ARCHES REGENTS
A LETTER FROM THE HEAD
Under the Arches...
In August of 1992, Regents School of Austin began at Park Hills Baptist Church with 17 students, two classrooms, two teachers, and grades 1-4 in a one-room schoolhouse. I want to be clear about our origins . . . Regents began from a group of concerned individuals who desired a distinctly different educational opportunity for children in Austin. It began with prayer and research that led them to a discovery of classical education that was distinctly Christ-centered. It is of utmost importance for all of us to know our history in order to know where we are in 2024, and how to move onward in our cultural context.
Since that opening day in August of 1992, Regents has grown in students, families, teachers, staff, facilities, and influence. We now have nearly 1,100 alumni who are in a variety of spheres of influence. Some things change and some things do not. As a servant-leader at Regents, I am purposed to give my heart and mind each and every day to serve, protect, and advance our mission in this 21st-century context.
Recently, I was in Colorado with my family, and I randomly ran into a Regents family that has a rising senior and one who graduated in 2022. It reminded me that the wake of influence that Regents is having will reach far and wide. It will extend way beyond the borders of our beautiful 82-acre campus. May the Lord continue to bless Regents as we seek to provide a classical and Christian education founded upon and informed by a Christian worldview, that equips students to know, love, and practive that which is true, good, and beautiful and challenges them to strive for excellence as they live purposefully and intelligently in the service of God and man.
I think it is remarkable to ponder the many people who have passed under the Arches on our campus over the years. Lord willing, there will be many more who come to Regents to serve or learn. I hope and pray that our influence will not be of this world, but that it will be centered on training the next generation to serve the Lord in whatever area they are called. As our founders began with a heart of prayer and a true desire to learn, let us never forget the importance of keeping those characteristics front and center of who we are at Regents. I look forward to another great year to serve the Lord in 2024-2025.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Daniel C. Peterson, Ph.D. Head of School Regents School of Austin
07
LEADING IN LEARNING Classical | Christian | Community
17 KNIGHTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT The People Who Make Our Community Shine
25 ARMOR UP TO PLAY WITH PURPOSE Regents Athletics
35 A REFLECTION OF THE “TRUE, GOOD, AND BEAUTIFUL” Regents Fine Arts
43 THE HANDS AND FEET OF CHRIST Our Ministerium
49 PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE Regents Alumni
07 LEADING IN LEARNING
THE FUTURE OF REGENTS An Update on Momentum from Kirk Avery
THE CLASSICALLY TRAINED TEACHER Ronnie Long
THE READING RAINBOW REVIEWS Creatively Cultivating a Love of Reading with Kyle Dillard
OUR SPEAKER SERIES A Recap from Kirk Avery
AN UPDATE ON THE REGENTS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN KIRK AVERY
Since kicking off the Momentum capital campaign in February 2023, we have been humbled by God’s gracious provision. Never in our 32 year history have we raised so much from such a large number of families in such a short amount of time.
The Campus Master Plan approved by the Board in 2021 and presented in the Momentum materials is our guide to bringing our campus to maturity. It has always been part of the plan to phase construction to limit campus disruption. In the Spring of 2024, the Regents Board made the decision to phase fundraising as well and proceed with Phase 1 of the Campus Master Plan.
Phase 1 includes the Fine Arts Center and projects like parking, traffic safety improvements, and athletic enhancements.
The Board considered several factors when deciding to begin Phase 1 with the Fine Arts Center. There is currently no dedicated Fine Arts space on campus, forcing athletics and fine arts to share space. Upon completion, many of the problems associated with limited space will be addressed. Finally, on a pragmatic level, construction at the back of campus will be far less disruptive than construction on the plaza.
Almost one year ago, the Campus Master Plan and its full cost was revealed to our community. Since then, the Lord has moved in the hearts of so many to pay forward the gift of this campus that was paid for by those who came before us. We sit now on the cusp of beginning to bring our 82 acres to maturity.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to Phase 1 of Momentum and praise God for His gracious provision!
THE CLASSICALLY TRAINED TEACHER
RONNIE LONG
Most of us in the classical, Christian movement did not receive a classical, Christian education - in a sense, we are “converts” to this model of education. There is another generation of people that we meet as we navigate the classical, Christian world - the “cradle-born.” These are those who grew up attending a classical, Christian school. Their understanding of classical, Christian pedagogy was not solely learned through books, but lived in experience. Because of this, classical ways of learning are ingrained in them from the inside out.
With the founding of Regents and our first few decades, we primarily had educators imparting a model of education that they did not experience. A model that excited them and that they spent time honing to be a master educator. As our school has matured, Regents is now in a season where we have the privilege of hiring educators who were trained in a classical, Christian education model, many of whom are Regents graduates themselves.
These “cradle-born” educators are the embodiment of the end goal of our classical, Christian model. Individuals equipped to know, love, and practice that which is true, good, and beautiful. Individuals who are striving for excellence. Individuals that are living purposefully and intelligently in the service of God and man. And for some individuals that have chosen to become educators… imparting classical virtues and timeless truths founded upon and informed by a Christian worldview to the next generation.
“Cradle-born” educators have a deep understanding of how to integrate subjects and actively experience subjects that flow naturally into their classrooms. Harkness table discussions come naturally. They have a camaraderie with their students as the students present in front of their classmates from mammal day to senior thesis. For those who attended Regents, they have a love for the unique Regents traditions and thick practices that they get to impart to their students.
As we reflect on the last 32 years of Regents, we are reminded of the diverse paths that have led us here—from embracing a new educational framework to witnessing its profound impact on our community. With gratitude for our past and hope for the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing leaders who are rooted in Christ and who will earnestly seek all that is true, good, and beautiful.
TEACHER APPLICATION PROCESS
At Regents, we've been helping to reorient education since 1992. Thirty years later, that goal continues.
Regents is well recognized by peers for outstanding accomplishments in teaching, curriculum, students' achievement, parental involvement, and community support.
To learn more about a career at Regents or view job openings, visit regentsaustin.org.
TEACHER APPLICATION PROCESS:
1. Application including resume, employment history, references, journey of faith, Agreement with Article II, Chicago Statement, and Nashville Statement
2. Interview with teacher and/or Associate Head
3. Interview with Division Head
4. Interview with Human Resources Director
5. Teaching practicum observed by teacher and Associate Head/Department Chair
6. Interview with Head of School
7. Board notified by email of intent to hire with resume, faith journey, and short statement with a 72 hour review window
Mattie Adams (Regents '14)
Mary Frances Payne (Regents '15), Aly Faulk ('Regents '14)
Celia Holmes (Live Oak Classical School '18)
R
EGENTSREADING RAIN BOW
CREATIVELY CULTIVATING A LOVE OF READING KYLE DILLARD
Summer brings a welcomed slower pace as we all let go of structured daily routines that revolve around arrival and dismissal times, due dates, and practice schedules. Summer finally allows most of us to do the things we have been pushing aside; the ‘I’ll save that for summer’ stack grows and grows, and then June arrives and it finally allows us (or at least me) to make a withdrawal from the stack.
For me, June is the time of year I finally get to grab one of the many books I have been desiring to read, but the daily routine of a school schedule just does not allow me to prioritize. A large percentage of my summer reading enjoyment is provided by the recommendations of a handful of my outgoing sixth grade students.
Each winter, when our annual celebration of reading arrives - Reading Round Up - I gather a group of sixth graders that have a passion for reading and writing. My charge to these magnificent volunteers is to write a review of a book that has had a profound or meaningful impact on their lives which will inspire younger peers to consider reading it for themselves.
Once a week, for about a month, we gather together during lunch and talk about their selections, why they think others should read them, and how to write an appropriate review
for the reading level audience of their selections. After each student writes and memorizes their unique review, we film each individual book review in the library (very exciting!), and then during the three weeks of Reading Round Up, these special reviews are shared with teachers to show to their classes as short commercials.
The process is fast, but the impact is meaningful. This sixth grade contribution to Reading Round Up started a handful of years ago in an effort to create a space for sixth graders with a deep passion for reading and writing to have a voice in the February celebration of reading that is outside of the competition of minutes read.
Those that have participated know there is one other special component attached to the process; however, participation is required to find out! To the students that reviewed books this year - thank you! Your voices were heard, and your participation blessed us. Once again, you have inspired me by sharing your love for great stories with those around you.
This summer, I will think of you often as I work my way through the selections you all reviewed. May the slower pace of this summer season be a time when all of us can finally enjoy the books we pushed aside to the ‘someday’ stack.
THE REGENTS SPEAKER
Dr. Allyson Denson
Our Kids and Social Media
"I think she really did a good job of explaining what social media is. Meaning it's not Instagram etc., it's group texts, GroupMe, etc. I loved her practical tips and things that I could do immediately."
—Regents Parent
Dr. Daniel Eaton The Value of Apologetics
"I’ve heard such great things about Dr. Eaton from my son and others and it was so nice to be able to sit in a classroom like setting and learn from him. You can see he has a passion for this topic and a heart for teaching and imparting this stuff to our students. I appreciate getting to see glimpses of what my kids get to see at school."
—Regents Parent
Dr. Ed Welch Overcoming the Age of Anxiety
"Dr. Welch made a great point that mental health challenges being treated by counseling, medicine, etc. is not enough if we don’t teach our children to tie their emotional struggles to The Wonderful Counselor, Jesus. We do this by demonstrating prayer, repentance and forgiveness inside our homes and teaching ourselves and our kids to wrestle through our emotions by taking them to God."
—Regents Parent
SPEAKER SERIES
David Thomas & Sissy Goff
Modern Parents, Vintage Values
"Loved the takeaways. I had tools that I could instantly implement into my classroom with no prep. The message and information was helpful to me as a teacher, as a wife, and as a mom."
—Regents Teacher
Dr. Christopher Yuan The Gospel and Sexuality
"I am so thankful to now know of Dr. Yuan as a resource. He is such an excellent speaker who speaks with boldness and truth. He didn't just reframe my ideas on homosexuality and sexual identity, but on the idea of identity in general: how we get it wrong and who we really are as children of God and image bearers."
—Regents Parent
One of the joys of being at a classical Christian school is the intentionality that spans from daily rhythms to annual hallowed traditions. One of those traditions is the Regents Speaker series.
Each year, Regents invites speakers to share their wisdom with our community of parents, employees, and students.
Speakers give us words, challenge perspectives, and give leadership of thought. Above all else, our Speaker Series guests point us to God’s Word and invite us to interact, shaping our hearts and minds.
17 KNIGHTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
THE NOT-SO-SCARY CREATION OF FRANCINE RASBERRY
Liz Benigno, Director of Community
CAREERS IN THE CREATIVE ARTS Alumni Pursuing the Arts
SOLAR ECLIPSE AT REGENTS
Memories from the Backyard Phenomenon
LEAVING A LEGACY Honoring the 2024 Regents Retirees
THE NOT-SO-SCARY CREATION OF
LIZ BENIGNO, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY
In March 2024, Regents Director of Community Liz Benigno and her niece, illustrator and interior designer Claire Franklin ('16), made their children’s literature debut with Francine Rasberry: The Not So Scary Sleepover
The book follows Francine, a courageous young mouse, as she embarks on her first sleepover adventure. Much like Francine, Liz and Claire’s creative processes were marked by their own journeys of resilience, bravery, and saying “yes” to God.
The idea for Francine Rasberry took root when Liz’s sister reminded her of a forgotten dream from her time as an education major at the University of Texas—an ambition to write a children’s book.
“It's interesting to me what the Lord hides in your heart,” Liz said. “Sometimes you forget about it until it's time to be unearthed again.”
Inspired by Fran Rader, Regents Upper School librarian, whose maiden name was Rasberry, the character of Francine Rasberry was born.
Liz quickly recruited her niece and Regents alumna, Claire Franklin, to illustrate the story. Despite initial hesitation, Claire prayed about the opportunity and ultimately embraced it wholeheartedly.
“I’d never illustrated anything to this scale,” Claire said. “But I wanted to act boldly and bravely, just like Francine did. I'm so glad I did.”
As Liz witnessed Claire's development throughout the project, she says she couldn't help but feel proud of her niece.
“Seeing my niece grow from an artistic little girl to a published illustrator has been nothing short of incredible,” Liz said. “It has been a delight to walk into meetings with Claire Greiner Franklin and watch her be a professional.”
Throughout the process, Liz and Claire were uplifted by the supportive community at Regents. Esther Fedd, a Regents parent and owner of The Fedd Agency, loved the book so much that she agreed to publish it. When financial obstacles arose, the Regents community stepped up to fund a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $33,000 for the book.
The allure of Francine Rasberry lies in its universal appeal—captivating readers of all ages who resonate with themes of strength, courage, and God’s faithfulness.
Looking ahead, Liz and Claire envision new adventures for Francine and want to explore new themes. As they embark on Francine’s next chapter, they are buoyed by
their shared faith and the support of the Regents community.
“We believe in a good and gracious God and this story is meant to honor Him and the goodness we’re meant to put into the world,” Liz and Claire said. “It’s for all the brave, yet timid, little kids out there who need to be inspired with Francine-like confidence to try new things and dream big.”
Francine Rasberry: The Not So Scary Sleepover is available on Amazon.
Careers
Creative Arts IN THE
ALUMNI PURUSING CREATIVITY IN VOCATION
Regents School of Austin proudly highlights alumni Avery Linder Price ('13) and Ross McBee ('10), whose careers in creative arts and sustainable materials innovation demonstrate the lasting impact of a Regents classical Christian education.
Avery Linder Price's ('13) journey into watercolor art began with a passion for painting. After facing challenges with transferring her studio art credits to the University of Texas, she decided to leave school and forge her own path in art while prioritizing her young family. Living in a small apartment, she found watercolor painting captivating and practical for her space, leading to her business, Coloring Austin (@coloringatx), which captures vibrant scenes of her hometown.
Avery’s style is colorful, nostalgic, and incredibly detailed. Her creative process involves visiting and experiencing places in Austin, then sketching and layering watercolors in her studio. She hopes her paintings evoke personal memories and stories, inspiring viewers to explore Austin’s rich culture and history.
Avery credits her art teacher, Mrs. Whatley, and other mentors at Regents, for transforming her creative pursuits into a career. For Avery, a classical Christian education provided the confidence and skills needed to creatively solve problems,
and express her artistic vision.
"Regents gave me the confidence and a solid foundation to venture out and do things differently," Avery explains. "It taught me how to express the passion behind my projects clearly and believe in my ability to tackle big challenges. Being a professional creative means constantly adapting and stepping out of your comfort zone to grow your business, and my education here equipped me for just that."
Meanwhile, Ross McBee’s ('10) work is transforming the fashion industry through sustainable materials. With a background in biology, influenced by former Rhetoric Dean of Math and Science Dr. Christina Swan, Ross began consulting on science and art projects as a PhD student at Columbia University. This led him to TômTex, where he works on creating sustainable "leather" from shrimp shells.
“At TômTex, we are working on how to transform waste streams into circular, performant materials,” Ross explains. “Thinking about how the world needs to operate in a few short years if we are to really address the roots of the climate crisis, it seems that figuring out how to replicate how nature makes materials represents both a pressing and interesting challenge. I feel very lucky to work on this problem.”
For Ross, a classical Christian education helped him develop a broad definition of creativity,
essential for scientific research and technology development. His work at TômTex blends scientific rigor with creative problem-solving to address environmental challenges.
Partnerships with elite brands like Gucci are showcasing TômTex’s sustainable materials in high-end fashion, driven by regulatory pressures and consumer demand for genuinely sustainable options. Ross hopes their materials will reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact and inspire a shift towards sustainability.
In Ross and Avery's career journeys, we see the power of a classical Christian education. Their creativity, adaptability, and confidence stem from the solid foundation they built during their time at Regents.
Their successes exemplify how a nurturing and comprehensive education can shape individuals who are not just skilled in their fields, but who also long to glorify God by creating things that are good, true, and beautiful.
As these alumni continue to innovate and inspire, we hope their stories encourage all students to pursue their dreams with the same vigor and conviction. Their successes remind us that the lessons learned at Regents extend far beyond the classroom, fostering a lifelong commitment to creativity, excellence, and making a meaningful impact on the world.
The 2024 solar eclipse sparked extraordinary creativity at Regents School of Austin. Chris Corley, Chair of Math and Science for the School of Rhetoric, launched a unique contest inviting students to craft various art forms for a special chance to travel to Fredericksburg to witness the eclipse in its totality.
The response was overwhelming, with dozens of
students submitting short stories, poems, songs, graphic designs, photographs, and screenplays.
The talent and creativity displayed were remarkable, making the selection process very challenging. In the end, ten outstanding pieces were chosen, including song lyrics by Coulter Cowden and Anna Ledbetter. Their song beautifully captures how the eclipse represents the wonder and majesty of God.
We are thrilled to share their song with you to celebrate this special event, our students' creativity, and the greatness of God.
EVALUATING THE WORLD PHENOMENON FROM THE CLASSROOM
S LAR ECLIPSE
Eclipse Song
By Coulter Cowden ('24) & Anna Ledbetter ('24)
Praise the Lord, it's a new day's dawn
My eyes can now see anew
This new morning, my fear is gone
There's hope as the light shines through
The light shines through all the deep, deep dark
The darkness has not overcome
I live this life with the Lord by my side
And stand in the grace of the Son
He speaks to the sun and it does not shine
He seals off the light of the stars
Through the darkness he shines divine
Oh, how great is our Lord
The moon and the stars, they cannot compare to the weight and the glory of the Son
He stands to eclipse all other things
Oh, how great is our Lord!
Oh, how great is our Lord!
Oh, how great is our Lord!
Leaving a
Legacy
Some of our beloved faculty and staff who have served Regents for 15 or more years have recently retired or left to pursue new opportunities. We are thankful for their dedication, years of service, and love for Regents.
DICK MATTERN Facilties Assistant 17 Years of Service
BETH ITSKIN Fine Arts Coordinator 19 Years of Service
CHRIS CORLEY Science Department Chair 20 Years of Service
3D COACHING Sheila Henderson, Athletic Director
SPORT THROUGH THE AGES Kyle Shotwell, Athletic Director
A WINNING TRADITION
Football
The 2023-24 varsity football team at Regents School of Austin had an extraordinary season, finishing with a stellar 12-2 record and achieving an undefeated 7-0 in district play.
Their remarkable performance led them to the TAPPS 5A State Championship game, and they brought home the state runner-up title.
Throughout the season, the team's dedication, hard work, and unwavering faith were evident both on and off the field. As they look ahead to the next season, the Knights are eager to build on this year's success, continuing to grow in skill, foster teamwork, and bring glory to God.
knightline
The 2023-24 Knightline Dance Team at Regents School of Austin delivered an unforgettable performance at the 2024 TAPPS Dance Championship, earning the prestigious state championship title.
The team showcased their versatility and skill with both a jazz routine and a challenging pom routine. When their coach realized that the original pom choreography did not fully capture the team's capabilities, the dancers embraced the challenge of mastering an entirely new and extremely difficult routine in December. Balancing final exams, Christmas break, and travel, this feat was particularly impressive for a team that was almost half new, with six freshmen.
Their perseverance and dedication paid off spectacularly! As they look ahead to the next season, the Knightline Dance Team is eager to continue bringing glory to God through their talents.
cross country
The 2023-24 Regents Cross Country Teams delivered outstanding performances at the state level, with the Boys team achieving a commendable 7th place finish and the Girls team securing an impressive 5th place finish.
This marked the best collective finish for both teams in the past five years, highlighting their dedication and hard work throughout the season. Despite facing tough competition and challenging courses, the Knights and Lady Knights pushed themselves to new heights, showcasing their endurance, determination, and teamwork.
Both teams eagerly anticipate another season of growth, teamwork, and running for Christ!
CLASS OF 2024
COLLEGE ATHLETIC COMMITMENTS
MITCH ABERNETHY
Baseball
Concordia University
Golf
Colorado Christian University
Football
Missouri State University
Swim
Princeton University
JACOB WILBURN
ELIANA MCKINLEY
ANDREW ZOU
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
REGENTS EARNS FIRST HENDERSON CUP TITLE
In June, Regents School of Austin won the prestigious Henderson Cup for the 2023-24 school year, ranking us at the top of the 5A division among private schools in Texas! Presented by TAPPS, the Henderson Cup honors overall excellence in athletics, fine arts, and academics.
This is our first time receiving the title, with a total score of 85 points. Regents finished ahead of Liberty Christian, Argyle (75 points) and Grace Community, Tyler (73 points).
Academics and Fine Arts contributed a combined 30 points, and Athletics contibuted 55 points.
Reflecting on our journey from our modest beginnings in 1992, this achievement is a true testament to God’s hand at Regents over the past 32 years! His provision and guidance led us here, evident through the incredible generosity and dedication of our entire community.
Thank you to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families – this wouldn't have been possible without you.
All glory to God!
3D 3D COACHING COACHING
Sheila Henderson
Athletic
Director
This year, the Regents athletic department has prioritized developing our coaches in the 3Dimensional Coaching Model. This comprehensive approach equips coaches to guide athletes not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 says: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
By venturing beyond the realm of physical training, coaches gain the tools to reach the hearts of their athletes, fostering well-rounded individuals who excel beyond the field. Training our teams in 3D, we establish clarity of purpose,
alignment of effort, a common language, and a shared framework.
We've implemented monthly cohort-based Zoom meetings led by experienced coaches to create a supportive environment for continuous growth. Recognizing the profound impact coaches have on young lives, we've fostered a collaborative learning space where they can learn from each other and refine their craft. This ongoing support empowers them to make a lasting positive influence on our student-athletes.
The benefits of the 3Dimensional Coaching Model extend far beyond the playing field.
Coaches who consistently incorporate all three
COACHING COACHING
dimensions cultivate athletes who are not only more skilled but also more attentive, hardworking, and adaptable. They become caring teammates who build strong relationships with each other and their coaches.
This fosters a culture of mutual respect and support that empowers student-athletes to thrive in all aspects of life.
Our investment in the 3Dimensional Coaching Model is about more than just sports; it's about nurturing the whole person, the leaders of tomorrow.
By expanding our coaches' focus beyond the physical aspects of the game, we contribute to the
holistic development of our students, ensuring they thrive both on and off the playing field or court.
This transformative impact empowers them to leave a lasting positive influence on the world around them, much like the directive found in Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This scripture beautifully encapsulates our goal of inspiring athletes to shine brightly in all aspects of life, thereby uplifting and enriching the communities they touch.
CULTURE, IDENTITY, AND SPORTS
Kyle Shotwell Athletic Director
There I was, cut from the thing I had spent the first 25 years of my life dreaming of, striving for, becoming. I sat alone in a hotel room in Indianapolis – where I’d been living for six months – when I got the call no NFL player wants to get: “You haven’t made the roster, come see coach and turn in your playbook.”
I was stunned. I had led the Indianapolis Colts in tackles that preseason, both on defense and special teams, having done “exactly what the coaches told me” to do in order to make the squad. But I didn’t make it. Alone and unsure, I flew home. I bounced around a couple of other practice squads the rest of that year, but in my heart, I knew I was done playing the game I had loved my whole life.
What I soon realized, though, was that the game had actually become my life. And that was not a good thing. I went from practicing with Peyton Manning in the summer to trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life by winter. I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted to become. Really, I didn’t even know who I was without football. It was my identity.
I grew up in Santa Barbara, California. I excelled in sports, had a lot of friends, was class president, got a college football scholarship, graduated, and generally “did all the right things.” Most of the kids I grew up with were also high achievers from well-off families. But here I was at age 25, bitter at God because He allowed me to fail in my attempt to make a professional sports team. In reality, I had never truly “failed” at anything in my life until that point. I was rocked, and didn’t know how to handle it. Now here I was, struggling with identity and also mad at God who I had been living for. I blamed my failure on God, as if somehow He let me down.
God did not let me down. Sports did. And eventually, sports will let everyone down. Virtually every athlete you know does not end their athletic career on their terms. And those are the most elite of the elite. Athletics, without the proper perspective, can in some ways cause more harm than good for a child if it’s not held in the proper context. My motivation for completely diving fulltime into Athletics at Regents has been just that – to help athletes, parents, and coaches put athletics in its proper place in a child's life. Part of competing is losing, not making the cut, being left out. We don’t like to talk about that. We like to talk about being humble in victory, but how do we react when things don’t go how we planned, for us, or our children?
Athletics provides an incredible environment to learn this head-on. Take a moment in sports that are crucial and meaningful to your children, and help them put into perspective that while sports is an important part of their lives, it doesn’t define their lives. Jesus has already done that. You are already enough in the Father's eyes because of Jesus and what He did on the cross. Sports give us these amazing opportunities for conversations that few other things can in our achievement-crazed culture. We are called to be good stewards of our time and talents (Matt. 25:14-19) and we are called to try our best (Col. 3:23), but we are only truly victorious in Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your family through the gift of Athletics.
A REFLECTION OF THE “TRUE, GOOD, AND BEAUTIFUL”
KNIGHTLINE: PURSUING EXCELLENCE Four-Time State Champions
BUILDING BLOCKS OF THE ARTS Dane Bundy, Director of Fine Arts
TELLING STORIES THROUGH THE CHRISTIAN LENS Interviews with Professionals in the Arts
Knightline: State Champions!
LAURA HOTZE
Allow me to share a mom perspective …
I have never seen my daughter work so hard in her life as she did January 2–13! These dancers were at school at 6:45 a.m. and sometimes came home as late as 5:30 p.m. They began this journey July 31, 2023, as they learned choreography for the entire dance season. When Denise sensed that the original pom choreography was not going to be difficult enough for the girls, their team learned an entirely new and extremely difficult routine in December. Add in final exams and Christmas break and travel; competing at state was a daunting challenge for a team that was almost half new with six freshmen!
Did you read or have you seen the movie The Boys in the Boat? After conversations with Mr. Moneyhon and Mr. Williams, Emma’s favorite-ever history teachers, Emma really wanted to see this movie over break. If you’re familiar with the story, you are deeply moved by the team’s commitment, grit, determination, and the overall goal to row as a “team of one”… well, it may seem dramatic to compare Knightline’s state performance to the 1936 Olympic row, but indeed, these young ladies did dance as a “team of one” for God's glory!
The perfect timing and unity of both their jazz and pom routines was astonishing. So many joyful tears were shed that day! I must add that Knightline truly received their award in humility and with grace. Their competition was extremely talented. We walked away from the state competition in Waco with a better appreciation of how to win with joyful humility, how to lose with grace (these moments may come!), and how to encourage and support the team through struggles and triumphs.
One the car ride back, Emma said, “Mom, I looked around at all those schools – from Dallas, Houston, Beaumont and everywhere in Texas and realized they are Christians too and they’re praying and asking the exact same things to God. We just happened to win today because I guess God knew we needed it the most. Next year, another team may need it more than us.”
I thank God that our girls have the opportunity for their hearts to be strengthened and their faith journeys to be enriched by such a supportive community.
I am so proud of these 13 young ladies - and Denise! We truly appreciate the administration’s support of their wonderful achievement!
THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF THE ARTS
DANE BUNDY
DIRECTOR OF FINE ARTS
At Regents School of Austin, our approach to creativity in the Fine Arts is grounded in key theological and philosophical ideas. These concepts are not exhaustive, but serve as foundational points for integrating faith and creativity.
Imagine stacking wood blocks to create a structure pointing towards the ceiling. This visualization helps us understand the foundational blocks of our Fine Arts philosophy, starting with The Story of God and culminating in The Aims of Art.
The Story of God serves as the foundation for two reasons: it grounds creativity in God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) as the ultimate Creator, and it establishes human beings as inherently creative, made in God's image. Art is thus an imitation of the beauty that emanates from God's character and is evident in the world.
Christians summarize The Story of God in four movements: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and New Creation. God's creativity precedes ours, giving life, form, and beauty to everything. Sin distorts God’s beauty and truth, explaining why some art can be twisted. Through Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection, there is hope for restoration. God will restore creation to its full glory, displaying His beauty, goodness, and truth.
Artists, living between the first and second comings of Christ, draw from what God has accomplished and what He promises to complete. Art from a Christian perspective often reflects hope amidst darkness.
Human storytelling, rooted in The Story of God, can be categorized into three story types: whole, broken, and bent. Whole stories closely imitate The Story of God, where good triumphs over evil. Examples include "Lord of the Rings" and "Chronicles of Narnia." Broken stories distinguish good from evil but end with evil prevailing, such as the book of Judges or Shakespeare’s "Macbeth." Bent stories fail to clearly distinguish good from evil. Examples include "Robin Hood" or modern anti-hero narratives like "Breaking Bad."
Stories permeate the fine arts, but evaluating art involves more than its narrative. We must consider its craft, content, and impact.
Art should meet high standards of excellence, reflecting God’s affirmation of creation as "good." Quality craftsmanship honors God. We assess what the work communicates and if it aligns with beauty, truth, and goodness. Both content and quality are essential. Art is subjective and designed to impact its audience. We ask how it makes us feel, think, and what it challenges us to do.
The final block addresses the purpose of art. According to the Westminster Confession, humanity's purpose is "to glorify God and enjoy him forever," which applies to the arts. At Regents School of Austin, we aim for our students to achieve three D's: delight, discern, and deliver.
Students should delight in God as the source of all creativity. Art, a gift from God, is to be enjoyed and celebrated. Students should discern creative work with wisdom, identifying high-quality work and understanding the author's intent and worldview. Students should share and deliver their artistry to honor God and bless others. Creativity is not for personal gain but for offering to God and others as a joyful gift.
These blocks represent our approach to integrating faith and creativity in the Fine Arts at Regents. They provide a framework for thinking about and engaging with art from a Christian perspective, emphasizing delight in God, discernment of artistic work, and delivery of creative gifts for the glory of God.
TELLING STORIES THROUGH A CHRISTIAN LENS
An Interview with Art Professionals
Dane Bundy, Director of Fine Arts
One of the many joys of working at Regents has been the opportunity to spend time with the creative professionals God has called to our community. Two of these men are Mat Hames and Jeremy Latcham. Mat Hames is an Emmy-winning American independent documentary filmmaker. He and his wife, Beth, have two sons, Jackson (‘22) and Lukas ('25). Jeremy Latcham is a former Marvel executive and producer of films such as Iron Man (2008), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), and Dungeons and Dragons (2023). He and his wife, Aileen, have one daughter, Isabella ('34).
I have tremendous respect for both of these men, and I recently asked them to share some of their thoughts with me on storytelling as a Christian.
Bundy: What distinguishes a good story from a great one?
Hames: A great story reveals more each time you experience it, expresses a theme on multiple levels, and the meaning keeps growing inside your mind as you ponder it.
Latcham: There are plenty of good stories out in the world. To me, a great story is one that you feel, deep in your heart and that stays with you long after you close the book or leave the theater. When it comes to movies in particular, I am always looking for heart and for humor. And I think it is important that it leads with heart. Great characters that you can empathize with and fall in love with make for the best stories.
Bundy: What types of stories would you like to see Christians tell more of today in your industry?
Hames: I’d love to see Christians take on all kinds of stories: documentaries, science fiction, drama, comedy, coming of age, historical films - you name it.
Latcham: To me, I think we have to push to tell stories that restore faith in things worth believing in. That can be faith in God, of course. But I think it can also be faith in families, fathers, teachers, America, the Church, your community and even just in people. I think Hollywood does a great job of breaking down institutions. Of tearing things apart and highlighting the flaws. And sure, there are flaws everywhere. We are human and are imperfect . . . . But I think we have to restore hope and I think we have to build faith.
Bundy: How do you incorporate your Christian faith into your storytelling?
Hames: My projects tend to repeat the same themes: grace, love, forgiveness, kindness, friendship, hope, creativity and optimism. I tend to focus on human beings who aren’t seeking the limelight, and take them to a better place in their life through the documentary process. . . . I love it when metaphors occur in my documentaries in order to point to meaning in events which otherwise might seem random. There is God who loves us and cares for us all. . . . Metaphors can suggest a ‘bigger meaning’ . . . and I think we need metaphor because there are gaps in what we can express with literal language. In film, too, we have to reach for mystery, for what cannot be expressed with words.
Latcham: I think Iron Man is a great example of a film that shows how a person can transform. How you can be more than the sum of the wrongs you have committed. Always looking for themes that reinforce our faith.
Bundy: What advice do you have for a young person wanting to be a great storyteller?
Latcham: My biggest piece of advice is to jump in and start. In today’s world, there are so many avenues and opportunities that you can explore that there is no reason not to be chasing down your passion. Make a short film and put it on Youtube, hone your craft. You don’t need a big budget or expensive equipment. You need good writing and perseverance! It all starts on the page!
Hames: I think telling great stories requires empathy for human beings. Get to know people, ask them questions about themselves, try to stoke your curiosity about other people. Also, learn from older stories. Read books, join a book club to talk about them — and watch old films, and discuss them with friends. And then start making things. Nobody is going to give you permission to write a story, just start doing it!
I’m grateful for these men and their wisdom! As is often said, storytelling is the language of our culture. Storytelling is not just for filmmakers or artists, but pastors and parents, attorneys and engineers. Today we’re more likely to encounter arguments and ideas through stories.
43 THE HANDS AND FEET OF CHRIST
FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES Kirk Avery, Director of Advancement
DEVELOPING THE HEART TO SERVE Ministerium
Families Helping Families FROM FOUNDATION TO FUTURE
Families Helping Families is always a special night, and our 2023 event was no exception.
The tent at Star Hill Ranch twinkled under the hill country stars, and Main Street was packed from end to end, full of laughter and the sounds of people enjoying one another’s company. Indeed, our army of faithful and talented volunteers created a stunning and magical evening.
Our community gathered and linked arms, raising an unprecedented amount to support financial assistance for Regents families and to sustain our school’s mission.
We were humbled and grateful to announce that this year Families Helping Families raised over $1.3 million.
Every dollar given is an act of worship, acknowledging that all we have is from the Lord and is meant to be shared.
Thank you again for your incredible generosity.
It is because of this night that more students will get the opportunity to experience a Regents education.
KIRK AVERY DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
MINISTERIUM
Developing the Heart to Serve
When our founding families created our school crest so many years ago, they wanted it to mirror the unique aspects of Christian life: truth, reverence, faith, and ministerium.
Depicted with hands extending a basket of loaves and fishes, ministerium exemplifies our worship, love and devotion to God as evidenced in our words and deeds.
In a K-12 school, this looks different from one grade to another based on what is age appropriate mentally and physically.
Grammar school students often sing and perform for seniors in our community and write letters of appreciation to overseas military personnel. Logic students spend a day in the fall and the spring getting their hands dirty making meals for the homeless, planting gardens, and cleaning up parks. Rhetoric students have a long tradition of serving marginalized citizens for the better part of a week at Mission Waco and a new tradition of building and restoring homes in San Antonio with Blueprint Ministries. Back in 2017, we even had an all school ministerium day in recognition of our school’s 20th anniversary.
To be the hands and feet of Jesus, we must go beyond the borders of our campus to help the vulnerable by being vulnerable ourselves. That means stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown. It means listening with empathy, acting with compassion, and offering our time and talents selflessly.
As we reflect on the journey Regents students are undertaking, we see far more than academic achievements. We see a transformative education that goes beyond the classroom, instilling virtues like integrity, empathy, and global awareness. We aim to mold not just scholars, but thought leaders, innovators, and compassionate humans ready to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world from a Christcentered perspective.
Our deepest hope is that they carry forward a burning desire for knowledge and a commitment to leaving a positive impact on this world.
49 PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE
WHY GRADS SEND THEIR KIDS TO REGENTS
A Conversation with Alumni turned Parents
REGENTS SCHOOL OF AUSTIN CLASS OF 2024 Our Senior Class
WHY GRADS SEND THEIR KIDS TO REGENTS
A Conversation with Regents Alumni turned Parents
Liz Benigno
Regents is now old enough to have babies of our alumni attend Regents, which is really exciting for me! In this interview, I spoke to Merrill Laguarta ('04), Landon Lill ('06), and Erin Holcomb ('04), who all have children attending Regents to find out why they decided to have their own children attend their alma mater.
Benigno: I'm smiling at all these faces because I've known them a long time. Why did you come back to Regents?
Lill: When I showed up at college, most of the friends I made went to East Coast boarding schools. They are all from pretty elite backgrounds, but I realized I was every bit as prepared as them. Later, as I became more active in my faith, my wife and I determined we’d move back to Austin and have our children go to Regents. One of the beautiful things about Regents is how they're able to make the curriculum living. It's not just these terms that you memorize, but it's also bringing education to life. The traditions associated with Regents are so beautiful and special. That's something we really wanted for our kids.
Holomb: I just knew Regents was a great education. I went to Texas A&M, which was a great school, but there were all kinds of diverse educational backgrounds there. I saw what many of my classmates were not able to do, and how well prepared I was compared to them. The intentionality of [Regents] is that it’s this whole educational journey with a unified vision.
Lill: One of the great parts about Regents, too, is that there are other like minded families. We don't really watch TV at home. We're not really up to date with the latest and greatest video games. This was a school that really enabled [our children] to fit in.
Laguarta: Once my husband and I knew we were pregnant, we’d always said we wanted to move back to Austin in the hopes that our kids would go to Regents. Our number one goal was that they know and love Jesus. We knew Regents would be a wonderful place for that. Starting in kindergarten, Scripture would be written on their hearts. Our second goal was for them to be critical thinkers. We want our girls to be able to discern what is good, what is true, and what is beautiful. We just feel like Regents is going to prepare them in a way that we may not be able to get anywhere else.
Benigno: I think that's the hope of our founding families – that Regents would raise men and women of strong character. Their hope was that regardless of whether you were in law or in mathematics or at home or an electrician, you would want to to lead a virtuous life that glorified God.
Lill: Absolutely. In high school, I was running from a lot. Running from this community, my faith, my family. At that time, multiple families and teachers at Regents came up to me to talk about what was going on in my life. In particular, Steve Brett, who was my literature teacher said, “I want you to know something, Landon. No matter how hard you try to run, this community's not going to let you go.” That really resonated with me when I was at the end of high school. It was a life altering thing. It was a big part of my
coming back to my faith. It was through this community of men and women who cared, were prayerful, and knew what was going on in my life.
Benigno: One of the blessings of Regents is the long game. You know, we're looking at second graders and asking, “What are they going to be like? What kind of man or woman are they going to be like when they're 30?”
Laguarta: Yes, and I think if you make the purpose education to get a great job and make money, then you've missed the whole point. I think Regents is here to raise up men and women who love Jesus, who want to serve the community, and think for themselves.
Benigno: We want to make flourish the goodness that is the image of God. That's really what we're doing.
REGENTS SCHOOL OF AUSTIN
The Class of 2024 had 81 graduates.
Thirty-three members of the Class of 2024 have attended Regents since kindergarten.
The Class of 2024 was accepted to 118 different colleges in the United States and abroad, including the U.S. Naval Academy, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Princeton University, Stanford University, University of Notre Dame, University of St. Andrews, and Vanderbilt University.
The entire class will immediately begin college, 58% will stay in-state with the most popular choices being Texas A & M University (16), The University of Texas at Austin (14), and Baylor University (3).
The states outside of Texas receiving the highest number of our graduates will be Alabama (5) and Arkansas (4). Other members of the class will travel far and wide including New York, Maryland, Florida, California, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. The student traveling the farthest will attend St. Andrews in Scotland.
Four student-athletes will play at the collegiate level. These include golf at Colorado Christian University, baseball at Concordia University Texas, football at Missouri State University, and swimming at Princeton University.
Through the leadership of the seniors on Service Council, the Class of 2024 has more than doubled its total service hours since 2021 to 21,000. This includes eight seniors who collectively raised $97,000 to advance the treatment of Leukemia and Lymphoma blood cancer in children and adults. Seven graduates earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Two graduates are Army ROTC scholarship recipients and two received appointments to the United States Naval Academy.
The Class of 2024 includes five National Merit Scholars, seven National Merit Commended Scholars, and twentyfour Advanced Placement Scholars.
AUSTIN CLASS OF 2024
Valedictorian
Hailey Collins
Valedictorian
Addison Smith
Coram Deo Award Winner
Mia Avery
Thesis Winner
Kathryn Starr Faculty Award Winner
Jill Adams
Coram Deo Award Winner
Henry Heininger
Regents School of Austin
3230 Travis Country Circle
Austin, TX 78735
regentsaustin.org
The printing and mailing of Arches 2023-2024 was made possible by a generous grant awarded by a foundation specifically for the development of projects that increase the value of Christian education in general and Regents in particular.
We pray that you and your family treasure this magazine as a reflection of the 2023-2024 school year and look back on this year to see the abundance of God’s good gifts and grace.
As we continue to reflect on the 2023-2024 school year, we pause and thank God for the lives of our Regents community members who are no longer with us.