CONNECTED STAY
FAMILY OF MIN-HUI, MARK, AND CHITTY
We are incredibly grateful for your generous support of our Band, Speech & Debate, and Tennis programs. Your commitment, amplified by a successful corporate match, resulted in a total contribution of $6,000! Thank you for showing the true power of corporate giving!
L A G E S C H O O
S
U R V E Y
FUN-RAISING
FUN-RAISING
Come out to shop for gifts and 15% will go back to Village’s enrichment programs to support our students and teachers!
FUN-RAISING
This year's gala will be held at the beautiful and historic Beckendorff Farms in Katy. We can't wait to share more details soon, including opportunities for you to get involved and support our incredible student programs that will benefit this year: Fine Arts, Speech and Debate, and STEM (Robotics and Computer Science).
The Beckendorff family settled the land in the Katy area. Milton August Beckendorff was instrumental in surveying the town's layout and county lines in 1893 and helped establish the Katy Independent School District (KISD). The farm's centerpiece is a 170+ year-old antique timber frame barn. It was originally built in Ohio in the 1850s and was one of four antique timber frame barns ever known to have been built with a “double-canted queen post” roof system. This extremely rare design allowed the barn to span 50% wider than other barns built during its era. Historical records suggest that this unique barn was also likely used to shelter slaves as part of the "Underground Railroad" before it was dismantled in 2013 and meticulously rebuilt on the Beckendorff property. Standing in Katy, Texas today, the barn is the largest antique timber frame barn in the state of Texas and the only remaining double-canted queen post barn known to exist in America.
For a sneak peek of the venuejoin our new WhatsApp Channel!
W A N T T O G E T
I N V O L V E D ?
Parents can significantly boost the visibility of their child's programs by simply sharing event photos, videos, and updates. Following the lead of parents like Sandra Wiegand, you can help us celebrate student achievements, as our dedicated teachers and coaches are often focused on the event itself and don't have photos to share. You can help your child's program and us by submitting pictures, videos, and updates from any enrichment event, such as a sports team, theater, choir, etc. We rely on the community for this information, as we can't attend every event across all divisions. Teams that have seen greater exposure and awareness benefit from their program leads working closely with us to share information. We encourage all program leads to communicate frequently so we can ensure every group receives the recognition they deserve. To share your team's exciting news and give your program more exposure throughout the year, please contact vseo@villageenrich.org
STEM
N E W S
ROBOTICS - FRC
The Vikings Robotics Team (FRC 9289) has kicked off the new season with tremendous energy, focusing on building a strong team, connecting with the community, and securing the necessary resources for the upcoming competition.
The students held a successful introductory meeting to recruit new members, ensuring the continuity of their program. To build public support and visibility, the team also attended VSPA's Fall Fest, where they engaged with parents and students to showcase their current projects and generate excitement for the upcoming robotics competition season.
This groundwork has paid off significantly in the realm of fundraising. Through dedicated student-led efforts to secure sponsors and donations, the team has already raised over $13,000. This critical funding provides the financial foundation for a successful run in the FIRST Robotics Competition, allowing the students to acquire the necessary equipment and specialized tools needed to build their competitive robot. We are especially proud to see our students take charge of their own success by leading these fundraising efforts a powerful display of both leadership and commitment that validates their hard work and dedication.
STEM NEWS
FTC TEAMS UPDATES
On October 25th, our 8th graders participated in a practice meet for the First Tech Challenge – Decode –at San Jacinto Central Campus. Both of our teams performed exceptionally well, competing against middle and high school teams. We’re proud to share that both teams earned awards!
Team TechStorm - (Hudson Meng, Murad Dweek, Aiden Wang, Vivaan Mishra, Jack and Jerry He) received the Rookie All-Star Award and 3rd place Robot Game!
Team ArchionMechs - (Chris Wang, Hasan Ali, Eloise Dube, Caitlyn Chen, Kike Cabanilla, Davi de Morais Gil e Silva, Ian Morillo, Loshe Oyedipe, Hong Rui Tan) earned the Most Improved Robot Award!
What a great way to start the season! Well done, Vikings!
STEM NEWS
LEMONADE WITH ICE GALA SUCCESS
The Village community came out in full force to support a fantastic cause! Lemonade with Ice recently hosted its 9th Annual Gala on October 26, 2025, and the event was a resounding success, drawing strong attendance from students, parents, staff, including Miss Texas Latina, who gathered to champion the organization's vital mission. Congratulations to founder Ice Venkatesh and her dedicated team on a night of successful fundraising and community engagement!
Lemonade with Ice is a highly impressive 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017 by current 10thgrade Village student, Ice Venkatesh. Ice is a dynamic leader, a recognized math whiz, and the author of a series of math books designed to build confidence in younger students. Her organization embodies its mission of empowering young, underprivileged girls through education, providing critical resources, mentorship, and a dedicated focus on STEM Education for girls. For more information on her nonprofit, visit Lemonade with Ice.
SPEECH & DEBATE N E W S
DOUBLE WINNERS!
After being nominated last year, Mrs. Huffman brought home the Middle School Educator of the Year Award at the Texas Speech Communication Association (TSCA) awards held in Allen, TX!
Casey Garcia (our dedicated external coach) won the Community College Educator of the Year Award!
The TSCA honors Texas educators who truly excel in leadership, teaching, and advancing communication skills. Their success is a testament to the powerful Speech and Debate programs at The Village School!
Village Enrichment gladly supported her professional development with hotel accommodations at the TSCA conference as this was directly relevant to her teaching curriculum but fell outside the school’s standard offerings and budget. Not only does she gain new knowledge and training at the annual conference, but she also serves on several state committees and is a voting member shaping rules and amendments that directly impact speech and debate activities.
We are so proud of both of these incredible leaders!
SPEECH & DEBATE N E W S
Congratulations to Mrs. Huffman, TSCA's 2025 Middle School Educator of the Year! Here are a few things her colleagues, supervisors, and students have to say about her:
“Heather Huffman is truly a Renaissance woman, and without a doubt, a shining example of excellence in coaching and teaching.”
“Her students consistently set the standard for what middle school students can achieve. I have found her students to always be prepared, courteous, and respectful. Heather is their teacher, their mentor, and their rock. She is the person her students know they can always count on both for her knowledge and her unfailing support.”
“What sets Mrs. Huffman apart is her ability to inspire others through her passion for speech and debate, and education as a whole. She has a gift for teaching students to believe in themselves, to embrace challenges, and to work tirelessly toward their goals. Through her coaching, our students have not only sharpened their communication skills but have also gained confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of character. These are life-changing skills that extend well beyond competition.”
“One of Heather’s most admirable qualities is her leadership. She inspires those around her through her example and holds her team to high standards, which is clearly reflected in their performance. Students seek out her guidance and trust her expertise, knowing she will help them reach their fullest potential.”
“Her passion for education and the training of young students is evident in the way she transforms the nervous beginning into a poised and articulate communicator. Her coaching style blends patience and creativity that inspires students to rise to their highest potential. She empowers her team members to not only perform well, but also to think critically, advocate for themselves, and progress in a way that makes them feel comfortable.”
“Mrs. Huffman’s endless hours of editing and watching my performances over the years allowed me to take my big feelings and turn them into action, to use my voice as a tool for change. She taught me to argue sharply, to challenge an audience, to step into perspectives beyond my own.”
“She was more than just a coach. She was my safe space. My school mom. The person blasting Eminem to hype me up on the way to a round, making sure I ate during long tournaments, curious about my life and interests beyond Speech. She’s a life-changer. A force. The kind of teacher who doesn’t just teach her students how to speak or compete, but how to live a life of conviction, courage, and heart.”
SPEECH & DEBATE NEWS
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM
The VMS Speech and Debate team has roared into the season, demonstrating excellence and commitment by securing the Overall Team Sweepstakes award at three consecutive events. Go Vikings!
The team’s success is a testament to the hard work of both new and returning talent across the entire season's start:
November 8th, 2025 (Klein Oak Tournament, Spring, TX): The team claimed 1st Place in the Overall Team Sweepstakes Competition, continuing their winning streak against strong regional competitors.
October 25th, 2025 (Stephen F. Austin Top Dawg Tournament, Sugar Land, TX): With a robust field of 79 competitors, the VMS Vikings secured their second consecutive
FIRST PLACE in the Overall Team Sweepstakes Competition!
Pre-Season Festival (October 18th): A total of 56 VMS students, including 24 first-time competitors, attended a pre-season festival hosted by Albright Middle School. This provided a crucial opportunity for students to refine their arguments and performances, earning superior, excellent, and good ratings, and immediately led to their first 1st place overall team sweepstakes finish of the year.
The coaches and students wish to express their deepest appreciation for the parents and siblings who have shown up to cheer, support, and provide essential snacks and meals throughout this incredible start to the season. The VMS Speech and Debate team
SPEECH & DEBATE NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM
The High School Speech and Debate team has been operating at an exceptionally high competitive tempo, competing almost every weekend to achieve success on both regional and national stages this season. The dedication of the entire squad resulted in a strong collective showing at the Clear Brook Tournament, where the team secured an excellent 3rd Place Overall Team Sweepstakes finish and 1 Place Overall Team Sweepstakes in the Stratford Tournament! Individual Vikings are also gaining significant recognition, with Tanmay Rai’s outstanding 3rd Place finish in Congressional Debate at the prestigious Florida Blue Key competition in Gainesville, Florida.
These competitive efforts are directly translating into State-level readiness. Abir Das has officially qualified for the Texas Forensic Association (TFA) State Tournament in Informative Speaking, a major milestone. This success is shared by Charlotte Walker, Rhea Chidambaram, and Kabir Rai, who have also secured their TFA State qualifications early in the season. The entire team is currently setting their sights on the challenging Longhorn Classic at the University of Texas in Austin this December, using the high-stakes competition as a crucial training ground as they continue their demanding schedule towards the state and national tournaments.
ATHLETICS N E W S
MS CROSS COUNTRY SEASON CELEBRATION
What a wonderful way to wrap up an incredible season — with donuts, chick-fil-A, smiles, trivia games and great company!
Our MS runners have shown outstanding dedication, perseverance, and teamwork throughout the season — giving their best through every mile, every hill, and every finish line.
Students were also recognized at the Fall Sports Awards and they celebrated not just their achievements, but the spirit and camaraderie that make this team so special.
A heartfelt thank you to Coach Mouro and Coach Bell for their leadership, encouragement, and commitment to our runners.
Here’s to a season filled with growth, memories, and success! Go Vikings! Updates and Photos by Sandra Torres-Wiegand
ATHLETICS NEWS
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS
BOYS SOCCER
Whatawaytokickofftheseason!TheVillageSch matchagainstRiverOaksBaptist-andour7thgr 6-0victory!Congratulationstooursoccerathletes Torres-Wiegand.
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS
BOYS BASKETBALL 3-0
CongratulationstotheBoysBasketballforwinning3-0attheseasonopenerin Laredo,TX!VillageEnrichmentcoveredexpensesfortheteamforthistravel tournament.
STRONG SOCCER START
TheBoysVaristySoccerteamhavehadapowerfulstarttotheseason,withtheir firstfewwinsoftheseason!WaytogoVikings!
NEW SCHOOL RECORD
HugecongratulationstoDinduChukwumaezeforhis phenomenalperformanceonthefield!
Dindumadehistorybyscoring5GOALSduringasinglematch, settingaNEWVILLAGERECORDforthemostgoalsscoredby oneplayer!
Whatanunbelievabledisplayofskillanddominance.Well done,Dindu!
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS
LAUREN COCHRAN, MAKING THE GRADE ATHLETICS NEWS
We are incredibly proud to celebrate star swimmer and academic leader, Lauren Cochran, who was recently honored as Fox26's Nate Griffin for ‘Making the Grade’! She is a decorated Gold Medalist and State Champion. Her success is mirrored in the classroom, where her favorite subject is Psychology, and she is still deciding but might major in Biomedical Engineering. Lauren’s hard work has earned her a FULL RIDE scholarship to Rice University, where she will join the Rice Owls Swim Team under Head Coach Seth Huston. This makes it a family legacy, as her brother, Evan Cochran, was featured last year on the show and is currently a member of the Rice Owls Basketball Team! Village students and staff were proud to come out to cheer and support her accomplishments! Congratulations to Lauren on this well-deserved recognition and amazing opportunity.
ATHLETICS NEWS
MEET OUR NEW
MASCOT
Congratulations to The Village School's newest Mascot! Emmanuel Wieczorek!
SEASON'S END
The close of the fall season brings with it a bittersweet wave of final celebrations. From the emotional Senior recognition nights across teams—including the Vikings Elite team and High School Football—to the Fall Sports Awards ceremonies, we take time to honor our students' dedication. It is a moment to not only recognize their achievements but to thank our Seniors for their leadership and celebrate the spirit and camaraderie that made this season truly memorable.
BIG BIG
F I N E
A R T
N E W S
ATSSB COMPETITION
On November 8th, the following students competed in the ATSSB honor band competition. This event was the most competitive to date, with over 247 students competing for chairs in the honor band, including public and private schools. The following students were awarded spots in the honor band, and will perform in the clinic and concert on November 15th!
Flute: Milla Khaira- 10th
Clarinet: Andrew Choi- 1st
Alto Saxophone: Yifan Yang- 1st Aadi Naik- 4th
Trumpet: Christopher Guo-1st
Trombone: Sohan Doshi- 4th
Euphonium- Aiden Wang- 4th
Percussion: Albee Schwerin
Congratulations to these st . Although they did not place, they still represented the school
Michael Wiegand
Josué Sáenz
Fernando Morales
Min-hui du Kenzie Chile
Ella Rowlings
Giorgio Di Crisci
Elodie Giraud-Morel
Jonathan Sebro
Chimdi Egwim
Tomas Agostini
William Haddon
So thankful for you! So ocess!
FINE ART NEWS
What a musical run! Our Choir, Band, and Orchestra students have been busy these past few weeks, putting on spectacular Fall Concerts. Don't miss out—click the links/videos below to see a clip of their amazing performances!
BAND CONCERT
ORCHESTRA CONCERT
CHOIR CONCERT
THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE FINE ART NEWS
Bravo to the talented, powerful cast, and a huge congratulations to Mr. Porter on a spectacular directorial debut of The Women of Lockerbie, presented by students in Mr. Porter’s Theater Arts 1 and Performance and Oratorical Arts classes!
The performance was a masterclass in unfiltered emotion, proving that the most profound theater requires no spectacle with students delivering a truly raw and riveting experience from start to finish. The fantastic set design became the perfect canvas for the mood.
ART IN THE HALLS
The MS halls are brimming with creativity and talent! Thank you Mr. Tyler for teaching our students to create such beautiful artwork!
WILD TUNES GOES NATIONWIDE AND ON NATIONAL T.V. FINE ART NEWS
Huge congratulations to Village student Yuvi Agarwal, founder of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit WildTunes, for his recent national exposure on The Kelly Clarkson Show!
Founded in 2023 by Yuvi, an animal lover and musician, WildTunes is dedicated to soothing shelter animals through live music. Yuvi recognized that music lowers stress hormones in pets, allowing them to relax, show their personalities, and more easily connect with potential adopters and fosters.
This inspiring initiative has grown into a national effort with multiple branches across six states, boasting over 400 volunteers and 20 shelter partners. The mission was significantly supported by the organization's annual Melodies of Gratitude Concert, which has successfully raised more than $125,000 in the past three years to benefit local Houston shelters.
We love seeing Village students channel their passions into meaningful impact on the larger community. Their initiatives whether in STEM, the arts, or service truly embody the spirit of giving back. Congratulations Yuvi on appearing on the Kelly Clarkson Show!
Learn more about their mission at wildtunes.org.
Didyouknowthat65%ofFortune500companiesoffera matchinggiftprogram,andsomecompaniesevendoubleor tripledonations!Asa501(c)(3)nonprofit,VillageEnrichment qualifiesformostcorporatematchingprograms.Matching giftsareatypeofgivingprogramsetupbycompaniesand corporationsasanemployeebenefit Employeematching giftsaredonationsanemployermakestomatchits employees'charitablecontributions.Afteranemployee donatestoanonprofit,theycansubmitamatchinggift requesttotheiremployerandthecompanywillmakean additionaldonationtothatnonprofit.Matchinggift programsincentivizeacompany'semployeestogivebackto theircommunityandsupporttheiremployees'philanthropic endeavors.
1.Visithttp://kroger.com
2 Createorlogintoanaccount
3.Goto“MyAccount”atthetop rightcornerandclickon “CommunityRewards”.For mobileapp,clickon“Rewards” then“CommunityRewards”
4.SearchforTheVillageSchool EnrichmentOrganizationorenter codePJ550andClick“Enroll”
EachtimeyoushopatanyKrogersstore,aportionofyour purchaseisgivenbacktouswhichhelpssupport extracurricularprogramsforstudentsandteachersatThe VillageSchool.AttheverybottomofyourKrogerreceipt,it willshowyouarelinkedtoourorganization Youmust renewtheorganizationselectionevery12months. ThankyouforsupportingourVillagecommunity!