2024-2025 Friends of Veritas Newsletter Archives
March 2025 Friends of Veritas
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!
Learn More about Our New SL Head: Luke Marrs
Luke has been a teacher at Veritas since 2021, most recently as an 8th grade instructor for Modern American History. You may have seen Luke carrying a bison hide and antique firearms from his car in the morning to give students a moment of feeling the texture and weight of items our forefathers depended on for survival. He has also taught 5th grade history and 6th grade discipleship, during which time he was named the School of Logic’s “Most Influential Teacher.” He currently holds the position of SL Humanities Department Lead and has been the primary co-teacher for his own children. He and his wife Katie have been a Veritas family since 2020, and their three kids are Sawyer (VA ‘26), Jimmy (VA ‘28), and Betty (VA ‘30).
Luke truly embodies the classical, Christian man: poised, multi-talented, and humble. His experience spans being a former Olympic trials athlete, lawyer, businessman, and educator. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a juris doctorate from Baylor University. Luke and his family attend King’s Cross where they serve in various capacities.
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 2024-25 school year. We are blessed!
Read Letters from Cameron (HoS) and Jenny McLatcher
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!
Grammar School
1st Grade:
- Storytelling:
- 2nd Place:
- Flora Monson
- 6th Place:
- Heidi Hamel
- 2nd Place:
2nd Grade:
- Creative Writing:
- 3rd Place:
- Lillian Mundanthanam
- 3rd Place:
- Mathematics:
- 1st Place:
- Irene Shen
- 1st Place:
- Number Sense:
- 3rd Place:
- Irene Shen
- 3rd Place:
- Spelling:
- 2nd Place:
- Irene Shen
- 2nd Place:
- Storytelling:
- 3rd Place:
- Mikaela Files
- 3rd Place:
3rd Grade:
- Mathematics
- 2nd Place:
- Jake McElhannon
- 2nd Place:
- Number Sense:
- 2nd Place:
- Caleb Crawford
- 2nd Place:
- Ready Writing:
- 3rd Place:
- Ivy Ellis
- 3rd Place:
4th Grade:
- Listening Skills:
- 2nd Place:
- Clara Van Oudenaren
- 5th Place:
- Ford Weber
- 2nd Place:
- Maps, Graphs, and Charts:
- 2nd Place:
- Ford Weber
- 6th Place:
- Evelyn Wismer
- 2nd Place:
School of Logic
5th Grade:
- Number Sense:
- 2nd Place:
- William Hogan
- 3rd Place:
- Ian Brugueras
- 2nd Place:
- Maps, Graphs, and Charts:
- 5th Place: William Hogan
- Mathematics:
- 2nd Place:
- Ian Brugueras
- 4th Place:
- William Hogan
- 2nd Place:
- On-Site Drawing:
- 2nd Place:
- Jack Ellis
- 2nd Place:
- Oral Interpretation:
- 6th Place:
- Penny Walker
- 6th Place:
- Ready Writing:
- 5th Place:
- Sofia Files
- 5th Place:
6th Grade:
- Listening Skills:
- 5th Place:
- Isaac Archer
- 5th Place:
- Music Memory
- 5th Place:
- Violet Beddoe
- 5th Place:
- Oral Interpretation
- 4th Place:
- Paige Broughton
- 4th Place:
- Science:
- 1st Place:
- Elijah Muller
- 1st Place:
- Spelling:
- 1st Place:
- Elijah Muller
- 1st Place:
- Vocabulary
- 1st Place:
- Juniper Nass
- 1st Place:
7th Grade:
- Mathematics:
- 4th Place:
- George Monson
- 6th Place:
- Logan Quinnell
- 4th Place:
- Number Sense
- 5th Place:
- George Monson
- 5th Place:
- On-site Drawing
- 5th Place:
- Mary Ann Lensing
- 5th Place:
- Ready Writing:
- 5th Place:
- Laura Ensley
- 6th Place:
- Harper Hood
- 5th Place:
7th/8th Grade Music Memory:
- 3rd Place:
- Nolan Layne
- 5th Place:
- George Monson
8th Grade:
- Impromptu Speaking
- 4th Place:
- Elizabeth Casady
- 4th Place:
- Mathematics
- 6th Place:
- Ellery Broughton
- 6th Place:
- Number Sense
- 6th Place:
- Elizabeth Casady
- 6th Place:
- Ready Writing:
- 4th Place:
- Elizabeth Casady
- 5th Place:
- Ellery Broughton
- 4th Place:
- Science:
- 5th Place:
- Ellery Broughton
- 5th Place:
Advancing to State
2nd Grade:
- Mathematics and Spelling:
- Irene Shen
3rd Grade:
- Number Sense:
- Caleb Crawford
4th Grade:
- Listening Skills:
- Clara Van Oudenaren
- Maps, Graphs, and Charts:
- Ford Weber
5th Grade:
- Number Sense:
- William Hogan
- Mathematics:
- Ian Brugueras
6th Grade:
- Science and Spelling:
- Elijah Muller
- Vocabulary:
- Juniper Nass
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!
Christmas on Campus
Christmas & New Year's on Campus
December and January always have a jubilant and notable time at Veritas, and this year was no different. Our annual Very Veritas Christmas celebrations continue to amplify the essence of the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, various service projects, and even a chili-cook off!
Families who stuck around also enjoyed the Winter Fine Arts Showcase which featured our new Grammar School Choir and other melodious musical performances by School of Logic and Rhetoric performers.
Our annual fall Grandparents Gathering was a special time as well! We enjoyed seeing some of our Defender Grands join Ellen Schuknecht for rich discussion and time of fellowship with other grandparents.
And of course as we get closer to the holidays that means we start to see our beloved Veritas Alumni start to make their way back home. We love welcoming them back to campus to hear what they have been up to and what life looks like after graduating.
The semester's concluding Christmas Charge was a wet one, but we braved the unpredictable Texas wintry weather and listened as Mr. Cook prepare us to receive all that the holiday season had to offer.
Faculty and staff received an extra special and intentional blessing and encouragement at the start of their break due to the kind and thoughtful donations made during our 12 Days of Giving. Thank you for your giving to bless our school & teachers!
As we reminisce on these treasured moments, we sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making this season so memorable. Your continued passion, dedication, and commitment are what truly make Veritas Academy stand out.
12 Days of Giving
12 Days of Giving
Thank you for your generous contributions to bless our school and teachers at the close of 2024! Because of your kindness, our teachers began their Christmas break with hearts full of encouragement and a bonus check to brighten their season. We are deeply grateful for your support, which allowed us to start the new year focused on what we do best—training hearts, minds, and hands for the glory of God. Thank you for being such a vital part of our mission!
MLK Jr. Service Day
MLK Jr. Service Day 2025
This year the Martin Luther King, Jr. Shines Service Day looked a little different since it was a holiday for the first time in school history. In true Veritas spirit, though, this did not stop our families from coming together to serve! A large group of students and parents led by School of Logic history teacher and Veritas dad Luke Marrs braved the bitter cold to work on landscaping projects at the historical Driftwood Community Cemetery. Another group of SLR students led by SR teacher and Veritas mom Elizabeth Hagood bagged groceries and distributed food at the Harvest Blessings Food Pantry. The Weaver family invited a large group of 4th and 5th graders into their home to make pet toys for the PAWS Animal Shelter as well as cards for Operation Gratitude. SR teacher and Veritas mom Sandra Moore took her Leadership class to visit the residents at the Legacy at Oak Hill Assisted Living Center. SL teacher Connie Primosic hosted a group of students at her house to make Linus blankets, and Veritas mom CaryAnn Pendergraft opened her home and shared her gift for making scripture bracelets that were donated to those in need. SR students made tasty meatballs sandwiches for the families staying at Ronald McDonald House. A group of SLR students also gathered at the Krawzsenek house to decorate pillowcases for the troops through Operation Gratitude’s Project Pillowcase. Twenty-two Veritas families opted to celebrate the day with close family and friends by completing one of the Shines At-Home Service projects, which included making cards and decorating pillowcases for Operation Gratitude, making Linus blankets, or writing letters of appreciation to our local police officers. In the great tradition of the Veritas MLK Service Day, it was a day on not a day off for our families as we spread our love for God and service throughout the Austin community and beyond.
State of the School Recap
State Of The School 2025 Recap
After a few weeks back on Campus from winter break we kicked off the semester with our State of the School Address (SOTS) at Bannockburn Church. It was an impactful time as we heard our Head of School, Cameron Cook, deliver the SOTS to hear how we are collectively progressing towards fulfilling this year's thematic goal, the status of newly implemented programs, updates on changes that are being considered for the '25-'26 school year, progress on the pre-campaign phase for our future community center, and a brief update on our financial performance and tuition and fees for the upcoming school year. We finished the evening with breakout sessions, milestone meetings and fellowship over coffee and desserts. We have included the address, as well as, a SOTS Recap document as a quick reference for key information and highlights.
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
Learn More About The Piece He Performed
Henselman performed "Franz Liszt's Totentanz, written for solo pianos and accompanying orchestra." This one of the most fun pieces he has learned, and "is rapidly becoming [his} favorite piece." He said, "It is definitely a more abstract piece than most traditional Classical Music, but has a ton of musical features that make it incredibly fun to listen to. The main theme is based on a famous medieval Latin Gregorian chant called Dies Irae. The Shining, the famous horror movie starring Jack Nicholson, actually utilizes Dies Irae in the main theme. If you want to give Totentanz a listen before the concert, I personally recommend Krystian Zimerman's recording on Youtube or Spotify as it has greatly influenced and inspired how I perform this piece:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BFT2rlaMIo&t=567s
https://open.spotify.com/track/581v89uTe12u9t6xgox58G?si=4fec33ae64ef4d82"
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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.
Football
Varsity Football Recap
We are proud of a hard fought season by our varsity football team this year and want to recognize a few of their accomplishments! Despite facing one challenge after another, this small team advanced to the Area Playoffs! Throughout a challenging season, the young team was led by juniors Jed Fuller, Daniel Copeland, and Vance Hatfield. In a season plagued by injury and sickness, Jed (All-State Honorable Mention Running Back, All-District 1st Team Linebacker, Academic All-State) was a constant who carried this team. He rushed for over 1,300 yards and had 30 touchdowns on the season. He also led the team defensively with over 90 tackles. Vance and Daniel (Academic All-State) made the All-District 2nd Team for their offensive leadership: Vance was responsible for countless blocks as a lineman while Daniel led in receiving touchdowns.
With only one senior this year, Finnley Smitheal (All-District 2nd Team Defense, Academic All-State) underclassmen stepped up this year on both sides of the ball. On offense, freshmen Jake Bremer and Reid Russell received All-District 2nd Team. Jake, who also was awarded All-District 1st Team as a punter, rose to the occasion as quarterback, throwing for over 750 yards and 10 touchdowns. His longest completion was a 47 yard pass to sophomore wide receiver/linebacker Chase Lucas (All-District 2nd Team Linebacker). Reid had 95 receiving yards as a tight end, with no fumbles on the season. Sophomore William “Butcher” Russell, rounded out our offense in the essential role of center. Butcher received All-District Honorable Mention with 114 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns this season. On the defensive side of the ball, sophomore Bo Touba received All-District 1st Team for his performance in the key role of middle linebacker. Bo had 64 tackles and led our defense in fumble recoveries as well as tackles for loss. Sophomore Austin Layne and Freshman Luke Hagood also made All-District 1st Team with over 35 tackles each. With such strong performances from our young athletes, we are looking forward to an even better season next year!
Fall THSCA Academic All-State Recipients
Congratulations to the following seniors on their receipt of THSCA Academic All-State honors:
- Caleb Blythe: First Team Cross Country
- Kylie Knutson: Second Team Volleyball
- Jack Bruce: Honorable Mention Cross Country
- Mia Douglas: Honorable Mention Volleyball
- Mary McLatcher: Honorable Mention Cross Country AND Volleyball
Volleyball
Varsity Volleyball Wrap Up
Starting as a diverse team with five new varsity players, this group of young ladies had to come together as a team to finish as Area Playoff Qualifiers. Senior Captain Mia Douglas (Academic All-State and All-District 2nd Team) led by example and provided a steady anchor as a leader for this young team, shining at libero with 33 aces and 261 digs. Balancing out Mia’s senior leadership in the back row, Kylie Knutson and Mary McLatcher both received All-District Honorable Mention for their front row performances with 14 blocks each and 45 and 57 kills respectively.
While our seniors took the lead in uniting this team, our juniors dominated the floor physically: Captain Bailey McGehee was our All-State Honorable Mention recipient as a top 5 hitter from District 4 and our best all-around athlete with 54 aces, 117 assists, 304 digs, and 377 kills. Rose Moore (Academic All-State and All-District 2nd Team) also stood out as the number 2 middle in the district. In addition to being a key defensive force, leading our team with 23 blocks, she put a lot of points on the board with 68 aces and 188 kills. We are looking forward to seeing how these girls step up as senior leaders next year!
Finally, we were blessed to have some stand-out freshmen this season: Evie Vimont (All-District 2nd Team) was the breakout back row player in the district. She led our team in aces with 71 and had 264 digs on the season. Avery Roberts received All-District Honorable Mention as she stepped up as a new setter this year with 324 assists and 33 aces. Veritas volleyball has a bright future!
SL Winter Championship Games
SL Winter Championship Games
Congratulations to our SL winter sports teams on an incredibly successful season! 5 of our 7 basketball teams advanced to semifinals, as well as both of our ⅚ Soccer teams! BOTH of our ⅞ Boys Basketball teams have advanced to the championship game as the top seed in their divisions, and ⅚ Blue Soccer has also made the finals. Our ⅚ Blue Soccer team and ⅞ Blue Basketball team both took home gold, while our ⅞ Silver Basketball team snagged silver. Read below to see who made a special appearance at the 5/6 Soccer game!
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Stars on the Sideline at 5/6 Blue Team Soccer Championship
At one of the final 5/6 Blue Team Soccer game, Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson walked into the stadium (McConaughey's son plays for St. Andrews), introduced themselves and chatted with Coaches Peter Dusan and Mark Baena. As our coaches left to go sit down, Harrelson (who clearly thought they coached the St. Andrews team) said “good luck…I hear this other team is real strong.” Baena replied “Well, I’m actually with that other team. And yes…we’re not bad.” Harrelson said “Ohhh…well, still…good luck.” Who would have thought that two A-list celebrities have not only heard of the 5/6 Blue team, but fear us?! And rightfully so as we won the game 5-3!
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Swim
Swim Wins State
Congratulations to our DeFINders on a phenomenal showing at State! Veritas Academy was the only school with both the men’s and the women’s teams on the podium, and out of 42 total events (the most we have swum at state in Veritas history), 40 were best time performances and 5 of 6 relays finished on the podium! It took all of these performances to get this big win. In the words of senior Kylie Knutson, “We win as a TEAM.”
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Our Men's Swimming Recap
On the men’s side, senior captain Austin Aitchison (Regional MVP, All-State 2nd Team) led the team to yet another dominant state championship by almost 100 points! Austin brought home silver in his specialty the breaststroke, finished top 10 in the 50m freestyle, and anchored both freestyle relays. The men’s 400m freestyle relay was a highlight of the day, featuring an exciting comeback for a podium spot in the event begun by third-leg senior Ben Thorburn (All-State 2nd Team) and finished by Austin. Ben also notched a top 10 finish in both of his individual events. Rounding out our men’s All-State 2nd Team swimmers were senior Kian Tomasoski and junior chaplain Caleb Eilers. In addition to two relay podium finishes, Caleb took a top 5 finish in the 200m individual medley and a top 10 finish in the 100m butterfly event, swimming under the elusive 60 second time. Our final three men’s relay athletes received All-State Honorable Mention: senior chaplain Jack Bruce (top 10 in 2 individual events), senior Tate Compton (top 10 in breaststroke), and sophomore Silas Sekula (top 5 in 2 individual events). Finally, sophomores Hudson Boyer and Nathan Kozubek finished top 5 and top 10 in their events respectively. While we are graduating a strong contingent of seniors, we are excited to see these younger swimmers fill their spots as they pursue a repeat next season!
Our Women's Swimming Recap
Our women’s team put up the best showing in Veritas history, on the heels of first place by just 10 points and setting two relay school records! Junior captain Kate MacPherson (All-State 2nd Team) set the standard on the girls side by leading off both record setting relays, taking second in the individual backstroke, and notching a top 5 finish in the individual butterfly. The junior class put up some impressive performances with chaplain Julia Rhodes (All-State 2nd Team) finishing top 5 in the 100m breaststroke and top 10 in the 200m individual medley and Bailey McGehee (All-State 2nd Team) finishing top 5 in the 100m butterfly and top 10 in the 50m freestyle. Also receiving All-State 2nd Team honors are sophomore Jane Thomas (top 10 in 2 individual events) and senior Kylie Knutson. Sophomore chaplain Haddie Dusan finished top 10 in two individual events and junior Allison Prater took a top 10 finish in the longest event, the 500m freestyle. While the girls will miss their lone senior Kylie next year, returning almost the entire team looks promising as the DeFINders seek the double state championship in 2026!
Wrestling
Pictured: Senior Jacob Govea
State Wrestling Recap
Varsity wrestling finished their season strong with a Top 10 showing at TAPPS State! Senior Jacob Govea was the top team finisher, taking fourth overall, while four more wrestlers finished in the top 6: senior Finnley Smitheal, junior Sawyer Marrs, sophomore James Hammonds, and freshman Samuel Gengler.
Basketball
Basketball Season Breakdown
Both of our varsity basketball teams improved on their previous seasons, even with young teams! Click on the drop-downs below to read about our men and women's basketball season.
Men's Team
Our men’s team qualified for playoffs this year, traveling to Houston for a competitive match against a higher ranked team. This young team, with one lone senior representative - captain JP Hagood (All-District 2nd Team), saw significant improvement as the season progressed. JP’s passionate game-play at center earned him two double-doubles this season. He led this team defensively and in blocks (2 per game) and rebounds (7 per game). Junior captain Patrick Cannata and sophomore captain Perry Kinane both made All-District 1st Team as guards, leading the team in points and steals this season through their aggressiveness on both offense and defense. Each player made over 35 3-point shots this season and averaged double digit scoring. Junior RP Moore (All-District 2nd Team) and sophomore Shepherd Smitheal also stood out on our team this year, with RP averaging 5 rebounds per game as a forward and Shepherd averaging over 2 assists per game from the guard position. Junior forward Isaac Karnes and sophomore guard Dominic Clark earned All-District Honorable Mention for their hard-working performances as well. Both of these athletes play under the radar, but are essential to the team because of the intensity that they contribute on the court.
Women's Team
Our ladies were ranked in the Top 15 in the State through the majority of the season, and finished with a winning record and a couple of memorable wins over district opponents Brazos Christian (48-47) and TSD (48-47, OT). With no graduating seniors, the team looks forward to building on an excellent season in 2024-25 and making a playoff run in 2025-26. Sophomore captain Matea Zimel (All-District 1st Team) was awarded Defensive Player of the District, averaging 7 steals and 5 deflections per game. In addition to leading the team in steals, Matea’s team-high stats of 11 points and 4 assists per game speak to her hustle and scoring contribution on the court. Junior captain Rose Moore (Academic All-State, All-District 2nd Team), was also a game-changing force on the court at forward, averaging a double-double this season with 10 points and 11 rebounds per game. Freshman point guard Elsa Brugueras (All-District 2nd Team) was one of our biggest impact players as well, leading the team in minutes played, bringing the energy at all times, and second or third in all major positive stat categories for the team (points, assists, steals, deflections, and rebounds). Sophomore shooting guard Hannah Windham also earned All-District 2nd Team with over 200 points scored, including 41 3-pointers made. Finally, sophomore Cadence Henry rounded out our district award winners with Honorable Mention, quietly leading the team from center in effective field goal percentage, and fighting for over 200 rebounds this season.
Soccer
Soccer All-District Award Winners
We are thrilled to announce our many All-District Soccer players!
First Team:
Defenders/Keepers: Anna Badger, Mary McLatcher, Avery Hawken
Midfielders: Hutton Eppes, Julia Rhodes
Forwards: Kate Brown
Second Team:
Defenders/Keepers: Hannah Cuellar, Brock Palmer
Midfielders: Micah McGinty, Kate MacPherson, Abigail Rhodes
Forwards: Sydney Brown, Henry Olschefskie, SarahLynn Leyendecker
Honorable Mention:
Defenders/Keepers: Bekah Leyendecker, Carden Van Hoorn, Mabel Windham
Midfielders: Grace Ard, Chase Lucas
Forwards: Daniel Copeland, Skylee Stanford
SL Winter Award Winners
Congratulations on a great season from all our SL athletes and coaches! Here are our winter award winners:
SL Soccer
5/6 Silver (Coach: Will Larkam)
- MVP: Calvin Wood
- Defender Heart: Max Hugo
5/6 Blue (Coaches: Mark Baena and Peter Dusan)
- MVP: Asa Dusan
- Defender Heart: Mason Larkam
7/8 Silver (Coaches: Tommy Roberts, Elvira Johns, and Ryan Dobbs)
- MVP: Timmy Deiss
- Defender Heart: Laura Ensley
7/8 Blue (Coaches: Greg Thorburn and Chris Nelson)
- MVP: Emery Roberts
- Defender Heart: George Monson
SL Basketball
5/6 Silver Girls (Coaches: Jason and Robyn Johnson)
- MVP: Elza Hanrahan
- Defender Heart: Sofia Files
5/6 Blue Girls (Coaches: Ryan Kinane and Bob McDaniel)
- MVP: Millie Claire Kinane
- Defender Heart: Ava McAvoy
5/6 Silver Boys (Coaches: Cliff Green and Philip Cannata)
- MVP: Ian Brugueras
- Defender Heart: Parker Cannata
5/6 Blue Boys (Coaches: Scott Artman and Jordan Vimont)
- MVP: Joshua Vimont
- Defender Heart: Franklin Bryan
7/8 Blue Girls (Coaches: Jessica Alguire and Katie Marrs)
- MVP: Grace Alguire
- Defender Heart: Natalie Scantlen
7/8 Silver Boys (Coaches: Tom Froehlich and Danny True)
- MVP: Wilson Kinane
- Defender Heart: Jackson Hatfield
7/8 Blue Boys (Coaches: Casey Cortez, Ben Jarrett, and Aaron Kahler)
- MVP: Elijah Clark
- Defender Heart: Isaiah Bryan
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.
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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!
Learn More about Our New SL Head: Luke Marrs
Luke has been a teacher at Veritas since 2021, most recently as an 8th grade instructor for Modern American History. You may have seen Luke carrying a bison hide and antique firearms from his car in the morning to give students a moment of feeling the texture and weight of items our forefathers depended on for survival. He has also taught 5th grade history and 6th grade discipleship, during which time he was named the School of Logic’s “Most Influential Teacher.” He currently holds the position of SL Humanities Department Lead and has been the primary co-teacher for his own children. He and his wife Katie have been a Veritas family since 2020, and their three kids are Sawyer (VA ‘26), Jimmy (VA ‘28), and Betty (VA ‘30).
Luke truly embodies the classical, Christian man: poised, multi-talented, and humble. His experience spans being a former Olympic trials athlete, lawyer, businessman, and educator. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a juris doctorate from Baylor University. Luke and his family attend King’s Cross where they serve in various capacities.
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 2024-25 school year. We are blessed!
Read Letters from Cameron (HoS) and Jenny McLatcher
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!
Grammar School
1st Grade:
- Storytelling:
- 2nd Place:
- Flora Monson
- 6th Place:
- Heidi Hamel
- 2nd Place:
2nd Grade:
- Creative Writing:
- 3rd Place:
- Lillian Mundanthanam
- 3rd Place:
- Mathematics:
- 1st Place:
- Irene Shen
- 1st Place:
- Number Sense:
- 3rd Place:
- Irene Shen
- 3rd Place:
- Spelling:
- 2nd Place:
- Irene Shen
- 2nd Place:
- Storytelling:
- 3rd Place:
- Mikaela Files
- 3rd Place:
3rd Grade:
- Mathematics
- 2nd Place:
- Jake McElhannon
- 2nd Place:
- Number Sense:
- 2nd Place:
- Caleb Crawford
- 2nd Place:
- Ready Writing:
- 3rd Place:
- Ivy Ellis
- 3rd Place:
4th Grade:
- Listening Skills:
- 2nd Place:
- Clara Van Oudenaren
- 5th Place:
- Ford Weber
- 2nd Place:
- Maps, Graphs, and Charts:
- 2nd Place:
- Ford Weber
- 6th Place:
- Evelyn Wismer
- 2nd Place:
School of Logic
5th Grade:
- Number Sense:
- 2nd Place:
- William Hogan
- 3rd Place:
- Ian Brugueras
- 2nd Place:
- Maps, Graphs, and Charts:
- 5th Place: William Hogan
- Mathematics:
- 2nd Place:
- Ian Brugueras
- 4th Place:
- William Hogan
- 2nd Place:
- On-Site Drawing:
- 2nd Place:
- Jack Ellis
- 2nd Place:
- Oral Interpretation:
- 6th Place:
- Penny Walker
- 6th Place:
- Ready Writing:
- 5th Place:
- Sofia Files
- 5th Place:
6th Grade:
- Listening Skills:
- 5th Place:
- Isaac Archer
- 5th Place:
- Music Memory
- 5th Place:
- Violet Beddoe
- 5th Place:
- Oral Interpretation
- 4th Place:
- Paige Broughton
- 4th Place:
- Science:
- 1st Place:
- Elijah Muller
- 1st Place:
- Spelling:
- 1st Place:
- Elijah Muller
- 1st Place:
- Vocabulary
- 1st Place:
- Juniper Nass
- 1st Place:
7th Grade:
- Mathematics:
- 4th Place:
- George Monson
- 6th Place:
- Logan Quinnell
- 4th Place:
- Number Sense
- 5th Place:
- George Monson
- 5th Place:
- On-site Drawing
- 5th Place:
- Mary Ann Lensing
- 5th Place:
- Ready Writing:
- 5th Place:
- Laura Ensley
- 6th Place:
- Harper Hood
- 5th Place:
7th/8th Grade Music Memory:
- 3rd Place:
- Nolan Layne
- 5th Place:
- George Monson
8th Grade:
- Impromptu Speaking
- 4th Place:
- Elizabeth Casady
- 4th Place:
- Mathematics
- 6th Place:
- Ellery Broughton
- 6th Place:
- Number Sense
- 6th Place:
- Elizabeth Casady
- 6th Place:
- Ready Writing:
- 4th Place:
- Elizabeth Casady
- 5th Place:
- Ellery Broughton
- 4th Place:
- Science:
- 5th Place:
- Ellery Broughton
- 5th Place:
Advancing to State
2nd Grade:
- Mathematics and Spelling:
- Irene Shen
3rd Grade:
- Number Sense:
- Caleb Crawford
4th Grade:
- Listening Skills:
- Clara Van Oudenaren
- Maps, Graphs, and Charts:
- Ford Weber
5th Grade:
- Number Sense:
- William Hogan
- Mathematics:
- Ian Brugueras
6th Grade:
- Science and Spelling:
- Elijah Muller
- Vocabulary:
- Juniper Nass
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!
Christmas on Campus
Christmas & New Year's on Campus
December and January always have a jubilant and notable time at Veritas, and this year was no different. Our annual Very Veritas Christmas celebrations continue to amplify the essence of the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, various service projects, and even a chili-cook off!
Families who stuck around also enjoyed the Winter Fine Arts Showcase which featured our new Grammar School Choir and other melodious musical performances by School of Logic and Rhetoric performers.
Our annual fall Grandparents Gathering was a special time as well! We enjoyed seeing some of our Defender Grands join Ellen Schuknecht for rich discussion and time of fellowship with other grandparents.
And of course as we get closer to the holidays that means we start to see our beloved Veritas Alumni start to make their way back home. We love welcoming them back to campus to hear what they have been up to and what life looks like after graduating.
The semester's concluding Christmas Charge was a wet one, but we braved the unpredictable Texas wintry weather and listened as Mr. Cook prepare us to receive all that the holiday season had to offer.
Faculty and staff received an extra special and intentional blessing and encouragement at the start of their break due to the kind and thoughtful donations made during our 12 Days of Giving. Thank you for your giving to bless our school & teachers!
As we reminisce on these treasured moments, we sincerely thank everyone who contributed to making this season so memorable. Your continued passion, dedication, and commitment are what truly make Veritas Academy stand out.
12 Days of Giving
12 Days of Giving
Thank you for your generous contributions to bless our school and teachers at the close of 2024! Because of your kindness, our teachers began their Christmas break with hearts full of encouragement and a bonus check to brighten their season. We are deeply grateful for your support, which allowed us to start the new year focused on what we do best—training hearts, minds, and hands for the glory of God. Thank you for being such a vital part of our mission!
MLK Jr. Service Day
MLK Jr. Service Day 2025
This year the Martin Luther King, Jr. Shines Service Day looked a little different since it was a holiday for the first time in school history. In true Veritas spirit, though, this did not stop our families from coming together to serve! A large group of students and parents led by School of Logic history teacher and Veritas dad Luke Marrs braved the bitter cold to work on landscaping projects at the historical Driftwood Community Cemetery. Another group of SLR students led by SR teacher and Veritas mom Elizabeth Hagood bagged groceries and distributed food at the Harvest Blessings Food Pantry. The Weaver family invited a large group of 4th and 5th graders into their home to make pet toys for the PAWS Animal Shelter as well as cards for Operation Gratitude. SR teacher and Veritas mom Sandra Moore took her Leadership class to visit the residents at the Legacy at Oak Hill Assisted Living Center. SL teacher Connie Primosic hosted a group of students at her house to make Linus blankets, and Veritas mom CaryAnn Pendergraft opened her home and shared her gift for making scripture bracelets that were donated to those in need. SR students made tasty meatballs sandwiches for the families staying at Ronald McDonald House. A group of SLR students also gathered at the Krawzsenek house to decorate pillowcases for the troops through Operation Gratitude’s Project Pillowcase. Twenty-two Veritas families opted to celebrate the day with close family and friends by completing one of the Shines At-Home Service projects, which included making cards and decorating pillowcases for Operation Gratitude, making Linus blankets, or writing letters of appreciation to our local police officers. In the great tradition of the Veritas MLK Service Day, it was a day on not a day off for our families as we spread our love for God and service throughout the Austin community and beyond.
State of the School Recap
State Of The School 2025 Recap
After a few weeks back on Campus from winter break we kicked off the semester with our State of the School Address (SOTS) at Bannockburn Church. It was an impactful time as we heard our Head of School, Cameron Cook, deliver the SOTS to hear how we are collectively progressing towards fulfilling this year's thematic goal, the status of newly implemented programs, updates on changes that are being considered for the '25-'26 school year, progress on the pre-campaign phase for our future community center, and a brief update on our financial performance and tuition and fees for the upcoming school year. We finished the evening with breakout sessions, milestone meetings and fellowship over coffee and desserts. We have included the address, as well as, a SOTS Recap document as a quick reference for key information and highlights.
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
Learn More About The Piece He Performed
Henselman performed "Franz Liszt's Totentanz, written for solo pianos and accompanying orchestra." This one of the most fun pieces he has learned, and "is rapidly becoming [his} favorite piece." He said, "It is definitely a more abstract piece than most traditional Classical Music, but has a ton of musical features that make it incredibly fun to listen to. The main theme is based on a famous medieval Latin Gregorian chant called Dies Irae. The Shining, the famous horror movie starring Jack Nicholson, actually utilizes Dies Irae in the main theme. If you want to give Totentanz a listen before the concert, I personally recommend Krystian Zimerman's recording on Youtube or Spotify as it has greatly influenced and inspired how I perform this piece:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BFT2rlaMIo&t=567s
https://open.spotify.com/track/581v89uTe12u9t6xgox58G?si=4fec33ae64ef4d82"
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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.
Football
Varsity Football Recap
We are proud of a hard fought season by our varsity football team this year and want to recognize a few of their accomplishments! Despite facing one challenge after another, this small team advanced to the Area Playoffs! Throughout a challenging season, the young team was led by juniors Jed Fuller, Daniel Copeland, and Vance Hatfield. In a season plagued by injury and sickness, Jed (All-State Honorable Mention Running Back, All-District 1st Team Linebacker, Academic All-State) was a constant who carried this team. He rushed for over 1,300 yards and had 30 touchdowns on the season. He also led the team defensively with over 90 tackles. Vance and Daniel (Academic All-State) made the All-District 2nd Team for their offensive leadership: Vance was responsible for countless blocks as a lineman while Daniel led in receiving touchdowns.
With only one senior this year, Finnley Smitheal (All-District 2nd Team Defense, Academic All-State) underclassmen stepped up this year on both sides of the ball. On offense, freshmen Jake Bremer and Reid Russell received All-District 2nd Team. Jake, who also was awarded All-District 1st Team as a punter, rose to the occasion as quarterback, throwing for over 750 yards and 10 touchdowns. His longest completion was a 47 yard pass to sophomore wide receiver/linebacker Chase Lucas (All-District 2nd Team Linebacker). Reid had 95 receiving yards as a tight end, with no fumbles on the season. Sophomore William “Butcher” Russell, rounded out our offense in the essential role of center. Butcher received All-District Honorable Mention with 114 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns this season. On the defensive side of the ball, sophomore Bo Touba received All-District 1st Team for his performance in the key role of middle linebacker. Bo had 64 tackles and led our defense in fumble recoveries as well as tackles for loss. Sophomore Austin Layne and Freshman Luke Hagood also made All-District 1st Team with over 35 tackles each. With such strong performances from our young athletes, we are looking forward to an even better season next year!
Fall THSCA Academic All-State Recipients
Congratulations to the following seniors on their receipt of THSCA Academic All-State honors:
- Caleb Blythe: First Team Cross Country
- Kylie Knutson: Second Team Volleyball
- Jack Bruce: Honorable Mention Cross Country
- Mia Douglas: Honorable Mention Volleyball
- Mary McLatcher: Honorable Mention Cross Country AND Volleyball
Volleyball
Varsity Volleyball Wrap Up
Starting as a diverse team with five new varsity players, this group of young ladies had to come together as a team to finish as Area Playoff Qualifiers. Senior Captain Mia Douglas (Academic All-State and All-District 2nd Team) led by example and provided a steady anchor as a leader for this young team, shining at libero with 33 aces and 261 digs. Balancing out Mia’s senior leadership in the back row, Kylie Knutson and Mary McLatcher both received All-District Honorable Mention for their front row performances with 14 blocks each and 45 and 57 kills respectively.
While our seniors took the lead in uniting this team, our juniors dominated the floor physically: Captain Bailey McGehee was our All-State Honorable Mention recipient as a top 5 hitter from District 4 and our best all-around athlete with 54 aces, 117 assists, 304 digs, and 377 kills. Rose Moore (Academic All-State and All-District 2nd Team) also stood out as the number 2 middle in the district. In addition to being a key defensive force, leading our team with 23 blocks, she put a lot of points on the board with 68 aces and 188 kills. We are looking forward to seeing how these girls step up as senior leaders next year!
Finally, we were blessed to have some stand-out freshmen this season: Evie Vimont (All-District 2nd Team) was the breakout back row player in the district. She led our team in aces with 71 and had 264 digs on the season. Avery Roberts received All-District Honorable Mention as she stepped up as a new setter this year with 324 assists and 33 aces. Veritas volleyball has a bright future!
SL Winter Championship Games
SL Winter Championship Games
Congratulations to our SL winter sports teams on an incredibly successful season! 5 of our 7 basketball teams advanced to semifinals, as well as both of our ⅚ Soccer teams! BOTH of our ⅞ Boys Basketball teams have advanced to the championship game as the top seed in their divisions, and ⅚ Blue Soccer has also made the finals. Our ⅚ Blue Soccer team and ⅞ Blue Basketball team both took home gold, while our ⅞ Silver Basketball team snagged silver. Read below to see who made a special appearance at the 5/6 Soccer game!
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Stars on the Sideline at 5/6 Blue Team Soccer Championship
At one of the final 5/6 Blue Team Soccer game, Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson walked into the stadium (McConaughey's son plays for St. Andrews), introduced themselves and chatted with Coaches Peter Dusan and Mark Baena. As our coaches left to go sit down, Harrelson (who clearly thought they coached the St. Andrews team) said “good luck…I hear this other team is real strong.” Baena replied “Well, I’m actually with that other team. And yes…we’re not bad.” Harrelson said “Ohhh…well, still…good luck.” Who would have thought that two A-list celebrities have not only heard of the 5/6 Blue team, but fear us?! And rightfully so as we won the game 5-3!
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Swim
Swim Wins State
Congratulations to our DeFINders on a phenomenal showing at State! Veritas Academy was the only school with both the men’s and the women’s teams on the podium, and out of 42 total events (the most we have swum at state in Veritas history), 40 were best time performances and 5 of 6 relays finished on the podium! It took all of these performances to get this big win. In the words of senior Kylie Knutson, “We win as a TEAM.”
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Our Men's Swimming Recap
On the men’s side, senior captain Austin Aitchison (Regional MVP, All-State 2nd Team) led the team to yet another dominant state championship by almost 100 points! Austin brought home silver in his specialty the breaststroke, finished top 10 in the 50m freestyle, and anchored both freestyle relays. The men’s 400m freestyle relay was a highlight of the day, featuring an exciting comeback for a podium spot in the event begun by third-leg senior Ben Thorburn (All-State 2nd Team) and finished by Austin. Ben also notched a top 10 finish in both of his individual events. Rounding out our men’s All-State 2nd Team swimmers were senior Kian Tomasoski and junior chaplain Caleb Eilers. In addition to two relay podium finishes, Caleb took a top 5 finish in the 200m individual medley and a top 10 finish in the 100m butterfly event, swimming under the elusive 60 second time. Our final three men’s relay athletes received All-State Honorable Mention: senior chaplain Jack Bruce (top 10 in 2 individual events), senior Tate Compton (top 10 in breaststroke), and sophomore Silas Sekula (top 5 in 2 individual events). Finally, sophomores Hudson Boyer and Nathan Kozubek finished top 5 and top 10 in their events respectively. While we are graduating a strong contingent of seniors, we are excited to see these younger swimmers fill their spots as they pursue a repeat next season!
Our Women's Swimming Recap
Our women’s team put up the best showing in Veritas history, on the heels of first place by just 10 points and setting two relay school records! Junior captain Kate MacPherson (All-State 2nd Team) set the standard on the girls side by leading off both record setting relays, taking second in the individual backstroke, and notching a top 5 finish in the individual butterfly. The junior class put up some impressive performances with chaplain Julia Rhodes (All-State 2nd Team) finishing top 5 in the 100m breaststroke and top 10 in the 200m individual medley and Bailey McGehee (All-State 2nd Team) finishing top 5 in the 100m butterfly and top 10 in the 50m freestyle. Also receiving All-State 2nd Team honors are sophomore Jane Thomas (top 10 in 2 individual events) and senior Kylie Knutson. Sophomore chaplain Haddie Dusan finished top 10 in two individual events and junior Allison Prater took a top 10 finish in the longest event, the 500m freestyle. While the girls will miss their lone senior Kylie next year, returning almost the entire team looks promising as the DeFINders seek the double state championship in 2026!
Wrestling
Pictured: Senior Jacob Govea
State Wrestling Recap
Varsity wrestling finished their season strong with a Top 10 showing at TAPPS State! Senior Jacob Govea was the top team finisher, taking fourth overall, while four more wrestlers finished in the top 6: senior Finnley Smitheal, junior Sawyer Marrs, sophomore James Hammonds, and freshman Samuel Gengler.
Basketball
Basketball Season Breakdown
Both of our varsity basketball teams improved on their previous seasons, even with young teams! Click on the drop-downs below to read about our men and women's basketball season.
Men's Team
Our men’s team qualified for playoffs this year, traveling to Houston for a competitive match against a higher ranked team. This young team, with one lone senior representative - captain JP Hagood (All-District 2nd Team), saw significant improvement as the season progressed. JP’s passionate game-play at center earned him two double-doubles this season. He led this team defensively and in blocks (2 per game) and rebounds (7 per game). Junior captain Patrick Cannata and sophomore captain Perry Kinane both made All-District 1st Team as guards, leading the team in points and steals this season through their aggressiveness on both offense and defense. Each player made over 35 3-point shots this season and averaged double digit scoring. Junior RP Moore (All-District 2nd Team) and sophomore Shepherd Smitheal also stood out on our team this year, with RP averaging 5 rebounds per game as a forward and Shepherd averaging over 2 assists per game from the guard position. Junior forward Isaac Karnes and sophomore guard Dominic Clark earned All-District Honorable Mention for their hard-working performances as well. Both of these athletes play under the radar, but are essential to the team because of the intensity that they contribute on the court.
Women's Team
Our ladies were ranked in the Top 15 in the State through the majority of the season, and finished with a winning record and a couple of memorable wins over district opponents Brazos Christian (48-47) and TSD (48-47, OT). With no graduating seniors, the team looks forward to building on an excellent season in 2024-25 and making a playoff run in 2025-26. Sophomore captain Matea Zimel (All-District 1st Team) was awarded Defensive Player of the District, averaging 7 steals and 5 deflections per game. In addition to leading the team in steals, Matea’s team-high stats of 11 points and 4 assists per game speak to her hustle and scoring contribution on the court. Junior captain Rose Moore (Academic All-State, All-District 2nd Team), was also a game-changing force on the court at forward, averaging a double-double this season with 10 points and 11 rebounds per game. Freshman point guard Elsa Brugueras (All-District 2nd Team) was one of our biggest impact players as well, leading the team in minutes played, bringing the energy at all times, and second or third in all major positive stat categories for the team (points, assists, steals, deflections, and rebounds). Sophomore shooting guard Hannah Windham also earned All-District 2nd Team with over 200 points scored, including 41 3-pointers made. Finally, sophomore Cadence Henry rounded out our district award winners with Honorable Mention, quietly leading the team from center in effective field goal percentage, and fighting for over 200 rebounds this season.
Soccer
Soccer All-District Award Winners
We are thrilled to announce our many All-District Soccer players!
First Team:
Defenders/Keepers: Anna Badger, Mary McLatcher, Avery Hawken
Midfielders: Hutton Eppes, Julia Rhodes
Forwards: Kate Brown
Second Team:
Defenders/Keepers: Hannah Cuellar, Brock Palmer
Midfielders: Micah McGinty, Kate MacPherson, Abigail Rhodes
Forwards: Sydney Brown, Henry Olschefskie, SarahLynn Leyendecker
Honorable Mention:
Defenders/Keepers: Bekah Leyendecker, Carden Van Hoorn, Mabel Windham
Midfielders: Grace Ard, Chase Lucas
Forwards: Daniel Copeland, Skylee Stanford
SL Winter Award Winners
Congratulations on a great season from all our SL athletes and coaches! Here are our winter award winners:
SL Soccer
5/6 Silver (Coach: Will Larkam)
- MVP: Calvin Wood
- Defender Heart: Max Hugo
5/6 Blue (Coaches: Mark Baena and Peter Dusan)
- MVP: Asa Dusan
- Defender Heart: Mason Larkam
7/8 Silver (Coaches: Tommy Roberts, Elvira Johns, and Ryan Dobbs)
- MVP: Timmy Deiss
- Defender Heart: Laura Ensley
7/8 Blue (Coaches: Greg Thorburn and Chris Nelson)
- MVP: Emery Roberts
- Defender Heart: George Monson
SL Basketball
5/6 Silver Girls (Coaches: Jason and Robyn Johnson)
- MVP: Elza Hanrahan
- Defender Heart: Sofia Files
5/6 Blue Girls (Coaches: Ryan Kinane and Bob McDaniel)
- MVP: Millie Claire Kinane
- Defender Heart: Ava McAvoy
5/6 Silver Boys (Coaches: Cliff Green and Philip Cannata)
- MVP: Ian Brugueras
- Defender Heart: Parker Cannata
5/6 Blue Boys (Coaches: Scott Artman and Jordan Vimont)
- MVP: Joshua Vimont
- Defender Heart: Franklin Bryan
7/8 Blue Girls (Coaches: Jessica Alguire and Katie Marrs)
- MVP: Grace Alguire
- Defender Heart: Natalie Scantlen
7/8 Silver Boys (Coaches: Tom Froehlich and Danny True)
- MVP: Wilson Kinane
- Defender Heart: Jackson Hatfield
7/8 Blue Boys (Coaches: Casey Cortez, Ben Jarrett, and Aaron Kahler)
- MVP: Elijah Clark
- Defender Heart: Isaiah Bryan
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.
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November 2024 Friends of Veritas
November 2024
Volume IX • Issue II
friends of veritas academy
Dear Friends,
They say that time flies when you’re having fun, and that has certainly been the case around Veritas Academy this fall! As you enjoy full homes and hearts this week, we are eager to share a few of our semester highlights with you throughout this newsletter. With the end of the semester in sight, we also invite you to join us at several upcoming events and traditions. We are thankful for you and all that God has allowed our community to create and experience together.
Many blessings to you and your family this Thanksgiving and Christmas!
-Your Veritas Family
Quick Navigation
Campus & Community Alumni Spotlight Fine Arts Feature Coaches' Corner You're Invited
Grandparent Gathering in December
Wed, Dec 11 @ 1:30-3pm | Lyceum
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. We’ll have coffee and light snacks during this time and invite you to stay for A Very Veritas Christmas and the Fine Arts Showcase later that same afternoon!
All Alumni Invited to a Winter Reception
Thu, Dec 12 @ 12-2:30pm | Lyceum
Calling all Defender Alumni! Will you be home from college or do you live in town and have a long lunch break on Thu, Dec 12, 12-2:30pm? If so, please join us for a Winter Alumni Reception on campus in the Lyceum. Pizza, snacks, and drinks will be provided. Invite your former Veritas classmates to come back and catch up! It's always good to be "home for the holidays."
Join us for A Very Veritas Christmas & Fine Arts Winter Showcase!
Homecoming MMXXIV
Homecoming at Veritas is a cherished tradition with creative dress-up days, witty skits, pep rallies, and more that showcase our vibrant school culture. Despite unexpected challenges during our 2024 Homecoming celebration, our school community's spirit remained vibrant! A wave of sickness in the Schools of Logic and Rhetoric led to the cancellation of the football game, the SLR pep rally, and even a school day or two—but that didn’t stop us from celebrating. We started the week with SR's creative assemblies that were such a hoot! Then, our Blue Belles dance team, Cheer team, and Defender Mascot guided our Grammar School students with an action packed GS pep rally. Dress-up days and School of Rhetoric assemblies and skits were rescheduled for after Fall Break, ensuring students still got to showcase their creativity and pride. The House of Francis ended up closing out Homecoming Week(s) with the most points for their execution and creativity in the dress up days and assemblies.
Though our Alumni Walk couldn't take place due to the canceled football game, we were still able to host Defender alumni at the "pre-game tailgate"/ dinner. We always enjoy seeing our students return!
Another Festive Fall Roundup
Our Veritas community gathered together for another wonderful Fall Roundup, and boy, was it a fun-filled evening! Families headed to the Meadow for the ultimate pre-game event full of live music, dinner, treats, photo ops, booths, and of course a beloved, long-standing tradition—the cakewalk! Defender Dads had the grills fired up, and our School of Rhetoric students served with gracious hearts as they manned the booths and raised money to support class trips. The whole evening would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our students, parents, faculty, and staff.
First Responders Visit Veritas
For the second year in a row, our Anatomy and Physiology and Physics students got to speak with some special guests on campus. Travis County STAR Flight landed their helicopter on our very own Defender (practice) Field as part of an exploration of careers in healthcare and aviation. Our students had the opportunity to talk with and ask questions about the Pilot and Paramedics experience while learning about topics that they will or have covered in class. Some of our littlest Defenders classes even got to come out and watch the helicopter land and take off. We are so blessed and thankful that Travis County STAR Flight and our community took the time to make this experience possible for our students again.
Veterans Day Ceremony 2024
With deep respect and admiration, our school community came together for a special Veterans Day ceremony, recognizing the sacrifices many have made to safeguard our freedoms.
Additionally, we hosted our first annual Veterans Day poetry contest, open to our 8th graders. This year's winner was Elizabeth Casady, whose father served in the U.S. Air Force and attended the Veterans Luncheon. Elizabeth read her poem at our Veterans Welcome Program. We are grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate and honor our veterans, and we will always be thankful for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good of the United States.
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.
- "Heroes of Freedom" - Elizabeth Casady
- "The Right Kind of Courage" - Ellery Broughton
- "The Shepherds Soldiers" - Emily Nix
- "A Poem of D-Day" - Josh Cuellar
- "It Was for My Country" - Mazalee Floreani
"Heroes of Freedom" - Elizabeth Casady
Men all standing side by side
With hearts unwavering and courage savoring.
The flag they know, they will not hide
With American honor, strength, and pride
While trials may come to heroes great
They stand encouraged, embrace their fate
Through struggles, troubles, and hardships await
They rose above, and refused to break
Far away, or close and bide
They’ll always be there to be our guide
For all the pain and hurt endured
Our thanks will always be assured
Blood and sweat will come and go
But names of heroes we will always know
Their legacies will light our way
Reminding us of brighter days
When times got dark, these men stood up
To risk their only lives for all
The choices made we see today
Their sacrifices ensured that freedom stayed
So today we honor you, young and old
To those who served with hearts of gold
Your service and commitment oh so true
Today in our hearts, we remember you.
"The Right Kind of Courage" - Ellery Broughton
In a world full of faith
For your own country’s freedom
You lean on your family
You fight for the Kingdom
You live for your country
You live for your King
For the family you left
To do the right thing
We raise up our hands to form a salute
Our hand on our heart
Our feet in our boots
Our national anthem in our lungs
We pledge allegiance without fear of what’s to come
The kind of courage that more people need
The one that you have
The one that you bleed
Is living inside you
No doubt about that
And when the time comes
Our country gives back
My family thanks you
My friends do too
Our school is so grateful
Our country is too.
"The Shepherds Soldiers" - Emily Nix
On days when you were far from home,
You wondered if you'd ever return.
You heard the shots, heard the tanks
Your heart knew what was at stake.
Each thud may have caused your heart to shatter,
The pitter-patter of your dreams lost in the clatter.
You heard the shots whistling by
Missing by mere inches, or not at all.
You kept up the fight, kept up your gun.
That bravery makes our country great.
Provided by God; guarded by his Spirit; saved by his Son
This world is His own.
God's creation and joy
He loves and cares,
Through trials and spans.
He places those worthy to take care of his lambs.
Those deemed worthy have carried the strain,
Handpicked by God, who guides through all the pain.
Grateful we stand, for the path you defend,
For serving your country and all fellow men.
Though our gratitude is more than words can relay,
We honor you today, and for you always pray.
"A Poem of D-Day" - Josh Cuellar
All is quiet; all is calm
A tiny wave roles onto the sand
The fog moves in, swift and briskly
Five minutes before, all is calm
The Germans wait in anxiety
The guns wait in the kinetic stillness of the moment
The swastika hangs in the wind
Five minutes before, all is quiet
The Americans rally
Every first-wave ally prepares himself
The uneasiness of the moment shows itself in every initial regiment’s eyes
Five minutes before, the boat is quiet,
The men run with no target in sight,
The enemy fires ceaseless bullets on the sacrificial regiment
The pain of casualties glares off the sand,
Five minutes in, the first of over 4,000 have fallen,
The bravery placed on that sand
The courage to sacrifice yourself for those you love
The dauntlessness to stake your life on what you believe
Five minutes after the bravest men lay on the sand of Normandy
"It Was for My Country" - Mazalee Floreani
It Was for My Country
“It was for my country.
Boom, Bang
The cannons discharged
Soldiers falling
Comrades ducking
All the sky was painted with dust
Ditches and dents
Shots fired
Bullet wounds seeping
The ringing never stopped”
The old man recalled
Shaking with fear
“I remember like it was yesterday
The running, the screaming
I’ve never been more horrified
We’re done, I can’t
It was for my country
For all the friends I lost
For all the freedom we have
It was for my country”
7th Grade Arms of Hope Field Trip
Our 7th graders recently spent a weekend in Medina, TX, serving the Arms of Hope community on a mini-mission trip. Our students did an amazing job serving and working diligently unto the Lord. This was a student-led trip, meaning our students were leading all work assignments for two days. They hosted a Fall Festival for Arms of Hope residents, served all the residents a pizza and salad lunch, worshipped around the campfire, encouraged each other, and prayed out loud (into a microphone!) and led us spiritually throughout the entire trip. We had seven work teams: House Team, Organization Team, Team Pecan, Tree Trimmers, Rock Movers, Team Cedar, and Team Christmas. There were power tools, pecan groves, trucks, trailers, loads of limbs and trash, mud, sweat, cleaning products, and so much more. These young men and women of God truly embraced their mission trip and led in every way.
Veritas Academy Scholars
It is with great pride that we recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our Classical Learning Test (CLT) Scholars, reflecting their dedication, intelligence, and commitment to academic excellence. We are thrilled to share that four of our remarkable students have been named CLT 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.
Bless Our School & Bless Our Teachers: Nov 18-Dec 6
Here at Veritas the holiday season includes a special time to celebrate and collectively Bless Our School & Bless Our Teachers! Essentially, this conveniently wraps together year-end giving and faculty Christmas gifts into one nice and neat package, making it streamlined and efficient to contribute to one or both of these areas using one simple online form. To participate, please visit Bless Our School and Bless Our Teachers from now until Fri, Dec 6, 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.
Veritas Classic Golf Tournament
Join the Veritas community and friends on Sat, Mar 8, for a day of fellowship and fun over a scramble-format round of golf! Lunch and swag will be included. For event sponsorship inquiries, please contact VeritasClassic@VeritasAcademy.net. Stay tuned for more details and we can't wait to see you on the greens!
Class of 2014 Reunion!
We had eight members of the class of 2014 and their spouses gather on campus for the 2014 10-year reunion on Sat, Oct 19. Like the classes of 2012 and 2013 before them, this was the first time many of these graduates had seen the new campus. There was a lot of sweet reminiscing about Girls' Soccer, Mr. Donaldson's and Mr. Hanenburg's class, the Europe trip (only the second time a Veritas class went to Europe!!), faculty unable to attend the event and no longer teaching at Veritas, and many other memories. We gathered in the renovated Students' Commons, which made for a wonderfully comfortable space for fellowship and a catered Cabo Bob's dinner.
P.S. Class of '15:
It's not too late to start thinking about and planning your reunion! Veritas will continue to reach out each year to the 10-year graduates and offer to host and facilitate reunions.
Citizens Theatre Company Takes 2nd Place at State One Act Play!
Congratulations to The Three Musketeers cast and crew for becoming District Champions (for the second year in a row), and advancing to State, and finishing as Runner Up (2nd Overall) at the 2024 TAPPS State One Act Play competition! Several students also received individual awards for their performance at District and at State including:
District
- Sawyer Marrs received the Best Actor award
- Caden Pennington and Edith Pendergraft received All Star Cast Award
- Abbey Bush and Merrill Hughes received Honorable Mention Cast
- Dayanna Herring received All Star Crew
State
- Sawyer Marrs received Best Actor
- Merrill Hughes received All Star Cast
- Abbey Bush, Micah McGinty, and Caleb Blythe received Honorable Mention Cast
- Kaetlynn Hoffman received All Star Crew
Congratulations, Drumline!
Our SLR Drumline participated in the TAPPS Marching Band and Drumline competition on Mon, Oct 21, in Waco, Texas where they received a Division One rating (highest possible). The Drumline is led by Drum Captain Joshua Henselman and section leader Nick Eisenbarth (Front Ensemble). A huge thank you to our Drumline Instructor, Joel Cowen, for his teaching and guidance!
Fall Athletic Feats
SL Tackle Football WINS Championship Game!
SL Tackle Football completed their UNDEFEATED season, finishing 9-0, for the first time in Veritas history by annihilating Bracken 40-13 in the championship game. Overall this season, they scored 80% more than their opponents and mercy ruled multiple opponents.
SL Silver Volleyball Shines at District Tournament
Both our 5th/6th Grade Silver and 7th/8th Silver volleyball teams closed out their season in award-winning fashion. 5th/6th Grade Silver finished the tournament with a second place finish, while 7th/8th Grade Silver completed an UNDEFEATED season and took home gold!
5th/6th Grade (left to right): Coach McAvoy, Avery J, Bailey N, Nevie T, Presley R, Coach Nelson, Ava M, Nora S, Sofia F, Coach Thomas, Maryn S, Capey O, Leah R, and Emmaline A
7th/8th Grade (left to right): Coach Scott, Charlotte A, Emily N, Leah A, Natalie S, Emery R, Kailey S, Coach Adams, Taylor F
Varsity Cross Country Finishes Strong
This year, SR Cross Country fielded their largest team yet with 24 runners and were represented at the state meet by 13 of 15 varsity athletes. They improved significantly on their 2023 state performance, the girls team improving by over 15% and the boys team taking Top 10 (4A division) for the first time in Veritas history. Over half of our runners were racing at state for the first time!
Junior Rookie Julia Rhodes had the highlight performance of the day, with a 15th place finish of 13:55 in the 2 mile run, earning Academic All-State for her performance on and off the course. Senior Captain Jack Bruce also stood out with a 21st place finish (approximately top 10%) of 18:38 (beating his previous state finish by over 30 seconds)! Junior Captain Bliss Mohon and Junior Caleb Eilers also improved on their previous placements. Finally, we had two more rookies notch impressive finishes with Sophomore Caleb Vimont taking top 50 and Junior Isaac Karnes taking top 100. These performances were key contributors to the team’s best state performance ever! Congratulations runners!
Varsity Volleyball Ventures to Playoffs Tomorrow!
After two competitive playoff-preparation matches against larger division schools Brentwood and Regents, the Defenders headed to Pasadena for Round 1 of playoffs against First Baptist Christian Academy. We are very proud of them and their efforts in a tough fought season. Onward and upward, Defenders!
On the way to one of their final matches, the Defenders also helped a stranded vehicle out of a tight spot:
SL Fall Sports Awards Results
Our SL teams had a big semester! Expand each sport to see individual awards.
SL Football
SL Coordinator: Glen Schuknecht
Program Director: Jonathan Hatfield
Flag Football 5/6th Grade
Silver (5th grade) Coaches: Phillip Cannata & Mike Rockwell
- MVP: Ben Alguire
- Defender Heart: Aiden McKinley
Blue (6th grade) Coaches: Jeremy Thiel, Peter Dusan, & Will Larkam
- MVP: Asa Dusan
- Defender Heart: Brendon Artman
Tackle Football 7th/8th Grade
Coaches: Stephen Cone, Luis Sanchez, Danny True, Chad Mahagan, & Shan Jenkins
- MVP: Will MacPherson
- Defender Heart: Josh Cuellar
SL Volleyball
SL Coordinator: Lisa Jasper
Program Director: Becky Taylor
5th/6th Grade Volleyball
Black Team Coaches: Matt Thomas
- MVP: Presley Rygg
- Defender Heart: Capey Olschefskie
Silver Team Coaches: Lisa Nelson, Alex McAvoy
- MVP: Ava McAvoy
- Defender Heart: Nevie Thomas
Blue Team Coaches: Becky Taylor, Holly Eppes
- MVP: Millie Claire Kinane
- Defender Heart: Raegan True
7th/8th Grade Volleyball
Black Team Coach: Megan Nespoli
- MVP: Harper Hood
- Defender Heart: Catherine Gengler
Silver Team Coaches: Dale Scott & Tom Adams
- MVP: Emery Roberts
- Defender Heart: Emily Nix
Blue Team Coach: Ashleigh Bomar
- MVP: Ember Bomar
- Defender Heart: Grace Alguire
Save the Dates for 2025 Events on the Horizon
MLK Jr. Service Day
Mon, Jan 20, 2025
senior thesis presentations
Week of Apr 28, 2025
Year end assembly
wed, May 21, 2025
Class of 2o25
graduation
fri, May 23, 2025
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.
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.
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 & Instagram to see more pictures!
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October 2024 Friends of Veritas
October 2024
Volume IX • Issue I
friends of veritas academy
Dear Defender Friends, Alumni & Grands,
On the heels of a productive summer, we have thoroughly enjoyed this six weeks of being back together and kicking off what has already shaped up to be a wonderful school year. Thank you for joining us by reading our Friends of Veritas Newsletter! These newsletters will be emailed a handful of times throughout the school year as we highlight our students and invite you to various events and happenings around campus. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into the many exciting and wonderful activities going on at Veritas Academy and that you will save the date to join us whenever you can. We’re so glad that you’re a part of the Veritas community!
-Your Veritas Family
campus & community
2024 Vision Address & Thematic Goal
At our annual Paideia Conference the week of August 7, Head of School Cameron Cook spoke to the entire community of parents and faculty/staff as he cast a vision for the 2024 school year rooted in the truth and goodness of Deuteronomy 6:4-7 which reads: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And of these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
While this verse has always been foundational to the mission of Veritas Academy, reading it again this August served to illuminate and reframe a question that we've been discussing at Veritas for several months. What was initially, "Are we too busy?" became, "What do we prioritize, and what rhythms should we establish to support our priorities?" In sharing these new questions, Cameron challenged us to assess our routines, habits, and schedules to see what is working and what needs room to grow. He encouraged families to take the long, scenic route here and there and to make it a habit of maximizing evenings with our families. These ideas and more led to the development and sharing of this year's thematic goal and defining objectives.
Thematic Goal
Prioritize and establish intentional rhythms of spiritual formation, fellowship, work, worship, and rest
Our 20th First Day of School!
20 Years: United in Purpose & Passion
Each school year begins another unique chapter in the story of Veritas, yet with the same Author writing each page, the pillars of faith, family, and fortitude remain a continuous thread. The Lord has blessed us with a clear and distinct calling to partner with Christian parents to provide their children with a classical Christian education for the lifelong pursuit of wisdom and virtue in the service of Jesus Christ for the glory of God. We have the privilege of walking this out in a collaborative model that integrates professional instruction with parent-mentored study and discipleship to cultivate genuine faith in Christ, godly virtue, and excellence in academics and workmanship.
For the 2024-2025 school year, we are honored to have 696 students filling our PreSchool-12th Grade classrooms and 391 families to partner with on this journey. This year's students and families are continuing the legacy and traditions that our 403 Alumni and their families began. From Paideia Week to Cheers and Tears, to the annual Kindergarten reading of Oh, The Places You'll Go, to fall football and Defender Dads, there is always something special to enjoy. Thank you to those who have gone before us for blazing the trail, and thank you to our current Defenders who are eagerly running with the baton in hand as we pass down our faith, recapture time as a family, and do hard things together for God's glory. We continue to be abundantly blessed by the Lord, and we can't wait to see all that He has in store for us this school year!
Leadership Additions & Overview
- Neela Beddoe Named Fine Arts Director
- Molly Ingram Board Term Completed
- Deanna Bryan Welcomed to the School Board
- Veritas Academy Administration (VAA) for the '24-'25 School Year
Neela Beddoe Named Fine Arts Director
We are pleased to announce that Neela Beddoe has stepped into the role of Fine Arts Director and has joined Veritas Academy's Administration (VAA) team. 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. Over the years she has performed in Shakespearean plays, musical theater productions, and as a jazz vocalist and session singer. She has also worked as a freelance makeup artist, costume designer, and interior designer in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. Along side her work as an artist, Neela has over 20 years of experience in operations and management. She has held leadership positions in the tech industry, commercial real estate, and events.
In fall of 2023, Neela stepped into the role of Dean of Fine Arts with a vision to provide a robust education in the classical arts that glorifies God. Increasing appreciation for what is true, good, and beautiful, she focused on developing programs and courses that emphasize skill growth and also helped create new traditions, such as the Winter Showcase community event with Family Ministries and recently the addition of the new Veritas Troubadours, a male singing group that performs at various community events.
The impact she had as Dean was impressive, and after several months of interviews at multiple levels, she was invited to step into the Director position and onto the VAA team to represent the voice of Fine Arts at the table with other leaders in the school. The voice of Fine Arts is particularly important at Veritas where we value giving our students the opportunity to study and participate in academic, fine arts, and athletic programs. The skills, character, and appreciation developed in these arenas produce what Plato calls "the harmonious soul... both temperate and courageous.”
Neela is thankful for the support of her husband Marshall, and daughters Violet (6th) and Iris (4th).
Molly Ingram Board Term Completed
After 6 years of faithfully serving on the Veritas Board, we would like to thank Molly for her time, prayer, and commitment. Her impact is immeasurable, especially as a member of the Head of School Support & Evaluation Committee (HSEC) which was essential during our school's first HOS transition. Molly is still around campus in the classroom teaching Spanish and leading our Foreign Language Department while also supporting her two boys: Noah(VA '26) and Dylan(VA '28). We are thankful for Molly (and Mitch), many years of support of Veritas, and for her leadership, commitment, and service these past six years.
Deanna Bryan Welcomed to the School Board
Deanna (pronounced Deena) was welcomed to the Board over the summer as our former Board Member, Molly Ingram, rolled off.
The Bryan's have been at Veritas since 2015. Deanna loves time spent shoulder to shoulder with her kids on home days, the quality time her kids have with each other, and the many teachers and parents who know and love their family.
Deanna also has a background in education and began her teaching career working with students with severe disabilities. While teaching in a high school life skills classroom, she had a student who she believed could learn to read. Through tutoring this student, her passion for teaching reading began. She continued teaching as an inclusion teacher and taught in a special education reading lab for middle school struggling readers for almost 10 years. She also worked at The Vaughn Gross Center for Reading and Language Arts at the University of Texas.
Deanna and her husband, Frank, were married in 2001 and have three children: Esther (VA’26), Isaiah (VA ’29), and Franklin (VA ’32). They love their church family at Trinity Church Austin. Their family serves with babies, kids and teens. Deanna’s favorite place is worshipping alongside her husband, kids and church family on Sunday mornings.
We are so blessed and thankful to have Deanna join the Board and to share her love for Veritas and education.
Veritas Academy Administration (VAA) for the '24-'25 School Year
Veritas Academy's Administration (VAA) is led by Head of School, Cameron Cook. Collectively, this team of "executives" is responsible for leading all of the operations of the school and ensuring the growth and success of our students, families, faculty, staff, and programs.
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Veritas Board & Administrators
Paideia 2024 Keynote Speakers, Books & Resources
In addition to Cameron's Vision Address, we had the opportunity to hear from Dr. W. Davies Owens, founder and host of the podcast "BaseCamp Live," as a Paideia keynote speaker. Davies was joined by one of our favorite returning speakers, Keith A. McCurdy, M.A., Ed.S., President and Founder of Live Sturdy, LLC, and President and CEO of Total Life Counseling, Inc. Among several topics, Davies and Keith spoke about influence zones (importance of the role of parents in influencing their students), cultural moment challenges, and the Classical Christian Education movement.
You can view their sessions—and previous keynote speakers—in our Paideia Archives. This page also provides a list of resources referenced by many of our Veritas speakers who led two days of impactful breakout sessions. Their list of recommendations won't disappoint!
What is Paideia?
Paideia Meaning
Paideia is the ongoing transmission of a cultural heritage of goodness, truth and beauty by impressing those values upon each generation, through discipline and instruction, with the telos (purpose, end, goal) of creating excellence and virtuous minds, body and souls. In short, Paideia is the disciplined crafting of a man—the whole man—in excellence and virtue.
Paideia Week at Veritas
Paideia Week is held before the start of each school year to equip, educate, and inspire the Veritas community. The purpose is to create an ideal atmosphere while connecting with people who share a unified passion to strengthen their family and raise their children in the paideia of the Lord. The lessons learned, the advice received, the friendships deepened, and the new relationships formed are essential to preparing for and partnering well each school year.
Sign Up to Receive Our Weekly Veritas Podcast via ZipCast
text VATX to (833) 409-4823 to sign up today
Our Paideia Guest Speakers, Davies Owens and Keith mcCurdy, have launched a podcast that works to combine Veritas with outside tools and resources. ZipCast is a short 10-minute podcast blending announcements from our school with informative segments from trusted experts around the country. There are no apps to download—just text VATX to (833) 409-4823 to sign up and click play when the ZipCast hits your phone every Monday morning.
Each ZipCast includes:
- School News and Key Announcements
- A Joke of the Day - sure to bring smiles to your backseat passengers!
- Because You Asked - answers to real parent questions
- Word of the Week- texting back the word of the week enters you in a gift card giveaway
- Parenting Tips - practical advice for home life from experts like Keith McCurdy (Paideia 2024 Keynote Speaker)
- Short Scripture - with discussion questions for your kids
Join us in Memorizing Scripture
This school year, students are memorizing Genesis 1:26-2:2, Romans 5:1-11, and Ephesians 6:10-17 from the English Standard Version (ESV). The goal of this exercise is to hide God’s word in our hearts, reflect upon these truths, and converse among our families. Join us in this important discipline and opportunity!
National Merit Commended Scholars in the Class of '25
We proudly announce four National Merit Commended Scholars in the Class of 2025. Congratulations to Finnley Smitheal, Joshua Henselman, Caleb Blythe, and William Gengler on this remarkable achievement. These seniors represent the top 34,000 students in the nation and join the 15% of Veritas graduates to date who have earned National Merit Recognition when taking their junior year PSAT/NMSQT.
Thank You for Supporting Defender Dash 2024!
Though Defender Dash is a single day event, we love that our students get to see the full impact of their fundraising efforts and your generosity around campus for years to come! Just like our GS students crossed their finish line, there have been several projects that did the same over the summer. For starters, our Lower Village received a brand new slide that allows a fun passage from the library and gym landing to the LV courtyard and playground. Additionally, we added turf grass to cover the once muddy and worn down grass so now our littlest Defenders can run, play, and roll without hesitation and with ease. Our Upper Village also saw impactful upgrades like an garden chess board, an awning covering our restrooms, and an amazing tree weave. Throughout both villages the classroom windows have been donned with shutters and the most darling curtains adding what looks like simple touches that enhance classes and their spaces. Please enjoy this video of our students enjoying these new spaces and the impact you have made on campus.
Carpe Unitas: Seize Unity
Phase 2 Development: Community Center & Gym
The vision of coming together in the heart of campus is not just progressing, it is within sight! Carpe Unitas—seize unity—is an avenue for continued unity in purpose and passion as we celebrate with and support our students in competition, performance, and discipleship in a community center and gym on our own campus.
We look forward to sharing more in the months to come, and in the meantime, if you have questions about the project or would like to discuss your participation in the Carpe Unitas campaign, please reach out to our Campaign Manager, Betsy Cromer.
Carpe Unitas + Toad Hall
New GS Multi-Purpose Space
A new Grammar School lunch and multi-purpose space—now affectionately known as Toad Hall in reference to one of our favorite GS Read Aloud books, The Wind in the Willows—was installed last month. Toad Hall has replaced our former "green lunch tent" and is air-conditioned, holds up to 110 people, and has one entire wall of glass which provides an outside feel along with protection from the elements. Its location mirrors the site plan that is under review by the City of Austin for our community center and gym. Things are literally starting to move in the right direction for our next phase of campus development!
In pursuit of this vision, Veritas has:
- Selected Flintco and The Lawrence Group to be the builder and architects for a design-build project
- Filed site work with the City of Austin in October 2023
- Retained fundraising counsel who is helping us maximize our giving potential while honoring our donors
- Formed multiple committees of committed—and experienced—board members, staff, and families
- Received over $6.5M from lead donors who have generously committed/contributed to the vision
- Named the campaign Carpe Unitas—seize unity!
Project Inclusions:
- Removal/relocation of the current carpool loop to create an agora and central gathering space between all academic buildings
- Unification of the Upper GS classrooms with a new restroom and boardwalk
- Addition of a parking lot to include ~125 parking spaces
- Building of a community center/gym
save the date(s) for 2024 events on the Horizon
Homecoming Football Game v. Gloria Deo
fri, oct 11 @ 7pm | Defender Field
Veritas alumni tailgate
fri, oct 11 @ 5pm | Sr Student commons (3rd Floor of VA)
2014 class reunion
sat, oct 19 @ 5pm | SR Student commons (3rd Floor of VA)
Fall Roundup
fri, Oct 25 @ 5:30pm-7:30pm | Heritage Oak & Meadow
grandparents gathering
wed, dec 11 @ 1:30pm | Lyceum
alumni spotlight
Defender Alumni Spotlight: Corinna Edgar (VA '18)
Corinna and the Edgar family have been a part of Veritas since 2005. Including Corinna, the Edgar family had 3 children graduate. After attending Veritas since Kindergarten, Corinna attended Texas A&M University, where she graduated in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in International Studies. After joining the Navy 2 years ago, Corinna now serves as a student pilot assigned to VT 27, a U.S. Navy primary flight training squadron located at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. We are so proud to see her spread her wings and fly! Read Austin Native Serves with the Next Generation of U.S. Naval Aviation Warfighters to see how Corinna got here and this amazing profession she jumped in the pilot seat of.
Click to enlarge
Class of 2024 Graduation
Since our last newsletter, we said farewell to our class of 2024 please pray with us as they begin their new journeys, we were preparing to send off our remarkable Class of 2024. Now, they have embarked on exciting new journeys, taking the next steps into the world. We ask for your prayers and well-wishes as they begin this new chapter in their lives. To the Class of 2024, we hope you’re thriving in your new endeavors, and remember—no matter where life takes you, you will always have your Veritas Community.
2024 Veritas Valiant Recipient & Grant Designation
Brody Head, the 2024 Veritas Valiant Recipient who is pictured with Mr. Cook, has designated his grant to Good Days, an organization whose mission is to provide financial support and resources to people who live with chronic illnesses. Brody is particularly drawn to Good Days's commitment to come alongside those whose pain is oftentimes unseen yet very real and persistent. He views the support provided by Good Days as offering hope along with help to enrich the lives of many, so they can have "more good days." Brody personally knows several family members and friends who live with a chronic illness and also viewed this opportunity to award the Veritas Valiant Grant to Good Days as a way to honor and acknowledge his love and support for them.
What Is The Veritas Valiant Award & Grant?
The Veritas Valiant Award is the Academy’s highest honor acknowledging a graduating senior whose life is marked not just by intellect and accomplishment, but also by excellence and virtue. Beginning with the Class of 2019, the recipient(s) of the Veritas Valiant Award have received the honor of making a significant monetary contribution to a cause or program about which they are passionate by directing an anonymously sponsored $3,000 grant to the organization.
Learn More about the Veritas Valiant
Alumni Events on the Horizon!
Homecoming MMXXIV Tailgate
Fri, Oct 11 @ 5pm | SR Student Commons (3rd Floor of VA)
Homecoming MMXXIV is Monday, October 7- Friday, October 11! Join us on the 3rd floor for some time to catch up before the game in our SR Student Commons! We will be providing a Torchy's Nacho Bar and drinks. Alumni parents are welcome as well!
Homecoming MMXXIV Alumni Walk
Fri, Oct 11 @ 7:45pm(ish) | South end zone of Defender Field
Five minutes before halftime, please gather by the south end zone of Defender Field on the scoreboard side to walk the "track" with your graduating class! We'll start walking right after the Veritas BlueBelles finish their halftime performance so be sure to keep an eye on the clock!
Class of 2014 Reunion!
Sat, Oct 19 @ 5pm | SR Student Commons (3rd Floor of VA)
The class of '14 is celebrating their 10 Year Reunion milestone together on Saturday, October 19, at 5pm with a catered meal from Cabo Bob's, a campus tour, and more all in our newly refreshed SR Student Commons. RSVP and event details were sent via Evite. If you have any questions or have not received any details, please contact Alumni@VeritasAcademy.net.
P.S. Class of '15, you're on deck!
fine arts feature
Putting the Spotlight on our Fine Arts Shining Stars
We are thrilled to announce that the Fine Arts culture at Veritas continues to reach new heights with the introduction of our New GS Choir elective and the addition of incredible new instructors to Music Ensemble, Choir, and Speech & Debate (Intermediate & Competitive). With one of our Defining Objectives, leading our eyes to focus on what is true, good, and beautiful, our returning Fine Arts Director, Neela Beddoe and her team are highlighting the ways in which we are currently doing this and looking at areas where we can brighten our light.
By teaching students how to think rhetorically and live out the good man speaking well, Competitive Speech and Debate, is one of current programs fulfilling our theme of truth, goodness, and beauty. In fact, at the 18th annual Hurricane Tournament held last Saturday at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Temple, TX, Jacob Govea, Scout Sowers, Joel Regen, Caleb Scott, Hannah Windham and Drew Krawzsenek competed in Lincoln Douglas Debate and Impromptu Speaking.
Coached by our amazing Intermediate & Competitive Speech Instructor, Mrs. Quinnell, ALL students won numerous rounds during the debate progression and 3 placed for trophies. Caleb Scott took 4th, Jacob Govea took 3rd, and Scout Sowers took 2nd place overall. Jacob Govea also placed 3rd out of 25 entries for Impromptu Speaking.
Another important way we are leaning into this year's objectives is creating a culture of singing and a love for music. This is why we have brought on a GS Choir elective to get our younger Defenders prepared for when they get to choir in SL and later, SR. We are thrilled to announce that our Grammar School Choir had a successful kick-off last Friday! 70 students gathered in 2 rooms (Kinder-2nd and 3rd-4th graders) to join in singing, rhythm play, and ice- breaker games. We are thankful for this new opportunity for our GS students and look forward to hearing them sing this year. With new teachers like Beth Monson (Music Ensemble) and Becki Tulbah (Choir) our students are getting more and more music experience and learning so many new and exciting tools.
These additions have brought fresh energy, exciting new projects, and well-deserved recognition to our program. We are proud of the vibrant creativity and talent flourishing in our Fine Arts community and can't wait to see what’s next! Read below by clicking through the drop-downs to meet the names and see the faces of the amazing women who are working hard to elevate Fine Arts at Veritas.
- Becki Tulbah, New SLR Choir Instructor
- Leslie Quinnell, SR Intermediate & Competitive Speech & Debate Instructor
- Beth Monson, New Music Ensemble Instructor
- Elizabeth Trask, New GS Choir Instructor
Becki Tulbah, New SLR Choir Instructor
Becki has a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Texas at Austin and a BA in Vocal Performance from Asbury University. She studied as a Doctoral student at UT Austin where she performed leading roles with Opera Theater and UT Theater Department. She was also a soloist and ensemble member with the UT Early Music Ensemble choir and has been a soloist and ensemble member in touring choirs at Texas Tech and Asbury University, as well as taking on operatic and ensemble roles with regional opera companies.
Becki and her husband Fareed have been Veritas parents for eight years. Fareed was a pastor for 13 years before starting their business, Caden Roofing. They have two sons, Braden (VA '24 Graduate) and Canaan (VA '27).
Choir has shaped Becki's life in many ways from growing up in children's choir to competing in state competitions in high school, all the way through college and graduate school choirs and ensembles. She is passionate about music education and believes that all kids should have the opportunity to sing together in a choir. "Choir was always the best part of my school day growing up. There's just something about singing together with a group that lifts your spirits and performing allows you to give the gift of music to others."
Leslie Quinnell, SR Intermediate & Competitive Speech & Debate Instructor
Leslie and her husband Eric have been Veritas parents for 3 years. Leslie and Eric met at the University of Texas and have called Austin home for 22 years. Eric is an electrical engineer at Tesla, and together they have three children Logan (6th grade), Emily (3rd grade), and Lucy (1st grade).
Leslie is wrapped up her first year teaching at Veritas last year and has stepped in to teach the SR Intermediate Speech class this past August. Leslie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish with a focus in language teaching from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to working at Veritas, Leslie was the Education Coordinator for an Episcopal Mission in South Austin and focused on educational grant writing. Leslie is an active member of the National Speech and Debate Association, and counts her time working on political campaigns as the best crash course in public speaking.
Leslie has cherished her time working with the SR speech students and looks forward to being able to build a competitive speech and debate program that provides more opportunities for our students to expand their speaking skills, to engage in meaningful discourse, and to learn to defend their beliefs with integrity. When not homeschooling her three children, or teaching, Leslie can be found lost in her backyard garden, trying to convince the plants to survive and grow faster by giving them motivational speeches.
Beth Monson, New Music Ensemble Instructor
Beth Monson and her husband, Kris, have three children, Henry, George, and Flora, who will be spread across all three schools at Veritas next year. They are longtime residents of the Austin area, though Beth grew up in central Pennsylvania. In high school, she was a leader in several school instrumental ensembles, where she played flute and saxophone (alto for jazz and symphonic, but tenor for marching). Beth and Kris met when they studied abroad in Strasbourg, France, and each added electives at the local music conservatory to their university programs. Playing in a hundred-some, all-saxophone community ensemble called Sax & Co in an Alsatian village gave Beth new insight about jazz and culture—and excellent memories.
Beth finished her university studies at Penn State in Geography, French, and International Studies and went on to work as an editor and journalist, beginning at National Geographic Magazine and later setting out as an independent freelancer specializing in Texas's food economy. As her own children embarked on their education in the public schools, Beth found her way to a personal study of classical education, eventually homeschooling her children for a year before coming to Veritas. Returning to music education is a surprise, but the Holy Spirit has surprised Beth before—and will hopefully do so many times over. She's eager to return to the band room to introduce a new group of students to the magic that transpires when we play instruments together.
Elizabeth Trask, New GS Choir Instructor
Elizabeth Trask grew up in Austin, Texas. The daughter of two musicians, she began singing and performing at a young age, participating in children’s choirs and musicals through her teenage years. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Business from The University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member and soloist of The Concert Chorale Choir and Treble Chorus. For the past 18 years, she has been a worship leader at various churches, including Houston’s First Baptist Church, where she also directed the Singers Choir. Under her leadership, the choir led thousands in worship every Sunday and performed the National Anthem at Houston Astros and Houston Rockets games. She has had the privilege to lead worship with talented musicians, including Christian music artist and Dove Award winner, Paul Baloche. Elizabeth has recorded vocals for various church worship albums and Shawnee Press choral pieces. She currently serves as the Worship Leader for Bannockburn Church Buda/Kyle. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Thomas, and they have 3 children who attend Veritas.
2024-2025 BlueBelles: The 4th Line
The Veritas Academy BlueBelles are once again under the direction of Amanda Hurley. This dedicated group of talented young ladies perform at each Veritas Defender home football game and also hosted their first annual Future BlueBelle Dance Clinic this month, giving students in PreK-6th Grade the chance to learn a routine and dance with the BlueBelles at our home game following Fall Roundup. The BlueBelles will be also competing at the TAPPS Fine Arts Dance Competition after the new year.
The 4th line of our Veritas BlueBelles includes:
- Back row: SarahLynn Leyendecker, Megan Williams, Charlotte Murphy, Josephine Hollifield
- Middle row: Tessa Baxter, Joyce Deiss (Social Officer), Jensen Hurley (Social Officer), Izzy Zamarippa, Citrine Morris
- Front Row: Bekah Leyendecker (Captain), Eliza Hollifield (Captain)
Coaches' corner
Athletics Calendars & Tips
Defender Athletes would love to invite you to cheer them on throughout the year! Please see all athletic schedules below and contact your athlete directly for additional game details. General “home game” details are included below. Go Defenders!
JV & Varsity Schedules 5th-8th Grade Schedules
We are now Cashless!
All ticket and concession sales are now cashless. Use this link to purchase tickets (or a season pass) for upcoming home games: https://events.
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Admission for Football Games: Homes Games @ Defender Field Adults: $6 |
Admission for Volleyball Games: Home Games @ Central Texas Fieldhouse in Buda Adults: $5 |
5th/6th Grade Flag Football's Strong Start
Veritas has started their inaugural 5/6 flag football season with four wins and are currently undefeated! See them at home on Defender Field this season on the following dates (5th Grade Silver will play first followed by 6th Grade Blue):
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Tue, Oct 8 at 6:30pm & 7:30pm
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Tue, Oct 15 at 6pm & 7:00pm
take a look
a few more opportunities to connect!
Calling All Defender Alumni!
If you are a member of the Veritas Alumni Community, we would love to hear what’s new in your life as well as how we can continue to pray for, encourage, and celebrate with you. You can also reach out to Alumni@VeritasAcademy.net directly to connect with us and lead Alumni Coordinator Eli Pickering.
Support Veritas
Veritas is so blessed by those who feel called to donate to our school, and you can give any time using the link below! All donations are tax-deductible and help us fulfill and further the mission and ministry of the entire school. Should you have any questions, please reach out to Development@VeritasAcademy.net.
Come Work at Veritas!
We are still in need of some new folks to join our team of talented faculty! Would you, or someone you know, be interested in joining the team? A love of the Lord, a love of children, and support of our mission are a must! Please visit our Employment page to see a complete list of the openings we have school-wide and contact HR@VeritasAcademy.net for more details.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see pictures and keep up with events!
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