Congratulations to both Ryan Holt (’03) and Anna (Windsor) Kana (’02). On November 16, 2009 these two former students were admitted to the state bars of South Carolina (Mr. Holt) and Texas (Mrs. Kana). Anna Kana is a graduate of the Univeristy of Texas and the University of Texas School of Law. Ryan Holt is a garduate of the University of South Carolina Honors College and the University of South Carolina School of Law. These two alumni share the distinction of being the first attorneys to graduate from Hill Country Christian School of Austin. Our support and prayers go with them as they step into their chosen profession.
Archive for November, 2009
On Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at a special morning assembly, students, staff, parents, faculty and some very special guests gathered to commemorate Veterans Day. Head Master Bill McGee enlightened students on the history of this day, first begun in 1918 to mark the Armistice between Germany and the Allied countries at the end of World War I. To bring it more current, Mr. McGee read a proclamation given by President Barack Obama on October 30, 2009 rededicating this day to our veterans past, present and even future. In the President’s words, “I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers.”
And Hill Country took this to heart as we honored service members past and present among our learning community. Some, like Coach Scott Horne, are known and recognized while some, like Captain Browning who joined us from Fort Hood, are new to our circle of friends. After the standing ovation, Mr. McGee read a poem entitled “Because of You, Unknown Soldier” to remind us of the soldiers who are faceless but not forgotten in our hearts and prayers. After collecting donations of more than $2,000 in food gift cards for the families of those killed or wounded at Fort Hood, we moved our service to the newly erected flagpole. Because of the generosity of two HCCSA families, the school has its first flagpole and two new electronic signs to share upcoming events.
On hand were the 6th grade safety patrol and two members of the drum corps. After a quick lesson in flag respect and etiquette, our safety patrol solemnly raised the flag for the first time at this location. After reaching its full height, it was slowly lowered to half staff in honor of our fallen soldiers at Fort Hood while the drum corps struck the cymbal, once for each life lost. This was followed first by a poem read by Coach Horne entitled “My Name is Glory” and then by singing led by Mrs. Holly Loveday of “God Bless America.” It was truly sweet to hear the acapella song rising from voices ranging from preschool children through honored veterans of World War II. In closing, Mr. Edward Baptiste, school chaplain, offered a prayer for the safety of all soldiers everywhere and a reminder of the blessing we have in living in a free country because of their sacrifices. May we continue to pray for our troops, their families, and the security of our country.
HCCSA brought three teams to compete in the Cougar-tamen Certamen Tournament hosted by Hill Country Middle School of Eanes School District. We competed in Middle School, Intermediate and Advanced and took home three trophies for our efforts.
In each division, our team advanced to the final round. Schools represented at the tournament included St. Andrew’s Upper School, Westlake, St. Michael’s Academy, Hill Country Middle School, Paragon Prep, Kealing, Crockett, McCallum and Westwood.
One of our middle school teams, made up of Adam K. , Matthew R., Nathan B., Elizabeth S., Zac R. and Seth J., advanced to the final round and placed third. This was their first Certamen of the year, and for many of them the first Certamen ever! It was a strong showing and we’re proud of their achievement.
Our second middle school team, made up of 6th graders Holden B., Collin R., Jonathan I., Noah P., Grant B. and Ricky T, have been practicing with our team manager and assistant coach HCCSA junior Josh A. to prepare for their first Certamen tournament. We are proud of their first efforts and look for many years of Certamen fun for them in the future.
Our advanced team, consisting of Aidan A., Jesse J., Kyndal P. and our adopted teammate Laura M. advanced to their final round convincingly. They placed third against the St. Andrew’s team which represented Texas at Nationals in July, and Westlake whose players advanced to State in 2009. It was a great start to the year and the team is looking forward to an exciting rematch against our rivals in December at the Crusader Classic.
Our intermediate team, consisting of Jonathan M., Shane J., Sara J., Thomas E., Steven B. and Chloe P. advanced to the final round and took first place against perennial Texas and National powerhouses St. Andrew’s and Westlake. They are looking forward to friendly, but intense, competition against the excellent teams in the San Antonio area at November’s Clark Certamen Tournament.
Our region of the Texas State Junior Classical League is not only one of the strongest in the state, but also one of the top regions in the nation for secondary Latin education. For HCCSA students to have the opportunity to compete in scrimmages against these excellent programs is a great privilege and it highlights the significance of their hard work and achievements.
Certamen is the Latin word for “struggle” and anyone who has observed a tournament knows that this name is appropriate. Students compete in a Jeopardy-style quiz bowl on topics related to Latin and Classical history and mythology. There are three rounds of twenty toss-up questions. Teams can have up to four players. HCCSA students practice regularly as part of our Certamen elective, during study halls and sometimes after school. It is a big commitment for them and for their parents.
If you’re curious about seeing an academic struggle in action, join us at one of our upcoming tournaments to cheer on the home team and witness some amazing brainwork. Our schedule is:
Saturday, November 7 Clark Certamen, San Antonio 10:30am - 3:30pm
Saturday, December 5 Crusader Classic, St. Michael’s Austin 8:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday, January 30 Westwood Certamen, co-hosted by HCCSA 8:00am - 12:00pm
Friday/Saturday, February 20-21
Area Tournament (determines State participation), St. Andrew’s Upper School.
Pax Christi vobiscum,
Erin Davis-Valdez
Chair, Department of Foreign Languages
HCCSA Senior Caroline J. was chosen as one of 20 state finalists for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award.
“For eight generations, the Heisman name has signified excellence, determination and prestige among college football’s elite. In 1994, the next level of outstanding achievers ensconced their names into the Heisman lore when the Wendy’s High School Heisman (WHSH) was created.
The WHSH program has set the standard for high school student-athletes, and gained tremendous prestige in its own right as the program combines the best of high school athlete and academic awards. Each fall, the WHSH recognizes the nation’s most esteemed high school senior men and women for exellence in academics, athletics and community/school leadership…
To date more than 188,000 high school students have represented their schools and been touched by the Heisman mystique. Of them, 181 have progressed to the National Finalist level, with 30 earning the designation of Wendy’s High School Heisman National Award Winners.”
Caroline J. is one of 1,020 State Finalists (20 from each state). From the 1,020 finalists, 102 State Winners will be chosen. These in turn compete for the National Finalist title, given to 12 students nationwide. One male and one female student will be chosen from the 12 to be the National Award Winners who will be honored during ESPN’s national telecast of the college Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation. Congratulations to Caroline for her outstanding commitment to excellence in academics, athletics and community service. Our prayers are with her as her name is forwarded in the competition.
