Brad Bella Memorial Achievement Award Spotlight

FOREVER A CUB

By Sara Exner Whittaker ‘00

On the cusp of sixth grade, Brad Bella looked forward to his first dance, spending time with friends, and playing his favorite sport, baseball. Tragically, Brad passed away from complications of undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes while on a family vacation that summer.

Twenty-one years later, Brad’s zest for life and love of ULS live on through the Brad Bella Memorial Achievement Award, which has now been given to 21 college-bound graduating seniors who played baseball at ULS. Thanks to the generosity of family and friends, the scholarship provides $1,000 annually and will forever.

Mom Grace, dad V. J., and fellow Cub siblings Megan (’04) and Beau (’16) deeply value the way that Brad’s scholarship has kept his legacy vibrant. Grace recalled how the scholarship came to be, sharing, “He was only 11. He was a child; he hadn’t lived his full life. He loved his school, his teachers. That meant everything to him. We just knew we wanted that connection with him at the Lab School.”

For the Bella family, the opportunity to see Brad’s life celebrated each year through the award has been invaluable. Grace shared, “When you lose a child, your worst fear is that they’ll be forgotten. He didn’t get married; he didn’t have a family. What an amazing way to know he’ll always be remembered.”

Brad was known for his big heart, ensuring that all kids felt included, and being a jokester. Grace laughed remembering conversations with teachers, who would often share that Brad was very bright but seemed destined for success simply because of his acumen for building relationships. She loves seeing these qualities reflected in the recipients honored with his award. “They are picking that kind of kid that we wanted to exemplify what Brad was about.”

Neither Grace nor V. J. attended ULS, but it was their top choice for their children because of the school’s stellar reputation. Once part of the Cub community, they realized just how deeply the familylike connections run. Grace said, “The love there … They get a lot of close connections to the older kids. It’s like a family; it’s so tight.”

Though Megan and Beau have graduated, the Bellas still feel connected through their lifelong friendships formed at ULS and their involvement as donors. Grace shared, “My kids are now donating as alums. You want to continue to see the school thrive and grow, and that’s the only way it can.”

She encourages current Cub parents to seize the opportunity to deepen their engagement with the school. “There are so many opportunities there, and there are so many great experiences for you and your family. You get such a strong bond with the parents. You’re missing out if you don’t get involved. You can be part of that experience with your child. They’re making lifelong friends; you’re making lifelong friends. See firsthand what they’re experiencing – the amazing classrooms, the amazing resources. You’re going to have that pride, too, that they have in their school.”

MOMENTS THAT MATTER

By Sara Exner Whittaker ‘00

After starting their Cub journey several years ago, Ashley and Garrett Walvoord relocated their family to Dallas for a couple of years before returning home to Baton Rouge and the ULS community. In doing so, they were inspired to make a lasting investment that would honor their appreciation for ULS’s stellar educational experience.

Ashley remembered, “Everyone encouraged us to focus on what touched our hearts. At the end of the day, the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion make up an important part of our family’s core values, and the opportunity to spread the experience of a ULS education was too powerful to pass up. Our employer 1:1 match helps us make an impact faster, and we find it all the more inspiring and motivating to give.”

Driven by these reflections on what meant most to their family, and with the appeal of maximizing their impact through Verizon’s matching gift program, the Walvoords established a fund that will provide tuition assistance year after year. As an endowment, their gift will make a ULS education accessible to generations of families who might not otherwise be able to afford tuition.

In Dallas, the family chose their neighborhood based on the many options for quality schools, but they missed the pace of the ULS classrooms, foreign languages, music and dramatic arts, and many other aspects that make ULS one of the top-ranked schools in the nation. “Our experience with school during that time was great, but it was so apparent that ULS had set our standards very high,” Ashley shared. “We chose ULS out of an interest in giving our children the resources and opportunities to reach their potential. Whether they ‘find themselves’ in advanced academics, in music and theatre, in sports, or other, they have a chance to develop and grow from a solid academic foundation.”

Now back home, the Walvoords have been actively engaged in their Cubs’ (De Lis, Class of ’28; Kruse, Class of ’31; and Karola, Class of ‘35) school experiences. A family vote about their favorite ULS memory so far drew a tie among favorite teachers and staff, the arts (specifically Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Sister Act, and District Honor Choir), and the competitive opportunities (Young Writers, Noetic Math, Director’s List, and Jump Rope for Heart). The bottom line, they say, is that “ULS brings us moments that matter all the time.”

As part of broadening their engagement within and on behalf of the Cub community, the Walvoords are also donors and volunteers for the U Fund and Giving Day. Ashley explained, “It is a humbling and energizing experience to participate in these spaces. It’s even more interesting to teach the kids what giving really enables and how it impacts various outcomes. In our household, we talk about expenses as a balancing act and as a reflection of what is important to us. Giving isn’t reserved for large donations. It comes in all shapes and sizes, and participation is what matters.”

}Everyone encouraged us to focus on what touched our hearts. At the end of the day, the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion make up an important part of our family’s core values, and the opportunity to spread the experience of a ULS education was too powerful to pass up.~

$335K

The ULS Foundation Board of Directors had an exciting session of fall meetings, approving more than $335,000 in funding. Take a look at what is coming soon, thanks to your gifts to the U Fund!in funding

IMPACT OF FUNDING FIVE QUESTIONS FOR ... Margaret Fowler Milam 3 In 1988, Margaret Fowler Milam was a new

Cub starting seventh grade. She quickly forged friendships that have spanned three decades and counting – the kind of lasting connections that she now sees forming daily as a teacher.

What is most rewarding to you as a teacher? When I see the moment that a student gets it. I am not satisfied until I see the light bulbs of understanding go off. Some musical concepts are complicated, and they have to be explained multiple ways; I won’t stop until I feel they understand. I spent many years performing and cannot find anything as rewarding as seeing a student make progress and be able to do what you’ve taught them to do. Tell us some fun facts about you. My favorite songwriter is John Prine because his writing is perfect, and my passion is songwriting. I sang on a Grammy-nominated album and had a song What drew you back to U-High to teach? recorded by Bonnie Raitt. My favorite singer is Sarah Vaughan because I love jazz and

I came back to U-High in 2018 her intonation is impeccable. I can because of the incredible music eat Lebanese food every day and program I grew up in. At the time, I love to garden!

Penny Hallman was our choir teacher, and she was a passionate teacher with high expectations. We regularly performed masterworks of Mozart, Vivaldi, Handel, and

Bach. Running into families or meeting new parents whose kids have come to love music tells me

I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing. Getting a chance to see them grow up (including getting to go to school with my nephews!) … I just feel so fortunate. Why are performing arts an important part of a wellrounded education? I’ve done research on how music impacts academics, and it is vital. There is a 46% increase in spatial reasoning in students who study music for 8 months or longer. Mathematics and science draw heavily upon spatial reasoning. Through music and performing arts, students learn the necessity of personal goal setting, self-assessment, and accountability as they develop high standards for musicianship and themselves.

What stands out as your favorite school memory since joining the faculty?

I regularly walk across the campus and am struck by how fortunate I am to be at this school, my school, with so many smart, excited, and devoted students. Some of them are parents I know or babysat when I was growing up (shout out to the Meiners, Langlois, and Bankston families from the best babysitter in the world!). Getting to see them and the parents I knew, now attending events as grandparents, just demonstrates how long-lasting these friendships are. I love seeing new families come into our school and make connections. Expanding this network is crucial!

The mural, completed by more than 30 art students, depicts the model education these two laboratory schools offer their own students as well as the state’s education community through the development, implementation and demonstration of exemplary programs and instructional practices. The mural is located at 5339 Choctaw Drive in Baton Rouge.

The A&M Agenda by Mary P. Woods

On Tuesday, Sept. 6, LSU President William F. Tate IV and Southern University President-Chancellor Dennis J. Shields were joined by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome for the signing of the LSU-SU A&M Agenda. With LSU and Southern meeting for the first-ever football game between the two schools, university leaders created the A&M Agenda to demonstrate a commitment over the next five years to expand the positive and collective impact of the two institutions, in partnership, for students, Greater Baton Rouge, the State of Louisiana, and the Delta and Gulf Coast regions.

The week-long celebration included many events, and our school participated in two. Champions of Education: Perspective from Classroom Teachers, a panel discussion hosted by the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education, SU School of Education, and Louisiana Public Broadcasting featured our own Candence Robillard, PhD, IB and AP Program Coordinator as a panelist, ULS parent Cade Brumley, PhD, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education as a panelist, ULS parent Elecia Lathon, LSU Assistant Professor as panelist, and former ULS parent Kim Hunter Reed, PhD, Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education as moderator. You may access a recording of the event at lpb.org/teachers. Students from LSU Laboratory School and Southern University Laboratory School also joined forces with artist Morgan Udoh of the Walls Project and created a mural in one day.

AROUND CAMPUS CAMPUS around

ALUMNI CHEERLEADER AND NOW PARENT, REFLECTS ON LITTLE CUBS CHEER CAMP EARLY LITERACY WORKSHOP

First grader, Merritt, seen here with her mom and U-High alumna, Caroline Gladney Shirley ’07, recently shared “It has been so fun watching Merritt as a little cub for the past two years! One of my highlights from being a U-High cheerleader (2005-2007) was getting to teach the little cub camp each year. They are so excited to get to go on the field and perform! It’s hard to believe that life has come full circle now that I’m in the stands as a parent to a little cub!.” The camp is open to students in kindergarten through 5th grade and is led by the U-High Varsity Cheer Team. Participants learn cheers and dances, perform a parent showcase, and cheer at a Varsity football game! More than 60 parents of kindergarten and first grade students attended the ULS Parent Early Literacy Workshop in September. The workshop introduced the ULS literacy curriculum and offered methods to support their students’ learning at home. The event was facilitated by Ellen Daugherty, PhD, NBCT, K-2 Reading and Math Interventionist and Hines Family Professor. This fall our students hosted the Middle and High School Club Fair. This event highlights more than 30 clubs to prospective members. The event provides opportunities for students to learn about the various clubs and join clubs that interest them.

CLUB FAIR

SENIOR SUNRISE BREAKFAST

Providing memorable and meaningful opportunities for seniors is an important tradition at U-High. As one of the first senior events of the year, students arrive at 6:30 a.m. to watch the sunrise together and enjoy a breakfast of donuts and beverages while playing games and socializing.

CHOIR PERFORMANCES MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

The 6th grade choir in collaboration with the ULS Guidance Department presented a musical, “Be A Buddy, Not A Bully” as part of “No Place for Hate” awareness month. Twelve years ago, the Lab School partnered with No Place for Hate to create a positive environment where all students feel safe and valued. To maintain our status as a No Place for Hate school, we commit to offering activities each year that recognize our differences and promote respect for one another. I Care provides guidance lessons and collaborates with Mrs. Lux’s 6th grade choir for the anti-bullying musical presentation, and an annual poetry and poster contest.

The University High Choirs performed its fall concert for families, “Come Travel with Me” followed by lunch together in the secondary library. The students and families sent canned goods to benefit the LSU Food Pantry. Our students and families were also treated to a wonderful box lunch in the library. After their performance, the choir accepted an invitation from the ULS Foundation to perform at the upcoming Distinguished Cubs Celebration in February.

UHS MOTHER-SON FOOTBALL BREAKFAST

Louisiana First Lady Donna Hutto Edwards served as the keynote speaker this fall for the annual UHS Mother-Son Football breakfast. She is pictured with ULS Administrative Team members, including Secondary Principal Frank Rusciano, Director Kevin George, Head Football Coach Andy Martin, Athletic Director Jill White, and Secondary Assistant Principal Aimee Welch-James. CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Dr. Coach Johnny Shoptaugh was recently announced as the new head coach of the Cub Tennis Team. Johnny offers a wealth of experience with 37 years in education and 10 years coaching high school tennis. Coach Shoptaugh is a vital part of our school’s historical success in tennis. His leadership led to State Championships won by the girls’ team in 2007, 2008, and 2009. The boys’ team was quite a force as well, winning State Championships in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Coach Shoptaugh, a Ellen B. Daugherty. She successfully defended her dissertation on Oct. 31 and will graduate within the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education this December with her PhD in K-12 Educational Leadership. Dr. Daugherty has served the ULS community for 19 years and has 37 years of teaching experience. 1976 graduate of UHS, is a Cub through and through. We look forward to Coach Shoptaugh leading the Cubs once again on the court! Congratulations to Ruth Shoptaugh Kean and family as inductees into the Louisiana Tennis Association Hall of Fame! We congratulate Ruth, Cathy Shoptaugh Landry ‘73, David Shoptaugh ’75, Johnny Shoptaugh ’76, and Dr. Mark Shoptaugh ’76. www.lsufoundation.org/CubRoar 15

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022 HOMECOMING COURT LEFT TO RIGHT: JUNIOR MAID, EMMA STONE; SOPHOMORE MAID, TANITH TEAGUE; FRESHMAN MAID, MADELYN BRUNI; SENIOR MAID, ANNA BETH HENLEY; 2022 HOMECOMING QUEEN, VIRGINIA MOORE; SENIOR MAID, REGAN ARCHIE; FRESHMAN MAID, EMILY CLAIRE GREENE; JUNIOR MAID, AINSLEE NEWSOM; SOPHOMORE MAID, LIV PALMER; SENIOR MAID, SADIE GUILLORY. PHOTOGRAPH BY EYE WANDER. TO VIEW PHOTOS AND/OR PURCHASE CLICK THE QR CODE ON PHOTO.

Two Faculty Earn Education Specialist Degrees

Among the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education graduates this summer were two ULS instructors. High School English Instructor Tamara Empson and Middle School Social Studies Instructor Hope Buras have both earned Education Specialist degrees.

Bella Knighten (Flute); Alexandra Worthington (Flute); Landon Zossel (Oboe); Gwen Falcon (Saxophone); Hudson Berthelot (Trumpet); Landry Horn (Trumpet); Emma Stone (Trumpet); Katherine Gladney (Percussion and Harp); Mia Richard (Percussion); Dalton Rousselle (Percussion)

Cub Pride Band Honors

10 UHS band students have been accepted into the Louisiana Youth Orchestra. The Louisiana Youth Orchestra is a premier performing arts organization for youth in the greater Baton Rouge community. Participating in LYO, students will work with other musicians in the area to develop and strengthen their musicality, creativity, and expressiveness. Students from various schools all over the Greater Baton Rouge area sent in audition videos.

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Students Recognized for Honor Roll Achievement

It is important to celebrate the academic achievements of our middle and high school students and acknowledge their hard work inspiring their peers to also strive for excellence. The Honor Roll recognizes middle and high school students who have earned at 3.75 GPA or higher during the first or second semesters. They were treated to a Pizza Party to celebrate their success.

YEA Baton Rouge

Anna Baumgartner, senior, was selected to participate in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge for the 202223 school year. “Anna stood out to us from the 60+ applicants, and we are eager to see how the class’ ideas come to life as they develop and launch their own businesses through the Academy,” shared Bethany Robicheaux, Executive Director of YEA Baton Rouge.

More than 1.6 million students from across the United States participate in testing for the National Merit program each year with only 16,000 earning National Merit semifinalist status. Shearer will now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for one of approximately 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth a total of $28 million.

In addition to being recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for her academic accomplishments, Shearer has been successful in a variety of endeavors during her time at ULS.

Elementary instructors Amanda Fourrier (math) and Rebecca Svensson (science) were honored at a luncheon last week as two of the state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

L-R: ULS Elementary Principal Christa Leon, Rebecca Svensson, Amanda Fourrier and Director Kevin R. George.

48 NEW MEMBERS INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Congratulations to our 2022 National Honor Society inductees! Inductees were invited into membership based upon academics, service to the community, and high moral character. National Honor Society is among the most highly regarded leadership and academic based programs in the nation.

Alice Leotta ‘23 Receives Roger Manson Greater Baton Rouge State Fair Scholarship

The University Laboratory School Foundation is thankful to be able to celebrate our outstanding students! Six years ago, the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair honored Roger Manson, a U-High grandparent and long-time volunteer of the State Fair, in the naming of an endowed scholarship. The $500 scholarship award is based on demonstrated leadership and community service.

This year’s recipient is outstanding senior, Alice Ellise Leotta. She has held office and/ or membership in several organizations including the Student Council (Student Body President), the National Honor Society, the Black Student Union, and Club MED. She is an athlete and has been a member of the ULS soccer team for 7 years. Alice has a heart for service and has been active with the National Charity League for 6 years. She has had several leadership positions within this organization and currently serves as the President of the Class of 2023. Alice’s over 180 hours of volunteer work includes helping organizations such as the Baton Rouge Food Bank, Brave Heart, the Bishop Ott Men’s Shelter, the Dumas House, Theatre Baton Rouge, and the Burden Center. Alice serves in her church community, First United Methodist Church, as a part of the youth, assisting with VBS, children’s events, and mission trips. Alice is ambitious, determined, dedicated, and well-prepared for her future success. Alice plans to study communication in college with a focus in journalism in hopes of becoming a sports media manager.

Pictured above: Kevin R. George, Director; Aimee Welch-James, Assistant Secondary Principal; Kappy and Victor Leotta with daughter Alice; ULS grandparent Dusty Manson; and Frank Rusciano, Secondary Principal