June 2025 WAN by westaustinnews

ChampionsTX: 30 Years of Building All-Around Champions

By Anne DeVries

On May 17, 2025, ChampionsTX hosted its annual Extravaganza at the West Austin Youth Association (WAYA), celebrating a year of outstanding achievements and the gym’s 30th anniversary of enriching the lives of Austin’s youth and families. Over 60 athletes took the stage, captivating friends and family with performances set to nostalgic hits in the “Blast from the Past” showcase, honoring the decades-long legacy of ChampionsTX and its founder, Janet Scott

A native of Austin, Scott graduated from Austin High School in 1978 and the University of Texas at Austin in 1982. Her deep roots in the community, with four generations of her family attending both Austin High and the University of Texas, have shaped her commitment to nurturing child development in her hometown. Inspired by her childhood coach, Gil Elsass, and encouraged by friends to bring her vision to WAYA, Scott founded ChampionsTX in 1995. What started as a small venture, operating just two days a week, has grown into a year-round center for gymnastics, parkour,

cheer, and tumbling, serving children from “Baby Waddlers” to 18-year-olds. ChampionsTX’s success at WAYA led to the opening of a second location in Lakeway in 2015.

For Scott, ChampionsTX is more than gymnastics—it’s a family. “This gym has always been about building people,” she said during her emotional tribute at the 30th anniversary Extravaganza. Her love for the Austin community shines through in every aspect of the ChampionsTX mission: to create a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where children develop life skills, build relationships, and grow into “AllAround Champions.”

Scott is quick to credit her staff as the backbone of ChampionsTX’s success. “My coaches are 100% why we’re successful,” she emphasizes. With a team of 15 full-time and 10 part-time coaches, plus additional substitutes, the gym maintains low student-tocoach ratios to ensure personalized, high-quality instruction. Coaches like Kaylie Berens, named the 2025 Coach of the Year, exemplify the dedication and heart that define ChampionsTX. A level 10 gymnast herself, Kaylie was voted by

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O ur PATRON SPONSORS/SUBSCRIBERS

ChampionsTX Alumni Meredith Reynolds, with her sons Crawford and Barton, current ChampionsTX athletes

Lottie receives her year-end ChampionsTX trophy

Bart’s grandson James with his ChampionsTX trophy

CHAMPIONSTX STAFF AND WILLY SCOTT AT THE CHAMPIONSTX TRAIL OF LIGHTS PERFORMANCE

Marissa Gonzales, Kaylie Berens, Kahla Archibald, Kaitlyn Herriage, Willy Scott, Grace Villatoro, and Kaia Brooks

FORMER CHAMPIONSTX COACHES AND SURPRISE GUESTS OF THE EXTRAVAGANZA Dana Wills, Staci (Gregory) Stewart, Janet Scott, Erin (Shelby) Muller, Allison (Ketchum) Perry

“DECADE” DANA WILLS (10 YEARS WITH CHAMPIONSTX) AND FAMILY

Back row- Dana Wills, daughter-in-law Allie Wills, son Austin Wills, mother Virginia Leech, and sister Kelley McGill Front row- granddaughters Charley and Margot

CHAMPIONSTX COACHES AND STAFF

Back Row- Willy Scott, Coach Markel Bunton, Coach Maddie Gilbert, Mrs. Sharonna Banks, Coach Izabella Estrada, Coach Kaia Brooks, Coach Grace Villatoro, Coach Kahla Archibald, Coach Asher Rigo Front Row- Coach Kristelle Rodriguez, Coach Katherine Nichols, Coach Kaylie Berens, Coach Kaitlyn Herriage, Janet Scott, Coach Chelsea Tubonemi, Coach Proloy Azad, Coach Marissa Gonzales, Coach Maria Leidenthal, Sydney Zych

CHAMPIONSTX STAFF AND CASSIDY FOLLOWING A ‘CARTWHEELS FOR CASSIDY’ FUNDRAISING EVENT Back row- Coach Marissa Gonzales, Coach Maddie Gilbert, Coach Katherine Nichols, Coach Kaia Brooks, and Sharonna Banks Middle row- Coach Maria Leidenthal, Coach Kahla Archibald, Coach Kaylie Berens, Coach Kaitlyn Herriage, Coach Chelsea Tubonemi, and Coach Laura Coyle Front row- Janet Scott and Cassidy

SUMMER CAMP-1 2025 SPIRIT STICK WINNERS Sloane (red skirt), Caroline (white shorts), Morgan, Neely (pink shorts), Maeve (orange shorts), Sha, Piper, Jaiden (boy in grey shorts), Macklin (boy behind), Simon (boy in orange shorts), Coach Chelsea Tubonemi, Spring (girl in black shorts), Sloane (girl in pink shorts), Isabella (girl in tie dye shorts), William (boy in green shorts), Ingrid (girl in blue hat), and Ryan Elizabeth (behind, long hair)

2025 CCA ATHLETES AND COACHES

Back row: Coach Markel Buntonl, Beckett, Olive, Angelina, Livi, Helena, Lucy, Ryann, Kate, and Carmen Front row: Coach Kaylie Berens, Maddie, Taylor, Lillian, Sophie, Lousia, Marley, Celeste, June, and Coach Kaitlyn Herriage

Around the Neighborhood: opening expanding celebrating

CAFÉ CRÈME COFFEESHOP & EATERY

ASO Tuneful Tales brings a woodwind quintet of Austin Symphony Orchestra musicians to Yarborough Library on Friday, July 25; and to Howson Library on Wednesday, July 30 for performances of We Are Definitely Human, a book written and illustrated by X. Fang to tell the story of kind humans helping crash-landed alien beings. Yarborough (1A), at 2200 Hancock Dr., hosts at 1 pm and 1:25 pm; and Howson (1B) at 2500 Exposition, at 11 am and 11:25 am. RSVP at austinsymphony.org and to see details of other books set to ASO music and visiting other Austin libraries this summer.

July Fourth Parade and Freedom Fest a neighborhood project of Northwest Austin Civic Association, kicks off at 9 am

Westenfield Neighborhood Park at Enfield and Loop 1 will be renamed for Don Baker, thanks to the efforts of West Austin Neighborhood Group and a coalition of groups, including Muny Conservancy and Clarksville Community Development Corporation. Baker, a professional baseball player who grew up in Austin’s Clarksville neighborhood, was one of the first Black students at O. Henry Junior High in 1961, the first Black baseball player for Austin High, and is buried at Texas State Cemetery. A date for renaming to Don Baker Neighborhood Park has not been set.

Café Crème Coffeeshop & Eatery has opened at Austin Central Library at 710 W. Cesar Chavez. The locally-owned coffer shop and bakery also has a location on Oltorf. Hours for the library’s Café Crème are 7 am to 5 am, but plans are to go to 7 am to 9am in the coming weeks when a full menu will also be available. Coffee, cold brew, green tea latte, fresh pastries while you read. See library.austintexas.gov and cafecremeaustin.com

The Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park is hosting free concerts on Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. throughout June. Enjoy jazz music and classical music performed by the The Austin Symphony Orchestra. Attendees can bring their lawn chairs and blankets to sit on the Long Center’s lawn at 701 W. Riverside Drive

JULY 4TH CONCERT AND FIREWORKS

Around the Neighborhood

Yamas Greek Kitchen + Bar at 5308

Balcones celebrated its two-year anniversary this month, and introduces a new Happy Hour, Monday through Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm, with discounted drinks and bites. Yamas, which is a Greek toast to life and family and all good things, serves Monday through Thursday 11 am to 11 pm, Fridays till 12 am, and weekends from 10 am to midnight on Saturday and 10 am to 11 pm on Sunday. See yamasatx.com for reservations and totally beautiful photos. The calamari slays. I’m

Country Galleria Independence Day Festival to be held at the Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., on July 4th. Bring the whole family to enjoy backyard games, local live music, shopping, and dining, and complete the evening with a spectacular fireworks show.

Westbank Library, 1309 Westbank Dr., is hosting Storytime Safari with Austin Zoo, on July 12 (featuring box turtle) and August 2nd (featuring hedgehogs) at 10:30 a.m. The event will include a short storytime, followed by a meet-and-greet with an Austin Zoo animal visitor.

award-winning, slowsmoked barbecue, including ribs, brisket, and spicy German sausage, The County Line is a beloved destination for Austinnites and visitors to the city.

Library in Westlake

1. What’s something about you that not many people know?

I owned a country western bar after college.

2. What was your first job?

Working for the Community Center of Lackland AFB during the summer, teaching kids crafts.

3. If you could have dinner with three people — dead or alive, at any time in history, who would they be?

My Mom, Dad, and Aunt Aileen.

4. If you had to pick three musicians for a playlist, who would they be? Alicia Keys, Roy Orbison, Prince

5. Favorite book and TV show?

Somerset Maugham, A Passion in the Desert. Perry Mason (old and new), The Wild Wild West, and Get Smart.

The most powerful movie you have seen. To Kill A Mockingbird

8. Favorite restaurant and watering hole Chez Nous/Justines, Nightcap

9. What did you want to be when you were growing up? A movie producer

10. Which living person do you most admire?

My brother, Bill McRaven

11. What makes you happy?

Spending time with my family and friends. And helping people with their career decisions.

12. Best advice you ever received?

Make your life story bigger than yourself. Aim for the greater good with the simple actions you take every day!

Nan McRaven, ACC Trustee; Board Member KLRU/PBS and Pease Park Conservancy; and Gates Foundation Consultant

Katie Folger

KBY FORREST PREECE

atie Folger keeps a blank notebook handy. Considering that she moved six times before she was seven years old and her life has been wildly peripatetic after that, observing things and making notes would be necessary to keep her grounded.

Rewind — Linda and I ran across Katie in First Light, our favorite bookstore, a few months ago. Soon, I found out that we had just met an enormously talented person who was the Austin Actor of the Year in 2024. And yes, she had a notebook handy, and using her precise handwriting, she started jotting down some of the things we discussed.

I have often wondered how an actor can make headway in that brutal profession. Unless you are with a troupe with steady work, the jobs are sporadic, and many people are competing for every role. After a year or two, most people just throw in the towel and seek another way to make a living. In Katie’s case, she’s had the advantage of having a strong writing talent to go along with her acting skills, and that has turned into a one-woman play that she’s been doing around the world. And on that score, she’s been involved in every aspect of the production. Recently, I met up with her for coffee and we talked

at length about her career. Like a lot of performers, she showed an early aptitude for writing and drawing. She was constantly asking her parents for more notebooks. With her best friend, she created another world, which they populated with stories, and they even drew wardrobes for their characters. “It was my way of coping with change — and it still is.”

At Keller High in Dallas, she tried dancing. She had an aptitude for it, but then she became interested in drama and started being cast for plays. It didn’t take long for her to realize that this was what she was meant to do. It wasn’t just the “act of acting” — as she says, it was the process of collaborating in three dimensions, with body, voice, mind, heart, song, dance — all of it. And she found that the people in the theatre community were enjoyable to be around.

Her senior year, her ensemble won the one-act play award in the state tourney’s 5A division for Richard III. Katie was Queen Margaret, and they

performed at Bass Concert Hall. She says that was a pivotal moment for her, and it sealed the deal for her career path.

When she enrolled at UT, she was originally majoring in journalism, but she switched to drama and started seeking film roles. Then the universe smiled on her. By chance, she met Robert Redford at a dinner, and he became her mentor. He said that he could see that she was an impressive actor, but he wanted her to establish her voice and do her own writing. She took that advice to heart and started writing scripts while accepting acting jobs.

On the acting track, she landed a part in a nerd film about Dungeons and Dragons called Zero Charisma that won the Audience Award at SXSW in 2013, putting her on the local acting map. The next few years became a golden era in Austin indie film, and she was constantly working.

Then Katie and her friend Juliet Robb put together a comedy duo called The Dynamite Sisters based on their fondness for Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball. The showmanship and glamour of that era’s comedy influenced their work. They started making videos of their pieces, learning as they went. In 2019, she moved to New York and studied at Upright Citizens Brigade, the comedy school Amy Poehler founded. She had contracted with an excellent manager, and things were looking good. “Then the pandemic hit, my manager got laid off, and I came back to Austin — and as it happens, a lot of my friends were doing the same thing.”

Katie started thinking about that idea, decided to take a flyer, and put together a backyard reading of the play. She says she’d only dreamed about taking this step because of how terrifying and challenging it seemed. To make sure it wasn’t just going to be an echo chamber with sympathetic ears, she invited some strangers, and even the Emmy Award-winning actor, Tom Pelphrey. The result was better than she could have imagined. People laughed all

funding video in summer 2022, raised $25,000, and premiered it in May 2023 at Crash Box, the Rude Mechs space in East Austin. All seven performances sold out.

Then she started strategizing an initial tour with the help of Kevin Bailey, a nationally known executive producer, director Matrex Kilgore, her publicists Motley Crew Media, and producers Hannah Schon and Christopher Shea. Last year, they took it to Los Angeles

ant names in the entertainment industry to see it. The first show sold out, and she scheduled a second one. More shows will happen later this summer in LA and Austin. Now she is pitching her next project. She is still working on her master’s degree in mental counseling, too. “I want to be an agent of compassion in the world. And I need to stay grounded, no matter where my career takes me.”

By 2021, Katie was becoming fed up with the film industry. It had taken her a decade to get to this point, and now the boulder was rolling back down the hill on her. She decided it was time for a new path, so she enrolled in graduate school, doing coursework for a master’s degree in mental health counseling.

Then, the universe “called her bluff.” People started offering her film roles again, and she wasn’t going to say no to worthwhile jobs. Meanwhile, she was writing all the time, sharing her work with friends. She composed a 30-page short story, which eventually became her one-woman show “Getting in Bed With The Pizza Man.” It was loosely based on encounters in her life and her contemplation about being single and the minefield of forming relationships. Her best friend read it and immediately said that Katie should consider making the work into a one-woman comedy show.

the way through, and afterwards, the consensus was that she had to keep pushing with the project. “It was one of my favorite moments,” Katie says. That was in November 2021. She notes that this time frame shows how long it takes to get traction on a project. Almost four years later, she has performed the piece around the world. She shot the crowd-

in May, Austin in July, and Scotland in August. Katie produced the show and raised the money for the tour herself. She says that people don’t realize that performing is “the cherry on top.” Ninety-five percent of the success of a show is what happens behind the scenes.

This May, she did a performance in Los Angeles, and her manager invited some import-

By the way, if you run into Katie, ask her about New Year’s Eve last year when she was in a New Orleans club watching an Amy Schumer show — and how, with no warning, she was persuaded to come up on stage and do ten minutes of “Pizza Man” while the world-famous comedian looked on. Luckily, she had just crafted a ten-minute segment of the show and performed it at The Paramount two weeks before that. She got through five minutes of it and decided to quit while she was ahead. The next morning, she went downstairs to the deserted hotel coffee shop and saw a woman ordering at the register, who cried out “Happy New Year” to her. It was Parker Posey. “Those two events happening that close together — it was a wink from the heavens!”

Katie Folger.

Katie Folger onstage with comedian Amy Schumer in New Orleans. PHOTO CREDIT: STEVE RAPPORT

Women Communicators of Austin Hosts Banner Brunch

Women Communicators of Austin (WCA), the largest and oldest nonprofit for local female communicators, hosted its annual Banner Brunch at the Austin Central Library.

Over 100 guests gathered to celebrate connection, curiosity and Central Texas’s most inspiring communicators.

Christy Carpenter received the Liz Carpenter Lifetime Achievement Award, for her documentary made with Abby Ginzberg called Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter. Debra Davis was awarded the Outstanding Austin Communicator Award.

Nancy Thompson received the Anne Durrum Robinson Creative Initiative Award for Mothers Against Greg Abbott.

Dr. Judy Oskam received the Gene Barnwell Waugh

Mentor Award. Genevieve “Vivvi” Britton received the Gene Barnwell Waugh Mentor Award. Amy Carr was awarded the Leadership Award. Caitlyn Macaluso received the Gladys Whitley Hearst Outstanding Member Award, and Roberta Coffin received the President’s Award.

Two UT Austin communications students were chosen from among 50 applicants and were each awarded a $5,000 scholarship. WCA has granted $120K in scholarships to Central Texas students. WCA was founded in 1929 by UT Austin journalism students. Today, it offers networking, education and mentorship opportunities. WCA is an entirely volunteer-run organization. Learn more at www.

DAVE HAWKS

LuAnn Glowacz, Matt Lemke, Cathy Edison, Anne Lasseigne Tiedt, and Nancy Salisbury

Anne Nicholson, Sarah Wolf, and Rikki Hardy

Michel Hudson, Outgoing WCA Board President and Sharon Reynolds

Angel Leverett, incoming Board President and Christy Carpenter

Christy Carpenter and Ashley Schlosser

Avery Bradt, Brejamin Perkins, and Lisa O’Neill

Angel Leverett, incoming Board President and Dr. Judy Oksam

Caitlyn Macaluso, WCA Board Secretary and Alice Waters, WCA Immediate Past President

Thomas Brown, Katy Fallon-Brown, and Vivvi and Bret Britton

Laura Bond Williams and Cindy Friedman

Pam Ingalls and Debra Davis

PHOTOS

Kelly Gray, Ashley Kanak, Laura Santana, Jenny Adcock, Caitlyn Macaluso, Kandice Sanaie, Nikki Baird, Meredith Lee, and Makenzie Rose

Debra Davis, Outstanding Austin Communicator Award Jane Kovacs, Dara Quackenbush, Danielle Oskam, and Dr. Judy Oskam

Caitlyn Macaluso and Makenzie Rose

her peers for her infectious energy and commitment to every child, earning her a pie in the face during the Extravaganza’s beloved “pie-in-the-face” challenge — a lighthearted tradition tied to local fundraising campaigns such as Helping Hand Home, Beyond Battens and Cartwheels for Cassidy.

The staff’s commitment extends beyond the gym floor. They undergo rigorous training, including CPR, First Aid, and regular spotting clinics, ensuring safety remains paramount. Scott fosters a family-like environment, with many coaches being former students or second-generation staff members. “They’re like family,” she shared.

Through the years, ChampionsTX has become a multigenerational touchstone for Austin families. “It’s amazing how it’s circling back,” Scott stated, noting how parents who trained at ChampionsTX now bring their children, and some grandparents even join classes with their grandkids. The gym’s partnership with WAYA has been instrumental in creating long-standing success.

At ChampionsTX, the focus is on the whole child. Scott’s philosophy emphasizes teaching life skills — confidence, persistence, and teamwork — alongside athletic development. Show teams perform at independent living homes, where young athletes learn to introduce themselves and engage with residents, fostering empathy and public speaking skills. Programs like parkour, added to capture the interest of boys inspired by “Ninja Warrior,” provide a strong foundation for other sports, from flag football to lacrosse.

Scott’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs mirrors her path: “Begin modestly, take gradual steps, and pursue what

you love.” With her husband, Willy, managing the financial aspects of the business, she has expanded ChampionsTX while staying grounded in her values. Balancing her role as a business owner with raising her children—Win, Christy, and Ali—and now enjoying five grandchildren who can engage in ChampionsTX programs, she reaps the rewards of a passion-driven venture. Her deep affection for Austin, her staff, and the children she serves shines through in every photo collage on the gym’s walls, showcasing moments of joy, growth, and community.

The 30th anniversary Extravaganza was a memorable evening, featuring a surprise tribute to Scott prepared by her staff, complete with a short film and a procession of families and former coaches that moved the audience to tears. The event highlighted not only athletic achievements but also the gym’s role in shaping future leaders and compassionate individuals.

As ChampionsTX looks to the future, Scott’s vision remains clear: to continue building “All-Around Champions” who leave the gym with more than athletic skills — they launch with the confidence to shine in life.

THE SCOTT FAMILY

Alison Calloway, Willy Scott, Janet Scott, Win Scott, Caroline Scott, Christy Anderson, Ryan Anderson, and Joyce Pfluger

THE HOT SHOTS AND MIGHTY MIGHTS TEAMS WITH THEIR COACHES

Back row- Coach Marissa Gonzales, Imogen, Grace, Isla, Palmer, Claire, Clayton, and Coach Grace Villatoro Middle row- Coach Kaylie Berens, Evelyn, Havana, Hayes, Finlee, Kaya, Liv, and Coach Kahla Archibald Front row- Morgan, Neeley, Indigo, Harper, and Viara

TEAM EXTREME 4TH AND 5TH GRADE MEMBERS

Standing- Didi and Arya Ground- Adeline, Margot, Noelani

Janet Scott (bottom right) with her 1999 ChampionsTX team

2001 CHAMPIONSTX TEAM

Janet Scott (3rd row from top left)

Janet Scott in 1998 spotting Madelyn Biscoe on bars

1998 ChampionsTX team

Adeline from Team Extreme sharing a moment with a Westminster resident during a ChampionsTX outreach

XCEL ATHLETES FOR THE CHAMPIONSTX 2024–2025 SEASON

Back row- Clarie, Alice, Ellie, Frankie, Emma, and Nadia

Third row- Annie, Ruby, Ella, Harper, and Josie

Second row- Mia, Maria, Alana, Cecila, Ivy, and Mara

Front row- Julia, Hayes, and Berlin

SUPER STARS 2ND AND 3RD GRADE TEAM

Back Row- Sofia, Amalia, Emme, Cora, Rose

Front Row- Phoebe, Elizabeth, Clara, Leili, Cyra, Poppy

Hyde Park School Opens New Panther Athletic Center

Designed with excellence in mind, the PAC marks a significant investment in Hyde Park’s commitment to developing young leaders both on and off the field.

More than a sports facility, the Panther Athletic Center is a hub for student growth, discipline, and community. It offers state-of-the-art amenities tailored to support year-round athletic training and holistic development for students in grades 5 through 12. Features include a dedicated strength and conditioning space, a fuel and wellness station, a recruitment

and press room, and modern locker rooms for boys and girls.

Offices for coaches, athletic coordinators, and sports medicine staff allow students easy access to mentorship and support.

“Our goal is to create an environment where student-athletes can thrive—not only in competition, but in character,” says Louise Swain, Athletic Director. “The PAC is a space where our students will grow in confidence, teamwork, and leadership.”

Hyde Park’s athletic programming is grounded in its broader mission: to equip students academically, athletically, and spiritually. The PAC reflects this mission and reinforces the school’s vision for shaping servant-hearted leaders who are prepared to make an impact in every arena of life.

Enrollment is open for Fall 2025. Located across two campuses in Central and Northwest Austin, Hyde Park Schools continues to lead the way in Christ-centered education and innovation.

To learn more about Hyde Park Schools or schedule a campus tour, visit hpaustin.org

Bennett Nurnberg, Joshua Manning, Everett Weathers with Coach Roby for Skills and Drills Football Clinic

Connor Townsend, Christian Kauffman, Lucas Grant, and Charlie Klutts ready for Friday Night Lights

Sports Medicine Students, Ava Hadju, Alicia Baker, Turner Hassack and Tate Riley

Noah Manning with Coach Roby at the Spring Football Game

Varsity Cheerleaders at Party at The Quarries

Strength and Conditioning underway at the. Panther Athletic Center

Prancers, Anna Kate Duewall and Michaela Hayes

Student-Athlete, Jacoby Delanoy at Skills & Drills with the Upper School Football Team

Hyde Park Student, Reid Gregorcyk getting Fired Up

Kendall Baker and Brooke Magids at the Jr. vs Sr. Powderpuff Game

Dr. Christopher Coy praying for our students and community

Crawford Moffitt at the Spring Game For

photos and the latest West Austin news, follow us on Instagram.

The Admirals Club of Austin Welcomes New Members

The Admirals Club of Austin recently welcomed its new members for 2025 with a Spring party at Matt’s El Rancho. The evening was hosted by Delaine and Bryan Teeple, Chief of Naval Operations; Catherine and Kyle Parks, 1st Vice-Chief of Naval Operations; and Elisabeth and Zach Anderson, 2nd Vice-Chief of Naval Operations.

New members for 2025 are Forrest Bass, Bill Black, Alex Borlenghi, Sam Butterworth, Peter Cesaro, Will Crawley, Jimmy Elskes, Ty Embrey, Preston Flynn, Chris Getto, Andrew Grabato, Will Graham, Chris Grammer, Bo Jenkins, Justin MacDonald, Taylor Maloney, James Mann, Brent Metschan, Tom Moorman, Phillip Reed, Max Reinbach III, Kyle Spencer, Matt Vitek, and Dennet Wenske.

The 64th Admirals Club Coronation weekend will be held from August 8 to 10 and will include various festivities leading up to the annual debutante ball.

Congratulations to West Austin National Merit winners

By Alana Moehring Mallard

Students from West

Austin schools were recently named in announcements of National Merit Scholarship winners, with two students winning National Merit $2500 scholarships and two students winning college-sponsored National Merit scholarships.

Camilla Vandergrift of McCallum High School won a National Merit $2500 scholarship. She plans a career in mechanical engineering.

Simon Meyers, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, also received National Merit $2500 scholarship. His probable career field is science and research.

Nash Dahl, a graduate of St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, received a college-sponsored National Merit scholarship from Purdue University. He plans to study aerospace engineering.

Charles Mounce graduated from Austin High School and has received a

college-sponsored National Merit scholarship from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He will study computer programming.

An earlier announcement and a West Austin News article in May also named Audrey Wan and Claire Wan of St. Stephen’s as college-sponsored National Merit Scholarship winners. Winners were chosen from about 15,000 students nationwide who advanced from Semifinalist standing to Finalist standing, which required submitting a detailed scholarship application with an essay, information about extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions. About half of the Finalists will receive National Merit scholarship awards.

Another round of college-sponsored awards will be announced in July, and by the end of the 2025 competition, almost 7,000 students will have won scholarships worth $26 million.

Camilla Vandegrift of McCallum High School Simon Meyers of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

Charles Mounce of Austin High School

Nash Dahl, St. Michael’s Catholic Academy

Andrew and Brooke Grabato, Caroline and Kyle Spencer, Alex and Will Crawley, Chris and X Getto

Alex and Kira Borlenghi, Matt and Meredith Vitek, Rebekah and Taylor Maloney

Max and Lauren Reinbach, Chris and Jennifer Grammer, Jenny and Sam Butterworth, X and James Mann

Zach and Elisabeth Anderson, Delaine and Bryan Teeple

Wroe Jackson and Tony Plohetski

Jennifer Campbell and Jenny Holland

Elizabeth Shands, Leslie Davenport, Meredith Reynolds, Lauren Romano and Meredith Vitek Tom Schulze, Ralph Peterson and Bill McCaleb

Brad and Chrissy Compere, Courtney and Forrest Bass

Preston and Morgan Flynn, Dennet and Catherine Wenske

“Sorrowful Mysteries”

by Stephen Harrigan

Once during his Catholic school days, author Stephen Harrigan’s class watched a 1952 movie called The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima. The film depicts the story of three Portuguese shepherd children who supposedly witnessed a visitation by the Virgin Mary to a field near their country homes in 1917. After this first visit, the apparition began a series of communications with them.

Little did the young Harrigan know that he would one day write a book, “Sorrowful Mysteries,” about these real-life children and the immense impact their “revelations” had on

pilgrims from around the world. At one point, this apparition of Mary supposedly issued a prophecy that the ringleader/ oldest child, Lucia, wrote down on paper, sealed in an envelope, and inscribed on the outside that it was not to be unsealed until 1960. This envelope gained such status that it was stored at the Vatican and was not opened until that date. By then, Lucia was a nun cloistered with the Carmelites, one of the strictest orders in the religion. Let’s say that there were wildly divergent opinions within the church about this “revelation,” from its being unimportant to others

thinking it was a searing commentary on world politics.

I was surprised that Harrigan would use this story for a book, but I found it to be a fascinating read. He is a brilliant writer, and the book offers incisive commentary on his spiritual journey from being a strictly taught boy who was punished for having the wrong posture during prayers to being an adult who left the faith. It also outlines the 100-yearplus journey of a delusion that gained traction and swept across a religion.

One note — Harrigan didn’t just sit in his West Austin home, ruminate about all of these occurrences, and then write the book. He actually traveled to Fatima in Portugal, the site of the original vision, which is now visited by throngs of people every year. I love what he wrote after a carillon near the sacred site rang a hymn’s tune that he sang back in the 1950s at school. He chooses not to reject the feeling that this melody inspired in him, despite his path in life being 180 degrees from those three young shepherds in the early 20th century. “I recalled its words about an unreachable mythical someone who, even while warning us of the terrors that lay ahead, wanted above all to set our hearts on fire and sweep away our fears.”

Summer vacation A trip to Omaha Beach in 2004

By Forrest Preece and Linda Ball

Forrest: In early 2004, I had decided that I was going to wind my business down and finally allow myself to take a couple of weeks of vacation, something that I had denied myself since I started it in 1977. The centerpiece of the excursion would be a jaunt from Paris to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. Here is what my wife Linda wrote about that part of the trip, when she was reminiscing about it this year.

One note: while we were near Vierville-sur-Mer, we were standing in line to get food. Our friend Pam had made a name tag for our companion Paul Gray, stating that he had landed at H-Hour plus three minutes. A French lady saw it and exclaimed, “Oh, you’re not paying for anything!”

After buying his lunch, she introduced him to her young sons with awe.

Linda: Forrest and I attended some of the 60th anniversary events of D-Day in Normandy in 2004. We

were part of an entourage with my friend’s father, Paul Gray, who was in the 144th Engineer Combat Unit that landed three minutes after H-Hour. In the first picture shown here, Paul is telling us about the day in the approximate location where he landed on Omaha Beach.

In the second picture, Paul is discussing matters with a gentleman named Bruno, who was a German soldier a few miles behind the beach on D-Day. Bruno was captured, spent some time in the U.S. in P.O.W. camps, married an

Englishwoman in the late ‘40’s and raised a family in England. Two of Bruno’s grandchildren were on this trip, and one of Paul’s was as well. On D-Day, let’s remember victories and sacrifices, but also rapprochement and peace. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 81 years now. These men are gone, along with most of the men and women who were adults during this conflict. It’s a shame they didn’t live to see a peaceful and prosperous world free of tyrants, genocide, and hate.

Stephen Harrigan PHOTO CREDIT:

“Sorrowful Mysteries” is an intriguing read about the nature of faith and mass delusions.

Paul Gray on Omaha Beach in 2004, talking about his experiences on D-Day.

Paul Gray (green shirt) converses with Bruno, who was on the other side that fateful day. Bruno’s grandson is in the foreground, and Paul’s daughter Linda is on the left side of the photo.

4th Annual Garden Party of Tablescapes and Spring Style Show

The Austin Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary (SAWA) held their fourth annual Garden Party of Tablescapes and Spring Style Show at The Four Seasons Austin. The event was a luncheon, complete with elegant tablescapes, live entertainment, and a fashion show with styles from The Garden Room. Each table was decorated by a local tablescape designer. The keynote speaker was Holly Holden, CEO of Holden & Company, Ltd., author, and executive producer and host of a PBS television series, You Are Cordially Invited. Event proceeds benefited The Rathgeber Center for Families, one of two Salvation Army family shelters in Austin. Since 1889, The Salvation Army Austin Area Command has provided services to meet the basic needs of homeless and low-income populations in Central Texas. Annually, they serve more than 10,000 people with shelter, addiction rehabilitation, clothing, meals, holiday support, and direct client assistance.

Major Jackie Reckline and Major Shannon Winters

Brian Haley, Marsha Mayfield Lockett, and George Peyton Holly Holden and Kennedy Reckline

Susan Baker, Jenny Jopling, Jill Durkee, Major Jackie Reckline, Elizabeth McCormick, Shannon Elmquist, Linda Dryden, and Anne Monnig

Elizabeth McCormick

Dick and Sara Rathgeber, Reeanna Jones, and Maggie Mullen

Commissioner Donna Iglehart, Holly Holden, Cheryl Kitchens, and Major Jackie Reckline

Dick Rathgeber and Sara Rathgeber Holly Holden

Commissioner Donna Iglehart

Caritas of Austin Hosts Songs of Hope to End Homelessness

Hundreds of guests gathered under the stars at Songs of Hope to enjoy music from award-winning artists Adrian Quesada and Fastball while supporting Caritas of Austin’s mission to end homelessness. Thanks to the sponsors, honorary committee chair Lynn Meredith, volunteers, and others, Caritas raised over $630,000 to provide tailored services to our neighbors experiencing homelessness to help them rebuild their well-being. For more information about Caritas of Austin, visit www.caritasofaustin.org.

Lynn Meredith

Veronica and Kaleb Blacklock Ryan, Carole and John Jannak

Tamra Jones

Ben Sullivan and Anais Arce

Brittney Davis, Misty Cardenas, and Ebony Meads

Pablo Suarez, Jazmyn Daniels, and Nico Nanez

Any Baby Can Raises Crucial Funds for Central Texas Families

Any Baby Can’s annual “One Stellar Night” gala proved to be a resounding success, bringing together the community for an “out-of-this-world” evening. The highlight of the event was the story of resilience and paying it forward shared by former Any Baby Can mom and client Dr. Susan Millea and her daughter Hillary Siegel. Susan connected with Any Baby Can 27 years ago for early therapies and whole-family support after a high-risk twin pregnancy. Now Susan’s daughters are healthy and grown, and Hillary is paying it forward as a pediatric occupational therapist. The event underscored the community’s commitment to Any Baby Can’s mission of empowering parents, prioritizing healthy families, and investing in child development in Central Texas. Generous attendees contributed to programs that provide essential resources and support to families facing a range of challenges. Any Baby Can raised a record-breaking $302,722. Funds raised during One Stellar

Night directly benefit programs offering vital support to more than 3,000 children and parents each year.

WE’RE INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL FOR THE OVERWHELMING SUPPORT SHOWN AT ONE STELLAR NIGHT.”

“We’re incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support shown at One Stellar Night,” said Veronda L. Durden, President & CEO of Any Baby Can. “The generosity of our community will have a profound impact on the lives of countless families and children in Central Texas, helping parents shine brighter and kids soar higher. It was truly a stellar evening in support of an incredible mission.”

—VERONDA L. DURDEN, PRESIDENT & CEO OF ANY BABY CAN

Any Baby Can is a nonprofit organization that provides child development, family health and parent support services in Austin and surrounding counties. With inhome services for children facing a scary diagnosis, first-time moms, and parents who need extra support to take on life’s challenges, Any Baby Can is a partner for families when times get tough. For more information, visit

Adam Querbach, Haila Yates, and Zeena Querbach

Beth Kruger, Van Vo, and Tiffany Lewis

PHOTO CREDIT:BRIO PHOTOGRAPHY Joyce Durst and Suzanne Alexander

Susan Millea, Hillary Siegel, Veronda Durden, Joyce Durst, and Nancy Harris

Any Baby Can Ruth Wells and Stellar Award winners (staff) Kaylin Snyder, Emily Hader, Marie Gonzales, Amy King, Marisela Pinto, and Marilyn Vasquez

Chad and Keith-Ann Steed and Tricia Sierra

PHOTOGRAPHY

Vicki and Kevin Wood

PHOTO CREDIT:BRIO PHOTOGRAPHY

Lorraine Maslin, Dot Swanson, and Tiffany Lewis

PHOTO CREDIT:BRIO PHOTOGRAPHY

Maria Bader, Keely Redding, John (David) Bader, and Eric Redding

PHOTOGRAPHY

and Brett Rodgers and Nancy Harris

Volunteers from Greater Texas Credit Union Rachel Bond, Dallas Schneider, Crystal Perez, Krystal Rabelo, Rosa Albor, Rache Labata, Mario Velasco, Arely Guerra, Helen Gandara, and Stephanie Stout

Rhonda Worsham and Suzanne and Michael Alexander PHOTO CREDIT:BRIO PHOTOGRAPHY

One Stellar Night Emcees Zeena and Adam Querbach PHOTO CREDIT:BRIO PHOTOGRAPHY

Tiwanna Kenney PHOTO CREDIT:BRIO PHOTOGRAPHY

Any Baby Can board member Alexandria Robertson

CREDIT:BRIO PHOTOGRAPHY

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Class of 2025 Commencement

St. Andrew’s seniors joined the ranks of the SAS Alumni Association this spring, celebrating their commencement together on May 31, 2025.

“We’re all sitting here today because at some point, we all did something hard. We chose to commit,” said St. Andrew’s student, Luke McGrath, in his graduation address to the Class of 2025. “Something, or someone, inspired and encouraged us to lean into something we loved and do more than we thought possible.”

On May 31st, 2025, St.

Andrew’s Class of 2025 joined with loved ones alongside St. Andrew’s faculty, staff and community at the Upper School Southwest Parkway campus in Southwest Austin to finish the school year on a high note and celebrate their achievements together — as scholars, artists, athletes and servants — at a joyous graduation commencement event.

The day began with the seniors coming together for a class photo, followed by Eucharist in the Upper School Chapel. Students and their families

listened to inspiring graduation speeches given by History Department Chair and Class of 2025 Dean, Justin Jones, and SAS senior, Luke McGrath, and walked the stage for the presentation of diplomas.

The graduation celebration closed with a cherished St. Andrew’s tradition — faculty formed a farewell line to receive the Class of 2025 graduates, giving each senior the chance to say farewell to all who walked with them on their St. Andrew’s journey, long or short.

Looking to make a move this summer?

As a proud West Austin native and trusted local expert, I’m here to guide you home.

Upper School Chaplain, The Rev. Whitney Kirby, History Department Chair and Class of 2025 Dean, Justin Jones, and Head of School, Melissa Grubb

St. Andrew’s Class of 2025 commencement speaker, Luke McGrath ’25

Congratulations

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Class of 2025

“Here at St. Andrew’s, whether we’ve been here one year or twelve years, we’ve learned the basics of what to do: how to think critically and creatively, how to count and collect, and how to be courageous and capable people.”

— Luke McGrath ‘25, Senior Graduation Speech

Award Recipients

Four Pillar Awards

The Scholar Award

Roman Rawie

Michelle Huang

The Artist Award

Matthew Sykes

Alyssa Rodriguez

The Athlete Award

Caroline Simmons

Luke Dial

The Scott Field Bailey Servant Award

Alex Stumpf

Felipe Moreno

Mission Awards

The Hilary H. Carlson Award

Laila Antonini

The Cornerstone Award

Nate Donus

The Lucy Collins Nazro Award

Lucy Bowles

Luke McGrath

The St. Andrew Award

Zain Osborne

ST. MICHAEL’S PREP

CLASS OF 2025

Graduates | $14 million in Merit Based Scholarships

Volunteer Service Hours | 100% College Acceptance and Future Attendance | 62% out-of-state & 32% in-state | Accepted to 145 Colleges and Universities | Attending 50 Different Universities

WE’RE SO PROUD OF YOU FOR YOUR OUTSTANDING COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES!

Emory University | Marquette University | University of Tennessee | Syracuse University

We wish you all the best and may God watch over each of you during your next chapter!

ADMISSIONS OPEN FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR ON SEPTEMBER 2

Learn more about our exceptional student experience here:

Paragon Prep celebrated the celebration of its 28th class on Thursday, May 22nd. These accomplished graduates will continue their academic pursuits at various public and private schools. The entire Paragon team extends their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2025 as they progress on their Knight’s journey!

St. Stephen’s Class of 2025

123 graduates • Matriculating to 71 colleges in 27 different states, 4 international campuses and 2 service academies • 13 graduates will play NCAA sports • Students from Austin and 8 cities throughout Texas, 6 U.S. states and 7 foreign countries including China, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan • 9 National Merit Scholarship Finalists

Jack Henry Alderson

John David Braddock, JR

Jacob Kern Brandt

Nicholas Daniel Burgess

Joseph Carson Cajas, IV

Sophia Rae Carlson

Victoria Petricia Carter

Simon Terry Coleman

Jeffrey Donald Cone, III

Aiden Larry Conquest

Kiersi Leigh Court

Thomas Russell Craddick, III

Lane Aram Danziger

Sophiann Debra Gayle Dawson

Kalynn Elizabeth Doyle

Bradford Goodrich Edgerton

Gabriel Xavier Eggleston

Caroline Blake Fitzgerald

Hudson Luke Fitzpatrick

Ryan

SAVE THE DATE Admission Open House and Discovery Weekend | December 5–7 sstx.org/admission

Class of 2025

74 Graduates

Kauffman

Charles Preston Kauffman

Braden Scott Parma Kelly

Chase Allan Kozmetsky

$3,681,880 Granted in Scholarships over 6,000 Community Service Hours 106 College Acceptances Attending 41 Colleges in 19 States and 1 International Campus 11 Signed Athletes

Matthew Sung Lee

Raquel Lopez Velarde Argomedo Shayda Mariam Loucks

James Thomas Luke

Elizabeth Liberty Lynch Kierstin Marie Marich

Luke David McCutchin

Evan Thomas McGrath

Nicholas Patrick McNelis

Grace Elizabeth Naglieri

Kailey Madison Nieft

Tyler James Orlando

Gwyneth Rose Palermo

Mason Saunders Parrish