October 2024
Volume IX • Issue I
friends of veritas academy
Dear Defender Friends, Alumni & Grands,
On the heels of a productive summer, we have thoroughly enjoyed this six weeks of being back together and kicking off what has already shaped up to be a wonderful school year. Thank you for joining us by reading our Friends of Veritas Newsletter! These newsletters will be emailed a handful of times throughout the school year as we highlight our students and invite you to various events and happenings around campus. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into the many exciting and wonderful activities going on at Veritas Academy and that you will save the date to join us whenever you can. We’re so glad that you’re a part of the Veritas community!
-Your Veritas Family
campus & community
2024 Vision Address & Thematic Goal
At our annual Paideia Conference the week of August 7, Head of School Cameron Cook spoke to the entire community of parents and faculty/staff as he cast a vision for the 2024 school year rooted in the truth and goodness of Deuteronomy 6:4-7 which reads: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And of these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
While this verse has always been foundational to the mission of Veritas Academy, reading it again this August served to illuminate and reframe a question that we've been discussing at Veritas for several months. What was initially, "Are we too busy?" became, "What do we prioritize, and what rhythms should we establish to support our priorities?" In sharing these new questions, Cameron challenged us to assess our routines, habits, and schedules to see what is working and what needs room to grow. He encouraged families to take the long, scenic route here and there and to make it a habit of maximizing evenings with our families. These ideas and more led to the development and sharing of this year's thematic goal and defining objectives.
Thematic Goal
Prioritize and establish intentional rhythms of spiritual formation, fellowship, work, worship, and rest
20 Years: United in Purpose & Passion
Each school year begins another unique chapter in the story of Veritas, yet with the same Author writing each page, the pillars of faith, family, and fortitude remain a continuous thread. The Lord has blessed us with a clear and distinct calling to partner with Christian parents to provide their children with a classical Christian education for the lifelong pursuit of wisdom and virtue in the service of Jesus Christ for the glory of God. We have the privilege of walking this out in a collaborative model that integrates professional instruction with parent-mentored study and discipleship to cultivate genuine faith in Christ, godly virtue, and excellence in academics and workmanship.
For the 2024-2025 school year, we are honored to have 696 students filling our PreSchool-12th Grade classrooms and 391 families to partner with on this journey. This year's students and families are continuing the legacy and traditions that our 403 Alumni and their families began. From Paideia Week to Cheers and Tears, to the annual Kindergarten reading of Oh, The Places You'll Go, to fall football and Defender Dads, there is always something special to enjoy. Thank you to those who have gone before us for blazing the trail, and thank you to our current Defenders who are eagerly running with the baton in hand as we pass down our faith, recapture time as a family, and do hard things together for God's glory. We continue to be abundantly blessed by the Lord, and we can't wait to see all that He has in store for us this school year!
Leadership Additions & Overview
- Neela Beddoe Named Fine Arts Director
- Molly Ingram Board Term Completed
- Deanna Bryan Welcomed to the School Board
- Veritas Academy Administration (VAA) for the '24-'25 School Year
Neela Beddoe Named Fine Arts Director
Molly Ingram Board Term Completed
Deanna Bryan Welcomed to the School Board
Veritas Academy Administration (VAA) for the '24-'25 School Year
Paideia 2024 Keynote Speakers, Books & Resources
In addition to Cameron's Vision Address, we had the opportunity to hear from Dr. W. Davies Owens, founder and host of the podcast "BaseCamp Live," as a Paideia keynote speaker. Davies was joined by one of our favorite returning speakers, Keith A. McCurdy, M.A., Ed.S., President and Founder of Live Sturdy, LLC, and President and CEO of Total Life Counseling, Inc. Among several topics, Davies and Keith spoke about influence zones (importance of the role of parents in influencing their students), cultural moment challenges, and the Classical Christian Education movement.
You can view their sessions—and previous keynote speakers—in our Paideia Archives. This page also provides a list of resources referenced by many of our Veritas speakers who led two days of impactful breakout sessions. Their list of recommendations won't disappoint!
Sign Up to Receive Our Weekly Veritas Podcast via ZipCast
text VATX to (833) 409-4823 to sign up today
Our Paideia Guest Speakers, Davies Owens and Keith mcCurdy, have launched a podcast that works to combine Veritas with outside tools and resources. ZipCast is a short 10-minute podcast blending announcements from our school with informative segments from trusted experts around the country. There are no apps to download—just text VATX to (833) 409-4823 to sign up and click play when the ZipCast hits your phone every Monday morning.
Each ZipCast includes:
- School News and Key Announcements
- A Joke of the Day - sure to bring smiles to your backseat passengers!
- Because You Asked - answers to real parent questions
- Word of the Week- texting back the word of the week enters you in a gift card giveaway
- Parenting Tips - practical advice for home life from experts like Keith McCurdy (Paideia 2024 Keynote Speaker)
- Short Scripture - with discussion questions for your kids
This school year, students are memorizing Genesis 1:26-2:2, Romans 5:1-11, and Ephesians 6:10-17 from the English Standard Version (ESV). The goal of this exercise is to hide God’s word in our hearts, reflect upon these truths, and converse among our families. Join us in this important discipline and opportunity!
National Merit Commended Scholars in the Class of '25
We proudly announce four National Merit Commended Scholars in the Class of 2025. Congratulations to Finnley Smitheal, Joshua Henselman, Caleb Blythe, and William Gengler on this remarkable achievement. These seniors represent the top 34,000 students in the nation and join the 15% of Veritas graduates to date who have earned National Merit Recognition when taking their junior year PSAT/NMSQT.
Thank You for Supporting Defender Dash 2024!
Though Defender Dash is a single day event, we love that our students get to see the full impact of their fundraising efforts and your generosity around campus for years to come! Just like our GS students crossed their finish line, there have been several projects that did the same over the summer. For starters, our Lower Village received a brand new slide that allows a fun passage from the library and gym landing to the LV courtyard and playground. Additionally, we added turf grass to cover the once muddy and worn down grass so now our littlest Defenders can run, play, and roll without hesitation and with ease. Our Upper Village also saw impactful upgrades like an garden chess board, an awning covering our restrooms, and an amazing tree weave. Throughout both villages the classroom windows have been donned with shutters and the most darling curtains adding what looks like simple touches that enhance classes and their spaces. Please enjoy this video of our students enjoying these new spaces and the impact you have made on campus.
Carpe Unitas: Seize Unity
Phase 2 Development: Community Center & Gym
The vision of coming together in the heart of campus is not just progressing, it is within sight! Carpe Unitas—seize unity—is an avenue for continued unity in purpose and passion as we celebrate with and support our students in competition, performance, and discipleship in a community center and gym on our own campus.
We look forward to sharing more in the months to come, and in the meantime, if you have questions about the project or would like to discuss your participation in the Carpe Unitas campaign, please reach out to our Campaign Manager, Betsy Cromer.
Carpe Unitas + Toad Hall
New GS Multi-Purpose Space
A new Grammar School lunch and multi-purpose space—now affectionately known as Toad Hall in reference to one of our favorite GS Read Aloud books, The Wind in the Willows—was installed last month. Toad Hall has replaced our former "green lunch tent" and is air-conditioned, holds up to 110 people, and has one entire wall of glass which provides an outside feel along with protection from the elements. Its location mirrors the site plan that is under review by the City of Austin for our community center and gym. Things are literally starting to move in the right direction for our next phase of campus development!
In pursuit of this vision, Veritas has:
- Selected Flintco and The Lawrence Group to be the builder and architects for a design-build project
- Filed site work with the City of Austin in October 2023
- Retained fundraising counsel who is helping us maximize our giving potential while honoring our donors
- Formed multiple committees of committed—and experienced—board members, staff, and families
- Received over $6.5M from lead donors who have generously committed/contributed to the vision
- Named the campaign Carpe Unitas—seize unity!
Project Inclusions:
- Removal/relocation of the current carpool loop to create an agora and central gathering space between all academic buildings
- Unification of the Upper GS classrooms with a new restroom and boardwalk
- Addition of a parking lot to include ~125 parking spaces
- Building of a community center/gym
save the date(s) for 2024 events on the Horizon
Homecoming Football Game v. Gloria Deo
fri, oct 11 @ 7pm | Defender Field
Veritas alumni tailgate
fri, oct 11 @ 5pm | Sr Student commons (3rd Floor of VA)
2014 class reunion
sat, oct 19 @ 5pm | SR Student commons (3rd Floor of VA)
Fall Roundup
fri, Oct 25 @ 5:30pm-7:30pm | Heritage Oak & Meadow
grandparents gathering
wed, dec 11 @ 1:30pm | Lyceum
alumni spotlight
Defender Alumni Spotlight: Corinna Edgar (VA '18)
Corinna and the Edgar family have been a part of Veritas since 2005. Including Corinna, the Edgar family had 3 children graduate. After attending Veritas since Kindergarten, Corinna attended Texas A&M University, where she graduated in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in International Studies. After joining the Navy 2 years ago, Corinna now serves as a student pilot assigned to VT 27, a U.S. Navy primary flight training squadron located at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. We are so proud to see her spread her wings and fly! Read Austin Native Serves with the Next Generation of U.S. Naval Aviation Warfighters to see how Corinna got here and this amazing profession she jumped in the pilot seat of.
Click to enlarge
Class of 2024 Graduation
Since our last newsletter, we said farewell to our class of 2024 please pray with us as they begin their new journeys, we were preparing to send off our remarkable Class of 2024. Now, they have embarked on exciting new journeys, taking the next steps into the world. We ask for your prayers and well-wishes as they begin this new chapter in their lives. To the Class of 2024, we hope you’re thriving in your new endeavors, and remember—no matter where life takes you, you will always have your Veritas Community.
2024 Veritas Valiant Recipient & Grant Designation
Brody Head, the 2024 Veritas Valiant Recipient who is pictured with Mr. Cook, has designated his grant to Good Days, an organization whose mission is to provide financial support and resources to people who live with chronic illnesses. Brody is particularly drawn to Good Days's commitment to come alongside those whose pain is oftentimes unseen yet very real and persistent. He views the support provided by Good Days as offering hope along with help to enrich the lives of many, so they can have "more good days." Brody personally knows several family members and friends who live with a chronic illness and also viewed this opportunity to award the Veritas Valiant Grant to Good Days as a way to honor and acknowledge his love and support for them.
What Is The Veritas Valiant Award & Grant?
The Veritas Valiant Award is the Academy’s highest honor acknowledging a graduating senior whose life is marked not just by intellect and accomplishment, but also by excellence and virtue. Beginning with the Class of 2019, the recipient(s) of the Veritas Valiant Award have received the honor of making a significant monetary contribution to a cause or program about which they are passionate by directing an anonymously sponsored $3,000 grant to the organization.
Learn More about the Veritas Valiant
Alumni Events on the Horizon!
Homecoming MMXXIV Tailgate
Fri, Oct 11 @ 5pm | SR Student Commons (3rd Floor of VA)
Homecoming MMXXIV is Monday, October 7- Friday, October 11! Join us on the 3rd floor for some time to catch up before the game in our SR Student Commons! We will be providing a Torchy's Nacho Bar and drinks. Alumni parents are welcome as well!
Homecoming MMXXIV Alumni Walk
Fri, Oct 11 @ 7:45pm(ish) | South end zone of Defender Field
Five minutes before halftime, please gather by the south end zone of Defender Field on the scoreboard side to walk the "track" with your graduating class! We'll start walking right after the Veritas BlueBelles finish their halftime performance so be sure to keep an eye on the clock!
Class of 2014 Reunion!
Sat, Oct 19 @ 5pm | SR Student Commons (3rd Floor of VA)
The class of '14 is celebrating their 10 Year Reunion milestone together on Saturday, October 19, at 5pm with a catered meal from Cabo Bob's, a campus tour, and more all in our newly refreshed SR Student Commons. RSVP and event details were sent via Evite. If you have any questions or have not received any details, please contact Alumni@VeritasAcademy.net.
P.S. Class of '15, you're on deck!
fine arts feature
Putting the Spotlight on our Fine Arts Shining Stars
We are thrilled to announce that the Fine Arts culture at Veritas continues to reach new heights with the introduction of our New GS Choir elective and the addition of incredible new instructors to Music Ensemble, Choir, and Speech & Debate (Intermediate & Competitive). With one of our Defining Objectives, leading our eyes to focus on what is true, good, and beautiful, our returning Fine Arts Director, Neela Beddoe and her team are highlighting the ways in which we are currently doing this and looking at areas where we can brighten our light.
By teaching students how to think rhetorically and live out the good man speaking well, Competitive Speech and Debate, is one of current programs fulfilling our theme of truth, goodness, and beauty. In fact, at the 18th annual Hurricane Tournament held last Saturday at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Temple, TX, Jacob Govea, Scout Sowers, Joel Regen, Caleb Scott, Hannah Windham and Drew Krawzsenek competed in Lincoln Douglas Debate and Impromptu Speaking.
Coached by our amazing Intermediate & Competitive Speech Instructor, Mrs. Quinnell, ALL students won numerous rounds during the debate progression and 3 placed for trophies. Caleb Scott took 4th, Jacob Govea took 3rd, and Scout Sowers took 2nd place overall. Jacob Govea also placed 3rd out of 25 entries for Impromptu Speaking.
Another important way we are leaning into this year's objectives is creating a culture of singing and a love for music. This is why we have brought on a GS Choir elective to get our younger Defenders prepared for when they get to choir in SL and later, SR. We are thrilled to announce that our Grammar School Choir had a successful kick-off last Friday! 70 students gathered in 2 rooms (Kinder-2nd and 3rd-4th graders) to join in singing, rhythm play, and ice- breaker games. We are thankful for this new opportunity for our GS students and look forward to hearing them sing this year. With new teachers like Beth Monson (Music Ensemble) and Becki Tulbah (Choir) our students are getting more and more music experience and learning so many new and exciting tools.
These additions have brought fresh energy, exciting new projects, and well-deserved recognition to our program. We are proud of the vibrant creativity and talent flourishing in our Fine Arts community and can't wait to see what’s next! Read below by clicking through the drop-downs to meet the names and see the faces of the amazing women who are working hard to elevate Fine Arts at Veritas.
- Becki Tulbah, New SLR Choir Instructor
- Leslie Quinnell, SR Intermediate & Competitive Speech & Debate Instructor
- Beth Monson, New Music Ensemble Instructor
- Elizabeth Trask, New GS Choir Instructor
Becki Tulbah, New SLR Choir Instructor
Leslie Quinnell, SR Intermediate & Competitive Speech & Debate Instructor
Beth Monson, New Music Ensemble Instructor
Elizabeth Trask, New GS Choir Instructor
2024-2025 BlueBelles: The 4th Line
The Veritas Academy BlueBelles are once again under the direction of Amanda Hurley. This dedicated group of talented young ladies perform at each Veritas Defender home football game and also hosted their first annual Future BlueBelle Dance Clinic this month, giving students in PreK-6th Grade the chance to learn a routine and dance with the BlueBelles at our home game following Fall Roundup. The BlueBelles will be also competing at the TAPPS Fine Arts Dance Competition after the new year.
The 4th line of our Veritas BlueBelles includes:
- Back row: SarahLynn Leyendecker, Megan Williams, Charlotte Murphy, Josephine Hollifield
- Middle row: Tessa Baxter, Joyce Deiss (Social Officer), Jensen Hurley (Social Officer), Izzy Zamarippa, Citrine Morris
- Front Row: Bekah Leyendecker (Captain), Eliza Hollifield (Captain)
Coaches' corner
Athletics Calendars & Tips
Defender Athletes would love to invite you to cheer them on throughout the year! Please see all athletic schedules below and contact your athlete directly for additional game details. General “home game” details are included below. Go Defenders!
JV & Varsity Schedules 5th-8th Grade Schedules
We are now Cashless!
All ticket and concession sales are now cashless. Use this link to purchase tickets (or a season pass) for upcoming home games: https://events.
Admission for Football Games: Homes Games @ Defender Field Adults: $6 |
Admission for Volleyball Games: Home Games @ Central Texas Fieldhouse in Buda Adults: $5 |
5th/6th Grade Flag Football's Strong Start
Veritas has started their inaugural 5/6 flag football season with four wins and are currently undefeated! See them at home on Defender Field this season on the following dates (5th Grade Silver will play first followed by 6th Grade Blue):
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Tue, Oct 8 at 6:30pm & 7:30pm
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Tue, Oct 15 at 6pm & 7:00pm
take a look
a few more opportunities to connect!
Calling All Defender Alumni!
If you are a member of the Veritas Alumni Community, we would love to hear what’s new in your life as well as how we can continue to pray for, encourage, and celebrate with you. You can also reach out to Alumni@VeritasAcademy.net directly to connect with us and lead Alumni Coordinator Eli Pickering.
Support Veritas
Veritas is so blessed by those who feel called to donate to our school, and you can give any time using the link below! All donations are tax-deductible and help us fulfill and further the mission and ministry of the entire school. Should you have any questions, please reach out to Development@VeritasAcademy.net.
Come Work at Veritas!
We are still in need of some new folks to join our team of talented faculty! Would you, or someone you know, be interested in joining the team? A love of the Lord, a love of children, and support of our mission are a must! Please visit our Employment page to see a complete list of the openings we have school-wide and contact HR@VeritasAcademy.net for more details.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and keep up with events!