Senior Gate Ready to Swing Open

Vol. 95
Number 7
May 6, 2011
Finals
Schedule
San Marc o s A c a d e m y
2801 Ranch Road 12
San Marcos TX 78666
Senior Gate Ready to Swing Open
Seniors -- May 16-18
Mon: Period 1 -- 1 p.m.
Tues: Period 2 & 8
Wed: Periods 3 & 7
Thurs: Periods 4 & 6
Fri: Period 5 -- 10:30-12
Grades 7-11 -- May 20-26
8:30-9:30 Review
9:40-11:10 Final
12:25-1:25
Lunch
11:20-12-20 Review
1:30-3
Final
Mon: Per
Tues: Per
Wed: Per
Per
Thurs: Per
1
3
5
5
7
&
&
&
&
&
2
4
6 HS
8 MS
8 HS
Around Campus
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: Zan
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M
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Murdey, Zoe Ruiz
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Shirle
Malon
They’re at the gate: In a tradition that marks the start of a lot of “last times” for our seniors, the Class of 2011 took their group photo at the
Senior Gate next to the RCC. The 51-member senior class will be walking through the gate on May 21 and will formally graduate the next day.
Ribbon...Sr. Gate...Commencement...
Academy Traditions
By Darcy Stevens
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Winding down...
May
6-8... Band Dallas trip
SAT testing
Schlitterbahn trip
10... Powder Puff Game
11... Senior Chapel
13... Physics Six Flags trip
Spring Concert 7:30
15... Baccalaureate 7:00
16-19... Senior finals
21... Ribbon Ceremony
8:30 a.m.
Senior Gate 10:30 a.m.
Academy Awards 7 p.m.
Pres Review 8:30 p.m.
22... Commencement 2 p.m.
23-26... 7th - 11th finals
26... MS Grad 10:30 a.m.
At the Academy, graduation traditions are vastly different
from those at most other schools. In the months and days
leading to commencement, our students participate in a
number of unique events.
One of the more treasured traditions of our senior and
junior girls is the Big Sister/Little Sister program. The Big
Sister/Little Sister program was started by Miss Katherine
Schultz when she was the Dean of Girls. In 1967 she also
started the tradition of the annual senior girls’ retreat to
Leakey. The senior girls pick their little sisters at the Leakey
Trip in September and then throughout the year, they work
to pass on the responsibility of the senior class to the junior
girls.
The tradition of a Senior Retreat to Palacios for our senior
boys was introduced about three years ago. Although newer
than Leakey, our boys benefit from a time of reflection,
bonding and fun as their senior year gets underway.
As the school year winds down, Baccalaureate is a church
service that takes place on the Sunday one week before
commencement. It is the first in a series of events that mark
graduation week for our seniors. All the seniors wear suits,
with the girls also are outfitted in hats and gloves.
The Ribbon Ceremony was originally held at 6:30 a.m.
and called the “Sunrise Service”. A few years ago the time
changed to 8:30 a.m., but it is still held on the Saturday before
commencement. It is an important event for both juniors
and seniors. The senior girls dress in white sun dresses while
the junior girls dress in their blazer uniforms. The senior
girls carry a large ribbon inscribed with their names and their
graduating class. At the end of the ceremony, the seniors
hand off the ribbon to their Little Sisters as a symbol of the
passing on the leadership and responsibility of being a senior
to the next in line. It is a beautiful, teary-eyed transition for
the girls.
“It is a southern coming out party,” said senior adviser
Ms. Stacey Herron.
Following the Ribbon Ceremony is the Senior Gate
Ceremony. Formerly known as the Rose and Saber, this is
a unique tradition in which the graduates are “presented” as
they walk through the gate. Located adjacent to the RCC, the
gate is unlocked and opened only once each year especially
for the graduating seniors. The Senior Gate came from the
Texas Capitol and was a gift from the Class of 1962. Dressed
in their white sundresses, the girls receive a yellow rose which
represents the Yellow Rose of Texas. Boys in JROTC wear
their dress blues and carry a sabre. All other male graduates
wear their graduation tuxedo. Passing through the gate
represents the transition from adolescence into adulthood.
A rather new tradition on campus is the Academy Awards.
All students attend and the end-of-year awards are presented.
The JROTC Final Review is the last event before
commencement in which the JROTC cadets undergo a final
inspection and all seniors are given best wishes.
Commencement is marked by the boys in dress blues and
tuxedos and the girls in long white gowns and long gloves.
Each senior girls also carries a bouquet of red roses. Diplomas
are special awards and recognitions, like the President’s Cup
and McNiel Cup, are given out in the RCC. In this final
step, our seniors officially become alumni of the San Marcos
Baptist Academy.
Did you know that before the names of our seniors were
posted on the telephone poles on the road into the Academy,
seniors used to paint their names on the basketball court next
to the football field? One of the past presidents, however,
thought it made the school look trashy, hence, now we
display the names on the telephone poles.
The traditions and unique ceremonies here at SMA,
though some may think a bit sappy, are what make the
memories of graduating from the Academy all the more
special. Congratulations to the Class of 2011. Enjoy your
final weeks at SMA.
Senior pranks:
An annual traditional, the senior
class leaves its
mark with some
fun on campus
-- Late night
relocation of
the tank and
filling the school
office with 500
balloons to greet
the staff Friday
kicked it off.
Page 2
The Laurel May 6, 2011
Farewell Tribute
L
t
d.
By Robby Sejebor
The 2010-2011 school year is finally coming to an end and
the young men of the Class of 2011 are getting ready to say
farewell to SMA. It was a really long, enjoyable year, and this
is because there have been a lot of accomplishments. These
accomplishments would not be possible without the help of our
dorm staff.
We have men like Mr. Corey Boyer, who started off as a baseball
coach and a band instructor. Over the years he has spent lots of
time with the students, learning to understand them better. This
prepared him for his current position as dorm director.
To Mr. Jeffry Loyd, Mr. Joe Nicosia, Mr. Corey Boyer, and
the other directors, RA’s, and helpers who have been there for us
through the years, thank you for guiding us and being there for
us in times of need. For both day and boarding student, these
men have had a big impact on our lives. Those who started
in the dorms as seventh graders, like Cameron Whitehead and
Calvin Kim, know just how much they have learned and matured
with the help of the men in the dorms.
So we, the graduating guys of SMA, want to express
our gratitude to our mentors and role models here at the
Staff:
Staff Reporters:
Jennifer Barot
Estevan Gutierrez
Justin Lamontagne
Robby Sejebor
Darcy Stevens
Morgan Walpole
Adviser: Mrs. Cindy Rollins
Policies:
Have a GREAT summer! 2010-11 The Laurel staff!
Robby Sejebor, Darcy Stevens, Jennifer Barot, Morgan
Walpole, Justin Lamontagne, and Estevan Gutierrez.
Academy. On behalf of the senior boys of 2011, I extend
our gratitude to these men for all their help and we hope
our paths cross again in the future after our graduation.
What do you think?
After 10 Years: Bin Ladin ... Finally
“I don’t really care about any of this. I am not American.” -- Nan Xu
“I’m glad he is dead just so he can’t harm anyone else.”
-- Rusti Wade
“Ohhh America did it, but they are going to hit back
hard.” -- Kingsley Umadia
“I’m glad we no longer have a threat from him.” -- Jeffery Sainah
“Obama is the best.” -- Charles Inyang
“I think that it is a good thing that he is gone because
all of the people that he has hurt -- both American and
other types of people. He has received what he has deserved. I am also afraid what the retaliation will be like.”
-- Zoe Ruiz
“It’s good that no Americans were harmed and great effort was taken to avoid civil casualties.” -- Emma Hartsock
“I feel it’s wrong they are celebrating the fact they shot
him between the eyes.” -- Mohammed Shiffli
“I thought he was dead two years ago.” -- Rosalina Hurt
“I think that he is not dead, and that the government
has not shown enough proof that they killed him.” -- Robby Sejebor
“Finally. Considering where that it took 10 years to
catch him and where he was, it was about time. But kudo’s
to the Navy!” -- Alex Ashley
“I find that justice was served and unfortunately people
from Al Qaeda will want revenge for his death; in fact,
someone sent a poster to the government saying that Bin
Laden died a fighter and they will continue serving Alla
so now we have to worry about the Al Qaeda wanting
revenge.” -- Jennifer Barot
“It’s about time he’s gone. Now America will be safer
with him gone.” -- Abby Daley
By Jennifer Barot
Being a new student
isn’t easy - especially when
you are a continent away
from home. Some Chinese
students have a hard time
adjusting to SMA because
of the major differences
in Chinese and American
schools.
Chinese high schools
differ from American high
schools in many ways,
especially in structure. A
Chinese school day is much
longer than an American
school day. While American
students usually attend
school for seven hours each
weekday, Chinese students
spend more time. Most
Chinese schools begin at 7
a.m. and remain till 4 p.m.,
though most students stay
until 8 p.m. to take extra
classes. The seniors who are
preparing for their final
exams stay even later -some students almost until
“I don’t really believe that it is Bin Ladin they killed.
There’s just not enough proof.” -- Swele Osime
A Look at Chinese Schools
10 p.m.
Class structure varies
as well. In contrast to
America, where students
have each class in a
different classroom with
different classmates,
Chinese schools remain
in the same classroom all
day with teachers rotating
in and out. There is a
special word in the Chinese
language to distinguish
classmates of the same class
- Tóngban tóngxué. The
Tóngban tóngxué students
are naturally closer because
they are in class all day
together. In the classroom,
students sit at the same
desk all day and, in some
schools, they share a desk
with another. The classes
of each grade are separated,
with the oldest students
taking classes on the top
floor.
“The homework and tests
are harder in China than
America,” said Luna Zhang
(9).
Chinese culture places
emphasis on education.
China teaches academic
things earlier than in
America. Things students
in America learn in high
school might have already
been taught to Chinese
students in middle school.
America and China
both also follow their own
grade division. In China,
kindergarten through 6th
grade is called elementary
school (Xiaoxué), 7th
through 9th grade is
called junior high school
(Zhongxué), and 10 through
12th grade is senior
high school (Gaozhong).
At American schools,
kindergarten through 5th
grade is elementary school,
6th through 8th grade is
junior high school, and 9th
through 12th grade is high
school.
Because of the differences
in the school systems, some
Chinese find it hard to
adapt in American schools.
It is extremely competitive
in China because students
are constantly studying to
get the best grades so they
can get into a good college.
There are thousands of
students in a regular school
in China, while SMA has a
much small student body
of only a couple hundred.
While Chinese classes
consist of an average of
30 or more students, SMA
classes usually have around
12 or more students. With
smaller classes at SMA,
Chinese students have more
attention and are able to
focus more and interact.
The culture difference is
also an obstacle.
“Chinese are more
reserved while Americans
are blunter,” said Qijun
Ding (10), referring to the
The Laurel Ltd. is published
several times each semester It is
distributed free of charge to the
San Marcos Academy student
body. The Laurel Ltd. may also
be viewed online at the Academy web site, www.smabears.org.
An online version is published
throughout the school year
at.myhsj.org.
Opinions expressed in columns and editorials are those
of the student writers and do
not necessarily reflect the views
of the faculty or administration of San Marcos Academy.
Letters to the Editor are
encouraged. Letters must be
typed and submitted to the editor one week prior to the publication date. All letters should
be signed.
For information on San
Marcos Academy, please visit
our web site at www.smabears.
org.
Contact:
Phone:: (512) 753-8046
Fax: (512) 753-8031
E-mail: [email protected]
Address:
2801 Ranch Road 12
San Marcos, Texas 78666
What if there
were no
hypothetical
questions?
difference in attitudes.
“In China, teachers are
stricter and in America the
teachers are friendlier.”
The language barrier is
also hard to overcome since
learning English can be
extremely hard for many
Chinese students. They are
often nervous to speak it.
Learning a new language
takes a lot of time and
effort and that makes it
difficult for students to
learn English right away.
“I think pronouncing
things is hard,” said Tiffany
Hung (11). “And the word
order is different in English
than from Chinese.”
Even with the differences
in culture and challenges
of being in a new
country with a different
language, Chinese students
come to SMA for more
opportunities and work
hard to make the most of
them.
May 6, 2011
The Laurel
Page 3
Time to get loud...Time to represent...It’s time for
Jungleboyz
By Robby Sejebor
Jungleboyz is a group of three Academy guys who, together with all their various skills,
make phenomenal music. Seniors Swele Osime, Ben Parent and Robby Sejebor came
together at SMA about two years ago and started Jungleboyz.
Because they each had a strong passion for music, they worked together on making
some of their own tunes. Jungleboyz first track, “Coming Back”, featured Ben as the
lead vocalist and included Josh McIntyre as a second vocalist.
“Coming Back” was a success. Loved by many, it has played on radio stations
around the world, mostly in England and Nigeria, from where two of the Jungleboyz
members come. It is an R&B track inspired about break-ups and hard times in relationships. “Coming Back” can be found on YouTube and I-tunes today. Fans of the Jungleboyz on Facebook say that they really enjoy the songs and always will.
The Jungleboyz have produced 14 songs, including this year’s Homecoming hit “SMA,
What Time Is It?” If you went to the Junior/Senior Prom, you had the privilege of hearing them play a good-bye tribute. Good luck, Jungleboyz.
By: Justin Lamontagne
School this year ends on
the 27th of May -- and then
comes summer! One of the
biggest questions for teens
is, ‘What am I going to do
this summer?’ How about
spending some time at the
movie theater? The summer of 2011 is said to have
a collection of exciting,
funny, action-packed movies. The following films are
being released:
Green Lantern -- June 17
For centuries, a small yet
Junglesboyz: SMA’s home grown band, Jungleboyz, is made up of seniors Robby Sejebor, Swele Osime and Ben Parent. All three plan to continue developing their passion
for music after they graduate.
Movie Reels of Summer
powerful group of protectors has kept intergalactic
peace and justice. They call
themselves the Green Lantern Corps. When a Green
Lantern crashes into Earth,
Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) receives the Lantern’s
ring which gives him powers from out of this world.
When a new enemy, Parallax, comes into the picture,
it’s time for the first human
recruit ever into the Green
Lantern Corps to step up
and save the universe.
Cars 2 -- June 24
Lightning McQueen
(voice of Owen Wilson) is
now at the top of the racing
world. What else could you
have ask for? How about
being named the world’s
fastest car? Lightning
McQueen and a tow truck
like no other by the name
of Mater (voice of Larry
the Cable Guy) go on an
adventure on the streets of
Japan and Europe for the
first-ever World Grand Prix.
This race will determine the
world’s fastest car. While
Into the Trees...
Prom 2011: Unforgetable
Students of SMA had fun during the Senior/Junior Prom at the San Marcos Embassy
Suites April 30th. Before the dance, party-goers dressed up and dined out at venues from
Austin to San Antonio. Some dorm students enjoyed dinner at Carino’s in San Marcos
before prom. The decorations, music and food made for a wonderful evening filled with
dancing, laughter, and loads of fun.
Mater is helping McQueen
with his race, he gets caught
up in his own adventure:
international espionage.
cons fight to get the “Cybertronian spacecraft” first
and learn of its powers and
secrets.
Transformers 3: Dark of
the Moon -- July 1
Sam Witwicky (Shia
LaBeouf) is entering adulthood and is still involved
with the Autobots in their
war against the Decepticons. The Autobots learn
that another of their kind is
hidden on the Moon. The
movie turns into a race as
the Autobots and Decepti-
Other movies coming out this summer that
look interesting include
The Hangover - Part II,
X-Men: First Class, Super 8,
Harry Potter and the Deathly
Hallows - Part II, Captain
America: The First Avenger,
and Cowboys and Aliens.
Campus-wide survey...
What’s your favorite?
Academy students have specific likes...
Food: Asian
Pizza topping: Cheese
Fast-food restaurant: McDonald’s
Electronic device: Computer
Video game: Call of Duty
Free-time activity: sports
Cafeteria entree: chicken fried steak
Favorite place to shop: mall
Movie star: Jackie Chan
TV show: Gossip Girl
Social network: Facebook
Rec trip: Austin mall
Cartoon character: Sponge Bob
Brighten my day...
Best Smile:
Best Laugh:
12th -- JP Powell
12th -- Robby Sejebor
11th -- Hattie Wesley
11th -- Memo Borrego
10th -- Beth Thielen
10th -- Rusti Wade
9th -- Niyanta Marfatia
9th -- Megan Pizana
8th -- Hanna Paul
8th -- Shelby Teis
7th -- Kara Hawkins
7th -- Emily Matthews
Faculty: Ms. Belle
Faculty: Mr. Kelia
Shirley-Howell
Price
Page 4
The Laurel May 6, 2011
Seniors Wills -- Love from the Class of 2011
Kim
Panther
I, Kim Panther, will the
following:
Zoe Ruiz: Hugh
Jackman, our junior year,
and your own cooking
show (making ice cream
should be the first episode).
Justyn Hinson: An “A”
in College Algebra, an
amazing senior year, and
somebody to be your mom/
big sister/grandma next
year.
Herriott Parker: $47.
Ayla Roper and Lily Li:
A “Tianic” that really is
unsinkable.
Tiara Hansen: An endless
supply of peanut butter, an
awesome senior year, and
a clone of yourself so you
can do all the activities you
want to next year.
Daniel Sexton: All the
bananas you want.
Zack Middleton and Alex
Ashley: Pop Tarts and an
8-course meal anytime ya’ll
get hungry.
Derek Hoffman:
Somebody who will take
one for the team.
Melanie Isaacs: Your own
personal body guard from
the Austin State Hospital.
Georgia Rutledge: Raul,
stars that can be seen if
you cover your left eye, and
gecko repellent.
Taylor Teis: An “A” in
Statistics and the ability to
differentiate between left
and right.
Ted Anderson: Our
awesome Spanish project.
Kelly Reese: A suite
mate you can harass, a
shower that doesn’t break,
and all the Quizno’s you
can eat (except the spicy
sandwiches).
Hattie Wesley: A stressfree senior year and animal
crackers
Caroline Roberts: An
endless supply of Mama
Kim hugs.
Kim Saindon: The rights
to the name “Kim” (except
when I visit).
John Nealon: A rubber
ducky.
Brittney Dizzine: An
awesome Assistant S-4 .
Calvin Kim: A purple
pencil bag.
Christian Keller: Blue
ribbons and Grand
Champion belt buckles, a
horse for Mounted Color
Guard that isn’t afraid
of helicopters, and the
presidency of the 4-H club.
Rebecca Cox: An
awesome Spanish tutor.
Chris Germer: My banjo
and somebody to keep
calling you “Perchy”.
Ms. Paul: Somebody to
tell you stories when you’re
in New Mexico.
Cody Dietert: Our lunch
table.
Amy Souliotis: Somebody
to walk the 5K with in
college, a left ankle that
doesn’t give you problems,
and the appreciation you
deserve.
all your endeavors.
Ted Anderson:
Inspiration to create
amazing works, and a nasty
vicious streak.
Zack Middleton: PopTarts in BOTH pockets.
Zoe Ruiz: Hope that
you find everything your
heart desires.
~~~~~~
Darby
Rollins
~~~~~~
Daniel
Patman
I, Daniel Patman, will
the following:
Alex Ashley: The
Unforgivable.
Amy Souliotis: A
Superman you can always
count on, an unforgettable
friend.
Cameron Whitehead:
Sunscreen for the races
ahead.
Christian Keller:
Canada, Argentina, Mexico,
and the U.S.
Darby Rollins: More
snazzy ties for success.
Darcy Stevens: A
glittered microphone
necklace.
Derek Hoffman: Uber
l33t hax, and no lags.
Georgia Rutledge:
Skittles and Pepto.
Jeb Yearwood: The
memories of old friends,
but at least we made it.
John Clayton: The
champion’s heart, keep
your hands up!
John Myers: Pants that
stay up.
Jonathan Powell: Dude,
you’re gonna rock out
there, so a will won’t keep
you from banking on ‘em.
Josh McIntyre: A book
on better dance moves.
Kim Panther: Two
tickets to Casey. Donahew
band.
Melanie Isaacs: An
airbag that will work in
time.
Oby Okoye: A vacation
to Paris.
Taylor Teis: Success in
Zoe
Ruiz
I, Darby Rollins, will the
following:
Derek Hoffman: ilvl
372.
Adam Rollins: Seeds
to eat while playing more
video games.
Justin Driscoll: A
Ranger College scholarship.
Cameron Whitehead:
Many sold cars from your
auction.
John Myers: The Chair
of Pain.
Alex Ashley: I will you a
fah, hag, and it, know what
I mean?
Taylor Teis: A better tan
line and some chocolate
cookies on a hot summer
day.
Melanie Isaacs: You get
some ant repellent. Enough
said.
Cody Dietert: More time
with Bessy. Y’all are meant
for each other.
Georgia Rutledge: A pet
kangaroo.
Michael Trejo: Some of
my height.
Col. Smith: A whole big,
gigantic box of Ding-Dongs
Nick Nelson: Some heat
and a chance to play ball in
college.
Mrs. Peters: A new ring
so you can hit more kids
with it.
Zoe Ruiz: An awesome
time at school in San
Antonio and New York,
and when you finish up,
the privilege of making me
your first sandwich as a
professional chef.
Memo Borrego: My goal
against Reagents and a trip
to Pizza Hut.
Nacho Navarro: More
hair gel and some larger
shirt sizes.
Josh McIntyre: Some
of my 4.2 speed for college
track.
~~~~~~
I, Zoe Ruiz, will the
following:
Adam Rollins & Zane
Shirley: You guys are
amazing. I am so lucky to
have you guys as my best
friends. I love y’all.
To Zane: I leave you my
sense of ‘time and place’,
a sonic screwdriver, a jar
of Nutella, and two great
friends for your senior year.
To Adam: I leave you a
magical pill that gets rid
of writers block forever,
a trampoline, another
line machine, and a great
senior year with wonderful
memories.
Darby Rollins: I leave
you all of our wonderful
memories from the last
six years. I know that this
might be too sappy for
your taste but you are my
best friend and having you
there with me through
everything from these past
six years meant a lot to me.
You were the one friend
that I would never give up.
I also leave you our 7th
grade notebook which had
our hopes and future plans
on the last page.
Kim Panther: I leave you
all of our inside jokes, all
of the wonderful memories
from our junior year, and
someone who can decipher
your handwriting. I would
also give you back your
shell but I broke it.
Hank Shirley, Brendan
Christensen, and Dylan R.:
I leave all three of y’all my
theatre talent/experience,
three pairs of glasses, and
well put together ducks.
Tiara Hansen: Little
sister, I leave you a great
senior year, our spot at
Panda Express, and an
amazing time at Leadership
Camp . I also leave you the
wisdom and willingness to
be able to pick and choose
only a few activities to
focus on your senior year.
Adam, Andrew, Ayla,
Brendan, Dylan R., Emma
H., Emma B., Hank S.,
Rusti, Tiara, Zane: I leave
y’all awesome parts in the
upcoming plays.
Alec Patton: I leave
you the position of XO,
an amazing S-3, and Sarah
Michelle Gellar.
Emma Hartsock: I leave
you my confidence and my
ability to easily become the
loudest in the room.
Taylor Teis: I leave you
all the episodes of Full
Metal Panic!, and ballet
shoes.
Mel Isaacs: I leave you a
box of Maxforce Ant Killer
Bait Gel.
Josh McIntyre: I leave
you legs.
Amy Souliotis: I leave
you all of the Hello Kitty
merchandise in the world,
two perfect olive trees, and
our senior year.
Daniel Patman: I leave
you 8th, 9th, and 10th year.
~~~~~~
Darcy
Stevens
I, Darcy Stevens, will the
following:
Emma Belzung:
BEBBES!!!!
Connie Chen: Really
good clothes for my
fashionista!
Jennie Barot: May I say
here: I apologize Hindi
language; I don’t mean
to butcher you, it just
happens.
Wenjie Yu: You’re just to
cute, so keep on smiling!
But watch out, I will tickle
you!
Sarah Gonzales: The
ability to be weird.
Oby Okoye: Another
Angel.
Estevan Gutierrez:
Cuteness.
Robby Sejebor: Eternal
sleep-ins.
Kim Panther: A new,
healthy heifer.
Justino Lamontagne:
Adorable hair for the rest
of your life.
Pearl Ebhomielen: Dance
lessons and a guy to dance
with.
Ayla Roper: A future in
which you can work with
your hands.
Karen Malone: A safe
future and a more camping
fruit punch!
Cory Harper: Someone
who is as cool enough to
eat lunch with you.
Daniel Patman: A real
sparkling guitar.
~~~~~~
Continued on page 5
May 6, 2011
The Laurel
Page 5
Leadership Camp 2011
By Morgan Walpole
This year, JROTC had
a blast at Camp Bullis
March 30th through April
3rd. Leadership camp is
designed primarily for first
or second year cadets. It is
for cadets who have shown
leadership potential, but
may be hesitant stepping
into leadership and taking
responsibility for their lives.
The obstacles and activities the cadets do at camp
involve quite a bit of hard
work, but without a doubt,
Wills
Cont. from pg. 4
Oby
Okoye
I, Oby Okoye, will the
following:
Alexey Hansen: It’s high
time you gave up that duct
it pays off. By the end of
the day, when you lay your
head on your pillow around
midnight, you will be so exhausted you will sleep like
a baby. You will also go to
bed feeling accomplished.
Before the cadets set off
on their leadership journey,
1SG Mark Moore shared
some interesting information on what he is hoping
for the cadets going to
camp this year,
“There is no doubt in
my mind that several cadets
will return to the Academy
with their heads held higher
than they ever imagined
possible. By the end of the
camp, the cadets will have a
much clearer sense of pride
and self awareness. They
will forever know what it
truly means to work as a
team and be accountable
for their actions.”
Sure enough, 1SG Moore
was exactly right. The cadets
who attended camp came
back with more self confidence and a higher level
of respect for their peers as
well as themselves.
Taking the lead: Cadets Tony Tran and Ted Anderson traverse and obstacle in the
Leadership Reaction Course while Jeb Yearwood and Derek Hoffman look on. Cadets
learned to work together in tight situations. “It was cool the way everyone coming
together to work as a team,” said Derek.
tape wallet. I’m going to
leave you a Louis Vuitton
wallet -- use it!
Amy Souliotis: My
greek goddess... Thanks for
helping me in BCIS and
being my braces buddy(lol)
You’ve been very nice and
I’ll miss all the times we
laughed together!
Michael Mouton: You’re
mischievous but thanks for
making boring classes lively
......You were really fun.
Thank you for walking me
back to the dorm when I
thought there was a snake
or some creepy animals at
the girl’s side.
Ted Anderson: Thanks
for being a darling and
a gentleman, for your
listening ear, and for all the
advice. It really helped.
Lindsey Preston: Thank
you for being a good
friend, for being at my
side last year during track
when everyone “ganged”
up against me, for being a
person of value..........you’re
knowledge and personality
is hard to find and I’m glad
I met you. I’m proud of
your strength and wish you
the best in life.
Zach Middleton: I
strongly admire your
humility which I saw at
leadership camp and in
JROTC. You are a good
leader and taught your
cadets by example. You were
the epitome of humility
and discipline in SMA.
Keep those qualities and it
will take you far in life.
Pearl Ebhomielen:
Thanks for being a sister,
for all the good times we
had and all the heart to
heart talks we had........
I hope you have a good
year and I’ll miss you very
much but there is Skype
sooooooo..... you’re not to
far away! xoxoxo
Sochi Umadia: OMG!
My crazy daughter..........
we didn’t really start off
on the right foot and had
many misunderstandings
and all that rough patches
HS Athletic
Awards
On May 1st, SMA athletes were honored for their
hard work throughout the year.
Football
Fordham (MVP): Jonathan Powell
Battlin’ Bear: Josh McIntyre
Volleyball
MVP: Taylor Teis
Battlin’ Bear: Melanie Isaacs
Boys’ Basketball
MVP: Currie Pipkins
Battlin’ Bear: John Nealon
but I’m glad we built some
form of lovely relationship.
My lovely daughter, I’ve
nothing to leave you but
just know that I’m not to
far away and I’ll miss your
razz self very much.
Darcy Stevens: Last, but
certainly not the least..........
My best Friend....... Thank
you for everything -- for
always saving me from a
dilemma, for your care, for
being my second guardian
angel, for knowing all my
flaws and still liking me as
if I were flawless, for being
my family at SMA...... I love
you! God bless you. We’ll
surely meet again.
NHS/NJHS Award Banquet
The end-of-the-year awards for the National Honor Societies were given out at the
banquet held on May 2. In addtion to receiving membership certificates, students
were recognized in each academic area.
NHS
Mo Li
Science
Catherine Cui English
Darby Rollins
Language
Oby Okoye
Music
Peter Wang
Art
Lily Li
Theater
Adam Rollins
History
Daniel Sexton
GovernmentCindy Zhang
Business
Jingjing Ye
Math
NJHS
Hannah Paul
Carl Rindahl
Kendall Nighbert
Andrew Hanson
Emma Hartsock
Hank Shirley
Ava Garcia
Peter Sargent
Girls’ Basketball
MVP: Taylor Teis
Battlin’ Bear: Melanie Isaacs
Soccer
MVP: Memo Borrego
Battlin’ Bear: Nacho Navarro
Baseball
MVP: Alex Ashley
Battlin’ Bear: James Ivers
Softball
MVP: Taylor Teis
NHS History Award: Mrs. Gwen Hannah presents junior Daniel Sexton with his certificate.
NJHS Bible Award: Mr. Chris Carrier presents eighth grader Cooper Allan with his award.
Page 6 The Laurel May 6, 2011
The Back Page
Bye-Bye
Baseball & Softball
Darby Rollins (12)
Seniors Magdalena Wendling, Jordan
Jackson, Rubi Alexander, Taylor Teis and
Melanie Isaacs.
Carly Mitchell (11)
Alex Ashley (12)
Georgia Rutledge (12)
John Myers (12)
Bear baseball finished out the season 12-9-1 and Lady Bear softball
had a 7-9-0 record. It was an exciting season, even if playoffs were not
in the picture for either team. The Academy bid farewell to seniors
Alex Ashley, John Myers and Darby Rollins from the baseball team
and Rubi-Anne Alexander, Jordan Jackson, Melanie Isaacs, Georgia
Rutledge, Taylor Teis and Magdalena Wendling from the softball team
in Senior Night ceremonies at the end of April. “It was a great season.
I’m really gonna miss playing with some of these guys,” said Darby.
MS/HS Track Running Rings Around Competition
By Robby Sejebor
The varsity boys’ track
team will compete at State
in Waco on May 6-7. After
coming in second in the
TAPPS 3A South Regional
Meet held in Hallettsville
April 28, athletes who
will compete in Waco
include Devante Williams,
who competes in the 400
meter; Josh McIntyre who
participates in the long
jump, high jump, 300 meter
hurdles, and the 4x100
relay; and pole vaulter,
Parker Allen.
The Academy was the
runner-up in a 22-team
region that includes schools
from the Houston, Austin
and Bryan areas. The Bears
qualified for the TAPPS
state meet in eight events.
In regionals, Josh
McIntyre took the gold
medal in the 300 meter
hurdles and also placed
third in long jump and
fourth in high jump. The
Over the top: With a pole vault of 11’6”, Parker Allan (10) came in second at the
TAPPS South Regional Meet on April 28 and will go on to compete at the state meet
this week in Waco.
4 x 400 meter relay team,
made up of McIntyre, along
with Devante Williams,
Allan and John Nealon
came in first. Nealon also
earned individual gold
medals in the 800 and 400
meter runs at the regional
meet, Allan also came in
2nd in pole vault, and
Golf
On April 26, the boys
from Davidson Hall placed
second at the CALSA district golf tournament held
at Canyon Lake Country
Club. Zachary Cox, Braxton Wise, Carl Rindahl,
Christopher Alexander, and
Rory Korzeniewski played.
Individually, Wise placed
third and Rindahl placed
fourth in the tournament.
The team also includes Matthew Rindahl and Coach
Bear Bryant.
Williams placed 4th in the
400 meter. All qualified to
compete at the state meet.
Other winners at
regionals included Estevan
Gutierrez (5th/shot put);
Ethan Deschner (6th/triple
jump); and Rebecca Cox,
Naomi Umadia, Lindsey
Preston, and Oby Okoye
(6th/4x200 relay).
The middle school
boys were named district
champions at the CALSA
track and field meet on
April 29 at the Medina
Valley Track Complex. The
middle school girls placed
third at district.
Middle schoolers
winning a gold medals
were Braxton Wise in
discus; Carl Rindahl in
triple jump, 3200 meter,
1600 meter, and 200 meter
runs; Cooper Allan in pole
vault; Jason Ku in the 200
meter dash; Wise, Rindahl,
Ku and Andrew Hansen
in the 4 x 100 meter relay;
Q Semien in shot put and
discus; and Hannah Paul in
300 meter hurdles.
Other winners were
Carl Rindahl (2nd/pole
vault); Matthew Rindahl
(3rd/pole vault); Rory
Korzeniewski (2nd/800m);
Jason Ku (2nd/100m);
Andrew Hansen (2nd/
400m); Braxton Wise
(3rd/400m); Hank Shirley,
Brendan Christensen,
Zachary Cox, and Daniel
Torres (3rd/4x400m relay);
Brittany Faber (3rd/200m);
Hannah Paul (2nd/high
jump and 100m); Kelsey
Chandler (3rd/3200m);
Faber, Shelby Teis, Victoria
Garrett, and Jessie Sainah
(3rd/4x100 relay); and
Wendy Ho, Kelsey
Chandler, Kenna Mason,
and Sadie Lopez (3rd/4x200
relay).
Good job trackers!
I can do all things
through Him who
strengthens me.
-- Philippians 4:13 --