapp, Janet ........ 111, 131 Snapp, Lindsay ......26, 115, 134 Snapp, Nathan ......40D, 53, 72, 125, 138, 144 Snow..... 66, 67, 80, 81, 84, 85, 182 Soccer (HS).... 68, 69, 71, 74, 75, 86, 87, 151 Soccer (MS) .. 97, 100, 101, 151, 152 Sock Hop ................. 83, 93 Softball....96, 97, 101, 147, 151 Song, Zan...............137, 140, 181 Sorley, Hannah........18, 111, 124 Spates, Eli .............. 113, 131 Spates, Jacob.......120, 138, 149 Speech Meet ......... 93, 133 Spelling Bee .........116, 117 Stanley, Addison...118, 141, 145, 146, 152, 153 Stanley, Luke.........115, 130, 133, 136, 140 Stanley, Walker.......62, 114, 133 Starek, Ryan...40D, 123, 153 Stephens, Khyia......40C, 85, 123, 150 Stephens, Makel....107, 121, 143, 147 Stevenson, Kian ..... 78, 115, 132, 136 Strubhar, Jacob ......22, 111 Succes, Marx ........ 113, 131 Sullivan, Charlie..... * 100, 149, 15 Swimming .. 75, 86, 87, 146 Synstegard, Matthew ... 121, 138

T

Talent Show .................. 132 7DOO\ *DYLQ ........... 113, 131 Tally, Madison ...... 132, 181 Tarlton, Aaron ................ 181 Taylor, Sami ......21, 40E, 49, 74, 84, 125, 138, 141, 144, 150 Teeter, Andrew..40C, 42, 61, 99, 123, 144, 150 Teeter, Riley.........20, 70, 91, 120, 144, 148 Tennis (HS) ....100, 101, 153 Tennis (MS) ...........152, 153 Terech, Justin........104, 113, 131 Terlip, Camden .....105, 131, 181 Texas Independence Day ...

105, 137 Thayer, Brody...17, 115, 116 Thayer, Reagan ..... 114, 134

Theater (HS)........56, 57, 140 Theater (MS) .....56, 57, 120 Thompson, Sadah....70, 73, 120, 140, 148 Thompson, Zane .... 40F, 49, 144, 150, 181 Tindol, Ayden ...... 118, 190 7ROHGRbGRVb6DQWRV .DLR......

22, 106, 118, 141 7ROHGRbGRVb6DQWRV /LDQD ...

116, 134 Towell, Lizzie ....23, 40C, 57, 84, 125 138, 141 Track (HS)........ 94, 100, 101, 147, 150 Track (MS) .............150, 152 Tracy, Jessica ............1, 111 Treadaway, Beckett ..... .113, 131 Trenner, Logan ......15, 40C, 125, 141, 151, 173 7VDODPDQGULV *DEE\ ... 132, 181 Tsuei, Silas 18, 39, 40C, 52, 60, 100, 138, 140, 141, 148, 15 Tsuei, Tina .....................111 Turner, Cash ... 91, 115, 134 Turner, Jamison ......71, 118, 141, 145, 146, 147, 150 Turner, Luke .......... 113, 131 Turner, Madelyn ........... 114, 132,134, 137

U V

Utama, Zechariah 104, 105, 116, 137, 140

9DFHN 0LULDP * 102, 125, 140, 141, 144 Vacek, Ty .....66, 70, 87, 120, 140, 143, 149 Vadlapatla, Adarsh......... 24, 40E, 78, 80, 103, 140, 141, 153, 40A Valentine’s Day ..............92 9DOHQ]XHOD *DEULHOOD 118, 119, 141, 145, 146, 150, 152, 153 9DQGHQEHUJ *UDQW 134, 140, 181 Vasquez, Cylas .........63, 93, 114, 133 9HUb0HHU $GGLVRQ 116, 134 9HUZD\HQ *DYLQ Vettraino, Isaiah.....132, 134, 181 Vickers, Annette....111, 131 Vilcek, Brianna ........32,40B, 69, 74, 97, 98, 125, 141, 150, 151, 153

9LOFHN *DEE\ 121, 138, 140, 146, 150, 151, 152 Volleyball (HS).........30, 31, 144 Volleyball (MS) .. ......48, 49, 145, 146, 147 9RQb/HKPGHQ .LPEHUO\ .....

111, 134, 183

W

Wallace, Alexis .....112, 116, 136, 140 :DOODFH *DEE\ ..... 65, 114, 133 Wallace, Janae..........12, 51, 121, 138 Wallace, Karsen....40B, 109, 125, 151 Walser, Ashton ............. 116 Walser, Elle.....................181 Warner, Petra ....... 113, 131 :DVKLQJWRQ *DEH ...... 114, 129, 132 Washington, Noah . ......115, 133 :HPSH *UDG\ :HPSH *UD\VRQ 148 Westbrook, Zackariah.....51, 120, 148, 150 White, Jordan....81, 99, 118, 141, 153 White, Kinsey....15, 40D, 51, 62, 75, 77, 96, 138, 148, 151, 181 White, Parker...17, 116, 133, 136, 140 Whitted, Juniper......28, 133, 140, 181 Whitted, Lisa..........111, 136 Whitted, Llewellyn.....44, 93, 113, 131, 135 :KLWWHG 4XLQ 137 Wiatrek, Evan ..........13, 111 Widjaja, Lucia ..45, 113, 131 :LHJHUW *ZHQ 120, 150 Wiegert, Stella ...... 121, 140 Wilkerson, Everett........105, 116, 136 Willette, Hannah ............181 :LOOLDPV *UDFH ( 77, 140, 141, 143, 153, 172 Williams, Jariah.....115, 117, 131, 134, 137 Williams, Kynslie ......64, 93, 134, 181 Williamson, Peyton.......116, 133, 137 Williams, Sam....37, 39, 40E, 42, 43, 51, 53, 100, 138, 143, 151, 181 Williams, Scarlet....113, 131 Willis, Ambur .................111 Willis, Benjamin....104, 105, 116, 137, 140 Willis, Brandon .....114, 117, 132

Wilson, Christian.....59, 121, 140, 149, 151, 152, 153 Wilson, Craig.....12, 99, 121, 153, 175 Wilson, Sydney .... 137, 181 Wiste, Landon .......40C, 60, 68, 85, 127, 138, 141, 148, 170 Wong, Dorcas ........23, 106, 127, 138, 141 Woodford, Aly ....17, 49, 56, 119, 121, 138, 140, 146, 166 Woodford, Brady..........40A, 40D, 60, 73, 127, 138, 141, 148, 166 Wright, Luke ... 14, 132, 181 Wright, Warren .......27, 116, 136 Wu, Julianne....62, 116, 137

X

Xiao, Angelina ..... 140, 181 Xie, Huaicheng ..... 18, 40C, 150, 181

Y

Yang, Sowon ...63, 113, 131 Yearbook...............172, 173 Yin, Hannah .... 73, 131, 181 Young, Bella ......... 116, 137 Young, Jackson........ 42, 59, 120, 138, 140, 143, 149 Young, Mia .................... 116

Z

Zatopek, Kate ...... 114, 132 Zatopek, Sam 116, 137 Zhang, Hedy 26, 37, 39, 40C, 91, 101, 127, 138, 140, 141, 153, 167

Missing from Mugs Due to COVID-19, many were unable to attend school for either picture day Pre-Kinder Temple Leick Kyler Liska *UDFH 0LOOHU Kindergarten Kimberly Knowles Aaron Royce Camden Terlip Hannah Yin First Grade Aden Allen Avah Jovanovski Ella Kinne Shelby Lorance Colin Majeda Eloise Miailovich Liam Miller Liam Noel Charlie O’Rand Alex Ramirez Landry Rogers Helena Salviander Mark Shi Madison Tally *DEE\ 7VDODPDQGULV Isaiah Vettraino Elle Walser Luke Wright Second Grade Ethan Adepetun Kolt Liska Ava Prescott Zan Song *UDQW 9DQGHQEHUJ Juniper Whitted Kynslie Williams Third Grade Jackson Alamo Jeremiah Bolke Kasen Koll Kace Liska Fourth Grade Anna Miailovich Sophia Miller Caleb Shi Fifth Grade Joaquin Koll Morgan Lorance Austin Masri Mia Shetty Sydney Wilson

Sixth Grade Conlan Keadle Seventh Grade -D[RQ *DUGLQHU &DUO\ *DUJLXOR Violet Masri Eighth Grade Lochlan Keadle Creed Kouri Freshmen Kassandra Carpignano Samantha Melancon Zane Thompson Kinsey White Sam Williams Angelina Xiao Huaicheng Xie Sophomores Roman Arce West Kouri Juniors Carter Armbruster Samantha Patterson Faculty and Staff Carolyn Alford Rose Ann Alwell Craig Bland Robert Cole Stancey Curry Dave Fionda Kelly Flores Carmen Hamilton Erika Holland Erica Holmberg Carmela Hubler Amy Jackson Ann LaLanne Josh McKinney Suzanne Saxman Aaron Tarlton Hannah Willette

OVERC we

At home all year

Postseasons lost

Tiny student section

Rolling blackouts

Upper School shutdown

Eight inches of snow

Homecoming cancelled

Showering at the school

COVID red phase

Getting called down to the g ym

Week without water

Boiling drinking water

Limited clubs Assigned seats Cancelled virtual pep rallies

CAME every obstacle We rolled with the punches as best we could.

I mean, that’s life, right?

But this felt different.

It wasn’t so much getting used to Mrs. Von Lehmden’s tests or acclimating to the rigor of AP Euro as sophomores.

That’s “normal” stuff.

Each day brought a different test of our flexibility and resolve.

We showed up for school only to be sent home to quarantine.

We ate lunch out in the parking lot.

And when we were finally hitting our stride in February, Texas did its best Minnesota impersonation.

No water?

No electricity?

No problem!

By this time, we were seasoned veterans.

Just another turn in the road.

If we weren’t sure of our resilience in August, we had no doubts in April.

and found a

When the dust finally settled, we realized we had much to be thankful for.

We began the year with ten uninterrupted weeks of class.

While our friends in public schools, even those on campus, attended all of their classes on Zoom, ours met in person.

Meanwhile, those of us who needed to stay home were able.

And it wasn’t just classes we salvaged.

The Christmas play took place outside.

Truth, Beauty and Goodness spread over two nights.

And seniors looked forward to an indoor graduation.

Sure, not everything was ideal.

But we made it work.

It kind of makes you wonder.

Would we have been better off without the struggle?

We’re not so sure.

Upper School Principal Mr. Donnowitz reflects and looks to the future B A R D S TA F F : A l o t of unpredented events happened--from COVID to a snow shutdown. For you, what was the most difficult event to plan around?

MR. DONNOWITZ: In general, COVID. Absolutely.

From this past summer, it’s been COVID. I think everything that’s been on my radar truly in one form or another has stemmed from that. In terms of student burnout, in terms of teachers being overly tasked, it all stemmed back to the additional stressors that come from coping in one form or another. The winter storm—that was unprecedented. In my family, we lost gas. All week, we had no heat.

Our house was 30 degrees.

Electricity was on and off—no water. I think a lot of people

line

1) (‘ 2

Avery DiGesualdo (‘21)

Ai

C den

were in that same boat that week. That was a challenge as well, but nothing compared to COVID. When looking forward to endof-year events like graduation, what has been your planning process?

At this point of this interview, we will be able to have all of our families and all of the guests they want to bring with them-thank God. It’ll be as much of a normal graduation as is possible at this time. For us planning, you know, it was just, again, the uncertainties, in the fall and then in the winter still of what graduation is going to look like. But now we can see the end— the

light at the end of the tunnel— and what it’s gonna look like when we get to graduation and what we get when we get to the end of the year.

What lead up to the decision to not continue synchronous learning as an option for the following school year?

Seeing the numbers in Texas go down, we didn’t feel the need to continue. And we saw the difficulty that it is to truly engage students remotely. We do not plan to continue with remote learning in the future. I would even just say too, again, it does create additional stress on the faculty and staf f. As

administrators, we want our teachers to not be stretched too thin by trying to engage students who are remote.

When thinking about the upcoming school year, do you have any glaring uncertainties?

Let me think. I feel like the school is actually in the best position that it’s ever been in, in terms of enrollment, in terms of retention of students, and in terms of new families coming to Hill Country. And in terms of just where we are as a school, having the MAC, looking at our strategic five-year plan, looking, you know, five years down the road toward a new academic building. I think the school is in a solid place truly that it has not been in the past, in terms of uncertainties.

Ka

trie

lH

a rl

and

(‘ 2 1)

“

I’m really grateful that we’re able to even attend a graduation indoors.

My parents would want to see me graduate [in person], and it concludes the work I’ve put into my high school career.

Katriel Harland (‘21)

“

Perspective is really important.

When I look back on the year, I don’t think about the bad stuff— I mainly remember the good sides of all that happened.

Betsy Connell (7)

BACK FROM RETREAT

After COVID restrictions are loosened, Lauren Reese (‘22) and Kristen Hudgens (‘22) are some of the first students to use the bus when returning from the eighth grade retreat. “While [the retreat] impacted the eighth graders tremendously,” Reese said, “relationships were built between juniors, too. God moved in amazing ways.” photographer Kelii Horvath

“Teachers will be different. Someone new will make hot lunch.”

Nathan Jang (K)

“[There will be] more students.

Children will go to the cafeteria.”

Austin Nakama (1)

“I think Hill Country will be different because it will be remodeled.”

Grace Roberts (2)

“Hill Country will have no masks, and maybe there‘ll be robot helpers.”

Madison Bockus (4)

“The cafeteria will be open, and we’ll have more hightech technology.”

Ethan Kinne (5)

“[The school] could branch out across the Austin area, in South Austin or in Bastrop.”

Ayden Tindol (6)

“The school will perhaps have an art building, a STEM building, et cetera, instead of just portables.”

Ela Scata (8)

“Our curriculums are gonna get more complicated and our students will be more diverse.”

Katie Cavanagh (‘24)

“Academic curricular will probably be more advanced.

The sports department will have a lot more to expand upon.”

Katherine Lockey (‘23)

the next

25 y e a r s

“There will be too many students.

Like, 30 people in one classroom.”

Arie Rylaarsdam (3)

“The school won’t exist, with Christianity being pushed off of America.”

Ethan Finnessey (7)

“Our sports overall will get better. Our basketball team is tremendously better this year; this is the best team in Hill Country history.”

Ryan Boatright (‘22)

“

I’m not sure. I know that 25 years ago, the school started talking about an athletic building, and now it’s here. I think the school will be more developed and hopefully have more people.

Riley Peck (‘21)

We asked students in each grade what they thought the school would be like in 25 years.

WE

MADE

IT

Amidst all of the challenges, I’ve learned to be more resilient.

I’ve learned to persevere.

Joshua Lockey (‘21)

We knew this would be a year of ques tions. We jus t had no idea how right we would be. We faced eve r y c h all e n g e, b o t h f o r e s e e n an d unan t ic ip a t e d, an d e m e r g e d s t r o n g e r. O f t h a t we a r e s u r e.