EAGLE S E C O N D
B A P T I S T
S C H O O L
SPECIAL ALUMNI EDITION JANUARY 2014
past
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present
Then & Now Facts
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Honoring SBS Teachers with 20 plus years at the School
“Where Are They Now?” – In-depth alumni updates
Honoring Carol Ware for 40 years of service
Second graders encourage SBS alumni serving in the military
Remembering Ms. Janis Simonton and Señor John Victery
“Where Do Our Graduates Go?” – Colleges attended by alumni
SBS Timeline
SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL • 6410 WOODWAY DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77057 • SECONDBAPTISTSCHOOL.ORG
Established in 1946, SBS provides a world-class education for the leaders of tomorrow. SBS is a learning community for over 1,000 students (PK-12) who enjoy a breadth of educational opportunities – from customized learning experiences to travel exposure to technological advancement. Nurtured by a Christ-centered community that edifies the soul and an academically rigorous environment that enriches the mind, SBS graduates are armed with the character, confidence and capability needed to succeed in the world they confront in the 21st century.
Second Baptist School
future
page 120 Letter from Dr. Jeff D. Williams Legacy Family Gallery
Eagle – Alumni Edition
| January 2014
Pictured on the cover is the first letterman jacket issued by Second Baptist School, given to Brant Durrett ’82 for lettering in varsity basketball under the direction of Coach Jim Strother.
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page 124 Campus News
Alumni Updates Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Alumni Parent Awards Nominating Opportunity Alumni Giving
The Eagle is published by the Office of Communications and is mailed free of charge to students, parents, faculty, alumni and friends of Second Baptist School. For more information call (713) 365-2310 or visit our website at secondbaptistschool.org. Disclaimer: Second Baptist School makes every effort to ensure that all names and listings are accurate and complete. If a name has been omitted, misspelled or listed incorrectly, please accept our sincerest apologies.
letter from alumni relations coordinator
Dear SBS Family, If you grew up at Second Baptist School as I did, then I am sure you are familiar with Isaiah 40:31 which reads, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” I love this verse not only because it mentions our beloved school mascot (go Eagles!) but also, and most importantly, because it is a verse I consistently return to, even to this day. Despite the trials that each of us face in this world, we have hope – hope in Jesus Christ. As a Lifer (and current employee at SBS) who ran around Rabbit Haven and Reggie Grob Stadium, I am forever grateful to all the teachers and coaches who not only taught, but also demonstrated what it means to live for and hope in Jesus. I think of Mrs. Klare Bambrick and her passion for God’s Word, Coach Jane Jackson and her encouragement to persevere, Mrs. Laura Visage and her joyful attitude through every season. The list goes on and on of teachers and people at SBS by whom I am forever marked. This edition of the Eagle magazine is dedicated to all the alumni of SBS, the teachers who invested in their learning and the parents who supported them every step of the way. We want to honor and recognize each one of you who attended and impacted the School. This magazine shares some of our alumni who are doing great things in the world, but it is dedicated to each person who has graced the halls of SBS. This family community would not exist without each one of you.
Alumni, if you ever wonder what the School is like these days, a lot has changed for the better, but I can assure you it is still the same place! Maybe a different classroom here or a new teacher there, but it is just as warm and friendly as always and as close a family now as ever. The heart of SBS has not changed, and for that I am thankful. I invite you to come back, visit, enroll your kids here and continue being a part of the legacy of SBS! Enjoy reading this issue!
GO EAGLES!
stay connected one
sbsalumni@secondbaptistschool.org
Lauren Ashkar Baker ‘02 Alumni Relations Coordinator
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past
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Eagle – Alumni Edition
SBS
Timeline
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1946 December 18, the deacons recommended and the congregation voted to begin a kindergarten program sponsored by Second Baptist Church.
1997 The B. Jane Hursey Teacher Endowment and the Ann Smith Minority Scholarship Endowment Funds were established.
1947 February 3, Second Baptist School opened its doors to fourteen kindergarten students.
1997 Men’s basketball won its first state championship.
1951 Mrs. J.J. Truitt organized the Mother’s Club.
1999 The SBS football won its first state championship.
1955 The Mother’s Club changed to the Parent’s Club, and it sponsored projects from fundraising to scheduling field trips.
1999 Women’s tennis won first place in state doubles, the first state championship for any of the tennis teams.
1964 The Interscholastic Athletics Program started for grades 7-8 including boys’ basketball and baseball, and girls’ volleyball and cheerleading.
1966 Extra activ Glee bell coun scho
1999 SBS won the TAPPS Overall School Award.
2000 The mov facili floor Elde
6 acurricular vities included e Club, hand choir, student ncil, and the ool newspaper.
0 Upper School ved into its new ities adding two rs to the Jane er Building.
1968 The first yearbook, The Golden Eagle, was published.
2001 Women’s crosscountry wins its first state championship.
1970 The first sports banquet and awards assembly recognized student achievements.
2001 Upper School added AP European history, now giving the students 18 different AP courses to choose from.
1976 The yearbook changes its name to Aquila. This name is still used today.
2001, 2005 & 2006 SBS secured the TAPPS Overall School Award.
1979 SBS held its first homecoming celebration.
2002 Men’s baseball wins its first state championship.
1979 SBS began adding one grade level each year to complete the Upper School.
2004 The Fine Arts Department has performed each spring musical in the Hobby Center.
1982 On May 30, twentyone students representing the first graduating class received their high school diploma from Second Baptist School.
2004 Men’s swimming wins its first state championship.
1986 The Upper School introduced its first two Advanced Placement courses into the curriculum.
1986 The Music Man was SBS’s musical debut, auditioning over 100 Middle and Upper School students.
2005 & 2006 The SBS Art Department won back-to-back state championships.
2006 Senior class represented the 25th graduating class of SBS.
1986 The introduction of the College Guidance Department.
1988 Senior Retreat was held for the first time at Goad Ranch in Round Top, Texas.
2007 SBS celebrated school spirit with its first EagleFest, an annual event raising money for the B. Jane Hursey Endowment Fund.
1988 SBS was nam a fully accred school by SA
2010 SBS began using the Harkness Method, where classes are taught in a seminar style around an oval table.
med dited ACS.
1988 Interim Term was implemented with students traveling overseas to England.
2011 The School celebrated 25 years of musicals.
1989 Football was introduced as a sport at Second Baptist School.
2011 The fruition of the 1-to-1 laptop program, giving each student in grades 5-12 complete access to Macbook Air laptops and younger students access to iPads daily.
1990 The SBS women’s volleyball team won its first of many state championships.
2011 The Upper School implemented the Prefect System, allowing new opportunities for students in leadership.
1993 The commencement ceremonies were held in the SBC Worship Center for the first time.
2012 SBS received the Apple Distinguished School award for the successful and innovative implementation of Apple in the classroom.
1996 SBS introduced the first marching band, complete with uniforms.
2013 The largest class from SBS graduated with 99 students.
then
CAMPUS Then: Sanctuary, A Building and Rabbit Haven Now: Worship Center, Jane Elder building and Woodway Village PLAYGROUND Then: Rocky Playground Now: Blue & Gold playground
FOOTBALL STADIUM Then: Reggie Grob Stadium in Spring Branch Now: Eagle Stadium at SBS!
FINE ARTS VENUE Then: The Chapel Now: The Hobby Center
CLASSROOMS Then: Desks in a row facing forward Now: Round Harkness Table
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now
then
TECHNOLOGY Then: 6 computers in the Library made up the “Computer Lab” Now: Students in grades 5-12 have their own Apple Macbook Air for the 1:1 Program. Grades 1-4 have 1:1 iPads in class. UPPER SCHOOL SENIOR LEADERSHIP
now SBS has been awarded the Apple Distinguished School twice.
Then: Student Council Now: Prefects
CLASS SIZES Then: Class of 1982 graduated 22 Now: Class of 2013 graduated 99!
GRADUATION ROBES Then: Royal Blue Now: Navy
CHEER UNIFORMS Then: HUGE pom poms and sailor outfits Now: Small pom poms and sleek outfits
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20plus YEARS
thank you
One reason that Second Baptist School has been so successful is due to the strength of its faculty and staff. The beloved men and women featured on these pages are those who have served at SBS for twenty or more years, according to our computer based record system. Thank you for your dedicated service to SBS! *Allison Armond *Shari Ashkar *Sue Berg *Cindy Blades *Ruth Dale *Mary Anne Dierking Eleanor Frank Connie Harper *Rita Herring Christy Hutson *Nancy Jennings *Karen Jensen *Madeline Jobe Ruth Ann Jones Becky Larkin Linda Linder *Nancy Merritt Sharon Mills Linda Parker LaJuan Pessarra Mary Neal Ramsey *Decie Richardson *Jeff Schroeder Janis Simonton *Jeannene Simonton *Donna Sims Ann Smith *Carol Ware *Trudy Wood Mary Wright Diane Van Zandt Chambers *current SBS employees
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40 YEARS HONORING
Carol Ware been surrounded all these years by the most wonderful co-workers, students, and parents. I am thrilled each time a former student either comes here to work or places his/her children in the School. Some have done both! This community is my family and I have been so blessed to be here,” said Carol. Carol, YOU are our family, too, and we have been so blessed by your love and commitment to our School and to God. Whether you helped us understand geometry, sent our transcript to every college that needed it, or simply encouraged us as we walked the halls, we thank you for your love and care for us as students, alumni and staff. We pray you will be blessed as you continue to selflessly serve at SBS!
Carol W are
O
riginally from Houston, Texas, Carol Ware studied mathematics and English as an undergraduate at Houston Baptist University and English in graduate school at the University of Houston. Carol joined Second Baptist School’s Mathematics Department in 1974, when the School had a large enough enrollment to need full-time teachers in the areas of mathematics, English, history, and science. During her first year, Carol taught math to 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th grade students. After Dr. Young came to Second Baptist in 1978, the decision was made to build the School a year at a time until it had a 12th grade. Carol still remembers having five different preparations the year she taught 8th-12th grade: prealgebra, algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2, and elementary analysis. In the fall of 1994, Carol became the school’s first registrar and moved out of the classroom. In the early years, the School was much smaller and Carol recalls full faculty meetings being held around a few tables in the library. She remembers how exciting it was when plans were unveiled for the construction of the Worship Center and Jane Elder Building. Carol’s favorite memories have to do with SBS milestones: graduation of the first class in 1982 and the 60th anniversary of the School. “What I have always loved about SBS are the people. I know that I was put here in this place by God to worship Him through my work. I have
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“Congratulations on 40 years! Still remember sitting in your classroom. SBS is lucky to have you!” –Amy Redding-Tempelmeyer ‘89 “As a student, you always felt that Carol Ware wanted you to succeed. She wanted you to learn. She wanted you to do well. Now, as a mom of a student at SBS, Carol is a mentor and wise counselor on how to encourage my kids as they walk through the ups and downs of the school years. As an adult, Carol is a friend and made bridging the gap from a student/teacher relationship to a friendship between adults very comfortable and sincere. She is loyal to her SBS family; she is an awesome Texans’ fan; she is a faithful follower of Christ; and, she is a true friend. SBS is blessed to have her in the family! I am blessed to have her in my life.” –Becca Schwinger ‘89
Tell us about a GREAT SBS teacher!
secondbaptistschool.org/teacher
Do you have a story about a SBS teacher that made a great impact on your life?
Is there a teacher you would like to thank? Scan this QR code to see a video featuring alumni and their children talk about their most meaningful teachers and join the conversation online!
“Carol Ware taught me 9th grade geometry, and I was most surprised during a lesson on points, lines, and planes when she took off her shoe, lightly tossed it across the room, and nonchalantly remarked, ‘So there’s a point.’ I have enjoyed seeing Ms. Ware over the years as a familiar fixture in a place I love so much. Thanks, Ms. Ware.” –Kirk Craig ‘96
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Remembering MS. JANIS SIMONTON 1949 – 2013
Janis Simonton passed away in the fall of last year following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Janis taught 25 years at Second Baptist School. She was a godly women who devoted herself to her family and faith. “Friend, aunt, sister…these terms come to my mind when I think about Janis. More than a teacher, she was like family to us. She called us her children and loved us as her own. “Janis taught Middle School social studies and served as the student council leader. She gave us direction and modeled leadership with dignity and grace. “She loved the Lord, the Longhorns and her students with all her heart. Her calling was to teach junior high, and her passion for teaching was exceeded only by her passion for the Lord. Those who knew Janis were truly blessed. To honor this wonderful daughter, loyal sister, loving aunt and a dear friend, a scholarship has been set up in her name to enable junior high students to attend Second Baptist Church’s Beach Retreat. I am excited about what her legacy will bring to junior high students!” –Amanda Skelton Yocum ‘99
“By requiring a high level of respect within the classroom setting, Ms. Simonton taught us the importance of Colossians 3:23: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as if working for the Lord.’ She challenged her students to realize their full potentials, and I am confident that I would not be who I am today without her positive influence.”
–Sarah Mayes ’09
Donations in Janis’ honor may be made to Second Baptist Church, as well as Second Baptist School. 12
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SEÑOR JOHN VICTERY 1933 – 2013
Señor Victery passed away this last year. He taught at Second Baptist School for over 10 years. Señor was a beloved, influential teacher, friend and mentor that many SBS alumni had the privilege of knowing. He was kind-hearted and always remembered little details that made people feel important and encouraged. “He always took a few minutes at the beginning of class to make a big deal out of someone’s birthday. Students loved him for that. “Señor was brilliant with many languages. He always had fascinating facts about many languages to share. “I am fluent in Spanish today due to the passion Señor Victery had for languages. I use Spanish all the time in my businesses. Those of us who preferred words to numbers could not get enough of his bright mind. Señor was my friend. I kept in touch with him about one to two times a year after graduating from SBS. He always loved hearing about my growing family and new life adventures and I always loved getting every last ounce of wisdom and knowledge from him. I will miss him.” –Jack Perry ‘95
“Señor inspired us all to think outside the box, love God, and respect all people of all cultures. He was a role model especially for young men that meekness, intelligence, and excellence are virtues to pursue.” –Madame Cathy Patton Former Upper School French Teacher
the
present Where are they now?
Second Baptist School alumni are making a difference. They work in a variety of industries all over the world. From communications to fine arts and law to medicine, our graduates do great things today, and in the following pages, you will get a chance to learn more about their careers, their favorite memories during their time at SBS, and advice offered to current students. A tremendous thanks is due to all alumni and alumni parents who helped by submitting information and photos for this section. We are extremely proud of all of our alumni and the wonderful things they are doing outside of SBS.
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SBS ALU M N I I N
ART
CLASSES OF 1989 AND 2000
Amy Munger & Elizabeth Munger Stiver Sisters Amy Munger ’89 and Elizabeth Munger Stiver ’00 both started as Lower School students at SBS. Amy received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Southern Methodist University and Elizabeth received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in art from The University of Texas at Austin. Amy and Elizabeth are partners at Munger Interiors, a Houston-based design firm. Munger Interiors implements both custom interior decor and fine art advisory services. In creating timeless living spaces, Amy and Elizabeth Munger focus on integrating classic design mixed with fine art reflecting the owners’ lifestyle. With a combined twenty years of experience in the art and design fields, Amy and Elizabeth Munger continue to provide their clients with elegant interiors. In the Houston community, they are involved with Zoo Friends of Houston, Amazing Place and Trees of Hope. They have been recognized as “Stars on the Rise” in 2012, were featured in Coastal Living magazine (May 2013) and won Architectural Digest’s Best Bathroom Makeover 2013 contest. “We are so fortunate to do what we love. We have the best family, clients, amazing vendors and the most supportive design assistants we could hope for—we are so blessed.” During their time as students at SBS, both sisters enjoyed playing sports. Amy played tennis, softball, and basketball and was the school mascot. Elizabeth played volleyball, softball and basketball. They also enjoyed having Jeannene Simonton as a teacher. “Jeannene Simonton was a great teacher and had such a wonderful perspective on not taking things too seriously. We both had such wonderful, supportive teachers and classmates and remain close to many of them still,” said Amy.
Amy’s advice to SBS students: “Don’t let Miss Simonton catch you.” Elizabeth’s advice: “Don’t take your high school days for granted.”
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS OF 2001
Courtney Knox Courtney Knox (aka “Knoxy”) graduated with the SBS Class of 2001 and went on to study at The University of Texas at Austin. She is the founder and owner of Knox Photographics. www.knoxphotographics.com It is a rare occurrence when someone actually finds the life of his or her dreams. After hard work, toil and much study, Knoxy has managed to chase down just such a life. One of the most sought-after photographers in Austin, among both the music and food industries, her eye for framing, design and fashion has been honed by her time at The University of Texas, as well as her continued dedication to the industry. She’s been featured in over 20 publications and shot high profile national celebrities like Earl Campbell and Jesse James, as well as regional celebrities in Austin’s burgeoning culinary scene. The world looks better through Knoxy’s lens; and, as her success continues, so does her future. Knoxy’s clients include: Austin City Limits Festival, Fiji Water, The Discovery Channel, Barley Swine, Contigo, Bravo! Catering, HBO, PBS, LovePuppies Brownies, Saucony Shoes, Blackbird Bakery, State Farm Insurance, IFC.com, Whole Foods, Chronicle Books, Texas Sun and Shade, Howl Interiors, John Paul and Eloise Dejoria, Austin American Statesman, Brilliant Magazine, AJR Construction and Invisible Children.
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SBS A L UM N I I N A R T
CLASS OF 1998
Shannon Richardson
Shannon Richardson was a Lifer (PK through twelfth grade) at SBS and graduated with the Class of 1998. She attended Vanderbilt University and double majored in economics and Human & Organizational Development. Currently, she is the director at M+B Gallery in Los Angeles, California. Shannon is involved in the New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA), Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD), Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). “Building the careers of young artists and showing their work all over the world is a challenge, but so much fun. I get to travel all over the world, which is an amazing experience. Three of our artists have solo museum exhibitions coming up, and we were the first gallery to show them, so it is incredible to be a part of that!” said Richardson. While at SBS, Richardson was the photography editor of the yearbook and enjoyed playing on the softball team. “Having Coach K and Coach Hall, the varsity football coaches, as coaches was extra special,” said Richardson. When asked to share about her teachers at SBS, Richardson said, “I enjoyed Mrs. Larkin (eleventh grade AP English) for making an entire semester of Hamlet completely fascinating and empathizing with my need for coffee in the morning, Mr. Tredennick (tenth grade English) for making me think and being an inspiration in so many ways, Mrs. Feldman (twelfth grade government/economics) for predicting the housing crash in 2008 and probably the reason I pursued economics in college, Mrs. Ocia Brinkman Jeffries (eighth and tenth grade American history) for teaching me history twice and just being awesome (seriously, no one knows history better than her), Mrs. Ray (Bible) for being real, and finally, my mom! Mrs. Richardson (Pre-K). She has been molding the minds of little four year olds for the last 40 years and I don’t know how she does it.” While a student, Richardson’s favorite memory was made during Homecoming week her senior year. “During homecoming, when the freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors all decorated their halls, a group of us went in the night after the juniors finished ornately decorating their side and cleaned it out completely, even vacuumed up all of their confetti. When they came the next day to a Shannon’s advice for SBS students: “Do completely clean hall, the look on what you love and what you are passiontheir face was priceless. We did all ate about. It’s a long way to retirement!” get detention, but it was totally worth it,” said Richardson. 16
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS O F 2004
Aubrey Hunsaker Ballard
Aubrey Hunsaker Ballard graduated with the SBS Class of 2004. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in fashion design with a minor in art history from Washington University in St. Louis. She was on the dean’s list all four years, was awarded a summer research stipend in 2007 and was a YMA fashion scholar in 2008. Today, Ballard is the category manager for vintage and market finds at One Kings Lane. Previously, she was a concept designer at Fossil, Inc. She enjoys freelance photo styling, graphic design and flea market shopping. While at SBS, Ballard enjoyed the spring musicals, homecoming skits, winning state with the varsity cross country team, and Mrs. Ocia Brinkman Jeffries’ class. “One word: Snoopy. But in all seriousness, I enjoyed Mrs. Jeffries for her passion and love of history. Also, she gave me the chance to prove myself when I didn’t deserve one. Her most quotable saying: ‘Study, Aubrey’s advice to SBS students: “Soak it I love you,’” said Ballard. all in – the teachers, friends, education, and spiritual leadership. Your time at Second is once-in-a-lifetime.”
C LASS O F 2006
Cheranda Wheeler Robertson
Cheranda Wheeler Robertson graduated with the SBS Class of 2006 and continued her studies at Texas A&M University. She recently graduated from South Texas College of Law and passed the Texas Bar Exam. Aside from her career in law at a top criminal defense firm in The Woodlands, Robertson and her husband, Andrew, own LumaVista Productions, LLC, a videography business for weddings, special events, music videos and corporate profiles. They have just received the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award for 2014 which puts them in an exclusive top five percent of wedding vendors nationwide based upon client experiences and testimonials. “What we love most about this job is working together to create beautiful cinematic masterpieces in a uniquely artistic way that allows people’s personalities and messages to shine through. With the wedding videos, what is truly special is being able to provide couples with a beautiful film of the most precious moments of their lives – one that they can relive for years to come. We pray over every video as we edit and choose a special Bible verse to accompany each one. Being able to work on our hobby of film making together on the side, and make that into a thriving business, has truly been a blessing, and we give all the glory to Jesus Christ!” said Robertson.
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Turners’ advice to SBS students: “Take advantage of the resources that you have in front of you right now! Study hard. Spend time with your teachers outside of the classroom. Build real friendships with your peers. Look out for underdogs in your class. Serve your community. Pray. Read your Bible. And memorize scripture!“
CLASSES OF 1999 AND 1998
Deb Westbrook Turner & Mike Turner Deb Westbrook Turner ‘99 and Mike Turner ’98 met as students at SBS and are now the owners of MD Turner Photography. Deb studied psychology at Texas A&M University and Mike studied business at the University of Phoenix. “We started a photography company in 2006 in Nashville and moved the company back to Houston in 2008. We primarily photograph weddings and have recently had the honor of shooting the billboard for the Houston Bridal Extravaganza. We also started a film company in 2012 and we’re very excited about growing this company not only in the wedding industry, but also in the corporate and non-profit world,” said Deb. While at SBS, both Deb and Mike loved their Interim Term experiences. Mike assisted Ted Tredennick in teaching film classes and Deb played a handful of sports. “We both had several favorite teachers and more than one that had a significant impact on our lives. Ted Tredennick and 18
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Becky Larkin were favorites for both of us and the things we learned from them continue to influence us today. Linda Parker obviously had a big impact on my life as my passion for photography began in her class, and Tiffany Cobb’s creative writing classes had a significant impact on Mike. Then there is Jeannene Simonton, Ruth Dale, John Victery, Shawn Warden, and Robert Hurley. We’re both extremely thankful for the influence that many of our teachers had on us. We have a great deal of respect for them not only because of their knowledge and expertise in imparting knowledge to us, but also their affable and friendly demeanor made us feel respected and loved as well. We still consider them friends, and one of our favorite things about attending the awesome alumni events is that we get to see many of them,” added Deb. Deb’s favorite memory from SBS was senior retreat. She still remembers Jeannene Simonton giving each senior
an Ebenezer stone and teaching what it meant. “Ms. Simonton told us always remember that ‘Life is hard, but God is good.’ I still have my Ebenezer. I keep it on my bedside table and that one sentence has profoundly impacted my life and my understanding of God,” said Deb. “As students, we both underestimated the value of the education we were receiving. Once we started college and then began careers, we realized what a gift we had been given. Not only had we received a first class education, but also we spent time daily with teachers, coaches, and administrators that cared about us personally. They helped us grow up spiritually and emotionally, and they prepared us to go out into the world as lights for Jesus! I think we received a better education in high school than many people receive in college,” they added.
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS O F 2003
Clay Eastham
Clay Eastham graduated with the SBS Class of 2003 and went on to study international business at Colorado State University. Currently, Eastham is a primary owner at Eastham Interiors & Home Collection, a family business based in Fort Collins, Colorado. “From the time I was small, I knew God had gifted me with a special ability where colors and textiles and space were concerned. I was raised in a home where we always had beautiful things, and my father encouraged my mother to be creative in design and decorating. Like any kid, I watched what was going on as we flipped houses in Houston (27 homes in 25 years, to be exact!). I loved it all and knew I wanted to do something in design or retail. When I finished my international business communications degree, I thought about the import-export business, but in late 2011 God brought a businessman in our community into my life, and he encouraged me to open a retail-design business as that was sorely lacking in Fort Collins. He had a string of floral shops in northern Colorado and owned lots of commercial spaces, so he offered me 4,000 square feet to start and six months free rent! My parents encouraged me and supported me all along the way. I feel so blessed by God – and blessed for a specific reason. He has blessed me not because I’m using the abilities He’s created within me, but blessed because several years ago I decided no matter what, I will follow Him. Everyone has struggles in life and things they deal with, but God has given me strength to align my life with Him and to refrain from whatever tempts me and makes my life less than it could be without Him. So all I have is really His – He’s just using me to accomplish His work. And I’m having the time of my life!” While at SBS, Eastham participated in choir, Spanish club and French club. He also enjoyed taking part in a variety of overseas trips during Interim Term. “I’m so grateful for the foundation SBS gave me in art and design – I encourage any student to take full advantage of the plethora of programs offered at my alma mater,” added Eastham.
CLASS O F 2007
Laura Rickaway
Laura Rickaway graduated SBS in 2007 and received her Bachelor of Science in interior design with minors in business and international studies from Auburn University. Rickaway is currently a project designer at Lucas / Eilers Design Associates in Houston, Texas. “We focus on residential interior design – new construction, remodels and second homes. This has been a great place to learn and grow as a young designer. I love that every day is different. My favorite part of my job is to design and specify things, as well as see the final installed result and an excited client. It is very gratifying and exciting. A few weeks ago one of my clients likened me to Celerie Kembel (a designer I greatly admire) and it was quite a special compliment,” said Rickaway. In addition to her role with Lucas / Eilers Design Associates, Rickaway serves as the Night Owl Secretary for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Houston Alumni Association, she is a member of VICTORY, a branch of the American Cancer Society, as well as a member of The Cattle Baron’s Ball. She also enjoys playing in an adult kickball league.
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Jack’s advice to SBS students: “Enjoy the small environment and close friends. Enjoy the blessing of being able to openly share your faith with teachers, friends and administration. Do a crazy thing or two in high school. Just be respectful, safe, smart.”
Rochelle’s advice to SBS students: “Accept the way God made you and don’t compare yourself to others. Remember not to confuse your identity is found in Christ alone and your role is to be Christlike in whatever you do whether a parent, businessman, journalist or designer.”
C LAS S O F 1 9 9 5
Jack Perry Jack Perry graduated with the SBS Class of 1995 and received his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Information Systems from Texas A&M University. He, along with his wife Julie (former SBS teacher), is owner of Perry Video & Photography headquartered in Houston. (www. perryvideo.com) Perry is the creative and technical director and photographer and his wife is the lead graphic designer and post-production artist. For three years in a row, Perry Video & Photography has been the number one wedding videography company on Houston’s A-list. Recent commercial film clients include: Energizer Bunny, Royal Recycle & Disposal, Mann Eye Institute, Pixibility of Boston, and Blazer Building of Texas. In addition, Jack also has his Texas real estate broker license for residential real estate marketing working with newlywed clients and investment properties. While at SBS, Perry enjoyed all his Spanish classes with Señor Victery. “Señor Victery was brilliant with many languages. Those of us who preferred words to numbers could not get enough of his bright mind. He always had neat history and fascinating facts about many languages to share. I am fluent in Spanish today due to the passion Señor Victery had for his languages. I use Spanish often in my businesses: communicating with labor, doing real estate construction, communicating with Latin photography or film production clients, and even some high school Spanish tutoring that I enjoy doing still to this day,” said Perry. He adds, “I’m most thankful for always being able to pray in public (sports, class, etc.) at SBS without restrictions and being around teachers who loved to pray and share spiritual encouragement as well.”
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Eagle – Alumni Edition
CLASS O F 2001
Rochelle Ferrada Tucker Rochelle Ferrada Tucker graduated with the SBS Class of 2001. She double majored in mass media and Spanish and minored in marketing at Houston Baptist University. At HBU, Tucker was on the dean’s list, received a Presidential Scholarship, as well as the Houston Media and Spanish Professional Scholarship. She also served as the editor-in-chief of the Ornogah yearbook. Tucker is currently the founder and photographer of Crossing Borders Media, as well as the creative associate and photographer for The Batik Boutique. (www.crossingbordersmedia.com) “Photography has been a passion of mine ever since my senior year in high school. I remember developing my own photos in the darkroom in college and even though I spent hours, I never wanted to leave. I’m excited to see how God uses me in this season where I can really pursue this work while I am overseas. I was living in Spain for a few months, but am now in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and am eager to capture life and culture in this area,” said Tucker. As a student, Tucker enjoyed going on mission trips during Interim Term, being on the track & field team, art classes with Linda Parker and learning from Ted Tredennick. “I had Ted Tredennick for most of my English classes and humanities classes; he opened my eyes to the outside world and encouraged us to always think outside the box. He has such a gift for teaching,” said Tucker. “I’m thankful SBS academically prepared me well for college and guided me on how to handle the everyday challenges of being a college student. I loved all my Interim Term experiences from film class, to Esperanto, to even the France trip!” says Tucker.
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS OF 2005
Megan Dixon Smalley
Megan’s advice for SBS students: “Be yourself and be confident in who God created you to be. I have learned over the years that every person is created so uniquely and has their own story to tell. For those of you that have been at SBS your whole life, make an extra effort to get to know new people. I cannot imagine coming into an environment where everyone except me had been friends for years. So welcome them with open arms. And pick a new person each week and find out what makes them tick. I think you will be surprised the things you can learn about a person if you just take the time to listen to their story.”
Megan Dixon Smalley started in the newborn class at SBS and graduated in 2005. She studied public relations and Spanish at Auburn University during her time as an undergrad student and received her master’s in higher education and sports management. She was also an Auburn University cheerleader. Her full-time position is a pharmaceutical rep with Amgen; however, since college she has pursued her love of photography as a hobby and extra income. “I took as many pictures as possible because I wanted to savor the memories. I have learned how special a picture can be because sometimes it is the only thing you have left to remember an important event or a special person. An amazing picture can sometimes be the greatest gift you can give someone. I started my business with the intent of making extra money and having a creative outlet, but also blessing those with pictures that can’t afford it. I love my job in sales, but most days I do not get to use my creative side; so, I love having an outlet where I can dream big and express lots of creativity,” said Smalley. In addition, Smalley and her friend recently started an online print shop for her photography clients and more. They picked the name Scarlet and Gold because of the biblical references that both words represent. www.scarletandgoldshop.com When asked about her favorite teacher at SBS, Smalley replied, “My mom, of course! Besides the fact that she is an English genius, I loved being able to sit in her class every day and learn from one of my favorite people in the whole world. She is the best!” As a student, Smalley enjoyed square dancing, Bible class, chapel and visiting Mrs. Sisk’s classroom. “I am most thankful for the education I received at SBS and for the protection from the world. I learn more and more how scary and sad this fallen world is that we live in. I am so thankful to have been protected from so much that many friends of mine had to endure. I also walked into freshman year prepared for college. I was leaps and bounds ahead of most of my peers simply because of SBS,” says Smalley.
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SBS ALU M N I I N
ATHLETICS
Peter’s advice to SBS students: “You get out of it what you put into it. Challenge yourself with your classes and your activities. Don’t be comfortable, but stretch yourself.”
CLASS OF 2001
Peter Warden graduated with the SBS Class of 2001. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees in accounting from Texas A&M University’s prestigious Professional Program in Accounting (PPA), where he was named an Outstanding PPA Student prior to graduation. While at A&M, Warden was a four-year letterman as well. Warden is currently the director of basketball operations at Texas A&M University. He is in his ninth season with the Aggie basketball program and third as a member of coach Billy Kennedy’s staff, working primarily in internal operations. In College Station, Warden is also involved with the Breakaway Ministries care team and New Life Baptist Church. Warden spent five seasons at Texas A&M as a student manager, including two years as head manager, prior to serving the 2006-07 season as director of operations under coach Billy Gillispie. He then spent two seasons on Gillispie’s staff at the
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Eagle – Alumni Edition
Peter Warden
University of Kentucky in a similar capacity. “Every trip to the NCAA tournament is special. The 2007 Sweet 16 team was an incredible group to be around. There’s nothing like hearing your name called on Selection Sunday then digging immediately into the details. Most people see the Selection show and then tune in when games start on Thursday. We have a lot of fun in the four days between, but usually not a lot of sleep! I love staying in touch with all the players from A&M and Kentucky. From walk-ons to NBA All-Stars, we all have our memories and funny stories from our times together. It’s especially fun to see guys I’ve worked with in college now in the NBA, NFL and MLB and to go to their games. I know how hard they worked and how many times they wanted to quit, but they’ve reached their goal. And for all the junk I put up with from some of them, free tickets are an easy ask!” said Warden. “I’m genuinely grateful to God for challenging me through the years and
working on my character to be more like Him. I’m grateful for the communities He has provided both in Lexington and College Station through whom I’ve been loved and encouraged. I’m grateful for my family for their support and for forgiving all the holidays I miss during basketball season! It’s a joy to look back and see how I’ve grown and changed and how I get to use the lessons learned with college students every day!” added Warden. During his time at SBS, Warden most enjoyed Brett Jacobsen’s class, running varsity cross country, senior prank and the senior skit. “Our class had a great sense of humor,” said Warden. “Looking back, I’m thankful for the ability to have been involved in so many activities at SBS. I was fortunate to have had great experiences that set a strong foundation to becoming very involved in college.”
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
C LASS O F 2001
Glen Oskin Glen Oskin started as a freshman at SBS “I am currently responsible for finding and graduated with the Class of 2001. new sponsorship business and mainHe received his undergraduate degree taining/renewing current sponsorship in communications and his master’s business; some of my current sponsors degree in sports management from Baylor include Academy Sports + Outdoors, University. BHP Billiton, Bose, Emirates, Mustang Today, Oskin is the corporate devel- CAT, Royal Purple, Under Armour and opment manager for the Waste Management,” Houston Texans. In 2007, said Oskin. Glen’s advice to SBS students: he was awarded Houston Looking back on his “Nothing is impossible; someTexans Rookie of the time at SBS, Oskin fondly times you have to fail to sucYear and every year 2008 remembers winning the ceed; effort and work ethic breed success in life.” through 2013, he has state championship in been an IMPACT Award football in 1999. winner. “My favorite teachers at SBS were Houston Texans has been Oskin’s Janell Luce, Cheryl Bruyere, and Kristin sole employer since he graduated from Dixon. These three women managed to Baylor. He has been the Marketing Intern get me through high school,” said Oskin. (Fall 2006), Client Services Coordinator “I’m thankful to have met some of (2007–2009), Client Services Manager my closest friends for life in high school, (2009–2012), Corporate Development for the family environment at SBS, and Representative (2012–2013) and now for the academic preparation I received Corporate Development Manager. for college.”
CLASS O F 1989
Lisa Spoelhof Schra Lisa Spoelhof Schra graduated with the SBS Class of 1989. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English with minors in German and biology from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Currently, Schra is the athletic director at the International Christian School of Vienna. “Since college my husband and I have been working in Grand Rapids, Michigan with various non-profit organizations. My work is typically in the area of fundraising and development. Three years ago, my family and I moved to Vienna, Austria to join the ministry of the International Christian School of Vienna (ICSV). Currently my husband, Jeffrey, serves as the finance manager, and I serve as the athletic director and also coach girls basketball. The school has a unique blend of 250 students from over 40 nations. While the school is intentionally Christian, not every student is a Christian and many are hearing the gospel for the first time. We are excited to be part of the ministry of ICSV impacting the nations for Christ. ICSV is always looking for
good teachers. If you are interested, check out our website at www.icsv.at or email me at lisa.schra@gmail.com,” said Schra. Schra’s favorite memory from SBS was playing basketball with her sister (Amanda Spoelhof VanTil ’91) and five other girls. “We had a small team but we had a lot of heart. We were even pretty good, I think,” said Schra. “I am thankful for each of the teachers I had at SBS. They really cared about each of us and poured their lives into us. I am thankful they challenged and encouraged me to grow.“
Lisa’s advice to SBS students: “Enjoy your time in high school. Make the most of the opportunities given to you, whether in class or in after-school activities. It’s a time of life when you are being stretched in so many ways. It can be hard, but with each challenge know that you are growing stronger and stronger. Challenges can also remind you to depend more on God. A life lesson I am still learning.”
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SBS A L UM N I I N AT H L E T I C S C LA SS OF 1 9 9 3
Amanda Kares Koch
Amanda Kares Koch came to SBS in the sixth grade and graduated with the Class of 1993. She received her Bachelor of Arts in advertising and her Bachelor of Arts in religious studies at SMU, where she graduated magna cum laude and was ranked number one in both class majors. Today, Koch is the owner of Pilates and More, LLC. She is PMA certified and a master trainer for the Pilates Sports Center of L.A. in pilates and barre. In addition, she is the president of the Officer Spouses Club for the 43rd Fighter Squadron at Tyndall AFB. Koch’s husband, Travis, is a USAF F-22 Pilot and 43FS Squadron Commander. Koch remembers the impact that Janis Simonton made on her as a new student, “She was my very first teacher at SBS, and I had her four periods a day in sixth grade – homeroom, social studies, language arts and Bible. She really made me feel welcome as a new kid in a class of SBS Lifers.” “Looking back, I am first and foremost thankful to SBS for my faith. I accepted Christ during Spiritual Emphasis week in sixth grade. Secondly, I am thankful for the friends I made at SBS, who are still my very best friends in the world... almost 30 years of amazing friendship,” added Koch.
C LA SS O F 2 0 0 5
Elizabeth Suffield
Elizabeth Suffield (’05) is an SBS Lifer and went on to major in corporate communications at The University of Texas at Austin. Today, Suffield, is an instructor at DEFINE: body & mind. “I feel blessed to be in a role where I can encourage others. Through DEFINE I have learned so much about people who are hurting and how to be a comfort to them. I am a firm believer that any position can be a ministry opportunity, and I have made some incredible connections with other believers and nonbelievers through this role,” says Suffield. She is especially thankful for SBS teachers who encouraged and challenged her. Suffield says, “Nothing could have prepared me for college academics as well as Mrs. Towery’s AP U.S. history class! Also, Mr. Tyler’s humanities class equipped me with critical thinking and a broad worldview. Both teachers taught me to use my voice in debate and in writing. Really, they taught me to be confident in myself.” Elizabeth’s advice to SBS students: “There is life after high school! I tell my cousins this all the time. Don’t sweat the small stuff – the drama. Try your best in school and be kind in relationships because people always remember the way you treated them. Keep your eyes on Jesus; because if it’s all about Him, everything else is small stuff.”
C LA SS O F 2 0 0 1
Laura Clanton Seelig
Laura Clanton Seelig (’01) graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a degree in history. Currently, she and her husband John Mark live in Edwards, Colorado and own Lakota Guides rafting company. Laura is also a strength and conditioning coach. She says, “Through rafting, I see people experience nature in ways they may not back home. I always hear that their trip was an experience of a lifetime! Owning a business can be a big challenge, but hearing positive feedback like that makes it worth it. Through personal training, I work with people of all ages and abilities and love getting to see them work hard to achieve their goals.” While at SBS, Seelig played shortstop for the varsity softball team, was a varsity cheerleader and Golden Eagle award recipient.
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Eagle – Alumni Edition
W HERE A RE THEY NOW C LA SS OF 2008
Amber Calhoun Moore
Amber Calhoun Moore (’08) went to Texas State University as a four-year scholarship volleyball athlete and graduated with a degree in recreation administration. She began working with the athletic department two and a half years ago as a student volunteer, and now holds a position as the Assistant Director of Development for Texas State Athletics, and works with the Bobcat Club to raise money for student-athlete scholarships. She says, “I work most athletic events, so I stay involved with the coaches and athletes. For football home games, I get to hang out in our club level and talk with donors and watch the game, which has always been one of my favorite perks of working with this department.” Not surprisingly, Moore’s favorite memories from SBS involve sports, particularly winning state in volleyball her senior year. She is especially grateful for her athletic experience and the influence of coaches Troy Karcher and Sue Berg. Also, she says, “I am very grateful for how prepared I was academically coming into college – it’s something you don’t realize until you get to your university and see other students who weren’t as fortunate to receive the high school education that SBS offers.”
C LA S S O F 2 0 0 1
Kristin Frizzell
Kristin Frizzell came to SBS in 1997 and graduated with the Class of 2001. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology from Texas State University. While at Texas State, Frizzell served as the philanthropy chair of Alpha Delta Pi. Frizzell is currently a fitness instructor and studio manager for DEFINE: body & mind. “I love that I get to motivate and encourage people everyday to become the best person they can be, both physically and mentally. I wake up every day inspired to live in the moment,” said Frizzell. Frizzell is also a USA swim coach for the West Houston Aquatic Team and enjoys competing in triathlons. While at SBS, Frizzell enjoyed Homecoming week, spring musicals and volleyball with Coach Berg. When asked about teachers that inspired her, Frizzell said, “Mr. Tredennick was my favorite teacher because we always sat in a circle in his classroom and instead of lecturing to us, he brought us into deep discussions that challenged us to think for ourselves.” “I am thankful for the support and encouragement of all the teachers and staff. They taught me how to believe in myself,” added Frizzell.
Kristin’s advice to SBS students: “Be yourself. Take risks. Find what inspires you. Breathe deeply. Dream big. Love others well. Keep the Lord at the center of all you do.”
C LA SS OF 2004
Russell Dixon
Russell Dixon is a 2004 graduate of SBS. He played baseball at Auburn from 2005-2007 and was the seventh round draft pick by the Houston Astros in 2007. He studied communications at Auburn and completed a degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Houston Downtown. In 2012, Dixon coached baseball at Hardin-Simmons University. Currently, Dixon is the Adults Sports Director at Second Baptist Church Woodway Campus. Dixon has many great memories from SBS, but he recalls one of his favorites, “I call this the ‘Ice Boys’ story. David Reeves, Alex Monzon and I were deemed the responsible boys back in Mrs. Jones’ second grade class. We were assigned to go get ice from the cafeteria every morning and bring it straight back to the teacher’s workroom. For several months we did just as we were told, but one day we came in the cafeteria and found lunch boxes scattered all over the tables. We decided it would be a good idea to use them to play dodgeball. It didn’t take long for us to get caught by the principal, Mrs. Ann Smith, and I will never forget David’s famous last words as we were sitting in the principal’s office awaiting our punishment, ‘This is the WORST day of my life.’” Dixon remains close with Reeves and Monzon to this day. He was even able to share that story at Reeves’ wedding saying to him, “I am glad I got to be there on the worst day of your life, but also the best day.” January 2014
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S B S ALU MN I I N ATH LETI CS
SBS Alumni in Collegiate Athletics Names with * are currently playing. Number references photo.
BASEBALL
2013 – Jordan Stading* (1) University of Houston 2013 – Preston Williams* (2) Case Western Reserve Univ. 2012 – Billy Arendt* (3) Princeton Baseball 2011 – Jay Calhoun* (4) Dallas Baptist University 2011 – Garrett Luce College of Charleston in South Carolina 2010 – Brandon Powell* (5) Samford University 2010 – Jason Stading* (6) Southwestern University 2009 – John Buckley West Point Academy 2009 – Caleb Hartwell Wheaton College 2009 – Cole Popper Stephen F. Austin University
2009 – Al Ralston Texas Christian University 2009 – Cooper Smith Cornell University 2008 – Ross Seaton Tulane University Drafted By: Houston Astros 2008 – Ryan Camperchioli Concordia University Texas 2008 – Jacob Plagens Birmingham Southern Univ. 2007 – Billy Orth Millsaps College 2006 – Ryan Gaze Univ. of Texas at San Antonio 2006 – Colby Smith West Point Academy 2006 – Jim McGonigle University of New Orleans 2005 – Aaron Thompson Drafted By: Florida Marlins Currently: Minnesota Twins
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Eagle – Alumni Edition
2005 – Bryant Palmerton Millsaps College 2004 – Brian Ousley Hill Junior College 2004 – Barkley Wedemeyer Millsaps College 2004 – Russell Dixon Auburn University Drafted By: Houston Astros 2004 – James Slater Millsaps College 2004 – Cameron Crow Houston Baptist University 2003 – Timmy LeVrier University of Mary Hardin–Baylor 2003 – Joe Blades Millsaps College 2002 – Jay Osborne Auburn University 2002 – Kyle Reynolds Baylor University Drafted By: Chicago Cubs
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
2002 – Willie Bedford Oklahoma Baptist University 2002 – Blake Newman Oklahoma Baptist University 2002 – Ronnie Blomstrom Howard Junior College 2000 – Armando Aluicio Colin County Community College 1998 – Sean Hasson New Mexico Military Institute and Rollins College 1997 – Mark Meinhart Olivet Nazarene University and Houston Baptist Univ. 1994 – Mike Hendricks Northwestern College 1993 – David Hendricks Northwestern College 1992 – Brett Rhodes Northwestern College 1992 – Bill Colley Lafayette University
BASKETBALL
2011 – Charles Allen* (7) Trinity University 2011 – Victoria DeBerry* Ithaca College 2011 – Julien Person* (8) Case Western Reserve Univ. 2010 – Mikhail McLean* (9) University of Houston 2010 – Andre Prince* James Madison University 2010 – Henry Riasco* (10) Lone Star Community College and Concordia University 2008 – Ryan Maag Southern Methodist Univ. 2007 – Rufus Smith Naval Academy Prep 2006 – Andyshea Saberioon Rhodes College
2005 – Chase Pouns Wheaton College 2005 – Catherine Schaper Brown University 2004 – Clay Lindberg Hendrix College 2003 – Nemanja Marinkovic Endicott College 2001 – Heather Wobbe Southeastern Louisiana Univ. and Concordia University 2000 – Michael Bilostennyi Birmingham Southern Univ. 2000 – Meredith Shanklin Westmount College 2000 – Quenio Ferreira Gordon College 1999 – Keith Wedemeyer Gordon College
1997 – Stephen Dely Santa Clara University 1996 – Adam Musil Missouri Valley College 1996 – Phillip Christopherson Southwestern University 1996 – Rashad Porter Emory University 1994 – Compton Cuffy Ranger Community College & Alvin Community College 1992 – Brett Rhodes Northwestern College 1991 – Jonathan Cherry University of Houston 1990 – Jay Grijalba Alvin Community College & Professional in South America 1989 – Robby Powell Oklahoma Baptist University 1986 – Charles Durrett Baylor University
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SBS A L UM N I I N AT H L E T I C S
SBS Alumni in Collegiate Athletics (continued) Names with * are currently playing. Number references photo. CHEERLEADING
2013 – Miranda Girouard* (11) Baylor University (Acrobatics & Tumbling) 2013 – Shayla Kelley* (12) Baylor University (Acrobatics & Tumbling) 2011 – Kaitlyn Kellam* (13) Oklahoma State University 2010 – Becca Dixon Baylor University 2009 – Callie Fine University of Texas 2008 – Hannah Exley University of Houston 2004 – Megan Dixon Auburn University 2004 – Nathan DeLano University of Texas 2004 – Van Walker University of Texas and Florida State University 2003 – Alex Leach University of Texas
2002 – Nora Ashkar New York University 2002 – Caitlin Fincher University of Georgia 2001 – Ben Jennings Hardin–Simmons University 2001 – Jennifer McKenzie University of Texas
FOOTBALL
2013 – David Kroll* (14) Rhodes College 2013 – Chris Callahan* (15) Baylor University 2013 – Bishop Powell New Mexico Military Institute 2012 – Ernest Evans* Dartmouth College
2011 – Thomas Anderson University of Mary Hardin–Baylor 2011 – Jason Blades* (16) Johns Hopkins University 2011 – Kevin Campbell Kansas Wesleyan University 2011 – Alex Cooper* (17) University of Houston 2011 – Isaiah McDuffie Hardin–Simmons University 2010 – Seth Hackett* (18) Houston Baptist University 2010 – Connor Wood* (19) University of Texas and University of Colorado 2009 – John Doughtie Colorado School of Mines 2009 – Brian Franshaw Air Force Academy 2009 – Harris Huguenard Middlebury College 2009 – Josiah Tour Rice University 2008 – Carter Deutsch Yale University 2007 – Marshall Kerns Vanderbilt University 2006 – Tyler Bambrick Avon Farms School
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Eagle – Alumni Edition
2005 – Jodie Jiles Morehouse College 2005 – Jeff Wood Texas A&M University 2004 – Barkley Wedemeyer Millsaps College 2004 – Alex Monzon Oklahoma University 2004 – Brook Black Baylor University and University of Northern Iowa 2004 – Michael Schaper Duke University 2003 – Blake Skidmore Worster Polytechnic Institute 2002 – Glen January Texas Tech University and Winnipeg Blue Bombers 2002 – Shannon Hicks Hardin–Simmons University 2001 – John Bruyere Air Force Academy 2001 – Glen Oskin Baylor University 2001 – Ryan Lopez University of Central OK 2001 – Bradley Talbert Texas Christian University 2001 – Temple Ramming Trinity University
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
2000 – Tom Hicks Rice University 2000 – Gabe Howe Rice University 1998 – Chris Earnest University of Tulsa 1998 – Brandon Knox Air Force Academy 1998 – Eavan Morrison State University of New York and Maritime College 1998 – Kyle Janke Texas A&M University 1997 – Mitch Little Harvard University 1997 – David Morris Texas A&M University 1997 – Corbin Womac Millsaps College 1996 – David Hildebrand Air Force Academy 1996 – Franz Williams McNeese State University 1994 – Jeremy “Bear” Rasp Hampden–Sydney College 1992 – Jay Nelson Trinity University
GOLF
2011 – Scott Terrell Baylor University
2000 – Lindsey Harrison Rhodes College
SOCCER
2010 – Rebecca Twining* (20) University of Notre Dame 2007 – Sarah Strange Vassar University 2007 – Amanda Jocz University of Central Arkansas 2004 – Haylie Raymond Dallas Baptist University 1999 – Mya Morrison Bryan College 1994 – Lindsay Johnson William Jewell College 1990 – Allan Cryer Houston Baptist University 1990 – Collin Ramsey Millsaps College
SOFTBALL
2010 – Kendall Stiefel* (21) Houston Baptist University 2008 – Lexy Bennett University of Texas 2005 – Kim Hodges Rutgers University 1988 – Julie Crain Roseberry Univ. of Mary Hardin-Baylor
TENNIS
2013 – Mike Hartley* Austin College 2006 – Chris Huynh Texas Christian University 2002 – Narguess Arjomand Ithaca College 2002 – Melissa Bach Rice University 1997 – Ali Ansari Stanford University
TRACK
2013 – Tarik Tyler* Texas A&M University 2002 – David Phillips Texas A&M University
VOLLEYBALL
2012 – Samantha Strother* (22) Austin Peay State University 2009 – Kendall Burgess Auburn University 2008 – Amber Calhoun Texas State University 2008 – Stephanie Biediger Quinnipiac University
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2005 – Devon Kirk Texas Christian University 2004 – Bethany Herndon University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 2000 – Lindsey Harrison Rhodes College 2000 – Kristin Papp Trinity University 1996 – Jamie Martin Houston Baptist University 1991 – Ashae Palmer Southern Nazarene Univ.
WRESTLING
2001 – Brandon Snyder Colorado School of Mines 1996 – Matt Dixon Pensacola Christian College ADDITIONAL (non–SBS sport) 2011 – Victoria DeBerry* Ithaca Crew
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SBS A L UM N I I N AT H L E T I C S C LA SS O F 1 9 9 9
Daniel Young
Daniel Young (’99) graduated from Howard Payne University with a degree in exercise sport science, specializing in athletic training. He went on to earn a master’s of athletic training from Texas Tech University Health and Sciences Center. Currently, he is the assistant athletic trainer for Taylor High School in Katy ISD, and has been recognized with the Greater Houston Athletic Trainers’ Society Bobby Gunn Award. At SBS, Young developed a passion for sports rehabilitation. He says, “Coach Hall helped me find my calling in junior high, and many of my favorite SBS memories Daniel’s advice to SBS students: “In the midst of having fun, involve learning rehabilitation techniques from Brad try to learn and find out what you’re good at and what you Cooper.” want to become. Do what makes you happy and allows you to serve God, instead of concentrating on what will make you the most money.”
C LA S S O F 2 0 1 0
Becca Dixon
Becca Dixon graduated with the SBS Class of 2010 and finished her studies at Baylor University. She is currently a coach for Beachbody, Inc., as well as a fitness instructor at a couple gyms in Waco. “Beachbody, Inc. brings workouts to people’s homes through DVDs. As a coach, I start ‘challenge groups’ with people all across the US who want to live healthy and active lives but want to workout from their house.” explained Dixon. In addition, she has started a business initiative in Waco ISD called “Fit to Teach.” “The idea behind ‘Fit to Teach’ is similar to the Biggest Loser, but for teachers. The teacher who loses the biggest percentage of his or her starting weight will earn the cash grand prize. Teachers so many times give and give and forget to take time to take care of themselves. As teachers, if we don’t care for ourselves, we can’t serve the kids’ needs because we will not have the health, energy or patience. So, I started this at the school where I am currently student teaching. I hope to take it across all of Waco ISD next semester and to any other school district interested! I want all teachers to become ‘Fit to Teach!’” said Dixon. While at SBS, Dixon’s favorite memories were always participating in the musicals. “I loved how the musicals brought so many people together and formed new friendships that never would have existed before! SBS musicals are so unique because you have your starting football line taking off their cleats and starring as leads. The sleepless week at the Hobby Center was absolutely draining, but I will never forget the memories that I made!” said Becca.
C LA SS OF 1999
Beth Trahan
Beth Trahan (’99) graduated from The University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in communications. For nine years, she planned meetings and conventions with Hilton Hotels in Austin and San Diego, and was nominated as the Austin Hotel and Lodging Association Person of the Year in 2008. She is now the membership director at TopGolf Austin. About SBS, she says, “I am most thankful for the family environment that SBS provided. I am also incredibly grateful for the Christian foundation that it represents and the lifelong friendships that spawned from my time there.”
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Eagle – Alumni Edition
W HERE A RE THEY NOW C LA SS O F 1 9 8 9
Jill Lindsey McKay
Jill Lindsey McKay graduated with the SBS Class of 1989 and continued her studies at Baylor University, where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and entrepreneurship. Today, McKay is the sports and development director for CrossTrain based in San Antonio (www.crosstrainsports.org), where she manages all communications, marketing and fundraising efforts. Operating under the umbrella of Crosstrain Sports, CrossTrain Junior Tennis Academy is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that seeks to make a difference in the lives of area youth through faith-based sports programs. “We currently serve students ages 4-18 with tennis programs designed to equip students with solid skills on the court, while also teaching foundational biblical principles such as integrity, commitment, sportsmanship, teamwork, loyalty and perseverance. “More than 350 students have participated in CrossTrain programs since its inception. “CrossTrain’s mentor-coaching style and coaching philosophy are unique in today’s climate of competitive sports, where the end-goal is winning. We train our students to do their very best; however, a win on the court is just part of the story. “Our hearts’ desire is for our students to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and then to walk in His stead. We want our students to use their lives to declare to the world the glory of their great King. We teach the value of integrity, commitment and perseverance not because they are admirable qualities, but because they embody the character of Jesus. We want our students to display the character of Christ in the way they live – not just on the court, but in everything they do. As the apostle Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 9:25, we teach our students to compete for a reward that lasts forever. To date, 45 CrossTrain students have trusted Christ as their Savior. It is a great privilege to disciple and mentor these students and be a part of the work He is doing in their lives,” said McKay. In addition to Christ-centered training on the court, students have the opportunity to participate in Bible studies, leadership programs, community service projects and semi-annual retreats. During the summer camp season, CrossTrain Sports offers “Center Court” every day – a time for students to study the Bible together, share their stories and pray for one another. “Now that our family is invested in the lives of students through CrossTrain, I have a much greater appreciation for the teachers I had as a student at SBS. I transferred to SBS as a sophomore – in the middle of the year – and I just remember how kind the teachers were. They were so willing to help make it an easy transition for me. They were all great teachers from an academic standpoint, but their interest in the well-being of students and their kindness was nothing short of overwhelming. I specifically remember my very first class that year and my very first SBS teacher: Carol Ware. What a blessing to be her student! I’ll always be grateful for her warm heart, which made me feel welcome both in her classroom and at SBS,” said McKay.
C LA SS OF 2004
Alex Monzon
Alex Monzon graduated with the SBS Class of 2004 and continued his studies at the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with a degree in construction management. He was also a member of the OU track & field team and football team from 2004-2005. Today, Monzon works in project controls with Jacobs Engineering/Dow Chemical Co., but on the side he is a fitness coach at CrossFit 1525 in Houston, Texas.
C LA SS OF 2006
John Simmons
John Simmons graduated with the SBS Class of 2006 and went on to study at Baylor University. Today, Simmons is the general manager and fitness coach at CrossFit 1525 in Houston, Texas. He is also involved with CrossFit Kids.
Kelly Clanton Holton ’98 Online Fitness Coach
Mary Kelley Zeleskey ’09
Kelsey Noble ’10
Fitness Instructor Family Life Center, Second Baptist Church
Lakota Rafting Guides, Vail, CO
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SBS A L UM N I I N AT H L E T I C S
Alumni in Professional Athletics C LA S S O F 2 0 0 2
Glenn January Glenn January is a 2002 graduate of SBS. He was a member of both the varsity football and varsity basketball teams in high school and played to win the state championship in both sports. After high school, January received a full football scholarship to play offensive lineman for Texas Tech University. Today, January plays offensive tackle for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. January won his first nod as a CFL East Division All-Star during the 2011 Winnipeg Blue Bomber season.
C LA SS O F 2 0 0 5
Aaron Thompson Aaron Thompson is a 2005 graduate of SBS. He was a key member of the varsity baseball team all four years of high school and was named the TAPPS Male Athlete of the Year in 2005. After signing a letter of intent with Texas A&M University, he was then chosen as the number 22 draft pick (first round) by the Florida Marlins. Among his many accolades, Thompson was named the “#1 Texas High School Baseball Prospect” in 2005, the “#1 Left Handed Pitcher Prospect in the Nation” by Student Sports Magazine, the Greater Houston 2005 “Pitcher of the Year” by the Houston Chronicle and the list goes on and on. August 2012, Thompson made his major league debut with Pittsburgh, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings with four hits Aaron’s advice to SBS students: “Don’t get too wrapped up in what goes on in high school. allowed, two walks and one strikeout. There is a huge world outside of Second Baptist Thompson is currently playing with the and high school. Go find your place in it.” Minnesota Twins. While at SBS, “I enjoyed the friendships and connections that I made, not only with students but teachers and staff as well. It’s a rare school experience when after you finish school you can honestly call your former authority figures ‘friends,’” says Thompson.
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
Interview with Ross Seaton Seaton was drafted by the Houston Astros in the third round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft.
I hear your anniversary is coming up. You were married in the chapel, right? “Yes. Coach Calhoun actually presided over the ceremony. My wife Katherine and I will be married for two years in December.” That’s really exciting. Any words of wisdom you would like to pass on? “Haha! I’m not an expert yet! From my two short years of marriage I would pass on the advice to marry someone who loves the Lord and puts their relationship with Him first. When you are dating, guard your heart and guard theirs. Don’t put yourself in situations that might lead to temptation. Aim to be selfless. When you put your spouse’s needs above your own, you will be amazed at how well your marriage works. I think I’ll stop there and leave the rest for a couple that’s been married a little longer.”
Ross Seaton graduated from Second Baptist School in 2008 as both valedictorian and student body president. Five years later, we catch up with him and discuss his life, baseball, and his relationship with Christ. So you were drafted by the Astros after high school and are currently playing in the Minor League System. Tell us about last season. “Last season I split time between AAA Oklahoma City and AA Corpus Christi. It was a tumultuous year. I started in Corpus and was called up to OKC only a few days after the season started. In the middle of the season, I was sent back down to Corpus and taken off of the 40 man roster after having a few rough starts. Then toward the end of the season, they pulled me back up to OKC. It was not the season I was hoping to have and I didn’t end up where I hoped I would be (in the majors). I did learn a lot about myself and about my purpose here.” What is your purpose? “To love and lead people to Christ. When things don’t go as we expect them to, it’s important for us to remember that we are here for an eternal purpose and that purpose comes before anything else. As much as I was doing my part to excel and get where I wanted to be this past season, God wanted me somewhere else for His purpose. I love baseball, and God uses me through baseball to encounter those that are lost and share the truth. I focus on Proverbs 16:9, which says, ‘A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.’”
I hear you are a stickler when it comes to texting and driving? “Oh yeah. When I was playing in high A in California, it was against the law so I stopped doing it all together. When I moved up to AA in Corpus, it was allowed. I tried it once and was astonished at how much of my focus went from driving to texting. My sister-in-law got hit by a car when she was cycling two years ago. The person was texting and driving and ran through a stop sign. She had to have a few surgeries on her leg. It’s really not a good thing. You can make the excuse of knowing where the keys are without looking, but even if you don’t have to look down, it’s still a huge distraction. I am a huge advocate of Bluetooth.” What else have you been up to this offseason? “I’m taking some college courses through Liberty University. Working on my ’73 Chevy pickup that Katherine bought me. Oh! We got a puppy!” What kind of dog and I hear there is a story behind his name? “Hahaha! We got a Goldendoodle. And yes…his name is Thor. We love the Avengers and I thought Thor would be a pretty cool name for a kid. Katherine decided we would go ahead and name the dog Thor to spare our kids. I don’t know though... I still think it would be a great name for our future son!” Ross is teaching private pitching lessons this offseason. To contact him about a lesson, call (832) 713-8161 or email rseaton@live.com
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BUSINESS
Tom’s advice to SBS students: “The people you meet and the friendships you have the opportunity to build at SBS are really valuable. And it’s easy to not realize that until much later. Also, Bible class is fine and good, but pay attention to your friends who actually walk with the Lord. For me, those friends served as important examples when I began to wonder if God is real and how I should live. The education I received is immensely valuable to me, but it’s the friends and relationships I still have from my years at SBS that mean the most.”
CLASS OF 1996
Tom Browning Tom Browning, SBS Class of 1996, graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with bachelor’s degrees in English and communications before earning his master’s in public affairs and Ph.D. in public affairs at UT Dallas. Currently, he sits as the co-founder and chief operating officer of Foot Cardigan, an online subscription sock company that sends customers a delightfully unusual pair of socks every month. As COO, Browning has his finger in just about every pie there relating to the business operations. A few months ago Foot Cardigan donated many socks to unofficially “sponsor” the George W. Bush Presidential
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Center’s celebration of George H.W. Bush’s 89th birthday. That afternoon they put a picture on their website with all the Bush Presidential Center employees wearing socks from his company. Since then, Browning and his associates have been sending socks to the elder President Bush, and Mrs. Bush was kind enough to reply to a letter they sent her. Browning notes, “Seeing so many different people from all walks of life enjoying our socks is a lot of fun.” Outside of work, Browning is involved in various things at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas. Looking back over his time at SBS,
Browning says, “As a teacher, Rebecca Larkin stands out. Aside from challenging me to work hard in English class and on the academic team, she showed me considerable grace and kindness when I really needed it. I’m lucky to count her as a friend to this day.” A Lifer at Second Baptist School, Browning fondly remembers Field Day and Jog-a-Thon from his Lower School years. Also, doing service projects with Key Club, watching basketball games with the 6th Man and writing the MusiLetter and Tyranny Weekly are among his favorite memories and activities from his time at the School.
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS O F 1989
Trey Beck Trey Beck graduated from SBS in 1989 as co-valedictorian of his class. He continued his studies at the University of Virginia, where he graduated with a dual degree in history and Russian studies, and he also completed coursework in Russian language at Middlebury College’s renowned total immersion program. In 1993, Beck joined the D. E. Shaw group, a New York-based firm that is among the longest-established alternative investment firms and widely regarded as a pioneer in quantitative finance. Beck is a managing director of the firm, with oversight responsibility for the D. E. Shaw group’s investor relations and external affairs efforts, and he participates in the development of the firm’s overall business strategy. Outside of work, he is active in various education policy initiatives, including serving as the chair of the board of Turnaround for Children, a non-profit organization working to transform public education in high poverty schools. When asked to share what he enjoyed about SBS, Beck said, “I was first meaningfully exposed to philosophy in Dale Angstadt’s class when I was a junior. It was pretty mind-blowing to come in contact with Platonic thought, or the work of Hegel and Kant. I’d always loved ‘conventional’ high school subjects like English or history, but this was the first time I’d ever truly contemplated different systems of logic Trey’s advice to SBS students: “Don’t go to college to learn a craft. Go to be stimulated, to or the genius with which read books you want to read, to hear lectures from faculty you’d most want to have dinner early thinkers wrestled with. Most of us will never have another relatively unconstrained four-year opportunity to with the mysteries of the pursue whatever fascinates you, regardless of its perceived practicality. If your interest is natural world around piqued by a course on, say, vampires, go for it. (I did at UVA, and loved it.) Formal preparathem.” tion for a career can happen after college, whether in grad school or on the job.”
CLASS O F 1998
Patrick Hotze Patrick Hotze is a 1998 graduate of Second Baptist School. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Texas at Austin and his Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law. Today, Hotze is a partner at Hotze Runkle, PLLC and co-founder of Paris Texas Apparel Co. When asked to share highlights about his career in law and business, Hotze said, “As a lawyer, really every time I’ve been able to help one of my clients get a fair shake after they’ve been taken advantage of, that is a good day. As founder of Paris Texas Apparel Co, every time I run into a person who is wearing one of our ties I am still surprised – pretty rewarding!” “Undoubtedly, my greatest memories were playing football for Second Baptist. Athletics gave me friends that will last a lifetime. Also, I think I speak for everyone who played during that time, that we were lucky to be playing with an athlete like Dos Crow – he was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of player,” added Hotze.
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CLASS O F 1999
Julie Yau-Yee Tam Julie Yau-Yee Tam, from the Class of 1999, sits currently as a partner and agent at Lyn Realty, as well as the founder, president and chief editor at TheApplicationMasters.com. In her spare time, she enjoys classical singing, ballet and world travel. She is the communications committee chair of the Association of Rice Alumni Board of Directors and an active member of Rice University Center for Career Development Board, Rice Young Alumni Ambassadors, Houston Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors. She says of her professional life, “I spent ten years as a TV news anchor/ reporter around the country, appearing on local and national television as well as radio and print, including NBC/MSNBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, The Weather Channel, CourtTV (now truTV), and XM satellite radio. I was honored to interview people like Hillary Clinton, Troy Aikman, and Governor Rick Perry. I left the TV news business in early 2012 to join my mother’s company and have been interviewed by the media about my businesses.” She earned a degree in economics from Rice University and professionally has earned an Emmy nomination for TV sports reporting; several Society of Professional Journalists awards for investigative, sports, and minority and Julie’s advice to SBS students: “No amount of money, women’s affairs reporting; and the Asian American Journalists Association’s power, fame, success, or beauty can bring you peace. Put Member of the Year award (2012). Christ first, and everything else in your life will fall into During her time at SBS, starting in the seventh grade, she recalls her place or at least give you the right perspective.” favorite teacher to be Señor Victery and her favorite activities to be choir and competing in singing competitions, as well as serving as an officer of Spanish club for three years. She recalls her favorite memory, “This sounds so nerdy, but it was winning the TAPPS state spelling competition three years! I studied so hard for it, so it was rewarding.” “I am so thankful for a well-rounded Christian education that helped me uphold strong morals in a clean, safe environment,” says Yau-Yee Tam.
CLASS O F 1995
Luisa Mauro Luisa Mauro, Class of 1995, attended The University of Texas where she graduated with a degree in marketing. She is currently the owner of Marathon Real Estate. “I was honored in 2011 by the Austin Business Journal as one of the Top Six Realtors in Austin, have been awarded the Platinum Top 50 Award in 2011 and 2012, and Texas Monthly recognized me as one of the top five percent of realtors in Central Texas in 2011, 2012 and 2013,” adds Mauro. Outside of work she finds the time for reading, traveling and preparing for her 18th marathon. Additionally, she is on the boards of the Center for Child Protection, Accelerator, Chaine des Rotisseurs and is the grants vice president for the Austin Junior Forum. She is also involved with the Entrepreneurs Organization, an Italian organization named Amici, and Inherit Austin. While at SBS she loved attending the school sporting events and is grateful for the support and wonderful friendships she made. She says of her time Luisa’s advice to SBS students: “Cherish the friends and relationships you have while in school; many of here, “the education at SBS them will last a lifetime bringing you constant strength, prepared me for college; my support, love and laughs.” transition to UT classes from SBS was easy.”
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW C LASS O F 1999
Will Bradley Will Bradley, from the Class of 1999, attended the University of Mississippi where he double majored in finance and real estate. He is currently a broker at Read King Commercial Estate. He says of his professional life, “Our company is active in developing grocery store anchored projects in Houston, and I focus on leasing with SBS alum Brooks Shanklin. We are currently focused on a new Whole Foods we are building in northwest Houston, opening this spring. I am also working on the disposition of 125 acres of commercial land at Bella Terra in Katy, Texas for SBS alum Abdul Barazi (Ryko Development).” Additionally, Bradley shares, ”I also am co-founder of an electronics company called Turtlebox Audio, alongside SBS alums Jonathan McKenzie and Reagan Fincher.” Bradley remains very involved with Second Baptist, teaching a singles Bible study class on Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. called Allasso, that meets in Woodway Village and is directed by SBS alum Russell Dixon.
CLASS O F 2000
Logan Lee
Logan Lee, Class of 2000, is the current vice president of investments at Moody National Companies. As a result of his efforts, the company has syndicated approximately $1.4 billion of real estate investment products. Lee holds a degree in business administration from Baylor University, and currently holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 79 licenses. He resides in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Kara, his daughter, Lydia, and his son, Levi, and is an active volunteer in the high school ministry of his local church. He and his wife serve on the regional board of Hope International, a faith-based non-profit orgaLogan’s advice to SBS students: “You may desire to break free of some of the perceived intensity that comes nization focused on alleviating global from teachers, coaches, and parents who care about you, poverty through microfinance. but try to learn from them while you have them. You Of his teachers at SBS, he shares, won’t regret it I assure you.” “I enjoyed them all. Most impressionable to me were Ted Tredennick, Johnny Griffith (“G”), Mrs. Clapper (of course), and Simo. I loved anything involving Coach Hutson. He was epic! Winning state senior year in football was pretty special.”
C LASS O F 1999
Jacob Saour From the Class of 1999, Jacob Saour is the current associate director at Cushman & Wakefield of Texas. Saour attended The University of Texas where he earned a degree in English before earning his master’s in real estate from Texas A&M University, where he was the president of the Masters of Real Estate Student Association. Additionally he is an organizer for Cornerstone Family Ministries annual banquet, member of Urban Land Institute and a Certified Commercial Investment Member. “One class that stands out is Brett Jacobsen’s AP history class. I am eternally grateful to all the wonderful teachers there, and for being prepared for life ethically, spiritually, and intellectually,” says Saour. “I fondly remember singing Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ on the bus ride home Jacob’s advice to SBS students: “Persistence, humility, after every football win senior year (back then we and the ability to listen are among the qualities of most every successful person I observe. Also, always rememplayed home games in the Reggie Grob gridiron ber to enjoy the ride. It’s a blessing!” in Spring Branch),” he adds. January 2014
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Golden Thread. I am so passionate about accessories and all things regal, feminine and timeless. As a mother and a wife, I relate so much to women’s desires to feel effortlessly beautiful in their day-to-day lives. I’m inspired to design for these women. I love creating a relevant, fresh and current look that stays timeless and classic for everyday wear. I absolutely love what I do and am so blessed to get to accessorize stylish woman for there ‘everyday’ lives!” Golden Thread has been featured on NBC’s TODAY show as well as the pages of top fashion publications including InStyle, PeopleStyle Watch and Redbook magazines. Golden Thread has also quickly emerged as a celebrity favorite of Pippa Middleton and other industry notables. As the brand continues to expand it maintains the regal femininity and timeless elegance that epitomize the beautiful collections.
Jennifer’s advice: “If I could share any advice with a current SBS student, I would say to appreciate and value this time at Second, this is an honor and blessing to be at SBS and to be an Eagle, invest in your time here, make the most of it and have fun; there’s no other place like it! The people, staff and faculty are unmatched.”
CLASS OF 2001
Jennifer McKenzie Welker From the Class of 2001, Jennifer McKenzie Welker now owns and operates a luxe line of customizable jewelry hand-made in the USA. Welker founded Golden Thread in 2010 to redefine classic monogrammed jewelry, with a focus on quality, innovation, sophistication and affordable style. As a mother and former neonatal nurse, Jennifer personally designs and customizes each handmade piece in her Houston studio with the everyday woman in mind. Welker graduated from The University 38
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of Texas after having spent her time there earning a degree in nursing and participating in cheerleading, Pi Beta Phi and many other spirit organizations. She shares of her professional experience, “A lot of people may not know, but I’m a nurse by degree and I worked in the neonatal ICU for years before I was bursting at the seams to unleash my creativity. I left my career in nursing in 2010 to pursue my lifelong passion for accessories with the launch of my brand,
Welker spends her spare time with her husband, Ellis, and their two children, McKenzie and Noah. She also involves herself with Yellowstone Academy, Hope International, The Seed Company, On Every Word, Young Life and ALS Association. “I’m so thankful to Second Baptist for the incredible Christian education; the community of support and for creating an environment that was like a family for me! I took this for granted while at SBS, but as I get older I really treasure and savor the incredible impact Second Baptist had on my life. The older I get, the more and more thankful I become for my time at SBS. Ellis and I hope to be able to send our children to Second one day. As a parent, you pray for a place like this for your own kids.”
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CL A S S OF 19 9 7
Mark Meinhart
Mark’s advice to SBS students: “Enjoy every second in SBS. Don’t be in a rush to leave, you will be an adult soon enough and won’t believe you ever wanted to graduate.”
Mark Meinhart, Class of 1997, is a direct commercial writer for Federated Insurance, responsible for the northwest Arkansas region, specializing in large commercial accounts, group health and life insurance. He earned his undergraduate degree in business management from Olivet University before earning his master’s in education from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Meinhart coached Division 1 college baseball for two years before starting a family. He is married to Kasey McDowell, and they have a daughter and son, Lillie Grace and Miles. Outside of work, Meinhart stays busy coaching his children’s sports teams and staying involved in the local church. “My favorite teacher was Mrs. Becky Larkin; she always went the extra mile, was supportive and liked James Bond. Additionally, I loved playing sports for various coaches like Jeff Schroeder who helped make me the man I am today,” shares Meinhart. “My favorite memory is the love and support I received from the staff from top to bottom. I will always be thankful for the Biblical foundation that has carried me through my college and adult years,” he says.
CLASS O F 1985
Jeff Yates
From the Class of 1985, Jeff Yates is the president of Mad-Mag Development, LLC, named after his daughters Madison and Maggie. He attended Baylor University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and entrepreneurship. Yates shares about his inspiration for the company, “My grandparents were my heroes and I watched what happened to them when they aged, and decided that I wanted to create a better environment for seniors to live in. Our company develops senior housing, and our first project in McKinney, Texas will break ground late this year. It’s Jeff’s advice to SBS students: “Enjoy the moment. Life as a grown my heart’s passion up isn’t always fun, cherish the time you have as a kid! And, looking to give lots of folks back, dive in to hiding God’s Word in your heart. As I look back on the opportunity to life, the things I wish I could change were the times I wasn’t living in age in a vibrant, supHis Word. Form the habit early, and never let go of it!!” portive atmosphere where they can thrive in life as they age.” Of his time at SBS, Yates says, “There are too many teachers to list as favorite, because they were like my family. I was there most of my childhood. Of course, I would say my mom, Mrs. Yates, was my favorite staff member (not on the days I got sent to her office, but the rest of the time!) But to list others I would leave someone out, because they were all part of my life growing up.” “My favorite part of SBS was the experience. I’ve shared it hundreds of times, the privilege of having a Christian education in a school like SBS. It’s why our kids attend a similar school in McKinney now. I wouldn’t trade it for the world!” says Yates.
CL A S S OF 19 9 8
Gil R. Hernandez, Jr.
Gil’s advice to SBS students: “Don’t sell yourself short – enjoy your SBS Gil R. Hernandez, Jr., from the Class of 1998 is a sales representative for PufferSweiven LO, where he experience because, before you know achieved sales goals on an annual basis for the last five fiscal years and where he participates in educait, graduation day will appear.” tion services to update customers on the current products. He spends his spare time dove hunting, playing tennis and enjoying his family. Additionally he is a member of the Industrial Distribution Society and Society of Hispanic Professionals. “I loved history and sports (varsity football was my favorite high school activity), and so did Mr. Jacobsen. We had great conversations on both topics. He is one of my favorite teachers,” says Hernandez. “Looking back, I am most appreciative of the faculty and student body helping me cope with my mother’s death when I was a freshmen. I will forever be grateful for the love and care they provided to me in that difficult time,” he adds.
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CLASS OF 2006
Andyshea Saberioon & Ricky Johnson
Saberioon’s advice to SBS students: “Do not get on Jerry Towne’s bad side and show up sick for Mrs. Sisk’s Puritan test.” Johnson’s advice to SBS students: “As much of a pain as it is, learn JER! It will help you tremendously in college and the real world.” 40
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PledgeCents, founded by president Andyshea Saberioon ’06 and vice president and chief financial officer Ricky Johnson ’06, exists to help schools all around the world combat one of the biggest issues plaguing the education system: lack of funding. After earning his undergraduate degree in business administration from Rhodes College where he played basketball for four years, Saberioon moved back to his hometown Houston and earned his master’s in hotel and restaurant management at the University of Houston. Johnson attended and graduated from The University of Texas where he studied finance, Spanish and accounting. “I am in the most fulfilling role that I could ask to be in at my current stage of life. I have started a business with my best friend that is solving a social problem, lack of funding in schools. We get to work one-on-one with teachers and students from around the country to help provide better educational opportunities for them. Couldn’t ask for a better opportunity!” Johnson adds, “I went straight into banking out of school, but always wanted to use what God has given me to make a difference in a bigger way. Luckily, I had a best friend who shared that goal and have since taken the leap of faith together. We have already been able to make an impact in several schools after launching in April 2013 and plan to continuing finding ways to better help schools provide the type of education we were blessed to receive.” Saberioon remembers many people and experiences at SBS, “I had a lot of favorite teachers – Mrs. Luce, Mrs. Dixon, Ms. Simonton, Mrs. Cook, Mrs. Visage, Mrs. Sisk, Mrs. Earnest. But overall my favorite teacher would probably be Mrs. Dixon. Mrs. Dixon was very helpful and was able to relate JER to basketball so I would be able to associate with it better. Anyone who helps me get the gold in English is on my good side!” “Everyone was very welcoming to me at SBS. The teachers were supportive and put up with my antics, and my peers are my close friends to this day. Overall, I’m thankful for the relationships I have been able to grow and keep to this day,” Saberioon says. Johnson says, “You really feel like each of the teachers and administrators care about your success and you as a person at SBS. I took that for granted, but know now how truly valuable and rare that is. My favorite teacher was the wonderful Mitzi Sisk, which is self-explanatory for those who know Mrs. Sisk. English has never been a favorite subject of mine, but Mrs. Sisk made it bearable and even fun (at times). What I learned in her class has paid off it a big way and I have her to thank for a lot of that.” Saberioon remembers his favorite time at SBS, “My favorite SBS memory is my senior year when we were trying to do our senior prank and all attempted to hide in a classroom overnight so we could do our prank in the middle of the night. Mr. Towne had different plans. Not only did he find us but he let us know that if we tried to do that again that we would get arrested. It was a very funny moment for all of us but probably not so much for Mr. Towne.”
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS O F 1995
Patrick J. Kim Patrick J. Kim graduated from SBS in 1995 where he was involved in Key Club and played football, and then he moved on to degrees in political science and economics from Columbia University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Patrick’s advice to SBS students: “You University. Currently, he sits as the are surrounded by some of the most chief executive officer of three amazing teachers and friends, so live family businesses in South Korea: your high school life to the fullest!” Spris, Pony Korea and Kumkang Shoe Company. His favorite memories from his working life include serving as financial advisor to some of Asia’s largest companies, serving as military officer for Korea’s military in cooperation with the U.S. Forces Korea, and working with Apple, Nike, Adidas and Gucci executives. Kim adds, “My favorite teachers at SBS were Mrs. Elsa Jean Looser because she gave me strength, wisdom, and love, and Mr. Philips because he gave me courage, opportunity, and discipline.” “SBS took a just-from-Korea ninth grade foreign student in the most caring and welcoming way, and educated him to understand the American way and values,” he says about his time at SBS.
C L AS S O F 2004
Jonathan McKenzie
Jonathan McKenzie, Class of 2004, is the current owner and founder of Gulf Coast Native. McKenzie says, “Gulf Coast Native is an exciting new company I’m starting that represents all things a southern leisurely outdoorsman would love. From hunting to fishing, cooking to camping, if it’s relaxing and fun, we represent it. We primarily produce handmade custom knives that cover a wide variety of form and function. But we also produce a few pieces of clothing and accessories that allow you to buy into the brand at a price much lower than what a custom knife cost. We are a lifestyle company and want our brand to be a part of your lifestyle.“ Additionally McKenzie is an owner and co-founder of Turtlebox. McKenzie says, “Turtlebox is going very well. We are in the process of contracting with a company that will put us on a trajectory to have Turtleboxes by the thousands within 8-12 months. We are Jonathan’s advice to SBS students: “Ask God everyday why very excited about this next phase of our company and can’t wait to see what he gave you life. He made you for a reason and gave you happens over the next year. In the meantime we have employed a short-term a specific set of skills that enable you to fulfill that reason. local company to fulfill our immediate demand. This company will produce a Seek to know your purpose in this world as best you can batch of around 100 Turtleboxes that will be available soon. before you get out into the real world and get swept up in a “At SBS, Bethany Bunch Hildebrand was my favorite teacher. We made life of rushing around and trying to keep up with the Jones’.“ things together. Her classes were hands on classes. I got to learn how stuff worked. Which has obviously translated into my life as a business owner of two consumer products companies. I like to make things!” says McKenzie. “I am so thankful for getting to learn about Jesus every day. Getting to make relationships that would last a lifetime. My four best friends are guys I grew up with at SBS. There aren’t many people that are 27 years old that can say they have friends they’ve known for 20 years, that’s valuable,” he adds.
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C L ASS O F 2001
Drew Jackson From the Class of 2001, Drew Jackson is the current project leader of strategic initiatives at Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc. He says, “HDL is a young, fast growing company and my group is the start-up within the start-up. Because we’re so young, I get to work across several interesting parts of our business: strategy, operations, business development, partnerships. I’m learning and getting new experience every day.” Jackson attended The University of Texas where he majored in business honors and finance and minored in music, and was awarded the business honors program Outstanding Student Award ‘05, before earning his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. “I am thankful for the opportunity to try many different things at SBS. Winning a state championship in football and basketball in the same academic year was a unique experience and my favorite memory of my school years,” says Jackson. Drew’s advice to SBS students: “Don’t worry about being cool. At your 10 year reunion, no one will care who was cool in high school. Focus on working hard, loving others, and trying new things.”
C L AS S O F 2000
Brent Norwood Brent Norwood, from the Class of 2000, is currently a program manager for John Deere, where he manages new product development programs in China, Brazil, Germany and the U.S. He attended Texas A&M University where he earned a degree in accounting and finance before earning his Master of Business Administration from Duke University. His favorite memories include school trips from his eighth grade and junior years and he is most thankful for the lifelong friends he made at SBS. His favorite teacher was Johnny Griffith, who made English class enjoyable for him for the first time.
CLASS O F 1998
Drew Daniels After graduating with the SBS Class of 1998, Drew Daniels continued his studies at Texas A&M University College of Engineering where he received a Bachelor of Science in computer science, along with a business minor. Today, he is the owner of Creative Element, a graphic design and web design firm, which he started in 2010. (www.creative-element. com) He is also the co-founder of Jason’s House (www.jasonshouse.com), a tech start-up in the online real estate marketplace.
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS OF 1997
Ricky Wood Ricky Wood, Class of 1997, is the president of Faulkner BMW, Chevrolet and Collision Center. “We currently have 120 employees and 120 million in annual revenue. We have won multiple awards at both locations from the manufacturer for top customer service. I am a member of the BMW National Dealer Forum, Product Sub-Committee. We act as the liaison between BMW North America and the 339 dealerships in the U.S. I also received an award from a national publication, Automotive News, as a ‘Top 40 under 40’ in the U.S.,” shares Wood. Wood attended Texas A&M University where he was a head yell leader. After graduating with a degree in theater arts, he attended Villanova University to earn his Master of Business Administration. Currently he spends his spare time doing P90X, taking walks with his two daughters, Henley and Evie, and running as a candidate for Manheim Township School Board. Additionally, he is a member of the PRiMA Theatre Board, Music for Everyone, and American Cancer Society. Wood shares one of his favorite memories, “Senior year, one of our pranks was that we had been ‘borrowing’ these blue wooden hall passes since we were freshmen; I believe we had amassed over 50 of them. During the last chapel of the year we ‘gave them back.’ It was priceless.” He considers Becky Larkin and Ruth Beery as his favorite teachers, and his favorite activities were football and the spring musicals. “SBS gave me the freedom to be involved with anything I wanted: four sports, the musical, student government, Key Club, yearbook; most high schools do not allow that type of broad participation. I would not be the adult and father I am without those experiences,” shares Wood.
Ricky’s advice to SBS students: “Don’t let the expectations set by others dictate what you believe to be possible in this life. No one sets limits on your life but the choices you make – live life to the fullest and make each day count. Be the change agent you seek – don’t wait for someone else to provide the spark.”
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C LAS S O F 2001
Julie Danvers
Julie Danvers, Class of 2001, is a manager of investor relations at Ultra Petroleum Corp. A highlight from her current position is responding to the often-unpredictable movements in the equity market while trying to communicate our company’s strategy and key messages to the investment community in a transparent manner against a backdrop of a cyclical commodity business. Danvers attended Baylor University where she earned her degree in finance and entrepreneurship while acting as the Kappa Kappa Gamma president, receiving a Provost Scholarship, and maintaining a position on the dean’s list. Currently she is involved in the Junior League of Houston, Inc., Kappa Kappa Gamma Houston Alumnae Association, National Investor Relations Institute, Independent Petroleum Association of America, and Young Professionals in Energy. “I had many wonderful teachers, but Simo is a favorite. I was fortunate to have her as a Bible teacher for two years as well as my small group leader. Through her gift of storytelling, she taught us about the Bible and God’s love for us in such a unique manner. She is an incredible teacher because of how present her love of God, students and teaching is every day in her life,” says Danvers. “I am most thankful for the lasting friendships I made during my twelve years at SBS. It is a blessing sharing life’s inevitable ups and downs with friends I grew up with and leaning on each other for support, encouragement, and prayer. I am thankful to my parents for desiring a Christian education for my siblings and me and affording us the opportunity to attend SBS,” shares Danvers.
CLASS O F 2003
Amy Danvers Johnson
Amy Danvers Johnson, Class of 2003, is currently a recruiter at Deloitte where she travels to different colleges and universities hiring students for internships or entry-level careers in accounting. “It is an exciting career to help someone find their first job out of college!” shares Johnson. Currently she occupies her free time with the Junior League of Houston, Young Life, and Kappa Kappa Gamma. “My favorite teacher is Mrs. Linder from second grade. She had such a passion and enthusiasm for her students and teaching. I am very thankful for the nurturing environment and constant support provided by the faculty and administration. I learned skills that equipped me for college, which have helped me be successful today. I was incredibly blessed to attend for 12 years!” she adds.
C LAS S O F 2001
Rory Brewton Bellow
Rory’s advice to SBS students: Rory Brewton Bellow, Class of 2001, currently leads recruitment “Enjoy every minute! You won’t fully realize what a wonderful place for Axiom’s U.S. operations. Before working there, Bellow earned you’re in until after you’ve left.” a degree in journalism and English literature from the University of Georgia and a law degree from Baylor School of Law. “In my current position I have the opportunity to interface with attorneys in numerous fields of law and geographies. My primary job function revolves around the recruitment of attorneys and legal support into Axiom for use in our various lines of business. In my line of work, no two days are the same. Things are constantly moving and changing and that keeps my job quite exciting! Additionally, I have the privilege of helping people make major career decisions and that can be extremely rewarding,” says Bellow. In her spare time, Bellow volunteers at Yellowstone Academy, rides in the MS150 bike ride annually, and remains an active member of the Chi Omega Alumni Association. “I loved Mrs. Sisk, who I had both my freshman and sophomore years,” she says of her favorite teacher at SBS. “Looking back, I am unequivocally grateful for the friends I made while at Second Baptist. I met most of my SBS friends in Lower or Middle School, and we are still very close friends today,” adds Bellow. 44
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
C LASS O F 1999
Jonathan Wilson From the Class of 1999, Jonathan Wilson is an offshore landman for Castex Energy Inc., where he is in charge of offshore leasing and contract negotiations and also heavily involved in acquisitions and divestitures. Additionally, he is the president of Generation Heroes, a young professionals organization that holds fundraising events to raise money for Heroes for Children, which provides social and financial assistance to families with children battling cancer. He also is involved with the American Association of Petroleum Jonathan’s advice to SBS students: Landmen and Young Professionals in Energy. “Embrace all of who you are. Every part of Looking back, he says about SBS, “14 years you, and every experience that you have, after graduation, I still have an amazing group leads you towards who you will be. Do not be afraid or ashamed of the tribulations of friends from SBS that I see regularly. My best that you face. They are every bit as importfriends in the world are all ones that I made ant as the successes. God has a plan for from SBS. A lot of amazing times that I had with your life. Believe that, and the rest will fall fantastic friends are my greatest memories from into place.” my childhood: road trips with the baseball team, Friday night football games, off campus lunch, constant pranks and many more.” “My favorite teacher is Ted Tredennick, a great guy who taught me some of my favorite literature ever. The Great Gatsby is still my favorite book, and that is because of him,” says Wilson.
CLASS O F 2005
Katie Bernard Eisterhold Katie Bernard Eisterhold, from the Class of 2005, attended Texas A&M University where she majored in communications before taking her current position as land and production analyst for Dunn Exploration Company, LLC. “Being in land provides not only an opportunity for me to contribute to the overall success of my company, but also has given me a chance to see first-hand the rejuvenation of a small town in southern Louisiana where our wells are located. Knowing I’ve played even a small role in making life a little better for the residents of Abbeville, Louisiana, is a very rewarding feeling,” she says. “I will always remember Mr. John Tyler; I use the Katie’s advice to SBS students: “First, writing and critical thinking honor the Lord with your life. Second, skills he taught me daily,” believe that no task is beneath you. Third, shares Eisterhold. you will never know everything there is to “Looking back, I realize know in whatever profession you choose. that everyone on staff at Be teachable.” SBS had a servant’s heart— they could have financially benefited much more by working somewhere else. That has been a humbling realization—the SBS staff had the heart to serve so that I’d be well prepared for whatever I chose to do with my future. Without those people, I would not be where I am today,” she adds.
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SBS A L UM N I I N B US I N E S S
C L ASS O F 2003
Timothy LeVrier Timothy LeVrier, Class of 2003, is a business development manager at WG Mustang Engineering. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in business. Currently he is a member of The Society of Petroleum Engineers, American Petroleum Institute, American Association of Drilling Engineers, and International Association of Drilling Contractors. Outside of work, he keeps busy raising two-year-old triplets (“I don’t know how we have time for any other activities!” he adds), going to the zoo, fishing with his dad and brother, family outings/get-togethers, and supporting Aggie and Texan football. “Although she is not a teacher per se, Ms. Ware is my favorite staff Tim’s advice to SBS students: “Appreciate and take member at SBS. She was always advantage of all the opportunities that are presented to willing to assist whenever and you while you are attending and after you graduate from however she could. I did not attend SBS. Not every school has the facilities, caring and dedTexas A&M right out of SBS, I went icated teachers and staff, students, alumni network, and to UMHB for a year to play baseball, family feeling ours does. It is an amazing feeling to come back and experience the joy of the family atmosphere our Blinn, and then on to A&M. She was community provides.” always very responsive in sending my transcript from place to place. I felt very fortunate for having her on my team, she could have said she was busy with current students or not responded at all. Not every school has a person like Mrs. Ware, and I am very lucky SBS does,” says LeVrier. “Obviously my favorite SBS is memory is the day I met my wife. I can’t help but think it was fate, I was new at the school and since she was a cheerleader she got to pick a football player ‘spirit buddy’ to support throughout the season. I guess she wanted to be nice to the new kid and picked me. When she introduced herself to me I knew immediately that she was special. The rest is history!” he adds. “I am most thankful for the friendships that I have still to this day from my time at SBS. It is rare that high school friends stay close through college and on into their professional lives, but that is exactly what has happened with my group of friends from SBS. The really cool thing is that I know our friends are not the only group from SBS who are still close. I know of several other friends that have stayed in touch throughout the years and that is a really neat thing,” shares LeVrier.
CLASS O F 2006
Jack Adams
From the Class of 2006, Jack Adams is currently a petroleum landman at Adams Oil & Gas Properties, LLC. He attended The University of Texas and graduated with a degree in economics. “As a landman, I travel all over the state negotiating oil and gas leases. I spend a lot of time meeting with landowners from small towns who have worked hard all their lives with not much to show for it. Having worked in South Texas for the past three years, it has been a great experience to see the positive economic impact that the Eagleford Shale has had on a lot of very deserving people,” he shares. He currently is an active member of the American Association of Professional Landmen, San Antonio Association of Professional Landmen, Texas Exes and the Silver Spurs Alumni Association. In his spare time he loves to go bowhunting, wingshooting, and saltwater fishing. He fondly remembers Mrs. Mitzi Sisk and her dry sense of humor, as well as participating in football, Round Up and Field Day during his time at SBS. His favorite memory is beating Houston Christian for the football district champiJack’s advice to SBS students: “Take advantage of the discipline and structure that the administration seeks to onship his senior year. instill in you while you are at SBS, because having that “Looking back, I am most thankful for lifefoundation already established will give you an advanlong relationships formed and the availability tage when you get to college and the real world.” of the teachers and administration,” he shares.
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS O F 2005
Andrew Thrasher From the Class of 2005, Andrew Thrasher is an investment analyst at Financial Enhancement Group, a position he took after earning a degree in financial counseling and planning from Purdue University. “In my current role, I manage assets for individual families and several private companies; researching investments that are appropriate for our clients and mitigating risk within our portfolios,” he shares. “My first encounter with the stock market came while learning about economics at SBS, when our class was assigned to create mock investment accounts. If it was not for that assignment, I might not have discovered my passion of investing,” says Thrasher.
Andrew’s advice to SBS students: “You’ll create some of your best memories while at SBS, so don’t take yourself too seriously and keep an open mind when approached with new opportunities and experiences.”
CLASS O F 1998
Dallas Mabry
Dallas Mabry, Class of 1998, is the director of finance at Cameron International. “Cameron is an oil and gas services company that engineers and manufactures flow control equipment. Cameron works with drilling contractors, oil and gas producers, pipeline operators, refiners and other process owners to control, direct, adjust, process, measure and compress pressures and flows from oil and gas production. I am the head of finance and accounting for Cameron’s pressure control business unit in their drilling division. My business unit focuses on products like blow out preventers, drilling risers, manifolds, and control pods. My team is responsible for all of the financial forecasting, budgeting, and accounting processes across 50 different manufacturing plants and service locations worldwide,” shares Mabry of his profession. Prior to entering the workforce, Mabry attended Texas A&M University where he earned an undergraduate degree in management information systems and a master’s degree in finance. “I have been active in Brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts for almost ten years. I have a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu and competed professionally in MMA for several years. I no longer Dallas’ advice to SBS students: “Develop a plan for compete, but I do still stay active in the your career and more importantly, your life (spirisport and teach classes at Elite MMA here tual, personal, and professional). It doesn’t need to in Houston,” shares Mabry of how he keeps be perfect or remain static – you can change it as himself busy outside of the office. you learn and discover new things. The point is to have goals with strategic and intentional actions to achieve them.”
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SBS A L UM N I I N B US I N E S S
CLASS O F 2008
Ryan Camperchioli
Ryan Camperchioli, Class of 2008, is currently a sales executive at Yodle, Inc., a title he earned by performing in the top 20 percent of over 300 representatives at the company. He attended Concordia University where he majored in business administration with a focus on marketing. Currently he spends his spare time kayaking on Lake Austin and exploring the incredible activities in Austin, as well as remaining an active member of the Austin Young Chamber of Commerce. He says of picking a favorite teacher at SBS, “Oh, man that’s a tough one. Mrs. Kersey was like Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World for some of the members of my graduating class; I had her for English three years in a row in high school. Mrs. Linder in second grade was a good one, and then Mrs. Abney in Kindergarten I always remembered; I remember her sending me a letter when I graduated which seemed pretty thoughtful to me considering how many students she surely had over the years. There were a number of others I could mention here, but unfortunately I don’t have all day to write a memoir of all my fond SBS experiences, which I could easily do.” “Through my years at SBS, I developed a solid group of friends and people that I could rely on whenever I needed. Additionally, I will always be thankful for the emphasis the school made sure to put on developing our writing skills. When I got to college, I felt like I was—in some cases—years ahead of some of my peers in regards to their actual ability to compose written assignments in a concise and intelligent manner,” he says.
Ryan’s advice to SBS students: “If nothing else, value and never take for granted the high quality education that you are receiving at such young ages.”
C L AS S O F 1999
Alan Taghdisi A Lifer of SBS, Taghdisi is the president of Rama Development L.P., which is a commercial and residential real estate development and investment company. Additionally, he is the president of Oriental Rug Bazaar, a distributor and manufacturer of fine handmade rugs from all over the world. He graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in finance and economics. He is married to Anooshea Saberioon Taghdisi ‘02 and together they have a baby boy named Arya Ryan Taghdisi born August 30, 2013. “My favorite SBS teacher was Donna Sims. She helped me academically and always believed in my goals.”
CLASS O F 1994
Lucian Bukowski
Lucian Bukowski, from the Class of 1994, currently sits as the executive vice president at CBRE in Houston, Texas. In his professional years, he has earned 400 transactions totaling 7.6 million square feet, three lead/anchor tenant transactions resulting in 870,000 square feet of new Class A office construction, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) Deal of the Year award winner in 2007, NAIOP Office Broker of the Year finalist in 2012 and Houston Business Journal’s “Heavy Hitter” for multiple years. In his spare time, Bukowski involves himself with the advisory board at Yellowstone Academy, the Houston Safari Club and the Texas Bighorn Sheep Society, as well as hunting, fishing, snow and water skiing. He remembers his favorite teacher at SBS, “I loved Mrs. Elsa Jean Looser – she is still a friend to this day. She is a great example of faith, quiet strength, and unconditional love. I was difficult during my years at SBS, and she found a way to break through and become a friend.” A fun memory of SBS shared by Bukowski, “Several of my friends and I skipped out of school to go swimming at the Hendee’s house, and we got in a lot of trouble.” “I was well prepared for college. I was also given a foundation of faith. I was not a Christian during my time at SBS, but that foundation that was built during my time at SBS served me well when I was ready,” says Bukowski. 48
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW CLASS O F 1991
Aaron Condray
Aaron Condray, Class of 1991, currently resides in Paris, France, where he is the group senior vice president of Total Rewards at Sodexo. He has global responsibility for reshaping the compensation and benefits function to support the future direction of the organization. This includes a special focus on the management of international assignments and executive incentive plans. In addition, Condray serves on the Group HR Leadership Team, Group International Committee, and Education Market Champion Steering Committee for Sodexo. He speaks both French and Russian and has traveled to nearly 50 countries during his global career. Aaron is married and has one son Alexi. Aaron’s advice to SBS students: “Take your time growing up and figuring out what you want to do. While at SBS, he enjoyed Key Club and soccer. He Life is long so no need to hurry, just worry about is most thankful for the good friends he made during learning all you can and trying new things.” his time there and for Mrs. Elsa Jean Looser and her patience and flexibility.
CLASS O F 1997
Reagan O’Reilly Reagan O’Reilly, Class of 1997, is currently a first officer for United Airlines Boeing Reagan’s advice: “Enjoy your time at SBS 757/767. He graduated from Texas A&M because, whether you believe me or not, you will miss it once you graduate.” University in 2001 with a degree in marketing where he was a Ross Volunteer and an active member of the student senate. “My favorite teachers were D.C. Phillips and Rebecca Larkin for making learning fun and always pushing their students to learn more,” shares O’Reilly. Involved in football, track and Key Club in high school, O’Reilly fondly remembers playing for the state title in football for the first time in the history of the School. “I am most thankful that SBS prepared me for college not only academically, but also helped prepare me to defend my faith and share my faith with others,” he says.
C LAS S E S O F 1 9 9 7 AN D 1999
Jason & Justin Kates Jason Kates, Class of 1997, currently sits as the senior inside sales and accounting manager at Alloy Metals and Tubes International, Inc. “I work in a family business owned by my father, Curt Kates. I work with my brother, Justin Kates ’99, and our sister, Jordan Kates Bowling ‘04, has worked with us as well,” he shares. In his spare time, he hunts, and plays golf and intramural sports. Kates attended The University of Texas where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. “It’s hard to pick just one teacher, but I will say Jeannene Simonton has a special place in my heart. Simo naturally drew us into discussions about God’s Word and our lives. She took a subject that can sometimes be taken for granted by an SBS Jason’s advice to SBS students: “Appreciate and take student and made it meaningful, fun, interactive, applicable and personal,” he says of advantage of the scripture-learning, faith-strengthening, his favorite teacher. relationship-building, and Christ-glorifying opportunities that surround you while you study at SBS.” “I am most thankful that my education was undergirded with scriptural truths and imparted to me through Christian educators,” Jason says. January 2014
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SBS A L UM N I I N B US I N E S S
C LAS S O F 1 9 9 9
Jamie Weaver Jamie Weaver, Class of 1999, works for Baker Katz, LLC where he represents national and regional retailers and restaurants in their Houston real estate expansion. Previously, Weaver worked for TRT Holdings, Inc. and Cypress Equities, both in Dallas. He received his Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin.
CLASS O F 1997
Sarah Simmons Railey
Sarah Simmons Railey, Class of 1997, is the vice president of Moreland Properties, a local Austin boutique real estate company specializing in residential real estate. Before working there, she attended The University of Texas where she majored in sociology. At SBS, she enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball and participating in the musical. “SBS taught me how valuable long-term relationships are and how we have to take care of one another. It’s a great place to learn what the most important priorities are in life,” shares Railey.
Nemanja’s advice to SBS students: “Be yourself, be different, think outside of the box.” C LAS S O F 2 0 0 3
Nemanja Marinkovic
Nemanja Marinkovic, Class of 2003, left SBS to attend Endicott College, where he graduated with a degree in international business. Currently he is the international manager at General Magnaplate Corp. He says, “I have been working for this company since graduation and have had the role of growing the company globally which has been quite successful so far. I enjoy traveling worldwide.” “I am thankful to be a part of a very united group of friends and teachers that were supportive at any time. Cathy Patton was my favorite teacher because she was a phenomenal teacher, great friend, very professional and educated.” 50
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CLASS O F 2005
Scott Danvers
Scott Danvers, Class of 2005, is an analyst at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) in Houston. He works in the oil and gas corporate banking group where CIBC provides financing to oil and gas companies throughout the U.S. Danvers graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University in 2009.
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS O F 2007
C L AS S O F 2 0 0 6
Mallory Shary
Drake Dominy graduated SBS in 2006 and studied finance and real estate at Baylor University. Dominy currently works at ARA Houston as an investment sales analyst. “I am a financial analyst. We run valuations on properties that our clients are looking to sell, as well as prepare marketing packets that we send to investors in order to sell an apartment complex,” explained Dominy.
Mallory Shary graduated with the SBS Class of 2007. She continued her studies at The University of Texas at Austin. Mallory is currently employed with Cadence Banking at the Williams Tower as a treasury management sales banking officer.
Drake Dominy
CLASS O F 2008
Elizabeth Sekaly
C LAS S O F 1 9 9 9
Lauren Cohen Greaser
Lauren Cohen Greaser graduated SBS with the Class of 1999. She graduated summa cum laude from Baylor University with degrees in psychology and finance. Greaser is currently a wealth management advisor with Merrill Lynch. She is a certified financial planner and a certified retirement planning counselor. While at SBS, Greaser was a member of the volleyball team, as well as the cheerleading squad.
Elizabeth Sekaly graduated SBS as a Lifer in 2008 and studied at Texas A&M University. She is currently a commercial real estate appraiser with Integra Realty Resources. “I love that my career is not monotonous. Even if I am doing multiple reports on the same property type, every subject will be different. There is always a different facet to each subject that I appraise. The differences might make my job harder, but I enjoy having the learning curve. My career highlight thus far is exceeding my expectations when receiving my commission check for the first quarter that I was on commission,” said Sekaly. While at SBS, Sekaly enjoyed athletics. She played every sport in Middle School and volleyball and softball in Upper School. She also enjoyed being the yearbook editor her senior year. January 2014
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SBS A L UM N I I N B US I N E S S
CLASS O F 1994
Brian Oley
Brian’s advice: “The only thing more expensive than attending a solid educational institution such as SBS is to not attend one and otherwise settle for a conventional approach to education. Whether the dividends pay in opportunities immediately after graduation, in study habits or knowledge acquired through the curriculum, or in the lifelong friends you make, they do pay off in the end. Take your education very seriously, and, for those who were like me and procrastinate the understanding of the overall positive impact of making good grades, understand it’s never too late to improve study habits, sacrifice social endeavors for the benefit of GPA, capitalize on the personal approach the SBS staff and faculty provide, and realize that what you’re learning today DOES matter and WILL impact what you do in the long run.”
Brian Oley, a Lifer from the Class of 1994, is the chief financial officer at Memios Environmental Technologies. “My company is a thirteen-year-old environmental technology development company that has two primary technologies: pneumatic waste transportation (which uses high velocity air to move trash and can be found in places like MD Anderson) and renewable energy (waste to energy conversion). We are focused on strategic global markets where there are a lot of people and economies are trending upward, specifically throughout Asia Pacific with emphasis on India and China. As chief financial officer, my primary roles and responsibilities are to find funding partners to finance our existing projects and anticipated growth, to assess global risks associated with each and every deployment, to structure business models that can adapt to each of the global markets we analyze, and to create/manage cash flow models and budgeting forecasts to economically justify global business decisions,” he shares about his profession. He spends his time outside of the office with his wife, Jessica, and two children, Jude and Margaret, as well as participating as an active member of the Next Generation Committee of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Golden Retriever Rescue of Dallas/Ft. Worth and Japan American Society of Dallas/Ft. Worth. Additionally he is a city official for the city of Dallas, The Real Estate Council volunteer for the Research and Development Committee and a member of the city of Dallas’ Hispanic Heritage Committee. Oley earned his degree in marketing and Japanese from Texas Christian University before pursuing and earning an Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University and a master’s in international economics and policy from Southern Methodist University. Additionally, he was ranked number two in “35 Under 35” in Dallas for Black’s Guide. “I consider my favorite teacher to be Mrs. Becky Larkin, because she always made her content interesting and she possesses a highly unique ability to relate and truly appreciate each one of her students,” shares Oley. “When your class size is small, there was a unique sense of community among classmates that carries forward to adulthood. In general, the group that sat in PK with me when I started my education at SBS was the same crew that sat along side me during the graduation ceremony my senior year,” he says.
CLASS O F 2001
Sam Thacker
Sam Thacker, from the Class of 2001, is currently a second year Master of Business Administration student at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth University. He spent his summer interning at McKinsey & Company in Atlanta, Georgia, and plans to return there following his graduation. Prior to starting his MBA, Thacker graduated from Emory University with a degree in English and philosophy. He is married to Melissa Thacker, and they spend their free time together cooking, skiing and hiking. He fondly remembers Mr. Ted Tredennick and Dr. Brett Jacobsen as well as his participation in football and theater at SBS. “I am very thankful for being Sam’s advice to SBS students: “You’ll get out of your part of a small, close-knit commuexperience what you put in to it. There are a great deal of opportunities to develop as a well-rounded leader nity where people genuinely care but it is up to you to seek them out and take advantage for and about one another at SBS,” of them.” he shares.
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS O F 1990
Justin Griffin Justin Griffin, Class of 1990, is a financial advisor and vice president at Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management. “I would just say that I am thankful to God that He called me to get into the business of taking care of people and their money. After 18 years Justin’s advice to SBS students: “Address where you stand in of listening, planning, advising relation to God if you would die tomorrow. Are you covered by and counseling clients, I your faith in Jesus Christ or do you stand alone believing that have much gratitude and joy you have enough good deeds to withstand the wrath of God for your sin? Believe in the gospel and be saved. The alternative is believing that my vocation is to believe and trust in yourself and accept the penalty associa gift from the Lord. I enjoy ated with sin. Romans 3:23 would be a good place to mediate coming in the office knowing on and ask God to help you believe in Christ for your salvation.” that the people that entrust their wealth to me and depend on me to help them navigate through the various circumstances that life places at their doorstep,” says Griffin of his occupation. He spends his spare time playing golf, coaching his children in sports, and acting as the president of Exult Ministries. While at SBS, Griffin spent his time playing football, basketball, baseball and track. His favorite teacher was Sandy Fleckman because she cared about his future. “It is easy to recall what I am most thankful for at SBS – that I received a scholarship to attend the School. The attention I received from the teachers when I first arrived made me feel wanted, accepted and important to them. I wasn’t the student that made the most effort, but the teachers stayed on me to keep me focused on learning and reaching for the goals that I sought to obtain,” shares Griffin.
Garner Dotson ’86 VP, Assurance Americas at BHP Billiton
Jay Kyle ’96
Principal and on the Board of Directors Colliers International
Katy Kyle ’97
Vice President and General Manager Express Employment Professionals
Beau Bellow ’97
Texas A&M University MBA Columbia University Vice President with Jones Lang LaSalle specializing in Tenant Rep, Office Leasing
Nancy Geyer Haislup ’99
CPA with PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Meredith Bruyere Little ’99 Accountant
Deborah Mabry ’00
B.S. in Maritime Business – Texas A&M Americas Business Development Manager Weir Group
David Lee ’02
Exxon, Fort Worth
Matthew Garza ’03 Account Manager Kirby Inland Marine
Kathleen Roberts ’04 Audit Consultant Spectra Energy
Jordan Kelley ’05
The Indigo Group Houston Lamborghini Dealership
Andrew Jobe ’06
Director of Operations and Consultative Sales The Ground Up
Blake Hanson ’07 Crude Oil Analyst Twin Eagle Resource Management, LLC.
Tom Beauchamp ’08 Auditor, KPMG
Christina Hayes Beauchamp ’08 Commercial Real Estate
Katherine Green ’04 Broker Associate for Heritage Texas Properties
January 2014
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SBS ALU M N I I N
COMMUNICATIONS
CLASS OF 1983
Mark Stouse A proud member of the second graduating class of SBS, Mark Stouse (‘83) today is widely regarded as one of the leading marketing and communications experts in the world. In great demand as a writer, inventor and speaker, Stouse was named one of the Top 25 Innovators in marketing and communications globally. Among other professional achievements, he is known as one of the first B2B marketing leaders to successfully connect marketing and communications investment with revenue, margin and cash flow impact. Stouse has led large global organizations at public companies like Compaq, HP, Honeywell Aerospace and BMC Software, where he recently helped take the company private in a transaction valued at almost $7 billion. Most recently, he joined the board of directors at Vocem, a hot new start-up engaged in groundbreaking public 54
Eagle – Alumni Edition
opinion applications. He continues to be active on the board of Living Water International, a major faith-based NGO dedicated to delivering fresh clean water to people around the world who do not have it. “Like my alma mater Baylor University, Second Baptist prepared me in very deep and important ways for the rest of my life. The academics were important, but as I’ve matured, I’ve discovered that it was the daily drip-drip of scripture being poured into my heart and mind that has made the biggest difference. I learned that the Lord loves me and everyone else with an extraordinary, surpassing love, and that His plan for my life is better and more fulfilling than anything I could come up with – and I have a pretty good imagination! Today, the worst thing in the world for me would be to die, stand before the Lord,
and find out that while I had lived a great life, I had missed the one thing that I was really put on this world to do. My daily prayer has been that He would ensure that I am able to realize my specific mission, no matter what. Today, by God’s grace, this goal trumps my personal ambition, my desire for professional success, what others want from me or want for me, and the circumstances of my life. And strangely enough, I’m now free to do all of those things with more impact and more freedom than I ever felt before.” Stouse was a student at SBS from sixth grade through high school graduation. During his Upper School career, he was a member of the basketball team, track team, yearbook staff and newspaper staff, where he was named the Outstanding Journalism Student – an early indicator of his future success.
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS OF 2005
Kelsey Orr Harp Kelsey Orr Harp graduated SBS in 2005 and studied entertainment business at Oklahoma City University. Today, Harp is a digital brand consultant and founder of K. Harp. “I work with lifestyle and culinary brands to transform their digital strategy into a holistic new media plan through content curation, community engagement and ultimately ensuring their vision and story is accurately portrayed online. Nothing tops the feeling of discovering a new store, restaurant or product. Once I walk through the threshold or unwrap the box, I am taking in every detail of the experience. That’s exactly how I want customers to feel upon discovering their favorite brands online. The ultimate goal is to build a deep, rich community online and off for each business,” said Harp. Looking back on her time at SBS, Harp’s favorite activities included the spring musicals and Interim Term trips and some of her favorite memories were made on the choir cruise. In her free time, Harp enjoys exploring coffee shops in Austin and hiking with her husband, Clint, and dog Louis. I am thankful for the strong community and extended family at SBS that will always be a part of my life.
Kelsey’s advice to SBS students: “If you don’t know what you want to be ‘when you grow up,’ don’t worry – it might not exist yet. Social media marketing didn’t become mainstream until I was in college. Now, I have worked in theatre, politics, healthcare and restaurants, all of these industries taught me vital lessons that are the foundation of my company today.”
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C LA SS O F 1 9 9 8
Meghan Griffin Norton
Meghan Griffin Norton (’98) graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in journalism. Today, Norton is the senior sales manager at AlliedPRA in Atlanta. Norton has received the Shining Star Award and Rising Star Award given by the Georgia Meeting Professional International. Norton says, “Not only did SBS provide an excellent education, but also a lasting Christian foundation that has helped guide me through not only my college years but now in my adult life. And lastly, the wonderful friendships that I have made at Second Baptist School will last a lifetime.”
C LA SS O F 2 0 0 4
Kate Thacker
Kate Thacker was a member of the SBS Class of 2004. She graduated summa cum laude from Louisiana State University, where she received her degree in mass communications. Thacker is now a senior publicist at Liz Lapidus PR in Atlanta, Georgia. “I get to work with some of the most interesting people in the city. From massive hotel openings to underground arts events and star-studded restaurants to sustainable communities, a diverse client mix allows me to be creative and bring fresh perspective to each project. This is definitely not a 9-to-5 job, but it’s incredibly rewarding to shine a spotlight on brands that inspire you,” said Thacker. While at SBS, Thacker loved playing volleyball (and winning two state championships!), as well as learning English with Mrs. Sisk. She says, “I’m grateful for all of the memories and great times I had at SBS. It was nice to go to a smaller school where you actually know everyone in your class, and the teachers really Kate’s advice to SBS students: “Ask a lot of questions. Figure out prepared us to succeed in what you’re passionate about and explore it. Life is so much bigcollege.” ger than high school…although I probably wouldn’t have listened to anyone that told me that at the time.”
C LA SS O F 2 0 0 4
Sarah Dodds
Sarah Dodds (’04) majored in communications at Baylor University and is currently the marketing and HR coordinator at Read King Commercial Real Estate in Houston. “Working with brokers and other members of the marketing team to coordinate our marketing efforts has taught me a great deal about real estate over the past two years in this industry. I enjoy the fast paced and energetic nature of this business,” said Dodds. White at SBS, Sarah enjoyed being a cheerleader, working on the yearbook and participating in the school musicals.
Sarah’s advice to SBS students: “Seize everyday and every door/opportunity that the Lord opens for you. You will never regret following His will for your life.”
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
C LA SS OF 20 0 6
Hayley Calhoun Beauchamp
Hayley Calhoun Beauchamp (’06) attended Baylor University and was the recipient of the Future Professionals Award, an award given to only one person from the Family and Consumer Sciences Department. Today, Beauchamp is an assistant merchandiser at minted.com, a global community of independent graphic designers and an online store that prints and sells the best of their designs in the form of paper goods. “My role is very cross-functional, which is exciting. We work closely with our design and production teams, as well as marketing, product management and engineering. It’s still a start-up, so every day is different with a million things going on at once!” said Beauchamp.
C LA S S O F 2 0 0 4
Jessica Hatton
Jessica Hatton graduated from SBS in 2004 and studied communications and photojournalism at The University of Texas at Austin. She currently works for Bergdorf Goodman and The Neiman Marcus Group in New York City. She is involved with selling services and strategic initiatives. “I’ve been with the Neiman Marcus Group for over three years and not a day goes by that I’m not mesmerized and inspired with the incredible work of the world’s best designers,” says Hatton. Reflecting on her time at SBS, Hatton remembers many excellent teachers who made a significant impact on her life, including Emily Dykes Goolsby, Mitzi Sisk, Melinda McBride Tredennick, Linda Parker and Kim Hanson. She also loved having little sister, Jodi ‘06, at SBS.
C LA SS O F 2 0 0 6
Rachel Tyler Duncan
Rachel Tyler Duncan (’06) was a Lifer at SBS, and went on to graduate from Baylor University with a degree in fashion design. She is now a media and events coordinator at Tootsies. She spent two years in New York City after college, but decided to move back to Houston after becoming engaged to her husband, Brian Duncan (‘06). Duncan still keeps in contact with her favorite teacher, Mrs. Jones, who she had for second grade. She remembers, “She was tough when she needed to be, but was so much fun in and out of the classroom. I always felt like I had a great connection with her; she kept up with me throughout my time at Second Baptist and even now! She will always hold a very special place in my heart, and I feel so blessed to have been one of her students.” She also has one other strong connection to a teacher at SBS. “I think my favorite memory at SBS was when my dad Rachel’s advice to SBS students: “Make the most of your experitaught Upper School English. I was never one of his regular ence and get involved! Take full advantage of the small classes and students, but I took his ‘Great Trials’ course during Interim special relationships you will develop. You have so much ahead of Term. He is such a brilliant man and getting the chance to you and Second Baptist School will send you off on the right foot!” be in his classroom even if for a few days was definitely a highlight of my time at Second Baptist School,” Duncan says. January 2014
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CLASS O F 2000
Kathryn Klein Kathryn Klein graduated with the class of 2000 and earned a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. After college, Klein landed a job as a production assistant on Fox News Channel’s morning show, Fox & Friends. For the next two and a half years, she worked as a segment producer, getting to meet folks from all walks of life – newsmakers, politicians and presidents, athletes, best-selling authors, top chefs and celebrities – helping each to share his or her unique expertise with the world. In 2007, she was promoted to be the producer for FNC’s senior judicial analyst, Judge Andrew Napolitano. Then, on the heels of the 2008 Presidential election, FNC management asked Klein to join the primetime production team to help launch Sean Hannity’s new solo show, Hannity. She says, “Getting to live in NYC and work in the news industry was an incredible and priceless adventure that I wouldn’t trade for anything.” However, Klein felt the Lord call her to return to Texas, so she has now transitioned into healthcare. In public relations with Memorial Hermann, Klein still works daily with local and national news media. Currently, she is helping to develop and oversee the production of a brand new primetime docudrama called Life Flight. The show will premiere in 2014 on TNT!
CLASS O F 2003
Meredith Simonton Johnson
Meredith Simonton Johnson started at SBS in Mother’s Day Out and graduated in 2003. She is owner of Meredith Johnson Company. Johnson is a communications professional providing governmental affairs, public relations, crisis communications, strategic messaging, and media relations services to a wide variety of clients. She is a trained media spokesperson and legislative policy and issue advocacy expert who has advised senior elected officials at the state and local level. Her current client list includes: energy sector corporations, construction firms, real estate developers, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations, among others. Meredith is also a fashion entrepreneur working to launch a contemporary lifestyle brand. She shares time between Houston and New York City. Johnson’s favorite activities at SBS were being involved in Anchor Club, Spanish Club, cheerleading practices, pep rallies, and Friday night football games at Grob Stadium. Meredith’s advice to SBS students: “Live in the moment and enjoy what God has for you right now. Look at your activities, teachers, and friends through a lens of graciousness, because high school will be over sooner than you think.”
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
C L ASS O F 2004
Raana Arjomand Raana Arjomand came to SBS in 2000 and graduated with the Class of 2004. She received her Bachelor of Science in public relations, with a minor in global business foundations, from The University of Texas at Austin. Today, Arjomand is an account executive at Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations. She enjoys working with clients like Central Market, H-E-B, the City of Houston’s Mayor’s Office of Special Events and the Houston Symphony. She also serves as a Ben Taub Teen Health Clinic volunteer, and is a member of the Society of Iranian American Women for Education, as well as the Junior League of Houston. While at SBS, Arjomand enjoyed playing on the SBS tennis team. “I loved the friends I made from playing tennis at SBS. I still keep in touch with many of them today. We also won state twice, which was a great perk!” Arjomand’s favorite memory from her time at SBS was freshman orientation and senior retreat. She especially loved reading the letter from her parents at senior retreat. “It was a wonderful way to wrap up my amazing time at SBS,” said Arjomand. Raana’s advice to SBS students: When asked about a teacher that made an impact on her, Arjomand said, “Mrs. Sisk “Enjoy your time in high school, it is such an amazing time that you had an incredible way of explaining the books we read in class and making them so will never get back.” interesting. Also, she really encouraged us to improve our writing skills, especially while writing our research papers. I still think about how hard I worked on the research paper and how proud I was of the end product. Also, our art teachers Ms. Parker and Ms. Shepherd were extremely influential. They both recruited me to be in Independent Art, and I still paint and remember how much I learned from those women!” “Looking back, I am most thankful to have been in a school with such a great group of classmates and teachers. I could not have imagined being anywhere else. Since our class sizes were small, I felt like each teacher was invested and really cared about my success,” said Arjomand.
C L AS S O F 1 9 92
Chad Stubbs
Chad Stubbs came to SBS in 1983 and graduated with the Class of 1992. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and radio/ television/film from Texas Christian University. Today, Stubbs is the domestic head of digital and media for PepsiCo. He has worked with Apple iTunes, Tropicana and Sierra Mist brand’s media strategy and investment teams. He is currently the lead on managing the X Factor partnership. His daily challenge is finding the most intriguing path to engage a brand’s consumers in organic ways that build brand awareness and ultimately provide its consumers value. Stubbs is also an elder at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church and the director of the Drama League of New York. While at SBS, Stubbs enjoyed being a part Chad’s advice to SBS students: of the first Interim Term session, learning “Make the most of every experifrom Mrs. Pat Maxi in AP American history, as well as being the editor of the yearence and enjoy the journey.” book. He clearly remembers designing the SBS yearbook WITHOUT a computer. “Being an editor taught me how to project manage and lead. Being a part of the Key Club taught me the reward of giving back,” added Stubbs. When asked to share one of his favorite memories, Stubbs said, “As a freshman, our class decided we HAD to win the spirit link class contest at Homecoming. I think we raised $5,000 (or we made our parents pay). We beat the seniors and then won all of the other years. Not sure why it was so important to us, but we had a competitive spirit as a class.” January 2014
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CLASS OF 2002
Bianca Bucaram Bianca Bucaram (’02) has developed expertise in marketing and public relations through her diverse professional background, which ranges from Hispanic marketing and business development to education. After graduating from Vanderbilt University with a double major in political science and Spanish and a minor in Arabic, she entered the oil and gas industry and has since taken her determination, flexibility, and management skills to the PR world. She engineered the development of several businesses and successfully managed public relations campaigns for others. Some of her marketing clients include the Houston Texans, Imperial Sugar, and Hewlett Packard. Over the years, she has developed essential contacts in television, print, and radio. She enjoys helping emerging talent reach local and national media. She works closely with editors from the Houston Chronicle, 002 Magazine, PaperCity, and various other local print outlets. Bucaram has catapulted clients onto various TV networks such as CNN, ABC, KPRC, KTRK, KRIV, Univision and currently works closely with CNN en Español in promoting bilingual clients. Bucaram has an undeniable zeal for education and non-profit work. She is heavily involved in community outreach programs and charitable opportunities in Houston. She is currently a member of the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the Latin Women’s initiative, and many other organizations, which seek to serve the Houston community. She is also fluent in Spanish and is conversant in Arabic. When asked about a memory from her time at SBS, Bucaram recalls, “I would have to say my favorite memory would be one that involved my always staying late with Mrs. Warden. It was so hard for me to understand physics that I stayed after almost every afternoon trying to put ‘physics into motion.’ I remember after a few days, she finally got so frustrated that she tried to send me home, and I told her… ‘You know what, Jingle (which was the affectionate name I called her because the keychain around her neck would always ‘jingle’ when she walked by)… we just learned a word in our vocabulary class with Mrs. Sisk… it’s called ‘tenacity,’ and that’s what I have. ‘See you tomorrow!’ And, so, well… from there it’s history. I may not have graduated with an A in physics, but I sure as heck gave it my best try! I never gave up.”
Erin Jobe Rogers ’01
Molly Pearson ’06
Jay Osborne ’02
Leslie Garza ’08
Marketing and Communications Specialist Providence Healthcare Network Vice President – Marketing Mojo Sportfishing Gear and TLM Industries
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Marketing and Promotions Second Baptist Church Marketing Coordinator Pariveda Solutions
SBS ALU M N I I N
EDUCATION Second Baptist School
Loren’s advice to SBS students: “You might feel overwhelmed or stressed. That’s ok. SBS is teaching you how to learn, which is a skill you need for every aspect of your life. Also know that your teachers truly care for you. They pray for you, they look for ways to help you, and they want you to succeed more than you even want that for yourself. Lastly, when you are in the middle of it, you won’t see what an incredible network of people you are in. However, the first time that something difficult happens in your life (even years later) your SBS friends and family will be there to help you through it. You are blessed.”
CLASS OF 2003
Loren Stiefel Hopf Loren Stiefel Hopf graduated with the SBS Class of 2003 and pursued biblical studies at Moody Bible Institute. Today, she is a fifth grade English teacher at Second Baptist School. She is also a member of the Fast Forward Sunday school class at Second Baptist Church. “I love getting to work in an environment that values God’s word, creativity and technology. Most of all I love that I have the privilege of working with these students that keep my job very
entertaining!” said Hopf. While a student at SBS, she enjoyed volleyball and softball, as well as eating Mrs. McKenzie’s famous chocolate chip cookies. Hopf’s favorite memory was winning state in volleyball. In addition, she enjoyed Jeannene Simonton’s Bible class. “I loved Ms. Simonton. She is humble, but so wise. She had us read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. Those books were life changing for me. Her
love for God’s Word and for people made such an impact on me,” said Hopf. “I am thankful that I was in an environment that challenged me spiritually and academically. I feel like SBS equipped me not only for college, but also for life beyond college. I also loved that in the midst of that challenge, it was also filled with activities and fun!” added Hopf.
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Second Baptist School
CLASS O F 1997
Chris McInturff Chris McInturff is a graduate of the SBS Class of 1997, which he says is the “best class to come out of SBS!” McInturff received his Bachelor of Science in agricultural leadership at Texas A&M University and is currently the seventh grade Texas history teacher at Second Baptist School. He is also the varsity football offensive line coach and is involved with seventh grade basketball and Middle School track & field. He is a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association and the Texas State Historical Society. “It is a privilege teaching about our state’s amazing history,” said McInturff. Looking back over his time at SBS, McInturff enjoyed school pep-rallies, and the SBS bonfire before football playoffs. His favorite memory was beating Bishop Lynch in the 1996 state semi-finals to be the first football team to reach the state championship. In the game, McInturff had a go ahead touchChris’ advice to SBS students: “1) That they would hopefully down catch on a fourth down play and Brandon Knox ’98 had come to know the Lord early on and really and genuinely praca 99 yard fumble return for a touchdown. “It was an amazing tice Matt. 22:37-40 and Matt. 28:19-20. Don’t wait until high game,” said McInturff. school or college to start really loving and knowing God and During his time as a teacher and coach at SBS, McInturff has His plan for your life. 2) Ground yourself in the Bible daily – it great memories from winning the 2005 district championship in will begin to change your life in an amazing way. But again, don’t wait to do that – make a commitment now and God will football as underdogs and reaching the state basketball tournabegin to reveal things to you and speak to you in ways you ment twice while he was the assistant basketball coach. could never have imagined. Everything else in your life will When asked about a teacher he enjoyed, McInturff said, fall into place according to God’s plan for your life, not your “Ocia Brinkman Jeffries shared with us her love for the Lord parents, not your teachers, and not you, but God’s plan for and that made an impact on me. She passionately taught us your life. I cannot stress that point enough.” about how amazing our country is and how blessed we are to be Americans; she gave us a real since of patriotism – we learned so much from her teaching.” “I’m most thankful for the teachers’ dedication to their students, sharing their faith, and for preparing us for life and not making academics number one instead of our relationship with the Lord!” added McInturff.
Amy Elders Rodgers
Amy Elders Rodgers graduated with the SBS Class of 2005. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s in teaching, learning and leadership from Oklahoma State University. Rodgers is currently the Pre-Kindergarten and Lower School administrative assistant at Second Baptist School. “Working with all of the cute little ones and seeing their progress at the end of PK is the highlight of my job,” said Rodgers. While at SBS, Rodgers enjoyed choir with Mr. Sparks, senior formal, drama with Mrs. Blades, football games at Grob Stadium, trips with choir, as well as having Linda Linder as a teacher. “Mrs. Linder confirmed my desire to become a teacher,” said Rodgers. Amy’s advice to SBS students: “You may not “SBS academically prepared me for think you will appreciate your education or surcollege and spiritually trained me for life away roundings right now, but when you look back after from home and school,” Rodgers added. college, you will. That was the case with me. Be careful...you may even come back!”
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Second Baptist School
CLASS O F 2005
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
Second Baptist School
CLASS O F 2006
Stephanie Brownhill Winters Stephanie Brownhill Winters graduated with the SBS Class of 2006. She continued her studies at Southern Methodist University and graduated with a degree in business marketing. Today, Winters is the Upper School admissions coordinator for Second Baptist School. “I am blessed to be back ‘home’ and working with Upper School students and families on their exciting new journey! One of my favorite parts of working here is giving campus tours and Stephanie’s advice to SBS students: “Try something new! Take part in as many activities as learning about students’ interests and possible. You never know what friendships will aspirations for life! I am privileged to be develop and what ‘new’ interests will unfold. Now a part of this season of their life as they is the time to try different things and develop seek all that God has for them.” While at your passions and hobbies! Enjoy the ‘bubble’ SBS, Winters enjoyed playing volleyball and relish your relationships. God is good!” and making lifelong friendships.
Second Baptist School
CLASS O F 2005
Leah Terrell Deegan
Class of 2005, teaches second grade at Second Baptist School, which is the grade she entered when she first started at SBS. “I love teaching second graders! They are so teachable! I love that my job is teaching these children more about God as Leah’s advice to SBS students: “Be nice to your teachers. You never know when they might be someone you will work well as our SBS curriculum,” with later in life or need godly counsel or advice from. We said Deegan. Deegan studied are so blessed to be in this godly environment. Thank your Early Childhood Education at parents for sending you to such an amazing school.” Baylor University.
Second Baptist School
CLASS O F 2007
Raquel Rees
Raquel’s advice to SBS students: “Don’t take for granted the environment and love that are offered at SBS. It is rare to find a place that cares so deeply for its students.”
Raquel Rees came to SBS in the fifth grade and graduated with the Class of 2007. She studied English and psychology at Texas A&M University and received the College Board Recognition Award. Today, she teaches sixth grade English at Second Baptist School. She also has the opportunity to lead worship for Middle School chapel each week. “Receiving Harkness training at the Exeter Humanities Institution and implementing the Harkness method in my classroom has been a highlight during my time teaching at SBS,” said Rees. She has also enjoyed being mentored and guided by expert veteran teachers and working with faculty and staff that she knew as a student. As a student at SBS, Rees was involved with varsity basketball, varsity softball, Vision Choir, fall drama, spring musical and student council. When asked about a teacher she enjoyed having, Rees said, “My mother, Mrs. Rees, was my favorite teacher. She was my teacher for sixth grade English, and I feel honored to follow in her footsteps and teach my sixth grade students everything that I learned from her. She’s also currently my boss, so it doesn’t hurt to bolster my rapport with her!” “I am most thankful for the investment that Mr. Sparks made in me from sixth grade to senior year. He challenged me year after year and was able to bring out the best in me,” adds Rees.
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Second Baptist School
CLASS O F 2002
Nora Ashkar Ripple Nora Ashkar Ripple started in the nursery school at SBS and graduated with the Class of 2002. She followed her passion and went to New York University to study film and TV production. Currently, Ripple is the Upper School art and photography teacher at Second Baptist School. Recently, she has enjoyed partnering with the drama department to design the sets for the school musicals and plays. When asked about SBS teachers she enjoyed, Ripple said, “Scott Ledford because he was hilarious and caring. Laura Visage because she was the sweetest and most loving.” Her favorite memories involved dressing up for Nora’s advice to SBS students:“Be grateful. SBS is a wonpep-rallies and planning derful school and will send you to college far more prepared the skits, as well as Round than other students! It’s tough work but you’re laying a great Up and all the games (i.e. foundation for a successful and joyful life!” the cricket spit).
Kathrine Zeren
Second Baptist School
CLASS O F 2004
Kathrine Zeren is a graduate from the SBS Class of 2004. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in apparel design with a minor in English from Rhode Island School of Design. While at college, she was recognized as a YMA Geoffrey Beene Scholar (2006 and 2007). Today, Zeren teaches Upper School art at Second Baptist School. For Kathrine, one of the highlights of teaching at SBS is seeing students make a breakthrough (or noticeable progress) in their art. She has also enjoyed designing costumes for the Upper School plays and musicals. Kathrine’s advice to SBS students: “To not take As a student, Kathrine loved the Round Up your time at SBS for granted. To be involved and to pep rallies, Interim Term trips to Italy and France, take advantage of the opportunities that you have to learn and grow there.” and attending the spring musicals. She also has great memories from winning a gold fish at Field Day Olé! As far as teachers she enjoyed having, Kathrine said, “Ocia Brinkman Jeffries and Becky Larkin both challenged me out of my comfort zone. I remember both of their classes being not only demanding (it was hard to make an A!), but also fun. I still find myself thinking about things they would say in class.” Looking back – especially now that I am a teacher myself – I am amazed at the dedication and love that came through in so many of my classes.
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C LAS S O F 2006
Jodi Hatton Jodi Hatton, Class of 2006, teaches PK at Second Baptist School after earning her Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Texas A&M University and her master’s in education from Houston Baptist University. “I love seeing that moment when a student understands a concept that I am teaching,” shares Hatton. Hatton was involved with yearbook, photography, golf and tennis at Second Baptist School. Now, she spends her free time taking long walks with her dog Ellis and connecting with her old friends from SBS. “I am so grateful that I was in school with my sister, Jessica. We have always been close. Also, I made lifelong friends in high school, friends that I cherish to this day,” says Jodi.
SBS ALUMNAE NORA ASHKAR RIPPLE ‘02 AND KATHRINE ZEREN ‘04 bring their talents back to Texas after studying film and TV production at New York University and apparel design at the Rhode Island School of Design. Ripple and Zeren not only serve as the Second Baptist Upper School visual arts teachers, but also contribute their many talents to the performing arts – Ripple with set design and Zeren with costume design. Working in the art department for The Pink Panther, The Producers, Across the Universe and many other films, Ripple learned the ins and outs of making a movie while in New York City. She has enjoyed teaching her own students about working within a budget, sticking to a specific timeline, and collaborating with a group, all while making everything look spectacular. “One of the highlights so far has been the successful construction of a 12-foot tall collapsible dinosaur prop used in the 2013 spring musical On the Town. Every student in the show’s crew helped, and we constructed the prop using mostly recycled materials. Every member could point to a bone and say ‘I made that one!’” said Ripple. On the Town was nominated in ten categories in the Tommy Tune Awards Competition, including Best Scenic Design and Best Crew & Technical Execution. The competition has grown to be the largest celebration of high school musical theater in Houston. The towering dinosaur was also featured on the front page of the Houston Chronicle’s Ultimate Memorial section. Ripple looks forward to her next big challenge – making it rain for Singin’ in the Rain. Before joining the SBS faculty, Zeren spent four years working for Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister Co., starting as an assistant designer and working her way up to associate designer and finally, designer. She spent her days researching trends, sourcing fabrics/trims, developing styles, and traveling all over the world from Round Top to Hong Kong. With her expertise in managing styles from initial sketch to final product, SBS is blessed to have her on board not only to teach art, but also the basics of apparel design. Zeren most recently oversaw the costume design for the SBS fall drama, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and is knee-deep in pulling designs together for the 2014 spring musical Singin’ in the Rain – period Hollywood costumes, flapper dresses, raincoats and all!
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C LASS O F 2004
Megan Dobbs Megan Dobbs started at SBS as a fifth grader and graduated with the Class of 2004. She studied elementary education at Texas A&M University and currently teaches fourth grade at Wilchester Elementary in Spring Branch ISD. Recently, Dobbs was nominated to receive the Teacher of the Year award for 2012-2013. “I might be biased, but I truly feel that I have the best job. I recently moved from first grade up to the big kids, fourth grade. What I love about teaching is the opportunity to inspire, create, and simply show the love of Christ. I love being a part of the learning process. There is joy in seeing an idea or a concept click for a student and being able to watch their confidence soar. I always leave my students with this quote, ‘Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than you,’” said Dobbs. Dobbs has numerous great memories from her Megan’s advice to SBS students: “It may sound silly, but BE PRESENT! Enjoy your time at SBS. She recalls, “The memory that sticks out time at Second Baptist. I am so blessed to the most would absolutely be winning the state chamhave attended such an incredible school pionship in volleyball our senior year. It was truly an that prepared me for college as well as life. honor to be a part of that team.” I have so many memories tucked away and Dobbs’ favorite teacher was Ocia Brinkman Jeffries. love being part of something great.” “Mrs. Jeffries was truly put on this earth to teach. She was and is such an advocate for students! She challenged us daily and pushed us to reach our full potential. I was blessed to have her not only in eighth grade history, but also for government and economics. Her love for the Lord was evident in the way she lived her life. I had so many wonderful teachers throughout my years at SBS, but Mrs. Jeffries truly impacted my life and made me a better person!” said Dobbs. “Ultimately, SBS prepared me for college and set me up for success. I am blessed by the family I have there. I love the friendships I made along the way and am so thankful that some of those friendships have stayed just as they were nine years ago,” added Dobbs.
C LA S S O F 1 9 9 8
Wayne Cherry Wayne Cherry graduated with the SBS Class of 1998. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English and psychology from Baylor University and his Master of Science in library science from the University of North Texas. Cherry served as the president of Houston Area Independent School Library Network (HAISLN) in 2012. Today, he is the library director, middle school gifted and talented instructor, and director of theater arts at First Baptist Academy in Houston. Cherry has served as a presenter at both the TLA District 8 conference and the TCCA Conference. He is a member of the American Library Association, Texas Library Association (member Spirit of Texas Reading Program Committee, past member of Upstart Award Committee). During his time at SBS, Cherry enjoyed being involved in Key Club, the spring musical, yearbook, and traveling to England during Interim Term. His favorite classes were biology with Dennis Phillips and physics II with Shawn Warden. He also thoroughly enjoyed having Wayne’s advice to SBS students: “Per ardua ad astra – through John Victery (aka “Señor”) as a teacher. hard work, the stars. Don’t be afraid to dream big. We learn far “Señor was never too busy for a student who had a question. He loved more from our mistakes than we do from our successes.” sharing what he knew and continued to learn from us. Señor cared about each one of his students and genuinely loved teaching, something that was very evident to every student whether you were in his class or not,” said Cherry. “I am thankful for the preparation I received at SBS. Second Baptist prepared me for success in college and beyond in an environment that was equal parts challenging and nurturing while maintaining its Christ-centered focus,” added Cherry.
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C L AS S O F 2003
Lauren Goddard LeVrier
Lauren Goddard LeVrier graduated SBS with the Class of 2003 and went on to study teaching, learning and culture at Texas A&M University. While at A&M, LeVrier was on the dean’s honor roll, a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma, Pi Lambda Theta, and Phi Kappa Delta Honor Society. She was also recognized as a Texas A&M Distinguished Student. Currently, LeVrier is a private tutor, substitute and full-time mom to triplets, as well as a representative for Kelly’s Kids. During her time at SBS, LeVrier enjoyed cheerleading, musicals, service projects with Key Club, football games and traveling to state athletic games, as well as having both Laura Visage and Mitzi Sisk as teachers. “Mrs. Visage was passionate about everything she said, and Mrs. Sisk was so genuine and made us all feel very loved,” said LeVrier. Lauren’s advice to SBS students: “Invest When asked about a favorite memory from her time at SBS LeVrier said, “That’s easy – in the people around you….classmates, meeting, dating, and falling in love with my future husband. I always loved Friday night football teachers, office staff, coaches, etc… games and getting to cheer him on from the sidelines, exchanging “love” notes between classes, They truly want what’s best for you, and etc. and now getting to have those memories to look back on after five years of marriage.” more than likely you will be even more “I loved getting to be a part of so many different activities and organizations in high grateful for them in years to come!” school, and making totally unique friendships within each one. Now that I’m 10 years out, I love bringing our kids back to family events, games, etc. and feeling the same community as when we were there! So special and so unique for a high school to make alumni feel so connected still!” added LeVrier.
CLASS O F 2006
Alyson Goddard
Alyson Goddard started at SBS in 1999 and graduated with the Class of 2006. She received a degree in elementary education at Baylor University. During her time at Baylor, Goddard was awarded Student Teacher of the Year, was the co-chairman for the first place All-University SING act and was a summa cum laude graduate. Currently, Goddard is a fourth grade math and science teacher in Katy ISD. “Teaching is my passion, and I am fortunate to do something I love every day. There is such a joy in seeing my students grow and flourish, knowing I am making an impact on their lives. It’s the little ‘light bulb’ moments, the subtle smiles, and the genuine hugs that make my job worth it – and I wouldn’t change it for the world!” said Goddard. Goddard’s favorite activities at SBS involved football games, cheerleading, dress-up days, musicals, chapel, JUMP team, Key Club and National Honor Society. “Some of my favorite memories of SBS involve traveling to cheer at the away sports’ games and play-offs. I especially loved the trip to Disney World!” said Goddard.
Alyson’s advice to SBS students: “Get involved. Enjoy every moment. Don’t take your opportunities there for granted!”
C LAS S O F 2006
Ashley Goddard Corley Ashley Goddard Corley started at SBS in the sixth grade and graduated with the Class of 2006. She studied elementary education at Baylor University. During her time at Baylor, Corley was recognized as an Outstanding Student of the Year, was on the dean’s academic honor list and graduated summa cum laude. Today, Corley is a second grade teacher in Katy ISD. “I love Ashley’s advice to SBS students: “Plug standing at my classroom door in the mornings and greeting yourself in and get as involved as postwenty-two smiling seven year olds as they come in, excited sible. You won’t regret the time you for the day. My room is filled with learning and laughter, and it pour into your extracurriculars.” brings me so much joy. It is rewarding to know I am making a difference with my students,” said Corley. Goddard’s favorite activities during her time at SBS included cheerleading, musicals, JUMP Team, National Honor Society and Key Club. She also enjoyed Interim Term and homecoming week dress-up days. “Looking back, I am thankful to have been able to go to a school where we could learn about Christ during Bible class and chapel. It was neat for faith to have such prominence in our education, and I loved that both students and teachers could express their faith throughout a regular school day,” said Corley. January 2014
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CLASS O F 2006
Chelsea Deutsch Chelsea Deutsch graduated with the SBS Class of 2006. She majored in history and UTeach at The University of Texas at Austin. Currently, she is the twelfth grade government teacher at Northbrook High School in Spring Branch ISD. While Deutsch was a student at SBS, she enjoyed playing in the band during football games, being a member of the basketball team, experiencing Interim Term and learning from Sue Raye Johnson. “Sue Raye Johnson opened my eyes to so much of who God is and how to know Him more. She Chelsea’s advice: “I would say to treasure the people around taught me how to study my Bible and introduced you and value them because so many of those people will reme to the truth that being a Christian is something ally become like your family as you enter into the adult world. that intertwines with your entire life, not just the They will be the ones praying for you and standing with you time in which you are at church. She showed me by and celebrating with you as you face all that life brings. Don’t example how to love people and how to pray with faith,” said Deutsch. take your SBS family for granted because in placing you at “Looking back over my time at SBS, there are SO many things I am thankful for. SBS, God knew EXACTLY what He was doing, and He is realI am so grateful for the lifelong friends that I made during my years there. I ly providing an amazingly wonderful support system for you still talk to many of the people that I graduated with, and they have been so for the rest of your life. Soak up your time in such a loving instrumental in praying for me in hard times and celebrating with me in good environment so that you will be ready to, in turn, go and love people as you enter into the world.” times. I am thankful for the teachers I had because I knew they were not only teaching me things that would be important for my future but also praying for me and caring about me as a person. Watching and remembering their example has been so helpful for me as a new teacher. I hope and pray that I can care about my kids just as much and in the same way as my SBS teachers cared about me. I am thankful for the opportunity to have had class time to learn about the Bible. I know that during my school years, it was easy to take that for granted. But now I realize that it provided a firm foundation of truth in my life that continues to guide and direct everything I do,” added Deutsch.
CLASS O F 1982
Charles Bacarisse Charles Bacarisse graduated with the first SBS senior class in 1982. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in communications from Southern Methodist University. He has an extensive background in government and communications. He worked in the White House Office of Media Relations for President Ronald Reagan and as assistant director of the Office of Public Liaison for President George H. W. Bush before returning to Houston in 1991. After serving with the Harris County Judge, he was elected to the Office of District Clerk for four consecutive terms. As Harris County District Clerk, Bacarisse provided vision and leadership, which transformed the agency to a results-oriented, customer-driven model of efficiency and effectiveness. He was a three-time winner of a “County Best Practices” award from the Texas Association of Counties Leadership Council for innovation and leadership in county government. He also raised millions in private and foundation dollars towards a historic court documents project, which preserved Harris County’s historic court records, some dating back to 1837 and the Republic of Texas. He is currently serving as vice president for advancement at Houston Baptist University where he oversees alumni relations, church relations, advancement and university communications. While at SBS, Bacarisse enjoyed playing baseball, acting in the school plays and traveling on his senior class trip. “The School has matured in 31 years. The facilities, faculty and resources are exponentially stronger than they were when I was a student. One thing that has remained the same is the faculty’s commitment to Christ and their love for students,” said Bacarisse. 68
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C L AS S O F 1989
Kristi Kay Floyd Estes Kristi Kay Floyd Estes graduated SBS in 1989 and received her Bachelor of Science in education from Baylor University. She is K-12 classroom certified, as well as special education certified. Estes has been awarded the ADEIL (Association for Distance Education and Independent Learning) Course Developer Award and has been involved with the Texas Tech University Elementary School. She is a Delta Delta Delta alumna and also involved with ISAS. She is currently a pre-kindergarten teacher at The Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas. “I began my career in education by teaching and coaching junior high students in Waco and Cedar Hill. My husband and I then moved to Lubbock where I began teaching elementary school and after a year started writing and developing curriculum for Texas Tech University Elementary School. From there I moved to Dallas and taught at Highland Park High School until I took a break and had my three wonderful children. I went back to teaching about six years ago and am now at Kristi Kay’s advice to SBS students: The Hockaday School in Dallas and couldn’t be happier as I get to go to school everyday with “Take advantage of the incredible edmy two daughters and I teach the most wonderful girls in the world,” said Estes. ucation you are receiving. Live every day to the fullest and get to know your “As you can see, I have covered the spectrum in my teaching career. Different phases of life teachers – they are incredible!” led me to new passions in education. Landing in pre-kindergarten is a little slice of heaven and is where I plan to stay until my teaching days are finished,” added Estes. While at SBS, Estes was a part of the spirit club, musicals, and basketball team. “I really thought it was cool when we could go to Second Helping for lunch, which I have since learned is renamed Jane’s Grill. I also loved going to the men’s varsity basketball games, for there was no football back in the day,” said Estes. In addition, she enjoyed attending chapel and learning from Jeannene Simonton. “Jeannene Simonton challenged me. She made me laugh, cry, think, create and learn to be who God created me to be,” said Estes. “SBS taught me how to study, prepare and prioritize. But it was the Christian influence and educators that made the difference for me. I always felt safe and felt that I could approach any teacher at any time if I had a concern, needed help or just wanted to talk,” added Estes.
CLASS O F 1999
Emily Wallace White
Emily Wallace White started at SBS in 1991 and graduated with the Class of 1999. She majored in American studies at Stanford University. Currently, she teaches school to her four children. “I LOVE homeschooling our four boys. I enjoy the challenge of making learning exciting, fun, and relevant. I Emily’s advice to SBS students: “Fitting cherish the opportunity to get to watch our children grow in is over-rated. Dare to be unique and intellectually and spiritually. A career is what you pour as much as you can, seek the approval of your heart into and work hard toward. It should be more God alone. See Galatians 1:10.” than a paycheck and may sometimes even go unpaid,” said White. During her time at SBS, White enjoyed having Robert Hurley as a teacher. “Hurley challenged me to think critically while always reminding me that ‘increased knowledge should lead to increased humility,’” said White. White is most thankful for meeting her husband (David White) at SBS.
Dr. James Nolen ’96
Mary Jo McSpadden Johnson ’05
Kahra Merritt Barkley ’99
Kalin Gernand ’06
Mathematician Duke University
Fourth Grade Teacher Nitsch Elementary School in Klein ISD
Carrie Jobe Bowden ’99
Interdisciplinary Coach for Grades PK through 5 Spring Branch ISD
Texas Tech University Communities in Schools – Lubbock
Houston Baptist University, Bachelor of Arts English Language Arts & Pedagogy Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction Eighth Grade AP English Teacher Fort Bend Settlement in Sugar Land January 2014
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ENTERTAINMENT CLASS OF 1989
Andrew Stephan Andrew Stephan graduated SBS in 1989. During high school, Stephan was involved in Key Club, Latin club, drama club, student council, speech and debate team and the newspaper staff. He remembers his time on the varsity baseball team saying, “I was an abject failure at baseball, but, in the only at bat of my threeyear career as a bench-warmer, I broke up a late game no-hitter with a single to center field. It was my one athletic moment in the sun, and I still remember it like it was yesterday.” After SBS, Stephan attended Southern Methodist University and studied communications and history. He started in the mailroom of the Paradigm Talent Agency, and then was a development associate for Harold Ramis’ Ocean Pictures (director of Caddyshack, Vacation, Groundhog Day, and Analyze This), followed by a transition to commercial and music video production. In 2002, Stephan moved exclusively into television, becoming a writer and associate producer at the G4 network. Then, he worked as a freelance producer, and later took a position with Red Bull North America for six years, where he was responsible for television production and distribution. In 2008, Stephan and his college roommate, John Dorsey, started their own production company, ten100. ten100 is committed to producing content that makes an impact. Within a year of its formation, the boutique production company was recognized with both an Emmy and the Peabody Award. The team at ten100 has created a variety of shows in all formats across multiple genres. These programs have targeted a wide demographic, airing on networks including VH-1, MTV, IFC, ABC, USA, SPIKE, ESPN, ANIMAL PLANET, the WB, and AMC, among others. Late in 2010, ten100 produced “PONY EXCESS,” the final installment of ESPN’S critically acclaimed documentary series 30 For 30. The film became the highest rated documentary in the 30-year history of the network and earned a Peabody Award. A year later, Dorsey and Stephan directed and produced The Marinovich Project for ESPN films. The film examined the rise and fall of quarterback Todd Marinovich and premiered on ESPN to rave reviews. In March of 2012, the film was nominated for an Emmy in the category of Outstanding Sports Documentary. The company’s most recent film, Glory Hounds, is a feature length documentary that saw camera teams embed on the front lines in Afghanistan in order to capture the bond that is forged in combat between Military Working Dogs and their human handlers. The film, directed by Dorsey and Stephan, was produced with the full cooperation of the Pentagon and the U.S. Department of Defense.
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CLASS O F 1995
Corby Griesenbeck Corby Griesenbeck started at SBS in 1988 and graduated with the Class of 1995. He studied industrial distribution in the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University. Griesenbeck works in the entertainment industry and wears several hats. He is an actor and producer and also has a record label. The highlight of his film career thus far was working alongside Academy Award winners and nominees in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “Playing a cowboy in Appaloosa was an absolute blast. It was like cramming graduate school into a month. I was privileged to develop relationships and learn from some of the finest actors on the planet, as well as be directed by the legendary Ed Harris,” said Griesenbeck. When asked about a teacher that made an impact on him, Griesenbeck said, “Janis Simonton was certainly one of my favorite teachers. Her love for her students and approach to teaching was a gift.” While at SBS, most of Griesenbeck’s Corby’s advice to SBS students: “My advice is favorite memories and experiences took simple. Follow your heart and don’t be afraid to explore a career outside of the norm. There place on an athletic field. “When I discovare numerous hurdles and seemingly endless ered my passion for acting at Texas A&M, amounts of sacrifice, but following your dreams I reflected on my football days. For me, can be very rewarding even with the struggles it there was a direct correlation between might entail.” giving it your all on the field and your all on the stage,” said Griesenbeck.
CLASS O F 1986
Kyle Young Kyle Young is a member of SBS Class of 1986. Upon graduation, he attended Texas Christian University and received a Bachelor of Science in radio, television and film, as well as Master of Social Work from the University of Houston. Young is the vice president of digital strategy at SpotCo in New York City, one of the world’s leading full-service live entertainment advertising and branding agencies. In this role, he oversees social media management, digital media planning and the development of web and mobile platforms for some of Broadway’s biggest brands. His clients include Tony awardKyle’s advice to SBS students: “Get involved in your school and your community. The more you winning Broadway musicals like contribute, the more opportunity you’ll have to Chicago, Kinky Boots, Once find your passion. Embrace diversity, and build and Pippin. Young previously friendships with people who are different than headed up the digital marketyou. It’ll enrich your life and better prepare you ing department at Disney Thefor success in your career.” atrical Group, promoting hit musicals such as The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Newsies. While at SBS, Young enjoyed performing in plays and musicals, editing the yearbook, and creating pre-recorded commercials that ran during the morning announcements to promote various school events. Looking back on his time at SBS, he most remembers the impact that his teachers had on his life. Young says, “I’m thankful we had teachers who genuinely cared about us as people.”
January 2014
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CLASS O F 1991
Todd Deeken Todd Deeken started at SBS in the fifth grade and graduated with the Class of 1991. He attended Baylor University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in communications. Deeken has been the director of post production for New Line Cinema and is currently the lead editor at Universal Post and works on television commercials, corporate videos, and feature films. “While working for New Line Cinema I was blessed to work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, traveling around the world and working with the cast and crew on numerous occasions. I worked on over 200 films while at New Line, but Lord of the Rings was definitely the highlight,” said Deeken. Deeken has also had the chance to make multiple short films, write many feature screenplays and has had one of his scripts produced. In addition to being a husband and father, Deeken co-produces and co-hosts a successful independent car show called Everyday Driver. He creates entertaining, television-quality car review videos for EverydayDriver.com. His videos have been nominated for Motor Press Guild video of the year in 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2012, Everyday Driver’s Pacific Coast Highway video was chosen as the Rocky Mountain Auto Press piece of the year. In his free time, Deeken enjoys rock climbing, snow skiing, writing screenplays and novels, and performance driving. “The quality of education at SBS was better than I realized at the time. When I arrived at college, I discovered classmates who were not as prepared for university level courses as I was.”
C LAS S O F 2 005
Annabel Stephan Annabel Stephan graduated with the SBS Class of 2005. She received her Bachelor of Arts in theatre and dance with a minor in English from The University of Texas at Austin. Stephan moved to New York City upon graduation and worked in the content development department of ESPN for “Year of the Quarterback.” After a year in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles with ESPN, continuing work in production and development. In September 2011, she was hired by FOX Sports to be a field reporter and producer. She recently relocated to Austin, where she continues to cover football. At ESPN, Stephan spent about five months on the road working on the production of The Elite 11. She says, “The show was an incredible hands-on opportunity to learn everything about the world of production. Bonus: I was able to work alongside my brother, Andrew, who executive produced the show with his company, ten100.” “At FOX, I’ve had the chance to interview some really great people, but I was probably most excited after interviewing Mike Leach just before his first season as head coach of Washington State,” says Stephan. While at SBS, Stephan’s favorite memory was participating in the Upper School musical, 42nd Street. “Everything about it, from the behind the scenes video I made with Jia Tolentino and Elizabeth Suffield, to our crazy wigs and hilarious backstage moments, made it an unforgettable experience,” says Stephan.
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CLASS O F 2003
Bradley Jackson Bradley Jackson graduated from SBS in 2003 and went on to major in radio, television and film at The University of Texas at Austin. Jackson started his own production company named Ralph Smyth Entertainment. He is a writer, producer and director. He just finished writing and producing his first feature film, Intramural, starring Jake Lacy (The Office), Kate McKinnon (SNL), Nikki Reed (Twilight), Jay Pharoah (SNL), Beck Bennett (SNL) and Michael Hogan (Battlestart Galactica). He won the 2007 South by Southwest short film festival, as well as the 2011 Doorpost Film Project Grand Prize for his film The Man Who Never Cried. Recently, Jackson was hired by Amazon Studios, an Amazon.com affiliate, to re-write their high school road trip comedy I Think My Facebook Friend is Dead.
Bradley’s advice to SBS students: “Do stuff. Make things. Get your hands dirty. Put your phone down.”
CLASS O F 2006
Johnny Adams
Johnny Adams began at SBS in PK and graduated with the Class of 2006. His favorite memories at SBS include being a part of Hello Dolly, the Interim Term trip to Italy, Dr. Stringfellow’s Latin class, and Robert Doty’s intercom announcements as class president. Adams studied film and television during college, as well as German. After graduation, Adams moved to Berlin and landed a job with a small media, production and advertising agency named CS Media as an international editor. One of the many highlights from his job has been interviewing famous people like Christopher Walken, Salman Rushdie and Justin Timberlake. In addition, about a year ago Adams started leading worship at his church. “In Texas it would be tiny, but here 120 people is pretty big!” When asked about a teacher who made an impact on him, Adams said, “I have to go with Johanna Mayfield Kersey, who taught my humanities class senior year. For someone who ended up going to art school in college, it was a welcome introduction to philosophy, poetry and art history and she taught with a clear enthusiasm for the subject matter.”
January 2014
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CLASS O F 2001
Josh Moore Josh Moore graduated with the SBS Class of 2001. He grew up immersed in gospel and classical music and today is a producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. At 16, Moore joined and toured with Sony/BMG artists Caedmon’s Call. After producing the band’s bestselling album at 17, he moved to Nashville where he spent the next four years producing national releases for EMI, Sony, Universal, and others. In 2004, Moore traveled to India, Brazil, Ecuador and other countries making field recordings of never before heard indigenous music, which he blended with his own compositions. The subsequent project, Share the Well, was released to widespread critical acclaim, including a USA Today mention of “One of the year’s best…” Today, Moore owns a Houston-based recording company and continues to produce and write music. Recently, he played with the Houston Symphony in a special concert featuring one of his international rap artists Bun B. He is currently the music worship leader at Ecclesia Church in Houston.
CLASS O F 2009
Ryan Evans
Ryan Evans started at SBS in first grade and graduated with the Class of 2009. During his time at SBS, Ryan was a member of the band from fifth to eleventh grade and participated in three musicals during Upper School. Evans graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in radio, television and film. During his time in Austin, he was the producer at the student-run Texas student TV station. Currently, Evans lives in Los Angeles and works as a vault operator at Level 3, a post-production company that works on television shows including Revolution, Once Upon a Time and Workaholics. In his free time, Evans helps shoot and edit videos for his roommate’s YouTube channel, Hyperdrive Pictures. Evans says, “My path here has never been straightforward or easy. Even coming to Los Angeles was something of a gamble, but the most important thing I’ve learned is that friends are your most valuable resource. They keep you grounded, keep you happy and open doors in the business you never could have on your own. I am truly thankful for my time at Second Baptist School, for all the wonderful teachers and faculty, for all the incredible friends I made there and for the crucial God-centric education that has informed my every decision since.” “The college preparatory part of the name gets left out more often than it should. By the time I actually got to UT, I felt more than ready for the workload that was given to me. Even more than that, I’m so thankful for the people with whom I learned and grew up. I made some lifelong bonds at SBS that not even moving across the country could break,” added Evans.
C L ASS O F 2005
Nathan Rees
Nathan Rees is a 2005 graduate of SBS. He attended Dallas Baptist University and majored in music business and vocal performance. As a singer/songwriter, Rees has sung at Notre Dame in Paris and performed at the Presidents’ Service and First Lady’s Dinner in Washington, D.C. He is also a Grammy Recording Academy member. Because of his passion for music, it is no surprise that when asked about a teacher who impacted him, he named Jim Sparks. “Not only did Mr. Sparks teach me about music, but he also taught me valuable life lessons,” said Rees. Nathan looks forward to releasing a new project this spring. www.nathanreesmusic.com 74
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CLASS O F 1995
Ryan Bell
Ryan Bell graduated with the SBS Class of 1995. He attended Texas A&M University and received a Bachelor of Business Administration in management information systems. Today, Bell is a contemporary Christian music artist, as well as the director of contemporary worship at Grace Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas. Bell released the “Chasing Daylight” EP in July 2012, and his last fulllength album in late 2007. He is currently working on a new album, which will be released within the calendar year. “I’ve played worship concerts all over the world (Austria, South Korea and the United States), and I’m very thankful to have shared the stage over the past few years with artists like Leeland, Abandon, Martha Munizzi, Al Denson, Tramaine Hawkins, Clint Brown and Vanessa BellArmstrong,” said Bell. Read more about Bell at www.ryanbellmusic.com and download his music at iTunes or Amazon. “I’m thankful for the top-quality education I received in preparation for my time at Texas A&M, and meeting lifelong friends that Ryan’s advice to SBS students: “Be thankful for attending one of the best I still communicate with daily,” schools in the entire state of Texas, and do everything you can to get the added Bell. most out of your education today! Most people will never have the chance to experience a first-class education and a wonderful school environment like Second Baptist School provides, so make it count! You can do anything you want if you’re willing to put in the work to make it happen!”
C L AS S O F 2000
Caroline Cobb Smith Caroline Cobb Smith graduated SBS in 2000. During her time at SBS, she played varsity volleyball and basketball, performed in numerous musicals, lead her class as a student council representative and was a National Merit Commended Scholar. Today, Smith is pursuing her passions as a singer-songwriter and full-time stay-at-home mom. In the year before her 30th birthday, Smith gave herself a crazy goal: to write a song for every book of the Bible in just one year. Now, using several of the songs written during that “year of biblical songwriting,” Smith has returned to the studio to record her third album: a concept album that tells the story of redemption from the Bible. “The Bible is full of stories,” says Smith, “but during my year of writing songs from the Bible, I began to see that all of the stories in scripture are really telling one, grand story: a story of redemption, a story of a loving God who ransoms us from sin and death through the death and resurrection of his own Son. This album is my humble attempt to tell that story.” The Blood + The Breath: Songs that Sing the Story of Redemption was produced by Josh Moore ’01 (Derek Webb, Matthew Perryman Jones, Sandra McCracken) and recorded at Shane & Shane’s studio near Dallas. The Blood + The Breath was released June 3, 2013 and is available on iTunes and Smith’s online store. Smith lives and works in Tyler, Texas with her husband, Nick, and their two children, Ellie (3) and Harrison (13 months). http://carolinecobb.com
January 2014
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CLASS O F 2004
Travis Bettis Travis Bettis began at SBS in Upper School and continued his education at Belmont University where he majored in audio engineer technology. Today, he is a songwriter, session musician and lead guitarist. He has lived in Nashville for 10 years and has been touring the country for seven. He has played everywhere from the Grand Ole Opry to the White House and Red Rocks to Gruene Hall. “After all of the years of seeing the world there is nothing better than Texas,” said Bettis. Bettis has been awarded three gold records and one platinum record with recording artist Lee Brice. He is involved with Curb Records, The American Federation of Musicians and the Grand Ole Opry. When not playing music, Bettis enjoys basketball and football, which he played at SBS. One of Bettis’ favorite SBS memories was learning a new saying from Coach Hutson every day and trying to figure out what it meant. “Like ‘line up in a circle’ or ‘be the rhino,’” said Bettis. During Bettis’ years at SBS, teacher Chuck Carpenter made the biggest impact on his life. He said, “Mr. Carpenter had a passion for books and I had a passion for not reading them. He worked through my stubbornness and one day heard me playing guitar. Afterward, he told me to pursue my dream of music.”
CLASS O F 2000
Sarah Young Shrode
Sarah Young Shrode graduated in 2000 from SBS. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Trinity University and majored in history, with a minor in medieval and renaissance studies. She is currently a worship leader at Oak Hills Church, a mother and a singer/songwriter. Sarah’s advice to SBS students: “Love the “I love encouraging people – especially my Lord your God with all your heart, with all children – to love the Lord and to worship him not your soul, with all your mind, and with just with a song on Sunday mornings, but with their all your strength. Love your neighbor as hearts and their lives,” said Shrode. yourself. And love the person God made Shrode’s favorite SBS memory is the Interim you to be. We spend so much of our lives Term trip she took to Paris and the Loire Valley. She – especially in high school – striving to says, “The trip opened my eyes to the beauty of be like others, when all the while God has the world around me and made me fall in love with created us to be uniquely beautiful and to serve a unique purpose.” history like never before.” “I am so grateful to have had teachers who taught us not just to succeed on tests, but to love learning. In just about every subject, I was blessed to have had instructors who showed me the beauty and wonder hiding inside words and numbers,” added Shrode.
Katie Ann Belin Lumbley ’96
Kaylin Zeren ’08
Casey Tollett Botta ’07
Nick Daniels ’09
Editor, Zaner-Bloser in Columbus, OH
Freelance Writer and Production Assistant, Mosaic Production Co. in California
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Actor
Co-Founder, Keep Texas Live, a concert promoting company
SBS ALU M N I I N
FOOD AND HOSPITALITY C L AS S O F 2 0 0 5
Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram graduated with the SBS Class of 2005. She attended both Vanderbilt University and Rice University, and graduated from Rice University in the top five percent of her class in 2009 with a triple major in kinesiology specializing in health science, ceramics, and vocal performance. Since then, she has been heavily involved in the movement of organic horticulture, permaculture and co-operative communities. At the age of 20, before she graduated college, she started the non-profit organization Rawfully Organic, the largest raw, organic produce co-operative in the United States. www.fullyraw.com Today, Rawfully Organic feeds over 450 families each week and focuses on the benefits of eating diets high in raw fruits and vegetables while making organic affordable for all. The nonprofit has supported more than two million dollars to the organic produce movement and grosses more than half a million each year. It stays true to its mission to support families in the Texas community to supply an abundance of organic produce to help them achieve their raw, vegetarian, or vegan lifestyle. To this day, the co-op is 100 percent volunteer run, and not even Kristina chooses to write herself a paycheck. Bucaram has been 100 percent raw for almost seven years, and is a leading visionary in the raw movement, especially in Houston, Texas. Her inspiration for being FullyRaw came after she was able to rid herself of hyperglycemia at the age of 18 eating nothing but a low fat raw vegan diet consisting solely of fresh fruits and vegetables with few nuts and seeds. In addition to being the founder and chief co-operator of Rawfully Organic, Bucaram has made a living tutoring students in all finite math up to advanced calculus, physics, chemistry, biology, SAT, ACT, Spanish and English. She is also a practicing ceramicist, raw food coach and speaker in the Houston community.
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CLASS OF 1997
Ali Ansari Ali Ansari is a 1997 graduate of SBS, and went on to study at Stanford University. He played on the Stanford tennis team and earned his Bachelor of Science in economics with PAC-10 academic honors. Ansari joined FreshBrew Group’s specialty roasting operations in 2002 and in subsequent years, moved through various company divisions and was appointed president of the company in 2007. In the company’s vending operations, he was largely responsible for the division’s emergence in the market as a technologically advanced vending services provider. He initiated the company’s Crispy Choice food division as well as implementing a robust IT function and capability for the company. In recent years, under his executive leadership, FreshBrew Group has achieved dominant market share and won numerous accolades. Prior to his tenure with FreshBrew Group, Ansari was a world-ranked ATP tennis professional in singles and doubles and served as captain and two-time National Tennis Team Champion. The history of FreshBrew Group dates back to 1919 with the debut of the Morning Treat brand of coffee. In 1989, after Morning Treat was merged with Café de Todd, the company introduced the gourmet coffee singles concept and the roasting plant was relocated from Louisiana to Houston, to accommodate growth and enhance the FreshBrew commitment to quality. FreshBrew Group was officially established in 1995 as the first office coffee services supplier in the greater Houston metropolitan area to offer single brew coffee machines to clients through the company’s Office Coffee Service Division with System Seven — so named for the equipment’s ability to provide seven different forms of coffee beverages. To ensure coffee quality control, shortly thereafter it acquired Café de Todd’s operations and brands. In 1997, leveraging the company’s record and reputation for exceptional service levels, and at the request of a large coffee services client, FreshBrew added the vending division. As the business grew through acquisitions, it soon became the
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region’s most technologically advanced full-service vending company. Through diligent adherence to the company’s service promise and the introduction of new concepts in vending technology intended to improve service, efficiency and communication, FreshBrew Vending has now grown to be the largest, privately owned vending services provider in the region. Today, the FreshBrew Group comprises a specialty smallbatch roasting and gourmet quality coffee company and a first class, technology-driven vending services company. www.freshbrewgroup.com
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASSES O F 2000 AN D 2004
JennaDee Miller Detro & Abianne Miller JennaDee Miller Detro ‘00 and Abianne Miller ‘04 both attended Texas A&M University after graduating from SBS. The sisters grew up enjoying time in Cat Spring, Texas and have started a tea company named Cat Spring Yaupon Tea. catspringtea.com Their goal is to provide sustainably harvested and powerfully caffeinated yaupon tea. Yaupon is the only plant native to North America that is caffeinated. The caffeine, theobromine, provides the jitter free, clean energy boost found in trace amounts of dark chocolate. The plant is also rich in antioxidants and some studies demonstrate properties comparable to blueberries. This since forgotten plant was a major part of the Native American diet in the Cat Spring region and was exported to England and France in the 18th century. The tea is sourced locally from an estate between Austin and Houston and their trees are “heritage” native plants. The only thing that has touched the leaves is pure rainwater and Texas sunlight. The entire process is currently executed by hand, and the sisters are proud of the high quality of care with which their tea leaves have been prepared. “Just as yaupon is being offered a second chance, our goal is to create second chance employment by partnering with Texas organizations serving vulnerable populations and transitional homes,” said Abianne. Before starting Cat Spring Yaupon Tea, Abianne worked in community development for Lululemon Athletica in D.C. and also worked as an auditor at Ernst & Young. JennaDee was an accomplished lifestyle and wedding photographer and graphic designer. While at SBS, JennaDee was an active member of Anchor Club and served as vice president her senior year. She was also an editor of the yearbook. Abianne was a member of the women’s basketball team, Vision choir and Key Club. Both sisters were National Merit Commended Scholars. Some of their favorite memories were supporting and cheering for their younger sister, Gracilynn Miller, at SBS volleyball games.
C LAS S O F 1993
Lance Warren Lance Warren graduated from SBS in 1993 and went on to study hotel and restaurant management at the University of Houston. He is in his 16th year as a professional in the hospitality industry and is currently the director of food and beverage, as well as the executive chef at the renowned Briar Club in Houston. As a child, Warren would cook beside his father in the kitchen. He never imagined that he would be tasting success – literally. While attending school, Warren had the opportunity to work under Chef Fritz Gitschner, CMC, and Chef James Hanyzeski, CMC, at the Houston Country Club. Early on in his career, he was hired to help open the Houston restaurant, Rickshaw. Warren also worked at the St. Regis, a five-diamond hotel, for five years where he was the executive sous chef. In this position, Warren was able to travel to assist other chefs at premier properties across the country. During his career, Warren received the honor of top Jeune Commis (Young Chef) in the southwest region of the United States for the Chaine Des Rotisseurs. In 2006, he was a sous chef to Charles Clark on the Food Network hit reality show, Iron Chef America, in which they competed against Iron Chef Mario Batali. Warren received his certification for executive chef (CEC) from the ACF in 2013. He is currently president of the Professional Chefs Association of Houston (PCAH) Chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
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Gretchen’s advice to SBS students: “Love God and know how much He loves you. Do everything with humility, quality and integrity. And to enjoy your youth.”
CLASS OF 1993
Gretchen Feldtman Brown Gretchen Feldtman Brown started at SBS in the fourth grade and graduated with the Class of 1993. She attended Baylor University and studied dietetics. She also took part in a hospital dietetic internship at Emory University. Today, Brown is a registered dietician, as well as an author, freelance recipe developer, food stylist and photographer. She is currently a member of the Academy of Nutrition. “I am the author of the cookbook, Fast & Simple Gluten-Free, as well as the gluten-free food blog, kumquat (www.kumquatblog.com). I also occasionally do recipe development for Weight Watchers, Cooking Light and other companies,” said Brown. While at SBS, Brown enjoyed learning from Mrs. Larkin and Mrs. Clapper. She says, “Mrs. Larkin was my homeroom teacher in Upper School and made learning English fun. Mrs. Clapper was hilarious and made me love chemistry.” When asked about memories from her time at SBS Brown said, “With so much of my childhood spent at SBS it’s hard to pin down one memory. I am, however, eternally grateful for my girlfriends who have honestly turned into my lifelong best friends.” In her free time, Brown most enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter, eating and reading. “I am so thankful for the quality academic education, but also thankful that the influence from teachers and peers was such a positive one, focused on Christ. That influence established the foundation for my life,” added Brown.
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASSES O F 2005 AN D 2006
Brittany & Annie Zeleskey Sisters Brittany (’05) and Annie (’06) Zeleskey continued their studies after Second Baptist School at the University of Mississippi. Annie graduated with a degree in hospitality management and Brittany completed her master’s in accounting. It was the perfect educational match for opening a bed and breakfast. On July 24, 2010, the Zeleskeys opened the doors of The Z to their first clients. “The hardest thing about starting a bed and breakfast was having the courage to actually just go for it. We both love Oxford, but we also love Texas so making the decision to stay in Mississippi tore our hearts,” said Annie. As good entrepreneurs, the Zeleskey sisters work hard to distinguish their product and go above and beyond to make sure every guest has a memorable experience at The Z. Recently, they opened another bed and breakfast in Oxford named The White House. While at SBS, Brittany enjoyed being on the first women’s soccer team and playing from her first year as a sophomore until her senior year when she was captain. Annie’s favorite memories of SBS were her Interim Term trip to Italy and every Friday night spent cheering at an SBS sporting event. Looking back, the girls appreciate the close attention to detail that goes into everything at SBS, as well as the love the teachers have for every single student.
CLASS O F 1999
Ashlyn Reynolds Montgomery
Ashlyn Reynolds Montgomery graduated with the SBS Class of 1999. She received a degree from Baylor University in health, human performance and recreation (HHPR). As of February 2014, Montgomery will have been with White Lodging Services for 10 years. She began as a front desk manager at the Renaissance Suites in Broomfield, Colorado, and then became the human resources manager at the Boulder Marriott. After getting married in 2010, Montgomery began working as the sales and event coordinator at the Boulder Marriott. She has been awarded the Regional Top Gun Manager of the Year (2009), Regional Associate of the Year (2010) and the Regional Top Gun (Sales) Associate of the Year (2012). These awards honor individuals that consistently go above and beyond in their job and live the White Lodging mission. While at SBS, Montgomery’s favorite memories were made on the softball field. She loved practicing, playing and spending time with her teammates.
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C LA SS OF 1 9 9 7
Reese Heffington
Reese Heffington started as a Kindergarten student at SBS and graduated in 1997. He studied English and psychology at The University of Texas at Austin. Today, Heffington is the executive chef at Spicewood Tavern in Austin, Texas. He is the winner of the 2007 Carneros Food and Wine Festival Lamb Cook-Off in Sonoma, representing The General’s Daughter. “I have spent the last 16 years working at some of the best restaurants in Austin and the San Francisco Bay area, from Austin trendsetter Vespaio to Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro in Napa Valley. Since August 2012, I have been dedicated to my own restaurant in northwest Austin, Spicewood Tavern,” said Heffington.
C LA SS O F 2 0 0 3
Ashlea Moore Taylor
Ashlea Moore Taylor is a graduate of the SBS Class of 2003. She majored in general family and consumer science at Baylor University. She is the director of special events and volunteers at Presbyterian School. Also, Taylor is the founder of Little Kitchen Catering. You can follow her blog at www.littlekitchenthatcould.com. At Presbyterian School, Taylor oversees the school gala and has been a part of establishing their first school carnival, which raised $75,000, tripling their goal of $25,000. While at SBS, Taylor was a member of the volleyball team and enjoyed English class. She says, “I had such great team experiences at SBS and volleyball with Coach Berg was the best. I will never forget reenacting scenes from literature in Miss McBride’s class. I most vividly remember a scene with Caesar and Brutus. She always found a way to keep English interesting.”
C LA SS O F 2 0 0 4
Jessica McCoy Lawson
Jessica McCoy Lawson is a member of the SBS Class of 2004. She received her Bachelor of Arts in marketing from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. Lawson is the director of marketing for Joe’s Crab Shack at Ignite Restaurant Group (a group that owns and operates several popular restaurants). “My job is to help develop new branding and marketing for the restaurants. I manage all social media, advertising, television campaigns and in-restaurant menu innovation and promotions,” said Lawson. While at SBS, Lawson’s favorite memory was the New York Trip she took her senior year during Interim Term. She also enjoyed Mrs. Towery’s history class. When asked about her time at SBS, Lawson said, “I didn’t realize how blessed I was to be able to attend such a great school until I graduated. I feel truly blessed that I was surrounded by amazing teachers and made great relationships. The friends that I made at SBS have been the most important relationships in my life.”
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SBS ALU M N I I N
HEALTH AND MEDICINE CLASS OF 1992
Asif Ali, M.D.
Asif’s advice to current SBS students: “Be passionate about what you do. Remember that we live in a diverse world. Seek out ways to be an ambassador to humanity.”
Asif Ali, M.D. began SBS in sixth grade and graduated with the Class of 1992. After earning a Bachelor of Science in biology from Trinity University and a master’s in public health from The University of Texas Health Science Center, Dr. Ali went on to earn his M.D. in cardiovascular medicine from The University of Texas Health Science Center. Besides being a partner at Houston Cardiovascular Consultants, Dr. Ali also serves as a clinical associate professor of medicine at UT Health here in Houston. Dr. Ali’s impressive resume boasts such achievements as Chief Medical Officer, Chief of Education, and Chief of Cardiology in Houston area hospitals. Dr. Ali’s primary interests include promoting public awareness and education of preventative health care for cardiovascular diseases, and he serves as a voice in both the academic and popular spheres. He has co-authored a cardiology consult book, Clinical Questions: Cardiology, On the Spot Answers to Your Common Clinical Questions, which was published by McGraw-Hill. Because of his expertise, he has been asked to speak with such organizations as the Houston Rockets, the South Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Senior Expo, and at various international medical conferences. He also appears regularly on shows such as the Dr. Oz Show, Channel 8: Bill of Health, Local 2 News, Fox News, and on AM medical talk shows. This is only the tip of the ice berg in discussing Dr. Ali’s contributions to the medical world. He has a passion for giving back to the local Texas community in which he was raised. He remembers his time at SBS fondly, saying there are “too many favorite SBS memories to count.” Among other activities, he especially remembers varsity basketball games, the state track meet, Key Club activities and staffing the haunted house for March of Dimes. Dr. Ali is especially thankful to SBS for “the level of teaching aptitude.” He specifically remembers his favorite teacher, Becky Larkin, and cites, “She was passionate about teaching. She had high energy and a practical teaching approach. Most of all, she believed in her students, gave 100 percent, and was a friend and advisor to us all.”
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SBS A L UM N I I N H E ALT H AN D ME D I C I N E CLA S S O F 1 9 9 6
Cathy Papasakelariou Cathy Papasakelariou (‘96) graduated from The University of Texas with a degree in biology. She then went on to earn her master’s in virology and gene therapy from UT Houston and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Currently, she is a third year dermatology resident at the University of Arkansas for medical sciences. Beginning in September 2014, Papasakelariou will practice dermatology at Bellaire Dermatology Associates. From her years at SBS, she remembers many fun activities, but points to Carol Ware as the teacher who made the greatest impact on her life. She says, “Carol Ware is one of the most kind and compassionate people I have ever met and she made my high school experience wonderful.” In addition, she says, “I am most grateful for the excellent education SBS provided me. I feel this solid foundation is the basis of my academic success and hope to provide the same to both my children.”
Katherine’s advice to current SBS students: “Enjoy your time at SBS, there’s no other place like it!”
C LA SS OF 2004
Jessica Ralston Lisenby, CRNA Jessica Ralston Lisenby started at SBS in the first grade and graduated with the Class of 2004. She earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Texas Christian University and then her master’s in anesthesia from Baylor College of Medicine. Now, she works as a certified registered nurse anesthetist with Greater Houston Anesthesia at North Cypress Medical Center and Texas Children’s Women’s Pavilion. Lisenby practices anesthesia for all types of surgeries for both adults and children and is also an education coordinator for anesthesia residents and students. In addition, she gets to work with her dad every day, which is “a dream come true.” Lisenby particularly appreciated the close community at SBS. She loved that, as an Upper School student with one brother in Middle School and one in Lower School, she still was able to drive to school with her brothers. Also, she loved keeping in touch with Mrs. Linder, her first grade teacher, who incidentally also taught Lisenby’s husband, Gray. She is most thankful for the loving environment and the spiritual enrichment engrained in every subject at SBS. 84
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C LA S S O F 1 9 9 7
Katherine Coffee, M.Ed., R.Y.T. Katherine Coffee, M.Ed., R.Y.T. graduated with the SBS class of 1997, received her Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology from Southwestern University, and completed her master’s degree in health education at The University of Texas. Currently, she is a fitness professional, health educator, nutritional consultant and licensed stress management coach at Lake Austin Spa Resort. She is also pursuing a Ph.D. in health behavior and health promotion at The University of Texas, where her research includes resiliency education and healthy living for adolescent girls. Some of her research has been published in International Journal of Health Promotion and Education, and more of her expertise can be found at www.katherinecoffee.com. She says, “I’ve been fortunate to work with students from lower income families at an all-girls school dedicated to their success in and out of the classroom.” From her time at SBS, Coffee is most thankful for the spiritual and academic guidance, particularly from teachers such as Donna Sims, Janis Simonton and Jeannene Simonton.
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS O F 1998
John Karotkin, D.D.S., M.S. John Karotkin, D.D.S., M.S. graduated from SBS as the valedictorian of the class of 1998. He then went on to earn a biology degree from Duke, his D.D.S. from The University of Texas School of Dentistry, and his Master of Science in oral biology and an orthodontic certificate from Temple University School of Dentistry. Currently, Dr. Karotkin owns Advanced Orthodontics of Houston and has been named a Houston Top Doctor from 2009 to the present. He says, “I am fortunate to have a career helping people to achieve healthy, great looking smiles that build self-esJohn’s advice to current SBS students: “Your teem and confidence. Also, it’s fun to toughest teachers and coaches are the ones have many current SBS students as patients; they think it’s pretty cool that Dr. K went to preparing you best for what’s to come in life.” their school ‘a thousand years ago.’” In addition, his office launched a charity program called “Grins that Give,” an organization that raises money for charities and provides low cost orthodontic treatment to dental office employees and their families. As an SBS Lifer, Karotkin has several fond memories ranging from Key Club meetings at Jake’s Philly Steaks to Mrs. Linder’s presenting him with his SBS PK class photo on graduation day. Most of all, he is appreciative of his biology teacher, D.C. Phillips. He says, “Through D.C. Phillips’ tireless dedication to his biology students, school spirit at sporting events, and commitment to community service through Key Club, he truly touched the life of every student who crossed his path and made a difference in many ways.” Dr. Karotkin is grateful for his experience at SBS. He says, “Strong Christian values along with top-notch education. Enough said.”
CLASS O F 1999
Mike Greaser, M.D.
Mike Greaser is a 1999 graduate of SBS. He attended The University of Texas at Austin and received his degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology. Greaser attended The University of Texas Medical School in Houston and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at UT Southwestern in Dallas. Currently, Greaser and his wife Laura Cohen Greaser ’99 live in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he is completing a foot and ankle fellowship at OrthoCarolina Foot and Ankle Institute. The Greasers will be moving back to Texas in the summer of 2014 to begin building Mike’s practice in Houston. During his time at SBS, Greaser enjoyed playing football and baseball.
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C LA S S O F 2 0 0 4
Jordan Kates Bowling Jordan Kates Bowling was a Lifer at SBS and graduated with the Class of 2004. She earned her Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Louisiana State University, and now works as a clinical assistant to an orthopedic surgeon at the Bone and Joint Clinic of Houston. She says, “I am passionate about the body and how it works. I think it shows God’s creativity, power and attention to detail.” Remembering her years at SBS, she says she “wouldn’t Jordan’s advice to current SBS students: “Be change a thing.” Bowling as involved as you can – you will learn a treis grateful for the great mendous amount and make lifelong friendChristian education that ships. You don’t want to look back regretting she received saying, “The what you didn’t try.” quality of what I learned was evident to me when I started college – I was extremely prepared for the academic challenges that I faced. I think I am most grateful for the teachers and coaches that I had at Second. I was positively encouraged, passionately taught and thoroughly loved through both failures and triumphs. As a result of their investment in me, I learned confidence, work-ethic and what it meant to be a leader.”
C LA SS O F 2 0 0 4
Josh Hallman
In 2004, Josh Hallman graduated from SBS. Hallman continued his studies at The University of Texas at Austin and received his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. Today, Hallman is the manager of science and technology for Sixlog Corporation, a company in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. “I manage bio-decontamination research and operation initiatives in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. We are called by pharmaceutical and healthcare facilities all over the world whenever there is an outbreak of viruses, bacteria or spores,” Hallman said. While at SBS, Hallman enjoyed Friday night football games and the spring musicals. Looking back, he is thankful for the small class sizes and the phenomenal math and science teachers he had. When asked about teachers that made an impact on him, Hallman said, “Mr. Sparks taught me to sing, act and dance in all the spring musicals. Ms. Ward taught me to love physics. She is the reason why I studied engineering at UT.” Hallman’s favorite memory from SBS was winning the Homecoming skit competition as sophomores in 2002.
Josh’s advice to current SBS students: “CliffNotes will not help you in Mrs. Sisk’s class.”
C LA SS OF 200 1
Carolyn Saour Mohsenzadeh
Carolyn Saour Mohsenzadeh is a 2001 graduate of SBS. She received her Bachelor of Science in communications and government at The University of Texas at Austin. She also received her master’s in health administration from Georgetown University. Currently, Mohsenzadeh is the manager of Wellness Services at Houston Methodist Hospital. She enjoys managing the executive health program, as well as the corporate business development for Houston Methodist Wellness. Carolyn’s advice to SBS students: “Be open to where life may take you as the riches of life are found in the journey not the destination!”
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
Allison’s advice to current SBS students: “Invest in your friends in high school – I am still very close with some of my SBS friends! Also, take AP English – you won’t regret it.” C LA SS OF 2002
Caitlin Fincher Zorn Caitlin Fincher Zorn (’02) graduated from the University of Georgia on the dean’s list, and went on to the Medical College of Georgia. She is currently working as a respiratory therapist for premature babies. Zorn says, “Nothing is more rewarding than when families come by the NICU for a visit with their kids years after working with them.” As a former SBS cheerleader, her high school experience was characterized by Friday night football. But, she also remembers both the spiritual and academic impact that SBS had on her life. She is particularly grateful for her Christian education because “it has given me a solid foundation to stand on.”
C LA S S O F 2 0 0 8
Allison Sanders Allison Sanders (’08) graduated on the dean’s list when she earned both her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Samford University and her master’s degree in nutrition sciences from the University of Alabama. Currently, she is one of twelve dietetic interns in the highly competitive program at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. After school, Sanders hopes to work in pediatric nutrition. From her time at SBS, she remembers both Ruth Dale and Mitzi Sisk, saying, “They are legends in my book. They equipped me with irreplaceable knowledge and a love for literature. I’ll never forget reading Hamlet aloud and singing Ophelia’s songs with Christina Tripp.”
C LA SS O F 1 9 9 9
Brittany Glenn Senseman Brittany Glenn Senseman graduated with the Class of 1999 and went on to double major in English and psychology at Houston Baptist University, graduating magna cum laude. After earning her Master of Arts in Christian counseling from HBU, she began practicing as a licensed professional therapist in the Houston area. Senseman has a general practice seeing children, adolescents and adults. She has clinical experience with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD and others. Also, she regularly offers a prenatal couples workshop called “It’s Positive, Now What?” that she developed to help couples navigate the transition between married to married with kids. As a Lifer, Senseman has several lasting memoBrittany’s advice to current SBS students: ries that impacted her, including her first grade “Don’t focus too much on the years to come – teacher fostering her love of reading through they will take care of themselves. Enjoy where you are right now!” Superfudge, and serving on the Reflections team for senior retreat. She says, “Educationally, I am thankful that I learned how to read critically and write effectively. So many of my college friends struggled to write the most basic of papers, while to me, it felt like a continuation of what I had already done. Experientially, I still love the friends I made at Second. There is nothing like having people in your life who have known and loved you for years.” January 2014
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C LA SS O F 1 9 8 8
Amy Woodruff, M.D. Dr. Amy Woodruff graduated from Second Baptist School in 1988. Dr. Woodruff received her Bachelor of Science from Baylor University, where she graduated magna cum laude in 1991. She attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine, graduating cum laude in 1995. Following medical school, Dr. Woodruff completed her residency at Baylor College of Medicine, where she was chief resident of internal medicine. Her fellowship was in cardiology at the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. She also completed a fellowship in clinical cardiac electrophysiology at Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Texas A&M Health Science Center. Today, she is a cardiologist and electrophysiologist specializing in electrical disorders of the heart. She currently has a private practice in the Houston medical center. Additionally, she is a clinical instructor at The University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School and a clinical assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine. She has been published in medical journals for her research in the areas of breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases. While a student at SBS, Dr. Woodruff excelled in all areas of academics, but especially found a passion for science.
C LA SS O F 1 9 9 8
Mark Geyer, M.D. Dr. Mark Geyer graduated SBS in 1998. He received his M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine, did his residency at Duke University Medical Center and recently completed his fellowship at The Steadman Clinic Sports Medicine Fellowship in Vail, Colorado. Dr. Geyer is a general surgeon who specializes in surgery, orthopedic surgery, and orthopedic sports medicine. He practices surgery, orthopedic surgery, and orthopedic sports medicine at Athletic Orthopedics and Knee Center in Houston with a focus on treating injuries of the knee, hip and shoulder. While at SBS, Dr. Geyer was a member of the varsity football team, varsity basketball team, varsity track team, Key Club, Spanish club and was editor-in-chief of the yearbook his senior year.
Paul Gregory ’03
Texas A&M University, University of North Texas, MS Hospital Administration Administrative Director Veterans Administration Hospital in Kerrville, TX
Allie Evans ’04
NICU Nurse, Baylor All Saints Hospital in Fort Worth Studying for her master’s with UTMB for NICU Nurse Practitioner
Margaret Magee Doiron ’01
Texas A&M University, University of Texas Medical Branch Second Year Resident in Obstetrics-Gynecology UTMB in Galveston
Texas A&M University, BS Community Health University of Texas Medical Branch BSN, RN Pediatric Renal, Gastrointestinal, Transplant Unit Texas Children’s Hospital
Jessi Soape ’05
Katie Gardner ’05
Pharmacy Doctorate Student University of Louisiana at Monroe
Seliece Dodds ’06
Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN, RN Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology
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Daniele White ’08
Eagle – Alumni Edition
Emergency Room Nurse, Texas Children’s Hospital Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Vanderbilt University
SBS ALU M N I I N
LAW AND GOVERNMENT
CLASS
Washington Post as “the biggest upset of 2012 . . . a true grassroots victory against very long odds.” Cruz’s calling to public service is inspired largely by his first-hand observation of the pursuit of freedom and opportunity in America. In the Senate, Cruz serves on the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the Committee on Armed Services; the Committee on the Judiciary; the Special Committee on Aging; and the Committee on Rules and Administration. Before being elected, Cruz received national acclaim as the Solicitor General of Texas, the state’s chief lawyer before the U.S. Supreme Court. Serving under Attorney General Greg Abbott, Cruz was the nation’s youngest Solicitor General, the longest serving Solicitor General in Texas, and the first Hispanic Solicitor General of Texas. In private practice in Houston, Cruz spent five years as a partner at one of the nation’s largest law firms, where he led the firm’s U.S. Supreme Court and national Appellate Litigation practice. He has authored more than 80 U.S. Supreme Court briefs and argued Ted’s advice to SBS students: “Follow 43 oral arguments, your passions. Ask yourself what including nine before you think about each morning when the U.S. Supreme Court. you wake up, and each night when During his service as you go to sleep. Devote yourself to Solicitor General, Texas your principles and your passions. achieved an unpreceSeek God’s will for your life, and dented series of landmake a meaningful difference in the mark national victories. lives of others. And have fun; you can never laugh too much.” The National Law Journal has called Cruz “a key voice” to whom “the [U.S. Supreme Court] Justices listen.” He has been named by American Lawyer OF 1988 magazine as one of the 50 Best Litigators under 45 in America, by the National Law Journal as one of the 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America, and by Texas as a law clerk to Chief Justice William Lawyer as one of the 25 Greatest Texas Rehnquist on the U.S. Supreme Court and Lawyers of the Past Quarter Century. was the first Hispanic ever to clerk for the From 2004-09, he taught U.S. Supreme Chief Justice of the United States. Court Litigation as an Adjunct Professor Today, Cruz serves as the 34th U.S. of Law at The University of Texas School Senator from Texas. A passionate fighter of Law and prior to becoming Solicitor for limited government, economic growth, General, he served as the Director of the and the Constitution, Cruz won a decisive Office of Policy Planning at the Federal victory in both the Republican primary and Trade Commission, as Associate Deputy the general election, despite having never Attorney General at the U.S. Department before been elected to office. of Justice, and as Domestic Policy Advisor Propelled by tens of thousands of on the 2000 Bush-Cheney campaign. grassroots activists across Texas, Cruz’s election has been described by the
Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz graduated with the SBS Class of 1988. While at SBS, Cruz enjoyed performing in the high school plays (Papa Was a Preacher, Sound of Music and Oliver) and one of his favorite memories was wrapping Northwest Academy in toilet paper after they stole the SBS school flag on Homecoming. When asked about his favorite teacher, Cruz said, “Mrs. Looser, who was an amazing English teacher and who remains a good friend to this day.” Cruz graduated with honors from Princeton University and with high honors from Harvard Law School. He served
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Catherine Blackburn Frazier Catherine Blackburn Frazier serves as press secretary for U.S. Senator Ted Cruz in Washington, D.C. She graduated with the SBS Class of 2002 and received degrees in government and public relations from The University of Texas at Austin. While at SBS, Frazier enjoyed being a part of the varsity cross country team and performing in numerous musicals. Prior to joining Cruz’s staff, Frazier served as press secretary to Texas Governor Rick Perry, for whom she worked since 2007. She was also Perry’s deputy press secretary and worked in his office during the Texas 2011 legislative session. Prior to that, she was deputy communications director to Governor Perry’s 2010 general election campaign and deputy press secretary during the 2010 primary campaign.
Chris’ advice to SBS students: “Pay attention in Bible class – one day hopefully you will have a craving for what you are learning now.” C LA SS OF 1998
Chris Earnest Chris Earnest graduated from the University of Tulsa School of Law. He currently works for Pearl Meyer & Partners advising corporate boards on various legal matters. Earnest attended SBS from 1993 until 1998. His favorite teacher was Ocia Brinkman Jeffries. His favorite activities were football and baseball. He is grateful to SBS for its high quality education that prepared him well for college.
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Erin Larkin Watkins Erin Larkin Watkins graduated from Baylor University and the Baylor School of Law. She currently works as a business planning lawyer at David, Goodman & Madole. “From shepherding a mom and pop operation through the start up process, to participating in high profile projects like the Victory Park development here in Dallas, no matter the size of the project you get to help people with just an idea realize their dream and turn it into something tangible,” she shares.
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
Christine’s advice to SBS students: “The hardest things in life are often the most rewarding, so don’t shy away from them. Also, remember to enjoy your school experience; Second Baptist is a loving environment of learning and fun that you will miss after you have graduated!”
CLASS OF 1997
Christine Young Christine Young graduated from Duke University with a degree in political science, women’s studies and religion and later received her master’s in security studies from Georgetown University. Now she works as an advisor for the White House Coordinator for Defense
Policy, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Arms Control, National Security Staff. Young attended SBS from 1984 until 1997. Her favorite activities were the spring musicals, Model UN and debate. She is most thankful for her teachers
who helped instill a love of learning, a curiosity about the world, and a desire to fight for and promote the good in the world. She credits SBS for teaching solid writing and research skills: “When I entered college, I already had the basic tools I needed to succeed.”
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C LA S S O F 1 9 9 7
Mitch Little Mitch Little graduated from Harvard University. While in college, he played football and received the William Paine LaCroix Award. Today, he works as a trial lawyer with Scheef & Stone, LLP. He is involved with numerous bar associations and is the current president of the Collin County Bar Association. Little attended SBS from 1984 until his graduation in 1997. The two teachers that had the biggest impact on his life were Mrs. Rebecca Larkin and Mrs. Ocia Brinkman Jeffries. “Both were master teachers and even better people. They poured into my life with all of their lives, and I would not be where I am today without them,” says Little. Favorite activities at SBS included football and yearbook. As part of a senior prank, he stole every clock in the Upper School. “I am thankful that Jesus was at the center of friendships that have now lasted over a quarter century,” Mitch’s advice to SBS students: “Believe in he adds. yourself, but not too much. Humble yourself before the Lord and let Him lift you up.”
C LA SS OF 1989
Doug Daniels
Doug Daniels, Class of 1989, is a partner with Daniels & Gentle, LLP. Previously he was partner with Bracewell & Guiliani, LLP. He graduated from Duke University in 1992 and The University of Texas School of Law in 1995. “My favorite SBS memory is probably Friday night basketball games, especially before a special event like Homecoming. Full gym, people dressed up to go out afterwards, rivalry games, lots of noise and excitement…good times for sure,” said Daniels.
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C LA S S O F 2 0 0 0
Andrea Little Gentle
Andrea Little Gentle is a 2000 graduate of SBS. She studied at the University of Southern California, as well as the University of Houston Law Center. From 2010 to 2012 she was an associate at Bracewell & Guiliani, LLP and today is a partner with Daniels & Gentle, LLP. Gentle fondly remembers the Interim Term trip she took to tour the New England colleges. “We took private tours of Harvard, Dartmouth, Boston College, and so many other great schools. Also, the trip ended up being just a small group of girls and many of them are still my best friends today,” said Gentle.
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
C LASS O F 1 9 9 0
Don D. Ford III
Don D. (“Donny”) Ford III graduated from Baylor University School of Law. He currently works as an estate planning lawyer with his own firm, Ford & Bergner, LLP. From 1976-1990, Ford attended SBS. He is a member of the Rad Dog Class of 1990. He credits SBS with having incredible teachers. “I had incredible teachers who taught me well and cared for all of us at the same time!” Ford was active in student council, music, and drama at SBS. “Today, my favorite SBS activity is seeing all of my fellow Rad Dogs a couple of times a year when we get together for dinner.” He is most thankful for SBS quality of education and nurturing environment. “We took for granted that everyone received the same level of education and the same care from their teachers as we did. When I got to college, I realized that SBS was a pretty special place from which I Donny’s advice to SBS students: “Take advantage of the education you are continue to benefit.” receiving, and invest heavily in the friendships with your fellow SBS students. These two things will pay dividends for the rest of your life!”
C LA SS O F 1 9 9 8
Bryant Lee Bryant Lee, Class of 1998, graduated from Texas A&M and the Columbia School of Law. He currently works at Latham & Watkins, LP as a tax attorney. He spends his free time staying active in his church, running and playing golf, following Aggie sports and enjoying being a new father. Lee’s favorite teacher at SBS: “Kathy Lee – she is my mom, but she is also a fantastic Bryant’s advice to SBS students: “You are blessed to be a student at SBS. Be active in teacher (be it English or math) who instills a the School, and take advantage of as many love of learning into her students; she works extracurricular activities as possible.” very hard, and she cares very deeply about each one of her students (both inside and outside of the classroom).” His favorite SBS activities included basketball, Key Club, yearbook and Interim Term. He is most thankful for “the manner in which all of my teachers and coaches modeled the love of Jesus Christ to me for 14 years. It is impossible to overstate the impact of their example on my life.”
C LA SS O F 1 9 9 8
Brandt Leibe Brandt Leibe graduated from Davidson College and the Yale School of Law. He was valedictorian of his college class and clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Currently, he practices criminal defense law at King & Spaulding. Leibe attended SBS from 1984 until 1998. His favorite teachers were Ocia Brinkman Jeffries, Janis Simonton, John Victery and Linda Richard. “All of them pushed me to think about things in challenging ways. While that wasn’t always quick or easy, the times I spent with them were my most memorable and fulfilling.” His favorite activity was Interim Term. He is most thankful for “teachers who really Brandt’s advice to SBS students: “Savor the excared about not only your education but perience. It ends faster than you think, and life also your spiritual growth and maturity.” won’t always be this way.”
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CLASS O F 2004
Chris LeVrier
Chris LeVrier graduated from Texas State University where he studied criminal justice and political science. Today, LeVrier serves as a police officer with the Houston Police Department. LeVrier attended SBS from 2002-2004. His favorite teacher was “Mrs. Sisk because she made learning English fun.” During Upper School, he enjoyed playing baseball and football and can still remember all the memories he made playing trash can wars. Looking back, LeVrier is thankful for “how I was embraced by everyone when I made the Chris’ advice to SBS students: “Enjoy SBS while you transition to SBS.” have it and try your best to keep in touch with the people who are associated with SBS because they really do care about you.”
CLASS O F 1999
Max Monzon Max Monzon graduated from Baylor University and Texas Southern University. He currently works as an in-house attorney with Raintree Resorts International. He says of his job, “As in-house counsel, I get the unique opportunity to practice law in a business environment. While I not only get to provide legal advice on a daily basis, I also get to see firsthand how that advice directly affects different aspects of the company. It definitely provides a feeling of being a part of a team and I have really come to enjoy that aspect of my job.” Outside of work he is involved in the Association of Corporate Counsel; Houston Young Professionals Endeavour (HYPE); Baylor Business Network; Grace Bible Church and Cornerstone Ministries. Additionally he spends his free time with his wife Carrie and participates in outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, playing golf and tennis. Monzon attended SBS from 1993 until 1999. His favorite teacher at SBS was Ms. Donna Sims. “I can remember Ms. Sims telling me Max’s advice to SBS students: “…enjoy your time at that my writing was too Second and don’t be in a hurry to move on to the next verbose – as a seventh chapter of your life. Do your best to invest as much time as possible with your friends and in your education, it grader I wasn’t sure if will certainly benefit you in the long run.” that was a compliment or not. As an attorney, we have to be able to write succinctly and effectively and, at times, I still catch myself being reminded of Ms. Sims’ comment.” One of his favorite memories was disassembling and rebuilding a seven man football sled in a third floor classroom as a senior prank. Monzon says,“The opportunity to go to school in a Christian environment was truly a blessing that helped provide a foundation for my walk with the Lord. Also, I will never forget the memories I made at Second and many of the friendships I still enjoy today. In fact, most of the guys in my wedding last year were friends that I first made in the seventh grade.”
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW C LA S S O F 1 9 8 2
Joseph Brantley Durrett III
Brant Durrett graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Today he practices as a trial lawyer, with specific focus in representing policyholders, individual and small businesses, in litigation to resolve disputes with insurers. In his spare time, Durrett occupies himself with hunting, grilling, fantasy football, motorcycles and the Ole Miss Rebels. Durrett attended SBS from 1979-1981 and is a member of the first graduating class of Second Baptist School. He considers David “Truck” Turner, his physics teacher, to be one of his favorite teachers. “I was able to get to know Truck outside of the classroom when we would go fishing together. I liked Mr. Turner because he was smart and because he was a rebel of sorts.” Some of his favorite memories while attending SBS were the class trips to Boston and New York. He is most thankful for the small size of SBS. “Due to Brant’s advice to SBS students: the size, SBS provided opportunities to “Take advantage of your time at get to know your teachers and to particSBS, some of the friends you ipate in a variety of activities that are not make will be your friends for life.” always possible at larger schools.” He also loved the family experience. “Second Baptist has played a very large role in my life, and because of this has become a distinct member of my family in its own way. My dad was on the committee that added the high school to SBS, and both my siblings Charles Durrett ’86 and Marcy Durrett Johnston ’87 graduated from Second. I met my wife, Shari Nelsen Durrett ‘84, the most beautiful cheerleader on the squad. Since then, my daughter Hailie ‘09 graduated as a Lifer, two of my nieces, Abbey ‘19 and Brooke ‘20, attend Middle School now, and my wife works there as the Director of Communications.”
C LA S S O F 1 9 9 9
Rebecca Young Baker
Rebecca Young Baker is a graduate of Duke University and the Georgetown University Law Center. She works as a labor and employment lawyer for Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP. Baker is a Lifer. She attended SBS from 1986 until graduating in 1999. One of her favorite teachers was Mrs. Rebecca Larkin. “Mrs. Larkin really has a gift for leading class discussions.” Her favorite SBS activities were cheerleading and the spring musicals. She is most thankful for “…the opportunity to learn in such a caring, supportive environment. The Rebecca’s advice to SBS students: “Enjoy your youth ability to learn with teachers who take and the ability to be a part of such a special community. an active interest in their students’ You won’t believe how quickly the years fly by, and you success is priceless.” are left with nothing but fond memories of SBS!”
CL ASS OF 1997
David Morris
David Morris graduated from The University of Texas and the University of Houston Law Center. Currently, he works as a trial lawyer for Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP, where he recently worked on a trial team that won a three-week jury trial against one of the top personal injury firms in Houston. Morris attended SBS from 1984 until 1997. His favorite teacher was Kathy Lee. “She taught geometry and calculus, both of which I enjoyed. She was great at explaining very complicated subjects, and she always offered her time outside of class to help us if we needed it.” David’s advice to SBS students: “High goals are His favorite activities were football and basketball. His favorite memory from great, but you have to create a plan and focus on the SBS was winning state in basketball. He credits SBS with “help[ing] me create high steps of the plan in order to achieve your goals.” expectations for my personal life and my career. The School also instilled in me a sense of confidence through accomplishment.” January 2014
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Bobbi Ingram
Bobbi’s advice to SBS students: “Don’t let people hold you back... apply where you want, major in what you want, make decisions that will make you happy.”
Bobbi Ingram graduated from Texas Christian University and Baylor University School of Law. She is currently an oil and gas attorney with Noble Energy, Inc. Outside of work, she involves herself with running 5K and 10K races, fun bike rides, shopping, going to lunch with friends, football games and hanging out at ranches and lake houses. She also participates in the Association of Corporate Counsel, Junior League of Houston, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo – Mutton Bustin’ Committee, Houston Young Lawyer’s Association, Houston Association of Professional Landmen, Houston Bar Association and the Houston Area Women’s Center. Ingram attended SBS from 1988 until 2002. Her favorite SBS teacher was Mrs. Jones because “she knew when to be tough and when to be fun!” Her favorite activity at SBS was Field Day. Her favorite memory: “Having my brothers dress me up as an 80’s rock star for ‘What You Want to be When You Grow Up’ Day.” She is most thankful for SBS “preparing me to work hard in undergrad, but especially in law school.”
C LA SS O F 1 9 8 4
Stephen Rogers
Stephen Rogers graduated high school in 1984 and received his Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Baylor University, his Master of Business Administration in management from Pepperdine University, his Master of Laws in government/international law and finance from Regent University and his Juris Doctor in law from Trinity Law School. Currently, Rogers serves as corporate counsel and manager of global compliance and risk management at Frank’s International, Nevada, in Houston. He is one of three in-house lawyers that serves a 75-year-old family business recently listed on the NYSE as FI. “We are an oilfield services firm with operations in 60 countries and 15 states. Dealing with other cultures especially in Africa and Asia is often a challenge. Their cultures demand that they save face. Americans, especially Texans like to win. Learning how to win and help the other side save face is often a challenge,” said Rogers. While at SBS, Rogers enjoyed pep rallies for the only SBS sport at the time, basketball; as well as chapel services with Dr. Young. He will never forget winning first place in the ninth grade science fair, rededicating his life to Christ in Mrs. Richardson’s Bible class and Mrs. Clapper’s science class. When asked about a teacher that made an impact on his, Rogers said, “Carol Ware always exhibited the highest standards, but was willing to work with those of us who had trouble meeting them.” “SBS reignited my love of Jesus and gave me a home. It was a wonderful place of faith and learning. I experienced caring on a level most people only associate with their own immediate family,” said Rogers.
Stephen’s advice: “Be involved in everything. Don’t give up. Don’t turn inward. Push through whatever struggles that you face. God has placed you in this place as a gift. In addition, service is key. Serve others. The only way we win is to do what Jesus did, pour ourselves out for others. That will look different depending on where you are in life. My advice is to love like Jesus does.”
C LA S S O F 2 0 0 3
Conor Shary
Conor Shary is a 2003 graduate of SBS. After college, he continued his studies at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and graduated in May 2011. He is an attorney in Houston with Andrews Kurth LLP, practicing energy, finance and real estate law.
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
Greg Looser ’87
Baylor University Baylor University School of Law Attorney
Wesley Jackson ’98
Attorney Ware Jackson Lee & Chambers LLP
Andrew Browning ’98 University of Houston Transaction Attorney Mostyn Law
Temple Ramming ’01
Trial Attorney State Counsel for Offenders in Huntsville, TX
Bill Gregory ’03
University of Texas at Austin Law Student South Texas College of Law Working as a Tech Writer
Meagan Smith ’08
Employed with law firm Downtown Atlanta, Georgia
Samy Diab ’08
Law Student University of Houston
Caroline Dinges ’08 Law Student University of Houston
Collin Wise ’03 Attorney
CLASS OF 2005
Sabrina Tour
Sabrina Tour graduated SBS in 2005 and continued her studies at Rice University. She is currently at Vanderbilt Law School and wants to work as an NFL agent when she graduates May 2014. “I have worked for the Vandy football team for the last three years in recruiting, as preparation for recruiting NFL clients when I graduate,” said Tour. Last year she was the vice president of the Entertainment & Sports Law Society, as well as the president of the Middle Eastern Law Student Association. Sabrina’s advice to SBS students wanting to pursue law school: “Major in whatever you want in college and take classes that interest you. I was a sports management and political science double major at Rice. I took both majors because I loved the subject matter and both have helped me in law school and have helped me decide what I want to do when I graduate.”
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MINISTRY AND PHILANTHROPY CLASSES O F 1997 A ND 2000
Taylor Ince & Robin Kellam Ince Taylor Ince graduated from Second Baptist School in 1997 and Robin Kellam Ince graduated in 2000. Robin continued her studies at Texas A&M University and Taylor went on to Wake Forest University. Although they attended SBS at the same time, they did not get to know each other until they both worked in high school ministry after graduating from university. Their shared sense of adventure and call to take the gospel to the ends of the earth quickly brought them together. Today, Taylor and Robin are married, have two children (Seth and Avery), and live, work and study in Edinburgh, Scotland. “We sensed God calling us to Edinburgh to simultaneously minister to international university students and pursue a Ph.D. in divinity at New College, University of Edinburgh,” said Taylor. In addition to Taylor studying Hebrew and Old Testament at New College, both Taylor and Robin are on staff with Friends International. The vision of Friends International is “that every international student in the UK have a Christian friend, giving them the opportunity to respond to the message of Jesus Christ and return home with the desire and skills to spread the gospel in their own country and throughout the world.” The Inces are constantly opening up their home in Edinburgh to host international students from all countries. The Lord has given them amazing opportunities to specifically minister to Muslims through Bible studies, soup nights, scavenger hunts and more! “I’m thankful for SBS because of the community it gave me that I still feel a part of today. We are still friends with many of our classmates and teachers and in our recent time of loss, SBS has supported us in ways we never dreamed back in high school. SBS continues to be a blessing to us!” said Robin.
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CLA S S O F 2 0 0 7
LeeAnn Ramey LeeAnn Ramey graduated with the SBS Class of 2007. She continued her studies at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas and graduated with a major in communication and a minor in psychology. Today, Ramey is working in London for a children’s charity named Kids Company. “Our services reach 36,000 children and intensively support 18,000 children across London, including the most deprived and at risk whose parents are unable to care for them due to their own practical and emotional challenges. For many, the roles of adult and child are reversed and, despite profound love, both struggle to survive,” said Ramey. Ramey is specifically working with vulnerable inner-city children through counseling and helping to provide practical, emotional and educational support. She has also worked to help plan their annual Christmas day event, where over 3,000 underprivileged kids came to spend Christmas. “I first fell in love with London when I went for Interim Term my senior year at Second Baptist with Ms. Simonton and Mrs. Larkin! It was so much fun and it made me want to come back!” said Ramey.
C LA SS OF 1993
Sarah Lasater Samoff Sarah Lasater Samoff started at SBS in 1990 and graduated with the Class of 1993. She received her Bachelor of Science in accounting from John Brown University. Before getting married in 2000, Samoff was on staff with Doulos Ministries in Westminster, Colorado, for two and a half years. In 2001, Samoff and her husband joined Wycliffe Bible Translators. “Of the nine years that we have lived in South East Asia, the five years we lived in a small village on the side of a volcano stands out the most. It was such an extraordinary experience living and working among the ‘Vee’ farmers. My husband Luke, along with a team of nationals, has been translating Bible stories and portions of the Bible into the ‘Vee’ language. We pray and hope that many of the predominantly Hindu and Muslim ‘Vee’ will come to faith through hearing/reading God’s word in their heart language. Along with helping Luke in the area of hospitality and such, my primary job, and the most favorite I’ve ever had, is raising/homeschooling our four children,” said Samoff. During her time at SBS, Samoff enjoyed being a cheerleader, along with the excitement of pep rallies and game days, as well as the Hitchcock films class with Jeannene Simonton during Interim Term, which at one point was called “Spring Extras.” When asked about a teacher that made an impact on her, Samoff said, “Mr. Rory, my Bible teacher, stands out the most. He encouraged, challenged and corrected me in significant and lasting ways.”
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CLASS OF 1991
Kirby Trapolino Kirby Trapolino graduated with the SBS Class of 1991 and studied radio/television/film communications and art at the University of Houston. Trapolino is the founder and director of the nonprofit organization Peace Gospel International, a project he began in 1993. Through the development of small business enterprise, his organization is empowering sustainable, native-led, mercy-based programs in Asia and Africa: caring for orphans, child trafficking victims, at-risk women and destitute children of the slums. He uses his photography extensively in social media to tell the story of his work abroad, raising awareness and support for these causes. He has received acclaim for his “30 Day Challenge” blogs where he chronicled his experiences living off of $30 of food for 30 days, to raise awareness of the extreme poverty in the developing world. Concurrently, during the early years of his philanthropic work, he pioneered an independent music distribution solution called Grassroots Music, which he operated from 1994-2004 with an online presence ranked among the world’s top 20,000 websites by Alexa. During this time he also served as manager of the internationally acclaimed music group Caedmon’s Call during their first three studio releases, with career sales topping two million CDs. While at SBS, Trapolino loved Key Club service projects, trigonometry with Jeannene Simonton, Bible with Dale Angstadt, history with Pat Maxcy, and Spanish with John Victery. “Every teacher really cared about us as individuals. We felt nurtured and respected in an environment that was challenging yet fun-loving. If it were not for my Bible teacher’s creative way of presenting God’s message of a purposeful, redemptive plan for my life, I would not be doing what I’m doing today. Second Baptist School literally changed the course of my life forever, and for this, I’m forever grateful,” said Trapolino.
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CLASS OF 1995
Sarah Harmeyer Sarah Harmeyer graduated with the SBS Class of 1995. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education at Ouachita Baptist University and her Master of Science in Education from Henderson State University. She is currently the major gifts advisor for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In 2012, Harmeyer received a Comprehensive Fund Development Certificate from the Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Rice University. She also received team recognition for ALSAC Region of the Year (2011), ALSAC One Vision Rewards FY11 3rd Quarter Winning Team, FOX Sports (2011), and Biltmore Who’s Who (2009). Harmeyer provides donors information about opportunities to make meaningful gifts and helps them achieve their philanthropic goals for the children of St. Jude. In the past seven years, she has also planned many dinners and galas for St. Jude across the Southwest. A highlight for her was leading the efforts on the Legends for Charity Dinner during Super Bowl XLV, honoring the NFL on FOX Broadcast Team with the Pat Summerall award. Harmeyer is passionate about loving people around her backyard table in Dallas, Texas. In the past two years, she has gathered almost 1,000 guests around her table. In early 2014, she will launch a national movement of ordinary people loving extraordinarily around their tables called Neighbor’s Table. Stay updated by finding her on Facebook by searching Neighbor’s Table, and on Twitter and Instagram @NeighborsTable, and coming soon at www. NeighborsTable.com.
PHOT O BY TAY L O R L OR D
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CLASS OF 2001
Keely Orr Scott Keely Orr Scott started at SBS in 1990 and graduated with the Class of 2001. She received her Bachelor of Science in mass communications (with a minor in fine art photography) from Belmont University. Currently, Scott is the artist relations regional director for Compassion International. Compassion is a sponsorship organization that focuses on holistic child development through the local church for kids living in the developing world. Working in 26 countries to date, Compassion has touched the lives of more than two million children working with thousands of church partners around the world. “Having spent nine years as a photographer for Compassion traveling all over internationally to visit our church partners, I recently transitioned into this current marketing role. I have loved telling the story of Compassion’s work through images and now my role is coming alongside touring artists/musicians and speakers to help them tell the story of Compassion at their concerts and events engaging new sponsors,” said Scott. While at SBS, Scott’s favorite activities were learning from Ted Tredennick (senior humanities), participating in the spring musicals and Interim Term. “I love the relationships that came from my years at SBS. Teachers, friends and church...I’m so thankful for how those relationships shaped who I am today!” added Scott. Keely’s advice to SBS students: “Ask Questions! I loved knowing that my teachers were not only my cheerleaders in the classroom but also outside the classroom. Ask them questions! Not just about what you are learning but about what you can learn. They want you to succeed. These are the years that form the foundation of what road is ahead. I look back at my years at SBS and at my friends and love seeing how everyone has a unique road after their time at SBS. It’s exciting...Enjoy it!”
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
C LA S S O F 1 9 9 6
Kirk & Amanda Van Zandt Craig Kirk and Amanda Van Zandt Craig both started at SBS in Pre-Kindergarten and graduated with the Class of 1996. Kirk graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in economics and Spanish, and he attended Wheaton College for graduate school. Amanda studied Christian education at Wheaton College and social work at the University of Houston for graduate school. Kirk and Amanda are co-founders of Agape Development Ministries. Kirk serves as executive director and Amanda serves as spiritual counselor. Agape Development Ministries has been in existence for Kirk’s advice to SBS students: “Soak up all the opportunities, make a broad set of eight years in Houston’s Third Ward. friends, kindness is better than popularity, “It is my great privilege to be transforming our service more important that status.” neighborhood by preparing Christ-following, independent, community-minded adults. We have had many experiences of individual transformation, including first generation college students, first generation faithful fathering, first time sports teams, first time exposure to the gospel, and first time racial reconciliation. We have been changed in the process. I can no longer gloss over passages like Isaiah 58 and 61, calling for the people of God to care and work deeply for the benefit of the poor and the marginalized. In the same way that Second Baptist School was a village for my wife and me, we want Houston’s Third Ward to become a village for every child born within its borders,” said Kirk. While at SBS, the Craigs enjoyed Key Club with Mr. Phillips, bombardment, blind pitch ball, Hoedown’s Grand Square (for the truly elite square dancers) and Jamestown. One of Kirk’s favorite memories as a student was running out of school on a snow day in 1994 and then playing ultimate frisbee on the school field in the cold ice and snow. When asked about teachers that made an impact on him, Kirk said, “There are so many...Ruth Ann Jones, John Victery, Becky Larkin, Mrs. Butler...each of these saw my strengths, saw my weaknesses and challenged me to grow. They all allowed the consequences of my actions to land squarely on my shoulders.” The Craigs have a great legacy at Second Baptist School. Four generations of the Craig family have been involved in SBS and three generations have been SBS students. Dialtha White, Amanda’s grandmother taught fifth grade for many years and Amanda’s mother and father both graduated SBS in eighth grade in 1963 (at the time there was no Upper School). “I’m most thankful for the community of friends and teachers. Some people call that a bubble, but I think of it as a village shaping and raising me. There is a proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child, and in the United States we have too few ‘villages.’ Safe places with watchful, intentional adults pushing the children to adulthood in a healthy, guarded manner,” said Kirk.
C LA S S O F 1 9 9 1
Cliff Young Cliff Young is a 1991 graduate of Second Baptist School. He attended Texas Christian University, as well as Houston Baptist University. Currently, Young is the creative media and communications department director and associate pastor for Second Baptist Church. He has also served as the executive producer for the Really, Really Big Christmas Show at Second Baptist Church. In addition, he serves as board member for the Dalit Freedom Network, a human rights, non-governmental organization that seeks to emancipate the socially oppressed Dalit people in India. Young is also a founding member and vocalist for the band, Caedmon’s Call. He is married to Danielle Glenn Young (‘94), also a graduate of SBS and has five children. During his time at SBS, Young enjoyed playing basketball, participating in the school musicals and having Becky Larkin as a teacher. “She was passionate about what she did,” said Young of Becky Larkin.
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CLA SS O F 1 9 9 1
Craig Beall Craig Beall attended SBS Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade and graduated with the SBS Class of 1991. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Baylor University and his Master of Arts in Christian education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as his doctorate in educational ministry. Beall is currently the executive pastor at First Baptist Church in Conyers, Georgia. “My job is to oversee and lead the staff and the general operations of the church. The favorite part of my job is to see a staff member succeed and to see a church member find their God-given passion in ministry. Every day is different and I love that aspect. My wife and I are highly involved in leading mission trips and the overall missions ministry to Nicaragua. We have had the privilege of taking nearly 200 different people on mission trips and have seen 30 houses built, a sewing and gardening ministry begun, a Christian school scholarship program fund over 500 children in need, all because of the generosity of our church. Our church is involved in local and international mission work. This past summer we were able to take our Craig’s advice to SBS students: “Life is so much more three sons and our niece and nephew (Matthew and Michaela Beall – current SBS than book knowledge. Use every opportunity to gain students) on mission trips to Nicaragua. This was one of the greatest blessings to real life experience. If you feel God is calling you to my wife, Michaelene, and I,” said Beall. full time ministry you must first and foremost focus on your personal relationship with Christ, then I would As a student at SBS, Beall was a member of both the baseball and football teams. tell you to learn to love people and love the church. He was also a member of the very first SBS football team, which started in the fall of 1989. Always keep Christ and people as your focus.” Beall’s favorite teacher was Dale Angstadt, his freshman and senior Bible teacher. “Mr. Angstadt made the Bible come to life and prepared me to face liberal theology in college through the development of a biblical worldview,” said Beall. “I am thankful for the Christian influence of the teachers and students. I am so thankful for the solid biblical education, which was paired with my attendance at Second Baptist Church. The combination of the school and church set me up for success in life,” added Beall.
C LA SS O F 1 9 9 4
Peyton Millinor
Peyton Millinor graduated with the SBS Class of 1994. He studied finance with a focus on political science at Baylor University. Currently, he is the vice president of REO at Asset Sales, but invests significant time as a team leader at HOPE Coffee. All net profits from the sale of HOPE Coffee go toward servant-evangelism projects for the needy in Honduras. “If you’re going to buy good coffee, make it coffee with a purpose,” said Millinor. “Through HOPE Coffee, God has brought together a small team of unique individuals with the same worldview, but who bring to the table varied views on business and ministry, which, combined together, create an amazing synergy and opportunity for our business as a missions coffee company. It’s rewarding to be a part of producing and selling a quality product that people want (and need in the mornings!), which also creates profits used to address the physical and spiritual needs of others,” said Millinor. During his time at SBS, Millinor enjoyed Key Club, Young Life/Campaigners, Captive Flames and yearbook, as well as learning from Becky Larkin. “Her creative, relaxed, open and caring teaching style was ideal for garnering my interest and attention in old and new subjects alike,” said Millinor. Looking back Millinor says, “I’m thankful that I was exposed to and encouraged to participate in a variety of activities at SBS that helped round out the quality education I received from caring teachers in the classroom.”
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Peyton’s advice to SBS students: “Take advantage of the variety of activities, clubs, etc. offered at SBS. Participate in one that you have never thought to be of interest – you might be surprised to find a new area for growth and development, as well as a source of good times and new friends.”
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
C LA SS O F 2 0 0 8
Sarah Holland
Sarah Holland graduated SBS in 2008 and went on to study Spanish and history at Texas A&M University. Currently, she teaches second grade at Makarios International in the Dominican Republic. “Makarios is a ministry dedicated to providing a Christ-centered education to children in the Dominican Republic. It is a blessing to experience a new way of life and to use what I am passionate about (Spanish, education, traveling, etc.) in a ministry setting,” said Holland. During her days as a SBS student, Holland enjoyed Key Club and Spanish club, as well as Mr. Knowles class, senior retreat and the Interim Term trip to England. “I’m thankful for the way SBS prepared me academically and spiritually for college, which in turn prepared me for where I am now,” added Holland. Sarah’s advice to SBS students: “My biggest advice would be to be willing to learn and to allow all of the wonderful Christian adults around you to pour into you.”
C LA SS O F 1 9 9 5
David Cockrell
David Cockrell graduated from Second Baptist School in 1995. His brother, Ernie, also attended SBS and graduated with the Class of 1992. Today, Cockrell is involved philanthropically in countless organizations in the Houston community. He was recently nominated to the MD Anderson Board of Visitors and is involved with Houston Methodist Hospital. He is also involved with Life House, a Christcentered housing ministry turning the challenge of unplanned pregnancy into an opportunity for growth for young, pregnant women while ensuring life for unborn children. Cockrell and his wife, Estela, recently chaired the Life House Gala.
Ben Young ’82
Elizabeth Anderson Knowles ’06
Amy Kay Ross ’89
Kate Wheeler ’07
Clayton Wakefield ’02
Sarah Adams ’09
Pastor Second Baptist Church Furman University Wheaton College Missionary
Worship Leader WordServe Church in Fulshear, Texas
Youth Leader St. Christopher Episcopal Church League City Texas A&M University Residential Counselor The Krause Children’s Center Texas Christian University Assistant Director with The Net FW www.TheNetFW.com
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SBS ALU M N I I N
TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
CLASS OF 2002
Faith Schorre Knudsen
Faith Schorre Knudsen started at SBS in the sixth grade and graduated with the Class of 2002 as the valedictorian. She studied biomedical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. Today, Knudsen is a biomedical engineer (BME) flight controller for the International Space Station. As a BME, Knudsen sits next to the flight surgeon in Mission Control. She provides technical and operational support to the men and women who are living on the International Space Station, orbiting the Earth at 17,500 mph. Specifically, she provides support for hardware and software that keeps the crewmembers healthy. Her system spans environmental monitoring, exercise countermeasures and health maintenance.
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“My favorite day at work so far was probably not when I helped solve a major problem fixing a space treadmill, but rather when the six crewmembers sang me ‘Happy Birthday!’ I guess the day I rode the Vomit Comet was a pretty good day, too,” said Knudsen. During her time at SBS, she was involved with the Regal Eagle drill team, Anchor Club, Latin club, yearbook and the track & field team. She has many favorite memories at SBS, but football season was a highlight of each year.
“As a member of the drill team, we watched every game and performed as well. There were wins, losses, mosquitoes, hot days, cold nights and lots of fun all around,” said Knudsen. I’m thankful for teachers who were invested in me as an individual. They were ready to teach and train, but they did not limit themselves to academia. Teachers cared about my emotional, spiritual and physical well-being. Thank you, teachers!” said Knudsen.
Faith’s advice to SBS students: “I’d encourage you to explore horizons outside of your comfort zone, especially as you start thinking about college. Leaving home (which, for me, meant leaving Texas), challenging yourself academically, making friends who are not like you… these are all ways that God can really teach you and grow you. Being stretched requires full reliance on God. It can be a tough experience, but a great one. So, I’d encourage you to explore possibilities that will stretch you.”
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
Howard’s advice to SBS students: “Most importantly, take advantage of your context. It’s easy to get caught up in the rhythm of assignments and activities, but if you can step back from it, you quickly realize that you’re spending the majority of your time each day in this amazing environment, surrounded by a faculty that is there not for some sort of financial windfall, but because they care about you. I’ve been able to see this both as a student and as the son of an SBS teacher with over 25 years tenure – and it’s true – they care deeply about you. “Secondly, I believe that there are two components necessary for success in both academia and your future career. The first is discipline and focus. For me, this is where SBS helped me the most as my brain tends to process things in a pretty non-linear way. The reason this is important is that for many subjects (e.g. math, computer science), the more interesting topics rely on a solid grasp of the fundamentals. And let’s be honest – sometimes, the way you develop those fundamentals is simply by working a few thousand problems. “The second component is what Microsoft calls ‘intellectual curiosity.’ The name is pretty self-descriptive – and the big idea is this: you are never satisfied with just giving an answer. You want to understand why. You want to know how things work. You take things apart and put them back together. You risk being wrong. These are traits that juxtapose curiosity with simply performance. Think of it this way: God made you with this supercomputer between your ears, along with a gigantic intellectual candy store called creation in which He reveals bits of Himself as you explore it. Go and discover – and don’t ever let yourself stop being amazed by His creation.”
CLASS OF 1995
Howard Dierking
Howard Dierking started at SBS in the fourth grade and graduated in 1995. He was a member of the Key Club and worked as the computer lab assistant, but by far his favorite SBS activity was senior lunch. He majored in political science and minored in computer science at Samford University. Currently, Dierking is the senior program manager in the Windows Azure Group at Microsoft. “Like nearly all of my roles at Microsoft, the highlight remains getting to work with so many incredibly smart people who are equally passionate about the products and services that we’re building. Right now, my team is focused on creating the absolute best tools for software developers writing applications that take advantage of cloud computing,” says Dierking. In addition to his role at Microsoft, Dierking
is the drummer for “The Dispatch,” a band at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington. He also is an author and speaker on various technology topics. “Firstly, I’m thankful for the education that I received at SBS – it was first class. SBS began developing skills such as critical thinking, organization and writing from the very beginning. I’m certain that many other graduates have had similar experiences, but my transition to college was significantly smoother because it felt like a natural progression. And these skills have been immeasurably valuable throughout my career. “Secondly, but of equal if not greater importance, I developed a circle of friends at SBS that are some of my closest friends to this day. Even living so far away, we still keep in touch regularly and several have even come up to Seattle to visit,” said Dierking.
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CLASS O F 2004
Patrick Coddou Patrick Coddou came to SBS in 2000 and graduated with the Class of 2004. He studied mechanical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin and has received a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University. He is currently the New Business Pursuits Engineer at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “My work at Lockheed primarily involves the pursuit and capture of new, international business for our newest fighter aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II. Being a part of these campaigns has been extremely rewarding for me because of the global significance that our Patrick’s advice to SBS students: work carries. When we are successful in persuading “Work hard and have fun. And our country’s key allies to purchase the F-35, we are don’t eat so much Whataburger.” significantly increasing their ability to defend themselves, and most importantly, defend the ideals and promises of a free world. Oh, and the international travel can be pretty fun, too,” said Coddou. While at SBS, Coddou enjoyed participating in the spring musicals and any memories involving Whataburger. He also enjoyed Mrs. Warden’s physics class. He says, “I had a lot of amazing teachers at SBS. Mrs. Warden’s class was my largest inspiration for becoming an engineer. She was a lot of fun, and expected a lot out of her students.”
C LASS O F 2002
Funke Adesanya Funke Adesanya (’02) graduated from the University of Houston on the dean’s list and received bachelor’s degrees in both architecture and environmental design. Today, she is an intern architect at QYA Group2 Architecture and Interior Design in Canada. She is a LEED Green Associate, as well as a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Alberta Association of Architects (AAA), Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Centre Street Church in Calgary, Alberta. “A few months ago, the company I work for won the design contract to be the bridging architects for 12 new schools located in select cities around Alberta. It’s a unique opportunity to be a part of an integrated team and to work side by side with Funke’s advice to SBS students: “Be curious, my mentor, designers and architects. After our huge deadline build relationships and take advantage of the in December, I plan on taking my board exams to become a learning environment provided in SBS. Who registered architect,” said Adesanya. knows where, when and how these experiences will help you discover your passions and talents.” During her time at SBS, Adesanya was a member of the track & field team, enjoyed attending the school musicals, as well as learning French from Madame Patton. “My favorite SBS memory was Interim Term, because it is unique to SBS. I signed up for a variety of programs, but Habitat for Humanity sticks out most in my mind. It was cool to be a part of a team of students building houses and giving back to the community. I didn’t know at that time architecture would be a huge part of my life,” said Adesanya. “I am thankful that I got admission as a transfer student from Nigeria. Also, knowing I was being prayed for by my teachers, students and parents (I had different classmate’s moms send me a card each month) made the transition easier. The SBS curriculum and activities were well rounded and gave me a great foundation for furthering my education,” said Adesanya.
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
C LASS O F 2004
David Reeves David Reeves started at SBS in Pre-Kindergarten and graduated with the Class of 2004. He attended Texas A&M University and studied petroleum engineering and geology. Today, Reeves is a manager of reservoir engineering at Matrix Petroleum, LLC and a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Reeves calls his work both enjoyable and stressful; however, he also believes that his position with the small, family petroleum exploration and production company is ideal. He says, “I get to do what I enjoy for a living, manage oil and gas reserves, and also learn from my father’s and brother’s business experiences. I can only recommend everyone find something they enjoy doing, be it corporately or in a small business setting.” Reflecting on his time at SBS, he said, “First, I’m most thankful to have met Emily, my wife, through SBS. Also, I’m thankful for the Bible knowledge we both learned. With Bible class every day and chapel once a week, there was no way to graduate without a biblical David’s advice to SBS students: “Enjoy school. Make an foundation. Lastly, Emily and I appreciate the lifelong friends effort to learn what you like and dislike as it relates to academic subjects. Finally, be disciplined and work hard. we have from SBS.” Both will help to prepare you for college and life after college, both of which come sooner than you can imagine.”
CLASS O F 2003
Hannah Noble Hannah Noble (’03) received both her Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies and Master in Education in instructional technology from the University of Houston. She serves as the interim director of technology at Second Baptist School, and is on the team that implemented the 1:1 Macbook program in 2011 and 1:1 iPads in 2012. Noble speaks on various technology topics at educational conferences around the country. This year, she organized the inaugural TechFest hosted by SBS, an educational conference with over 20 area private schools in attendance. In addition, her team was chosen by Google to be early adopters of Google Glass. Her team won two pair and traveled to Google to receive one-on-one training for the devices. SBS has been honored two years in a row as an Apple Distinguished School for its excellence in educational technologies, leadership and innovation.
CLASS O F 1999
Brett Warren Brett Warren (’99) received his Bachelor of Science in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M University, as well as his Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin. Warren is a National Merit Scholar and a Brown Foundation Scholar. Currently, he is the reservoir engineering manager at Stonegate Production, LLC. He is also a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
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C LA SS O F 1 9 9 0
Scott Sage Scott Sage graduated SBS in 1990 and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University in finance and marketing and a Master of Business Administration from Rice University. Sage founded Sage Built Homes, LLC, reintroducing the brand name his grandfather, Andy Sage, pioneered decades earlier in Houston. Mr. Sage oversees all day-to-day activities serving as president. Prior to founding Sage Built Homes, Sage worked a half dozen years with Compaq/Hewlett Packard serving in various marketing and project management roles. He began his professional career in commercial lending with Frost Bank in Houston. After completing remodeling/rehab projects on the side, Sage decided to apply proven project management processes to deliver quality homes for the Houston market. Sage is a member of the Greater Houston Builder’s Association (GHBA), Custom Builder’s Council and is recognized by the NAHB as a Graduate Master Builder (GMB). He and his wife Andrea have three children, Hope, Wesley and Walker at Second Baptist School. Sage serves as deacon at Second Baptist Church, where he and Andrea met in the mid 1990’s.
C LA SS OF 2002
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C LA S S O F 2 0 0 8
Davia Gernand
Stephen Coddou
Davia Gernand (’02) is a mechanical engineer at VoltAir Consulting Engineers where she designs building systems in commercial buildings, including churches, schools, hotels, high-rise office spaces and data centers. In 2011, she earned her professional engineering license. At SBS, her favorite teacher was Mrs. Jones in second grade. Gernand says, “She encouraged me to try new things and taught me to believe in myself.” In addition, she points to the SBS English department as honing her academic abilities. She says, “I am most thankful for the writing skills I gained while at SBS. They have served me well in my adult life.”
Stephen Coddou graduated with the SBS Class of 2008 and studied petroleum engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. He is a production engineer for Rocky Mountain Asset (specifically Pitchfork Field) with Marathon Oil in Wyoming. Coddou explains, “I work in an oil field that has been around for almost a century; therefore all wells are run on artificial lift because liquid cannot freely flow to the surface without a little help. “My job title is essentially ‘Well Doctor.’ If the well is not performing as expected, I have the responsibility to correct the problem by various methods. This means I need to first identify the problem, and trying to identify a problem that is a mile below my feet in a six inch wide hole can sometimes be tricky. But one word to describe my job: Fun.”
Eagle – Alumni Edition
W HERE A RE THEY NOW
C LA S S O F 1 9 9 6
Thomas Davis
C LA SS OF 2009
John Doughtie John Doughtie started at SBS in Pre-Kindergarten and graduated with the Class of 2009. He received his Bachelor of Science in petroleum engineering from Colorado School of Mines. He is currently a production engineer with XTO Energy, an ExxonMobil subsidiary. “It is a fun and exciting job that allows you to work just as much in the field as in the office. Although I really just started, I have had a pretty interesting time so far,” said Doughtie. “Looking back, SBS provided me with a great education and a great foundation for my professional career. I hate to say I am one of those guys that like to talk about the glory days, but it is always fun to talk about football and the past with my buddies from Second.”
C LA SS OF 2002
Holly O’Reilly Holly O’Reilly (’02) graduated from Texas A&M with an industrial distribution degree. Currently, she works as a material specialist and buyer for Fluor Incorporated, one of the top engineering/ procurement/ construction companies in the world. During her time with Fluor, O’Reilly has lived in Houston, Texas; Kingston, Jamaica; New York, New York; and currently Greenville, South Carolina. She has also worked on projects located in Afghanistan and Covington, Georgia. As a buyer, she buys engineered products for the construction of a particular site. To date, her favorite assignment was working at and rebuilding Ground Zero in New York City. Looking back, O’Reilly is most thankful for the lifelong relationships she built with classmates, the privilege of having Mrs. Visage for three years, and the blessing of Bible class. She says, “I never realized until graduating from college what a blessing it is to have been given a daily gift of learning about the Bible.”
Thomas Davis graduated SBS in 1996. He studied industrial technology management and construction management at Colorado State University and is currently the project manager at Davis Brothers Construction, Ltd. After living in Colorado for 16 years, he returned to Houston. He says, “Being away from Texas has given me a unique perspective on business and cultural tendencies in another part of the U.S., and it’s exciting to come back to an area that has such a strong economy and incredible job opportunities.” At Davis Brothers Construction, Davis oversees the construction of high-level apartment complexes and townhomes within the city of Houston, as well as upscale student housing projects for universities and colleges all over the state of Texas. While at SBS, Davis enjoyed sports, Interim Term trips, in-depth class discussions and Mrs. Warden’s physics class. “Physics became my favorite subject because of the way Ms. Warden taught and presented it. I viewed the world in a different way after taking her classes, and it brought the subject to life,” says Davis. Looking back on my time at SBS, I’m most thankful for how the teachers and faculty pushed us to strive higher than we ever thought was possible. Classes and the curriculum were difficult at times, but that solid basis for education has served me very well throughout my life. I also appreciate the lifelong friendships from SBS. Since high school, I have met few people who have had this same kind of connection with their high school classmates.
C LA S S O F 1 9 9 9
Amir Radfar Amir Radfar started at SBS in seventh grade and graduated with the SBS Class of 1999. He studied computer science at Baylor University and is currently the director of information technology at WildHorse Resources LLC, ranked as the eighth largest private gas producer in the United States. While at SBS, he enjoyed his computer science class taught by Bill Van Zandt and physics with Shawn Warden.
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SBS A L UM N I I N T E CH N O L O G Y, E N G I N E E R I N G AN D ARCH I TECTU RE
CLASS O F 1996
Dan Finnell Dan Finnell graduated with the SBS Class of 1996 and continued his studies at Texas A&M University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in environmental design, as well as a master’s in architecture from Texas Tech University. He is a licensed state of Texas architect and is currently the owner of Est. 11 Architecture PLLC. www.Est-11.com About working as an architect, Finnell says, “Everyday is a blank sheet of paper awaiting efforts of thought and action.” While at SBS, Finnell enjoyed Interim Term trips, Key Club and Mr. Phillips’ biology class. “Those who had the joy of taking Mr. Phillips’ biology class have been forever affected,” said Finnell.
Dan’s advice to SBS students: “Never forget where you came from and be thankful for all circumstances.”
CLASS O F 1994
Eric Hartley
Eric Hartley first started at SBS in 1989 and graduated with the SBS Class of 1994. After SBS, Hartley studied environmental design at Texas A&M University and is currently an associate at Mucasey & Associates, Architects. He is a member of The 429 Arts Group, Houston Vineyard Arts Guild and Imago Houston. Looking back, he’s grateful for the varying experiences SBS offered through classes, trips, and internships that Interim Term provided. His favorite class was art with Linda Parker. Always involved in art, Hartley’s talent began to bloom in high school when he won several awards at the district and state levels. Though drawn primarily to three dimensional and abstract work, he began to dabble in photography, and experimenting with film added a new element to his work. In college, majoring in architecture, Hartley continued to develop his art skills through classes, personal opportunities, study abroad trips to Italy and Guatemala, and participating in shows and juried expositions. After a few years off to build a family and pursue a career, the art world beckoned again in 2004 when he was invited to participate in FotoFest, an international bi-annual photography festival in Houston. Inspired by a visit from his college days to his cousin Michael Linstrom’s art studio, Hartley picked up the paint brush again to create the series Dance of the Mime, leading to a well received first solo exhibit in December 2005. Since 2005, Hartley has been creating and sharing his wide breadth of artistic stylings. His ever-growing body of work has expanded to include photography, painting, mixed media and graphic design. As an invited artist and through juried submissions, Hartley’s work has been featured in a number of art venues across the U.S. He is currently in the process of compiling a body of three-diEric’s advice to SBS students: “Take advantage of as many study mensional mixed media paintings for his next solo show abroad opportunities as possible. As Americans we tend to isolate Intersection in Versicolor. www.538studio.com ourselves, but experiencing other cultures and seeing the world from other perspectives is an invaluable learning experience.”
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W HERE A RE THEY NOW
C LA S S O F 2 0 0 3
Reid Cummings Reid Cummings graduated SBS with the Class of 2003. He studied philosophy, politics and economics at the University of Pennsylvania. Today, Cummings is the director of business development at Safe Shepherd based in San Francisco. www.safeshepherd.com Safe Shepherd is an Internet privacy company focused on identifying and removing personal information from third-party websites that sell it. “Previously, I was a vice president at the consultancy AlixPartners, focusing on corporate restructuring and turnarounds, as well as data analytics. There, I witnessed the decline of major organizations and worked on the teams to resurrect and revitalize some. I now work at a tech startup in San Francisco, where all those involved are very much on the bleeding edge of emerging technologies and industries.” Cummings is a member of the Turnaround Management Association and the Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Advisors. He is a certified insolvency and restructuring advisor. While at SBS, Cummings’ favorite activities were cross country and off-campus senior lunch. He most enjoyed Ted Tredennick’s class. He said, “Mr. Tredennick was demanding and would not accept superficial work or arguments.” Reid’s advice to SBS students: “Demand more of yourself “Looking back I’m thankful that SBS than others do. Seek excellence in whatever you pursue. grounds its students by providing a Take chances and do not concede to mediocrity or what is strong foundation for character and ‘sufficient.’ Realize opportunities are available and attainwork ethic.” able now and tomorrow. Be better, always.”
C LA S S O F 2 0 0 4
Nathan DeLano
Nathan DeLano (’04) graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a civil engineering degree and went on to earn a Master in Business Administration from Texas A&M University. He is now in Houston working for Fairwinds International as a pipeline construction project manager. Reflecting on his time at SBS, DeLano remembers Ms. Warden as the teacher who introduced him to physics and “opened my eyes to what is possible through science.” Nathan’s advice to SBS students: “Enjoy the stage of He says, “SBS allowed me to expand life that you are currently in and try to grow your relamy academic knowledge while at the same tionship with the Lord as much as you can each day. Because when hardships come, your relationship time helped me to grow my relationship with the Lord is the only thing that will sustain you.” with the Lord.”
C LA SS OF 2004
William Saour William Saour graduated SBS in 2004 and studied civil engineering at Texas A&M University. Currently, he is a project engineer at Benchmark Engineering Corporation.
Parker Jones ’07
Petroleum Engineer Reservoir Group – Halcon Resources
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Where Are They Now?
Armed Forces Letters from Second Grade Bible students!
Dear Lt. Hanson,
Dear Lt. Dominy,
Thank you for defending our country and our freedom. Every day in Bible class we pray for you and for God to watch over you. We hope you come back soon. Your friend, Austin
2 Lt. Trevor Hanson ‘09
ry, py t. Sha nd hapght a l u f Dear L ank ing to fi be so th I am ou are will. It must are y y e r r t t e h tha ur coun us. W for o ery dangero hat do youbeen ve very, v erving and w we ha ? I y a d you s id you know very ars. do? D g for you efe in the w a in pray you are s hope Love, ka Cathin
Thank you for fighting for our country. Have you ever had to jump out of an airplane? Have you ever driven a tank? What is your favorite sport? My favorite is soccer. We pray in Bible that you will be safe and come home soon. I just pray you will be safe. I just hope you will come back safely. From, Tyler
2 Lt. Dalton Dominy ‘08
Morrison, Dear Capt. Mya . You are brave. You are strong u every day. We pray for yo Your friend, Lauren
Lt. Bret Shary ‘01
Your Friend,
Capt. Mya Eagle – Alumni Edition
Thank you for being so brave. How jeeps can yo many u get on that plane? Where are you serv ing? Did yo u have any sports you lik favorite ed to play in second grade? We pray in Bible that yo u will be sa come home fe and soon. Please write me ba ck.
Sarah
Mya ison Morr God Bless You!
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Dear Capt. B ruyere,
Morris on ‘99 re ‘01 hn Bruye Capt. Jo
Dear Capt. Knox,
Dear Lt. Jay Murphy & Lt. Patrick Murphy, Lt. Jay Murphy ‘90
Thank you both for all your service. What’s your job? Is it dangerous? Is it fun? How old were you in second grade? In Bible class we pray for you so we hope you both are safe. Can you write back?
Thank you for protecting our country. Have you ever had to jump out of an airplane? Did you go to Second? If you did, wha t was your favorite sport? I lik e to play dodgeball. We hope you are safe and we hope you don't get injured! Love your friend, Katherine
Lt. Patrick Murphy ‘90
Your friend, Anna ☺
I will pray for you two.
P.S. My Grandma was in the Army.
Dear Cpl. Thornton, Thank you for prot ecting our country! Seco nd gr ad e is praying for you and is with you. Jo 3:16 “For GodGod hn that he gave hissoonloved the world, whoever believes in ly Son, that perish but have eterhim should not nal life.” Thank you! Love, Madelyn
Dear Lt. Adams,
What job do you do in the service? Here’s a verse: “Out of my distress I called LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.” Psalm 118:5. We’ve been praying for you every day; so God will help you work hard. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” Psalm 118:8 From, Will
ambrick. Dear Lt.B ve! You being bra hat is it r o f u o y Thank his. W u or doing t are nice f u use a gun? Did yo o y d n o o c D like? at Se Who ond grade go to sec love second grade! are u I Baptist? eacher? I hope yo for t g r in u o y e pra was y ible we ar ! safe. In B ill watch over you w d o G you! ite back! Please wr Love, Jessica
ton ‘06 ew Thorn Cpl. Matth
Lt. Ben Adam s
Lt. Tyler Bambrick ‘09
‘07
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Dear Capt. Wieder, Thank you for defending our freedom. Where are you serving and is your job hard? Every day in Bible class we pray that you will be safe and God will watch over you and that you come home soon.
mith,
Dear Lt. S
e top e one of th b o t it is How hard e are you stationed r guns? Whe t of now? . I get a lo .E P in ll a b ow up I I like kick When I gr ope you . t u o le p o h pe like you. I . want to be r. Will pray for you e t t like the le
Your friend, Reagan
Dear Officer Cambron,
Capt. Jeremy Wieder ‘95
, Your friend Isaac
You are cool. We pray for you every day in Bible. What kind of gun do you have? I hope you have a good time in the Army and I hope you come home soon. Your friend, Ian
Lt. Colby Smith
‘06
Dear Lt. Wade, I hope you are safe. I go to Second Baptist School. In 2nd grade we pray for you. Trust in God! Do not be afraid because God is with you and I am praying for you!
Dear Capt. Dolder,
Officer James Cambron ‘87
Love, Abby
Dear Lt. Kory
1 Lt. David Wade ‘04
Have you ever fought in a war? Thank you for saving us. I hope we become good friends and I hope you have a good time reading this. Thank you that you are brave and you are a soldier. The end. Jesus loves you.
Is your job dangerous? Are you doing ok? I think you are cool. You are brave to fight. I am proud of you doing brave things for America. Are you safe? Thank you so much for defending our country. You are very helpful. We are praying for you in Bible class. You are a good person. I hope you are proud of your job. You are a big help. Love, Lily
Your friend, Nicholas
r ‘96 vin Dolde Capt. Cal
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Eagle – Alumni Edition
Lt. Kory Krebs ‘00
Dear Lt. Buckley,
Dear Capt. McSpadden, What do you Drive, Fly or Shoot? I will be praying for you. Hope you come home safe. I hope you can send back a note. Your friend, Hudson
I am a second grader at SBS. Thank you for our freedom. Thank you for our country. You are so brave. We pray in Bible every day. Your friend, Ben
Lt. John Buckley ‘09
Dear Specialist Osborne,
Dear Capt. Walker, Thank you for guarding our freedom . Are you the best fighter? How many pull -ups can you do? I can do 20. Have you eve r gotten hurt? Is there going to be a World War III? Did you know that we pray for you every day? Your friend, Coe
Thank you for defending our country and our freedom. Every day in Bible class we pray for you and for God to watch over you. We hope you come back soon.
ene Specialist G‘07 Osbourne
Weekley, Dear Mr.
Capt. Van Walker ‘04
Your friend, Austin
Capt. Patrick J. Mc Spadden ‘00
Dear Lt. Aulds Thank you for fighting the bad people. What is your job in the service? Do you remember who you Dear Capt. were in theBringhurst, parade of presidents? We pray in Bible that you will be safe I think you home are awesome. and come soon. We are praying for you.
S. ade at SB r g d n 2 I am in serving much for so ou y Thank r job y. Is you tr n ou c r like in ou hat did you W s? ou r e g class dan grade? In d on c se ery to do in for you ev g in y a r p e we ar day. d,
Your frien Boyd
Your friend,
YourNick friend, Elizabeth
Capt. Josh Bringhurst ‘97 Aulds ‘03 Lt. Bryan
January 2014
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Where Do Our Graduates Go?
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Abilene Christian University
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Eagle – Alumni Edition
UT
H
AMU TEXAS A&M
THE CITADEL
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MIAMI
EDINBURGH
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WASHINGTON AND LEE
YALE
January 2014
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future
LETTER FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL
A
DEAR SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL FAMILY,
SBS graduate is a competent problem solver, prepared to defend his beliefs, and confident to contribute, take initiative and lead within a group. A SBS graduate has a global view of social justice issues and a desire to give back and serve their community. A SBS graduate has a love of learning and is a producer of knowledge, not just a consumer. A SBS graduate is passionate, innovative, and creative and uses critical thinking skills. The alumni profiled in the previous pages demonstrate these qualities. Our graduates are our success stories, the most tangible testimonies of excellence we have achieved as a school. At SBS, we know that we are training our students for jobs that do not yet exist, as exhibited through the occupations of the alumni profiled in this magazine. We strive to teach our students more than simply job skills, but encourage them to develop the grit and perseverance needed in today’s ever-changing digitally based society. At SBS, we are not just college prep; we are life prep. Our teachers equip our students for lifelong success, in and out of the classroom. At SBS, we have already established the 1-to-1 laptop program, bin scheduling and Harkness method of learning, challenging our students to think differently and encouraging our educators to approach learning from a new angle. Now as we look toward the future, we will offer a class in entrepreneurship for our Upper School students in the coming fall. We place strong emphasis on project-based learning, which requires alternate and nontraditional assessments of our students, therefore teaching them how to analyze and think critically. Our faculty and staff is constantly looking for ways to improve the tools our students use, however the heartbeat of Second remains the same – to provide an environment that nurtures, encourages and cultivates students in a way our modern culture has dismissed. Many of our alumni have commented on the sacredness of SBS, the family you find here and the opportunity to mature in a safe place. My hope is that all current and former students are sharpened by the relationships they have made here and their time as a student is just the beginning of the SBS experience. As we prepare to graduate our 34th class this May, I take confidence in the knowledge that Second Baptist School has prepared these students for both career and personal success, just as the alumni who have gone before them. I pray that SBS has challenged them to understand clearly, to think deeply, to judge wisely and to have the courage to live their lives on the great principles and convictions of biblical truth as they engage in an innovative and digitally based global community. To God be the glory!
Dr. Jeff D. Williams Head of School
January 2014
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The Allen Family Alumni: Julie ‘95 Children: Ella ‘25, Truett ‘27
SBS LEGACY FAMILIES
The Bacarisse Family Alumni: Charles ‘82 Child: Ellen ‘17 The Beall Family Alumni: Charles ‘84 Children: Matthew ‘15, Michaela ‘17 The Bolling Family Alumni: David ‘83 Children: Joseph ‘18, Claire ‘19, Caroline ‘21, Emily ‘23
The Craig Family
The Allen Family The Crites Family
The Carl Family Alumni: Laurie ‘88 Children: Catherine ‘19, William ‘26, Caroline ‘27 The Craig Family Alumni: Kirk ‘96 & Amanda ‘96 Children: Elijah ‘21, Sophia ‘23, Chloe ‘26 The Craig Family Alumni: Ryan ‘97 Child: Elizabeth ‘27
The Moritz Family
The Crites Family Alumni: Kristal ‘95 Children: Kennedy ‘22, Kambell ‘26 The Daniels Family Alumni: Doug ‘89 Children: Jason ‘17, Madeleine ‘20, James ‘23
The Moore Family
The Durrett Family Alumni: Charles ‘86 Children: Brooke ‘20, Abbey ‘19
The Fatheree Family
The Fatheree Family Alumni: Austin ‘96 Child: Cib ‘27 The Freedman Family Alumni: Cristina ‘86 Child: Cathleen ‘18 The Gordon Family Alumni: Kevin ‘86 Child: Caroline ‘20
The Sims Family
The King Family
The Holcomb Family Alumni: Carrie ‘92 Children: Scott ‘19, Ashley ‘21, Kevin ‘24
The Daniels Family
The King Family Alumni: Brittany ‘94 Children: Nate ‘25, Evie ‘27 The Krause Family Alumni: Tisha ‘90 Children: Ali ‘15, Katelyn ‘23
The Freedman Family
The Craig Family
The Bacarisse Family
The Marsh Family Alumni: Lindsay ‘94 Child: Rachel ‘21 The Miers Family Alumni: Kristin ‘95 Children: Jake ‘25, Kate ‘27 The Moore Family Alumni: Cari ‘91 Children: DJ ‘15, Cathryn ‘16, Bryce ‘17 The Holcomb Family
The Womble Family The Piggott Family
The Moritz Family Alumni: Craig ‘82 Child: Lindsey ‘14 The Murphy Family Alumni: Jay ‘90 Children: Jay ‘26, Saskia ‘27 The Patterson Family Alumni: James ‘96 Children: Rachel ‘22, Reagan ‘24 The Piggott Family Alumni: Elaina ‘84 Child: Zachary ‘20
The Sage Family
The Sage Family Alumni: Scott ‘90 Children: Hope ‘20, Wes ‘21, Walker ‘24
The Murphy Family The Patterson Family
The Schwinger Family Alumni: Becca ‘89 Children: Corbin ‘16, Cara ‘19, Charley ‘23 The Sims Family Alumni: Alex ‘96 Child: Lainey ‘22 The Streett Family Alumni: Katie ‘95 Children: William ‘24, Addie ‘25
The Schwinger Family
The Tredennick Family Alumni: Melissa ‘92 Children: Coe ‘24, Davy ‘25 The Krause Family The Miers Family
The Womble Family Alumni: Marissa ‘95 Child: Reese ‘26 The Marsh Family
The Woodruff & Baker Family Alumni: Amy ’88 Children: Isaac ‘21, Lauren ‘24
The Carl Family The Tredennick Family
The Weisser Family Alumni: Matthew ‘88 Child: Noah ‘22
The Streett Family
The Young Family Alumni: Cliff ‘91 & Danielle ‘94 Children: Rachel ‘18, Susannah ‘20, Benjamin ‘24, Bekah ‘26 The Young Family Alumni: Ben ‘82 Children: Nicole ‘14, Claire ‘17
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Eagle – Alumni Edition
CAMPUS NEWS
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Lower School Students Leave the Classroom to Learn Even More! BELIEVERS OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL PLACES STRONG VALUE ON EDUCATING ITS STUDENTS THROUGH FIELD TRIPS, allowing first-hand, hands-on knowledge and under-
standing of the topics covered in the classroom. Because of this, SBS students are frequently spotted all over the city of Houston. Recently our Lower School students have visited many educational places, such as Space Center Houston, Taste of Texas and the Houston Zoo. As an integral part of their science study on planets and solar system, third graders took an enlightening trip to Space Center Houston. The trip included a 90-minute tram ride with stops at the original Mission Control Room, the Space Station Mock Up Building and the building, which houses older capsules and rockets. A spectacular part of the trip was special guest Mr. Harry Williams, grandfather of third grader Kevin, who joined the students at Space Center Houston. Mr. Williams worked in the space program for 33 years on many of the engines that helped further space travels. He shared great information with the students while at Space Center Houston, and the students were on the edges of their seats, amazed by the fact that they were talking with a real rocket scientist. Additionally, third grader Victoria was chosen to be a crewmember and learned things such as what type of water they drink on the Space Station. Overall, the third graders had an excellent educational experience at Space Center Houston and look forward to more class trips soon. Fourth grade students enjoyed a visit to the Taste of Texas Restaurant for an experiential learning trip. Nina Hendee, owner of the Houston restaurant and SBS alumni parent, allowed students
to tour the kitchen while the staff was prepping for lunch and take a peek into the enormous walk-in freezer. After the freezer adventure, the fourth graders were treated to Mrs. Hendee’s Texas history lesson and watched as their fellow classmates acted out heroic characters from Texas history. To return the gesture and show their own appreciation of our great state’s history, students recited to Mrs. Hendee William B. Travis’s famous last letter. Truly touched and impressed, the generous restaurant owner filmed and posted the students’ performance on the Taste of Texas website. When asked if they enjoyed the field trip, all students replied in unison, “It was awesome!” Second grade students visited the Houston Zoo. In small groups, the students explored the zoo to learn about animals from different parts of the world. They enjoyed a short program at the Children’s Zoo, which included petting a one-year-old baby alligator. The students seeing firsthand the animals they have been researching in class. “There are animals that you hardly ever see,” said Madelyn, a second grader. Ms. Rachael Jones, Lower School science teacher, was there to give the students trivia about certain animals at the zoo. Second graders were able to apply their knowledge of animal classifications learned in class to new animals they saw in the exhibits. “My favorite part of the zoo was the Komodo dragon because I didn’t know how big it was!” exclaimed Brooks. Experiential learning plays a critical role in childhood education, and Second Baptist School strives to give its students as many opportunities for out-of-classroom learning as possible.
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CAMPUS NEWS
BOGOTÁ
Lower School Students Go Global TEACHERS AND STAFF AT SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL EAGERLY PREPARE STUDENTS DAILY TO ENGAGE IN A DIGITALLY-BASED GLOBAL COMMUNITY, and with much credit to the forward thinking efforts of Javier Saavedra, SBS Global Technology Specialist, Lower School students are
reaching across borders and enhancing the classroom experience. First graders recently had the unique opportunity to begin an ongoing and online learning experience with students in Bogotá. Mr. Saavedra contacted the administration team of El Camino Academy in the Colombian capital city and explained the desire to create a partnership using technology in which students from both schools would mutually benefit. “[Our first graders] made the first ‘handshake video’ during their enrichment class with the valuable assistance of Mrs. Meredith Hill; they were so excited!” Saavedra said. Last semester, SBS first graders watched the first responding video from El Camino students and then spent their enrichment class time developing a response to the children in Colombia. El Camino Academy was founded in 1980 to serve missionary families by providing a quality, Christ-centered, English-speaking, U.S.-based education for their children. El Camino Academy serves about 30 missions and serves families from Australia, Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, Guatemala, Holland, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United States, and Venezuela.
SOUTH KOREA AND UNITED KINGDOM
Technology Integration in Middle School
SECOND BAPTIST MIDDLE SCHOOL INTEGRATES TECHNOLOGY INTO EVERY SINGLE CLASSROOM, following the creed and mission of SBS to teach its
students to engage in a digitally-based global community. In the fall semester of 2013, the Middle School has accomplished incredible things with technology in the classroom and, through this, has reinforced to students the importance of staying current and communicating globally. The sixth grade global studies class taught by Mrs. Ellen Barrett regularly partners with a class from South Korea, swapping videos and sharing what they learn. Recently, Mrs. Barrett’s class worked on a project answering the question “How can we explain and show what globalization is to students in South Korea?” to round out their unit on globalization and further interact with their fellow learners. For this project, Mrs. Barrett gave a few guidelines, but truly allowed her students’ creativity to shine by not assigning strict requirements. The students were asked to create something that teaches the South Korean students what they learned in class and to answer some tricky questions about how globalization affects society in both positive and negative ways. To overcome the apparent language barrier, most sixth graders created short films to send to the South Korean students in efforts to demonstrate globalization visually. Each class period voted on the best video from their class, and the winning projects were sent to the South Korean school. The videos each include a concrete representation of globalization by referencing a product or company which demonstrates this concept well. Through this project, the sixth graders participated in globalization to teach other students about globalization, therefore fully embracing and better understanding the concept. Additionally, Second Baptist Middle School math students connected with the students of St. Joseph’s College in Croydon, United Kingdom. Mrs. Lindsey Wahl, MS math teacher, and Mr. Javier Saavedra, Second Baptist School Global Technology Specialist, partnered in collaborating with the UK math class via Skype. St. Joseph’s students, belonging to a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) club, perform at the equivalent of seventh, eighth and ninth graders and served as an exciting challenge for the SBS students. “This was the first time the [students] saw each other, so it was time for them to get to know each other, and face a small math ‘competition’ between the two countries,” said Saavedra. Due to its fun and exciting success, SBS and St. Joseph’s College plan to meet via Skype approximately fifteen minutes once a week to engage in new math lessons and competitions. Furthermore, Mrs. Nancy Wahl, was recently featured on Shireen Richardson’s blog “Shared Info Updates” for sharing of teachthought. com’s article “A More Flexible iPad Classroom.” The article addresses the benefits of combining iPads and Apple TV in the classroom. “Nancy is a social media machine and is loving how easy it is to integrate Apple technology in the classroom!” said Katie Blades, MS Technology Specialist. SBS teachers are embracing and forging ahead along the digital highway and gaining recognition along the way!
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Eagle – Alumni Edition
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK
AP Government Class Says “Show Me the Money” by Harper McGee ‘14
MRS. TOWERY’S AP GOVERNMENT CLASS VISITED THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK IN HOUSTON. “I take my students there every year
because our economy is dictated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. I believe that students have a better understanding of what this means when they are able to tour one of the Fed branches and see the inner workings of this institution,” stated Mrs. Towery. The seniors began the tour by learning about all of the different jobs of the Federal Reserve and how the Federal Reserve affects the lives of every American citizen daily. “I learned about monetary policy within the government and how it is used within the Federal Reserve in order to benefit our government and society as a whole,” said Kennedy Nabors ‘14. After learning about the Federal Reserve, students then toured the building. They were able to see where meetings were held and employees worked. They also learned about the high-tech security of the building. The class finished their tour by looking at the most interesting part of the Federal Reserve, the money stored there. They discovered that this Federal Reserve Bank is second, behind New York, in holding the most money in America in their vault. “My favorite part of the trip was seeing the money being stacked. There were so many high-tech robots helping sort through all of the money. The robots would count the currency, sort the currency by amount, and shred unusable currency,” stated senior Meagan Maloney. The students enjoyed this trip and in the words of Mrs. Towery, “It was both a fun and educational field trip.”
LEADERS IN TECHNOLOGY
TechFest 2013 “Agents of Innovation” SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL HOSTED ITS FIRST ANNUAL TECHFEST. Nearly thirty school
representatives from the greater Houston area came together to collaborate and learn from SBS’s very own “Agents of Innovation” of the SBS Department of Technology. The goal of the professional development conference was to help educators and school staff members equip themselves with new tools and knowledge for leading technology-forward classes. The day was broken into four sessions and a special presentation by keynote speaker and flipped classroom expert, Todd Nelsoney. Sessions of the day included: Market Your School. Favorite Tech Tools, Apple Distinguished School, The Flipped Classroom, TPACK, Apptastic Lessons, Stop! Collaborate and Listen!, Innovation Station, We Are All Digital Citizens, and Integrating Technology in the Primary Grades. “I learned so much today, especially about all of the great things SBS is doing! I knew we were innovative, but it was eye opening to exactly see what cutting edge things our Technology and Communications departments are doing and bringing to our classrooms,” said Grace Littlefield, Middle School Librarian.
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Booming Trip to Galveston SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL SEVENTH GRADERS TOOK AN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING trip to Moody Gardens
and Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum in Galveston, Texas for a hands-on learning opportunity exploring the global effects of oil. Students “struck oil” with their cross curricular project and culminating adventure to Galveston. Preparations for the field trip included a week long study of the impact of oil on Texas and the importance of environmental responsibility. Classes studied the ecosystem, researched early Texas oil finds, explored biblical uses of oil, calculated and compared ratios of barrels of oil to everyday items, and wrote persuasive letters urging various audiences to be more environmentally responsible. Seventh grade students concluded the week by visiting the aquarium at Moody Gardens and the Oil Rig Museum. “Oil is a significant and worldly topic, and this cross curricular project and trip has been a great opportunity to delve into the many facets of the oil industry,” said Martha Rees, Middle School Curriculum and Instruction. Upon their return, students continued their study of the petroleum industry, environmental responsibility of oil production and marine life and the impact of oil production on Houston.
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CAMPUS NEWS
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
SBS Seniors Recognized Nationally IN KEEPING WITH THE TRADITION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE OF SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL, several seniors were
recently recognized nationally by National Merit Scholarship Corporation, National Achievement Scholarship Program, National Hispanic Recognition Program and AP Scholar Awards. In October 2012, approximately 1.5 million junior students from across the nation took the PSAT/NMSQT, and a mere 16,000 of those students earned scores in the top three percent. Those high performing students receive a Letter of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. Nine of our SBS seniors qualified as National Merit Commended students and one student received the special distinction of Semi-Finalist. NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS Semi-Finalist Eun-Bit Chang Commended Brent Atchison Connor Bryant Marshall Dinges Chad Erb Craig Hannon Meagan Maloney Elizabeth Mayes Sydney Salters Courtney Thomas
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Eagle – Alumni Edition
At the conclusion of each Advanced Placement course, students take an AP test; each test is designed for high school students to demonstrate college-level academic achievement. Scores range from 0-5, and students who score a 3 or higher may use their AP tests to place out of college courses. The College Board AP Program also recognizes students who exhibit extraordinary achievement on these tests. These students receive an award certificate and are able to cite this distinction on their resumes. Based on their AP scores from May 2013, thirteen SBS seniors were named AP Scholars, an award granted to students who receive a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. Additionally, three SBS seniors were recognized as AP Scholars with Honor, an award granted to students who receive an average of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and have scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Lastly, two students received AP Scholar with Distinction honors – an award given to students who receive and average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores a 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
AP SCHOLAR AWARDS AP Scholars Connor Bryant Eun-Bit Chang Chad Erb Dara George Craig Hannon Alexis Locascio Meagan Maloney Elizabeth Mayes Harper McGee Becky Medrano Hannah Raymond John Schwartz Susie Wahl AP Scholars with Honor Sydney Salters Emily Waters Ryan Wilson AP Scholars with Distinction Gracie Escobedo Courtney Thomas The National Achievement Scholarship Program is an academic competition established to provide recognition for outstanding Black American high school students. Students may enter both the National Achievement Program and the National Merit Program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT and meeting other published requirements for participation. Our very own, Dillon Grimes, received Outstanding Participant recognition by the NASP. Of the more than 160,000 students who currently enter the National Achievement Program each year, only 1,500 students are recognized as Outstanding. The National Hispanic Recognition Program identifies academically outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students. This year, Gracie Escobedo and Carolyn Treneer were recognized and NHRP Scholars. Each year, the NHRP honors about 5,000 of the highest-scoring students from over 250,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors who take the PSAT/ NMSQT, making Gracie and Carolyn members of the top two percent of Hispanic/Latino students.
FINE ARTS NEWS GREAT BEAUTY IN CLASSICS
Masterworks Wows Audience THE VOICES OF SBS UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS RESOUNDED THROUGHOUT THE HANKAMER CHAPEL
during the second annual Masterworks Concert. The concert featured some of the most well known choral pieces of all time, including “Canon Gloria” and “Sing, Now, Ye Sons of Art.” Upper School Choir Director, Ms. Rebekah Martin, prepared her students for many weeks, and their vocal prowess was obvious by their jaw-dropping performance. Performance groups included: Freshman Choir, Combined Men, Combined Women, and Vision Choir. Featured instrumentalists included Celine Lai, flute and Brent Atchison, trumpet. The night’s only solo vocalist was Katharine Towne. The musical talents of these students combined together remind us that there is great beauty to be found in classic pieces, and praises to God can come in any language.
BAND, CHOIR, ART, DRAMA
Sounds of the Season Resonate Across the Campus SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL COMMUNITY JOINED TOGETHER FOR A TIME OF REFLECTION AND WORSHIP as our fine arts students demonstrated their talents
during the Festival of Christmas. Sounds of the season filled the packed Sanctuary as families and friends came to watch their Lower, Middle and Upper School students perform. The Upper School Band opened up the show with their rousing rendition of “We Need a Little Christmas” and worshipful performance of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Next, the choirs sang many beloved Christmas classics, which included “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “I Wonder as I Wander,” “O Holy Night” and “Winter Wonderland.” Soon after, Middle School drama entertained audiences with A Charlie Brown Christmas. Attendees of the Festival Christmas were treated to art presentations from the Upper School introduction to art, 2D and 3D art, advanced 2D and 3D art, and photography I and II students before watching the honors theater performance class present “Singin’ in the Snow,” which prepared the audience for the chilly weather and the Upper School spring musical. The newly formed Serenade Choir of students in grades 4-6 inspired the watchers with performances of “Ding Dong Merrily on High” accompanied by handbells and “SparkleJollyTwinkleJingley.” The evening was rounded out with a Christmas medley sing-along, readying everyone for the upcoming holiday season.
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FINE ARTS NEWS
SHAKESPEARE
Fall Drama Leaves Audiences Mystified The halls of Second Baptist School were abuzz with the sounds of fairies and sprites, true love and magic love potions, as the Upper School Fine Arts students put on three performances of William Shakespeare’s most well known comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Audiences were dazzled by the talented acting of many of the Upper School students who starred in this year’s production. Parents, families, friends and fellow students flocked back to campus to see
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Will Wilkerson turn into a donkey as Nick Bottom, Rachel Blakes sprinkle love potion on the wrong Athenians as Puck, and Meagan Maloney and Nicole Young come to blows over boys, as Hermia and Helena, respectively, as well as the rest of the cast of the play. The play came to life with the magic of the marvelous set and costumes, made possible by the Upper School art teachers, Nora Ripple and Kathrine Zeren.
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FINE ARTS NEWS
DAZZLING
Middle School Goes Under the Sea Family and friends of SBS took a trip under the sea when Middle School put on the stage adaptation of the Disney classic, The Little Mermaid. Audiences were spellbound by Nia Caldwell as Ursula, Rachel Young as Ariel, and Drew Young as King Triton and the rest of the cast during four sold-out performances. This year’s production, directed by Cindy Blades and Claire Westmoreland, follows the story of a young Ariel as she searches for love, under the sea and where the people are. When she saves her one true
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love, Prince Eric, after a crazy tumult into the ocean, she searches far and wide for the chance to meet him again with the aide of Sebastian and Flounder, her underwater friends. Through this adventure, Ariel learns the meaning of true love, family and sacrifice. Dazzling the audiences, the costumes and stage set of the production brought this story to life as they were taken under the sea, up on land, and under the sea again as the cast turned from jellyfish to castle servants and back again.
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ATHLETIC NEWS STARTERS RETURN
Eagle Football Closes Out 2013 Season WITH ONLY FOUR STARTERS RETURNING AND A NEW HEAD COACH, the Second
Baptist School Eagle football team finished the 2013 campaign with a 7-4 record for the season and 5-1 in District, clinching the District 4 TAPPS Division II Champion title. During the 2013 football season, SBS had sixty-eight students suit up for junior varsity and varsity teams. These Eagles will begin the 2014 varsity season with eight starters on offense and nine starters on defense. The Eagles ended their season with a hard fought loss against Regents School of Austin in the 2013 Division II Area Playoff. “What a great bunch of kids I had the blessing to work with this year,” said Head Coach Terry Pirtle. “I am really excited about the future of SBS football! [Our staff] can’t wait for next season and the chance to capture more students to participate in football at Second Baptist.”
TOP BANANA
SBS Cheerleaders Promote School Spirit
THE SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL CHEER PROGRAM CONTINUES TO EXCEL. After a successful run at camp this summer, the squad returned home with awards and exemplary ribbons for cheer and dance routines, as well as the prestigious Top Banana. Since then, the varsity cheerleaders have done a great job performing at pep rallies, encouraging sports teams and helping as servant leaders all over campus this fall. “The varsity cheerleaders have had a great fall season! We began the year with a week at UCA cheer camp where we learned cheers, dances, and team building strategies to start our year off right. Our goal was to promote school spirit and bring the student body closer together. Through our many pep rallies, games, and with the help of our amazing Spirit Crew, we were successful in getting more students out to the different sporting events to cheer all of our teams on. It has been a great year so far as we have been so excited about serving our school. We look forward to the rest of the winter and spring sports seasons as we cheer on all the SBS Eagles!” says Coach Young.
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VOLLEYPALOOZA
Volleyball
SECOND BAPTIST VOLLEYBALL HAD AN EXCELLENT SEASON this fall, with Coach Sue Berg leading
them all the way. The Eagles earned fifth place in district and ultimately lost to Austin Regents School in the bi-district playoffs. A highlight of the season was the first annual Middle School Volleypalooza where the varsity players served as game officiants, giving the girls a new perspective to the game. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to open our facilities to neighboring schools and allow our girls to have valuable game time experience,” said Sue Berg, SBS varsity volleyball coach. The round-robin style tournament welcomed seventh and eighth grade volleyball players from Houston area schools. SBS varsity volleyball players served as game officiants, while junior varsity and freshman players served as line judges and hostesses for the visiting schools. “I am proud of the hospitality and leadership the veteran players showed. The [Middle School] girls had a great time competing against the other schools, and it was definitely an excellent learning experience for all involved. We can’t wait for next year!” concluded Berg.
LADY EAGLES DISTRICT CHAMPS
Cross Country Finishes Strong THE FRUITS OF HARD LABOR AND DEDICATION were achieved by the Second Baptist School
cross country team this season. A combined effort of athletic prowess and season-long preparation led the Lady Eagles to win 8th place in the state meet after winning first place in the district meet. MVP Margaret Hofmann, sophomore, placed third overall at district and 23rd overall at state. Junior Andi Perkins placed fifth in district and 26th in state. Sophomore Gabi Amaya came in sixth in district and 33rd in state. More congratulations are due to team captain and MVP Reid Towns, senior, for finishing second at district and 29th at the state meet, helping the men’s cross country team earn fourth place in district and 23rd in state. “Cross country had a great season this year! Our varsity women won first place in our district meet. Also, each of our runners improved their times throughout the season with each one of them running their best times of the season at the state meet,” shares Coach Roxanne Worley. Within the team, the Joshua Award was given to Riley Bailiff and Esther Yeboah. The Fighting Eagle Award went to Andy Verghese and Andi Perkins.
FOOTBALL 1ST TEAM ALL-DISTRICT
Offensive Line – Micah Adickes Running Back – Lynnard Rose Defensive Line – Alex Miller Linebacker – Micah Adickes Secondary – Lynnard Rose Punter – Adam Nunez 2ND TEAM ALL-DISTRICT
Offensive Line – Alex Miller Running Back – Travis Morland Receiver – Parker Johnson Receiver – Ethan Hackett Kicker – Adam Nunez Linebacker – Tyler Morland TEAM AWARDS
Jack Wiesen – Joshua Award Ethan Hackett – Captain, Fighting Heart Award Micah Adickes – Captain, MVP Tyler Morland – Captain Chase Wertheimer – Captain Lynnard Rose – MVP
CROSS COUNTRY
Reid Towns – Captain, MVP Margaret Hofmann – MVP Andy Verghese – Fighting Heart Award Andi Perkins – Fighting Heart Award Riley Bailiff – Joshua Award Esther Yeboah – Joshua Award
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL 1ST TEAM ALL DISTRICT
Alexis Locascio – Senior Kelsey Chambers – Senior 2ND TEAM ALL DISTRICT
Rachel Stading – Junior HONORABLE MENTION ALL-DISTRICT
Lindsey Moritz – Senior HONORABLE MENTION ALL-STATE
Alexis Locascio – Senior ACADEMIC ALL-STATE
Alexis Locascio – Senior Rachel Stading – Senior TEAM AWARDS
Haley Caron – Joshua Award Rachel Stading – Fighting Heart Award Lindsey Moritz – Captain Kelsey Chambers – Captain Alexis Locascio – MVP
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HOMECOMING 2013
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MEMORABLE
Homecoming 2013: A Wonderful Success! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL CELEBRATED ITS 25TH FOOTBALL ANNIVERSARY AND HOMECOMING 2013 in true Eagle fashion. Parents, families, athletes and alumni and faculty donned their best blue and gold to celebrate this annual event. Following the all-school pep rally, dozens of proud alumni gathered on the Jane’s Grill terrace for fellowship, fun and recollecting those wonderful memories of their days in the “nest.” “It was so great to see all of the familiar faces, hear about their exciting new lives and meet their growing Eagle families,” said Lauren (Ashkar) Baker, SBS Alumni Relations Coordinator. To add to the pageantry of the evening, a new SBS Homecoming Court was named during half time. Respective class peers selected as their Princes and Princesses Brad Sanders and Caroline Wiesen, freshman; Sam Brown and Esther Yeboah, sophomore; and Brandon Jesserun and Asha Worsham, junior. Seniors Sydney Salters and Gabriel Velez were selected Homecoming 2013 Queen and King. To end a wonderful homecoming night, the Eagles dominated a close gridiron match up against the Lions of Pope John Paul XXIII in overtime where they pulled out a 16–13 victory. Many, many thanks to volunteer parents, faculty and staff, SBC Facilities and everyone else who worked so hard to make Homecoming 2013 such a memorable event.
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ALUMNI UPDATES CLASS AGENTS 1982 Craig Moritz cmoritz@spe.org 1983 Trisha Pessarra pessarra@sbcglobal.net 1984 Charles Beall charles@beall.org Helen Buckner helen@bucknerweb.com 1985 Eve Phelps Giddens Eg996320@aol.com Beth Brock Looser bblooser@aol.com 1986 Kimberly Arnold Parker kap1228@gmail.com Michelle White rm_white@yahoo.com
1982
DONNA DICHIARA LISTI teaches second grade girls at St. Thomas Episcopal School.
She and her husband, Tony, have two boys and one girl. Her boys are currently both at Texas A&M University where they are members of the band and her daughter is a junior at St. Thomas Episcopal. The Listi family resides in Houston, Texas. tlistieci@sbcglobal.net
1983
HELEN MUKHAR BUCKNER is in her 5th year of teaching Kindergarten at Northland
Christian School, where her son, Jonathan, is a freshman. Her daughter, Stef, graduated early from high school and is starting at UT Arlington in January. Helen’s husband works for HP. “God is good and we are all happy and blessed!” added Helen. helenbuckner@comcast.net
SHOLAY GUILAK KAMP resides in west Houston with her husband Matthew and
daughter Claire. They recently returned from a trip to Austin where they visited fellow alumna DENELE LUEDECKE GUNNARSON (‘83) and her husband Curtis and son Colton. Sholay’s daughter Claire is a passionate sailor through the Girl Scouts Mariner program in Seabrook, Texas at Casa Mare. Colton Gunnarson plays soccer, football and basketball and is an equal opportunity sports fan. Claire Kamp and Lauren Meyer (JENNY COBB MEYER’s ‘86 daughter) attend Spring Forest Middle School together and are currently in eighth grade. They serve on SFMS’ National Junior Honor Society and are planning their big eighth grade trip to Washington D.C., New York and Philadelphia; occurring this May. sholay_kamp@hotmail.com
MARYFRANCES MEADOR SIMPSON is thankful to the Lord for her precious husband, Strother. They will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in February. They live half the year in glorious Smithers, BC, and the other half in Texas. Their son, Strother IV and his wife Catie are living in Houston. He is a petroleum engineer and Catie is a CPA. Their daughter, Helengrey, is finishing up her teaching degree – all three are Aggies! mfs6011@aol.com Photo 1
1984
LILLY THROWER KING is currently a partner in the law firm Breitbeil & King, PLLC. She has a general practice with a focus on litigation support and probate. She is married to Allen King and they have two boys ages 13 and 16. They reside in Houston, Texas. lekingjd@yahoo.com
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1985
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LAURA BAILEY ROGERS lives in Cinco Ranch with her husband, Tracey, and two teenagers, James Kirby (16) and Bailey Starr (13). They stay busy with National Charity League, Alpha Charity League, school sports, Camp Ozark, Baylor and Aggie football games. They are very involved at Tallowood Baptist, where Laura is the head greeter. “Facebook has allowed me to reconnect with nearly all the members of Jive in ‘85!” added Laura. lbrogers@comcast.net EVE PHELPS GIDDENS lives in Cedar Park, Texas and works as a nurse in perinatal after several years in nursing management and education. Eve is the mother to three boys – Dylan (20), Chase (16) and Noah (12). eg996320@aol.com
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LAURA VAN EMAN SCHULZ lives in Houston with her husband, Morgen Schulz, and their two daughters, Olivia Lee and Evelyn Tatum. They are looking forward to doing some home remodeling in the new year and watching their girls grow spiritually and intellectually. LVES@att.net Photo 2 MELISA THIELEMANN BROWN and her husband J.R. Brown celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary December 2013. melisa.d.brown@gmail.com
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PHIL COX lives in Alpharetta, Georgia with his wife of 17 years, Cricket. They moved to Georgia from Houston in 1996. Their hands are full with three year old twins, Cash and Charley. philbad@msn.com CARI RUTAN KERNS has been married for 20 years and has two children – boy (15) at MHS and a girl (10) at Frostwood Elementary. She has been in the fashion industry for the past 25 years and is currently a men’s and women’s personal stylist in Houston. (www.wbyworth.com) carlandbarni@aol.com
1986
KAREN WHITE RHODEN was recently married to Scott Rhoden on October 5, 2013.
Her son, Stephen, is a sophomore at LSU studying geology and her daughter, Sarah, is a freshman at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in the dance program. They reside in Houston, Texas.
1987
LAURA SPROUL SIEGEL still enjoys living out west in Las Vegas, Nevada, where her
husband, Chip, has his own law practice. They are homeschooling their youngest four children (ages 7-17) and recently graduated their oldest child, who is now a freshman at Texas A&M University. lse14@aol.com Photo 3
To be included in the next Eagle magazine, send your alumni updates to sbsalumni@secondbaptistschool.org January 2014
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ALUMNI UPDATES
CLASS AGENTS 1988 Laurie Rankin Carl laurie@wmcarl.com Kimberly Thode kcthode@gmail.com 1989 Leslie Niermeyer lniermeyer@yahoo.com Sabrina Morgan Ogelsbee smogles@yahoo.com 1990 Donny Ford dford@ford-math.com Tisha Harper Krause tkrausepfs@aol.com 1991 Leslie Stiver Rice lsr@maisonriz.net Jill Moses Holstead jmholstead@comcast.net
LISA HANSEN SHARPE lives in Vermont with her husband Jason Sharpe and daughter Marlee, who is seven. After working as a social worker for 20 years, she is changing careers and starting a retail mobile pop-up business due to launch Summer 2014. quirkyhorse@aol.com Photo 4 LEEANN NICCOLINI and her husband Rob said, “We cannot believe our three children
started college, high school and middle school this year. How did that happen?” They are still living in Maryland and keep in touch with some of Leeann’s SBS friends on Facebook. Leeann keeps the home fires burning while Rob practices labor and employment law in Washington, D.C. and Columbia, Maryland. niccofive@gmail.com Photo 5
LORI PECK lives in Southern California and is currently working as a senior director of IT at Trident University International. She owns her own business called GreenPath Solutions (GPathSol.com) and is happily serving at church and in Bible Study Fellowship International. ldp4ster@gmail.com CAREY GILPIN works as a distribution manager and lives in Reno, Nevada with his wife Dion, daughter Lillian (6) and Larry (3). “Although I still keep in touch with my classmates on Facebook, I would love to hear from you! Please drop me a line at cdgilpin@hotmail.com,” added Carey. Photo 6
1988
KIMBERLY CRAIG THODE and her family have relocated from Houston to Fort Worth. Recently, Kimberly accompanied her daughter Whitney’s seventh grade class to Washington, D.C. where they had the privilege of meeting up with fellow SBS classmate and Senator Ted Cruz. kcthode@gmail.com Photo 7
1989
AMELIA MCFARLAND and her husband Jeff welcomed another baby girl to their
family. Charlotte Cecile was born on September 12, 2013, and weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces. Charlotte joins big sister Clara, who is 2 years old. The family lives in Austin. amelia_mcfarland@hotmail.com Photo 8
JILL MCKAY and her husband Scott welcomed Anna Claire McKay on December 3,
2012. Claire weighed 6 pounds 4 ounces. Big brother Cade (4) loves his little sister very much! The McKay family helps to operate CrossTrain Junior Tennis Academy, which seeks to make a difference in the lives of area youth through faith-based sports programs. They offer students ages 4-18 tennis programs designed to equip students with solid skills on the court, while also teaching foundational biblical principles. jillmckay@satx.rr.com Photo 9
TANYA PESSARRA PHELPS, her husband Shannon, and their daughter Sara Kate, are relocating to the Kansas City area. Shannon is the new associate warden at USP Leavenworth. Tanya has retired from teaching and enjoys staying home and keeping busy with Sara Kate. tanyaphelps@hotmail.com
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1990
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EMILIE HAMBY-IRVINE is married with five children ranging in ages from 15 months to 15 years old. She has four boys and her caboose is their sweet little girl. She has been practicing real estate (currently with 5 Star Real Estate) in the Houston area for the last 10 years and she loves it! 5staremilie@gmail.com BEAVER NELSON stays busy painting houses, coaching soccer, writing songs, releasing albums and playing shows. He and his wife, Stephanie, recently celebrated their 20th anniversary and live in the Austin area with their kids Jack (13) and Katie (8). straydog@austin.rr.com
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1991
ASHAE PALMER KUBICEK currently lives in Pearland, Texas with her husband, Keith, and their two daughters, Logan and Evynn, who attend private school in Pearland. Ashae owns an appraisal firm, AK Consulting, that covers Galveston, Harris and Brazoria counties. She still enjoys playing volleyball and plays year round. She is also very involved in their church and volunteers often. ashaekubicek@yahoo.com Photo 10 RAY CRAIG lives in Short Hills, New Jersey with his beautiful wife of 18 years (Julia) and 8
his three daughters – Lily (12), Emilia (10) and Lucy (7). He has worked for J.P. Morgan in New York for over 12 years and is currently a managing director in the Equity Capital Markets division.
ALISON JONES TIDMORE has been married to her husband Greg for 16 years. “We
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have three amazing children Kylie (13), Claire (10) and Jackson (8). I am teaching second grade in Katy ISD and Greg is in the real estate business,” said Alison. Their children keep them busy with church and school activities, sports, and their friends. Alison enjoys singing in their West Campus’ choir and spending time with her family. alisontidmore@sbcglobal.net
TAMI WYSE WELLS and her husband, Kacey, love life in the Texas Hill Country. They
live in Boerne, Texas with their two daughters, Addison (7) and Macie Kate (4). Kacey is the sales manager for GJ Gardner Custom Homes, while Tami stays busy going on field trips with the girls, volunteering at their church, and painting custom signs and refinishing furniture for WellsSaid Creations. They also love having Tami’s parents, Lesley (former SBS administrator) and Jody (former Voice of the Eagles) Wyse living in Boerne as well. tamiwwells@yahoo.com Photo 11
10 To be included in the next Eagle magazine, send your alumni updates to sbsalumni@secondbaptistschool.org January 2014
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ALUMNI UPDATES
CLASS AGENTS 1992 Kristin Johnson Paull kpaull@planetpaull.com Lisa Rude lwrude@gmail.com 1993 Anne Munger Freeman annefreeman20@yahoo.com Meredith Jolley Arendale jarendale@comcast.net 1994 Lucian Bukowski lucian.bukowski@staubach.com Peyton Millinor peyton@mail.com Keith Morris keith@rkm3law.com Thomas Stuckey tomstuckey@suddenlink.net Marilyn Van Zandt Kehr marilyn_kehr@yahoo.com Chris Wood cabwood@gmail.com 1995 Marissa Mariner Womble mwomble@gmail.com
AMY HAHN SONJU lives in the Dallas area with her family. Her husband, Scott, is the president of the Frisco RoughRiders, the Ranger’s Double AA affiliate baseball team. Amy loves being a mom to their four children and they enjoy going to lots of baseball games! sasonju@sbcglobal.net Photo 12
1992
SLOANE FLECKMAN FLINN said, “How far we have come and how long we have
traveled! My son, Hudson, husband, Eric, and I live in Bronxville, NY, a suburb about 15 miles north of NYC. Eric and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary this past October and we are so thankful to have my mom, and former SBS teacher, Sandy Wiggins Pontbriant, only about an hour away from us in Danbury, Connecticut.” Sloane.f.flinn@gmail.com Photo 13
BILL COLLEY and his family currently live in northwest Houston. He is a deputy with the Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4. His wife Kimberly is an EMT with Cypress Creek EMS and is handcrafting custom wreaths, garlands and gift baskets on the side. His daughter and two stepchildren are doing great. wcolley1@att.net STEVE OLIVIER lives in Seattle, Washington with his wife and kids. He has two children ages 12 and 13 and they enjoy skiing, camping and hanging out. He is currently a software architect for Cisco Systems and has been with Cisco for almost 16 years. oliviers@cisco.com
1993
ERIK DORSCH is a veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of Carrboro. He has lived in Chapel Hill, North Carolina for the last 11 years with his wife (Caroline), two dogs (Fiona and Petunia) and one old cat (Stella). dorschman@gmail.com Photo 14 KELLY WEST GILFILLAN lives in Atlanta. Her husband is an assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia and Kelly is still practicing as a Psychiatric NP. In their free time her husband bikes and she runs. “Our son Will is turning four this month and he’s the coolest kid ever,” added Kelly. They have a dog, a cat, ten fish and a snail. kellywest2000@yahoo.com Photo 15
After serving in public schools for 15 years as an elementary teacher and principal, ANGIE DELOACH SCHULTZ now stays at home with her two little boys and teaches part time at Arizona State University in their teacher preparation program and in their graduate program for aspiring school leaders. Angie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband Wil and her sons, Parker (4) and Colin (2). wilangie@yahoo.com
AMY OWENS TABOR lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and two young boys. She works at the University of Colorado Boulder and loves everything the mountains have to offer, from skiing to hiking and even rock climbing. “We are also part of an exciting new church nearby that is the second fastest growing in the nation, Flatirons Community Church,” added Amy. amestab@yahoo.com Photo 16
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JEFF GEBOTT lives and works in Denver, Colorado, where he is the Chef of The Elephant Bar – a global grill and wok kitchen. KIM ERNEST CRADDOCK is a certified English teacher. Currently, she is staying home 14
to raise her kids. She lives in Dallas with her husband, Cliff, and two children, Aidan (10) and Brynn (7). kdock74@aol.com Photo 17
1994
MELISSA PIEKOS RUEHL works for the non-profit organization The Source for Women and is the proud mom to Sophia, age 4, and Charlie, age 1. The Ruehl family lives in Humble. ruehlm@sbcglobal.net
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1995
MISTY SESSIONS CLOW resides in The Woodlands with her husband Jason and two
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girls Kennedy (9) and Addison (6), who both are competitive cheerleaders at Woodlands Elite. She has opened their second dress rental showroom, Couture House Rentals (couturehouserentals.com), this past March. They now serve the Houston area with a location in The Heights (1711 Durham Drive) and The Woodlands area (26511 I-45 North). mclow@att.net Photo 18
NATALIE BENEKE RENTFROW has been married to her husband, Andrew Rentfrow, for twelve years and they have a six-year-old son named Blake. natalierent@yahoo.com Photo 19
GEOFFREY MEYERS is still working in real estate development in Bryan, College Station
with his small company, GreenPrint Real Estate. He and his wife have two daughters, Molly (4th grade) and Ally (1st grade). geoffrey.m.myers@gmail.com Photo 20
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KARA WILLOUGHBY MARSHALL and her husband, David, just celebrated 12 years of
marriage and they recently moved from Cypress back to Houston. Their beautiful 8-yearold identical twin daughters, Aubree and Kaylee, keep them busy. kmarshall291@comcast.net Photo 21
18 To be included in the next Eagle magazine, send your alumni updates to sbsalumni@secondbaptistschool.org January 2014
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ALUMNI UPDATES
CLASS AGENTS 1996 Allison Moody Ball alliball02@me.com 1997 Reagan Fincher reaganfincher@yahoo.com Katy Kyle katy.kyle@expresspros.com 1998 Kelly Clanton Holton kcholton@hotmail.com Meghan Griffin Norton marymeg2002@yahoo.com 1999 Lori Smith Johnson Smithers83@aol.com Amanda Skelton Yocum asyocum@yahoo.com Beth Trahan crushBT@yahoo.com 2000 Christen Bringhurst Myers ceebs2815@aol.com Erin Larkin Watkins erin.l.watkins@gmail.com
1996
KATHERINE WEAVER ANDREW is married to David Andrew, and they live in Houston. They are the proud parents of Cullen (7), Sophia (6) and Wesley (3). ALLISON MOODY BALL and her husband Tim just built a custom home and moved to College Station this past summer. Tim is a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist at the newly opened Scott & White Hospital in College Station. Alliball02@me.com
1997
REAGAN FINCHER is engaged to Shelly Erickson of Hallettsville, Texas. They met in La Grange, Texas, after being ‘set up’ by Sarah Fuselier. When Reagan showed up to La Grange, he was rolling on four spare tires and a canoe strapped to the top of his car. After Shelly agreed to a second date, Reagan knew he had found someone special. They dated one year long distance between Houston and Hallettsville, and were engaged in Scotland while being hosted by TAYLOR (‘97) and ROBIN (‘00) INCE. The wedding is March 15, 2014, in Hallettsville, Texas. reaganfincher@yahoo.com Photo 22 LINDSAY BELLOW HORTON graduated from Texas A&M University in 2001 and earned her masters in communication disorders from The University of Texas at Dallas. She is married to Graham Horton and they have Jack (6), Henry (4), Oliver (3) and June (2). lindsayehorton@me.com CHRIS MCINTURFF and his wife PAIGE (’05) welcomed their first baby, Doak Wesley, on June 6, 2013. Doak weighed 8 pounds 15 ounces and he was 21.5 inches long. Chris teaches seventh grade Texas history and coaches football at SBS. cmcinturff@secondbaptistschool.org Photo 23 TASHELL MILES WILLIAMS and her husband Christopher are celebrating the arrival of their fourth child on March 19, 2013. Cadence Rae was 7 pounds 11 ounces and 19.5 inches long. She joins older siblings Tamiah, Taylor and Larry. tashellm@yahoo.com
1998
ELIZABETH KLINE BAKER’s son Grayson and their family were honored on September 28, 2013 at the Bead Inspired event for Beads of Courage. Beads of Courage is an organization that provides beads for children living with serious illness as a way to tell their story and have a tangible representation of their journeys. Elizabeth was able to share Grayson’s story at the event, and he received beads made personally for him by a bead artist. Grayson has Leigh’s Syndrome, a progressive, terminal form of Mitochondrial Disease. Follow Elizabeth’s blog about their life with Leigh’s Syndrome at http://snips-snails-puppydogtales.blogspot.com or elikline25@hotmail.com Photo 24 JENNI PIPKIN SWYKA and her husband Nick are thrilled to announce the arrival of Hudson Pipkin Swyka on May 17, 2013. Two-year-old big brother Cole loves his new brother very much! jenniswyka@yahoo.com Photo 25
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1999
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KAHRA MERRITT BARKLEY and her husband Bryce are expecting their first child in April of 2014. Kahra is a fourth grade teacher in Klein ISD. broadwaymouse@yahoo.com Photo 26
CARRIE JOBE BOWDEN is an interdisciplinary instructional coach for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade at Spring Branch ISD. She and her husband Greg are expecting their first child in December of 2013. Photo 27
KIMBERLY MCINTURFF CIMA and her husband Ivan welcomed Katherine Renee on September 3, 2013 at 1:40 p.m. Kate was 8 pounds and 1 ounce. kimberlycima@gmail.com Photo 28
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MEREDITH LEACH CLARK and her husband Cameron live in Nicholasville, Kentucky
with their daughter Brenley Annabelle. They are expecting baby number two in February 2014. Meredith received her master’s degree and was a Spanish teacher for a few years before deciding to stay home with Brenley. Meredith@ccclark.com
JENNIFER CURREY married Joe Van Matre on October 11, 2012, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Jennifer and Joe met at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where they are both volunteers. Jennifer_paige1112@yahoo.com 26
BROOKE BELLOW MARQUART and her husband Matt live in Houston with their
daughters – twins Ella and Olivia, age three and Annie, who is 18 months old. Brooke graduated from The University of Texas in 2003 and also earned her Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas. brookemarquart@gmail.com
ASHLYN REYNOLDS MONTGOMERY and her husband Craig welcomed Brady Mitchell Montgomery on January 16, 2013. Brady weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces. They live in Longmont, Colorado, where Ashlyn works at the Boulder Marriott. ashlyn.montgomery@gmail.com Photo 29 27
2000
MEREDITH SHANKLIN EARNEST and her husband CHRIS EARNEST, SBS Class of 1998, have added another bundle of joy to their family. Joshua Clint was born on May 3, 2013, and weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces. Joshua joins his older siblings Jake, Olivia and Kate. meredithearnest@gmail.com Photo 30 28 To be included in the next Eagle magazine, send your alumni updates to sbsalumni@secondbaptistschool.org January 2014
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ALUMNI UPDATES 38
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CLASS AGENTS 2001 Rory Brewton rjbrew@gmail.com Peter Warden peterwarden@gmail.com 2002 Kristin Hendee Blackford kristin.blackford@gmail.com Jackie Wahl jackie.wahl@yahoo.com 2003 Bradley Jackson bradleyjax@gmail.com Mary Margaret Porter Brollier marymbrollier@gmail.com 2004 Casey Brewton cabrewton@gmail.com Rebecca Hickman rsh1129@gmail.com 2005 Robert Doty rdoty87@yahoo.com Elizabeth Suffield desuffield@gmail.com
2001
ANNA BRADLEY FERGUSON and her husband Ben have relocated to Rockwall, Texas,
from Memphis, Tennessee. During their time in Memphis, Anna served as a patient liaison at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Ben recently accepted a position with WBAP in Dallas where he does a morning broadcast and he signed with CNN as a political commentator. Anna volunteers at Rockwall County Helping Hands, a non-profit organization serving the community by assisting those in need of food, clothing, shelter and medical attention. annabferguson@gmail.com Photo 31
ERIN JOBE ROGERS is a marketing and communications specialist at Providence Healthcare Network. She and her husband Scott celebrated daughter Claire’s first birthday in August 2013. Photo 32 MARGARET MAGEE DOIRON and her husband Josh welcomed Jack Thomas on November 10, 2013. Jack weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce. Two-year-old big sister, Charlotte, loves “baby Jack.” Photo 33 LIZZY LIGON GENGLER and her husband Thomas welcomed Patrick Thomas Gengler on March 31, 2013. Patrick weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces. The Genglers are currently living and working in New York City. lizzy.gengler@gmail.com Photo 34
2002
FARAH DEGANI ESCALONI just completed her seventh marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon. In May of 2014, Farah will run in the Stockholm Marathon. Sunflower3784@msn.com Photo 35 CAITLIN FINCHER ZORN and her husband Blake welcomed Drew Rhett on August 16, 2013 at 7:15 p.m. Drew weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces. caitlinfincher@gmail.com Photo 36
2003
CONOR SHARY married Lindsay Bland of Carthage, Texas, on April 5, 2013. They married in Austin at The Allan House. Alumni in the wedding included LT. BRET SHARY ’01, MALLORY SHARY ’07, and JEFF BLACK, CHRIS ENGLISH and DAVID TAUBER from the Class of 2003. Lindsay is a manager with PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Conor is an attorney with Andrews Kurth LLP. The newlyweds live in Houston. conor.mccombs@gmail.com Photo 37
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2004
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ELIZABETH BENJAMIN married Mark Wade on March 24, 2012 at her parent’s ranch in New Ulm, Texas. Liz and Mark met at the University of Virginia when Liz was in graduate school. They lived outside of Washington, D.C. after they married and recently relocated back to Houston. liz.benjamin1@gmail.com Photo 38 KATHERINE GREEN married Ryne Poncik on January 26, 2013 at the Hotel Zaza in Houston. Katherine is a broker associate for Heritage Texas Properties. WESLEY HIGHTOWER is engaged to Emily Songy of Baton Rouge. Wesley and Emily
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met at Louisiana State University. Their wedding is set for May 17, 2014 in New Orleans. Wesleyhightower1@gmail.com Photo 39
JESSICA RALSTON LISENBY and her husband Gray welcomed Addison Eileen on July 25, 2013. Addison weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long. lisenby.jess@gmail.com Photo 40
KASSIE NARON married Zack Harris on September 28, 2013. Kassie and Zack met at Texas A&M University and had their first official date in Berlin while Kassie was living in Paris, and Zack came to visit. The Harris’ live in Houston. Kassandra.Naron@nov.com Photo 41
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2005
KATIE BERNARD married Ben Eisterhold on June 29, 2013 at Second Baptist Church with a reception following at the Junior League of Houston. LIZZIE BERNARD (SBS Class of 2009) was the maid of honor and NANCY GEYER HAISLUP (SBS Class of 1999) was a bridesmaid. Katie and Ben met in Single Life at Second Baptist Church through mutual friends. Currently, Katie is a land, production and regulatory analyst for Dunn Exploration Company, LLC, and Ben is a landman for ConocoPhillips. Photo 42 36
KIRBY FINE currently works as a private equity investment professional for The Carlyle Group in New York, focusing on investment opportunities in the global financial services sector. JORDAN KELLEY works for The Indigo Group at the Houston Lamborghini Dealership. He has been working on exotic sports cars since 2007 and is a certified Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini technician. He spent several years traveling across the U.S. and to Canada and Italy as a pit crew member for the Houston Ferrari Challenge race team. Jordan.p.kelley@gmail.com
37 To be included in the next Eagle magazine, send your alumni updates to sbsalumni@secondbaptistschool.org January 2014
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ALUMNI UPDATES
CLASS AGENTS 2006 Jenny Long jenniferlaurenlong@gmail.com Brooks Shanklin dbshanklin@gmail.com Seliece Dodds seliece.dodds@gmail.com 2007 Mallory Dixon malloryd313@yahoo.com Paul Thompson paul.thompson8811@gmail.com 2008 Christina Hayes christina7006@aol.com Sarah Holland seholland2990@gmail.com Jacob Plagens jnplagens@gmail.com Ross Seaton seatonross@gmail.com
NATHAN REES and his wife Elise welcomed their daughter Eisley Adeline on September 2, 2013. Eisley weighed seven pounds and one ounce and she was 20 3/4 inches long. Big brothers Mac and Jude are thrilled about their baby sister! Photo 43 JESSICA SOAPE graduated from Texas A&M University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition. She is currently working on her doctorate in pharmacy at the University of Louisiana, Monroe where she is in her third year. She will graduate with her doctorate in May of 2015. jcsoape17@gmail.com
2006
HAYLEY CALHOUN and JACK BEAUCHAMP were married in November of 2011 and live in San Francisco. Hayley is a merchandising assistant with minted.com and Jack is an account executive with salesforce.com Photo 44 DRAKE DOMINY ran the Boston Marathon this year, and he ran part of the race with our Head of School, Dr. Williams. Both completed the race and were out of the area before the explosion. He is recently engaged. ANDREW JOBE is the director of operations and consultative sales for The Ground Up, a start-up company that began doing green waste recycling on 20 acres with one site. Today, they have grown to 45 acres on three sites and their packaged products are now sold nation-wide including over 80 retailers across Texas. Photo 45
2007
CONNER KELLEY graduated from St. Edward’s University with a degree in international business. Connerk6@gmail.com CASEY GLASS married Greg Lamont on May 18, 2013 in Bass Lake, California. Casey
and Greg met while they were students at Biola University. They worked at a Christian adventure camp just outside Yosemite for a few years, went on a month-long bicycle trip of the Pacific Northwest and just moved to Bend, Oregon, to continue their adventure. casey.lamont4@gmail.com Photo 46
CASEY TOLLETT married Brandon Botta in August of 2011. Casey and Brandon both graduated from Biola University where they received degrees in cinema and media arts with an emphasis in screenwriting. Casey is a freelance writer and she also works for
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Mosaic Production Company as a production assistant on the set of a new television series on NBC. Brandon is a freelance writer and also works in the digital media department for the LA Times. The Bottas live in Burbank, California.
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2008
TOM BEAUCHAMP and CHRISTINA HAYES BEAUCHAMP were married in June of 2013 at Second Baptist Church. They honeymooned in Hawaii and now live in Dallas. Tom is working in audit at KPMG and Christina is employed at a commercial real estate firm. Thomas_Beauchamp@baylor.edu christinalhayes2013@gmail.com Photo 47 AMBER CALHOUN married Leif Moore on August 11, 2013. Amber and Leif met 46
while Amber was playing volleyball at Texas State University. Amber is currently the development assistant in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at Texas State University. Photo 48
SAMY DIAB graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with highest honors. He received two degrees – one in international affairs/global studies and a second degree in French. In June 2012 he participated in an international relations and diplomacy program in China with the International Scholar Laureates where he met with officials and foreign policy experts. Samy is currently a second year law student at the University of Houston. Photo 49
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CAROLINE DINGES graduated from The University of Texas and is currently in law school at the University of Houston. carolinegdinges@gmail.com CARTER FINE currently works as an investment banking analyst in the Diversified Industries Group of J.P. Morgan in New York City. Next summer, Carter will be joining Brazos Private Equity Partners, LLC as an Associate in Dallas. Class of 2008 graduates celebrated DALTON DOMINY’s wedding Memorial Day weekend 2013. Pictured from left: TOM BEAUCHAMP, SETH ELSENBROOK, TAMER
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BARAZI, DALTON DOMINY, CARTER DEUTSCH, ALEXANDER KEITH, STEPHEN CODDOU and MICHAEL PRICE. Photo 50
HANNAH EXLEY graduated from the University of Houston with honors on December
20. She completed an academic internship with Comcast Sports Network – Houston and also held internships with Sports Talk Radio 790 and wrote for The Overtime Page at UH.
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49 To be included in the next Eagle magazine, send your alumni updates to sbsalumni@secondbaptistschool.org January 2014
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ALUMNI UPDATES
CLASS AGENTS 2009 Hailie Durrett hailied90@gmail.com Sarah Mayes sarahkmayes@aol.com Tyler Lohse tylohse@gmail.com Matthew Kerns matthew.kerns@bba09. mccombs.utexas.edu 2010 Shannon Dodds shannondodds@comcast.net Josh McKenzie mckenzie.jsm@gmail.com 2011 Danielle Cope dcdandy@hotmail.com William McMichael wemcmichael@sbcglobal.com 2012 Billy Arendt billyarendt@gulfstar.com SaraGrace Lee saragracelee@comcast.net Chris Leon christopherhleon@gmail.com Ashley Petkas
2009
JOHN DOUGHTIE graduated from Colorado School of Mines and is currently working at XTO in Oklahoma City as a petroleum engineer. After his college graduation, he traveled to Argentina on a bird hunt with fellow SBS 2009 graduates ERIC BAHORICH and TOM PEACOCK. doughtiejohn@gmail.com Photo 52 CARLY CALHOUN graduated from Dallas Baptist University on December 20 with Bachelor of Science in history. She married Joel Hutter on December 29. Joel is in the minor leagues with the Baltimore Orioles. Carly and Joel were introduced by Jay, Carly’s little brother! Photo 53
2010
SHANNON DODDS is a senior at The University of Texas where she is majoring in elementary education. She is engaged to Reid Walter. dodds.shannon@gmail.com KIRSTYN DOMINY is a senior education major at Baylor University. Kirstyn_Dominy@baylor.edu JENNIFER DOUGHTIE is a senior at the University of Oklahoma and will graduate with a degree in petroleum engineering in May of 2014. Last summer, Jennifer went to Zambia, Africa on a mission trip with Family Legacy. boomersooner1291@yahoo.com KATIE LEVRIER is a senior at Texas A&M University. Katie is majoring in forensics with a minor in Spanish. katielevrier@neo.tamu.edu Photo 54 JOSH MCKENZIE is at The University of Texas where he is an economics major with a
business foundation and a minor in communications. He is involved with Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. mckenzie.jsm@gmail.com Photo 55
DREW SEKALY is a senior at Texas A&M University where he is studying economics.
2011
JASON BLADES is a junior at Johns Hopkins University. This past summer, he went to Tokyo for three months for a grant-induced internship with the Global and Health Institute of Japan. He was one of only three English speakers chosen for the program. Jason spent his time making policy presentations in Japanese for the restoration of northern Japan after the earthquake and tsunami of 2011. Photo 56
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DAVID BUCKLEY is studying petroleum engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
He pledged Lambda Chi Alpha, where he is serving on the Kappa committee for new members. David interned at CastleRock, LLC this past summer.
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JOEY DANIELS is a junior at the University of Oklahoma. He is in the business school where he is majoring in finance and management information systems and is on the dean’s list.
DANIEL GARZA is a junior at Louisiana State University and is majoring in finance. Daniel is a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. garzadaniel8@gmail.com
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NICK JONES is a junior at Texas Christian University where he is majoring in business with a real estate emphasis. His minor is energy, technology and management. Nick.Jones@tcu.edu TREY SOAPE is a junior at the University of Mississippi and is working toward his degree in geological engineering. He is also an active member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. treysoape@yahoo.com
2012
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ADDIE BRANDFIELD-HARVEY is loving Boston and enjoying her studies at Boston
University. On campus she is a contributing writer for Her Campus BU, which is a “collegiette’s guide to life” magazine. She is also a member of the University’s broadcasting station, BUTV, and reports sports news for the program The Wire. She was recently named the first Wire social media coordinator. Outside of BU, Addie works for a start-up pop art company called American Dream House. She helps mostly in the marketing department by sending out company updates on Twitter, posting new artwork on Instagram and uploading material to Facebook. Overall, she has been having fun discovering her interests by taking different classes and attending subject-related events on campus. ralphlaurenfan2494@gmail.com
ERNEST EVANS is currently a sophomore at Dartmouth playing quarterback on their
football team, while also pursuing studies in economics. In addition, he is spending his next term studying Spanish abroad in Barcelona, Spain. He is also looking to do an internship in New York with an investment bank. erno.evo19@yahoo.com
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MEGAN MILAM is majoring in hotel and restaurant management at Auburn University and loves all her classes that she has taken for her major. “This year has also been full of amazing football games! My family and I are going to Pasadena, California to attend the BCS National Championship game to cheer on our Auburn Tigers! War Eagle!” said Megan. meganm897@aim.com Photo 57
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ALUMNI UPDATES
CLASS AGENTS 2013 Margaret Hartman margarethart95@aol.com Ben Tour bentour3@gmail.com
2013
BAILEY WILKERSON and GRACE PFEFFER are both freshmen at The University of Texas at Austin. “So much has happened in this first semester of college from settling into my dorm to getting initiated into TriDelt to learning how to cram for my first round of college finals. Already I have made so many memories and friendships and cannot wait for the next three and a half years at UT!” said Bailey. “This first semester at UT has not only been the most stressful few months of my life, but it’s also been the most fun! I’ve been keeping myself busy with class, TriDelt meetings and date parties, Young Life, Cru and, of course, attempting to explore every inch of Austin, which is one of my favorite things to do!” said Grace. Photo 58 KASEY SISSON is studying at The Kings College in New York City. She is currently a
YoungLife leader on the Upper West Side and absolutely loves her kids and her fellow leaders. She has two internships this semester; one at Foley and Cox Interior Design firm and the other as a personal assistant to a Kate Spade designer. “Between YoungLife, my two internships, and school I have such a full plate (as always), but I thank God everyday for the doors He has been opening for me in NY,” said Kasey. kasey.sisson@tkc.edu
TAILGATING WITH MRS. TOWERY
Tailgating before an SEC football game is a longstanding tradition, as is tailgating with Mrs. Towery when in Aggieland. Aggies (and alumni from opponent schools) enjoy tailgating with their favorite APUSH teacher, catching up on life and eating before A&M football games. Alumni who have stopped by her tailgate this season include: TANNER CRAKE,
DANIELLE COPE, MADDIE PEVETO, COLETTE COPE, LAURA DURIE, CARTER BROWN, MARGARET HARTMAN, ELLEN GEIS, SAM MILLER, BEN RIGGLE, CAROLINE SUFFIELD, DAVID TOWERY, JAMES RICKAWAY, REBECCA SEARS, LAURA RICKAWAY and LAUREN WHITAKER. Photo 59, 60
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To be included in the next Eagle magazine, send your alumni updates to sbsalumni@ secondbaptistschool.org
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CLASS OF 2003 REUNION
TEN YEARS LATER Class of 2003 Reunion
The “Big Red” Class of 2003 got together this fall to celebrate their 10-year reunion. The class kicked off the weekend with a gathering at Little Woodrows for alumni to stop by and see each other. On Saturday, they had lunch at Café Express with former teachers, including Mrs. Oliphant, Mrs. Towery, Mrs. Larkin, Ms. Ware and Mrs. Visage. After lunch, several classmates paid a visit to SBS to see how much the School had changed since they had graduated. A few even stopped by to take a Great Gatsby quiz in Mrs. Sisk’s class! That evening, the class had “Back to School” Reunion Extravaganza at Cadillac Bar. They enjoyed seeing their class video, looking through their old yearbooks and catching up with friends. What a great weekend! Alumni attending the reunion weekend festivities included: Jordan Anderson Bryan Aulds Jeffrey Black Alexander Brahm Mary Margaret Porter Brollier Christopher Clifton Catherine Crane Daniel Dauphin Lauren Dies Corbin Dill Will Dowell Christopher English Katie Ressler English Walker French Matt Garza Matt Gentry Daniel Giltner Paul Gregory Bill Gregory
Krystin Terry Hill Loren Stiefel Hopf Bradley Jackson Amy Danvers Johnson Meredith Simonton Johnson Alex Leach Charles Lewis Hannah Noble Joshua Riley Adam Selwyn Conor Shary Holly Shiao Nader Shirazi Blake Skidmore Virginia Small David Tauber Ashlea Moore Taylor Molly Schroer Ziska
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ALUMNI AT HOMECOMING 2013 Homecoming week at Second Baptist School is always a memorable one. From wacky dress up days, a spirited pep rally and an all-school lunch to crowning the Homecoming Queen and King and cheering on our Eagle football team, the traditions of Homecoming at SBS are as strong and spirited as ever. SBS Alumni were invited back to campus for the annual Homecoming festivities. A PreGame Party for Alumni and Alumni Parents was planned to kick off the evening events. Over 150 alumni and alumni parents gathered on the terrace of Jane’s Grill for delicious game-day food, dessert and of course
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catching up! This year’s event was particularly special due to the involvement of over 30 moms of SBS alumni football players who made up the host committee. Thank you to the following moms for being involved and supporting SBS! Beverly Bradley, Marie Earnest, Trish Greaser, Jan Griesenbeck, Elaine McInturff, Toni Monzon, Gina Saour, Anne Warren, Susan Weaver, Karen Wilson, Peggy Adams, Klare Bambrick, Cheryl Bruyere, Carol Coddou, Kim Deutsch, Kristen Dixon, Dana Doughtie, Patsy Duncan, Sharon Dunn, Lesha Elsenbrook, Valerie Hanson,
Julie LeVrier, Suzanne McKenzie, Jeannie Osborne, Alison Shanklin, Shana Wood, Lela Buckley, Patty Callahan, Patti Elliott, Carol Hendrick, Susan Lewis, Laurie Rickaway and Shelly Sekaly. Prior to kick off, SBS celebrated 25 years of football by honoring several members of the very first football team from 1989. Alumni in attendance were Maury Altgelt, David Boyles, Justin Griffin, Hal Knape, Rex Lewis, Buddy Ottosen, Micah Ottosen, Scott Sage, and Coach Jay Klingenberg.
Distinguished Alumni Award
& NOMINATING
Distinguished Alumni Parent Award
Distinguished Alumni 2013 ~ Kirby Trapolino ‘91 2012 ~ Trey Beck ‘89 2011 ~ Amy Woodruff ‘88 2010 ~ Edd Hendee ‘94 2009 ~ Greg Looser ‘87 2008 ~ Charles Bacarisse ‘82 2007 ~ Amy Ross Kay ‘89 2006 ~ Ted Cruz ‘88
OPPORTUNITIES
In 2006, Second Baptist School began to recognize Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Alumni Parents each year at the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon in the fall. A selection committee made up of teachers and staff receives submissions for the awards. Then, the committee nominates outstanding alumni and alumni parents and presents their nominations to the School. The purpose of the Distinguished Alumni Award is to recognize graduates whose accomplishments, affiliations and careers have honored the legacy of Second Baptist School. CRITERIA FOR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI:
1.
The recipient should have graduated from Second Baptist School a minimum of 10 years prior to receiving the award.
2013
Distinguished Alumni Parents 2013 ~ Kay and Tom Clanton 2012 ~ Lucy and Skip McBride 2011 ~ Carolyn and Joe Durrett 2010 ~ Lynda and David Tauber 2009 ~ Judy and Bob Craig 2008 ~ Pat and Allen Daniels 2007 ~ Dianne and Joe Reeves 2006 ~ Carrie and Ron Woliver
2. The recipient should make outstanding contributions to their career, community, and/or church. 3. They should model Christian character in their lives.
The purpose of the Distinguished Alumni Parents Award is to recognize alumni parents who, through their volunteer efforts, contributed significantly to the life of Second Baptist School. CRITERIA OF DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI PARENTS:
1.
The recipient must be an alumni parent and not a current parent.
2. The recipient should have made outstanding contributions to Second Baptist School through school life, fine arts and/or athletics.
3. Both the mother and the father should have made significant contributions to the School during their time as current parents.
If you would like to nominate someone for either of these awards, please email sbsalumni@secondbaptistschool.org. 2013
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SBS Two easy steps to making your gift today.... 1.
Visit secondbaptistschool.org/ support
2.
ALUMNI GIVING
As a graduate, can you imagine Second Baptist School without Interim Term, AP classes, Senior Retreat or the College Guidance Department? Elsa Jean Looser, beloved teacher and administrator, played a central role in creating these programs that remain active today. To honor her legacy, SBS established the Elsa Jean Looser Scholarship Fund, which goes directly to helping students in need of financial assistance. Did you know that alumni and alumni parents of SBS help fund this scholarship? Participation from alumni and alumni parents is encouraged and represents the strength and unity of the SBS community. Every gift is important regardless of the amount.
Complete the online giving form and type your gift amount in the box marked “Elsa Jean Looser (Alumni Campaign)”
SBS ALUMNI DONORS SHARE:
Contributions are tax-deductible and may also be submitted by check. Please make checks payable to SBS Foundation, Inc. and mail to the Office of Advancement (6410 Woodway, Houston, Texas 77057).
“I was excited to be able to give something. I had Mrs. Looser as an AP teacher and a college guidance counselor. I was blessed to receive financial help while I was at SBS (and wouldn’t have been able to attend otherwise). I know what an ENORMOUS difference attending SBS made in MY life, and I am thrilled to be able to help another child experience the blessing that going to SBS was for me. It is an honor to help a student in the way someone helped me.”
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Lauren Ashkar Baker ‘02 in the Office of Advancement 713.365.2310 or by email LBaker@secondbaptistschool.org Thank you in advance for your gift! It will impact students for years to come.
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“I was blessed to be able to attend SBS my senior year with financial help like this. I hope to send my future children there as well! I look forward to contributing more in the future.”
“May this gift bless another as Second Baptist blessed me.”
SBS is proud to announce that the gifts received for the fall 2013 “Alumni Give Back” campaign exceeded our goal! Thank you to everyone who gave! Gifts to the Elsa Jean Looser Scholarship fund are appreciated year-round.
2012-2013 ALUMNI AND ALUMNI PARENT DONORS Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Abney Dr. and Mrs. Mark S. Adickes Mr. and Mrs. Mark Alberty Mr. and Mrs. Truett Allen Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Allen Mr. Jarod S. Altimore Mr. and Mrs. Victor Ankoma-Sey Ms. Shari Ashkar Mr. and Mrs. Scott Aulds Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bacarisse Mr. and Mrs. Austin E. Baker Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Baker Ms. Elizabeth K. Baker Mr. and Mrs. Benno Bauer, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Beall Mr. and Mrs. Robert Beauchamp Mr. and Mrs. Matt Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Blades II Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blades Mr. Ronald D. Blomstrom Mr. and Mrs. David Bolling Mr. and Mrs. Michael Boyd Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Bradley Mr. and Mrs. G. Mark Bragg Mr. and Mrs. Eric A. Brennan Mr. and Mrs. John Brewster Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Brown Mr. and Mrs. William Bruyere Mr. and Mrs. John Bruyere Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Buckley Mr. and Mrs. Robert Caballero Mr. and Mrs. Paul Carl Ms. Frances P. Caron Mr. and Mrs. William Carrier Mr. and Mrs. Michael Chambers Mrs. Marilyn Chappelear Mrs. Debra J. Cherry Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Clanton Mr. and Mrs. John Clark Mr. and Mrs. Brandon S. Clarke Mr. and Mrs. William Cobb Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Coddou Mr. and Mrs. Steven Cope Mr. and Mrs. Ray Craig Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Craig Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Craig Mr. and Mrs. Kyle E. Crake Mr. and Mrs. Travis L. Crites Mr. and Mrs. Les Csorba Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Cuneo Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Daniels
Mr. and Mrs. Herschel Day Mr. and Mrs. Barrett Dean Mr. and Mrs. Joe Deegan Mr. and Mrs. Robert V. Deere Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd DeLano Mr. and Mrs. Dan Dierking Mr. and Mrs. Mark Dinges Rev. and Mrs. Duncan Dodds Mr. and Mrs. Philip Dodson Mr. and Mrs. David Dominy Mr. and Mrs. Robert Doty Mr. and Mrs. John Doughtie Ms. Allison Dow Mr. and Mrs. John Dunegan Mr. and Mrs. John Durie Mr. and Mrs. Brant Durrett Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Durrett Mr. and Mrs. Charles Durrett Mr. Clay Eastham Mr. and Mrs. Russell Ekblad Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Elders Mr. and Mrs. David Eliff Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Vincent Elliott Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Elsenbrook Ms. Emily S. Estill Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Evans Mr. and Mrs. Philip L. Evans Ms. Kim Exley Mr. and Mrs. Austin Fatheree Mr. Reagan C. Fincher Mr. Don Ford III Mr. and Mrs. William B. Frame Dr. and Mrs. Craig Freedman Mr. and Mrs. John Freeman Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Garcia Mr. and Mrs. David Gardner Mr. and Mrs. Rene Garza Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Geis Mr. and Mrs. Matthew S. Gentle Dr. Mark R. Geyer Mr. and Mrs. Duane Geyer Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Graves Mrs. Jennifer Graves Mr. and Mrs. Gary Greaser Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Greco Mrs. Jan D. Griesenbeck Mr. and Mrs. David Gunn Mrs. Elizabeth A. Haffner Mr. and Mrs. John Charles Hall Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hamby Ms. Jill E. Harmeyer
Ms. Sarah A. Harmeyer Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hartley Mr. and Mrs. Allen Hartman Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Hartwell Dr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Harvey Mr. and Mrs. Andrew R. Harvin Dr. and Mrs. Danny Havard Mr. and Mrs. Edd Hendee Mr. and Mrs. Lee Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Keith Hendrick Ms. Nicole A. Herbert Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Herring Mr. and Mrs. William P. Herrington Mr. and Mrs. Ryan S. Holcomb Mr. and Mrs. William Holland Mr. and Mrs. Chris Hopf Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hotze Mr. and Mrs. James Huguenard Mr. and Mrs. John Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Jeko Mr. and Mrs. John Jennings Mr. and Mrs. Greg Jensen Mr. and Mrs. Jal Jobe Mr. and Mrs. J. Michael Jobe Mr. and Mrs. Gary Odean Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Craig Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Steven Jones Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kares Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Kates Dr. and Mrs. Spencer Kee Mr. and Mrs. Allan Keel Ms. Karen L. Keir Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kellam Mr. and Mrs. Rodger Kenworthy Mr. Imran H. Kheraj Mr. and Mrs. Ike Kimmel Mr. and Mrs. D. Craig King Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Kitchel Mr. and Mrs. D. Andrew Klein Rev. and Mrs. Jakob Klingenberg Mr. and Mrs. Clay Krhovjak Mr. and Mrs. Daniel H. Kroll Mr. and Mrs. Lee Larkin Mr. and Mrs. Barry Lee Ms. Brooke A. Leibe Mr. and Mrs. Timothy LeVrier Mr. and Mrs. Carl David Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ligon Mr. Clay M. Lindberg Mr. and Mrs. David Little Mrs. Lesley L. LoCaste
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ALUMNI AND ALUMNI PARENT GIVING
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lohse Ms. Melissa A. Long Mr. Michael J. Long Mr. and Mrs. Richard Looney Dr. and Mrs. Don Looser Mr. and Mrs. W. Gregory Looser Mr. Nadra Maakaroun Mr. and Mrs. David Lee Malone Mr. Nemanja Marinkovic Mr. and Mrs. Kelly M. Marsh Mrs. Leah M. Massoud Ms. Abby E. Mathis Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Mathis Rev. and Mrs. Darin Maurer Mr. and Mrs. Steve A. Mauterstock Mr. and Mrs. Steven Mayes Mr. and Mrs. Ralph McBride Mr. and Mrs. Tony McCorvey Mr. and Mrs. Christopher McInturff Mr. and Mrs. Charles McInturff Mr. and Mrs. Ed McMichael Dr. and Mrs. Patrick McSpadden Ms. Nancy O. Merritt Mr. and Mrs. Casey Miers Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Milam Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Miller Mr. and Mrs. Dennis G. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. James Montague Mr. David Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Monzon Mr. and Mrs. Derek Moore Mr. and Mrs. Craig Moritz Mr. and Mrs. Derek Munger Mr. and Mrs. James Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Loyd Neal Ms. Hannah E. Noble Mr. and Mrs. Rayner Noble Mr. and Mrs. Mike Northcutt Mr. Matthew D. Nyberg Mr. and Mrs. Robert Orth Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Palmerton Mr. and Mrs. Zack Parrish Mr. and Mrs. Robert Partin Mr. and Mrs. Randy Payne Mr. and Mrs. Albert Pessarra Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Petkas Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Piggott Mr. Kelly Plato Ms. Tina Plato Mr. and Mrs. Richard Plezia Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Pouns
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Mr. and Mrs. John B. Powell Mr. and Mrs. J. Arthur Prestage Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Price Mr. and Mrs. Leeland Prillaman Mr. and Mrs. James A. Prince Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Pruet Dr. and Mrs. Alvin Ralston Mr. and Mrs. Dan Ramey Mr. and Mrs. Matthew S. Ramsey Mr. and Mrs. Ronald G. Ramsey Mr. and Mrs. Tim C. Raymond Ms. Raquel Rees Mr. and Mrs. Nathan D. Rees Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Rees Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Reeves Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Richardson Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Richter Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Rickaway Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Riner Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Ripple Dr. and Mrs. David Roark Mr. and Mrs. Gary Roberts Mr. and Mrs. Jerome A. Rodgers Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rosenthal Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Ross Mrs. Heather R. Royston Ms. Katherine Ann Rush Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rush Mr. and Mrs. Scott Sage Dr. and Mrs. Mark S. Sanders Mr. Jacob J. Saour Mr. and Mrs. Saib Saour Mrs. Laura Schulz Mr. and Mrs. Scott E. Schwinger Mr. and Mrs. Jerry W. Secrist Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Serralta Mr. and Mrs. Brooks Shanklin Mrs. Donna M. Sims Mr. Alexander J. Sims Dr. and Mrs. James Skelton Mr. and Mrs. William B. Skidmore Ms. Cheryl Skidmore Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Slavin Mrs. Ann M. Smith Mr. and Mrs. David B. Spicer Dr. and Mrs. Gary L. Stading Mr. and Mrs. William Stevenson Mrs. Iris F. Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Reid Stiefel Mr. and Mrs. Maury Stiver Mr. and Mrs. Mark Stouse Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Streett
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Strother Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Suffield Mr. and Mrs. Don Sweat Mr. and Mrs. David Tauber Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Terrell Mr. and Mrs. Eric Thode Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Denton Thomas, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Vance Tillman Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Toups Dr. and Mrs. James Tour Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Towery Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Tredennick Ms. Linda Tyler Ms. Sa’Misty Alexia Utley Mr. and Dr. Lance J. Van Anglen Mrs. Jennifer C. Van Matre Ms. Michelle M. Vann Mrs. Elizabeth B. Wade Mr. and Mrs. Steven Walker Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Wallace Mr. and Mrs. Chris Wallace Mr. and Mrs. William Watkins Mr. and Mrs. W. Timothy Weaver Mr. Douglas M. Webster Mr. and Mrs. John J. Weidner Mrs. Donna Weisser Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Weisser Mr. and Mrs. Donald West Mr. and Mrs. Woody West Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Whalen Mr. and Mrs. Larry Wheatley Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Whitaker Mr. and Mrs. Charles White Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Whitehurst Mr. and Mrs. Mark Wilkinson Mr. and Mrs. O’Banion Williams III Mr. and Mrs. Fred Williams, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Winters Mr. and Mrs. Will Womble Mr. and Mrs. Rick Wood Judge and Judge Mike Wood Mr. and Mrs. James W. Woodruff Dr. Treneth P. Baker and Dr. Amy L. Woodruff Mr. and Mrs. Les Worsham Rev. and Mrs. Cliff Young Ms. Kathrine D. Zeren Ms. Kimberly A. Zeren Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zimmerman Mr. and Mrs. Rand Zumwalt
January 2014
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FIGHTING EAGLES, FIGHTING EAGLES ON TO VICTORY BRAVE AND NOBLE SOARING HIGHER FLYING STRONG AND FREE FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHTING EAGLES, FIGHTING EAGLES KEEP THE STRENGTH TO SOAR SECOND BAPTIST IS THE BEST FOREVER – GO BIG BLUE! FIGHTING EAGLES, FIGHTING EAGLES ON TO VICTORY BRAVE AND NOBLE SOARING HIGHER FLYING STRONG AND FREE FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! 160
GO BIG BLUE! Eagle – Alumni Edition