Visits to College Towns
Class of 2025
by Caroline Siegfried
Andy the Sheepdog Takes the Wheel
Igniting a Passion to Give Back Books for Dad
Father’s Day: The Past and Present
Kate and Mia Wubbenhorst
EDITOR’S NOTE
The more things change, the more they stay the same. This well-known saying resonates with me as I look through the pages of our 2025 “Where Are They Headed?” feature – a favorite Buzz tradition since 2013. When we started this feature 12 years ago, hard copies of the students’ photos were regularly dropped off at our office. But this class of grads grew up entirely in the digital age. Every photo since they were born is on a parent’s phone and is easily emailed to us. That is wild to think about. (And just writing this officially makes me the old neighbor!) However, despite the changes in technology, one thing remains constant: The unwavering support of our community in encouraging and nurturing the next generation. As you read through this issue, I hope you’ll feel the same sense of pride and optimism that we do. The more things change, the more they stay the same. And to all seniors, remember, no matter where you are heading, you’ll always have a place to call home here in your neighborhood. So, here’s to the Class of 2025 – may your future be bright. And remember to call (or even write!) your parents! And stay connected with The Buzz (and this ol’ neighbor!) along the way. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com
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Editor-in-Chief Joni Hoffman
Publisher Michael Hoffman
Editor Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld
Associate Editor Caroline Siegfried
Design Manager John Duboise
Staff Writers Tracy L. Barnett
Sharon Albert Brier
Cindy Burnett
Andria Dilling
Angie Frederickson
Todd Freed
Cindy Gabriel
Cathy Gordon
Michelle Groogan
Dai Huynh
Annie Blaylock McQueen
Jennifer Oakley
Ben Portnoy
Cheryl Ursin
Accounting & Contract Administrator
Meena Dost
Account Managers Andrea Blitzer
Leslie Little
Jo Rogers
On our cover: Lamar graduates and twins Kate and Mia Wubbenhorst are heading to different colleges this fall (Cornell and Tulane, respectively).
Cover photo by Meredith Symonds Photography
The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Copyright © 2025 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.
Your letters, thoughts, opinions
Surgery support through Cindy’s stories
I feel so very lucky! When we discovered that Cindy Gabriel had the very same surgery [for hyperparathyroidism] that I scheduled with the very same wonderful Dr. Helmi Khadra, and that she shared her story with readers, she further helped to guide me through the process!
When my surgery had to be delayed after a small glitch, due to my anemia, once again, Cindy was so supportive and thoughtful! I approached my upcoming surgery with a very positive feeling. My outcome was successful, and my healing process continues in a very positive direction.
Once again, I must say how lucky I am to have read Cindy’s two wonderful articles about her journey [A Diagnosis: Can be a good thing, Nov. 2024 and Life After Surgery: Cindy Gabriel gives an update, Dec. 2024] and that The Buzz offered me, and my family, that opportunity.
Shellie Lewis
Editor’s note: Shellie, we’re so glad to hear these articles were helpful and that you connected with Cindy before your surgery and during your recovery.
Importance of imagination
Regarding the article The Power of Fairy Tales: They aren’t just for children [by Cindy Gabriel, April 2025] I must say – thank you for a timely and meaningful life lesson. The reminder that “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” as attributed to Albert Einstein, could not be more relevant.
Imagination fuels humanity’s creativity, helping people invent, write, build, and solve problems in unique and transformative ways. It also nurtures empathy, allowing us to envision life through someone else’s eyes –an essential part of being human.
I needed reminding that imagination is what makes learning more engaging, connecting moral truth to real-world understanding. It encourages curiosity and open-mindedness, bringing to mind the quote often linked to Walt Whitman (and revived by Ted Lasso): “Be curious, not judgmental.”
In a world that often prioritizes as well has confuses facts and figures, it’s good to be reminded that wonder still matters.
Clover Bailey
Never forget
I want to compliment you on the article, Lest We Forget: A Holocaust survivor’s mission [by Cathy Gordon, April 2025]. I found it to be so inspiring. It is important that the horrid things that happened under the Nazis never be forgotten lest we fall victim to something similar. May her testimony [Ruth Steinfeld] be spread far and wide. Thank you for sharing her story!
Marsha Hunter Smith
A happy place
Spectacular! Thanks for such a well-written article [Bear’s Garden: Cultivating a new generation of gardeners by Andria Dilling, April 2025]. Through her interviews, and the article Andria wrote, she truly captured the essence of Bear’s Garden as Haran’s “happy place.” It brings such joy to share it with our
grandchildren and others. It is incredible how widespread your readership is. We have received such positive feedback and magazine copies from West U, Tanglewood/River Oaks, friends from out-of-town, and of course, Bellaire! Our okra list has expanded, so hopefully it’s a bountiful harvest this year.
Cheryl Levy
Houstonians in Portugal
Tracy [Barnett], that was an excellent article on Portugal in the April edition of The Buzz [From Houston to Portugal: A Love Affair with Culture, Cuisine, and Coastline, April 2025 Travel Buzz]! Lots of great info! Adding it to your other article from the Silvas [Exploring family heritage in Portugal, Oct. 2022 Travel Buzz]! If I have anything new to add when I visit Portugal in September, I will let you know but I think you have really covered Portugal!
Risé Johns
Editor’s note: For more, also see our April 2025 Wedding Buzz column including the Bijlanis, who married in Portugal.
Email us at mailbag@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or send to Mailbag, The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet St., Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters or emails addressed to The Buzz Magazines become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use for publication. Addresses, phone numbers and email addresses will not be published. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.
We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who:
• Were recently married and would like to participate in an upcoming Wedding Buzz column.
• Have special summer traditions with family or friends.
• Know a Buzzworthy neighbor to feature.
• Have an interesting travel tale.
• Have a unique passion or hobby.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com or 713.668.4157, ext 102.
Inside This Issue June 2025
4 Editor’s Note
6 10 12 16 20 22 38 40
Mailbag: Letters from Readers
Father’s Day: The past and present by Ben Portnoy
“Father’s Day, Shmather’s Day?” Writer Ben Portnoy remembers Father’s Day and Mother’s Day celebrations when he was growing up and investigates how the holidays got started.
The Su-pawstar Parade Pooch: Andy the Sheepdog takes the wheel by Cathy Gordon
Attendees of the 2025 Houston Art Car Parade were in for an extracute treat this year: Andy the Sheepdog starred in the parade, taking the wheel of a 2004 BMW. Owner Billy Cohn converted the car into a radio remote-controlled vehicle.
Igniting a Passion to Volunteer: Ways to give back, even if you’re little by Annie Blaylock McQueen
A group of second-grade Boy Scouts from The Kinkaid School, the 2025 Wolf Den of Cub Scout Pack 695, organized a fun run to raise money for victims of the Palisades fire. They raised $10,350 – far surpassing their original goal of $1,000.
Book Recommendations for Dad: Father’s Day ideas by Cindy Burnett
A book would be a good gift for Dad this Father’s Day. Find recommendations for dads with all kinds of interests.
A College Town Worth Visiting: Kids and vacation rolled into one by Andria Dilling
Sometimes, a child’s new adventure can bring new adventures for the parents.
Buzz Reads by Cindy Burnett
Travel Buzz: Vatican Secrets and Tuscan Villas by Tracy L. Barnett
Bob and Louise Parsley’s recent journey to Italy included a spiritual and meaningful return to the Vatican and the Scavi in addition to beautiful views and delicious culinary experiences in Tuscany.
Class of 2025: Where are they headed? by Caroline Siegfried
Congratulations, Class of 2025! Our annual tradition is to share our graduating neighbors’ plans, as they reflect on high school and consider what advice they would’ve given their kindergarten selves.
46 48 44 58
SportzBuzz by Todd Freed
SportzBuzz Jr. by Annie Blaylock McQueen
Buzz Kidz: The Tomorrow: Tomorrow’s rock musicians by Ian Byrne
Neighborhood Tails by Mabel
Buzz About Town by Angie Frederickson
Back Porch: Let Them: Putting the mantra to work by Andria Dilling
Writer Andria Dilling dives into Mel Robbins’ widely discussed Let Them Theory
Meredith Symonds Photography
by Ben Portnoy, staff writer
Father’s Day
The past and present
Many years ago, when I was a kid, my father would scold me or my brothers if we failed to carry out our tasks – raking leaves, shoveling snow, mowing the lawn, or sweeping the back patio. The scolding always referenced those two days set aside to show appreciation to parents. Dad would preach, “Mother’s Day, Shmother’s Day, Father’s Day, Shmather’s Day, what about all the other days of the year?”
As a result, to this day, each year on one of the above-mentioned days, my brother Joe will call me or I will call him and begin our conversation with, “Mother’s Day, Shmother’s Day, Father’s Day, Shmather’s Day!”
This parental admonition kind of lumps the two special days together, but I believe there is a difference between the two. As a father, I feel that the spirit of Father’s Day leaves it as a second-class holiday compared to the more important Mother’s Day.
Are mothers more deserving than us fathers? Maybe so.
Mother’s Day has a long history that is rooted in the work of Ann Jarvis who founded Mother’s Friendship Day in 1868 to try to reunite families divided by the Civil War. Her efforts as the years passed were mostly focused on mothers’ roles in improved sanitation and standard of living. She died in 1905.
Anna Jarvis, her daughter, was inspired by her mother’s work and felt that a day should be set aside to honor mothers. She obtained help from the Philadelphia merchant, John Wanamaker. On May 10, 1908, the first Mother’s Day was celebrated at a worship service at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. On the same day, there was a larger event at the auditorium of the Wanamaker store in Philadelphia. Over the next few years, many states made Mother’s Day an official holiday, and on May 8, 1914, U.S. Congress made the second Sunday in May the nation’s official Mother’s Day. President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill. And Mother’s Day has been celebrated annually ever since.
Father’s Day has a more checkered past. It began in Spokane, Washington, in 1910. Sonora
Smart Dodd heard a sermon about Mother’s Day in 1909, and this stirred in her the feeling that fathers deserved equal recognition. Her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, had raised her and her five siblings as a single parent after his wife passed. The next year, she asked local pastors to celebrate fathers. The Spokane Ministerial Alliance pastors prepared their sermons and made the date the third Sunday in June. The first Father’s Day celebration was June 19, 1910.
Father’s Day did not catch on right away. Initial observances tended to fade away as the years passed. Dodd stopped promoting it as she was studying art in Chicago. In the 1930s, she returned to Spokane and started promoting Father’s Day with the support of manufacturers of ties, pipes, and menswear.
In 1916, President Wilson spoke in Spokane at a Father’s Day celebration.
President Calvin Coolidge supported Father’s Day. But the Congress failed to pass any legislation to denote a Father’s Day. Congress feared that such a holiday would be commercialized. But, in many states, Father’s Day was observed without an official designation.
In 1957, Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine argued that Congress had ignored Father’s Day for 40 years while honoring mothers. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day, and on April 24, 1972, President Richard Nixon finally signed a bill designating Father’s Day as an official U.S. holiday, 58 years after Mother’s Day was declared.
Where are we now? Take your mother to brunch on Mother’s Day. You had better make
a reservation well in advance if you want brunch with Mama. Bring her flowers, candy, a loving greeting card, or maybe a long-distance phone call. A present? I was told long ago that a present for Mom must not have a plug. Father’s Day brunch? Give me a break. How about a chain saw instead or a cool dashcam for the car? Send a card with a funny line such as, “I gave my father $100 and said, ‘Buy yourself something that will make your life easier.’ So he went out and bought a present for my mother.” (Rita Rudner) Or contemplate other witty analyses such as “Father’s Day is important because, besides being the day on which we honor Dad, it’s the one day of the year that Brookstone does any business.” (Jimmy Fallon)
My father died when I was a teenager, so Mother’s Day gained importance for me. I cannot recall any special observation, but when I was in my early 30s, my brother Joe and I bought the cemetery plot next to my father’s and gave it to Mom for Mother’s Day.
OK, I think you get the idea. No doubt about it, Father’s Day takes second place.
Do I care? No. I say, “Mother’s Day, Shmother’s Day, Father’s Day, Shmather’s Day.”
FATHER’S DAY, SHMATHER’S DAY The author shows off his super intelligent face in this Father's Day photo while sitting on his father Sam's lap. His older brothers Richard and Joe may be thinking “Father's Day, Shmather’s Day.”
by Cathy Gordon, staff writer
The Su-pawstar Parade Pooch
Andy the Sheepdog takes the wheel
Every dog has its day. Andy sure did. The fun-loving Old English sheepdog, loyal companion to Bellaire resident Billy Cohn and family, usually rides shotgun, his shaggy ears flapping in the breeze. But in the 38th annual Houston Art Car Parade this spring, he took to the wheel of a bright red BMW convertible, “driving” past adoring attendees like a boss. Not another soul in the car.
Throngs lining Houston’s streets went wild. What? Look! Is that a dog driving that car??!
All the while, Andy’s tail thumped back and forth, waving proudly like a patriotic flag. The King of Fluff staying the course. Tongue out. A good boy. A very good boy.
“Oh, he was into it! He loved it. His tail was wagging the whole time,” says Billy. The cardiothoracic surgeon, engineer, and prolific medical
device inventor (widely recognized for his contributions to the development of the continuousflow, totally implantable artificial heart), converted a 2004 BMW into a radio remote-controlled vehicle that one could steer and brake, and shift into park or drive, without being in it.
Well, Andy was in it. Behind the wheel.
A convertible suits Andy. The wind in his hair. So. Much. Hair.
Undeniably the cutest driver in the 38th annual Art Car Parade, the largest celebration of its kind in the world, featuring over 250 entries.
“We practiced a lot with Andy so we could make sure he would sit in the car and not jump out. We went to an empty church parking lot at night and certain times of day when no one was there, me walking behind the car with the
controls,” Billy explains. “Then we got bolder, and we’d leave the parking lot and drive him home on the streets of Bellaire, me walking behind the car. More and more I was comfortable that we would be good to go on Allen Parkway and downtown streets. There are so many things that could’ve gone wrong. But we prepared for so many exigencies. It could not have gone better.”
His youngest son Chris made a remote-control kill switch as a precaution.
“We put an emergency kill switch on a second radio so we had a second button he could push at any time if he thought the car was too close to something, or if for some reason I became inattentive. And we made a manual brake, a cable, from the back of the car that you could come up and grab
(continued on page 14)
DANDY ANDY What’s better than a loveable loaf of a sheepdog? A sheepdog driving in Houston’s Art Car Parade. Andy “drove” the length of the 2025 parade, courtesy of his owner, inventor Billy Cohn, who converted a 2004 BMW into a radio remote-controlled vehicle that he could steer and brake while his dog cruised solo in the driver’s seat.
Charlie Ewing
(continued from page 12)
and it would apply the brakes and stop the car instantly. With all those safeguards and all the practicing, we were good to go.”
The 4-year-old sheepdog was cordoned off from the backseat by a plexiglass partition, also designed by Chris. Little need. Andy appeared to enjoy being behind the wheel, says Billy. “Every once in a while, he’d go over to the passenger side and people were shouting and laughing and he’d stand up and wag his tail. I’d just say, ‘Come on, Andy! Behind the steering wheel!’ And he’d get back behind the steering wheel.”
The turns were the most exciting part, he says. “There aren’t many turns in the parade. I was so proud of navigating those just right, staying nice and parallel and making a nice rightangle turn.
“People would sometimes see me and point and say, ‘Hey, he’s making the car go! It’s him! Over there!’” says Billy, whose sons Billy and Robert and daughter Elizabeth followed along behind the car with him and Chris. Billy’s wife Shaun was also on hand, helping with logistics and getting water for the dog, he says.
It’s a wonder Billy made it to the parade at all. He was in Australia for “artificial heart work,” and didn’t make it home till the wee hours on Saturday, thanks to a plane snafu (he suspects mechanical problems) that left him struggling
to get back to Houston. He found another flight in the nick of time. Got in at 1:30 a.m., the day of the parade.
“Every once in a while, he’d go over to the passenger side and people were shouting and laughing and he’d stand up and wag his tail. I’d just say, ‘Come on, Andy! Behind the steering wheel!’ And he’d get back behind the steering wheel.”
Thanks to a trial-run of the course by Shaun and Chris while he was away, they discovered more work had to be done to make Andy’s ride flawless.
“Chris and Shaun drove the course while I
was in Australia to see how long it was, and if there were any steep hills. Turns out there were two. So, at 3 a.m., now back in Houston, I woke up Chris and we drove the course, realizing, indeed, we can’t make it up these hills. We had to make this Lucite fixture with a turnbuckle so I could set the RPMs just how I wanted them on the gas pedal. It made it possible to get up those hills.
“It was a family jam,” he says of the all-out effort. His son Billy helped him work on and test the emergency brake cable as well as design RunOver-Cat stickers for the car with his brothers Robert and Chris. (Side note: Andy doesn’t really hate cats. He’s a lover, not a hater.)
“We did a lot of work, but Andy was the star of the show. He was such a good boy, just sitting behind the wheel like a gentleman,” says Billy.
Indeed, Andy earned a trophy for his pawsome parade appearance. “We won the Bowl Me Over award at the Art Car Parade’s award’s ceremony. He’s such a social and gregarious dog, so he loved getting all the hugs and pets. He was really into it. He earned it.”
Editor's note: Find a video of Andy in the Art Car Parade at thebuzzmagazines.com; search for “Andy the Sheepdog.” Read more about owner Billy Cohn in Magic, Music, Medicine, More: And this inventor’s ‘humerus’ Halloween by Cathy Gordon, Oct. 2024.
RIDING SHOTGUN Billy’s favorite pastime is driving around Bellaire with his dog, Andy. The sheepdog sits there like a proper gentleman, taking in the sights and entertaining neighbors, his tail always wagging.
by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
Igniting a Passion to Volunteer
Ways to give back, even if you’re little
It is never too early to let children find ways to give back. That’s the belief of mom-of-four and Boy Scout troop leader Erin Beckwith, whose troop felt compelled to help in the aftermath of the devastating Palisades fire. “I wanted these kids to know they can help, even though they are young,” said Erin.
And help they did. The group of secondgrade boys from The Kinkaid School, the 2025 Wolf Den of Cub Scout Pack 695, organized a fun run as their service project to raise money for families affected by the wildfires. Pack 695 has 77 kids from Kinkaid, from first to fifth grade, with each grade level called a den. The second-grade troop led an effort to help the victims of the devastating fires.
Pack 695 has been part of The Kinkaid School community for more than 35 years, with boys from first through fifth grade participating. The Wolf Den has 19 second-grade boys including Bennett Beckwith, Henry Williams, Greg Pappas, Andy Thomison, Sterling Gray, Jack Milam, Wells Milam, Aiden Ayala, Aydin Naqvi, Max Mertz, William Currie, Luke Plachy, Finn Koster, Augie Fangman, Benjamin Simpson, Walter Easterly, Jackson Dewhurst, Eric Dean, and Mac English. The Wolf Den moms are Erin Beckwith, Virginia Williams, and Allison Thomison.
The boys chose to raise funds for the Palisades after seeing the wildfires on the news. “I noticed my kids started coming home from school talking about the wildfires in California,” Erin said. “They were hearing about it from friends and teachers, and they were concerned. I could tell they were worried about all the families whose homes and communities were just, suddenly, gone.”
As part of the Cub Scouts program, dens are encouraged to complete service projects each year. Erin and the other moms saw this as an opportunity not only to meet that requirement but also to teach something deeper about volunteer service. “I knew that if my kids were worried about it, other kids would be worried about it, and instead of just feeling worried, we decided to empower them to do something,” she said. “I wanted them to know that if you are moved by something, you can help. And you can help,
even if you are only 8 years old.”
Erin did some research to help identify a reputable local nonprofit to ensure their donations would go directly to support recovery. “When I was trying to figure out a good organization to send the money to [in Palisades], I immediately
“I wanted them to know that if you are moved by something, you can help. And you can help, even if you are only 8 years old.”
thought of Miles Partain. I know his family through my sister,” said Erin. “Miles played beach volleyball in the 2024 Paris Olympics for Team USA. He is very active on social media and when the fires were blazing through the
Palisades, he was going live showing his followers the destruction. His childhood home burned down in the fires.” Miles directed the troop to Palisades Forever, a nonprofit founded by longtime residents of the Pacific Palisades community to help rebuild and restore institutions affected by the fires.
Their plan moved into action, and what began as a small service project for their troop quickly grew into something much bigger. They organized a fun run at the school’s track to raise money for the victims of the fire. In the weeks leading up to the event, each scout collected pledge donations from family and friends. They knocked on doors, posted on social media, and talked to anyone they could about contributing.
On the day of the fun run, families gathered at the school track as music played over the loudspeakers. “[The music] filled the entire stadium,” said Erin. The boys warmed up, then lined up at the starting line. The lower school nurse announced, “Runners, take your mark!” and Erin sounded the starting gun. Off they went. A countdown on the football
tracked their laps. They had
(continued on page 18)
scoreboard
YOUNG HELPERS These second-grade Boy Scouts from The Kinkaid School, the 2025 Wolf Den of Cub Scout Pack 695, organized a fun run to raise money for victims of the Palisades fire. Pictured (standing, from left) are Augie Fangman, Wells Milam, Mac English, Aiden Ayala, Andy Thomison, Benjamin Simpson, Kinkaid headmaster Jonathan Eades, Henry Williams, Walter Easterly, Max Mertz, Greg Pappas, Jack Milam; (sitting, from left) Sterling Gray, Aydin Naqvi, Bennett Beckwith, and Eric Dean.
Erin Beckwith
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Palisades Forever, a California-based nonprofit supporting victims of the wildfire. Together, the troop completed 158 laps and raised $10,350 – far surpassing their original goal of $1,000.
(continued from page 16)
30 minutes to run as many laps as possible.
“There were a couple of parents that stepped in to run with their sons, and some siblings,” said Erin. In the end, the boys – just eight years old –ran 158 laps, totaling more than 39 miles.
Their initial goal had been modest. “Our den goal was $1,000,” said Erin. “When we collected all the donations that the boys raised, it was $10,350, which surpassed our goal by a landslide.”
The boys took away valuable lessons. “We may be little, but we are mighty with helping,” said troop member Aydin Naqvi.
“We were excited to run, but most important-
ly to help people in need,” said troop member Jack Milam. “It was running and helping people. I loved it,” added Eric Dean.
“It was truly inspiring to see the boys take complete ownership of the entire process,” said troop mom Virginia Williams. “From brainstorming fundraising ideas, setting personal goals, to choosing whom to support with the funds raised, they were incredibly dedicated. Also, witnessing the positive impact of social media was particularly moving.” Virginia said some boys and their parents used social media to promote the fun run, reaching beyond their immediate circle – and they had a great response.
“I learned that we should be more grateful for what we have,” said troop member Henry Williams.
The success of the fun run is a powerful reminder that kids do not have to wait until they grow up to have influence. The values instilled through programs like Cub Scouts – leadership, empathy, and responsibility – can begin at any age.
“I think we did the right thing doing it. I hope it makes a big difference in California,” said troop member Augie Fangman.
“I think what they learned is that they do not have to just watch bad things happen and feel sad,” said Erin. “They can be part of the solution. Even if they are in second grade.”
Volunteer Opportunities in Houston for Kids
Teaching kids that they have the power to make a difference develops a lifelong habit of service. And as the Wolf Den of Pack 695 has shown, it is never too early to start and there is no amount too small to help someone in need. Summer is a good time to encourage kids to serve in the community. Some volunteer opportunities are limited to kids 10 and older, but here are several organizations that welcome younger children (with parent supervision):
• Little Lights Houston: This nonprofit offers weekend volunteer opportunities for families to help prepare and deliver weekend food bags to children experiencing food insecurity. littlelightshouston.org
• Kids’ Meals Houston: Children under 10 can help decorate lunch bags at home or with a school group, and families can volunteer together to pack meals. kidsmealshouston.org
• Houston Food Bank: The minimum volunteer age at the food bank’s main warehouse is 6 (with an adult), and they offer family-friendly opportunities throughout the year. houstonfoodbank.org
• Ronald McDonald House Houston: Families can collect needed items or host donation drives for children and families staying at RMH. rmhhouston.org
• Houston SPCA: While direct animal volunteering is limited to those 16 and older, kids can help from home by organizing donation drives or collecting towels, toys, and pet food. houstonspca.org
ON TRACK Siblings Henry and Annie Williams ran side by side in the troop's fundraiser for
by Cindy Burnett, staff writer
Book Recommendations for Dad
Father’s Day ideas
Looking for a great gift for Father’s Day? Books are perfect for almost anyone because they cover any topic imaginable. Here are some suggestions.
For the dad who enjoys thrills:
The Writer by James Patterson and J.D. Barker – Denise Morrow, a popular true crime writer, is making headlines but for the wrong reasons. Her husband has been murdered, and the police consider her their prime suspect. Detectives Declan Shaw and Jarod Cordova are assigned to the case and are intent on solving it, but everything may not be as it seems. There are so many entertaining red herrings and crazy twists and turns; this one is quite a fun ride for those who enjoy solid thrillers and those looking for a quick read.
For the dad who is interested in the tech world: Dead Money by Jakob Kerr – As one of the first employees at Airbnb, Jakob Kerr is intimately familiar with the world of start-ups and Silicon Valley, and his experiences inform this twisty, funny, and clever thriller. The controversial CEO of tech’s hottest startup Journy has just been murdered, leaving behind billions in “dead money” frozen in his will. Mackenzie Clyde, a fixer for the venture capital company that invested heavily in Journy, is brought in to consult and help solve the murder, but her help is not welcomed by the FBI. This intelligently constructed mystery into the wild and surreal world of the tech industry and startups where nothing is as it seems will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
For the dad who likes quirky reads:
I’m Starting to Worry about This Black Box of Doom by Jason Pargin – Lyft driver Abbott nervously accepts an offer of $200,000 cash to transport a woman named Ether across the country with a large black box. But she has a list of rules he must follow: He cannot look inside the box; he cannot ask questions about the box; he cannot tell anyone what he is doing; they must leave immediately; and he must leave all trackable devices behind. What ensues is a hilarious and timely tale about the way technology and the internet have completely overrun our
lives. As the internet community speculates about what’s in the box as well as sparking rumors that this duo is preparing to launch a terror attack, the tension mounts.
For the dad who likes the outdoors:
Beartooth by Callan Wink – Faced with losing their family home due to large medical bills following the loss of their father, two brothers, Hazen and Thad, struggle to make ends meet. Residing in Montana on the edge of Yellowstone National Park, the brothers resort to illegal poaching jobs to survive, including a large, risky one that goes awry. While the heist storyline is enthralling, the true draw of Beartooth is Wink’s ability to transport the reader to this stunning but often inhospitable landscape; the setting is brought to life so vividly. Moreover, his characters are well drawn and complex, and the indepth exploration of family relationships and the roles family dynamics play in those relationships is engaging. This short book packs a huge punch, and fans of Peter Heller’s books and other stories set in nature and the backwoods will love this melancholy but ultimately hopeful tale.
STORY SET IN NATURE Searching for a Father's Day gift for someone who loves the great outdoors? Beartooth by Callan Wink is a great fit since it is set on the edge of Yellowstone National Park and focuses on life there.
and his friendship with Samuel Clemens, who ultimately publishes his memoirs. While the focus is clearly on Grant in this tale, the book also serves as a fascinating glimpse into the Civil War and Reconstruction-Era years from a perspective I have not encountered previously. This thought-provoking and stunningly crafted story of Grant’s life and legacy from his own perspective is outstanding. This is a must-read book for historical-fiction fans and history lovers alike.
For the dad who enjoys historical fiction: The General and Julia by Jon Clinch – Near the end of his life and battling throat cancer, Ulysses S. Grant struggles to complete his memoirs before he passes away, in order to leave his family financially sound. He chronicles his love for his family, his role in the Civil War as well as Lee’s surrender, serving as a twice-elected president, losing his entire fortune to a swindler,
For the dad who likes compelling stories:
My Friends by Fredrik Backman – Backman returns with another beautifully-crafted story, this one centered around four friends with difficult home lives who inspire a painting that becomes world famous. Twenty-five years later, 17-year-old Louisa encounters the painter and is subsequently gifted this famous painting. While coming to terms with her bequest, she
Cindy Burnett
sets out on a cross-country journey to understand how the painting came to be as she learns about these four friends and their lasting legacy. My Friends delves into grief, love, overcoming hardship and trauma, the creation of art, and the lasting power of friendship. The ending was unexpected and welcome, demonstrating that happy endings do not always take the form that we expect.
For the dad who likes to read about other time periods:
Splinter Effect by Andrew Ludington – In this action-packed debut, time traveling archaeologist Rabbit Ward maneuvers through the past to recover a long-lost, precious menorah hiding out in ancient Rome. This engaging novel grabbed my attention from page one. The main character visits 6th-century Constantinople, and the author does an absolutely incredible job of bringing the time period, the city, and its surroundings to life without it feeling like a history lesson. Splinter Effect is a great fit for those who love time travel and fun mysteries, and it is the start to a new series.
For the dad who loves his dog(s):
Dogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show by Tommy Tomlinson – Dogland is enthralling and entertaining as well as thought-provoking and educational. As a long-time dog lover, I was fascinated by some of the questions Tomlinson raises. Are show dogs happy? And what about pet dogs – are they happy? These questions sent the author on a three-year quest to better understand the dog-show world and its inhabitants and to gain insight into the relationship between humans and dogs. The result is this delightful book. Dogland mainly follows a champion show dog named Striker as he competes at
the Westminster Dog Show in New York, but the author includes how dog shows began, who participates and why, how the relationship between humans and dogs has evolved, and how to evaluate the happiness of dogs.
For the dad who enjoys a good memoir: Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond by Henry Winkler – Henry Winkler’s first big role in Hollywood, as The Fonz in Happy Days, defined him for decades after the show went off the air. His incredible story starts earlier with a troubled home life and undiagnosed dyslexia and follows him through his role as The Fonz and into the acting roles he has subsequently played and children’s books he has written. Fans of Happy Days will enjoy the details he divulges about the show, including the origin of the term “jumping the shark” and how he was treated significantly better than the rest of the cast and the tension that created. The audiobook is phenomenal as well for this one; Winkler and his wife Stacey narrate.
For the dad who likes science fiction: Dissolution by Nicholas Binge – Maggie Webb has spent the last 10 years caring for her husband Stanley, whose memories are slowly disappearing. When a stranger shows up at her home and tells her that someone is purposefully removing Stanley’s memories, she is given the chance to save Stanley. Maggie dives into her husband's memories, uncovering a decades-old feud threatening reality itself. The science-fiction elements are clearly explained – the science does not bog down the story – and the relationship between Stanley and Maggie is a standout. The ending is what truly makes the book; it is outstanding and so clever. This compelling and timely novel takes the reader on a page-turning trek through memory and time.
For a dad who likes Formula 1:
On the Grid: Life Behind the Scenes of Formula 1 by Luke Smith – This insider’s account of what happens on and off the grid of Formula 1 is a fascinating glimpse into the popular sport. Only 20 drivers are counted among elite ranks of Formula 1, but behind each one is an army of professionals devoted to the sport. In On the Grid, F1 journalist Luke Smith brings to life the behind-the-scenes stories that don’t make it to viewers’ screens. I love these deep dives into worlds about which I am not very familiar, and this one is outstanding. He covers the gender gap in F1, the fan base, carbon emissions, climate change, the growing popularity of the sport in the U.S., and so much more. As the 2025 F1 season is now in full swing, this is a timely read.
For the dad who likes to cook:
What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci –In What I Ate in One Year, Tucci records 12 months of eating – in restaurants, kitchens, film sets, press junkets, at home and abroad, with friends, with family, with strangers, and occasionally just by himself. It is an engaging, humorous, and heartfelt book that frames his memories in terms of the meals he consumed as well as celebrating the way food means much more to people than simply what they eat. This would be great for foodies and those interested in the acting and publishing worlds (his wife is the renowned agent Felicity Blunt). His companion memoir Taste: My Life Through Food is also outstanding.
Editor’s note: Book reviewer Cindy Burnett also writes our monthly Buzz Reads column and weekly Page Turners column. She hosts an award-winning book podcast entitled Thoughts from a Page Podcast (www.thoughtsfromapage.com), runs the Instagram account @thoughtsfrompage, and regularly speaks to groups about books.
FATHER’S DAY IDEAS My Friends by Fredrik Backman, Dissolution by Nicholas Binge, and On the Grid by Luke Smith will make great gifts for the reader in your life.
Cindy Burnett Cindy Burnett Cindy Burnett
by Andria Dilling, staff writer
A College Town Worth Visiting
Kids and vacation rolled into one
Sending children off to college is a rite of passage. There are all the feelings, of course: the lead-up of 18 years of prep, the dread of an empty bed, the anticipation of a child’s new adventure.
And also: a child’s new adventure brings new adventures for her parents. Some call this the “empty (or semi-empty) nesters gone wild” phase. For those of us whose children chose to go to college in a vacation-worthy city or college town, it’s that much better.
Rich Deutsch feels like he and his wife Michele have gotten to experience two of the best college towns – Austin and New Orleans –through their children. Their son Colton just graduated from The University of Texas, where Rich, a lawyer, in Houston, teaches international commercial arbitration and international investor-state arbitration and serves on the advisory board of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Energy, Law and Business. And their daughter Berkeley just completed her first year at Tulane.
“It’s been a lot of fun with Colton being in Austin,” Rich says, “but that wasn’t a big adventure, because I know Austin pretty well. Austin is eclectic and cowboy and old Texas, and of course there’s the music and food scene there. But it’s totally different from the music and food scene in New Orleans.”
In Austin, Michele says they like to eat at Elizabeth Street Café, a Vietnamese-French café and bakery; Birdie’s, a prix-fixe, counterservice restaurant that Food & Wine named the 2023 Restaurant of the Year; and the South Congress spot Neighborhood Sushi. She recommends the Kelly Wearstler-designed Austin Proper Hotel for a home base.
Further comparing Austin to New Orleans, Rich adds: “You could walk across the whole Tulane campus in about 10 minutes. At Texas, that would take you 45 minutes.
“I’ve been going to football games in Austin with Colton for 15 years. That’s all I knew. Football games at Tulane are a completely different experience. There’s no Bevo, but you get to follow a New Orleans band in a parade into the stadium. I’ve gone from being the complete Austin freak to the complete New Orleans
AUSTIN FANS Rich and Colton Deutsch enjoy many aspects of Austin, especially Texas football games, which bring more than 100,000 fans to Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
freak. You would think I’m on the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce board.”
The Deutschs had been to New Orleans before as tourists, visiting Bourbon Street or going to parties. But together as parents of a new
resident, Rich and Michele, who owns a cookie-baking business, have embraced the city.
“As parents, you get all excited thinking that your son or daughter can go to school across the country. You think, wouldn’t it be great if my
kid were in the mountains or by the ocean. But then they go, and they’re so far away. With New Orleans, you get the excitement and experience of going out of state, but it’s not too far away. You can hop in the car or hop on Southwest and get there. I just like the whole idea. The best was when Berkeley called and said Let’s have dinner.” Rich made a quick trip and enjoyed a little father-daughter time.
That proximity was a huge benefit a few weeks ago when Berkeley’s dorm flooded, just before the end of the school year. “That was an unplanned visit,” Rich says of the time he spent moving her out of and into her dorm room. “The hard part of that was that she was on the eighth floor, and of course the elevators were not working. So I was carrying stuff up and down 16 flights of stairs. And by the way, none of the 18- or 19-year-olds were offering to help.”
But after the shlepping, while Berkeley arranged her room, Rich explored the city. “When you have [a child] living there, they plug you into what you wouldn’t see as a tourist,” he
says. “You don’t have to go to Bourbon Street.”
Michele and Rich call Shaya, the award-winning Mediterranean restaurant on Magazine St., a favorite. They’ve also come to love several “little, local breakfast places” they wouldn’t have found on their own. Molly’s Rise and Shine tops their list. “If you live there,” Rich says, “everybody knows about it.” The French restaurant Lilette is another star in the Deutschs’ book, as is St. James Cheese Co. (which was started by a ’90s-era Tulane couple). Mealtime, Rich says, “is when we can be together.” Otherwise, Berkeley is in class, and Michele and Rich explore.
When he was there for the flood clean-up, Rich says Berkeley went to Jazz Fest with friends (he wasn’t invited), while he went to see a show at the Joy Theater, a historic landmark movie theater turned event venue. “Totally New Orleans,” he says. For hotels, they like the Garden District Hotel St. Vincent or an Airbnb near campus to truly feel a part of the neighborhood. Walks in Audubon Park, adja-
cent to campus, fill any spare time.
Rich also is a fan of an independent local bookstore. “New Orleans has some fabulous ones,” he says. “Once I was at Octavia Books so long that I don’t know how I made my flight home. That’s the fun thing – she can be studying for finals, and I can go to the bookstore. It’s neat to get to spend all this time in college towns where, for most people, you go for a vacation, but we’re just visiting our kids there.”
The Deutchs are thankful for the draw of the city their daughter calls home during the school year.
“When Colton left [for school], that was hard,” Rich says. “I don’t think I went upstairs for four months. And when Berkeley left, it was a bigger change than I had anticipated. You spend 20 years getting them ready, and then they’re gone. It’s a big adjustment. You make this huge commitment to put your kid in the best possible position to have the life they want to have, then they’re going down that path, and you can kind of feel left behind. Or on the flip side, you can enjoy it and be a part of it.”
NEW ORLEANS CONVERTS Berkeley and Michele Deutsch parade into Tulane's 30,000-seat Yulman Stadium before a football game.
KIDS
by Caroline Siegfried, staff writer
Class of 2025
Where are they headed?
It’s funny, the things we remember. You might forget your fourth-grade science project, but you remember the exact color of your pencil box, and all the stickers that covered it. You remember the day in first grade when a boy taught you how to draw a star. The moments that form us happen over months, years, decades: gentle traces like water carving through a sand dune. I hope you remember your high school friends’ inside jokes, and the best water fountain in school, and the crazy realization that somewhere along the way, while you weren’t looking, you grew up.
That’s why, every once in a while – graduations, birthdays, New Year’s Eve – we stop and think a little. To wonder if we’ve changed and how it happened.
Our annual tradition here at The Buzz is to share our graduating neighbors’ future plans. As they leave the nest and transform from mischievous kindergarteners to high school graduates, we celebrate their achievements. Read on to see their favorite elementary school stories, what they wish they had known as kindergarteners, and what will always make them think of high school.
Seniors, you did it. Congrats, Class of 2025!
Cole Mansour – West University Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Lamar High School
Cole Mansour will be heading to Southwestern University, where he will be majoring in biology and playing football as the team’s long snapper. He would tell his kindergarten self “to always accept every challenge and opportunity that came my way because I'll never know how that opportunity might change my life in the future. I would also add that you can learn something from everyone; there's no such thing as a wasted conversation.” He says that he has had many kind and thoughtful teachers. In particular, his 11th-grade biology teacher, Ms. Katie Watson, was extremely knowledgeable and understanding of her students. His favorite moment from high school was when his football team advanced to the third round of state playoffs his junior year and played at NRG Stadium. “It's hard to beat playing under the lights of a
professional stadium in high school.” He hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps and become an orthopedic surgeon. He’ll always remember the trips he took with his family – they visited nine national parks over the last four years.
Mia Wubbenhorst – Poe Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School
Mia Wubbenhorst is headed to Tulane University with a major in neuroscience. She would tell her kindergarten self to be kind and have fun learning new things. She says her fifthgrade teacher, Ms. Nesrin Stout, introduced her to books that have stuck with her today and was supportive of creativity in the classroom. Her favorite high school memory was traveling and exploring London, Paris, and Rome on a school trip the summer before her senior year. She became closer to classmates and saw places she had only seen in pictures. Things that will always remind her of high school include: Friday-night football games, prom transition TikToks, and her Owala water bottle. She hopes to become a neurologist or neuropsychologist. She says she would love to help people by observing and conducting research on the nervous system. Her funniest elementary school memory is that she passed out in the school bathroom in fourth grade because she got a paper cut and was scared of the blood. She woke up and didn't tell anyone because she didn't want to get sent home and miss her sewing class.
Kate Wubbenhorst – Poe Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School
Kate Wubbenhorst is heading to Cornell University, where she plans to major in environmental science on a pre–vet track. One thing that will always remind her of high school is the smell of the FFA Barn. Her most impactful teacher was Ms. Katie Watson, her 11th-grade
IB Biology teacher, who was always so kind and supportive, especially through stressful times during her junior year. “She cared so much about every student, and made sure we all succeeded.” If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: Enjoy yourself! Don't get too worried about the future – everything will work out eventually. Her favorite moments from high school were football games. She loved cheering with her friends in band and playing the fight song when they won. She hopes to one day become a wildlife veterinarian.
Marisa Boué – West University Elementary School, The Kinkaid School
Marisa Boué is headed to Baylor University and will participate in the 3+2 Program to pursue a Bachelor’s in human health studies and a Master’s in athletic training. She’d tell her kindergarten self: Don’t be afraid to be different. Her favorite moment from high school was being on the sideline while the football team won SPC her senior year. She says the Wiz Khalifa song “The Thrill” will always remind her of high school. Marisa says that Ms. Tianna Tomlinson, the 9th/10th-grade athletic trainer at Kinkaid, inspired her to be herself, and fight for her own health and her athletes’ health. Ms. Tomlinson is why Marisa ultimately decided to become an athletic trainer.
Jack Allen Peveto – The Joy School, Lanier Middle School, St. Francis Episcopal School
Jack Allen Peveto is going to the University of Missouri, where he will major in mechanical engineering. His dream job is to be an engineer for Ferrari. The advice he’d give his kindergarten self is: “You may be good at math, but make sure you learn to write well.” Jack says that Dr. Jared Staller at St. Francis was an inspiration, and always easy to talk to about classes. Sabrina Carpenter songs will always
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Cole Mansour – Southwestern University
Meghan McCall
Mia Wubbenhorst – Tulane University
Kate Wubbenhorst – Cornell University
Marisa Boué – Baylor University
Jack Allen Peveto – University of Missouri
Olivia Becker – Taylor University
Siena Bush – Dartmouth College
Susie Lane – University of Missouri
Grey Warren – Williams College
Meredith Symonds
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Richard Davis Photography
Meredith Symonds
Michael Martinez Photography
Meredith Symonds
remind him of high school. His favorite moment from high school was being elected president of the student body.
Olivia Becker – West University Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School
Olivia Becker is heading to Taylor University. She is thankful to Ms. Ashly Evans, her seventh-grade choir teacher at Pin Oak, for helping her discover her passion for music. “She was always so excited about music and expressed her love for music daily.” Olivia’s dream job would be to work as a music therapist or in the ministry. Her favorite moments from high school were the moments she got to be a leader, serving as a drum major and choir officer. The drum major gloves she wore for every performance will always remind her of high school. She would tell her kindergarten self: “Take advantage of every moment and enjoy the ride.”
Siena Bush – West University Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions
Siena Bush is heading to Dartmouth College, where she plans to study biophysical chemistry and public policy. Ice Breakers gum will always remind her of high school because they would pass around cases of it before class each morning. She would tell her kindergarten self: “If someone says something mean, it’s more about them than it is about you.” Siena says that as a self-taught cellist, she was unsure if she was meeting expectations and considered dropping orchestra in her freshman year. Her orchestra teacher, Mr. Jordan Stewart, taught her to overcome her self-doubt and encouraged her to persevere and develop her craft. Her favorite high school moment was DeBakey Field Day 2024, when her class got decked out in all shades of purple face paint, attire, and hair dye; it made her feel part of a loving, proud community. Her dream job is to become a neurosurgeon.
Susie Lane – West University Elementary School, Pershing Middle School, Lamar High School
Susie Lane is headed to the University of Missouri, where she plans to study occupational therapy. If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be curious. She is grateful for her second-grade teacher, Ms. Marie Anderson for pushing her to try her best and be confident in her schoolwork. She says she will always associate the show Gilmore Girls with high school because of the countless times she stayed up too late rewatching it. Her favorite moments in high school were spent in the Best Buddies Club, which influenced her career goals and helped form many close friendships. Her dream job is to be an occupational therapist. She hopes to help individuals with special needs improve their ability to perform daily living skills.
Grey Warren – West University Elementary School, The Emery/Weiner School
Grey Warren will be heading to Williams College. If he could give his kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: “Don’t rush to grow up. Stay curious, keep asking questions, and never be afraid to be a little weird – sometimes that’s where the magic starts.” Mr. Kelly Dean, his music teacher from sixth to 12th grade, changed his life by teaching him how to be both a strong leader and a supportive group member, helping him to find his voice and express himself in ways he never had before. Nutri-Grain bars will always remind him of high school. His favorite moment from high school was the final curtain close during their production of Pippin. “We were sweaty, slightly off-key, and running on pure adrenaline – but in that moment, it felt like Broadway. The energy was wild, the applause was loud (probably from our parents), and for a second, we all forgot we had math homework.”
Delphine Wood – Annunciation Orthodox School, Lamar High School
Delphine Wood will be going to Wake Forest University, where she plans to major in business. She would tell her kindergarten self to put yourself out there more and try new things. Her favorite elementary school memory was playing Mary in the kindergarten Christmas pageant. She loved being part of the varsity field hockey team, and the celebrations that came with each goal. Clear backpacks will always make her think of Lamar because of the school’s clear bag policy, which started in her sophomore year. Her dream job is being a food critic for The New York Times and going to the best restaurants in the city. Her most impactful teacher was Ms. Vivian Langford, her junior-year US history teacher; “Not only do I love the subject she taught, but her kindness and willingness to always be there for me was such a blessing at Lamar.”
Norah Watts – Travis Elementary School, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School, St. Pius X High School
Norah Watts is headed to the University of Oregon, where she will major in human physiology. The most important advice she would give to her kindergarten self is to never stop believing in yourself; “trust that you are smart, skilled, and worthy, and to not be so hard on yourself during this time of enormous growth.” She says there are two teachers who have helped shape who she is today: Mrs. Donna Cusack and Mrs. Diane Krugh. They were her dance instructors, mentors, teachers, and, at times, second moms to her. “They taught me that while success is always something good to aim for, failure is just as important. It's in the failures that we learn and grow the most.” They have been beside her cheering her on every step of the way for 10 years. Her favorite elementary school memory was her first Scottish Highland Dance competition, which kicked off an eight-year stretch of her competing locally, nationally, and
internationally. Her dream job is working as an athletic trainer for an NFL team. Her favorite moment in high school was stepping on the football field for the first time as a student athletic trainer. She says that was when she knew what she wanted to study in college and what she wanted to do professionally.
Bailey Hashmi – West University Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School
Bailey Hashmi is off to Baylor University, where he will compete as a sprinter on the track and field team, and major in computer science and engineering. He’d tell his kindergarten self to enjoy every second of being in elementary school. “Whether that be at or outside of school, enjoy every second of your life.” His most influential teacher was IB math teacher Mr. Yuanxin Li, who made learning a difficult topic interesting while pushing them to learn. He’ll always remember the rolling gray chairs in the new Lamar building. He has never seen them anywhere else but Lamar. His best elementary school story was when he was playing a game in PE and accidentally tripped, and then a girl tripped over him, and he got a black eye. His dream job is to become an independent video game developer.
Carter Burke – River Oaks Baptist School, Episcopal High School
Carter Burke is going to Duke University to major in statistical science and financial economics. He says that the teacher who most impacted him was Mrs. Rachel Merren, his seventh- and eighth-grade math teacher. She taught the first math class that really challenged him and fueled his love for math. His dream job is to become a private equity or quantitative analyst. He’d tell his kindergarten self to eat his vegetables.
Siddharth Dasari – Field Elementary School, T. H. Rogers School, Carnegie Vanguard High School
Siddharth Dasari is going to The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in international relations and Plan II Honors. He would tell his kindergarten self: “These next few years will go by faster than you think, so cherish every memory and make sure to be positive.” He credits Mrs. Suparna Vashisht, his fifth-grade math teacher, with transforming his attitude toward math. He says she went above and beyond when teaching him, turning him from a student who hated STEM to a student who placed first at math competitions. His favorite moment from high school was sophomore year, when he and his friends – on a whim – formed a team and signed up for the Academic WorldQuest competition just two weeks before. They ended up placing second at nationals and were even featured on KPRC-2 News. “Replay” by Iyaz will always remind him of high school. He loved singing along with friends and belting it out during karaoke at parties. His
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Delphine Wood – Wake Forest University
Norah Watts – University of Oregon
Bailey Hashmi – Baylor University
Carter Burke – Duke University
Siddharth Dasari – The University of Texas at Austin
Emma Scudder – Southern Methodist University
Chrysanthos Fetokakis – University of Nevada, Las Vegas Kai Chong – Texas A&M University
Sonya Sellers Photography
Cady
Kian with Elegant Portraits
Theresa Trevino
dream job would be working as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service.
Emma Scudder – Roberts Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School
Emma Scudder is headed to Southern Methodist University, where she will study marketing/finance. If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: don’t rush to grow up – cherish the carefree days of being a kid. “I remember thinking nap time was boring and even recess felt routine sometimes, but looking back, those were moments filled with love, simplicity, and joy.” Emma says her second-grade teacher, Mrs. Tamyra Palmer, completely changed her life. “She made me fall in love with learning and helped me understand how I learn best. Her patience and encouragement made school feel exciting, not scary, and that mindset has stuck with me ever since.” Her favorite part of high school was transferring to a new school junior year and finding her place. She says starting over was scary, but she met amazing people who made senior year so much fun. She’ll never forget all the late-night Whataburger and Taco Bell runs with her friends. “We weren’t really going for the food –we just wanted an excuse to drive around, park somewhere, and talk for hours in the car. Those nights were full of laughter, bad music, deep conversations, and lots of memories.”
Chrysanthos Fetokakis – Annunciation Orthodox School, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
Chrysanthos Fetokakis is headed to University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he will major in business finance and hospitality and play offensive line on their football team. He would tell his kindergarten self to enjoy the playground while you can, because when eighth grade comes around, school matters. He says that Mrs. Nikkie Kyriasoglou changed his life because she displayed an immense amount of love and kindness not just to him but everyone who stepped foot in AOS. She was a great example and role model, and unfortunately passed away last year. His favorite moment from high school was going three rounds into the playoffs with his senior year football team. His team's football trophies in the trophy case at Strake Jesuit, along with their jerseys in his family’s restaurant Niko Niko’s, will always remind him of high school. His best story from elementary school was when he and his friends tossed a kickball in the stairwell, and one of them hit a camera and broke it. The principal then started a “manhunt” to find them, and they eventually got detention. His dream job is to take over the family restaurant, Niko Niko’s, and have locations nationwide.
Kai Chong – Rummel Creek Elementary School, Cornerstone Academy, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
Kai Chong is heading to Texas A&M University to major in business. He would tell his kindergarten self to accept whatever challenge the world throws at you. His most influential teacher was Mrs. Carolyn Tacker, his fifth-grade math teacher at Rummel Creek, who told him if he showed his work, he would never get the answer wrong. His best elementary school memory was Boogie Down Brittmoore, a Rummel Creek event for graduating fifth graders featuring a pool party, water balloons, and water guns. His favorite high school moment happened recently, when he earned his first-degree black belt in Hapkido, something he's worked hard to accomplish at Strake Jesuit over the past four years. Things that will always remind him of high school include great chicken parm and football games.
Suri Mehta – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, St. Agnes Academy
Suri Mehta is off to The University of Texas at Austin, where she will double major in youth and community studies and government. She would tell her kindergarten self to believe in herself and never give up. Suri says that Ms. Sharon Gehbauer, her 10th-grade English teacher at St. Agnes, changed her life by teaching her that writing isn’t just about structure –it’s about finding your voice and sharing your perspective with courage. Her favorite moment from high school was performing a Bollywood dance with her friends at the annual cultural pageant. She says the energy, music, and joy were unforgettable. Her best friends will always remind her of high school: “We went through all the highs and lows together, creating memories, sharing laughs, and supporting each other through it all.” Her dream job is to be a family lawyer who advocates for young kids.
Lucy Walker – Annunciation Orthodox School, St. John’s School
Lucy Walker is headed to The University of Texas at Austin to study journalism in the Moody Honors College. She hopes to become a journalist. The advice she’d give her kindergarten self is: “Take it all in. Life moves pretty fast – if you don't look around every once in a while, you could miss it.” Lucy says her thirdgrade teacher at AOS, Mrs. AT Williams, was nothing short of incredible: “Because of her, I am more organized, driven, and happy.” Red plaid will always remind her of high school. Her favorite high school moments were late nights before sending the school newspaper to the printers: “The energy in room Q201 at 7 p.m. on export day is ridiculous.” Her best memory is from middle school: “I broke my arm in sixth grade falling off my skateboard. Not a month later, I was tripped by another runner during a track and field race. I had a cast on both arms until summer. When I got to high school, I figured out my classmate (and now fellow editor on the newspaper) was the one who tripped me. We are going to be roommates in the fall.”
William Oakley – Kindergarten at the House at Pooh Corner, St. John's School
William Oakley is headed to Bard College where he will major in economics and play on the baseball team as pitcher. His favorite part of high school was being on the SJS Varsity Baseball team and winning their first championship in 33 years. He would tell his kindergarten self to enjoy every moment you have. He says that Mr. Jack Soliman, his advisor for four years, taught him how to be a better man, and to take education seriously.
Sarah K. Ramos – Harvard Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Carnegie Vanguard High School
Sarah K. Ramos is headed to Purdue University, where she will major in aeronautical engineering technology. Her dream job is being a naval aviator. Sarah says that Mr. Nathan Wendt, her junior-year AP US History teacher, harbored a safe environment for learning and helped her further her love for history. His classwork was engaging, and she never once hoped that class would end sooner. One of her favorite high school moments was her friends’ Secret Santa gift exchange freshman year. It reminded her that she had a close-knit group of friends that all knew each other and cared for one another. If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: “Don't rush growing up! There will be days where all you wish you could do is to be your 5-year-old self again. Life already moves too fast for you to want to not savor every moment.” The song “Ribs” by Lorde will always remind her of growing up and high school.
Anabel Precht – Lovett Elementary School, Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle School, Carnegie Vanguard High School
Anabel Precht is headed to The University of Texas at Austin and plans to major in government. She would tell her kindergarten self to not be afraid to ask for help (especially in math!). Her most impactful teacher was Ms. Angela Thompson, her kindergarten teacher, who nurtured her love of reading by encouraging her to read “big kid books.” She says that Brandy Melville sweatpants will always remind her of high school. Her favorite moment from high school was a school trip to Japan that took a wild turn when they got stranded there for two days. Through a series of rescheduled flights, she circumnavigated the globe, eventually making it home after stopping in Bangkok, Paris, and Dallas. Her dream job is to be an entertainment lawyer.
Emily York – Horn Elementary, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School
Emily York is going to the University of Oklahoma and majoring in Business. She would tell her kindergarten self: “Don’t be afraid of failure, challenge yourself, and find what makes you happy, which will drive your success.” The teacher who changed her
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Suri Mehta – The University of Texas at Austin
Lucy Walker – The University of Texas at Austin
William Oakley – Bard College
Sarah K. Ramos – Purdue University
Anabel Precht – The University of Texas at Austin
Emily York – University of Oklahoma
Aidan Pulido – The University of Texas at Austin
Isabella Gee – University of Florida
Isola Photo
Debra Alexander
Caroline Martinez
Lot
Five Studios
Kim Nelson with Masami Photography
Kelsey Fay
life was Ms. Kathryn Eccles, ninth-grade English, because she not only shared her love of teaching with her students, but she served as a mentor and friend as they embarked on their high school journey. Her favorite high school memories were attending football games and pep rallies with her friends. Her dream job is to become a lawyer.
Aidan Pulido – St. Mark's Episcopal School, St. Thomas High School
Aidan Pulido is headed to The University of Texas at Austin to major in biology on a premed pathway. He would tell his kindergarten self to be up for every challenge, even if it scares you; you will learn more and meet great people that way. His most influential teacher was his AP Physics teacher at St. Thomas High School, Mrs. Pam Masau, who challenged him to think critically while making physics enjoyable. He also says his kindergarten teacher, Ms. William, taught him kindness and love of learning. His favorite moment from high school was when the St. Thomas students broke the school record by raising over 1 million dollars in 2025 to go towards scholarships for deserving students. It was meaningful for him as he was one of the many students who benefited from the scholarships that St. Thomas gave out. Hoodies will always make him think of high school – “we live in hoodies, even in the 100-degree Texas heat.” His dream job is working in dermatology.
Isabella Gee – St. Catherine's Montessori, Lovett Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School
Isabella Gee will be majoring in applied physiology and kinesiology at University of Florida She says her ninth-grade biology teacher, Ms. Caroline Vu, sparked her love for biology/sciences and instilled a good work ethic in her. She doesn't think that she would have ended up at Florida majoring in APK if it weren't for her devotion to teaching her class. Her dream job is to be a sports medicine doctor. She would tell her kindergarten self: You know what you like and what you care about, don't stray away from that or pretend to be someone who you aren't. Her favorite part of high school was the exchange trip she took to Germany junior year. Her best memory from elementary school was how she was so upset her elementary school didn’t offer cheer that she brought a bag of pompoms to school and made all of her friends practice cheers with her. She even had a meeting with the director of the school in hopes of creating a cheer team. She ended up being a cheerleader all four years in high school.
Maddie Leung – Veritas Christian Academy of Houston, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School
Maddie Leung is headed to The University of Texas at Austin to major in biology with a minor in business. She would tell her kinder-
garten self: When things get hard, make sure to count it all joy. She says her third-grade teacher Mrs. Kim Hering was the kindest person; “she taught me to never stop reading and to always pursue knowledge with excellence.” She’ll never forget “classy” lunch – that’s what she and her friends called getting off-campus lunch together. Her dream job is becoming a specialist clinician, Chief Medical Officer, and mom.
Beatrix Gnemi – Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions
Beatrix Gnemi is headed to the University of California, Berkeley to study business at the Spieker Undergraduate Business Program. She would tell her kindergarten self to never stop dreaming big, no matter what. Her best memory from elementary school was playing freeze tag and hide-and-seek with her friends almost every day after school in Feld Park. She says Mr. Richard Hosein (ninth grade AP Human Geography) changed her life by “continuing to support me and my sky-high dreams through invaluable life advice that I have used all four years of high school.” She aspires to become a strategy business consultant living abroad. Her favorite memories from high school were spending every lunch on the outside patio with her favorite people.
Alanna Hillendahl – Horn Elementary, Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle School, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions
Alanna Hillendahl is headed to Texas A&M University at Galveston, where she plans to major in Oceans and One Health. She’d tell her kindergarten self to have fun and make the most of being a kid, because one day you will look back and miss the simple joys of playing and laughing without a care in the world. The teacher who truly changed her life was Ms. Samone Randolph at Meyerland PVA, who “sparked my love for math. Her engaging teaching style and genuine care for her students made learning exciting and left a lasting impact on me.” One of her favorite high school moments was realizing how much she had grown from her first year to her last: “The moment I was able to explain how a medication affects the body using what I learned in my pharmacy class, I realized that all the late nights, hard work, and challenges had truly paid off.” Her dream job is to become an anesthesiologist.
Brenden Domsalla – Settlers Way Elementary, The Emery/Weiner School
Brenden Domsalla is headed to Texas A&M University, where he will major in engineering. He says that Mr. Brandon Kirby's ninth-grade Principles of Technology and Design introduced him to computer programming and changed his life. “It led me to take his Advanced Computer Science (best class at Emery) and then he mentored me in my Computer Programming Capstone Project. Mr. Kirby pushed me to big-
ger and better projects, never allowing me to coast or get bored.” His favorite moment from high school was winning the state football championship. One thing that will always remind him of high school is the song “Ivy” by Frank Ocean. His dream job is to be a chief engineer at an aerospace company. He would tell his kindergarten self: “Keep the Legos.”
Stella Frank – Jack Segal Academy of Beth Yeshurun, Trafton Academy, Episcopal High School
Stella Frank is heading to Texas A&M University to major in zoology. Her dream job would be working as a dolphin trainer at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. She would tell her kindergarten self that she should live in the moment and enjoy being a kid. This is her favorite high school memory: “On the first day of freshman year, we were sitting criss-cross on the floor in gym class while our teacher read over the syllabus, and this random girl was sitting next to me. When the bell rang, she got up, but her legs had fallen asleep, so she fell straight on top of me. I was horrified. She was horrified. We have been best friends ever since.” Stella says every time she smells the limited-edition Anitta x Sol De Janeiro perfume, it reminds her of sophomore year. She says that Mr. George Brock, who taught and directed her in theatre classes and productions at Episcopal all four years, was the most influential teacher she has had. “He cares so much about his students, and that is evident in everything he does for us. He not only has given me the strength in pursuing my passion for theatre, but he has also taught me so many wonderful things about myself, and I am forever grateful.” Her best elementary school memory was in first grade when they transformed the classroom into “Camp Learn-a-lot,” complete with sleeping bags and a fake campfire in the middle of the classroom.
Bella Perdue – River Oaks Elementary School, River Oaks Baptist School, Episcopal High School
Bella Perdue is off to Baylor University to study allied health, kinesiology, and leisure studies. The sound of a Stanley cup falling in a quiet room will always remind her of high school. She’d tell her kindergarten self to get involved in as many activities as you can, and to find things that you enjoy. Bella says that Mrs. Stephanie Calderon in second grade helped her adjust to her move to Houston, and introduced her to some of her best friends. Her favorite moment from high school was her freshmanyear interim trip to Disney World, where she got to learn about the mechanics behind the rides at Disney and then enjoy them with her best friends. Her dream job is to become a pediatric endocrinologist or a labor and delivery nurse. Her best elementary school story is her childhood YouTube channel, which is full of 30minute unedited videos of
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Maddie Leung – The University of Texas at Austin
Beatrix Gnemi – University of California, Berkeley
Alanna Hillendahl – Texas A&M University at Galveston
Brenden Domsalla – Texas A&M University
Stella Frank – Texas A&M University
Bella Perdue – Baylor University
Enya Krathaus – Princeton University
Nadia Jett – Howard University
Hagit
Bibi Photography
Melissa Borinski
Jennifer Vera
Kelli Durham
Shanelle McClain Photography
Charlene Reddy Photography
her reviewing new toys: “Those videos are still on the internet, forever haunting me.”
Enya Krathaus – Travis Elementary School, Hogg Middle School, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
Enya Krathaus is going to Princeton University, where she plans to major in molecular biology and compete on the Openweight Women’s Rowing team. Her dream job is to be a sports medicine physician for a hospital or the Olympic team. Enya says that her sophomore Pre-AP chemistry teacher, Mr. Marlo Diosomito, made her realize her passion for chemistry and STEM, and built her confidence in her academic abilities. Her best elementaryschool memory is running around playing playground games with her friends. She would tell her kindergarten self to always do the things you love, and everything will work out.
Nadia Jett – The Imani School, The Kinkaid School, Episcopal High School
Nadia Jett is going to Howard University, majoring in biology and chemistry. The advice she’d give her kindergarten self is: “Don’t spend hours wishing for the future or the past, but ground yourself in the present.” Her favorite elementaryschool memory was buying junk food for the first time when they took a field trip to Fiesta. She is grateful for Mrs. Katie Samson, her freshman Biology teacher and AP Biology teacher senior year, for showing her students how she was a real person: “Mrs. Samson showed us how Biology relates to caffeine, her love for birding, and her obsession with trying to beat the AP board. She inspires me to be myself, and advocate for my needs, and respect others.” Her dream job is no job. Her favorite moment from high school was creating the first African American club that celebrated African American culture, and starting a dodgeball tournament fundraiser. She says, “Students from every race came to compete and I really saw the community that I intended to build come to life.”
Robert Edward Langston Satcher III –Condit Elementary School, St. Mark's Episcopal School, The Kinkaid School
Robert Edward Langston Satcher III is heading to Harvard University, where he will study biomedical engineering. He plans to be a walk-on or the track and field team as a triple jumper. He would remind his kindergarten self to always believe in himself, and to know that he can do anything if he works hard and stays focused on the end goal. He is grateful for Mrs. Nancy McMillan, his art teacher at Kinkaid, who was always friendly and supportive, and helped him to develop his artistic talents. His best elementary-school memory is Mrs. Kathy Higgins’ kindergarten class egg-drop challenge. When he thinks of high school, he will always remember game nights with his friends – both going to Friday night football games and also having
friends come over to play strategy games. His favorite moment from high school was when he broke Kinkaid's school record for triple jump. His dream job is to work as a physician/researcher. He hopes to one day have a pivotal role in research that helps to improve the lives of others.
Will
Young
– Second Baptist School
Will Young is going to Texas A&M University and majoring in business. He would tell his kindergarten self to look for the good in every situation. His best elementary school memory was leaving school early to go to the rodeo on his birthday. He says Bible teacher Mr. Derek Hickle deeply impacted his life. His favorite part of high school was having fun with his friends every day. Cabo Bob's, the burrito place near Second Baptist, will always make him think of high school. His dream job is being an MLB commentator/fisherman.
Isabella Soliz – Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School, St. Pius X High School
Isabella Soliz is going to Stephen F. Austin State University to study nursing. She would tell her kindergarten self to have an open mind about trying new things, to be kind and respectful of others, but mainly to be able to roll with change. A teacher who changed her life was Ms. Angela Stinner-Trimble, her Theology 3 teacher at St. Pius. “I have dyslexia and ADHD so when it came to taking tests, I was not able to take it like other people. She would go out of her way during her free time and take the test verbally with me and honestly, it truly impacted me a lot. It made me feel like someone was able to understand me.” The song “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo (and the lore around it) will always remind her of high school. She says the best part of elementary school was how when it was your birthday, you got to wear a princess gown, and everyone paid attention to you all day. Isabella hopes to be a pediatric nurse.
Marianna Jansen Cardone – St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School
Marianna Jansen Cardone is headed off to Universidad de Navarra in Spain, where she will study international law. If she could give her kindergarten self any advice, it would be, “Join St. Thomas Theatre as early as you can, and make sure you keep those friends you have now, because they'll grow to be your closest confidants.” She says she is grateful for Mr. David Hutchinson, her history teacher at SVdP, because “he truly was like a father to me and guided me when I was troubled in middle school.” Her favorite moments from high school were all the STH plays, particularly her final role as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She says that every time she hears any musical song, she thinks of STH Theatre and the times they blasted songs in the makeup room. Her dream job is to be a homicide detective with a side gig as an actress/singer.
Ellery McDaniel – Mark Twain Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School
Ellery McDaniel is heading to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she will major in physics. She would tell her kindergarten self, “As much as you hate Spanish now, you will never regret being in the bilingual program.” She credits Mr. Maxwell Ross, her 11th-12th grade Physics teacher, with teaching her to love physics, push herself in class, and be responsible. One of her favorite high school memories was over the summer, when she was presenting at a small research showcase, and all her friends (and one of her teachers) came to support her. She’ll always remember the gray chairs at Lamar that roll around and have a little desk on a swivel. Her dream job is to become an astrophysicist. Her funniest memory from elementary school is when her second-grade teacher once confiscated her collection of animal-shaped erasers when she wasn’t paying attention in class. Ellery wrote a “very nasty letter” telling her to give them back (she did not).
Timothy Nguyen – River Oaks Elementary School, Lanier Middle School, Saint Thomas' Episcopal School
Timothy Nguyen will be playing tennis at the University of Chicago, where he plans to study business economics. He aspires to be an investment banker. He would tell his kindergarten self to be the hero of his own story. He is glad he still has close friends from elementary school, even though many of them went to different middle and high schools. He is thankful for Mr. Rolando Chaves, his high school college counselor at Saint Thomas’ Episcopal, who cared for all the students, making sure they always had everything they needed. During the stressful summer before senior year, he helped Timothy decide which university was best for him. His favorite part of high school has been winning four state championships for his school. He says it is something he will cherish forever. The word “Alas!” will always remind him of high school –their English teacher loves to use that word whenever something comically unfortunate happens, like spilling a water bottle during class.
Eden Reese Williams – Condit Elementary School, Westbury Christian School
Eden Reese Williams is headed to Spelman College to study health science. She would tell her kindergarten self: “You have the ability to make people smile; be a light, no matter what.” She says Mr. Ronnie Blaine, her theatre teacher and director since sixth grade, has changed her life by teaching her to never conform to anything, and “to be the true Eden that I am.” She is so grateful to him for believing in her. Her favorite high school moment was her Senior Experience retreat, when all of the seniors gathered around a bonfire to eat s’mores, tell scary stories, and simply enjoy
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Robert Edward Langston Satcher III – Harvard University
Will Young – Texas A&M University
Isabella Soliz – Stephen F. Austin State University
Marianna Jansen Cardone – Universidad de Navarra
Ellery McDaniel – Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Timothy Nguyen – University of Chicago
Eden Reese Williams – Spelman College
Bennie Heitmann – University of St. Thomas
Kara Trail at Miroma Photography and Design
Emily Large Photography
Antonella Wesson
Cady
Shanelle McClain Photography
one another. She says she will never forget it. Her signature baby blue Converse high tops have been through many memorable high school moments with her and will always remind her of high school. Her dream is to become an obstetrician-gynecologist with her own practice.
Bennie Heitmann – St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, Xavier Educational Academy
Bennie Heitmann is heading to University of St. Thomas to attain an Associate of Applied Science degree. If he could give his kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be, “With God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). Bennie says that Coach Charles Gipson, Jr. changed his life because he was always ready to listen and gave him the support he needed through his high school years. His best memories from elementary school were playing soccer. His favorite high school memories were practicing jiu jitsu, which he says made him stronger both physically and mentally. His dream job would be working as an architect.
Dove LeBlanc – Homeschool, The Saint Constantine School
Dove LeBlanc is going to Saint Constantine College for Orthodox studies and literature. If she could give her kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be: “Work hard, love yourself, and forgive.” Dove says that Mr. Zach Harris was the most impactful teacher she has had. She says, “He was hard but fair, and didn’t make me feel stupid for not understanding, He was (and still is) a very gracious man who I look up to.” Dove says that getting close to all the other seniors this year has meant a lot to her, and that the astronomy trip was a special experience. Her best elementary school memories are playing in the rain, barefoot. Her dream job? “Rich housewife. Linguist.”
Alden Farrow – Frostwood Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Memorial High School
Alden Farrow is headed to Northwestern University, where she will major in journalism. Alden would tell her kindergarten self to never be afraid of being different if that means doing what you love. She credits her freshman English teacher, Ms. Jamie Campbell, with changing her life by encouraging her to sign up for the school newspaper. Alden says all her favorite high school moments took place during late-night newspaper meetings, and that “every time we were on deadline, we would stuff their faces with food and get through the hours with humor and support from one another.” Her dream job is working for Vogue, interviewing public figures for each month's cover story. One thing that will always remind her of high school is Gilmore Girls. She watched it on her first day of freshman year to get into the school spirit and then rewatched it each new school year. Her best ele-
mentary-school story was from kindergarten, when they were supposed to decorate a brown paper bag vest. She had a meltdown and refused to wear brown, then covered it with pink paint and heart rhinestones.
Janie Frederickson – Frostwood Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Memorial High School
Janie Frederickson is off to John V Roach Honors College at Texas Christian University to study allied health science. She would tell her kindergarten self to talk to the people sitting around you in your classes – it’s one of the best ways to make new friends! She says her senior year AP Lit teacher, Mrs. Erin Buckles, is one of the dedicated teachers she’s ever had, and she makes sure each student feels prepared and supported: “It’s obvious that she loves teaching and her students, and her class is a highlight of my day.” Hanging up her hat at her senior spring show for the Memorial Markettes was her favorite high school moment: “It was super bittersweet to end my time with them.” The song “Ribs” by Lorde will always remind her of high school. Her dream job is working as a nurse.
Parker Johnson – Rummel Creek Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Stratford High School
Parker Johnson will be going to Colorado School of Mines, where he has committed to play football as safety and plans to major in engineering and minor in business. He would tell his kindergarten self to work hard in school and sports and never quit. A teacher that changed his life was Ms. Kate Potter in kindergarten; “She taught me everything I know.” His favorite moments from high school were beating Memorial in football back-to-back years. Eating at Whataburger with his friends is a core high school memory for him. His dream job is being happy and successful as an engineer.
John W. Ratchford – Condit Elementary School, Pershing Middle School, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
John W. Ratchford is heading to Auburn University to study industrial engineering. He would tell his kindergarten self, “Lock in, more than you think.” John says Dr. Scott Berger changed his life, both because of how he taught inside the classroom and his ability to connect with his students outside the classroom. His favorite high school memories are playing Wavelength and other games with his friends at the end of the school year, when most of his classes were done and he basically only had free periods left. His dream job: “Anything that makes me good money.”
Isabella Sorenson – Condit Elementary School, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School
Isabella Sorenson is off to the University of Mississippi, where she will be majoring in edu-
cation. She says that Ms. Vanessa Borths, her first- and second-grade teacher at Condit, is a huge part of the reason she wants to be a teacher; she taught her what it means to be a role model. She would tell her kindergarten self to enjoy every moment, because it really does “go by so fast.” Her favorite moment from high school was cheering for the basketball team this year in their historical run of playoffs. The song “Ice Ice Baby” will always remind her of high school because her freshman English teacher, Kathryn Eccles’, username on Instagram was “IceIceKatie,” and it became an ongoing joke in her friend group. She says the best day of the year in elementary school was always Field Day, and it was ten times better when she was on the winning team.
Addison Mouton – St. Thomas More Parish School, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Addison Mouton is off to Louisiana State University, studying kinesiology on a pre-athletic training track. She would tell her kindergarten self: “Don’t ever shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Your hair, your voice, your dreams are all meant to stand out.” Ms. Kellie Reedy, her sixth–eighth grade teacher at St. Thomas More, changed her life by always believing in her potential and pushing her to lead with confidence and compassion, even when she doubted herself. Her favorite moment from high school was founding the Black Student Association; “It was empowering to create a safe space where Black students could celebrate our culture, support each other, and be unapologetically ourselves.” One thing that will always remind her of high school is the sound of “Snooze” by SZA playing in the background while she and her friends “laughed, vented, and vibed” in the parking lot after practice or games. Her dream job is to become a sports medicine physician or an athletic trainer, working with elite athletes to help them recover, perform at their peak, and stay healthy both on and off the field.
Josh Cestero – Frostwood Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, Houston Christian High School
Josh Cestero is off to Duke University, where he plans to major in economics. He would tell his kindergarten self, “Don’t make your own mistakes, learn from others.” He is grateful for his seventh-grade English teacher Mrs. Serveat: “Because of her, I always remember all my comma rules and when to use who vs. whom.” He says that his favorite moment of high school is celebrating with his team after winning the SPC football state championship. The song "Southern Nights" by Glenn Campbell will always remind him of high school. His dream job would be a college history professor. His best elementary school story was from kindergarten: “I would always want to use the blue crayons, but another kid liked to hoard them. During our lunch break, I stole the blue crayons and put them in my pocket so I'd always have them for color-
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Dove LeBlanc – Saint Constantine College
Alden Farrow – Northwestern University
Janie Frederickson – Texas Christian University
Parker Johnson – Colorado School of Mines
John W. Ratchford – Auburn University
Isabella Sorenson – University of Mississippi
Addison Mouton – Louisiana State University
Josh Cestero – Duke University
Emily Gilliam Kara Trail
Margaret Rotan
Priscilla Dickson
ing time. When I went home, I forgot to take the crayons out of my shorts, and our washing machine ended up covered in half-melted blue wax. Since that day, I have never stolen another crayon.”
Isabella Roman – Sinclair Elementary School, Spillane Middle School, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
Isabella Roman is off to Reed College, where she will major in neuroscience and studio arts. She says her sophomore and senior-year art teacher, Ms. Vicki Fowler, made her feel seen and validated, and allowed her to recognize that what she has to say is important. Her favorite moment from high school was sitting in the auditorium and hearing her name called to announce her award for the most outstanding junior in visual arts. She says she felt seen for all her hard work towards art, and as though every vulnerability she has encountered contributed to her success. She would tell her kindergarten self to stand up for herself and others. She says her favorite band Y La Bamba has gotten her through high school, and provided her with a space to go to during difficult times and seek comfort within their transcendental sounds, along with their raw and emotional lyrics that touch experiences she has gone through. Her dream job is to be a teacher.
Lauren Philpott – Rhodes School for the Performing Arts, Gregory-Lincoln Education Center, Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
Lauren Philpott is heading to Savannah College of Art and Design, where she will study sound design. The teacher who changed her life was her eighth-grade theatre teacher, Ms. Shandrekya Simpson. Although Lauren had already fallen in love with theatre, Ms. Simpson was the person who encouraged her to audition for HSPVA, and still attends her performances. Her dream job is to be a lighting designer, sound designer, and/or sound engineer for concerts, theatre musicals, theatre plays, film, or anything of that nature. If she could give her kindergarten self advice, it would be, “Don't stress over the big things, and just enjoy every little moment and memory with everyone. Life goes by fast and you grow up even faster.” One thing that will always remind her of high school is pictures in 0.5x – people at her school love to take them because they look so silly. Her best elementaryschool story is when she faked an allergy because she wasn’t a fan of the school breakfast.
Nease. “He taught me more than just physics; he taught me friendship and compassion. He would always give me advice and I am so thankful I had him as a teacher.” Her best elementaryschool memory was when someone brought exotic bugs to show-and-tell day. Her dream job would be to start her own clothing line.
Sophia Moncada – Houston Quran Academy, Second Baptist School
Sophia Moncada is headed to University of Houston Honors College to attain a B.A. in economics. She would tell her kindergarten self that there is a straightforward formula to a successful high school career: “Keep God and prayer as your center focus, surround yourself with supportive friends and family, and push yourself to succeed so you know that at the end of the day, you did everything humanly possible.” Mrs. Melissa Farias changed her life the most throughout her high school career. “She not only taught us the grammar and more difficult aspects of Spanish, but she made her class a safe space for all of us to voice our thoughts, opinions, and to have healthy discussions. This class will forever hold a special place in my heart.” Her favorite moment of high school was her Guatemala mission trip in her junior year, where they successfully built four houses. She says interacting with the families they built the houses for was the most rewarding part of the trip. Her dream job is to work at a mass tort law firm and eventually become partner.
Maddux Elijah El-Hakam – Horn Elementary, Lanier Middle School, Lamar High School, St. Francis Episcopal School
Maddux Elijah El-Hakam will be playing baseball at Howard Payne University and majoring in either finance or religious studies. He would tell his kindergarten self to do more than you think you should do. The teacher who changed his life was Mr. Nirupom Paul, his 10th-grade math teacher at Lamar. He says Mr. Paul was a fun teacher who worked hard to help students understand difficult math concepts.
One of his favorite memories from high school was being captain of the football team his senior year, which was the first year that his school had varsity 11-man football. He and his teammates had a strong bond, and after football games they would always spend time together. His dream job is to be a Major League Baseball player.
Sofie Brandsberg-Dahl – The Fay School, The Awty International School
Courtney Duncan – Second Baptist School
Courtney Duncan is going to Texas A&M University to study business. She would tell her kindergarten self to meet as many new people as you can. Her favorite moments from high school were getting to cheer at football games with her best friends. The teacher who changed her life was her junior-year physics teacher, Mr. Nathan
Sofie Brandsberg-Dahl will be heading to University of California, Los Angeles to major in business economics. She would tell her kindergarten self: Don’t be afraid to be loud, messy, or different, because that’s where all the fun comes from. She says that Mr. Robert Rusnak, 11th-grade IB Global Politics, was the best teacher she has ever had, because
he challenged her to think globally, speak up, and stay open-minded. Her favorite moment from high school was making it to the SPC finals with her soccer team senior year. Her team had never made it that far before. She’ll always remember the Parade of Flags at her school’s annual International Festival. “It's a senior tradition to walk a flag during the opening ceremony, and when it was my turn, it felt like a full circle moment after watching it all those years.” Her dream job would be working in international business or global development – something that lets her travel, speak different languages, and make a real impact on underserved communities.
Brayden Blackburn – Horn Elementary, Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire High School
Brayden Blackburn is headed to Auburn University. If he could give his kindergarten self one piece of advice, it would be, “Take a deep breath and just live your life.” The teacher who changed his life was Mrs. Terri Smith, his 10thand 11th-grade marketing teacher. He says what she really taught him was how to live life to your best. She taught him that it’s the little things that matter in life. He says, “She has really helped me see the life I want to build when I get older, and I really appreciate her for that.” His favorite high school moment was his final homecoming football game of senior year as a bird keeper. “Bird keepers” are a group of Bellaire seniors who elevate school spirit. He says he dreamed of being a bird keeper all of high school, and making that dream happen, hyping up the students with all his friends on the field, is something he will always cherish. Whenever he goes to Whataburger, he will remember the late nights after football games when the whole school headed there. His dream job would be to become a travel influencer because he loves new adventures.
Sophia Guadalupe Rodriguez – Condit Elementary School, St. Thomas More Parish School, Westbury Christian School
Sophia Guadalupe Rodriguez is going to University of Houston-Downtown, where she will major in biology. She’d tell her kindergarten self to try new things. She says that her Spanish teacher Ms. Malaika Lund has helped her in expressing herself as well as being able to relax in stressful situations. Her favorite moment from high school was their senior experience roasting s'mores and telling spooky stories while the sun was setting, looking at the stars and piecing constellations together. Her dream job is to be an Ob-Gyn. Her best memory from elementary school was when her favorite teacher took her on a trip to the zoo, and they went to almost every animal exhibit. Each time they saw a different animal, she would give Sophia a little plastic version of the animal they saw.
MORE ONLINE
See thebuzzmagazines.com for more graduating seniors. (continued
Isabella Roman – Reed College
Lauren Philpott – Savannah College of Art and Design
Courtney Duncan – Texas A&M University
Sophia Moncada – University of Houston Honors College
Maddux Elijah El-Hakam – Howard Payne University
Sofie Brandsberg-Dahl – University of California, Los Angeles
Brayden Blackburn – Auburn University
Sophia Guadalupe Rodriguez – University of Houston-Downtown
Jennifer Maley Photography
Kim Graeter
Noah's Ark Photography
Johnny Than Jayne Maltbie
Shanelle McClain Photography
Cayley C
. by Cindy Burnett, staff writer
Buzz Reads Five picks for June
Buzz Reads is a column about books by reviewer Cindy Burnett. Each month, Cindy recommends five recently or soon-to-be released titles.
Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin (mystery) – Widowed mother and grandmother Kausar Khan becomes an amateur sleuth when her daughter is accused of murdering the landlord of her clothing boutique. For the first time in 20 years, Kausar returns to the Toronto neighborhood of Golden Crescent, where she raised her family, and sets out to solve the landlord’s murder. Kausar comes to terms with how much the area has changed while working to piece together who wanted the landlord dead and uncovering the secrets her daughter is harboring. Jalaluddin weaves in a good amount of detail about Muslim culture and traditions while crafting a clever whodunnit. She also touches on mental health, the power of secrets, repairing familial relationships, and the joy of community. This is the start of a new series, and I look forward to book two. Detective Aunty will appeal to fans of light-hearted mysteries steeped in culture and family.
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark (thriller) –The Ghostwriter follows Olivia Dumont, an only child, who has been engaged to write her estranged father’s memoir, the man from whom she has spent years trying to distance herself. Vincent Taylor, her father, is a highly successful horror author who many suspect murdered his sister and brother when they were teens. While the police cleared him of the crime, persistent whispers followed him and, as his career grew, so did the accusations. Now, suffering memory loss and worried about the truth dying with him, he is finally ready to talk about what really happened to his siblings years ago. The story is relayed in alternating timelines and points of view, and the tension slowly builds through numerous twists and turns and red herrings. The truth is elusive, and no one feels entirely reliable as the story progresses. Clark’s intelligent thriller combines strong characters, a well-plotted mystery at the heart of the story, and 1970s nostalgia. This book will appeal to fans of clever thrillers with depth and originality.
It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan (romance) – Jane Jackson is a former child actress
famous for playing the nerdy sidekick on one of the country’s favorite sitcoms. Now in her 30s, Jane is an aspiring producer working to get her first project off the ground, a sweet romantic movie. Dan Finnegan, a cinematographer and Jane’s one-time crush, surprisingly agrees with Jane about the film and is willing to help her get the project greenlit. They travel cross country to Dan’s home to attend a music festival to track down popular musician Jack Quinlan – who Jane claimed in a panicked moment that she knew well enough to convince him to write a song for the project. What Dan does not know is that Jane hasn’t spoken to Jack in 20 years. While the romance occupies center stage, Monaghan also weaves in other themes, including the importance of being true to oneself, worthiness and sense of self, and family. These characters have stayed with me since I finished the book, especially Dan’s wonderful family, and I loved the way Jane and Dan’s relationship developed. Those who enjoy engaging tales with standout characters and fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope will devour this one.
The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram (fiction) – Two decades after their teenage romance suddenly ended, Tess Murphy and Grant Alexander are running against each other for governor of Virginia. No one knows about their relationship, including their spouses, but secrets from that summer begin to rise to the surface threatening their political ambitions as well as their families. While lighter themes such as second-chance romance and first love are explored, the book also addresses the role of family expectations and obligations, ambition, tragedy and its impact on lives, and class inequality. The Summer We Ran is a timely read as well considering the country’s current political climate and the standards to which women
are held versus men when both are in the public eye. It will be a great fit for those who enjoy cross-genre stories and compelling dramas. Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess (mystery) – After her estranged mother passes away, Cath is cleaning out her mother’s belongings and stumbles across two tickets to England for a murder mystery week, something that Cath finds very out-of-character for her mother. Even stranger, her mother had apparently planned the trip for the two of them. On a lark, Cath decides to attend the event, hoping to understand her mother better. Upon arrival, she meets two other Americans, Wyatt and Amity, who she teams up with to solve the fake murder mystery as well as her mother’s decision to attend the mystery week. Bibliophiles will revel in the literary references sprinkled throughout this delightful book, and the quaint English village setting and its entertaining residents make this a highly enjoyable read. Welcome to Murder Week is a wonderful blend of intrigue, travel, romance, and unexpected connections. It is a must-read for fans of light mysteries, a strong sense of place, and thoroughly engaging characters.
Editor’s note: Book reviewer Cindy Burnett also writes our weekly Page Turners column at thebuzzmagazines.com. She hosts an award-winning book podcast entitled Thoughts from a Page Podcast www.thoughtsfromapage.com, runs the Instagram account @thoughtsfrompage, and regularly speaks to groups about books.
WHAT TO READ This month’s selections include a light mystery set in the English countryside, a sweet love story, a haunting thriller, a political tale, and a cozy mystery set in Toronto.
Cindy Burnett
. by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer
Travel Buzz
Vatican Secrets and Tuscan Villas: Following the Parsleys to Italy
When Bob Parsley wandered into Mercato and Company, the authentic Italian market that recently opened in West U, he couldn't have known it would shape his and wife Louise's next Italian adventure.
Bob struck up a conversation with Tatiana Perna, Mercato chef and co-owner, who recommended her parents’ restaurant in Rome – and told them about her villa in Tuscany.
That unexpected encounter helped plan the Houston couple's trip to Rome, Florence, and the Chianti region of Tuscany. But there was another purpose to their journey – a deeply personal connection to one of the Vatican's most extraordinary archaeological discoveries. They were joined on the journey by Bob’s sister, Jana McHenry, and his niece, Georgia.
A Legacy Beneath St. Peter's
Bob's maternal grandfather, George W. Strake Sr., played a pivotal but long-secret role in one of Catholicism's most significant archaeological projects – funding the excavation that discovered St. Peter's tomb beneath the Vatican.
“My grandfather was a very devout Catholic,” Bob explained. Strake was a close personal friend of Pope Paul VI, who was formerly Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini, when he served as a senior official in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State. The Cardinal would stay with Mr. and Mrs. Strake in his visits to the United States.
In the late 1930s, a startling discovery was made at St. Peter’s Basilica: Workers broke through a floor and uncovered hidden ruins beneath the basilica.
What happened next was extraordinary. Vatican representatives approached Bob's grandfather with a highly unusual request. The Church needed someone to fund the excavation – confidentially, and without revealing the purpose.
“If it was me, I’d say, okay, what’s the reason for your request? He asked that question, and the response was, we can't tell you. You have to just take it on faith.”
That excavation would eventually uncover the archaeological site known as the Vatican
Necropolis, or the Scavi. Ultimately, it led to what are believed to be the bones of St. Peter himself, a discovery later confirmed by Pope John XXIII.
“I always say that he had deep faith to be willing to underwrite whatever the cost of this excavation was with absolutely no idea of what he
was supporting,” Bob said with pride. The story of that 75-year search is chronicled in the book The Fisherman's Tomb by John O’Neill.
The Vatican Scavi Tour
Among the highlights of Bob and Louise’s recent trip to Rome was a return to the Scavi,
WHERE THE SAINTS REST Bob Parsley’s maternal grandfather, George W. Strake Sr., played a pivotal role in one of Catholicism's most significant archaeological projects – funding the excavation that discovered St. Peter's tomb beneath the Vatican. Pictured, preparing to enter the Scavi inside St. Peter's Basilica, are (from left) Louise and Bob Parsley and their niece, Georgia McHenry.
which they had visited several times over the years. This time, one purpose of their visit was to meet Monsignor Tom Powers, the newly appointed rector of the Pontifical North American College. This Vatican-affiliated institution, which Louise describes as “basically the Harvard of Catholic seminaries,” hosts young priests for a three-year commitment.
For years, Bob had maintained a warm friendship with the College’s leadership, often reaching out to help friends secure access to the exclusive Scavi tour – a small but meaningful way of sharing the Vatican’s hidden treasures, and honoring his grandfather’s legacy.
“We had a friendship with the previous rector,” Louise explains. “And that's who Bob would always contact when people would say, ‘Hey, can you give me tickets to the Scavi?’”
When the College appointed a new leader, the Parsleys felt it was important to build a new relationship, seeing the College as a living link to the faith, history, and discovery that their family helped preserve.
They arranged a dinner with Monsignor Powers during their stay in Rome, meeting him at Da Vittorio Il Ciociaro – the small family-run restaurant of Tatiana’s parents. They also spent time in Rome with a group from Strake Jesuit, led by Father Jeff Johnson, who was in the city with students for their spring break. The Parsley family has a deep-rooted connection to Strake Jesuit and enjoyed meeting with Father Jeff Johnson and some current students.
Although they had toured the Scavi before, Bob and Louise made time to visit again on this trip – a ritual that never loses its impact.
“It's hard not to feel extraordinarily spiritual when you’re walking through the Vatican and you go down to see St. Peter’s bones,” Bob reflects.
The labyrinthine network of ancient tombs
lies between 5 to 12 meters beneath St. Peter's Basilica. This subterranean world, unearthed during excavations in the 1940s, reveals a tapestry of Roman burial practices and early Christian history.
The tour culminates at the presumed tomb of St. Peter, marked by the “Trophy of Gaius,” a second-century monument erected in his honor.
“It’s hard not to feel extraordinarily spiritual when you’re walking through the Vatican and you go down to see St. Peter’s bones,” Bob reflects.
This site, considered one of the most sacred in Christendom, is believed to house the remains of the apostle himself. The profound spiritual atmosphere here is palpable, offering a moment of reflection and connection to the early roots of the Catholic Church.
What surprises the Parsleys is how few people know about this remarkable site. “What we're always amazed about is how few people are aware that it exists,” Bob said. “They actually do nothing to market it. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in the Vatican.”
The Jubilee Year
Their visit coincided with a special time in Rome. "This year, 2025, is what they call a Jubilee Year in Italy," Louise explained. The
Jubilee Year, or Holy Year, is a deeply significant event in the Catholic Church, traditionally marked every 25 years by pilgrimage, repentance, and the ceremonial opening of the “Holy Doors” of Rome’s major basilicas. Pilgrims passing through these doors are granted a plenary indulgence – the full remission of temporal punishment for sins.
The doors are remarkable structures. “At St. Peter’s, the Holy Doors are made of bronze and decorated with inscriptions and Christian symbols,” said Louise. “They are massive, over 20 feet tall. The legend is that anyone who walks through the Holy Doors is guaranteed to go to Heaven.”
The Parsleys visited the four basilicas with these special doors: St. Peter’s, St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Their journey unfolded in the early months of the Jubilee, while Rome was still alive with the spirit of hope and renewal that Pope Francis had envisioned. Only later, in April, would the city be plunged into mourning with the beloved pontiff’s death, casting a bittersweet shadow over the Holy Year.
From Rome to Tuscany
After Rome, the couple headed to Florence and then to the Chianti region of Tuscany. There they stayed at Podere 1384, the villa hotel owned by Tatiana in Castellina, one of the small towns dotting the Chianti countryside.
The landscape captivated them. “It's very hilly,” Bob describes. “Rolling hills and then it has those tall Italian cypress trees; they look like soldiers. There are olive trees throughout there, and obviously, vineyards covering the hillsides.”
Tatiana had meticulously renovated the villa, blending modern and antique touches. The couple also enjoyed the beautiful back patio and pool. “The patio just over-
(continued on page 42)
VINES AND THE VATICAN Left: A view of the Chianti countryside from Podere 1384; right: Bob with Strake Jesuit President Jeff Johnson, in the Vatican beneath a statue of St. Ignatius – founder of Society of Jesus (the Jesuits).
Tatiana's father of Da Vittorio Il Ciociaro serves pasta in a scooped-out giant cheese wheel.
(continued from page 41)
looked these rolling hills with other villas kind of dotting the horizon,” recalled Louise. “It was magical."
Culinary Adventures
Bob and Louise said their culinary experiences were highlights of the trip. On arrival in Tuscany, they immediately went to lunch at a unique restaurant in Panzano run by a butcher named Dario Cecchini.
“He serves two seatings every day of the year except Christmas. And it’s 125 people per seating. So he serves 250 people every day. It’s eight courses of beef,” Bob recalled. “It's kind of like a Brazilian steakhouse... and they had beans and a jug of Chianti. And it was packed.” In Rome, their dinner was at Da Vittorio Il Ciociaro, owned by Tatiana’s parents. “They prepared something I’ve never seen before,” said Bob. “They scooped out the center of a giant wheel of Parmesan cheese about three feet in diameter and prepared my pasta inside it.”
At Podere 1384, the couple took a four-hour cooking class with the villa’s chef. “We started out by walking out, not into the garden where the herbs were being grown, but just out into the hillside. And he literally would lean down and cut up, what I could have sworn was a weed,” Louise recounts. “He picked flowers that were edible...
We just kind of foraged for about 15 minutes, and that was all the greens for the salad.”
They made gnocchi, homemade pasta for ravioli, and a traditional “pauper soup” made from tomatoes and day-old bread. “He was cooking the tomatoes down with garlic and olive oil, and we kept adding bread and adding bread,” Louise said.
What made their experience special was the people they met along the way. In addition to Tatiana’s parents, they spent time with Andrea, the manager of Podere 1384.
“He would just sit down with us at the table, and by the time we had been there a couple of nights, we really felt like we had formed a lasting friendship,” Bob said.
Recalling the legendary Italian hospitality, Louise added, “They are so warm, and inviting, and they just make you feel very welcome. Very animated.”
Reflections on Italy
Looking back on their journey, the Parsleys treasure both the spiritual moments at the Scavi and the peaceful beauty of the Tuscan countryside.
“I think we could go to Italy multiple times a year and never see the same thing. And if we did, we’d enjoy it just as much as we did the time before,” Bob reflects. “There are certain places in your life... Italy is one for us that we love going to.”
Louise agrees: “Experiencing the Podere 1384
Tips from Our Travelers
was so special. It’s definitely someplace that we would like to return.”
Back home in Houston, when the Parsleys are craving a taste of Italy, they pay a visit to Mercato & Co on University Blvd.
Touring the Vatican Scavi
For those drawn to history and faith, the Vatican Scavi tour offers a glimpse into an ancient world – a hidden city beneath the city. Layer upon layer of Roman and early Christian history lies preserved beneath the metropolis, waiting to be uncovered.
As Bob marvels, “It is hard to imagine, but 90 percent of Rome is underground.”
Tours of the Vatican Scavi must be booked well in advance. To request tickets, email the Scavi office at scavi@fsp.va. In your email, provide:
• The exact number of participants;
• The name of each participant;
• Your preferred language;
• All possible dates you are available – spell out the month: 01 January 2021;
• An email address for the main contact.
If your request is granted, you’ll need to pay by credit card ($13 Euros) within 10 days. The Scavi office will send a link to pay online. The Jubilee Year 2025 will bring larger crowds to Rome, so early planning is essential.
By Louise and Bob Parsley
Worth the splurge: Private Rome tour guide with driver
Don’t miss: Scavi, St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel
Currency exchange: Very easy to obtain Euros before departing and at ATMs when there
Packing: Always advisable to check the weather before leaving, it rained 75 percent of the time we were there.
Don’t forget: Comfortable walking shoes
What to avoid: Be cautious of street vendors aggressively trying to sell items; avoid making eye contact or engaging.
Local favorite: Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Colosseum
Safety tip: Leave passport in hotel safe. Use a crossbody purse.
Unexpected hit: Before departing, we arranged for roundtrip passage between Rome and Florence, but failed to look into train tickets from inner Rome to the airport. Fortunately, the Rome train station is easily navigated, and we were able to purchase them there.
LA FAMIGLIA IN THE KITCHEN Left: Chef David Targetti at Podere 1384 became a good friend during the family's stay. Pictured (from left) the chef himself; Bob’s sister, Jana Parsley McHenry, Bob Parsley, Louise Parsley, a sous chef, and niece Georgia McHenry. Right: Prior to the Parsley’s trip, Tatiana Perna, chef and co-owner of Mercato in West U, recommended her parents’ restaurant in Rome to the couple – and told them about her villa in Tuscany. Here,
SportzBuzz SPORTS
. by Todd Freed, staff writer
With its dramatic victory in the final race of the state meet, the Lamar Texans captured the UIL 6A Boys State Track and Field Championship. The Texans claimed the championship by winning the 4x400 meter relay in a time of 3:11.94 to edge out Killeen Shoemaker by six points for the state title.
“Going into the mile relay (4x400 meters) we knew we had to win to get the state championship,” said Texans boys track and field coach Gerrick Green. “Our four runners had set the state record in the mile relay just a couple of weeks earlier at regionals so I simply told them that this is our event and to just go out there and take care of business.”
As it stood, the Texans foursome of Ryan Johnson, Bailey Hashmi, Devin Carpenter, and Jordan Godfrey had not only set a state record at regionals in the mile relay but also ran the nation’s fourth fastest time ever, setting the stage for even more heroics in an electrifying finale to the state meet.
“We were in front going into the final handoff but there was a bobble on the exchange and Jordan literally did a 360-spin as he took the baton and took off to pull out the win over the final 400 meters,” said Green. “It was pretty amazing.”
Earlier in the meet, Hashmi, Carpenter, and Godfrey teamed with Kayden Falls for a thirdplace finish in the 4x100 meter relay to also score valuable points for the Texans.
The state title was a half-century in the making, given Lamar hadn’t won a state championship in boys track and field since 1956. “We knew we had an outside chance of winning state, but it was going to be difficult. It was all pretty surreal. The support we had from a big following from Lamar, who came to Austin for the meet, was also amazing,” added Green.
In baseball, the Kinkaid Falcons captured the SPC title with a 4-1 victory over rival Episcopal in the SPC Championship Final. “This was a senior-led team with a culture and camaraderie that was off the charts,” said Falcons head coach Steve Maas
In the championship win over Episcopal, Falcons
senior and Texas Longhorn signee Jack Paris fired a three-hitter with eight strikeouts to lead the way, while fellow senior and designated hitter Kristopher Carlson connected on a two-run single in the sixth inning to help propel the victory.
Along the way all season, Maas lauded the play of many other senior standouts, including catcher and Rice University signee Landon Layhew, who owned a .333 batting average with four home runs while playing outstanding defense behind the plate. In addition, shortstop Cooper Chambers, a two-sport athlete who will play both baseball and football at Trinity University, hit for a .300 average. “Cooper is the best defensive shortstop I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach,” said Maas. “He also stole 19 of 20 bases this season.”
In addition, senior first baseman Marcus Harris was a powerful force connecting on seven home runs this past season. Harris, Paris, Layhew, and Chambers were freshmen on the Falcons 2022 SPC Championship team.
Yet another senior who played a huge role all season, according to Maas, was pitcher Isaac Ly, who posted the victory in the Falcons SPC semifinal victory over Houston Christian. “Our senior class leaves a blueprint for success behind,” said Maas. “It’s going to be hard to replace, but it’s now the job of our underclassmen to follow their path.”
It was sheer dominance for the St. Thomas Eagles, who captured the TAPPS Division 1
State Track and Field Championship. The Eagles won the meet by a lofty 61 points for their ninth state championship in the last 20 years. “It was really exciting to see,” said Eagles head coach Nathan Labus. “We scored points in virtually every event across the meet.”
Scoring a remarkable number of points for St. Thomas was senior Edward Bocock, who was named the Athlete of the Meet. Along with running on the winning mile relay team, the Rice University signee also won the long jump while additionally finishing third in the 110meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles, plus taking second place in the triple jump.
The Eagles posted victories in all three relay races. Logan Branting, Derek Stevenson, Damarcus Batiste, and Blake Coogan teamed up to set a meet record in winning the 4x100 meter relay in 41.35 seconds, while the very same foursome finished first in the 4x200 meter relay. In the mile relay, Bocock, Caleb Soluren, Ryan Bordas, and Logan Debose captured the gold medal. Back in the field events, Elijah Henry also won gold for St. Thomas in the triple jump.
Editor’s note: Todd Freed is the host and executive producer of H-Town High School Sports, which airs Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on CW39 and Monday-Thursday on AT&T SportsNet SW. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.
STATE CHAMPIONS With its dramatic victory in the 4x400 meter relay on the final race of the meet, the Lamar Texans captured the UIL Boys 6A State Track & Field Championship.
Now accepting applications for reporters in the 2025-2026 school year. DEADLINE AUG. 14.
The Buzz Magazines offers a unique program, School Buzz, in which high school students write about what's happening at their schools from their perspectives.
Due to the program’s growing popularity, we have chosen to accept a limited number of reporters this year in order to give each reporter more personal feedback.
As a School Buzz reporter, you'll:
• Gain experience writing, reporting, and taking photographs
• Share a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening at your school with the wider community
• Receive invaluable writing samples for college applications
• Earn a byline at thebuzzmagazines.com
See thebuzzmagazines.com/school-buzz for more information and to apply for the 2025-26 school year. Questions? Email Caroline Siegfried at caroline@thebuzzmagazines.com.
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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer
SportzBuzz Jr.
Welcome to SportzBuzz Jr., a column spotlighting neighborhood athletes in elementary and middle school.
Cheer champs
The Pin Oak Middle School Charger Cheer Team earned first place and the title of Grand Champion Winners out of all competing teams at the United Cheer’s Beach Blast Competition. The Charger Cheer Team won National Grand Champions and first place in their division at the Cheer America iNationals. The team is composed of both seventh- and eighthgrade students and were led by POMS Dance and Cheer Director Jonahira Cordero. Pictured are (back row, from left) Ms. Cordero, Adell Anderson, Anna Claire Dykoski, Lila Byrd, Ella Mukoka, Kourtlyn Kyle, Vivian Hussain, Lilly Rissmiller, Quinn Sachtleben; (middle row, from left) Sydney Barringer, Chloe Pham, Liah Schroit, Cindy Westin, Jentry Byrd, Kate Allen, Reagan Reichek, CJ Meador; (front row, from left) Anika Shultz, Ella Casso, Ella Sederis, Quinn Cernosek, Cameron From, Evann Meador, McKenna Motes, and Charlotte Allen
Challenger games
Another incredible season of Challenger Baseball has wrapped up. Pictured (back row, from left) are Lauren Wiginton, Dylan Alexander, Emily Wiginton, Rohan Simpson; (front, holding sign) Bella Kim. Challenger, a division of West University Little League, provides boys and girls aged 5-22 with physical and mental challenges the opportunity to play baseball, regardless of their limitations. The program gives every child a chance to participate in a structured athletic setting while fostering meaningful and inclusive experiences. Over the years, Challenger has grown tremendously, with many young athletes and volunteers joining year after year. The season traditionally wraps up on the final Sunday with a celebration for players and their families, featuring games, a fantastic DJ, a former Challenger player, and a meal donated by longtime Challenger supporter Johnny Carrabba. See westull.org.
Catcher’s clinic
West University Softball Association catchers took a break after their weekly Catcher's Clinic to hang together. The clinics are led by area professional softball coaches. Pictured are (front row, from left) Mindy Chen, Maiseyn Clarin-Jante, Elsie Crane; (back row, from left) Keelie Cordova and coach Valerie Quiroga. The spring season wrapped in May with an All-Star Players Game and a recognition ceremony honoring 23 graduating 14U players who have completed at least eight recreational seasons with WUSA, including a final 14U spring season. WUSA offers recreational softball teams for girls ages 5-18 and competitive summer and fall tournament teams for girls ages 7-18.
Editor’s note: Send your best high-resolution photos and behind-the-scenes stories about young local athletes, in both team and individual sports, to SportzBuzz, Jr. at info@thebuzzmagazines.com. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzz-circulation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a space-available basis.
Every weekday morning, enjoy your coffee + the buzz in your inbox. Our e-newsletter, Morning Buzz, features buzzworthy stories about neighbors every day, Monday-Friday. Sign up to find out what we’re buzzing about at thebuzzmagazines.com/morning-buzz.
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by Ian Byrne, age
14
Buzz Kidz
YROCKIN’ OUT The Tomorrow includes (pictured, from left) guitarist Colin Kelly, drummer and singer Ian Byrne, singer and bass guitarist Sophia Ramachandran, and guitarist Jason Yu. Colin and Ian are freshmen at St. John’s, Sophia is a freshman at HSPVA, and Jason is a seventh grader at STMES.
The Tomorrow: Tomorrow’s rock musicians
oung musicians playing and enjoying classic rock music may not be very common nowadays. But our alternative rock band, The Tomorrow, is bringing the high energy of live rock performances back! We play a variety of different genres of rock, including covers and our very own original songs. Some examples of the bands we cover include Foo Fighters, Radiohead, and Metallica. Our goal for 2025 is to potentially release an album consisting of only original songs. Our first album will include our first original song, “What We Have”, which has been a huge success in our numerous shows throughout the year.
As you may have guessed, our band members are all young musicians living in the West University and Bellaire area. I’m Ian Byrne, the
drummer and one of the singers, and I’m a freshman at St. John’s. Our other band members are Colin Kelly, one of our guitarists and a 9th grader at St. John's School, Jason Yu, who plays guitar and is a 7th grader at St. Mark’s Episcopal School, and Sophia Ramachandran, who sings and plays the bass guitar, a 9th grader at Kinder HSPVA.
We started our band about a year ago, after three of our members performed a song at our 8th-grade graduation ceremony at St. John’s School. Shortly after this successful performance, we invited Jason to join the band as we knew him as a talented musician from the School of Rock West University. We have already played in several venues across the
Houston area such as Dan Electro’s, the POST Houston, Betsy’s at Evelyn’s Park, SpindleTap Brewery, and Emmit’s Place. We would love to share our music with you through our Instagram (@thetomorrow_band) and YouTube (@TheTomorrowBand_htx) pages.
As of now, our next show is June 14 at Betsy’s at Evelyn’s Park, and you can check out more upcoming shows on our Instagram page. We would love to share our love for music with you, and we hope to see you all at one of our performances!
Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com.
PETS Neighborhood Tails
Mabel, age 4, Hedgehog, Bissonnet St.
Hello, I’m Mabel! No, not Sonic the Hedgehog, who people are always confusing me for! I’m an elderly domestic hedgehog who is always in a grump. I was adopted in 2020 and have lived in Third Ward, in Sherman, Texas, and now in West U! I love a good mealworm as a snack or maybe a cherry tomato. I have lots of hobbies, like cross-stitching and running on my wheel all night. Did you know that hedgehogs like me can run up to two miles per night? Neat! I enjoy me-time since I’m a nocturnal, solitary animal – but I’m always up for attention, as long as you don’t mind getting spiked or nibbled! Even though I’m an older hedgie, when I’m not napping, I’m full of energy and can’t sit still. Good luck to my owners – they need a lot of patience!
Got a cute critter? Email a picture of your pet with approximately 150 words to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401.
Probate and living trusts
Probate in California is so expensive that residents there favor an inter vivos revocable trust, a “living trust,” rather than a will as their primary dispositive instrument. Their goal is to avoid probate by using the trust and maybe beneficiary designations to transfer title on death without a court order. Probate in Texas is so much cheaper that Texans usually embrace probate without trying to avoid it.
Probate of a decedent’s estate begins when the potential executor (named in a will) or administrator (not named in a will) files an application with the clerk of the probate court. A hearing is held within a month, maybe two or three; the judge enters an order approving the application, and the clerk issues “letters,” proving the applicant’s authority to manage the estate. Probate isn’t mandatory, and most families will skip it unless necessary to collect an asset.
In contrast, assets owned by the trustee of a living trust avoid probate on both death and disability. First, sign a trust instrument naming yourself as trustee and beneficiary and include the right to revoke your trust. Second, either title your assets in your own name as trustee now or else designate your successor trustee as the owner on death, e.g., with a beneficiary designation. When death or disability overtakes you, the successor you named signs the form dictated by your trust declaration and immediately replaces you, all without the delay, publicity, or expense of a very public probate court hearing.
When relying on a living trust as the primary dispositive instrument, best practice is to also make a “pour-over” will leaving any probate assets to your
successor trustee. It is very common to be forced to probate because Mom or Dad left just one very large asset out of the living trust. You might inherit something and die before retitling it in trust. You might fail to retitle your LLC membership because no one told you how. The custodian of your favorite investment might refuse to retitle it in trust.
Even if you don’t miss a single asset, probate may still be worth the candle, especially in a larger estate. Texas probate law includes a robust process for dealing with creditor claims that can wipe out otherwise valid debt. The subpoena power that comes with probate is handy for collecting assets, credit reports, statements, and account agreements. Usually, the letters alone that the clerk issues are respected without a subpoena. When trusts are private or an asset is missed, a pour-over will can be a handy tool to invoke the power of a probate court that backs up executors and administrators.
We write wills and go to probate court. Foreign nationals and international families welcome.
Russell W. Hall, Bellaire Probate, Attorneys at Law, 6750 West Loop S. Ste. 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.662.3853, bellaireprobate.com/blog
. by Angie Frederickson, staff writer
Buzz About Town
Embracing autism
Chereese Johnson and Tim and Stacie Williamson (pictured, from left) enjoyed a country and western-themed evening supporting Avondale House. The fourth annual Embracing Autism Evening: Hear Our Voices was held at River Oaks Country Club with 300 guests who raised more than $300,000 for Avondale House’s efforts to provide education, training, and resources to people living with
autism. Event chairs Sidney and Jason Fagan and Crystal and Jean Neustadt, and honorary chairs Emily and Allen Capps and Ashley and Christian Nelly, welcomed supporters to the evening featuring performances by Nashville songwriters Phillip White, Brice Long, and Grady Block
Happy birthday to Henshaw House
Henshaw House at Nature Discovery Center (NDC) marked its 100th birthday with a centennial celebration filled with refreshments, music, and games. The historic Henshaw House serves as NDC’s headquarters and indoor program space, and the birthday bash raised nearly $20,000 to support nature education efforts. During the party, Bellaire Mayor Pro Tem Win Frazier presented an official proclamation to NDC board president Jayne Johnston. Pictured are partygoers (top row, from left) Win Frazier, Jamie Allen; (middle row, from left) Peter Cook, Kristin Berry, Marybeth Flaherty, Jayne Johnston; (bottom row, from left) Rosemary Confer, Meghan Lutschg, and Meredith Symonds
Supporting our scholars
Scott and Sarah Barrett (pictured) chaired the Houston Classical Charter School's 3rd Annual Foundational Dinner at the Corinthian Houston. The sold-out event welcomed 280 supporters and raised $1,850,000 for tuition-free education for pre-kindergarten through 8th grade students in underserved areas. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, four-course meal, raffle, and live auction led by Johnny Bravo. In addition, supporters heard from Deyvis Salazar, founder and CEO of Houston Classical Charter School, about the mission and success of the school. After Salazar’s remarks, a Houston Classical student, who was named Scholar of the Year, and a parent whose child is thriving at the school, both talked about their experiences.
Emery/Weiner pioneers
Members of The Emery/Weiner School’s inaugural graduating class, the “Pioneers” of 2005, returned to campus from all over the country for their 20-year reunion. The alumni weekend kicked off with dinner at Escalante’s where guests caught up and reminisced about their Stella Link days, followed by a Sunday brunch on campus. When the Pioneers were students, the Upper School had just merged with I. Weiner Middle School, and the graduating class had 34 members. Pictured are alumni (top row, from left) Kevin Goldberg, Stephen Abrams,
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Priscilla Dickson
Luxe Studio Productions
Meredith Symonds Photography
Lavine; (bottom
A celebration of reading
Sarahbeth and Pierce Bush (pictured) enjoyed the 31st annual A Celebration of Reading hosted by the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. Supporters gathered at the Hobby Center on what would have been Mrs. Bush’s 100th birthday and raised $2.6 million to further
her efforts for literacy. This year’s program began with a recorded video message by the 66th U.S. Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, followed by Texas A&M University’s Singing Cadets performing The Battle Hymn of the Republic and God Bless America. Celebrity authors Nate Bargatze, H.W. Brands, Kelsey Grammer, and Victoria Christopher Murray took the stage and entertained the nearly 1,300 guests with stories about their experiences as writers. Founder and Chairman of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Neil Bush announced the launch of the Literary Legacy Society, which will be served by Deborah and Monte Stavis as co-chairs and Susan Baker as honorary chair.
Books and brunch
Ann McIntyre, Laura Vince, Vicki Knowles, Arlene Henslee, and Allison Knowles (pic-
tured, from left) gathered at The Briar Club for the Books & Brunch event supporting Assistance League of Houston (ALH). This event marks 57 years of ALH, an organization that supports education and volunteerism in the community. Guests heard from keynote speaker Jean Becker, former Houston chief of staff to President George H. W. Bush, who shared memories of her time with President and Mrs. Bush. The event also highlighted the partnership between ALH and Houston Community College (HCC), with ALH supporting HCC’s VAST program for students with cognitive disabilities.
Soaring to new heights
Nicole Campbell, Taylor Polky, and Catherine O'Connell (pictured, from left) were among the 550 guests at The Post Oak Hotel to support Communities in Schools of Houston (CIS). The Soaring to New Heights gala raised more than $603,000 to employ school-based support managers for at-risk students across Greater Houston. Event chairs Caroline and Will Brown and Virginia and Cramer Williams welcomed guests to the evening that started with a cocktail reception and moved into the ballroom decorated with colorful hot-air balloons. Emcee Lisa Malosky introduced special
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Josh
row, from left) Lindsey Rockoff, Amanda Johnson, Julie Lascar, Hannah Morris, Brooke Binstock, and Ariela Emery.
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Johnny Wilson
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guest Linda Gale White, former First Lady of Texas. Joseph Patty of Chapelwood United Methodist Church offered the blessing and then Malosky announced gala honoree Jan Redford. After the program concluded, guests danced the night away to Houston’s own Klockwork band.
A+ for Ms. Garcia
Becker School teacher Alejandra Garcia (pictured with students) won the 25th Annual Marian and Speros Martel Early Childhood Educator Award. The award is given annually by Children's Museum Houston and the Martel Foundation to an outstanding early childhood educator in the Houston area. Alejandra teaches in a two-year-old classroom at Becker and was selected for her dedication to children and creative learning. Children’s Museum Houston accepts nominations for outstanding early childhood educators and selected finalists are reviewed by a committee of educators and observed in the classroom. Alejandra accepted the award at the ceremony held at the Museum’s Institute for Family Learning and was honored alongside winners from previous years.
Medicine’s leading ladies
The Arts of Healing Foundation hosted its fourth annual Women in Medicine Fashion Show at the Post Oak Hotel. More than 350 supporters attended the event to honor Houston-area women specializing in a range of medical fields from clinical care to surgery to healthcare leadership. The honorees traded their scrubs for high-fashion designer looks curated by Tootsies and hit the runway to raise
funds for arts programming for children living with cancer. Honorees are (pictured from left) Dr. Shaden Khalaf, Dr. Sonali Patel, Dr. Emily Jamea, Dr. Gwyn Richardson, Dr. Magdalena Sanz Cortes, Jayne Johnston, Dr. Dalia Moghazy, Dr. Susan Mathew, Dr. Jessica Traver, Dr. Gina Blocker, Dr. Connie Wang, Dr. Alexandra Stevens, Dr. M. Monica Gramatges, Dr. Christina Paruthi, Tricia McGusty, Dr. Shirley Lima, Dr. Shanda Blackmon, and Dr. Katy Bolt.
Branching out
Trees For Houston’s 2025 Root Ball: Branching Out was a huge success. Brittney Christy, Marti Grizzle, Helen Winchell, Jane Luciano, and Lindsey Renfro (pictured, from left) were among the more than 440 tree-loving Houstonians who gathered at The Forest Club. Sheila Condon and Juli Japhet chaired the 31st annual Root Ball and welcomed guests down an azalea-lined path to the party that raised a record-breaking $600,000. Supporters enjoyed dinner on the clay courts that were transformed for the event, along with live piano music from Thomas Cokinos who entertained song requests and singalongs. The evening concluded with
guests taking home Bur Oak acorns, a unique party favor symbolizing seeds for future growth.
UT Austin’s new student leaders
Thierry Chu (pictured, left) was elected vice president of the UT Austin Student Government for the 2025-26 school year. Chu, along with executive alliance running mate Hudson Thomas (pictured, right), will serve the university as vice president and president for the upcoming school year. Chu attended West University Elementary, Annunciation Orthodox School, and St. Agnes Academy before enrolling at UT Austin. When she was in fifth grade, she wrote a Buzz Kidz story, published in The West University Buzz, on her passion for writing. A rising senior, Thierry is studying in the Plan II Honors program with an English major and minors in Spanish and Religious Studies. The newly elected pair want to strengthen the university’s ties to Austin’s professional landscape by expanding access to networking resources. They also plan to create a mental health week for students, implement a centralized room reservation system for campus organizations, and develop a database for community service opportunities. Congrats and Hook ’em!
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Daniel Ortiz
Daniel Ortiz
. by Andria Dilling, staff writer
Back Porch
Let Them: Putting the mantra to work
Have you heard about The Let Them Theory? It’s the title of the motivational podcaster, author, and speaker Mel Robbins’ new book. It’s also the new mantra for millions of people who follow her, and for millions more who are friends of her followers.
If you haven’t heard about it yet, you likely will. It’s hard to get far without someone saying let them, and someone else nodding in agreement. Recently I was playing mahjong in a small room with four tables of players. One person mentioned reading The Let Them Theory, and play at all four tables stopped while we talked over each other about reading the book, listening to the podcast, or putting the theory to work.
The book The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About is a #1 New York Times bestseller and one of Oprah’s best books of 2025. Robbins’ premise: “If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn’t you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words – Let Them – will set you free.” Basically: let them do what they want, say what they will, behave in ways you wouldn’t. Stay in your own lane, don’t judge, and refuse to be judged.
That simple mantra – let them – has made Robbins more of a household name than she already was. Her previous book The 5 Second Rule prompts followers to get up and out of bed within five seconds of their alarm beeping. And The High 5 Habit espouses that by giving yourself a high-five in the mirror every morning, your outlook will improve.
Neither could hurt, but I can’t get behind high-fiving myself in the mirror every day, or even popping out of bed without hitting snooze. But let them do whatever works.
One friend heard about the book while on vacation with several couples, all of whom were discussing the concept. “It’s a simple read, and it just frees you from having to worry about what someone else thinks of you,” she says. “Some of us humans can obsess over whether somebody likes us, or what they think about us, or whether we are being judged. I think we all do that.
“It is really what people need, with all the political turmoil and people not getting along. Let them vote for who they want, agree to dis-
agree, and we’re moving on. Wouldn’t it be great for third graders to learn how to say let them?”
But even as we all strive to let them be, The Let Them Theory has stirred up its own controversy. Cassie Phillips, a Virginia mother and author, wrote a poem entitled Let Them when her military husband returned from the Middle East several years ago. She had been struggling with depression and began living by the concept of let them, which she says saved her. The poem (much abbreviated) includes:
Just Let them.
If they want to choose something or someone over you, LET THEM…
…Let them show you who they truly are, not tell you…
…Let them have a safe place in you.
Let them see the heart in you that didn’t harden. Let them love you.
It went viral on social media, and Phillips tattooed her arm with “Let them” in her own handwriting. Three years later, Robbins published her Let Them Theory book, which she says she was inspired to write when her daughter pointed out
that Robbins was micro-managing her son’s prom night. Her daughter Sawyer, a co-author of the book, said, “Mom, if Oakley and his friends want to go to a taco bar for pre-prom, LET THEM. It’s their prom. Not yours.”
Now there’s let them merch, and a copycat The Art of Letting Them book by “Cassandra Philips” (note the absence of an extra “L” in “Philips”), and numerous Substack articles about plagiarism (one entitled “Let me plagiarize”). Whose idea was it?
To those who say Robbins capitalized on a concept that has been around at least since Phillips’ poem, and probably for ages, my friend says, “I’m just glad she brought it to the forefront, whether or not it’s a new concept. She put it on the map, and it’s helping people.”
It’s also spinning off into late-night comedy territory. Actor Becca Bastos has dressed up in a wig and posted videos impersonating Robbins: “So your husband of 18 years met a woman on a work trip and got her pregnant. Let them. Let the baby be ugly.”
I bet Robbins and Phillips both are having to put those let them mantras to work now.
LETTING GO The Let Them Theory, according to Mel Robbins, began when her son wanted pre-prom tacos and she thought he should be going to a nice dinner. Mel’s daughter Sawyer, a co-author of the book, said, “Mom, if Oakley and his friends want to go to a taco bar for pre-prom, LET THEM. It’s their prom. Not yours.”
