SAN MARCOS BAPTIST ACADEMY
As the only secondary school among Texas Baptist institutions, San Marcos Baptist Academy has provided excellence in Christian education for boarding and day students since 1907. San Marcos Baptist Academy began the 2019-20 school year with their highest enrollment in two decades, and students at all levels celebrated successes in academics, athletics, and the arts. Even when the pandemic halted in-classroom instruction, students continued to excel through distance learning. Some highlights from the year include the following: BRIAN N. GUENTHER President
2801 Ranch Road 12 San Marcos, Texas 78666 smabears.org
• The Junior ROTC Bear Battalion earned the “Honor Unit with Distinction” designation during their Program for Accreditation in November. The Battalion, which almost doubled in size, scored 97.75 percent on their inspection. • A Leo Club roared onto the campus in the fall, sponsored by the San Marcos Lions Club. Drawing 50+ members, including a number of international students, the Leo Club received its charter at an Installation Ceremony in December. • In Fine Arts, the Theatre Department performed three shows, including a full-length musical and a one-act play that placed first at district and fourth at state. Three members of the cast and crew received All-State honors. SMA clarinetist Daniel AbuJaber performed with the ATSSB All-State Band for the second consecutive year, while SMBA’s concert band reigned as state champion. • In athletics, the 13-1 soccer team captured the district title and advanced into the third round at state. Two members of the swim team qualified for state as well. The football team improved by five wins over the previous season, making the state playoffs. Two seniors signed letters of intent to play football at Texas Lutheran University, and a third senior was invited to join the track team at Trinity University (San Antonio). • Sophomore Taryn Landes placed first with her steer at the Fort Worth Stock Show, and SMA equestrians earned multiple ribbons at 4-H riding events. SMA cheerleader Ava Webb and mascot Micah Burton were named NCA All-Americans. • Seven students were baptized before the entire student body following Christian Focus Week, led by campus ministers Monica and Craig Followell in February. • SMBA became one of the first schools in Texas to certify all staff, faculty, and Upper School students in Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) and Stop the Bleed training, led by SRO Deputy Daniel Weber. Success of a different kind was in store for SMBA when Hays County issued the “Stay at Home, Work Safe” order in mid-March. As many schools struggled to put distance learning strategies in place, SMBA did not skip a beat, thanks to a task force of educators who developed a plan over Spring Break. After just two days of training, teachers began delivering DL instruction to students in every grade level. While the majority of boarding students were able to return to their homes, several could not. They remained at the dormitories for their instruction, receiving care from the residential and student life staffs. Campus employees deemed essential continued their work as usual, while teachers and non-essential staff contributed from their homes. “I tip my hat to this group of teachers and staff,” Senior Vice President Bob Wiegand said. “They fully embraced this challenge, and I saw no drop off in their effort. They have shown great adaptability and truly upped their game.” In the end, all students wrapped up their coursework on time, including the 46 seniors. A highly qualified and successful class, the 2020 graduates received letters of acceptance to more than 80 colleges and universities across 24 states and two foreign countries, earning merit scholarships in excess of $2.3 million.
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TEXAS BAPTISTS 2020 BOOK OF REPORTS