November 2023
Volume VIII • Issue II
friends of veritas academy
Dear Friends,
As you enjoy full homes and hearts this week, we are blessed to share highlights from the past couple of months here at Veritas Academy. We are so thankful for our community and all that God has allowed us to create and experience together. The end of the semester isn't too far away, and we hope you will join us to share in upcoming events and traditions alongside the Veritas Family.
Happy Thanksgiving!
-Your Veritas Family
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Campus & Community Alumni Spotlight Fine Arts Feature Coaches' Corner You're Invited PICTURES
Football Headed to State Semi-Finals on Fri, Nov 24
Football is included in many family's Thanksgiving festivities, and there's nothing quite like watching a game from the stands! Good news—we have a game for you! The Veritas Defenders will play in the TAPPS 6-Man State Semi-Finals this Friday, November 24, at 2pm against Hill Country Christian at San Marcos Academy (2801 Ranch Road 12 San Marcos, TX 78666). Gate admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students. Go Defenders!
Grandparent Gathering on Fri, Dec 15 @ 8:45am
All Defender Grandparents of current students and alumni (including alumni parents who are now grandparents!), are invited to gather before Christmas break for a time to visit with one another and hear from Family Ministries Ambassador, Ellen Schuknecht. In addition to being pivotal to the Family Ministries department at Veritas and a mentor to other Univeristy-Model Schools across the nation, Ellen is "Oma" to 11 grandchildren and will discuss ways that grandparents can promote service in their families and encourage grandchildren to think of others before themselves. Light refreshments will be provided, and grandparents are also encouraged to use this time to attend any class presentations that their grandchildren may be participating in throughout the morning.
RSVP for grandparent gathering
Fall Roundup Recap
Another tremendously successful Fall Roundup is in the books! We loved seeing our community fill the Meadow on Oct 18, to create the ultimate pre-game event before the Defenders hosted Hill Country Christian on the football field. Roundup would not have been possible without the incredible support and active participation of our students, parents, teachers, and staff members. From engaging games to delicious treats, a captivating live performance to creative crafts, every aspect of the festival showcased the talent and dedication of our community members. The enthusiasm and energy displayed by our students was contagious, creating an atmosphere of pure delight and celebration.
Fire Fighters Visit
As part of our Community Helper Day series, our Grammar School Scholé kids had the opportunity to welcome real-life heroes to Veritas Academy – brave firefighters from our local community! The morning was filled with invaluable experiences as the firefighters graciously gave our students an up-close and personal tour of their fire truck, showcasing their specialized equipment and explaining their various uses. As you can imagine, this was a memorable day for our curious students, and we hope it was equally special for Engine 43.
Veritas Academy Scholars
It is with great pride that we recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist and Classical Learning Test (CLT) Regional Scholars, reflecting their dedication, intelligence, and commitment to academic excellence.
National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist
Our very own Carson Ferris has been named a National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist. This prestigious recognition highlights students’ exceptional performance in the PSAT/NMSQT. Carson’s hard work and scholarly achievements have not only brought honor to our school but also demonstrated his unwavering commitment to learning and intellectual growth. Click here to see the full list of Texas recipients and what it takes to move forward in being named a National Merit Scholar.
Classical Learning Test (CLT) Regional Scholars
Additionally, we are thrilled to share that 5 of our remarkable students have been named CLT Regional Scholars, showcasing their proficiency in classical education. Through their mastery of literature, history, philosophy, and language, our students have demonstrated their deep understanding of the classical ideals that form the foundation of our educational philosophy at Veritas Academy. Their success in the CLT underscores our commitment to providing a robust classical education that prepares our students for a lifetime of critical thinking and meaningful contributions to society.
SR Breathe Conference
During our fourth-annual School of Rhetoric Breathe Conference, 9th-12th Grade students had the opportunity to cultivate curiosity outside the classroom by learning several hobbies and life skills from members of the community. These were unique opportunities for everyone, so check our the sessions offered and ALL of the photos!
There were unique opportunities for everyone, so check out the sessions offered:
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Our SR students are so grateful for the investment of time and energy that so many in our community made in order to pull off the day. It was such a blessing- enjoy more photos of the other sessions.
breathe conference photos
Veterans Day Flag Retirement and Raising Ceremony
With deep respect and admiration, our school community came together for a special Veteran's Day ceremony, recognizing the sacrifices many have made to safeguard our freedoms. The retirement of worn flags symbolized a sacred act of remembrance, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and respect for those who have selflessly served in defense of our cherished values.
As the new flags were raised, there was a collective sense of unity and pride, a testament to the enduring spirit of our nation. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the values that bind us together as a community and the debt of gratitude we owe to those who have bravely defended our liberty.
May the memory of this poignant ceremony inspire a continued commitment to honor and support our veterans, embodying the principles of faith, service, and unity that define Veritas Academy.
Join us in Memorizing Scripture for the Spring Semester
Students are memorizing Psalm 103:11-18 and James 3:2-12 from the English Standard Version (ESV) during the Spring 2024 Semester. The goal of this exercise is to hide God’s word in our hearts, reflect upon these truths, and converse among our families. Feel free to join us in this important discipline and opportunity!
12 Days of Giving to Bless our School & Bless our Teachers: Nov 27-Dec 8
Here at Veritas the holiday season includes two weeks to celebrate and collectively Bless Our School & Bless Our Teachers through 12 Days of Giving! Essentially, 12 Days of Giving conveniently wraps together year-end giving and faculty Christmas gifts into one nice and neat package, making it convenient to contribute to one or both of these areas using one simple online form. To participate, please visit our 12 Days of Giving page between Nov 27-Dec 8, and if you have any questions or are interested in learning about additional giving opportunities at Veritas, please reach out to our Advancement Director, Katie Luevano. Thank you in advance for considering how your family can participate.
Give Now to Bless Our School & Bless Our Teachers
Order Spirit Wear for your Favorite Defender
SwagHub offers delivery to your home 2-3 weeks after you place your order, with easy returns if something doesn't work. This is a perfect gift idea for current, future, and past Defenders so that they are geared up and ready for spirit wear days and athletic events! And for the grandparents out there, this is a great way to support your Defender—near or far. Browse the store, and be on the lookout for new items coming soon! We'll announce new designs as they become available.
Homecoming MMXXIII
Homecoming at Veritas is a cherished tradition with creative dress-up days, witty skits, pep rallies, and more that showcase our vibrant school culture. Students love to be creative, have fun, and enjoy making memories together. These values shined brightly during Homecoming MMXXIII with daily themes as unique as our student body!
As fun as the costumes and competitions are though, the real highlight of the week is welcoming alumni to campus and seeing them reconnect with one another! Thank you to all of our Defender alumni who joined the pre-game "tailgate" (which wouldn't have been complete without queso) and stayed to fill the field during halftime. You are welcome home anytime.
Class of 2012 & 2013 Class Reunions!
A couple of weeks ago, alumni from our first graduating classes celebrated their 10 year reunion(s). With the same diligence and resolve they embodied as students, they booked flights, took off from work, arranged for babysitters, and made the time to come out and gather for their reunion. For some of these former students, this was their first time on our new campus, and even though they resonated with the spirit of Veritas that is still alive and well here, they couldn't help but share stories about one of the few physical symbols that remains from "their" Veritas—the Broken Bus. They remember being proud of the bus as one of the first vehicles to bear the Veritas name and logo... and then not being as proud when the bus earned its name and broke down... more than once. Still, it worked well enough to drive them to Houston for the inaugural Veritas Experiencing Europe class trip and to take them to many athletic events and other competitions and sites around the area.
That bus is just one representation of the many memories shared that evening, and we are honored to be a part of keeping those memories alive and ingrained in our community. Soon the Broken Bus will be a hub for coffee and community on campus (until our community center/gym is built), tying us back to our roots and reminding us of God's faithful provision in every season, even with buses that are more than slightly used. Thank you, alumni, for continuing to be a part of the Veritas Academy legacy and for contributing to our school's history and foundation.
P.S. Class of '14, tag—you're it ;)
2023 Veritas Valiant Grant Designated to Youth Mission Trip Scholarships
Josh Underwood, the 2023 Veritas Valiant Recipient, has designated his grant to Grace Covenant Church's Mobilization Ministry to provide scholarships for youth mission trips. Grace's missions work focuses on worldwide and local opportunities to equip and empower believers to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and God's heart for all people. Josh has served on several trips (through generous donations) both abroad to Belize and locally in Texas. He particularly remembers a trip to Houston that touched many hearts, including his, where the Holy Spirit was vividly felt as the team served others and tended to the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless. Because of this experience, Josh is hopeful that the grant will help the next set of middle and high schoolers dip their toes into the mission field and inspire them to don the spiritual armor and become warriors for the Kingdom of God.
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 that organization.
One Act Play Cast Win 3rd Place at State
Congratulations are in order to The Citizens Theatre cast and crew of The Lost Boy for placing 3rd at the TAPPS State Competition, which was preceded by the troops' Championship title earned at District. Along with their collective state placement, several students also received individual awards for their performance: Caden Pennington was awarded Best Actor, Scout Sowers and Finnley Smitheal were awarded Honorable Mention Cast, Spencer Miller and Abbie Bush were awarded All Star Cast, and Mabel Windham and Bliss Mohon were awarded All Star Crew. We are so proud of them for all their hard work this season. If you weren't able to catch this show, there are more coming soon. Including our Veritas spring musical!
Congratulations, Drumline
Congrats to our SLR Drumline! They attended the TAPPS Marching Band and Drumline competition where they received a Division I rating (highest possible) and won awards for Best Bass Line and Best Front Ensemble. A huge thank you to our Drumline Instructor, Joel Cowen, for his leadership and guidance.
Cross Country State Championship Results
Senior Matthew Ard earned Academic All-State honors for the second year in a row as he led the men to a top 15 team performance yet again at the State Championship. They exceeded their 2022 performance with 3 top 70 finishers (including rookie junior Jack Bruce and sophomore Caleb Eilers). These young men pushed each other all season with both Caleb and sophomore John Krawzsenek shaving over a minute off their times and improving 40 places on the state leaderboard. Our tight-knit group of five ladies were led by rookie sophomore Bliss Mohon and senior Ella Shaw as they finished within one second of each other in the top 100 this year. Congratulations to all our runners on their improvement this season!
Athletics Calendars
Defender Athletes would love to invite you to cheer them on throughout the year! Please see all athletic schedules in Rank One and contact your athlete directly for additional game details. Go Defenders!
Christmas on Campus: Dec 13 & Dec 15
The week before Christmas Break is always festive on campus, and this year will be no different with a few of our annual events being restructured to better highlight our student and community events. Please plan to join us for this special end-of-semester time.
RSVP for grandparent gathering
Wed, Dec 13 | A Very Veritas Christmas & Winter Fine Arts Showcase
A Very Veritas Christmas will be on the afternoon of Wed, Dec 13. Along with fun and festive activities for all ages, the community is invited to the Winter Fine Arts Showcase. The afternoon will begin at 4pm and feature:
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Fun activities and service projects for children by Family Ministries
- Fine Arts performances by SLR theater, dance, and musicians (a schedule will be published in advance to make sure you don't miss specific performances)
Fri, Dec 15 | Grandparent Gathering & Christmas Assembly
The Friday before Christmas Break is a half-day for ALL students, with special events to include:
- Grandparent Equipping and Connection Event @ 8:45am
- Ellen Schuknecht will discuss ways grandparents can promote service in their families and encourage grandchildren to think of others before themselves. Ideas and fellowship will be shared visit light refreshments.
- Christmas Assembly @ 11:15am
- Academic and Musical Performances by various grade levels
- Christmas Charge by Cameron Cook
Save the Date for 2024 Events on the Horizon
MLK Jr. Service Day
Mon, Jan 15, 2024
senior thesis presentations
Week of Apr 26, 2024
Year end assembly
wed, May 22, 2024
Class of 2o24 graduation
fri, May 24, 2024
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!
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!)
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and keep up with events!
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