Vanguard College Preparatory School is a non-parochial, independent school in Waco, Texas that prepares our students for academic success and fulfilling lives. The foundation of the Vanguard experience is based on our core values – rigor, responsibility, and respect. The community of Vanguard students, faculty, administrators, and parents are committed to a personalized learning experience that prepares each student to excel at the collegiate level. This commitment is what truly makes Vanguard Waco’s best high school
Accredited by: Advanced Ed.
Approved by: Texas Education Agency
Professional Affiliations: NAIS, SAIS, TAPPS, The College Board, Texas Association of Non-Public Schools, ERB
Vanguard College Preparatory School
Building Bright Futures - Since 1973
Phase 2: Performing Arts Center & Art Gallery
Phase 3: Academic Complex & Innovation Center
Phase 1: Athletic Complex
2023-2024
Bill Borg - Head of School
Zach Seifert - Associate Head of School
Flip Alexander - Assistant Head of School, Logistics & Communications
Hannah VanDyke - Director of College
Counseling and International Programs
Chelsa Brindley Ressetar ‘96 - Assistant Head of School - Director of Advancement
Greta Knoll - Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Board of Trustees - 2023-2024
Christy Holze, Chairperson
Matt Morrison, Vice Chairperson
Emily Offill, Secretary
Casey Rollins, Treasurer
Shanna Mattson, Past Chairperson
Jed Cole
Darin Davis
Katherine Haynes
Suzanne Kelly
Ryan Lindsey
Mitchell Horner
Libby Starr
Robb Fitzke
Gay Padgett
Kim Zander
Christy Holze ‘87, Matthew Holze ‘19, Andrew Holze ‘23, Stecphen Holze ‘88
Dear Vanguard Family,
A Message from the Board of Trustees President
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the chairman of the Board of Trustees for the past two years Vanguard has been an integral part of my family for decades My husband, Stephen, and I both graduated from the school in the 1980s When I reflect on my experience, I appreciate the amazing teachers and limitless opportunities that Vanguard afforded. I was aptly challenged and undoubtedly prepared for my college years Stephen and I enthusiastically chose Vanguard for our sons’ education We never regretted that decision as we watched both boys transition seamlessly to their chosen colleges I credit the foundation they received at Vanguard with their ability to successfully adjust to new situations
Vanguard is an extraordinary school, which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary We have an exceptional new athletic facility and plans to continue to move Vanguard forward for the next 50 years Reaching this milestone is a testament to the importance of the core values of rigor, respect, and responsibility The school is experiencing record enrollment The distinguished faculty and staff are second to none; these outstanding teachers nurture and support our students as they encourage the kids to reach their potential Needless to say, the future of Vanguard is bright Whether it is athletics, theater, orchestra, art, or robotics, Vanguard students excel in so many areas! I encourage each student to face the challenges and embrace the rigor; you will find much reward in doing so Our family is honored to be a part of the Vanguard family We look forward as our school continues to be a leader in education
Sincerely,
Christy Holze ‘87 Board of Trustees, President
Message from Head of School
It will be a bittersweet moment as I begin my 18th year serving as Head of School at Vanguard College Preparatory School This year and my 50 years in education will culminate in May with the graduation class of 2025. It has been my privilege and honor to serve Vanguard Many changes have transpired since my coming here in 2017 -- such as the addition of various clubs, advanced placement classes, other academic programs, expanded athletic teams, enrollment growth, and campus expansions. Yet, the core of what Vanguard was in the fall of 2007 remains the same school that will open its doors this August
As I have told many families visiting Vanguard, this school is a great place for their children to grow up. We challenge students academically and offer opportunities to be involved in sports, arts, theater, music, and clubs, all within an academic curriculum that prepares them for their next educational steps More importantly, we strive to develop young adults who are self-disciplined and can navigate the challenges of academic (and life) expectations We encourage them to seek help when needed We inspire them to communicate and engage with others in a lifestyle approach that prepares students for life.
We were pleased to expand our grade level options with the addition of 6th grade in 2024 and capped enrollment in three weeks with 22 students. This initial group, housed in what is now known as the Cottage, experienced a full slate of academics complemented by extracurricular activities, sports, field days, and athletic competitions We look forward to its continued success in the years to come.
This year, our mock trial team placed 7th in the state. The class of 2024 graduated 55 students, the largest class in Vanguard history, collectively earning over $10 million in merit scholarships This class also had the only National Merit Scholar in Central Texas, with several Commended and multiple AP Honor students. Vanguard hosted many alumni events, including the AI Informational event for the community
During my tenure, we have expanded and renovated the campus. Bostick Hall underwent a complete renovation with leading technology additions When updating the facility was finished, we were pleased to announce it was completed debt free
We are in the middle of our capital campaign Phase one was the complete renovation and new build-out of athletic facilities -- a project costing $56 million To date, we have raised $4.2 million, the largest amount of money ever raised in the school's history. This success is attributed to the fantastic 50th Gala, picnic, and kick-off We thank all those who have contributed to the success of this campaign.
I look forward to continuing to engage with members of the Vanguard community next year, with the goal of retiring the latest debt and finalizing funding for this important endeavor I hope we can do this together The faculty, staff and I thank you for your belief in and commitment to this exceptional school
Thank you Vanguard Parent Crew!
Vanguard Parent Crew Annual Report
VPC Income - $ 42,560
VPC Expenses - $ 31,124
Net Income - $11,435
VPC Gave $25K Back this year!
Classroom Tech Support
School Activity Trailer
Vanguard Parent Crew Concession Stand
World Language - Latin Activities
Theatre Arts Costume Needs
Classroom Decor
Social Media Tech Needs
Music Program Support
Athletic Trainer & Tennis Needs and more
Thank you VPC President - Jessica Meehan!
All parents and guardians of students at Vanguard College Preparatory School are automatically a part of the Vanguard ParentCrew (VPC). The VPC enriches the school community by supporting academic, operational, and athletic programs. Working in cooperation with school administration, the VPC operates to provide volunteering and financial support through such vehicles as fundraising campaigns, grade level sponsors, sports team parents, teacher appreciation efforts, academic and athletic program enhancements, student recognition, and more.
Thank you to all of our volunteers! The VPC would like to make special note of those below for end-of-year recognition
Middle School Above & Beyond Awards: Brie and Nick Keepers
Kimberly and Bryant Hale
High School Legacy Awards: D’Nisa Simmons
Special Recognition:
Mona Shawbaki - Front Campus Flower Pots & Two Years Teacher/Staff Appreciation
Dorie Fugate, Hayley Peavy, and Holly Bennet - 6 years in a row Secret Pal Program
We appreciate the efforts with VPC '23-'24 Exec. Committee for their time and commitment that make the VPC a success.
Fiscal Year August 2023 - July 2024
Operating Revenue: $ 4,648,075
Tuition - $3,970,516
Fundraising – $152,518
Other Income. – $173,436
*Pledges not included
Operating Expenses: $ 3,931,905
Employee Salaries – $2,232,394
Employee Benefits – $195,518
Administrative – $329,177
Facilities – $461,339
Student Activities – $713,486
Capital Campaign (2023-2024)
Pledges: $595,60300
Pledge payments received $669,899.00
Gifts: $293,731.25
Go to the Giving Meter for Phase 1 latest numbers: https://www.dptext.org/dpmeter/users/gifts/768
Academic Department Heads
Vanguard Alumni Council of Visitors
Dear Fellow Alumni,
I am incredibly honored to be writing as the Chair of our Alumni Council My journey with Vanguard began long before I graduated planning school dances and events, all with the support and encouragement of our amazing faculty, staff, and especially Suzanne Kelly Their belief in me and my ideas empowered me to not only organize memorable events for our school but also to turn my passion into a business that I love today.
As I reflect on my own story, I can’t help but be reminded of the powerful community that has shaped so many of us Whether you’re a recent graduate or a long-standing alum, your support for Vanguard has made an immeasurable impact Alumni from across the country and even around the world continue to be the heartbeat of this institution Your contributions, involvement, and belief in the school help future generations of students discover their own paths, just like I did
Thank you for your unwavering support and for keeping the spirit of Vanguard strong, no matter where you are Together, we ensure that our school continues to be a place where students are empowered to dream big and accomplish great things
Sincerely,
Bricker Bruner Alumni Council of Visitors, Chair
ALUMNI COUNCIL OF VISITORS MEMBERS
Lewis Aynesworth 2015 Waco, TX
Richelle Braswell 2013 Lorena, TX
Bricker Bruner 2009 Waco, TX
Rye Clifton 1999 Austin, TX
Julie Covington 1982 Waco, TX
Eloisa Esparza 1998 Woodway, TX
Alexandra Jones-Adesina 2006 Waco, TX
Emma Lowe 2021 Texas A&M University
Bryan Klimt 1998 Santa Clara, CA
Ginnie (Lowder) Kupchynsky 2008 Waco, TX
Liz Nash 1975 Austin, TX
Reuel Nash 1975 Austin, TX
2023-2024
Jacob Pleitz 2002 Northport, AL
Chad Robinson 2007 Waco, TX
Casey Rollins 2021 - AlumnaParent Waco, TX
Jake Schwartz 2013 Dallas, TX
Daniel Silver 2005 Summit, NJ
Kelln (Mikulin) Small 1995 Lorena, TX
Mallory SoRelle 2002 Durham, NC
Ryan Squires 1995 Austin, TX
Alexandria Strickland 2011 Denver TX
Jacqui Strickland 2021 Alumna Parent Waco, TX
Nate Taylor 1997 Austin, TX
The Alumni Council of Visitors is a group of alumni that further the interests of Vanguard College Preparatory School, raising enthusiasm and interest among the alumni in their alma mater. The Council connects, reconnects, and engages the Vanguard alumni base, developing educational and social activities for the benefit of alumni in coordination with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees.
Bricker Bruner ‘09
Alumni Happy Hours. Waco Fall Get Together, Austin, Dallas,...
50th Anniversary Celebration and Reunion Weekend
Spring Alumni Weekend
ALUMNI GIVING CLUB
The Vanguard Alumni Giving Club includes all donors and sponsors who are alumni, including former students
Stewart Kelly 1975
Pam (Newman) Austin 1976
Brad Walker 1976
Elizabeth (Smith) & Stuart Smith 1977
Susan (Key) DeWitt 1978
Frances Callan 1979
Craig Winchell 1979
Lewis McReynolds 1980
Sara (Painter) & David Risinger 1980
Nancy Newman 1981
Boyce Brown 1982
Kyle Deaver 1982
Kristin Kopplin 1982
John Deaver 1984
Hannah (Haw) Weldon 1985
Jennie Sheppard 1986
Christy (Dietz) 1987 & Stephen Holze 1988
Elizabeth (Buchanan) Dietz 1989
Carolyn (Kannwischer) Bess 1989
Laura (Bateman) Indergard 1989
Henry Wright 1989
Melissa (Waden) Bostwick 1990
Nathan Rendo 1991
Kirk Zander 1991
Chris Armstrong 1992
Jean (Grayson) 1992 & Bill Davis 1993
Melissa (Matyastik) Spann 1993
Benjamin Lacy 1994
Brooke (Gandy) Moore 1995
Michael McNamara 1995
Leigh (Livesay) Morrison 1996
Chelsa (Brindley) Ressetar 1996
Brie (Hooks) Keepers 1996
Emily (Fowler) Offill 1997
Nate Taylor 1997
Anne (Willianham) Merchant 1997
Eloisa Esparza 1998
Suzanne (Vonder Hoya) Shelton 1998
Martin A Starr 1998
Kathryn (Fadal) Williams 1998
Jessica Attas 1998
Alan Cooper, Sr 1999
Kelly (Cunningham) Morris 2001
David Caughran 2005
Clara (Dutton) Griffey 2005
Mandi (Clark) Hansen 2006
Jeff SoRelle 2006
Jed Cole 2009
Visit the Alumni Website for Alumni News, Events, Hall of Fame, Collegiate Wall of Honor and more. Contact Greta Knoll@vanguard.org for a campus tour or interest in the Alumni Speaker Series.
VANGUARD EVENTS
Signature Cocktail Sponsor
Insurors of Texas
Mazanec Contruction
Bowen Electric
Ideal Self Storage
The Stewart Family
Program Sponsor
Clowes & McEacherns
VANGUARD 50TH GALA
Presenting Sponsor
TFNB Your Bank for Life
50th Year Celebration Sponsor
Lochridge Priest
VikingsSponsor
LorenandMartinSchwartz
Check-In Sponsor
Bailey Insurance & Risk Management
Christi and Stephen Holze
After Party Sponsor
Waco Heart & Vascular
Brooke and Newman Richards
Legacy Sponsorship
Valerie Robinson
Solar Flare Sponsor
The Jim Chase Family
Waco Counseling Group
Utility Truck Equipment Co (UTEC)
Christy and Stephen Holze
First National Bank of Central Texas
David and Katherine Haynes
Thank
BettyandBenjieBauer
CommunityBank&Trust
ElizabethandStuartSmith
Volvo&MackTrucksofWaco
KellyandAdamYlitilo
WacoCardiology
MattRollinswithEdwardJones
AllianceBank
KeepSmilingWaco
KristiandNathanRendo
MelissaandRickBostwick
ClarkRoofing
MelissaandJonSpann
Eclipse
Bingo
Board of Trustees Event
Jessica and Todd Meehan
Window World of Waco
Leigh and Matt Morrison
Stellar Patron
Jenny Peel
Adam and Kelly Ylitalo
Suzanne Kelly
The Schornack Family
Jennifer and Trent Neumann
Bailey Insurance & Risk Management
Drs Michelle & Boris Murillo
Mary and John Dietz
Matt Rollins with Edward Jones
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN - LEADERSHIP DONATIONS
Thank you for your gifts and pledges made to Vanguard College Preparatory School for the Road to the 50th Campaign.
(Gift and pledges prior to July 31, 2024)
Leadership Society $100,000+ Road to the 50th
Amy and David Akins
Erin and Bob Davis
Michele and Pete Groetzinger
The Johnson Family
Jennifer and Ryan Lindsey
The Livingstone Family
Shanna and Blake Mattson
Beth and Mike Raymond
The Vanguard Foundation
50th Society $50,000 + Road to the 50th
Sarah and Brian Aynesworth Family
Bill Bewley
Len and Boyce ‘82 Brown
Bricker Bruner ‘09
Paula and Jerry Campbell
Diane and Kyle Deaver
Ellen and Ray Deaver
The Livingstone Family
Susan and Gordon Swanson
Elizabeth ‘77 and Stuart ‘77 Smith
1973 Society $10,000 + Road to the 50th
Bill Bewley
Susan and Bill Borg
Angie and Jim Chase
Clifton Foundation
Karina and John Deaver
Decluitt Foundation
Sonja and Rob Fitzke
Katherine and David Haynes
Christy ‘87 and Stephen ‘88 Holze
Melinda and Pat Horner
The Keith Family
Becky and Claude Lindsey
Claire and Michael McNamara, Jr
Leigh ‘96 and Matt Morrison Jr
Pam Newman Austin ‘76 and Nancy Newman ‘81
Kay and Lyndon Olson
Parsons Roofing
Leslie and John Pegram
Chelsa '96 and JD Ressetar
Gordon Robinson
Lisa and Richard Sheldon
Jennie Sheppard
Libby and Martin ‘98 Starr
Heather and Chuck Stewart
Celeste and Nate ‘97 Taylor
Linda and Jack Tinsley
Vanguard Parent Crew
Kelly and Adam Ylitalo
ROAD TO THE 50TH STEERING COMMITTEE
– Shanna Mattson, Chair
Mike Raymond, Chair
David Akins
Beth Boehm
Bill Borg
Jed Cole
Diane Deaver
Ben Lacy
Ryan Lindsey
Brad Livingstone
Michael McNamara
Nate Taylor
2023-2024 GIVING SOCIETIES AND HONOR ROLL
Thank you to Parents, Grandparents, Alumni, Alumni Families, and Friends!
Amy and David Akins
Sarah & Brian Aynesworth Family
Bill Bewley
Len and Boyce Brown
Paula and Jerry Campbell
Erin and Bob Davis
Diane and Kyle Deaver
Ellen and Ray Deaver
Michele and Pete Groetzinger
Shelley and Ryan Johnson
Jennifer and Ryan Lindsey
The Livingstone Family
Jennifer and John Manning
Margaret C.B & Spencer N. Brown Foundation
Shanna and Blake Mattson
Mattson Financial Services
Claire and Michael McNamara
Pam Newman Austin and Nancy Newman
Anonymous
Central National Bank
Melanie and Rich Chatmas
Clifton Foundation
Karina and John Deaver
DeCluitt Foundation
Charity and Joseph Garzonie
Katherine and David Haynes
Insurors of Texas
Noell and Benjamin Lacy
Society $1,000 - $4,999
Sara and David Risinger
Katy and Aaron Abel
Alliance Bank Central Texas
Anonymous
Pam and Paul Austin
Betty and Benjy Bauer
Margie and Mike Beard
Beth and Trey Boehm III
Susan and Bill Borg
Melissa and Rick Bostwick III
Bowen Electric
Shelley and Jason Brock
Angie and Jim Chase
Lisa and Randall Chenot
Stephanie and Travis Clark
Jana and Curtis Cleveland
Carla and Tom Clowe
Meredith and Jed Cole
Community Bank & Trust
Sandy and Bob Corwin
Sharron Cutbirth
Anonymous
Kay and Glen DeLoach
Susan and Terry DeWitt
Irais and Carlos Diaz
Jeannie and David Dickson
Elizabeth and Bill Dietz
First National Bank of Central Texas
Denae and Zachary Gerik
Clara and Matt Griffey
Anonymous
Mandi and Dakota Hansen
Christy and Stephen Holze
Kathryn and Mitchell Horner
Loeen and Kerry Irons
Collette and Richard Karr
Keep Smiling Waco
Suzanne Kelly
Tracy and Stewart Kelly
L3Harris Foundation
Jamie and Trey Lipsitz
Lisa Lopez
Jan and Lance Magid
Paula Floeck McReynolds and Lewis
McReynolds
Jessica and Todd Meehan
Hermineh and Clode Moradi
Leigh and Matt Morrison
Michelle and Boris Murillo
Laura and Phillip Myatt
Jennifer and Trent Neumann
Elizabeth and Brandon Oates
Rhonda and Darrell Pietsch
Beth and Mike Raymond
Gordon Robinson
Region 10
Lisa and Richard Sheldon
TFNB Your Bank for Life
Linda and Jack Tinsley
Tulsa Community Foundation
Anonymous
Vanguard Foundation
Vanguard Parent Crew
Chelsa and JD Ressetar
Melissa and Jon Spann
Waco Jewelers
Whizzbang Burgers
Zimmerman Law Firm
Denise and Mike Pike
Nicole and George Reid
Anonymous
Brooke and Newman Richards
Sara and Rod Richie
Natalie and Donald Risinger
Erin and Scott Rogers
Peggy Rogers
Casey and Matt Rollins
Loren and Martin Schwartz
Adrielle and Coby Selke
Suzanne and Dain Shelton
Jennie Sheppard
Elizabeth and Stuart Smith
Paula and Paul Smith
Libby and Martin Starr
Heather and Chuck Stewart
Brooke and Heyward Taylor
The Hunt Family
Volvo & Mack Trucks of Waco
Waco Cardiology
Katherine and William Weaver
Camille and Christopher Wilder
Celia and Craig Winchell
Lenore and Henry Wright
Kim and Kirk Zander
Donor Honor Roll - Green Level $500 - $999
Anonymous
Alice and Robert Baird
Anonymous
Carolyn and Craig Bess
Sandra and David Castor
Laura and Jack Civa
Cristina Cleveland
Cooper Foundation
Angie and Alan Cooper, Sr.
Shelly and David Dallas
Expedia Cruises of Waco
Susan Feagin
Tracy and Ronald Gleitman
Casey and Phil Green
Mary and Brad Herridge
Jenny Howe Peel
Angela and David Jackson
Jennifer and Kevin Kelly
Elizabeth and Daniel Kirzeder
Tiffany and David Latimer
Aline Leslie
McClane Brown Family Foundation
Brooke and Tanner Moore
Anonymous
Donor Honor Roll - Blue Level $250 - $499
Brie and Nick Keepers
Flip and Sam Alexander
Amanda Scarborough, D.D.S.
Beth and Chris Armstrong
Bailey Insurance & Risk Management
Missy and Randy Balusek
Kristina and Travis Baucom
Kelly L Bonjonia
Michelle Bonomo
Andy and Brandi Cox
Dr Crystal Hughes & Mr Chris Ruddell
Mary and John Dietz
In Kind Gifts
A1 Sign & Banner
Bruner Events
Amy and David Akins
Alice Anne and Richard Brunn
Di' Amore Fine Jewelers
Howard Dudgeon, III
Holli and Cody Short
Patty and Joe Flowers
Jamie and Jay Goble
M'Lissa Howen
Laura and Mike Indergard
Angela and David Jackson
Katie and Matt James
Mary Ann and Richard Manning
Deborah and Phil Meehan
Theresa and Brian Monk
Cherise and Stephen Myatt
Kathleen and Charles Guy
Jan and Lance Magid
Regina and Mark Mastin
Shanna and Blake Mattson
Corporate Matching Gifts
Honorary Gifts
Shelly Johnson
David Foti and Family
Fran Vick
Patty Flowers
Joe Flowers
Katherine Weaver
Katie James
Memorials
Elsie Vrba
Amy Kaur ‘17
Mary & William Ivan Newman
Jerilyn Keith
Carol Spain and Rufus Spain
Bequests
Ray Perry
Libby Starr
Matthew Holze
Mirko Murillo
Shanna and Blake Mattson
Amy and David Akins
Kim and David Littlewood
Dr Kent T Starr
Founders of VCPS
Jean McReynolds
Joann Clifton
Margaret Brown
Anna and Stephen Reed
Betsy and Steve Rosenblatt
Meg Salome
D'Nisa and Dwayne Simmons
Anonymous
Jeffrey SoRelle
Rene and Bryan Taylor
Kristen and Charles VanCleave
Waco Heart & Vascular
Brad Walker
Jeff and Diane Young
The Nelson Family
Hayley and Jason Peavy
Karen and Jeff Pressman
Jennifer and Michael Schornack
Mr. and Mrs. Zach Seifert
Elizabeth and Jonathan Senn
Amanda Sevcik
Robert Gary Tapia and Josefina Dunlap
Yvonne and Fernando Villarreal
Mandy and Tom Williams
Meredith Williams and Chris Gatlin
Duke and Steve Nelson
Sebastian Reyna
Loren and Martin Schwartz
Adrielle and Coby Selke
Gary Bowdoin
Dena Johns
Sara Richie
Paula Marshall
Zach Seifert
Jennifer Ferretter
Mary June Baum
Rebecca Herron
Ronnie Shelton
Mary Ann Elliot
Josh Risinger ’96
Ways to Support Vanguard
Tuition revenue provides a portion of the funds that help Vanguard College Preparatory School provide the level of education and opportunities that prepares students for life beyond high school Tax-deductible contribultions, planned giving, and volunteer support from our families bridge the funding, as an independent school, allowing us to continue the tradition of academic excellence.
Annual Fund
Capital Campaign Road to the 50th
General Scholarship/Financial Aid
Vanguard Parent Crew - Supporting Athletic and Academic Needs
Pecan Sale
MVP Passes Concessions
Annual Golf Tournament
Mums
Board of Trustees Events
Bingo Party Central
Vanguard Foundation Endowment Funds
Scholarships
Arminda Bewly Scholarship Fund
Distingished Faculty
Scholarship Fund
Dr. Kent Starr Scholarship Fund
Anonymous Scholarship Fund for financial assistance
