March 2025
Volume IX • Issue III
friends of veritas academy
Dear Friends,
As we enter the final stretch of the 2024-2025 school year, we have many exciting updates and invitations to share with you. Since the last newsletter, our winter athletes have been victorious, our students have showcased their fine arts skills, we have served together as a community across Austin, and more. With many spring traditions and events on the horizon, we hope you will be able to join us for the Class of 2025 Senior Thesis Presentations and Graduation Ceremony, among other happenings. Enjoy these updates and don’t forget to mark your calendar for upcoming events.
-Your Veritas Family
West Side Story Opens
Fri, Apr 4-Sat, Apr 5 & Fri, Apr 11- Sat Apr 12
We are excited to announce the Citizens Theatre Company's SR Spring Musical, West Side Story, opens next weekend! Please follow the link below to purchase your tickets.
senior thesis presentations
Top 16 Competition: Mon, Apr 28-Thu, May 1
Final Fourum™: Fri, may 2
Before our seniors can walk the stage for Graduation they have to conquer their Senior Thesis Presentations. Be sure to join us on Fri, May 2 for the Final Fourum™, where the winner of each night of the Top 16 Competition compete for the title of Senior Thesis Laureate, to be crowned at Graduation.
Spring FIne arts Festival
TUe, May 6 | Bannockburn
Join us at Bannockburn on Tue, May 6 for an evening of entertainment from our Performing Arts programs featuring live music, dance, and encore musical numbers. Admission is free!
Year-end assembly
wed, May 21 | Meadow
The End-of-Year Assembly will be held at the Meadow by John Diehl Memorial Heritage Tree! Stay tuned for a timeline of events and more details coming soon.
Class of '25 Graduation
Fri, May 23 | meadow
The Class of 2025 has just two months left until they cross the stage as our 14th graduating class! We hope you join us as we celebrate their hard work.
Veritas Robotics Club Excels at First Austin-Area Competition
We are thrilled to report that Veritas exceeded our expectations at their very first Austin-area robotics competition. This is particularly remarkable considering almost none of the 13 students had done robotics nor programming a mere 5 months ago and were competing with 10-year old robots!
Out of 18 Austin-area teams:
- 9th (5th/6th graders) and 11th place (7th graders) out of 18 teams over 3 rounds.
- 3rd place "Innovation Project" — 5th and 6th graders' ocean robotic trash collector (science project concept part of the competition)
- Eric Quinnell was blessed to be selected amongst all the teams for the "Coach Award" via nominations write-ups from our students and parents.
Of course none of this would be possible without the parents, volunteers and coaches—with special thanks to Coach Quinnell, Coach Artman, Coach Johns, and Taryn Hogan for going above and beyond.
ISR Students Compete at the Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair
Veritas recently took nine SR students in our Independent Science Research (ISR) class (the most in our school history) to the Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair! Of all of the projects listed below, two placed top 5 in their category: sophomore Nathan Kozubek's maglev train and sophomore Jillian Schrock's battery balancing. Both of these students did exemplary work for first-year ISR students!
- Jillian Schrock (Veritas 11th Annual Fair Champion) - Energy - Software Battery Balancing
- Matea Zimel (Veritas 11th Annual Fair Runner-Up) - Environmental Engineering - Affordable Water Filtration
- Nathan Kozubek (Veritas 11th Annual Fair 3rd Place) - Energy - Maglev Railway Infrastructure Transitional System
- Jane Thomas - Health Sciences - The Influence of Hydration on Athletic Performance
- Haddie Dusan - Health Sciences - Does Local Honey Help with Allergic Rhinitis?
- Mabel Windham - Animal Sciences - The Albino Mouse
- Hannah Windham - Plant Sciences - EMF Impact on Plants
- Henry Olschefskie - Health Sciences - Placebo v. Pre-Workout
- Dayanna Herring - Health Sciences - Exploration On the Role of Hydration in Vocal Performance
Education as an Atmosphere: Covered Wagon
Charlotte Mason, a 19th-century classical educator, encouraged teachers and parents to see education as an atmosphere and a life.
“Children make large demands upon us. We owe it to them to initiate an immense number of interests. ‘Thou hast set my feet in a large room,’ should be the glad cry of every intelligent soul. Life should be all living, and not merely a tedious passing of time…”
CHARLOTTE MASON
A handful of Veritas Defender Dads have put their time, efforts, and talents toward this endeavor in the creation of a mock covered wagon to accompany our students’ study of life on the Oregon Trail. This permanent structure is now a part of our Upper Village Courtyard where students can explore, play, and imitate what they learn in their classrooms and at home about life in a covered wagon.
Grammar School is incredibly thankful for these dads who were able to make this vision a reality!
Go Texan Day
Our newest addition to the Grammar School, the covered wagon, added to the excitement of "Go Texan Day" as students in 1st-4th Grade embraced the theme with their best western attire in honor of Texas Independence. Throughout the day, they rotated through stations where they learned about Texas heritage and state symbols and explored what life on the road was like from a chuckwagon. They also got to create their own Texas flags while hearing a chapter from Johnny Texas. A special thank you goes to Amanda Hurley and her dedicated team of volunteers for planning such a memorable and fun day
New School of Logic Head for the 2025-2026 School Year : Luke Marrs
At the start of the new year Jenny McLatcher shared she would be transitioning out of her role as School of Logic Head at the end of this school year. Jenny is one of Veritas's hallmark leaders who has shaped and molded our school while humbly listening to the Lord's calling and relentlessly serving to further His kingdom. After 14 years, Jenny will be taking time away from Veritas to focus more on her immediate family. Jenny has established an incredible team in the School of Logic and they will continue building upon her foundation.
Since then we have been conducting a comprehensive search for a School of Logic Head to join Veritas Administration in leading and serving our community when Jenny McLatcher steps out of the role at the end of the school year. Our search yielded many qualified and talented internal and external candidates, which is a strong testament to the caliber of our faculty and staff and the reach of Veritas’s reputation in classical, Christian education. After an in-depth search and prayerful consideration, we are eager to announce that Luke Marrs has accepted the position of School of Logic Head.
We are confident that Luke will be a continued asset to Veritas Academy and ask that you please join us in welcoming him to his new role as School of Logic Head!
Over the next few months, he will spend as much time as he can with Jenny and the SL teachers and students to ensure a smooth transition for all. He will, however, continue to teach his current course until the end of the 2024-2025 school year. We are blessed!
Thank You to Our Athletic Director Jonathan Hatfield
For sixteen years, Jonathan Hatfield has poured his heart into Veritas Academy, shaping not only our athletics program but also the lives and faith of countless students. With a servant’s heart and a coach’s spirit, he has mentored, inspired, and equipped young men and women to compete with character—fighting battles both on and off the field.
From leading Defender Football to six state finals and three state championships, to expanding our athletics program from 13 to 17 team sports, Jonathan’s impact is woven into the very fabric of Veritas. His reach extends and his presence is felt on the fields he helped build, the students he coached, and the values he instilled—gracious in victory, resilient in defeat.
As Jonathan and his family transition into a new season, we are filled with deep gratitude for their immeasurable contributions. We will miss his leadership as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach after the completion of the 2024-2025 school year, but his legacy of faith, grit, and devotion will remain a cornerstone of Defender Athletics.
Please join us in praying for the Hatfield family in this next chapter and for the future leadership of Veritas Athletics. We are grateful for Jonathan’s unwavering dedication and trust that God will continue to guide and bless him and his family in the seasons ahead.
PSIA District Results & State Competitors
Our students had a wonderful time at the PSIA academic competition, held at Regents School of Austin at the beginning of the month. With 18 contest categories covering a wide range of disciplines in 62 academic contests, PSIA provides an exciting opportunity for private school students in grades 1 through 8 to engage in academic competition with their peers throughout the state of Texas. PSIA remains the most comprehensive academic extracurricular program in the nation for students in Grades 1-8.
Below is a list of our students who placed in District and the 8 students who will be moving on to compete in the State PSIA competition on Sat, Apr 26. Congratulations to all students who competed!
The Crowning of Mr. Defender 2025
Mr. Defender is our annual “pageant” where SR boys from each house display talents that defy logic and tickle the funny bone in an effort to win the title “Mr. Defender.” This is one of those evenings that gets talked about for the rest of the year. From the opening group number, to the skits, to the Q&A portion—this evening is always an absolute blast. Though his skit ended with "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman Senior, Finley Smitheal, was clearly enough as he stole the show and walked away with the crown. Well done, Finley!
First Annual Veritas Classic Golf Tournament
Our inaugural Veritas Classic Golf Tournament was a swinging success! Over 100 Veritas golfers—moms, dads, grandparents, and friends—gathered at Grey Rock Golf Club for a day of fun and fellowship. The scramble format welcomed all skill levels, while contests like Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin kept the competition lively. After a morning on the greens, everyone enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch and celebrated the day with an awards ceremony. It was a fantastic event that brought our Veritas community together, and we’re already looking forward to next year!
Flash Back to December and January
March may be in full swing, but we would be remiss if we didn't share the excitement of December and January! The end of last semester and the start of this one were nothing short of amazing. Take a trip down memory lane by exploring the tabs below and reliving some of those sweet moments!
The Storyglory Book Fair is Back and We Need You!
Fri, Apr 4-Fri, Apr 11 | Veritas Academy
We are in search of volunteers to keep things running smoothly at our Storyglory Book Fair in April! Whether you can help with setup, checkout, or keeping things organized, we’d love to have you. Sign-up below and be part of this fun event that helps bring more books to our students! Volunteers are especially needed on Tuesday and Thursday, as our GS parents will be co-teaching on those days.
Calling All Hobbyists! Breathe Retreat is a Few Weeks Away
Thu, Apr 3 | Veritas
The Breathe Retreat is a day for SR students to explore a different kind of leisure that results in rest and also in growth. Our goal is to have parents, grandparents, and other voices in the community share hobbies and interests with SR students, and for students to learn meaningful skills as a result (such as fire building, auto maintenance, welding, fly-fishing, pie baking, etc.). Classes should be at an introductory level for up to 20 students per session, and we expect sessions to last 45 minutes. Reach out to Chloe Larson with your questions!
We are excited to announce the Citizens Theatre Company's SR Spring Musical, West Side Story
"Inspired by the timeless story of Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story takes Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, and places them in the vibrant battleground of New York City’s West Side in the 1950s. In the midst of the deep-seated rivalry between two street gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, Maria and Tony discover that ancient grudges are no match for true love. With soaring, sophisticated, and diverse melodies, energetic and athletic dance battles, West Side Story remains one of musical theatre’s most loved treasures."
There will be four evening performances spanning across two weekends:
- Fri, Apr 4 at 6:30pm
- Sat, Apr 5 at 6:30pm
- Fri, Apr 11 at 6:30pm
- Sat, Apr 12 at 6:30pm
Please follow the link below to purchase your tickets. Only purchase tickets you know will be used. With our new ticketing system we have experienced plenty of unused seats at Sold Out performances—please be reasonable with your purchase. If you have any questions or need to be added to the waitlist please reach out to the following email: FineArtsEvents@VeritasAcademy.net.
Continued Speech and Debate Success
Speech and Debate Showing at the 20th Annual Trinity Tournament
The Veritas Speech and Debate Team recently traveled to the 20th Annual Trinity Tournament hosted by Holy Trinity Catholic School. Competing in various speech events and Lincoln-Douglas debate, the team showcased their skills, earning 4th overall in Group Improv, a runner-up finish in the sweepstakes and the second-highest overall point score.
Individual awards
- Team Captain Scout Sowers placed 2nd in Lincoln Douglas Debate, 3rd in Impromptu Speaking, and 4th in Extemporaneous speaking.
- Jacob Govea placed 2nd in Impromptu speaking, 3rd in Lincoln Douglas Debate, and 3rd in Extemporaneous speaking.
- Caleb Scott placed 4th in Lincoln Douglas debate and 6th in Extemporaneous speaking.
- Joel Regen placed 4th in Soapbox speaking, 5th in Bible Reading, and 6th in Lincoln Douglas debate.
- Drew Krawsznek placed 2nd in Bible Reading and 5th in Lincoln Douglas debate.
Veritas Debate Team Attends Shamrock Speech and Debate Tournament
Veritas Debate team attended the Shamrock Speech and Debate Tournament at Holy Trinity. The team competed in poetry, prose, persuasive speaking, and Lincoln Douglas debate. Multiple rounds were won by the whole team. Jacob Govea placed 6th overall in Extemporaneous Speaking and Scout Sowers placed 1st overall in Poetry and 3rd overall in Lincoln Douglas debate out of 23 competitors. The team will compete at State TAPPS in March.
Senior Josh Henselman Selected to Perform in Starlight Symphony
We are delighted to share that Veritas's very own, Josh Henselman, had the honor of being selected as a soloist to perform in the Starlight Symphony's concert after competing in their Young Artist Competition.
Starlight Symphony is a volunteer orchestra filled with musicians doing what they love. One of their many goals is to bring Classical music to the modern world in a manner that is both digestible and enjoyable. Accordingly, their concerts are completely free to attend and are family friendly as well.
This is a huge accomplishment and we are so proud to have Josh represent Veritas. Congratulations, Josh!
“This opportunity is a dream come true for me because I have wanted to perform with an orchestra since I was in middle school. In Spring 2023, I received this honor from the Starlight Symphony, and I am overjoyed to be returning once more as I wrap up high school. This opportunity is made even more significant as my older sister Sarah, whom some of you know, performed with the Starlight Symphony during her senior year. Ultimately, this was one of my primary motivations, and I am delighted to follow in her footsteps.”
JOSH HENSELMAN
Click to Expand
BlueBelles at TAPPS State Dance Competition
The BlueBelles had a great day at the TAPPS State Dance Championships in Waco. They performed a Pom routine to “Nascar,” a Novelty routine to “9 to 5” and earned superior ratings—the highest possible—on both. The BlueBelles were awarded the title of State Runner Up, finishing 2nd in the state. This is the first time for the Belles to place at TAPPS in their 3 years of competing.
Freshman Josephine Hollified was selected for the Kick Company, Leap Company, and Turn Company. Senior (and Captain), Eliza Hollifield, was also chosen for the Kick Company, and was selected as the overall Leaps Champion for the entire state. All state honors were given to Josephine Hollifield (Honorable Mention), SarahLynn Leyendecker (2nd Team) and Captains Bekah Leyendecker and Eliza Hollifield (1st Team). We are so proud of the BlueBelles and all of their hard work. Way to represent Veritas Academy, 4th line.
SL Winter Award Winners
Congratulations on a great season from all our SL athletes and coaches! Here are our winter award winners:
Winter Academic All-State Recipients
We want to honor the following winter athletes for their Academic All-State achievements. To receive Academic All-State, you must be an upperclassman who is excellent in the classroom AND on the field or court or pool deck. Please join us in congratulating:
- Austin Aitchison (Swim)
- Anna Badger (Soccer)
- Jack Bruce (Swim)
- Tate Compton (Swim)
- Caleb Eilers (Swim)
- Kylie Knutson (Swim)
- Micah McGinty (Soccer)
- Mary McLatcher (Soccer)
- Rose Moore (Basketball)
- Caden Pennington (Swim)
- Allison Prater (Swim)
- Ben Thorburn (Swim)
- Carden Van Hoorn (Swim)
We also had two athletes receive Academic All-State in TWO winter sports. This takes another level of commitment and dedication to balance multiple practices, games, and meets each day on top of their class-load. These two juniors received this honor for both Soccer (District Champions) and Swim (State Runners-up): Kate MacPherson and Julia Rhodes.
Pictured: Julia Rhodes
Pictured: Kate MacPherson
Come Work at Veritas!
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 current openings and contact HR@VeritasAcademy.net for more details. (Most openings are part-time!)
Give to 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.
Required
Required
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram to see more pictures!
 |
 |