Laurel Issue 1, 2007.indd - San Marcos Academy

Vol. 92
Number 1
October 4, 2007
3
8
6-7
12
Inside
Where are they now?
Catch up on the
Class of ‘07.
Get to know some
of the Academy’s
newest students.
Football, volleyball,
cross country . . .
must be sports
Meet Jon and Nubia
in this edition’s
Senior Spotlight
SMA Spirit
All the hard work
and planning paid
off with a successful
Centennial Celebration
and
Homecoming
weekend. Relive the
fun and excitement
in our photo spread
on pages 10-11.
October
Calendar
5 . . . Early Dismissal:
Classes 1, 5, 6, 7
6 . . . . Cross County at
Texas State
8 . . . No School (Columbus
Day Holiday)
9 . . . Classes Resume;
Volleyball @ St. Gerard’s
12 . . . . Hyde Park pep
rally & football game
13 . . . LEAD #3
16 . . . . Advisory Dinner
17 . . . . PSAT Test
19 . . . . Varsity Football @
St. Andrews
20 . . . Parent Day
22-26 . . Red Ribbon Week
San Marcos Academy 2801 Ranch Road 12 San Marcos TX 78666
Classes select leaders
for rest of school year
By Nan Zhuang
Ed Estrada, who was the president of the Junior Class last year,
will continue as the president of the Senior Class this year. Elections
were held Sept. 25.
“I’m glad to represent my class,” Ed said. He said the most difficult
thing for him was to compete with classmates. Ed said he believes
that integrity is the most important thing for a class president and
getting senior privileges approved is the most important thing for
the Senior Class. “Having a good senior gift, making sure seniors
are adequately compensated and represented for their efforts” are
the goals and ideas Ed has for the Senior Class.
Other senior officers are Vice President Michelle Deschner,
Secretary Aaron Abugabar and Treasurer Devin Cavaco.
Junior officers are President Isaac Espinoza, Vice President Amy
Cope, Secretary Steven Pham and Treasurer Michael Zhang.
In the Sophomore Class, officers are President Maggie Boylan,
Vice President Brady Wickersham, Secretary Anastasia Parish and
Treasurer Caitlyn Scott.
Freshman officers are President Cameron Whitehead, Co-
Vice Presidents Melanie Isaacs and Darby Rollins, Secretary John
McCann and Treasurer Zoe Ruiz. Finally, Middle School officers
are President John Nealon, Vice President Levi Chilton, Secretary
Rusti Wade and Treasurer Deborah Earl.
Variety of activities fi ll after-school hours
Waiting for the serve, Brady Wickersham enjoys a game of ping-pong during the
After-School Activity period. This is one of several activities students can sign up to
do on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
Feeling the power, Secretary Aaron Abugaber, Treasurer Devin Cavaco, President
Ed Estrada and Vice President Michelle Deschner celebrate their positions as Senior
Class officers. The elections were held Sept. 25.
By Mikki Werner
Students around campus are
busy participating in their After
School Activity every Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday.
From Hip Hop Abs to Lap
Swimming, there is a wide variety
of activities to choose from.
These activities include football,
cheerleading, volleyball, winter
soccer, weight training, tennis,
4-H, JROTC, music, aerobics,
pick up basketball, middle
school soccer, and driver’s
ed. Ping-pong and newspaper
are the most recently added
activities. Activities Director Bill
Wyatt said he is willing to add
4-H Cooking with Mrs. Spillers
if there’s enough interest shown.
Mr. Wyatt also said he is always
up for suggestions.
Many students may ask the
question, “What’s the point of
having After School Activities?”
Mr. Wyatt said, “There are many
good reasons for participating in
ASA. You get physical activity;
it’s an opportunity to make new
friends, it’s a time to socialize,
and it gives the dorm staff time
to regroup and get ready for the
upcoming evening.
“After School Activities are
mandatory; therefore if anyone
fails to show up, there will be a
consequence,” Mr. Wyatt added.
“Each student who does not
report to his or her activity will
be issued six demerits unless
there’s a reasonable excuse.”
See “After-school,” page 5

Page 2 The Laurel October 4, 2007
Editorial
Centennial: job well done
Students and staff experienced a once-in-a-lifetime event
Sept. 20-21 as the Academy celebrated its Centennial. Combined
with Homecoming activities, the Centennial weekend was the
culmination of many days and hours of planning. By most
accounts, it was a highly successful event that was well-attended,
well-organized and well-received.
The administration and staff deserve much thanks for their
hard work and planning. The faculty likewise put in extra hours,
doing everything from driving visitors in golf carts to supervising
banner squads to manning the information and water stations.
The Color Guard performed with their usual effectiveness
and skill, while the rest of the Bear Battalion carried out their
parking and other duties with proficiency. Student Ambassadors,
National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society, the
international student flag-bearers, cheerleaders, band and many
other groups also contributed to the success of the weekend.
Kudos to all those who helped make the Centennial
Celebration and Homecoming Weekend a memorable time for
alumni, students and friends of the Academy.
Hey fans, Laurie Laurel is
back! This year I’m going to
get my little brother, Larry, to
provide his input into some of
your problems. Let’s see how
this guy answers some of your
questions . . .
Dear. Laurie:
How can I make enough
time in my day to study?
Signed, Stressed
Dear Stressed:
It is important to organize
your day so that you can make
the best of all that you have to
do. For instance, after school,
you need a few minutes down
time to rest and relax. Of
course, you have study hall
each evening and you should
definitely use that time for
your classwork. However,
many classes have extra time
allotted within them to
complete assignments and
homework. A lot of students
sit and talk to their neighbor
instead of completing their
assignments. In order to make
the most of your time, begin to
train yourself to complete your
homework at that time. If you
don’t have any homework but
have extra class time, work on
As they prepare for the Homecoming pep rally Sept. 14, cheerleaders Michelle
Davis, Rachael Johnson, Katey Henry and Leresa Stokes hang the sophomore
banner, which was later pronounced winner of the class contest.
Laurie Laurel, Little Larry provide advice
an assignment from another
class. If you will begin to use
class time for study time, you
can enjoy your relaxation time
so much more.
My brother, Larry, makes
this additional comment: This
is true. I have found this out
being in college. My suggestion
is to reward yourself when you
reach your study goal. Make
a contract with yourself and
mark down each day that you
complete your studying. Then
when you are done, you get a
reward that you really want!
Dear Laurie:
How can you have a healthy
relationship with your boy/girl
friend without all the drama?
Sincerely,
Not A Drama Queen/King
Dear Queen/King:
Drama is a choice! If you
don’t want drama, then don’t
get involved in it. You really
have to walk away from anyone
who is creating it and you
really have to decide you mean
it when you say you don’t
want drama in your life. So,
make the decision with your
boy/girl friend and stick with
it. Please My brother see “Laurie,” Larry suggests page 3
Abraham’s faith: did he really pass test?
By Matt Godwin
Campus Minister
When we think of faith and trust in
God, a popular person that comes to our
mind is Abraham. Abraham is seen as a
man of faith who is willing to part with
his most precious possession, his son
Isaac. However, I have always found it
disturbing that a man would so willingly
give up his son without a fight. Many of
us are familiar with the story of Sodom
and Gomorrah. We see in Genesis 18
how God comes to Abraham and tells
him that He plans to destroy the cities
because of the wickedness and evil that is
Devotional
widespread. But, in this chapter, Abraham
is questioning God, asking if it is fair that
God cause the righteous to perish with the
wicked. In a sense, Abraham is arguing
for the lives of people he has never met.
He is questioning the very justice of God.
I believe that this is an argument that
many of us would have made.
We already know that previously,
Abraham took Hagar, his handmaiden,
to be his wife in order that he might have
a son, Ishmael. Genesis 16 tells us that
Sarah, Abraham’s first wife, urged him
to take the servant Hagar as his wife.
But, in Genesis 21:9-21 Sarah demands
that Abraham throw Hagar and Ishmael
out into the wilderness (a certain death).
With a heavy heart, but apparently no
argument, Abraham listens to Sarah
and sends his wife and son out into the
wilderness. Astonishing to note is that
while Abraham is willing to argue for
the lives of those living in Sodom, he is
not willing to do so for his own wife and
child.
This brings us to the climactic offering
of Isaac found in chapter 22. God
demands of Abraham that he go and
sacrifice Isaac. “Take now your son, your
only son, Please whom see you “Devotional,” love, Isaac, and page go to 3
Staff:
Editor:
Mikki Werner
Staff Reporters:
Joanna Ferrell
Nan Zhuang
Adviser:
Mrs. Shelley Henry
Policies:
The Laurel is published
three or four times per semester
and is printed by the
San Marcos Daily Record. It
is distributed free of charge
to students, parents, and the
local community. The Laurel
may also be viewed online at
the Academy website, www.
smba.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
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For information on advertising
rates and deadlines,
call the Journalism Department
at 512/753-8046 or
send e-mail to henrys@ smba.
org. For information on San
Marcos Academy, please visit
our website at www.smba.
org.
Contact:
Phone:
(512) 753-8046
Fax:
(512) 753-8031
E-mail:
henrys@smba.org
Address:
2801 Ranch Road 12
San Marcos, Texas 78666

October 4, 2007 The Laurel Page 3
Graduates of 2007: what are they doing now?
Compiled by Mikki
Werner and Nan Zhuang
Members of the Class of
’07 are away busily adapting
to college life. Most of the
recent grads we have talked to
are attending school in Texas.
Here is an update on how
some of them are doing.
Brittney Sowell is in
Tishomingo, Okla., attending
Murray State College, where
she received a scholarship for
her school tuition and books.
“I like it here,” Brittney said.
“I’m majoring in coaching
and education; I’m going to
be a great coach.”
Audrey McGuire is
attending the University of
Texas where she is majoring
that you will not have drama in
your relationship if you have
trust. So choose a boy/girl
friend that you can trust and
who is easy going and drama
shouldn’t be a problem.
Dear Laurie:
How can you keep focused
on the things that really
matter?
Signed, Overwhelmed
Dear Overwhelmed:
Wearing your glasses or
contacts will help! Larry says
to make sure your glasses or
contacts are clean.
All kidding aside, you have
to prioritize your life. Write
down on a piece of paper 5 to
in Radio/Television/Film.
Audrey said she is currently
unemployed but is volunteering
for a student-run TV network
on the UT campus called
Texas Student Television that
reaches thousands of homes in
the Austin area. Audrey also
said she is forming a team for
intramural volleyball. “It has
been a new lifestyle and quite
a challenge to learn how to
juggle everything around and
manage my time wisely, but so
far it has been a great time,”
Audrey said.
Ryan Pham is also attending
UT in Austin. “I’m Majoring
in Electrical Engineering,
and right now I have to say
it’s harder than anything I’ve
Devotional, continued from page 2
the land of Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering.” It
is very interesting the language that God uses; however, Abraham
does as he is told. The story continues and we learn that just
before Abraham is about to kill his son, God stops him and
spares the life of Isaac. Many have said that Abraham passed
God’s test and his faith should serve as an example for all. I
argue that Abraham failed the test. He was not even willing
to argue for the lives of those who should be closest to him.
After this episode we have no record of God ever speaking to
Abraham again and the next chapter follows with the death of
Sarah, his wife. If Abraham serves as a lesson, let it be that it
is okay to question God and what we believe. All of us should
strive to have an informed faith.
Laurie, continued from page 2
10 things that are important
to you. Then make your daily
goals fit into one of those
priorities. For instance, if
one of your goals is to make
your parents proud of you,
then you want to make sure
you do well in school and take
care of your business. Larry
suggests that things that really
matter are unique to each
person. What’s important to
one may not be important to
another. Remembering what’s
important will help you stay
focused.
Dear Laurie:
How can students avoid
feeling sleepy during chapel?
Sincerely,
ever done,” Ryan said. He
also added, “The freedom is
wonderful, once you find how
to balance fun and work.”
Kelci Wade is attending
Texas State, and she is currently
taking history, math, math lab,
Intro to Sociology and Intro
to Fine Arts. Kelci said she is
getting all her prerequisites to
become a nurse. “I love college
so much; it’s amazing,” Kelci
said. “The only thing I don’t
like is the class size [anywhere
from 90 to 400 students per
class],” Kelci said. “But even
with the large classes, I still
love it.”
Jerry Huang, President’s
Cup winner last year, is now
at Syracuse University in New
York. As a freshman, he is
required to live at school in a
dorm. “In college, I feel as if
I am working a job, and have
fewer friends,” Jerry said. “The
things that I learned at SMA
such as leadership are useful.”
So far, Jerry said he hasn’t
decided his major yet, but he
prefers psychology. “The most
interesting thing in college is
the professors because some
of them are humorous, and
the most difficult thing is
to organize time because the
classes are hard and I need
Computer Gamer
Dear Computer Gamer:
I admit it’s hard to get
going in the morning. Laurie
Laurel definitely is NOT a
morning person. However,
I have found that when I get
up and eat a good breakfast,
I feel better. I also make
myself focus on what is going
on around me. When I am
in church, I ask God to help
me to get the meaning of the
message and that helps me pay
attention.
My brother Larry suggests
that you should consistently
go to bed at the same time
so that you wake up the same
time in the morning. He says
to review the lessons every
night.” Up to now, Jerry said
he thought High School was
better because it was much
easier.
Jacob Starnes said he is
living in San Marcos and
going to Texas State University,
majoring in engineering. He
also works at the Texas State
University Freeman Ranch.
Jeffrey Feng is now at
the University of Houston.
Although living in school, he
said he feels that his college
life is much busier than it
used to be in high school.
“The most interesting thing
in college is that I can make
more new friends,” Jeffrey
said. “However, the homework
I have is much more than it
was in high school.” He said
he believes that SMA helped
him a lot with his ability
of organizing time, living
in school and making new
friends. “I think college is
great because I can have better
food and network.”
Joshua Brame, the most
athletic senior last year, is
currently attending Baylor
University. “I am living in a
dorm called Penland,” Josh
said. “It’s awesome. Life in
college is less stressful than
you have to develop consistent
sleep patterns. Drinking too
much caffeine during the
day can keep you up later
than you want. It’s all about
consistency.
Dear Laurie:
What should international
students do to adapt themselves
to U.S. culture as soon as
possible?
Signed, New International
Student
Dear New Student:
It seems one of the hardest
things about being on foreign
soil is to acclimate yourself to
your surroundings. By that,
I mean that in order to learn
high school because I am
independent to make the
choices I wish, and I run on
my own time.”
Josh said the most different
thing between high school
and college is that he is more
independent; he chooses his
classes and is heading toward
a future instead of getting
the broad overview. “SMA
taught me how to have time
management, and many of the
classes were actually harder
at SMA than some I take.”
Josh said. He is currently
in a business major which
contains marketing. Also,
he said that everything in
college is interesting for him
because he can do everything
by his own idea. “The most
difficult thing is figuring out
what the tests are going to be
like,” he said. “No matter how
much you study, it is hard to
determine how far into detail
you must study to understand
the information on tests.”
Between high school and
college, Josh said he likes
college better because it’s an
entirely new world for him
in which he can make his
own choices and make new
friends among a large variety
of people.
the culture, you have to get
involved in it. That would
mean that you purposely speak
English at every opportunity,
you purposely hang out with
American students every time
you can and you purposely
do other things such as watch
American TV and listen to
American music in order to
understand American ways.
You also need to ask lots of
questions when you don’t
understand something.
Larry says that you should
go to a football game. It’s a
great American pastime and it’s
a good way for an international
student to get involved in an
American tradition.

Page 4 The Laurel October 4, 2007
One by one, dorm rooms getting refurbished
By Nan Zhuang
Since the dorms here
have been used for almost 26
years already, our rooms are
beginning to wear out. Our Vice
President for Development,
Mr. Bobby Dupree, said he is
raising money to renovate and
refurnish the rooms.
So far, the furniture has
Bunk beds are part of the decor in this boy’s dormitory room, one
of seven in which new furniture has been installed.
been taken out of seven rooms
in the high school boys’
dorm and new furniture was
installed. Most of the funds
for these rooms were from
parents of current students
who are living in these rooms.
Also, one of the rooms was
donated by a member of the
Academy Foundation.
If a person donates money
to refurnish and renovate a
room, the person’s name will
be placed on a plaque outside
the room.
Up to now, the Academy
has received furniture for 32
rooms. There is also a pledge
from a 1955 graduate of
the Academy for $20,000 to
refurnish the girls’ dormitory.
“Hopefully, we will get started
on the girls’ dorm soon,” Mr.
Dupree said.
Mr. Dupree explained that
he hasn’t had much time to
work on getting donations
for the dormitory rooms yet
because he has been working
more on the gym renovations
and the building of the Alumni
Plaza. However, he said he
hopes to raise more money
soon so that all the dorm
rooms can be renovated.
Also part of the new design package for the boys’ dorms are new
chests and student desks.
Second year for organization to operate
Senators nominate offi cers at fi rst meeting
By Nan Zhuang
The new senators nominated officers at their first meeting
Tuesday in Thornton Theater.
The students who were elected as senior senators are Josh
Leung, Joel Fausett, Leresa Stokes, Katie Cochran, Daniel Seo,
David Yu, Nan Zhuang and Nate Grosch. Junior senators are
Michael Zhang, Gom Park, Jarad Blalack, Zach Howard, Joanna
Ferrell, Katey Henry, Jane Hutt, Tony Vannella, In Jun Oh and
Cameron Toomey.
Sophomore senators are Brady Wickersham, Collin Cook,
Michael Young, Roxanne Davis, Samuel Boothby, Sophie Park
and Chloe Rocha.
Freshman senators are John Myers, Zoe Ruiz, James Earl and
Hayden Williams, and Middle School senators are Jake Blalack,
Shane Boyer, Kirby Tatum, Taylor Ruiz, Christian Shaw,
Cameron Baylis, JiHee Yoon and Rusti Wade.
The president of the Student Senate is Haydon Lyon, and
the sponsors of the senators are Mrs. Grace Godwin, Mr. Barrett
Matthews, Mrs. Cindy Rollins, Mr. Ben Head and Coach Tim
Georg.
SMBA just started the Senate last year. That group of senators
worked on the Culture Fair; a new Coffee House, featuring
students entertainment in the Bear Cave; the securing of new
locks on bathroom doors; and some improvements in dress
code options.
Keeping up with the nomination of Senate officers,
Hayden Lyon, who will serve as President
of the Senate, listens to Mr. Bryant, while senior
Senate representative Nate Grosch looks on.

ASA has been an ongoing
program at SMA for the
past three years. “With more
October 4, 2007 The Laurel Page 5
Godwin, Matthews bring teaching talents to faculty
By Nan Zhuang
As with her new students,
Mrs. Grace Godwin, the new
ESL teacher, has just started
her life at SMA.
“I’m still getting to know
the system and making new
plans,” Mrs. Godwin said.
Mrs. Godwin is from
Searsport, Maine, and used to
be a substitute teacher and an
English tutor in college. She
and Mr. Matt Godwin, who
is our new campus minister,
found SMA on the internet
and then decided they would
like to teach in this school.
“We found the school online, and when we visited this school,
it was impressive,” Mrs. Godwin said. “It was a boarding school,
which makes it more fun.”
Mr. and Mrs. Godwin live in the girls’ dorm in campus. “I
can sleep later, see the students more, and the school can do
my laundry” are the best things that Mrs. Godwin named about
living on the campus. However, the worst thing for her, she said,
is the food.
As an ESL teacher, Mrs. Godwin said that she has a passion to
help international students and is confident in English, which is
her favorite subject. One suggestion from Mrs. Godwin to those
international students is “Speak English as much as you can
all day.” She said her favorite kinds of students are those “who
work well and know how to have fun in class.”
So far, Mrs. Godwin said she is very happy here. “I love this
school,” she said.
The SMBA Color Guard receiv a personal thank you from President
Vic Schmidt for all their help at the Homecoming/Centennial
celebrations. In addition to the Color Guard presentations at the
various ceremonies, every cadet in the JROTC spent at least an
hour and a half directing parking. Color Guard members who
participated were Cadet Sergeant Zachary Howard (US Flag),
Cadet Sergeant Hunter Brown (US Guard), Cadet Sergeant First
Class Ha Nguyen (Texas Guard), Cadet Private Steve Miller
(Corps Flag), Cadet Command Sergeant Major Isaac Espinoza
(commander) and Cadet Sergeant Brady Wickersham (Texas
Flag).
Mrs. Grace Godwin helps Seojin Yim learn English by playing a
game of Scrabble in ESL.
Mr. Barrett Matthews puts an assignment--and shopping list--on
the board in his classroom.
By Nan Zhuang
Last week, a snake appeared on our campus.
Thankfully, it didn’t hurt anybody and was
killed by Mr. Cole Ruffin and Mr. Passmore.
Victor Campos, a boarding student who lives
in Crook Hall, was the first person who found
the snake. “Victor told Mr. Janak, and he came
to find Mr. Passmore and me.” Mr. Ruffin said.
By seeing the snake’s tail shape and listening to
its sound, Mr. Ruffin and Mr. Passmore found
it was a poisonous snake.
“Mr. Passmore used a pitchfork to hold
After-school, continued from page 1
By Mikki Werner
As a new teacher, Mr. Barrett Matthews said he finds teaching
at SMA interesting, and also said he enjoys learning new things
about his profession.
Growing up in Richwood, Texas, Mr. Matthews said he was
an average student throughout high school and had failed out
of English his sophomore year. But he has managed to graduate
from Texas State University with a BS degree as well as a Master’s
degree in Biochemistry.
In Mr. Matthews’ first year on the faculty, he is still recognized
by many from the previous year when he helped many kids
succeed with the program we all know as SSH.
Mr. Matthews teaches many important subjects: Anatomy,
Physiology, Biology Honors, Biology and Algebra 1. While
teaching so many subjects, Mr. Matthews said, “The only thing
that’s really tough about becoming a new teacher is the time it
takes to get to know the kids
and especially for the kids to
get to know me.”
Mr. Matthews said his
ultimate goal in life is to be
where God wants him to be.
“I would like to be able to
pay off all my loans while
teaching here at SMA, and
perhaps someday be able to
go to Africa and help purify
the water on Mission trips,”
Mr. Matthews said. With Mr.
Matthews’ desire to give back,
he leaves us with a meaningful
quote: “If you have a lifetime
control and structure than ever
before, this is one of the most
successful years the Academy
to spend, why not invest it in
eternity.”
Stay alert for any rattling, hissing
as snakes may roam on campus
the snake down and I cut its head off with a
shovel,” Mr. Ruffin said.
After they killed the snake, Mr. Ruffin
and Mr. Passmore showed the snake’s body
to students to make sure they could identify a
poisonous snake.
What should students do to protect
themselves from snakes? “Stay away from
them,” Nurse Karryn Carnes said. “Don’t play
with them. Go directly to the nearest adult
instead of coming all the way to us if you get
bitten.”
has ever had with the After
School Activities program,”
Mr. Wyatt said.

Page 6 The Laurel October 4, 2007
Bears to take on rival Hyde Park next week
By Mikki Werner
The Varsity Bears take on
Hyde Park at home next week
with a record of 3-2.
Coach Tim Georg said he
has a positive outlook on how
the boys will do this year, and
if they continue to improve,
they should do okay. He added
that he is not really worried
about next week’s game.
Because the team has so
many good and experienced
players this year, Coach Georg
said that he can’t really recognize
one individual player.
“Win as a team, lose as a
team,” Coach Georg said.
Senior Devin Cavaco added,
“I think Hyde Park isn’t
in for the loss they are about
to receive; I think everyone on
the team can agree that Hyde
Park is our biggest rival and
that makes us want to win even
more.” Cavaco will be taking
Jacob Carruthers’ position for
the upcoming district games,
since Carruthers is age-ineligible
for TAPPS competition.
“J-roy is my boy,” Cavaco said.
“I’m sad he can’t play anymore,
but I’m glad that he got
to play half the season. He has
been going over his position
with me and by the next game,
I shouldn’t have any problem
wth it.”
The Bears will go into the
Hyde Park game on the heels
of two tough losses to Johnson
City and Leakey. On Sept.
28, Johnson City shut the
Bears’ offense down, holding
them to only 22 yards rushing.
Senior Hayden Lyon did
managed to complete 5 passes
for 94 yards, including the one
touchdown toss of the night to
junior Ramius Asberry.
Additonally the Bears were
unable to hold the Eagles on
defense. Johnson City tallied
almost 400 yards of offense.
Against Leakey Sept. 20,
the Bears gave the Eagles a
Homecoming victory with a
14-34 score. Despite a great
performance by Carruthers,
who had 158 yards on 18 carries,
the Bears just couldnt
stop the Leakey rushers who
had 437 yards on the ground.
Another bright spot for the
Bears was Sophomore Jake
Marcum, who caught 3 passes
for 94 yards. Marcum also had
a great moment with a 90-yard
kickoff return.
At Homecoming Sept. 15
the Bears kept the crowd happy
with a 55-14 blowout score
over Runge. Carruthers really
showed the YellowJackets who’s
boss, scoring four touchdowns
and rushing for 170 yards on
11 attempts. Lyon also managed
to make two rushing
touchdowns and threw for
two more touchdowns, with
Asberry and Marcum making
the scores. The Bear defense
also did their part against the
Yellowjackets, keeping them
to 230 yards of total offense.
Coach Georg said he was particularly
proud of the linebackers,
seniors Travis Oglesby and
Ed Estrada as well as offensive
lineman Chris Dyer.
The Bears played Centerpoint
Sept. 7 for their second
win. The Bears put the game
away in the second quarter
with three touchdowns. The
first was on an 87-yard run
made by Carruthers. The second
came on a quarterback
sneak of 18 yards by Lyon,
who repeated with a 3-yard
score a short time later. Curruthers
made the final Bear
touchdown in the third quarter,
and the game ended in a
28-12 win.
Against Medina, the Bears
started off the season with
a 28-6 victory. Lyon had six
completions for 136 yards and
one touchdown; Marcum had
110 yards on five receptions,
including one for a touchdown.
Carruthers also had
88 yards on the ground, and
other rushers included Asberry,
Oglesby and junior Keith
Shimek.
(Above top) En route to one of his four touchdowns, Jacob Carruthers scampers past his Runge defenders.
Carruthers, who will not be eligible for district play, had 170 yards on 11 carries in the Runge
game. (Above) The Yellowjacket runner gets no mercy from the Bear defense at Homecoming. The Big
D kept Runge to 230 total yards. (Right) It may look like a friendly wave, but Travis Oglesby wasn’t
Mr. Nice Guy to the Yellowjackets. He and the Bears posted a 55-14 win for a spirited Homecoming
crowd Sept. 15.

October 4, 2007 The Laurel Page 7
Lady Bears struggle despite hard work, effort
Despite their solid work ethic and intense practice sessions,
the Lady Bears have been unable to translate pain into gain,
leaving them with just one win for the season, that will end next
Thursday here at home. When the regular season ends, the girls
will move on to the district tournament Oct. 16 in Austin.
Today, the Lady Bears will play Regents at home in a 6:30
match for varsity, 5:30 for JV. They faced San Juan Diego Monday,
but lost in straight games.
Next week, the ladies play away at St. Gerard’s Sept. 9 and finish
at home with the Austin Royals Sept. 11. The Lady Bears had
one win and one loss against the Royals earlier in the season.
District began for the Bears Sept. 17 with a loss to Hyde Park.
Other district opponents include TSD, Lutheran, Brentwood,
San Juan Diego, Regents and St. Gerard’s.
New to the Lady Bears this year are Coach Allison Castillo
and Assistant Coach Leslie Olsen.
The varsity team includes Taylor Teis, Michelle Deschner,
Chloe Rocha, Kristi Allison, Amy Cope, Kimberley Beakley,
Sarah Brown, Tatiana Dillon, Melanie Isaacs, Anastsia Parish
and Katie Cochran.
The junior varsity consists of Maggie Boylan, Theresa Nealon,
Alyona Hansen, Lea Ann Nixon, Ayla Roper, Caitlyn Scott, Tiara
Hansen, Marissa Sosa and Nubia DelaGarza. Recently, Nealon
has also seen varsity action as a setter.
In an August game against Sunnybrook, Michelle
Deschner returns the serve, while Melanie Isaacs
and Amy Cope look on. Deschner had played as
setter until recent games, when she was shifted to
another position and Theresa Nealon began crossing
over from JV to set for varsity.
Nealon takes fi rst in cross country meet
By Joanna Ferrell
Sophomore Theresa Nealon has taken cross
country to a new level.
In addition to competing in meets against
other schools, Theresa also participates in
charity runs like the one in a New Braunfels
Sept. 22. It was a 5K run, which is just over
three miles, and Theresa came in first place in
the junior girls division, consisting of about 50
girls.
This weekend, she and others on the cross
country team will participate in a meet at Texas
State University.
Theresa first began running in the 7 th grade
for Westlake Middle School. At SMA our
cross country runners meet at 6:15 a.m. every
morning, and for those who know Theresa,
it shouldn’t be hard for you to imagine that
she has just as much energy that early in the
morning as during the school day.
Theresa, the TAPPS 4-A champion last year in
the 400 meter, said she plans to continue using
her talents after she graduates high school and
hopes to get a scholarship to Michigan State
or Stanford. Her role model is Sonya Richards,
an Olympic sprinter who runs the 400. Theresa
said she owes much of her success to her father
who is her biggest supporter and fan.
With Coach Leslie Olsen, the JV team huddles before taking the
court against Runge. Although many of the JV players were inexperienced
when the year began, they are showing improvement as
the season has progressed.
JV Bears action
Three Bears take down a St.
Stephens runner in a Sept. 22
junior varsity game. The Bears
ended up being shut out 0-26.
The JV has also lost to TSD,
St. Michael’s and Johnson City.
The JV Bears will finish out the
season with four straight away
games.

Page 8 The Laurel October 4, 2007
Fall enrollment includes 84 new students
Compiled by Mikki
Werner and Nan Zhuang
We have 84 new students
enrolled this year out of 263.
To introduce a few of them, we
asked the following students
to answer these questions:
1. Where are you from?
2. How old are you?
3. What did you do this
summer?
4. What is your favorite
college?
5. What is your favorite
type of music?
6. Where do you like to
shop?
Steve Kang:
1. Seoul, South Korea
2. 17
3. Studied; traveled in
Korea
4. Jazz, Rock
5. Duke University
6. Calvin Klein
5. University of Texas
6. Forever 21
Hillary Werner:
1. Flower Mound, Texas
2. 15
3. Cheer Camp
4. Rap
5. Texas Tech
6. Hollister
3. Studied
4. R & B
5. Boston University
6. Wal-Mart
Jeff Gooch:
1. Dallas
2. 16
3. Summer School
4. Everything
5. Texas Tech
6. Wal-Mart
Jessica Djennas:
1. Austin
2. 18
3. Chilled with friends
4. Rap/hip hop
5. University of Texas
6. Forever 21
Like Alexander the Great,
live out name you claim
Ramius Asberry:
1. Graham, Washington
2. 16
3. Played basketball, worked
out
4. Troy University
5. Hip-Hop, Rap
6. Wal-Mart
Naomi Ball:
1. Wamego, Kansas
2. 16
3. Worked at Cream Cup
4. Rock//Rap
5. Kansas State University
6. Pac-Sun
Patrick Cho:
1. Seoul, South Korea
2. 17
3. Studied really hard
4. Jazz
5. University of Virginia
6. ABC Mart
Joanna Ferrell:
1. Houston, Texas
2. 16
3. Summer School
4. Rock
Steven Huang:
1. Huang Shan City,
China
2. 16
3. Traveled
4. Pop
5. Stanford University
6. Outlet Mall
Justin Gu:
1. Qingdao, China
2. 17
By Worth Morrison
Here is a story I know about Alexander the Great. You
may or may not know that Alexander the Great thoughtlessly
executed deserters. Anyway, one day a deserter was brought
before him. Alexander, noticing that this particular deserter
was very young; probably 10 or 11 years old, asked the boy
his name. “Alexander,” he replied.
Annoyed, Alexander the Great asked him again, “What
is your name, boy?” Frightened, the little boy stammered,
“Alexander, sir.” Becoming angry, Alexander the Great
then leaped to his feet, pointed at the boy and spat out the
question again, only to receive the same reply: “Alexander.”
Furious, Alexander the Great roared, “Change your name,
boy, or live it out!”
This is a very hard example to take in if you look at it in
the spiritual aspect. What it means for me is if you claim to
be something, then act like it; live your life like you are who
you say you are, to the fullest of your abilities. For example,
I claim to be a Christian, but I don’t even act like it half
the time. You see, being a Christian isn’t only about reading
your Bible and praying and going to church. That’s not even
a fraction of it. Being a Christian is about having a sincere
personal walk with your savior. And things like morals come
with that.
So when I say I’m a Christian, it doesn’t mean I’ve got
something that other people can’t have.
What it does mean is that although I am an imperfect
being, like everyone else born into this planet, I have been
See “Live it Out,” continued on page 12

October 4, 2007 The Laurel Page 9
Senior girls enjoy 41st trip to Leakey camp
By Mikki Werner
The Senior girls made their way to Leakey Sept. 21 as
the students from the Academy have for the past 41 years.
Leakey is located about 90 miles northwest of San Antonio.
The H.E. Butt Foundation Camp is actually about 12 miles
from the town. The campsite has many bluffs and canyons
along with the headwaters of the Frio River that flow
throughout the canyon.
Senior Katie Cochran gives us the inside scoop of what
Leakey really means to her: “Leakey was absolutely amazing!
The location was incredibly serene, and personally I loved
not having cell phone service. The activities brought the
senior girls closer together, especially those in my cabin.
Leakey impacted my senior year dramatically, and I will
never forget the memories we all shared at the H.E. Butt
Foundation Camp.”
Among the senior girls who attended the retreat were
Kim Beakley, Eleanor Bender, Katie Cochran, Nubia
DelaGarza, Michelle Deschner, Tatiana Dillon, Jessica
Djennas, Min Ju Hong, Jackie Hughes, Stacie Parent, Jacqui
Piers, Hannah Slack, Evelyn Song, Leresa Stokes, Vicky Vu,
Alyssa Vu Mikki Werner and Becca Young.
(Above) Hannah Slack, Becca Young, Kim Beakley, Jacqui Piers
and Michelle Deschner take a precarious position during their
morning hike. (Right) Cabin-mates Nubia DelaGarza, Mikki Werner,
Jackie Hughes, Jessica Djennas, Leresa Stokes and Tatiana
Dillon show the effects of their bonding after two days together at
Leakey.
(Above top) Conquering the
mountain, the senior girls rest
before attempting the somewhat
easier trek back down. (Above)
Vicky Vu, Min-Ju Hong and
Alyssa Vu try kayaking for the
first time during the afternoon
break at the campsite. The Frio
River was cold but inviting at
the end of the warm afternoon.

Page 10 The Laurel October 4, 2007
Centennial Celebration, Homecoming
Showing their school pride,
Cameron Baylis, Clayton Stephens,
Hunter Lyon, Levi Chilton
and Jake Blalack paint
themselves green to celebrate
Homecoming. (Below) Steve
Miller proudly holds the Corps
flag at the tree dedication ceremony
the morning of Sept. 15.
Flanked by Brady Wickersham
and Ha Nguyen, Miller was a
member of the busy Color Guard
during the Centennial events.
(Above) A member of National Junior Honor Society, Taylor Ruiz
makes Centennial buttons for the staff to wear during the weekend
celebration. The NJHS worked on this project and also helped the
National Honor Society paint signs for the alumni. (Right) Line
dancing at the Sock Hop, these students work to keep up with the
DJ, who had them performing all kinds of dance moves.

October 4, 2007 The Laurel Page 11
generate spirit throughout campus
(Left) Seniors of ‘08 say “burn, baby, burn” as the bonfire roars behind
them. Several members of the class had the privilege of lighting
the fire, which was also built by the seniors. (Below) Junior
Karma Zhang looks happy to be part of the run-through team who
painted a large sign for the Homecoming football game.
(Left) Seventh graders Kirby Tatum and Parker Allan won the
twin contest for the Middle School, dressing as very believable rodeo
clowns. (Above) Members of the Homecoming Court celebrate
with King Jeff Cope and Queen Jackie Hughes during halftime
at the football game. The other couples include Aaron Kwok and
Min-Ju Hong; Ryan Dillard and Michelle Deschner; and Travis
Oglesby and Kim Beakley.

Page 12 The Laurel October 4, 2007
Academy Players prepare
one-act ‘Sleeping Walter’
By Joanna Ferrell
This fall’s one act play is called “Sleeping Walter” by Matt
Buchanan. Ms. Stacey Herron is the director and Dr. Arlis
Hiebert is the co-director.
When asked for a synopsis Ms. Herron said, “Sleeping Walter
is a charming story of a young man whose disappointment with
his real life leads him to go to sleep and dream up a better life
for himself.”
The play has a fairly small cast consisting of 21 Academy
students. The four main characters include Walter, played by
junior Isaac Espinoza; Walter’s sister, Grace, played by sophomore
Callie Tatum; Walter’s mother, played by junior Joanna Ferrell;
and Walter’s father played by freshman Ted Anderson.
Each boarding student gives up his study hall to practice
in the RCC from 6:45 until as late as 9 p.m. Every Academy
Player as well as the crew works very hard to put on the best
performance possible for SMBA.
The play will be performed Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
Senior Spotlight
Jon O’Neill keeps positive attitude
By Nan Zhuang
What happens to people who have some
physical problems? Will they be defeated by
them? Jon O’Neill shows us that his answer
is NO.
Jon was born without one of the bones
in his arms. As a result, his arms are shorter
than other people’s. Sometimes, he has some
troubles with his hands, such as holding some
large things, because his wrists don’t work
very well. However, he still can do a good job
by his hard work.
Jon is from Houston, Texas, and has been
at SMA for one year. “SMBA is good because
I don’t have to live with my parents,” Jon said.
He said he found a job to get some money
this summer and said his favorite subject is
math, which comes easily for him.
“Those who don’t make fun of other
people” are the kind of friends Jon said he is
looking for.
The college Jon said he wants to go is
UT-Dallas. He added that he tries to study
as hard as he can to prepare for college. “It
has the best computer engineering in Texas,”
Jon said.
With his positive attitude, Jon should be a
success wherever he goes.
Jon O’Neill
Nubia DelaGarza
Nubia DelaGarza shares smiles
In one of their scenes together, Callie Tatum as Grace and Isaac
Espinoza as Walter get into their roles.
Live it Out, continued from page 8
made perfect in the Lord’s eyes by the blood of Jesus Christ. I
will still make mistakes, because I still have that human aspect,
but the important thing is that God will forgive me. That
doesn’t mean, however, that I need to keep living in the same
sin. Everyone has his own individual struggles, but you know
what? Jesus Christ was human, too, and he went through some
variation of what you are possibly going through now.
So remember, guys and girls, God loves you, whether or not
you choose to even believe in Him. He will always love you, and
there is nothing that can change that. God’s grace is limitless, as
is the rest of Him. And if you do claim to be a Christian, live
it out!
By Mikki Werner
In a world of diverse personality traits,
there are a few that might be hard to find:
kindness, consistent motivation and a neverending
smile.
Senior Nubia De La Garza is a prime
example of these traits. Nubia holds the
respect of many peers and faculty. While
trying to balance out academics, sports and
other responsibilities, Nubia seems to keep
up a positive attitude no matter how stressful
life may become.
“Nubia is a very unique person; you will
rarely come across someone as sweet as she
is,” Katie Cochran said. “She is my best
friend.” Librarian Clare Blackstone added, “I
met Nubia last spring. I’ve always found her
to be a pleasant, interesting young lady; she
makes me smile.”
As a first time player on the volleyball
team, Nubia has started out on the JV even
though she is a senior. “I really enjoy the
game,” Nubia said, “but it’s too bad this is
going to be my last year playing high school
volleyball.”
Nubia says she looks up to her grandfather
greatly. “He had a very positive attitude
toward life and loved to help people,” Nubia
said. “He was a pusher, always trying to get
me to do my best.”
As a senior getting ready for college, Nubia
said she plans to raise her GPA by graduation.
“It’s exciting but at the same time scary
because I’m going off to college on my own,”
Nubia said, “I would like to go to college to
pursue a career as a dentist.” A special quote
from her Grandfather has inspired Nubia to
succeed in her goals. As her Grandfather use
to say; “Nothing is impossible--if you never
try, you will never find out.”