2023-2024 Friends of Veritas Newsletter Archives
May 2024 Friends of Veritas
May 2024
Volume VIII • Issue III
friends of veritas academy
Dear Friends,
As we embrace this final stretch of the 2023-2024 school year, it is with great joy that we reconnect to share our semester happenings around Veritas. 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 much more! We invite you to join us for our end of school year events and celebrations. We have a few spring traditions & events over the next couple of weeks, including our Spring Alumni reception, End of School year assembly, and the Class of 2024 Graduation. Hope to see some of you soon!
-Your Veritas Family
Quick Navigation
Spring Alumni Event
WED, MAY 15 @ 12-3PM | LYCEUM
Calling all Veritas Alumni! We are welcoming all alumni who will be returning home from college (and those who are still local) to a reception in the Lyceum TOMORROW Wed, May 15, from 12-3pm. Pizza and drinks will be provided! We are hoping our former students can come reconnect with classmates and teachers and share updates on what they have been doing since graduating. Don't forget to bring an ID and sign in at the 2nd floor reception desk. See y'all there!
Assembly, Cookout, Spring Game, Oh My!
Wed, May 22 @ 11:15am | Meadow
The End-of-Year Assembly will be held at the Meadow by John Diehl Memorial Heritage Tree! After the assembly, some of our Defender Dads will be ready to serve hamburgers, hot dogs, and sausage wraps while the community enjoys time fellowshipping and watching the spring football game together. Lunch will be served at Defender Stadium (donations welcome) with seating available on the hillside, but feel free to bring a blanket if you would like to eat picnic-style.
Class of 2024 Graduation
Wed, May 24 @ 7:15pm | Heritage tree & Meadow
The Class of 2024 is set to walk across the stage as our 13th graduating class next week! We hope you join us as we celebrate the hard work these students have put in during their school careers. The ceremony will begin at 7:15pm and lasts approximately one hour just in time for us to enjoy a beautiful sunset. In the event of bad weather, we will move the ceremony to the Austin Oaks Church Sanctuary. Be in touch with friends and family for updates if bad weather occurs.
PSIA District Results & State Competitors
PSIA is an academic competition for students in Grades 1-8. Teachers may nominate students they want to encourage to participate or students can participate regardless of nomination. Our PSIA students had a wonderful time at Brentwood Christian competing in the PSIA Academic District competition a couple of weeks ago. We had 70 students who competed in over 130 events! Below is a list of our students who placed in the District meet (GS, SL, and SR), the 8 students who moved on to compete in the State PSIA competition, and the results of the State meet.
Grammar School
2nd Grade
Jake McElhannon
4th place Number Sense
4th place Mathematics
3rd Grade
Clara Van Oudenaren
5th place Storytelling
Lucy Condit
5th place Ready Writing
4th Grade
Ian Brugueras
2nd place Mathematics
4th place Number Sense
Jack Ellis
5th place On Site Drawing
Liam Cowen
6th place Listening Skills
Orion Schweitzer
4th place Ready Writing
William Hogan
2nd place Maps, Graphs, and Charts
3rd place Mathematics
3rd place Number Sense
2nd place Science
Lower School of Logic
5th Grade
Brendon Artman
4th place Dictionary Skills
1st place Listening Skills
4th place Number Sense
1st place Science
Lexi Cortez
3rd place Listening Skills
Paige Broughton
6th place Ready Writing
6th Grade
Harper Hood
2nd Place Ready Writing
Laura Ensley
1st Place Vocabulary
Lillian Valdez
5th place On Site Drawing
4th place Spelling
Mary Ann Lensing
1st place On Site Drawing
1st place Ready Writing
Upper School of Logic
7th Grade
Elizabeth Casady
2nd place Impromptu Speaking
3rd place Number Sense
5th place Mathematics
Ellery Broughton
6th place Maps, Graphs, and Charts
6th place Oral Interpretation
Ember Bomar
4th place On Site Drawing
Gracie Wilson
6th place Spelling
Natalie Scanten
6th place Science
8th Grade
Henry Monson
2nd place Art Memory
1st place Maps, Graphs, and Charts
1st place Spelling
2nd place Vocabulary
John Lensing
4th place Maps, Graphs, and Charts
Lorelei Dobbs
3rd place Listening Skills
Mason Wiechman
3rd place Mathematics
3rd place Spelling
Max Prater
4th place Modern Oratory
Reid Russell
6th place Mathematics
Sam Berry
5th place Science
School of Rhetoric Science Fair Competitions
At the end of February, SR students from the Independence Science Research class competed at the Regional Science Fair at the Palmer Events Center. Projects included:
- Allison Prater (Environmental Science: Storage of Water Retaining Agents)
- Kaetlyn Hoffmann (Microbiology: Traditional v. Holistic v. UV Light Disinfectants)
- Kate Regen (Biomedical Science: The Effects of Painkillers on Planaria)
- Julia Rhodes (Physics: Temperature and Time's Impact on Tennis Ball Bounce)
- John Krawzsenek (Environmental Engineering: Eco-Friendly Climate Control)
- Valeria Krasnoriadtsev (Biomedical Science: Diabetes and the Conversion of Sucrose to Glucose)
Students John Krawzsenek and Valeria Krasnoriadtsev received the “Passion for Science” award which is awarded to first-time participants that did creative, exemplary, or above and beyond work. Due to their valiant efforts, John and Valeria advanced to the State Fair at Texas A&M at the end of March.
In the interim, Veritas hosted an in-house Science Fair. With faculty as judges, they learned about the projects that students had presented at Regionals.
Veritas Fair results were as follows:
- 1st place: Kaetlyn Hoffmann
- 2nd place: Valeria Krasnoriadtsev
- 3rd place: John Krawzsenek
Congratulations to these students in showcasing their stupendous, scientific studies.
Click photos to expand.
Project Update: Community Center & Gym
The board and administration of Veritas Academy are enthusiastically moving forward with our plan to add much-needed space for indoor athletics, performing arts, and community collaboration in the heart of campus! Cameron shared several big "leaps" in our fundraising and site plan processes on Feb 9, which included the announcement of Betsy Cromer as our Campaign Manager. Betsy has been previously involved in various fundraising initiatives in political and ministry settings, and she is passionate about how this project can strengthen our community for many generations of impact. Please feel free to reach out to Betsy at any time, and enjoy the update from Cameron.
SR Retreat
Our Student Congress and Student Life teams planned for weeks, and on a gorgeously, sunny Friday in March, the SR student body enjoyed a great SR retreat. The day started with two Veritas alumni, now faculty, leading us in a time of worship and a thoughtful devotional. The students took time to silently reflect on scripture and then enjoyed a Mr. Hanenburg-original, big-outdoor game dubbed the Wizards of Wizenmoore! The house of Augustine won and walked away with big house points! Cabo Bob's tacos sustained our students, and we were graced with Pastor Coley sharing a biblical perspective on participating in community. Students spent the rest of the day enjoying a wide variety of activities, ranging from Pixar shorts and puzzles to competitive connect four and spikeball. It was a day of leisure and fun! What a blessing to be at a school that believes both have a crucial place in education!
Defender Dash Thank You!
Thank you for helping us finish strong for Defender Dash 2024! We had a blast watching our students run the course and enjoying a refreshing cold treat on that warm, April Wenesday. Collectively, over 200 Defenders received support from family and friends to run last week's obstacle course and raised $56,000 for Grammar School classrooms and facilities—what a blessing! Our GS Defenders were supported by 778 family members and friends across 32 states—wow! Please share this video full of smiles, fun, and fortitude with those who generously sponsored your Defender and gave to Veritas. Go Defenders!
Go Texas Day!
Texas celebrated its 188th Texas Independence Day which recognizes the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. In honor of this, Veritas had a Texas-sized celebration with our Go Texas Day. Each year we acknowledge and cherish our Texas heritage by having our students and faculty put on their boots and hats and participate in a variety of Texas-themed activities. Our Grammar School students learned about longhorns and their care, the story behind a cowboy delicacy (beans and saltines), and branded their own wood slab with a Veritas “V”. It was a rootin’ tootin’ way to commemorate the place we live! A special thank you goes to Haylee Ligon and her team of parents volunteers for planning and producing such a wonderful day!
1st Annual Veritas/Storyglory Book Fair
We are so elated to share with you about our first ever Veritas Book Fair being such a success! We welcomed April with partnering with Storyglory kids to showcase and host a Book Fair that brought engaging and wholesome books for all ages—from PreSchool-12th grade and parents/grandparents as well. We even had a special section dedicated to 2024 Summer Required Reading books. We want to thank those of you who volunteered, purchased a book, and showered our book fair with your prayers! We loved getting to see students and families get their hands on some quality books for their libraries. We can hardly wait for the next one!
10th Grade College Visit Trip
Just a couple months ago, Veritas reinstated the 10th Grade College Visit Trip after three years due to COVID. The purpose of this trip is two-fold: to build community in the grade and to expose students to a variety of colleges and how to visit a university. Thirty-one sophomores explored the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Dallas, and Baylor University. These were chosen so that students could compare a small liberal arts school, a large state university, and a large Christian university. Our students were amazing ambassadors for Veritas through their punctuality, kind manners, and respectful engagement on the tours. We are so excited that we were able to bring this opportunity back for our students.
Grandparents Gathering
We enjoyed having grandparents here in early join us to talk about "What is a Classical Education?" and "What does it mean to attend a Classical, Christian, Collaborative school?". It was wonderful to hear you share your education testimonies and see the connections between similar experiences and the differences. We so appreciate your unwavering support and your enduring presence continues to inspire us as we strive to uphold the legacy of excellence and partnership that define our beloved school.
Class of 2024 Senior Thesis Presentations
Before our seniors could walk the stage for Graduation they had to conquer the stage at our Senior Thesis Presentations. From the Top 16 to the Final Fourum™: A week of fierce competition and brilliant presentations, culminated in the showdown of our top senior thesis students. These four seniors pictured below worked their way through tough competition each night to earn their spot in the Final Fourum™. Selected for eloquence, winsomeness, and depth & breadth of knowledge, these seniors took the stage one last time to compete for the Senior Thesis Laureate and a $2,000 scholarship, with the winner being announced in just a matter of days at graduation. We are so proud of all of seniors for conquering this incredible feat and inspired at the thought of where the skills they learned will take them.
Jonathan Deiss
Kate Brawley
Elizabeth Lensing
Gabrielle Wood
Cake and Commitment
Cake and Commitment Day 2024! Early May marks Cake and Commitment Day which allows our seniors and their families to commemorate the college and career decisions these students have made. We began with a ceremonial signing for our NCAA student athletes Elizabeth Lensing (Soccer, University of Dallas), Philip Cannata (Basketball, University of Dallas), and Joey MacPherson (Soccer, Hendrix College) and ended with a sweet celebration of cupcakes and conversations amongst the students and their families. We cannot wait to see the impact these bright lights will make upon graduating and are delighted at the thought of what awaits them!
What Happened to December and January?
Though there were fewer additions of Friends of Veritas this year we didn't want you think we had forgotten how awesome our end of last semester and beginning of this semester were. Feel free to roam about the tabs below and catch a flash back to some earlier months.
Christmas on Campus
Christmas & New Year's on Campus
December and January are joyous times of year, and they are no different here at Veritas. Our annual Very Veritas Christmas celebrations captured the essence of the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, card making for police officers, and more as families also enjoyed the Winter Fine Arts Showcase.
The Grandparents Gathering was a sweet time as well, with grandparents connecting with one another and engaging in a discussion on the importance of modeling and pointing our children/grandchildren to service as we embody the spirit of family and community.
The concluding Christmas charge was recorded due to weather, and Mr. Cook virtually helped us prepare our hearts and minds to receive all that the holiday season provides.
Faculty and staff received an extra blessing and encouragement at the start of their break due to the generous donations made during 12 Days of Giving. Thank you for your giving to bless our school & teachers! Your words of encouragement filled their hearts and a bonus check helped to make their season a little brighter!
As we reflect on these cherished moments, we extend our gratitude to all who made this season unforgettable. Your presence, enthusiasm, and commitment to our community truly make Veritas Academy shine bright.
12 Days of Giving
12 Days of Giving
Thank you for your generosity in giving to bless our school & teachers at the end of 2023! Because of you, our teachers started their Christmas break with your words of encouragement filling their hearts and a bonus check to make the season a little brighter—thank you! Because of you, we began the new year able to focus on what we do best: training hearts, minds, and hands for the glory of God. We are grateful for your support and partnership!
State of the School Recap
State Of The School Recap
After a few weeks back on Campus from break we kicked off the semester with our State of the School Address (SOTS). State of the School is an annual winter gathering for all parents, SR students, faculty, and staff to come together and hear school-wide updates as part of our partnership with one another. It was a special time as we heard our Head of School, Cameron Cook, deliver his first address as Head of School and share current strengths and opportunities—especially as they relate to this year's defining objectives—while also highlighting potential changes for the 2024-2025 school year. We concluded the evening mini Pie-deia style, with breakout sessions, fellowship, and pie bites. In addition to the State of the School, we also met with our rising 5th Grade students and School of Rhetoric students to prepare for their next step along the Path of a Defender and the Triple C Journey (Classical, Christian, Collaborative Education) here at Veritas. We have included the address below, as well as, a SOTS Recap document as a quick reference for key information and highlights.
MLK Jr. Service Day
10th Annual MLK Jr. Service Day
As the Shines team worked throughout the fall and winter to plan the Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Day for 2024, they reflected on scripture from Isaiah 58:10 at each meeting; “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” Over 500 students, parents, faculty, and staff were signed up to serve on MLK Day, benefitting 21 different organizations in the community. Veritas families were slated to feed the hungry at Harvest Blessings food pantry and Ronald McDonald House and comfort the afflicted by making Linus blankets and jump ropes for children in need. Plans were in place to help an elderly couple with much-needed home repairs through Building Compassion and assist with cleaning and organization projects at Foster Village. Unfortunately, winter weather with temperatures 20 and below prevented the community from serving together on January 15th. It did not, however, put a stop to Veritas students and families serving for very long! In the weeks that followed, many other projects were completed. In fact, one family even made Linus blankets together at their house on MLK Day. Discipleship classes made the remaining Linus blankets and wrote Valentines and decorated treat bags for the formerly-homeless neighbors at Community First! Village. Scholé classes teamed up with a girl’s Discipleship class to make cards and gift bags filled with warm, cozy sock “cupcakes” for the residents of a nursing home. The two classes enjoyed fun and fellowship while serving together. Several classes of School of Logic Latin students assembled Colin’s Hope packets when they had some extra time after a test, and a Grammar school class decorated pet food delivery bags for the Meals on Wheels PALS program. School of Rhetoric Leadership classes jumped in and finished the remaining pet food delivery bags and Colin’s Hope packets. That’s a lot of lights rising in the darkness to share God’s glory, in spite of the unpredictable Central Texas weather!
So Long, Farewell to the Sound of Music!
We said "So Long, Farewell" to The Sound of Music and we would like to thank the community for such outstanding support. With all five scheduled shows sold out after the first performance, the cast and crew agreed to put on an extra sixth show Thursday evening to share this production with as many people as possible. It was so wonderful to see so many families join us and see the delight on their faces after witnessing such beautiful work. We are thankful for the continued support by our Administrators and community for our growing Theatre department!
Charlotte's Web Read Aloud Celebration & Performance
Charlotte’s Web Read Aloud Celebration: The Veritas County Fair spun a web of success and joy. Fry’s Fun Farm brought all sorts animals for all the petting. Think piglets, goats, lambs, oh my! In addition to the petting zoo, we had an assortment of carnival games for students to partake in and a “Best of Show” pie competition. Following our celebration, families joined the SL theatre students in the auditorium as they performed a very special rendition of Charlotte’s Web. It was an exciting day watching our students' reading adventures come to life.
Semester Sports Recap
Swim
State swim success!
We could not ask for anything more from our incredible swim team at State! 22 of 27 Veritas DeFINders represented Veritas by swimming their best at the Josh Davis Natatorium in San Antonio, with the girls taking home 4th place as a team and the boys finishing 2nd as a team! See more photos in Take a Look.
For the girls, the highlight performance of the meet was the 3rd place finish of their Medley relay. The relay was led off by sophomore chaplain Kate MacPherson on backstroke, followed by sophomore Julia Rhodes on breaststroke, then sophomore Bailey McGehee on butterfly, and finally anchored by senior captain Gertie Kate Adair. In addition to all four of these athletes earning All-State Honorable Mention, three of them earned additional individual honors:
- Gertie Kate Adair: Academic All-State, Bronze in 500 Free, Top 8 in 200 Free
- Kate MacPherson: Top 8 in 100 Fly and 100 Back
- Julia Rhodes: Top 8 in 200 IM and 100 Breast
Also representing Veritas in the Top 8 200 Free and 400 Free relays were junior Kylie Knutson (Academic All-State), senior chaplain Grace Eilers (Academic All-State), and freshman Jane Thomas. Also contributing to the team’s 4th place state finish were freshman Haddie Dusan, with two individual events, and sophomore Allison Prater, relay alternate.
On the boys side, the most exciting moment of the day was a comeback win in the 400 Free relay. Predicted to finish second, nine seconds behind the first seed, the team dropped seven seconds from their Regional time and competed fiercely with every stroke to take the win. After a strong lead-off by senior Tate Lemmer and junior Jack Bruce, senior captain Nathan Lansing closed a large gap on Logos Prep to set the stage for junior chaplain Austin Aitchison to take the lead in the last 50! In addition to all four of these athletes earning First Team All-State honors through this relay win, this team also finished 2nd in the 200 Free relay and three of them earned additional individual honors:
- Austin Aitchison: Academic All-State, Silver in 100 Breast, Top 8 in 50 Free
- Jack Bruce: Academic All-State, Top 8 in 100 Free and 500 Free
- Tate Lemmer: Academic All-State, Top 8 in 200 Free
Two more juniors also earned Academic All-State with their performances - Tate Compton and Ben Thorburn. Additional underclassmen individual event swimmers at state promise a strong upcoming 2025 season: Hudson Boyer, Caleb Eilers, Nathan Kozubek, and Silas Sekula. Relay alternates for the boys included Will Derrick, Jack Robbins, and Carden Van Hoorn.Congratulations to the DeFINders on a phenomenal 2024 season!
SLR Wrestling
wrestling wrap-up
Wrestling season has come to an end, and we're thrilled with the performance of our SLR athletes. They exhibited remarkable progress and developed a strong mindset to confront challenges.
The wrestlers represented themselves as Christian gentlemen while traveling across the state throughout the season. The season concluded with the USA Texas State Championships in Bryan, TX, and the TAPPS State Championship in the Dallas area. Coach Buck and all the coaches are proud of the wrestlers' dedication and hard work.
We would like to express our gratitude to our coach and volunteer staff, including Jeremy Thiel, Mando Marenco, Eli Badger, Adam Gengler, Patrick Luke, and Buck McLamb, for their support of our wrestling team this season. Earning varsity letters in wrestling this season are junior captain Finnley Smitheal; juniors Jacob Govea and Evan Todd; and freshmen Martin Brugueras and River McLamb.
Olympic gold medalist wrestler Dan Gable once said, "Once you've wrestled, everything else in life is easy." Congratulations to all our wrestlers for a job well done!
Girls Basketball
girls Basketball
Girls basketball had a strong rebuilding year! Apart from senior captain center Ella Shaw (All-District Honorable Mention), all members of the team were underclassmen. Sophomore forward Rose Moore (All-District 2nd Team) and freshman guard Matea Zimel (All-District 2nd Team) led the team in scoring as well as rebounds and steals respectively. Other highlight performances include freshman guard Hannah Windham and sophomore forward Esther Bryan from the three-point line, and freshman center Cadence Henry on the boards. As a team, their hustle was unparalleled, ending the season with over 300 steals and almost 900 rebounds, setting the stage for a strong 2024-25 season!
Boys Basketball
boys basketball
Boys basketball also rebuilt this year after graduating eight seniors following their final 4 run in 2023. In an emotional year with high highs and low lows, senior captain forwards Philip Cannata (All-State Honorable Mention) and Luke Trlica (All-District Honorable Mention) led by example on and off the court. The team that took the court in October was not the same as the one that left it in February. Eight athletes earned their first varsity minutes, including four freshmen, with Perry Kinane receiving All-District Honorable Mention through his unrelenting hustle and confidence. Philip Cannata set the all-time record for scoring at Veritas, with 23 points per game on the season, and is pursuing options to continue his basketball career as a collegiate athlete.
Girls Soccer
girls soccer
Girls soccer finished second in district and advanced to Area Playoffs for the second year in a row, with all three senior captains making All-District 1st Team - forward Kate Brawley (Academic All-State), forward Elizabeth Lensing (Academic All-State), and keeper Ella Shaw. Also making All-District 1st Team were junior defender Anna Badger and sophomore midfielder Julia Rhodes. The following athletes made All-District 2nd Team - junior defender Mary McLatcher (Academic All-State), sophomore midfielder Sydney Brown, and freshman forward Kate Brown. Closing out this highly decorated team with All-District Honorable Mention are junior defender Hannah Cuellar and sophomore midfielder Kate MacPherson.
Boys Soccer
Boys Soccer
Boys soccer also finished second in district but was eliminated in the first round of playoffs. The largest team Veritas has fielded to date was led by senior captains Matthew Ard (All-District 2nd Team - Offense, Academic All-State), Brighton Bresemann (All-State Honorable Mention - Offense, Academic All-State), and Joey MacPherson (All-State Honorable Mention - Defense, Academic All-State). Also awarded for their performance this season and promising strong years ahead are junior Ryan Barefield (All-District 2nd Team - Midfield, Academic All-State), sophomore Micah McGinty (All-District 2nd Team - Defense), and freshman Brock Palmer (All-District 2nd Team - Keeper).
Tennis
Tennis Season Highlights
Our varsity tennis teams closed out their season with their district tournament in Boerne. Junior Jack Bruce led the team this year in many ways. His effort, attitude, and eagerness to be coached positively impacted the whole team and also led to Jack playing his best tennis at the end of the season. Playing in a tough draw at District, Jack earned several wins, including two against higher seeded players. In his final district match, he battled through rainy conditions and a multi-day delay to win 5th place (1st alternate to state) in a tiebreak against a player he had lost to earlier in the season.
Other standout tennis performances this year included our girls singles players, junior Kylie Knutson and senior Emalee Jarrett. Each demonstrated grit, winning matches throughout the season in come-from-behind fashion, and both represented Veritas well at the District tournament. Facing difficult draws, each girl came up with strong performances with Kylie finishing 5th in District (1st alternate for state) and Emalee finishing 6th (2nd alternate).
Mixed Doubles at TAPPS State Tennis Tournament
Emalee Jarrett closed out her four year tennis career at the TAPPS State Tennis Tournament in Waco where she teamed with junior Grant Huckabee to compete in the 4A-6A Mixed Doubles. Emalee and Grant represented Veritas well in a tough first round matchup against a talented 6A team.
Track
Record-Setting Regionals
The Veritas track team competed at Regionals in Seguin, setting school records in all four relays raced, with a total margin over the previous records of almost eight seconds. These records are as follows:
- Girls 4x100m Relay: 52.42 - Kate Brawley, Mary McLatcher, Matea Zimel, Anna Badger
- Boys 4x200m Relay: 1:35 - Brighton Bresemann, Joey MacPherson, Caleb Eilers, Jed Fuller
- Girls 4x200m Relay: 1:51 - Kate Brawley, Anna Badger, Julia Rhodes, Mary McLatcher
- Boys 4x400m Relay: 3:46 - Caleb Eilers, Matthew Ard, Joey MacPherson, Jed Fuller
These athletes were served at Regionals by team managers (JV athletes): Shepherd Smitheal and Skylee Stanford. The girls 4x200m relay medaled and competed at state in Waco where they received 6th.
The road to Regional Qualifiers
The SR track team braved some windy weather at their district meet in San Antonio this week as they fought for highly competitive spots to regionals. The largest track team Veritas has fielded to date earned 25 personal or relay season records, 8 qualifying events to regionals, and 4 all-time school records.
SR Throwing Team
Starting the day with field events, this season’s training paid off as freshman throwing captain Bo Touba led our three freshman men’s throwers to each set at least one personal record with William Russell throwing the disc over 94 feet for our first school record of the day. Despite facing a strong headwind in the horizontal jump events, sophomore jumping captain Micah McGinty led our three young men’s jumpers to personal record in triple, and notched a personal best in both the long and the triple jump, making the second farthest triple jump in Veritas history with 37 feet.
Varsity Girls 4x100m
Senior relay captains Kate Brawley and Joey MacPherson led off and anchored our sprint relays respectively, with the following relays putting up impressive times and qualifying for regionals:
- Girls 4x200m, 2nd place, School Record - Kate B, sophomore Julia Rhodes, junior Anna Badger, and junior Mary McLatcher.
- Girls 4x100m, 3rd place, School Record - Kate B, Mary, Anna, and freshman Matea Zimel.
- Boys 4x200m, 4th place - junior Ryan Barefield, sophomore team captain Caleb Eilers, sophomore Jed Fuller, and Joey.
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 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!
November 2023 Friends of Veritas
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
Quick Navigation
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!
September 2023 Friends of Veritas
September 2023
Volume VIII • Issue I
friends of veritas academy
Dear Friends,
Summer break doesn't seem too long ago—especially with the heat that has stuck around so long—but campus has been abuzz since early August, with many traditions and new events already under our belt for the new school year! In fact, Homecoming Week is going on right now with the Veritas Defenders taking on the Texas School for the Deaf Rangers this Friday, September 29, at 7:30pm on Defender Field.
After catching up on recent happenings in this first edition of the ‘23-’24 Friends of Veritas Newsletter, please join us Friday evening—and throughout the fall—as special members of the Veritas community!
- The Veritas Family
campus & community
First Days of School!
Veritas Academy kicked off its 19th school year this August, and what a joy it has been to have Defender students back throughout our halls, classrooms, and 97 acres! We have much to celebrate and praise God for as we have welcomed 124 new students from 65 new families, 22 new faculty members, and 7 new staff members to the Veritas community, reaching 676 students enrolled from the youngest Defenders in our PreSchool classes to the 33 seniors in the Class of 2024. Additionally, we kicked off the school year with our 5th-12th graders attending the Connect Conference, which was followed a few days later with the 1st Day of Classes for all students. Parents also gathered for “Cheers and Tears” to pray over our school, students, faculty and staff, and campus. It was a bonus that August 21, was also the birthday of our new Head of School, Cameron Cook, which meant extra celebrating!
ADMINISTRATION FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
After a few weeks off in the middle of the summer, campus reopened in early July with Cameron Cook officially assuming the role of Veritas Academy's Head of School (HOS). He stepped into this position after a year of serving as Veritas's Chief Business Officer and after 3 months of being named our next HOS, which allowed him the opportunity to work closely alongside Jef Fowler (VA HOS ‘05-’23) in preparation for this transition.
Though some change is inevitable for all communities during a transition of this magnitude, Cameron is committed to building on the solid foundation that has been laid for our school through the wise and effective leadership of the Veritas Board, Jef, and so many others. As he leads Veritas forward, we will continue to build on the calling and values that unify us and the worthy mission that we have together as the Veritas community.
To further support the vision of Veritas, Cameron is surrounded by respected leaders at the helm of each school level and department, with a few new faces joining him as fellow administrators.
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Veritas Board & Administrators
2023 Thematic Goal & Few Words From Cameron
At our annual Paideia Conference the week of August 7, Cameron spoke to the entire community of parents and faculty/staff as he cast a vision for the 2023 school year rooted in the truth and goodness of Isaiah 58:12 which reads: “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Cameron further explained that Veritas has 18 years of a faithful, hard-fought, and wondrous foundation for us to continue to grow for the Glory of God. In this, he shared the thematic goal and defining objectives for the year, which you can watch—or read—below.
Cameron also took a few moments before Labor Day Weekend to reflect on the first few weeks of the school year and to encourage parents as they press into the opportunity that Veritas gives them to better know how God has uniquely created each of our children and is preparing them—and us—to be His light in this world in a variety of ways. This is a season to be embraced!
Oh, the Places You'll Go! Class of 2036
Since 2012, each graduating class at Veritas has had a special storytime towards the end of their senior year—usually on “creek day”—with the reading of Dr. Suess's Oh, the Places You'll Go! Beginning in 2018, the tradition has been mirrored with a reading for the Kindergarten class when they take their first venture into the “woods” behind their classrooms and gather in the Rock Garden. The tradition has continued with the Class of 2036, marking Cameron's first of many readings.
Join us in Memorizing Scripture
Students are memorizing Exodus 20:1-17 and Psalm 103:8-10 from the English Standard Version (ESV) during the Fall 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!
New Spirit Wear Provider
We are thrilled to announce that we have a new spirit wear provider! 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.
Campus Projects & Phase II Development on the Horizon
On a campus our size, there is always a list of projects that we are completing and dreaming about! This summer saw several projects cross the finish line to enhance the community and values that are central to Veritas.
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Light pole banners were installed and now line the road onto campus while highlighting the Virtues of a Defender as we come and go each day.
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The formerly muddy hillside off of the Cafe Patio is now a beautifully terraced gathering place for students to play spikeball, parents to fellowship with one another, and all to enjoy community.
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Our Grammar School Villages (grades PreSchool-4) received some needed love via a fresh coat of paint to start the new school year.
Phase II: Community Center, Gym & Fine Arts
In mid-August, current families completed a What Can We Build Survey for Phase II, which will be a community center with gym/fine arts spaces on our own campus! The feedback we received helped to narrow the scope of development between two project proposals that range from $10M to $15M. The differences between these projects are significant enough that we have spent the month of September conducting a Pre-Campaign Study to better identify our fundraising goal and project scope. Our intent is to continue to spend this semester on the Pre-Campaign Study and a Silent Phase of fundraising before launching a campaign community-wide in the Spring of 2024. Should you desire to be an early supporter of this exciting project, please complete the survey linked below or email our Advancement Director Katie Luevano. While Katie will be on maternity leave for most of the fall, she will still be able to connect you with another member of the campaign team.
Survey: What Can We Build for Phase II?
Fall Roundup is Next Month!
We are close to officially “rounding up” our community at our annual Fall Roundup event! Please reach out to your Defender family for all the details so you can join us in the Meadow for a pre-game event with live music, treats, photo ops, booths, and our beloved cakewalk! Think of it as the best way to tailgate before settling in and cheering on your Defenders.
Then, stick around and join us at 7pm on Defender Field for the Varsity football game and special performances to include:
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Mini Cheer Camp Performance @ 2nd Quarter
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Mini BlueBelles Camp Performance @ Before the Game
alumni spotlight
Homecoming MMXXIII is Friday!
All Defender Alumni are invited to join us this Friday, September 29, for Homecoming 2023! There will be a special pre-game "tailgate" at 5:30pm in Defender Hall (4th floor at Veritas), followed by a quick stroll to Defender Field for a 7:30pm kickoff versus Texas School for the Deaf and our traditional Alumni Walk during Halftime (~8:15pm).
Alumni and their families are invited to attend each event as our special guests: just screenshot this article or the Alumni email you may have received to show at the ticket gate in Lot A for free admission to the game. Also, to help us prepare for these events, please take a moment to RSVP below!
RSVP for Homecoming on Fri, Sep 29
Class of 2012 and 2013 Class Reunions!
In what seems like the blink of an eye, it is already time for our first graduating classes to celebrate their 10 Year Reunion(s)! The classes of '12 and '13 will be celebrating this milestone together on Saturday, October 28, at 4pm with a catered meal from Cabo Bob's, a campus tour, and more all in Defender Hall (4th floor of VA). If you have any questions or have not received any details, please contact Alumni@VeritasAcademy.net.
P.S. Class of '14, it's not too early to start thinking about your reunion.
2022 Veritas Valiant Recipients & 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.
While the 2022 Veritas Valiant Recipients, Maggie McLatcher and Elliana Krone, were announced at their graduation, their grants have only recently been awarded. As wonderful as both of these ladies are, their hearts to help provide intentional opportunities for youth to know and follow Christ and to protect and rescue the most vulnerable among us, are clearly demonstrated in their grant designations to Pine Cove's McKenzie Scholarship Fund and Unbound Now Austin.
Unbound Now
Elliana has chosen to award her grant to Unbound Now. She is passionate about Unbound Now's commitment to prevent, protect, and bring freedom to those affected by human trafficking, and she hopes that this grant will continue the impact this ministry has had on the lives of children all around the world and in our local communities.
Furthermore, Elliana is committed to personally getting involved with Unbound Now Austin and will soon be meeting with the area director to learn more about program and advocacy opportunities. While it is difficult to imagine how human trafficking can take place in our own communities like Austin, these Unbound Now PSAs are a great start in learning more about common trafficking scenarios and can help equip you with valuable knowledge and awareness.
Pine Cove: McKenzie Scholarship Fund 
As a Pine Cove camper, Maggie gave her life to Christ at age 14 at their high school camp called The Ridge. The experience was so meaningful that she now spends her summers serving as a counselor at the same camp. Maggie says, “Truly, I have never seen a better glimpse of what Heaven will be. Watching children come to know Jesus better and have a greater understanding of what the Gospel truly is makes my summers at Pine Cove worth it. Getting to mentor and encourage campers who were in the same spot I was in encourages me to this day in my walk with Christ. #SendYourKidToCamp!”
Maggie has chosen to designate her Valiant Grand to Pine Cove's McKenzie Fund with the hope of helping campers experience Christ for the first time and/or encourage them as they grow in their faith. Pine Cove's McKenzie Scholarship Fund extends financial aid to campers and families who may not be able to send their children to camp for a variety of reasons, and with generous support, the fund has been able to help numerous campers experience the Gospel for the first time and receive Christ into their lives.
fine arts feature
New Dean of Fine Arts: Neela Beddoe
Neela Beddoe has been a Veritas co-teacher for the past four years and after joining Veritas faculty last year as an instructor in SL Theater (grades 5-8), she is now leading the Fine Arts department and instructing SR Theater as well (grades 9-12). Neela has a diverse background in the arts and extensive experience in operations and management. Born to a composer and jazz musician father, and a mother who was a professor of Persian literature, Neela was immersed in a world of creativity from a young age. Her love for theater began when she joined the Junior Shakespeare Academy acting troupe at the age of 10. Over the years she performed in Shakespearean plays, musical theater productions, and as a jazz vocalist and session singer. Neela's professional work in the arts extended beyond the stage. She has also worked as a freelance makeup artist, costume designer, and interior designer in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. Alongside her work as an artist, Neela has over 20 years of experience in operations and management and has held leadership positions in the tech industry, commercial real estate, and events.
Most importantly, Neela and her husband Marshall share a deep commitment to Christ and classical education and strive to model a passion for learning and creating for their 3rd and 5th Grade daughters. She and her students are currently working hard on their upcoming fall productions which will be performed in October and November.
New BlueBelles Coordinator: Amanda Hurley
The Veritas Academy BlueBelles are under the direction of Amanda Hurley. Amanda has been with Veritas for 15 years and is excited to use her love for dance and all things drill team to head up the 3rd line. This hardworking group of ladies will perform at each Veritas Defender home football game and they 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 a game. The BlueBelles will be competing at the TAPPS Fine Arts Dance Competition in January.
Coaches' corner
New SR Golf Team!
The Veritas Academy Athletic Department is beyond excited to announce the (re-)formation of an SR Golf Team! Veritas Academy has registered with TAPPS to participate in TAPPS tournaments and qualifier matches. Mr. Chad Eppes will be at the helm as our Head Coach.
Athletics Calendars & Tips
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. General “home game” details are included below. Go Defenders!
JV & Varsity Schedules 5th-8th Grade Schedules
Admission for Football Games: Homes Games @ Defender Field Adults: $6 |
Admission for Volleyball Games: Home Games @ Central Texas Fieldhouse in Buda Adults: $5 |
a few more opportunities to connect!
Christmas on Campus: A Very Veritas Christmas
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 the whole family, everyone is invited to the Winter Fine Arts Showcase. The afternoon will 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 @ 8:30am & 11:15am | Grandparent Gathering & Christmas Assembly
The Friday before Christmas Break is a half-day for ALL students, including those in GS who do not usually attend school on Friday. Along with a modified class schedule, special events that day will 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
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!