Career Day to help students choose jobs - San Marcos Academy

Vol. 92
Number 5
April 4, 2008
3
6
7
8
Inside
Hair today, gone
tomorrow, all for
locks of love
Academic, art and
music students to
compete at TAPPS
Leadership camp,
Texas Shootout and
Golden Bear trip
Plan and dress for
success at prom,
graduation
Athletic teams
giving extra push
With just a few
weeks left in the
season for the
spring sports (baseball,
softball, tennis,
track and
golf),
athletes
are
busier
than
ever. To
keep up with their
progress and recent
sucesses, turn to
sports on pages 4-5.
April
Calendar
4-5 . . . TAPPS Academic/
Art Meet in Austin
4 . . . Dinner at the softball/baseball
fi elds
5 . . . LEAD (Career Day)
9-13 . . . JROTC Leadership
Trip
10 . . . Senior sleep-in/
breakfast/lunch
11-12 . . State TAPPS Music
Meet in Abilene
16 . . . Advisory Dinner
17-20 . . . Golden Bear
Trip to Disneyworld
24-30 . . . Fine Arts Week
26 . . . Spring Alumni
Reunion
30 . . . Jazz Band Concert
San Marcos Academy 2801 Ranch Road 12 San Marcos TX 78666
Career Day to help
students choose jobs
By Mikki Werner
Tomorrow, students will
be attending a Career Day as
their LEAD activity. A number
of volunteers, mostly SMA
alumni, will be on campus to
help students become aware
of the many different career
opportunities available to them.
These volunteers include
Andy Casey, attorney; Jeff
Harlan, musician; Lynn Kindler,
life coach; Linda McClellan-
Miller, finance; Julia Taylor,
marketing; Rachel Griesel-Ruiz,
report owner; Alan Haney,
appraiser; Claudia Tijerina,
legislative aide; Donald L.
Mooney, health services; Laurie
L. Watson, film; Melinda Lee
Stone-Myers, real estate; Celina
Jaimes Bley, communications;
Pat Donahy, motivational
speaking; Brian and Jill Carson
Minnix, missionaries; Carl
Bragg, policeman; Steve Mitchell,
firefighter; Frank Gomillion,
architect; Ms. Robbie Barrera,
DPS trooper; and recruiters from
the military service branches.
As usual, LEAD will begin
at 9 a.m. and last until noon.
Students will meet in the RCC
to get their Career Day schedule.
Last week students were handed
a career sheet in which they
ranked the careers they were
most interested in. Using
these ballot sheets, Career Day
coordinators Mrs. Lynne Ritchie
and Mrs. Madeline DeLong will
insure that students are assigned
at least four different sessions of
their liking to attend.
Having a Career Day should
give students a great opportunity
to discover the many jobs the
world has to offer.
Michelle Deschner receives the overall award for excellence in instrumental
music at the Optimist Youth Appreciation ceremony in Austin
March 29. Michelle was also nominated as teenager of the year.
In the rotunda of the state Capitol in Austin, Isaac Espinoza, Daylon
Hethcock, Hunter Dunfield, Steve Miller and Nolan Rutland stand at
attention before posting colors for the Optimist Club ceremony.
17 seniors get recognition
at Optimist Club ceremony
By Nan Zhuang
Seventeen seniors were nominated to represent SMA at the 34 th
Annual Youth Appreciation Week ceremony, hosted by the Central
Texas Optimist clubs, in the House of Representatives Chamber of
the State Capitol March 30.
Michelle Deschner won the overall award in Instrumental Music
and Ryan Dillard won the overall award in Drama.
Seniors who were nominated were Kim Beakley and Ryan
Dillard, Drama; Hayden Lyon and Tatiana Dillon, Male and Female
Sports; Nan Zhuang, Community Service; Aaron Abugaber, Science;
Kevin Yang, Computer Science; Becca Young, Vocal Music; Sohei
Nishimura and Stacie Parent, Art; David Yu, Foreign Language;
Daniel Seo and Minju Hong, Mathematics; T.J. Riner and Michelle
Deschner, Instrumental Music; and Aaron Abugaber and Michelle
Deschner, Teenager of the Year.
The Academy Color Guard also posted colors for the ceremony
as they have for about the past 20 years. Daylon Hethcock, Isaac
Espinoza, Hunter Dunfield, Steven Miller, and Nolan Rutland
represented the Academy on the Color Guard during the
ceremony.

Page 2 The Laurel April 4, 2008
Grassroots service
Getting a taste of politics, Kim Beakley and Aaron Abugaber
join Mrs. Dottie Barnes, a 1970 graduate at the Hays County
Republican Convention March 29.
Seven students helped out as pages during the event, putting
in close to seven hours of community service. The group also
included Katey Henry, Min Ju Hong, Bryce Patterson, Jacqui Piers
and Alyssa Shallenberger. Mrs. Barnes, who helped coordinate
the convention. invited the Academy students to participate.
The students assisted the delegates in any way they needed,
from greeting; delivering drinks, paper, resolutions and messages;
helping at the microphone; selling snacks; or just being on hand
whenever a delegate needed help.
“The Republican Convention was really interesting, and
also very long,” Katey Henry said. “I think all of the student
ambassadors who went enjoyed the new experience.”
Hey Laurie Laurel fans,
my little brother Larry is here
again to offer his advice. Read
on to see how he has answered
the following questions!
Dear Laurie:
As graduating seniors, what
would be the best tip in how
to spend our summers before
college?
Sincerely,
Soon to Graduate
Dear Soon:
I’m sure a lot of advisors
would suggest to you that
you should do things such as
review your study skills, read
a difficult book to increase
your vocabulary or something
to that effect and those things
are wise suggestions. However,
you are about to launch out
into a whole new area of
your life, so I suggest you
work this summer and make
a little money (to show some
responsibility) and relax when
you can. That way you will be
ready for college orientation
and the start of your college
classes in the Fall. Larry
suggests . . . Find an activity
that you did not have much
time to enjoy while completing
your senior year. Relaxing is
important, but I would suggest
that you take some time to
think about your future. It
is never too early to begin
researching different careers
which you may be interested
in. Don’t wait till the end of
the summer to get yourself
organized for freshman year
of college.
Dear Laurie:
Being young and in love,
some of us are torn on how
to carry on our lives after we
graduate. Should we stick close
by our boyfriend/ girlfriend
to make sure the relationship
holds together, or should we
go our separate ways to our
separate schools and hope to
stay together?
Prayer for forgiveness,
wisdom, direction, joy
By Yohan Hong, Student Council Religious Coordinator
Dear God and Heavenly Father,
Lord, please forgive me for the pain and agony I have caused
for others in my life. Please mend their hearts and their wounded
minds. I ask that you forgive our generation for all our sins.
Please have mercy on us and forgive us for all of our sins. Give
us the strength and knowledge to be aware of the love of your
son, Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice that he made for each and
every one of us.
We walk through each day according to the master plan that
you have made for us, and help us to completely give ourselves to
you because we know that you will lead us in the right direction.
I will do everything in my power to spread your heavenly word
to everyone around me. Let everyone at San Marcos Baptist
Academy become deeply influenced by your word, so they too
will be saved.
Thank you for showing me the true meaning and purpose
of life. I will forever be thankful for you and Christ Jesus my
Savior, for I know that without you Lord, I am nothing.
‘Then make my joy complete by being like-mined, having
the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out
of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider
others better than your-selves. Each of you should look not only
to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your
attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.’ -Philippians
2:2-5
Thereupon ‘every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
the glory of God the Father.’ –Philippians 2:11
I pray for my fellow classmates, teachers, and their families.
I hope to set a positive example for them and represent your
heavenly name. For “Do not be mislead my brothers: Bad
company corrupts good character.”
I would like to fully expedite the plans I have prepared into
a real action, just like planting good seeds and expecting good
fruits from them.
Laurie & Larry share advice for readers
Signed, In Love
Dear In Love:
Not knowing more of your
situation, it is hard for me to
advise you on what you should
do. I would suggest that you
ask some of the adults around
you for advice after you talk
to your boyfriend or girlfriend
and see how they want to
handle the distance between
you. Some people don’t do
long distance relationships
very well and others do. Larry
suggests . . . I agree with Laurie.
This is a decision that only you
can make. Remember that you
have to do what is best for you
and your future. Review the
pros and cons of your current
relationship along with your
new beginning as a college
student, ask someone you trust
what they would do, and make
a thought-out decision.
Dear Laurie:
How can I find my aim for
life if I feel my life is boring
and has no aim?
Sincerely, Drifting
Dear Drifting:
It is really important that
you begin setting some goals
for your life. Once you have
some goals in mind, you will
know what direction you
should head and won’t be
drifting aimlessly. A counselor
or someone close to you can
help you set these goals. Your
counselor, Ms. Hughes, can
also help you with the career
you would like to pursue by
offering you some testing
that she has available. Larry
suggests . . . Each and every
one of us has a future plan set
out even though we may not
know it just yet. That is okay.
Look at your interests and
explore new opportunities,
which will help you begin to
find your path. Give yourself
more credit and find ways to
help build up the potential
you have inside you.
Staff:
Co-editors:
Mikki Werner
Nan Zhuang
Adviser:
Mrs. Shelley Henry
Policies:
The Laurel is published
three or three 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
typed and submitted to the
editor one week prior to the
publication date. All letters
should be signed.
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

By Mikki Werner
Several students around
campus have recently
donated to the Locks of Love
organization. These students
include Kim Beakley, Ema
Ourston and Mairi Vannella.
For those who are not
familiar with the organization,
Locks of Love is committed to
providing the highest quality
hair prostheses (hairpieces)
to every child suffering from
long-term or permanent
medical hair loss due to
cancer or other illness. The
hair prostheses provided are
custom-made from donated
ponytails and retail for between
$3,500 and $6,000. These
prostheses are different from
synthetic hairpieces because
they form a vacuum seal, and
do not require the use of tape
or glue. Only the wearer of
the prosthesis may remove
it, by breaking the vacuum
seal at the temples. Children
can dismiss insecurities about
classmates pulling off their
hairpiece, or losing it during
sports. They can also swim and
shower with it in place. “Wigs”
At left: Ema Ourston with long hair and (right) after cutting her hair to donate to the Locks of Love
organization. Two other girls here have also shared a part of themselves with cancer victims.
April 4, 2008 The Laurel Page 3
Kim, Ema, Mairi give ‘locks of love’ for others
do not provide these needs for
every day activities of active
children. This sense of security
allows the children to get back
their self-confidence and be
kids again.
Being the first time Kim,
Ema and Mairi had donated,
none of them held long regrets
after cutting their hair. “I
regretted it at first because I
went from having really long
hair to really short hair in just
a couple of minutes, which
was hard to get used to, but it
was comforting knowing that
it was going to a good cause,”
Kim said.
On the other hand, Ema
said, “I’m actually not sure
if it was donated to Locks
of Love,” she explained. “I
requested it to be donated, and
they put my hair in a pony tail
then cut it off and put the tied
pony tail in an envelope. They
asked me if my hair was twelve
inches long, and I told them I
wasn’t sure, but they cut it off
anyway and said they would
save it. I don’t regret cutting
my hair, because I love short
hair; however, I might grow it
out again.”
Mairi said, “I simply wanted
to donate to kids who have
cancer.” All three girls said
they would encourage others
to donate their hair as well.
“Others should do it because
these kids have enough to
worry about,” Kim said. “They
shouldn’t have to be afraid of
what everyone thinks of them
because they have no hair.”
Those interested in donating
hair should know that the
donations are evaluated for
usefulness according to the
following guidelines: hair must
be at least 10 inches long and
preferably 12 inches in length;
it must be bundled in a pony
tail or braid; hair must be free
of bleach; colored hair and
permed hair is acceptable; the
hair must be clean and dry,
placed in a plastic bag, and
mailed in a padded envelope
to Locks of Love, 2925 10 th
Avenue N., Suite 102, Lake
Worth, FL 33461-3099.
Our senior spotlight falls on Jackie Hughes
By Mikki Werner
Miss Jackie Hughes from
Dripping Springs, Texas, is
a well-known senior at SMA
who juggles many activities
throughout the year. These
activities include the JROTC
program that she first joined
at the beginning of last fall
in which she is a corporal.
“Jackie came into JROTC at
the beginning of the year and
seemed like she was not quite
sure about what to do, but
over the course of the school
year, Jackie has become a solid
cadet and learned much about
the way JROTC operates and
is an absolute pleasure to have
in the Battalion,” Company
Commander Ed Estrada said.
She has also been involved
in 4-H, where she raised a pig.
Jackie’s pig, Bacon, helped her
win third place in the Hays
County Livestock Show. “4-
H was fun, but I also enjoyed
making money, too!” Jackie
said. She received over $1400
at the livestock show. Also, for
a second year, Jackie is one of
the managers for the baseball
team.
Unlike many at SMA,
Jackie has the accomplishment
of becoming a Laurel student,
which means she has met
and exceeded the requirements
of good behavior in the dorm
and around campus. The
privileges of being a Laurel
student include no room
inspection in the morning,
no study hall at night, and a
four-hour town leave every day
of the week. Jackie encourages
students who want to become
Laurel to go for it.
As the time for graduation
gets closer, Jackie said that she
is excited, but at the same time
scared. “I am going to miss
spending a lot of time with my
friends, and the easy school
work,” Jackie said. Jackie also
said that she isn’t going to
miss having something to do
every second of the day and
almost never getting free time.
Will Haskin has many
reasons why he is going to
miss Jackie when she graduates
in May. “Jackie has been my
friend from the starting day
we both attended SMA,” Will
said. “She always puts a smile
on my face when I’m feeling
bad. We always laugh about
stupid stuff at the lunch table;
she’s always there for me. I
can trust her when I tell her
something private. I love
her (sorry Chase), and I’m
gonna cry my eyes out when
she graduates from here!”
Another friend and fan, Brady
Wickersham, added, “Jackie is
one of the most caring persons
I have ever met. She actually
listens to you and cares about
your problems and tries to
help you as much as possible. I
predict she is going to go very
far and be successful in life.”
Jackie is also well respected
by many faculty and staff
Jackie Hughes (top right) surrounds herself with friends Naomi
Ball, Katie Cochran and Mikki Werner. See “Jackie,” page 7

Page 4 The Laurel April 4, 2008
Two days, two meets for varsity track team
With back-to-back meets March 27-28, the
varsity track team learned the meaning of the
phrase “no rest for the weary.”
First up for the Bears was the Pirate Relays
in Centerpoint. Theresa Nealon struck gold
in the 800 meter run and also placed fifth in
long jump. Amy Cope placed fifth in the 800,
and Tatiana Dillon had a sixth place finish in
discus. The 4 x 100 relay of Rachael Johnson,
Callie Tatum, Katie Cochran and Stacie Parent
took third, as did the 4 x 200 relay of Nealon,
Tatum, Cochran and Dillon.
For the boys, Brady Wickersham took second
in high jump and fifth in the 110 high hurdles.
Ramius Asberry was sixth in high jump and
John Langeland was sixth in discus.
The 4 x 100 relay team of Mark Hamm,
Blayne Wright, and Keith Shimek and Asberry
took fourth, while the 4 x 200 relay (Chris Dyer,
Asberry, Shimek, Jeff Cope) placed second.
In their first district game with Brentwood, a
Bear runner takes off for first after a bunt while
3 golfers make regionals
It was the best of times . . . and the worst of times for the
Bear golfers, who could have qualified as a team for the regional
tournament Monday if not for a technicality. On the positive
side, three golfers did come away from the district meet qualifying
to play at regionals as individuals. Juan Gomez, Victoria
Hargroder and Roxanne Davis will all play at the regional
tourny Tuesday in Austin.
The boys’ team of Jack Shepler, Richard Bretcher, J.R. Nelson
and Gomez were in line to place second at district, but due to
signing and turning in an incorrect scorecard, one of the players
was disqualified. The team was therefore unable to advance.
“Several of the golfers shot their personal best rounds,” Coach
Bear Bryant said.
The district tournament was played at Falconhead Golf Club
in Austin.
The 4 x 400 team of Cope, Shimek, Dyer and
Asberry took fourth.
At the Canyon Cougar Relays March 28,
Nealon again placed first, but this time did
so in the 400 meter run. The 4 x 200 relay of
Dillon, Tatum, Cochran and Nealon placed
fifth, while the 4 x 400 relay team of Dillon,
Tatum, Amy Cope and Nealon took fourth.
On the boys’ side, Langeland had the
winning toss in discus, while Wickersham took
third in high jump. Nate Grosch took fourth
in shot put and fifth in discus, while Dyer took
sixth in discus. Asberry placed fourth in the
100 meter dash.
Prior to these two meets, the track team had
also competed at Elgin March 7 and at Texas
State University March 1. The district meet is
coming up April 18, and those who qualify
there will compete May 2-3 at the state meet
in Waco.
the catcher tries to snag the ball for an out. Today
the Bears meet Regents for the second time.
Golfers who went to district Monday at Falconhead
Golf Club in Austin were Roxanne Davis,
With a leap over the bar, Brady Wickersham snags first place at the
Texas State High School Invitational March 1. Wickersham took
second and third place in high jump at the last two track meets.
Baseball Bears to battle
Regents again here today
Today, the varsity baseball team has a chance to beat Austin
Regents for a second time this season as they meet here at home
at 4:30 p.m. On Feb. 27, the Bears took a 5-2 victory over the
Knights for their first district win.
The Bears also beat district foe San Antonio Lutheran March
25 in a 5-0 shutout, pitched by Darby Rollins. But three losses,
one to Hyde Park and two to Brentwood have left the Bears with
a 3-2 district record. The Brentwood game Tuesday was painfully
close, a 7-6 loss that included a homer by Sam Skipworth.
In non-district play, the Bears have not fared well, losing
five times and only winning one game, against Round Rock
Christian Academy. But it’s the district games that count most,
and the Bears, under Coach Jason Campbell, hope they can pick
up enough wins to gain a spot in the bi-district playoff round
April 26.
Commenting on the season so far, senior Alex Stark said
that he enjoys “the competitive nature of the game,” while Joel
Fausett added, “I like the feeling when some guy hits a pop fly
and I catch it and kick the guy out.”
Victoria Hargorder, J.R. Nelson, Juan Gomez,
Richard Bretcher and Jack Shepler.

Alert and ready, LeResa Stokes snags a ball in a recent home game
for the Lady Bears. Tonight, the team plays Canyon Lake High
School here at 4:30 p.m. with a crawfish boil dinner to follow.
Middle School track team
heading to district April 18
Kirby Tatum took first place in the 200 meter event for
the Middle School track team and Kayla Kimrey placed first
in the 100 meter run when they competed against about ten
other teams at Centerpoint March 28.
Others who placed included Parker Allan, second in the
300 meter; Thomas Buesche, third in discus; Levi Chilton,
Brett Mackall, John Nealon and Alec Patton, fourth in the
200 meter relay; John Nealon, second in the 2400 meter
and 1600 meter; Levi Chilton, fifth in the 1600 meter; Tiara
Hansen, third in the 400 meter and fifth in the 1600 meter;
Cameron Baylis, fourth in discus; and Jihee Yoon, Rebecca
Cox, Kayla Kimrey and Kayla Chandler, fourth in the 800
meter relay and fifth in the 500 meter relay.
At an earlier meet Feb. 29 in Somerville, Hunter Lyon
took fifth in the 110 meter hurdles and sixth in the 300
meter hurdles, while Kayla Chandler placed fourth in the
800 metere run and sixth in the 1600 meter run. Thomas
Buesche also had a fourth place finish in discus.
Coach Matt Bourbon said the team has about 30 members
and is one of the biggest middle school track teams in several
years. The squad will compete at district on April 18.
Fitness Center coming soon
By Nan Zhuang
Based on current projections, at the beginning of Fall 2008,
students will be able to use two new campus facilities to better
enjoy their school life.
Thanks to Col. (Ret) and Mrs. Don Mafrige, who are both
1955 graduates, the Academy is in the process of constructing
the Don and Nancy Mafrige Fitness Center. The preliminary
work for the center is about completed, and construction is
scheduled to begin any day now.
The fitness center will be used for both athletics training
and for students, faculty and staff who want to use it for less
intense training. The fitness center will be divided into several
Please see “Fitness,” continued on page 7
Non-district game on tap today
April 4, 2008 The Laurel Page 5
Lady Bears set sights on playoffs
One might think the
Lady Bears softball team had
placed a hex on the weather in
order to avoid playing district
games. Three district matches
had to be rescheduled due to
weather and one, scheduled
with San Juan Diego, was won
by forfeit due to SJD’s low
team turnout.
The Lady Bears might wish
the Hyde Park game March 24
had been rescheduled, as the
Panthers put on an 18-0 show at
the Bears’ home field. Tuesday
the Lady Bears met Brentwood
for a district match, falling
By Nan Zhuang
Today, our tennis team is
going to play Regents School
of Austin. The game will start
at 4 p.m. at home and will be
the last district match before
the district tournament April
8 at San Marcos High School.
On Wednesday, the tennis
team played against San
Antonio St. Gerard at home,
but results were not available
at press time.
The team was scheduled
to play Hyde Park in Austin
Monday, but the dual meet
was canceled on account of
rain.
On Mar 28, the tennis
team played versus San
Antonion Lutheran at home.
In singles competition, the
Bears had three wins and three
losses. Trina Gao defeated
Makala Barrs 7-6 (8-6 in the
tiebreaker); Joshua Leung
defeated Joshua Magoldric 6-
0; David Yu defeated Johnny
Garrant 7-5; Aaron Abugaber
lost to Lukas Gloor 1-6; Andy
Yu lost to Corbin Rogers 0-6;
and Yohan Hong lost to Kayla
Brock 1-6.
In doubles play, the Bears
had bad luck with all three
of their teams. Kevin Yang/
Hisham Naeem lost to Peter
Zurlander/Daniel Olson 6-
7 (4-7 in tiebreaker); Kevin
just short in a hard-fought 10-
11 loss. Today, the team has
a non-district match scheduled
with Canyon Lake High
School here at 4:30 p.m. and
then it’s back to district play
again as the Lady Bears hope
to gain a spot in the bi-district
round of playoffs, scheduled
for April 23.
Building up to district, the
Lady Bears had a balanced
beginning to their season.
They enjoyed wins over
Bartlett, Cornerstone, Canyon
Lake High School, Texas
School for the Deaf (twice),
Lin/Justin Gu lost to Michale
Moe/ Danny Stroud 6-7 (5-7 in
tiebreaker); and Nan Zhuang/
Steven Pham lost to Catilin
Lawson/Lauren Forbes 2-6.
The doubles players had
better luck Mar 27 when
the tennis team played TSD
at Austin. Winning their
matches were Kevin Yang/
Hisham Naeem, who defeated
Moreno/Harrison 6-2; Nan
Zhuang/Steven Pham, who
defeated Godfrey/Nirider 6-
3; Trina Gao/Scarlet Yu, who
defeated Akilia Haley-Pinder/
Paloma Mejia 6-2; and Nan
and St. Michael’s. However,
they suffered losses against
Cornerstone, Hyde Park (in the
Jarrell Tournament), Temple
and St. Andrews (twice).
Coach Rene Natal is
leading the Lady Bears and
hopes are high for a playoff
spot. The ladies have a run of
road games in April; their next
home match is not until April
21. “I’m excited that our team
has made it this far,” Halie
Dittemore said. Sarah Brown
added, “Softball is going well;
hopefully, we can finish second
in the playoffs.”
Tennis players eye district meet
Ready to hit a backhand return, Trina Gao keeps her eye on the
ball in a recent match. Trina has played in both singles and
doubles for the Bears, who meet Regents here today.
Zhuang/Steven Pham, who
also defeated Teasley/Sherman
6-0. The team of Kevin Lin/
Justin Gu lost their match to
Wilhite/Rojas 1-6.
In singles matches, Trina
Gao defeated Mara Serrano
6-1; Scarlet Yu lost to Lauren
Dowell 3-6; Aaron Abugaber
lost to Erick Rojas 2-6; Andy
Yu lost to Nick Wilhite 1-
6; Yohan Hong defeated
Dominic Harrison 7-5; David
Yu defeated Leonel Barrera 6-
3; and Joshua Leung lost to
Santiago Moreno 1-6.

Page 6 The Laurel April 4, 2008
It’s on to state for academic, art competitors
By Mikki Werner
Today and tomorrow, a number of students
will be competing at the state TAPPS Art
and Academic Meet at Concordia Lutheran
University in Austin.
In academics, these students include Sam
Boothby and Nubia DeLaGarza for prose
interpretation; Ha Nguyen for science; Michael
Zhang and Karma Zhang for number sense;
Nolan Rutland for solo acting; Michael Zhang,
Nan Zhuang and Byongong Lee for advanced
mathematics; Ema Ourston, Kelsey Henry and
Callie Tatum for ready writing; Kevin Yang and
Paul Lee for calculator; Nubia DeLaGarza and
Georgia Rutledge for Spanish; David Abugaber,
Ha Nguyen and Ema Ourston for current events;
David Abugaber and Ha Nguyen for social
studies; Michael Zhang, Kevin Yang and Man-
Kit Wu for computer science; Daniel Seo, David
Abugaber and Steven Haung for mathematics;
Ed Estrada and Alyssa Shallenberger for poetry
At the Christmas program back in December, Robin Jo performs a
piece on the violin. Robin is one of several who will compete at the
state music meet April 11-12 in Abilene.
interpretation; and the SMBA yearbook also
made it to state TAPPS.
A number of students also made it to state
TAPPS with their artistic work. These artists
and photographers include Michelle Deschner
(four categories), Tatiana Dillon, Ed Estrada,
JiHee Han (two categories), Steven Huang, John
Myers, Hisham Naeem (two categories), Evan
Olsen, Stacie Parent, LeResa Stokes, Hannah
Slack, Alex Stark, David Yu and Nan Zhuang.
Twelve students will also be taking part in onsite
art events at the state meet. This group
includes Michelle Deschner, Tatiana Dillon,
Ema Ourston, Stacie Parent, Lea Ann Nixon, Ji
Hee Han, Steven Huang, Chloe Rocha, Jessica
Djennas, Caroline Cashion, Hyobin Kim and
Phung Nguyen,
SMA also ranked the highest in the final
standings at the district academic meet and
took second overall in the district art meet that
were held at the Academy March 1.
By Nan Zhuang
On March 3, the Academy
hosted the Austin Regional
TAPPS Music Competition.
Four other schools, Brentwood
Christian School, Khabele
School, Concordia, and St.
Michael’s, joined the meet and
competed with the 62 students
from the Academy.
Among the five schools,
the Academy got the second
highest point total.
In the vocal categories,
those who qualified for state
with the highest rating of I
(one) were Becca Young and
Joanna Ferrell, female solo;
NHS busy with recent service projects
Working with clay in the art room a few months ago, Hannah
Slack starts a new project. One of Hannah’s pottery pieces will go
to state this weekend for the TAPPS art meet.
Musicians place at regional event
Alex Hoke, Patrick Cho, Sam
Boothby and Will Haskin,
male solo; and the Fifth Period
Singers and Fifth Period Men.
Other vocalists who
competed but did not qualify
for state were the Fifth Period
Girls and soloists Michelle
Deschner, Kim Beakley and
Jacqui Piers.
In instrumental categories,
those going to state include the
Saxophone Quartet; the Jazz
Band; Robin Jo, string solo;
Alyssa Shallenberger, Gom
Park, Michelle Deschner, and
Seung Pyo Hong, woodwind
solos; Darby Rollins and T.J.
Riner, percussion solos; and
Joseph Wang, Kelsey Henry
and Tianqi Chen, piano solos.
Others who competed but
did not qualify for state were
the concert band; the flute
choir; Jihee Yoon, Yohan Hong
and Yougin Lee, woodwind
solos; Adam Rollins, brass
solo; Rebecca Cox, percussion
solo; Zoe Ruiz, piano solo;
the SMBA Medium Ensemble
and the SMBA Middle School
Medium Ensemble.
Those who advanced to
state will compete at Hardin-
Simmons University in Abilene
April 12-13.
By Nan Zhuang
In the past two weeks,
National Honor Society
members have been involved
in two projects.
Yesterday, 30 members
of NHS went to the City
Park Pavillion to help sort
books for the San Marcos
Public Library’s annual sale.
The project lasted from 9-
11:30 a.m. After finishing the
project, the members ate lunch
by the river.
On March 29, 18 NHS
members participated in the
Hays Country Heart Walk at
Bobcat Stadium. The members
walked about 3 miles to raise
money for the American Heart
Association. The program
started at 8 a.m. and the walk
lasted from 9-10:30 a.m. The
club raised over $300.
Earlier in the semester, the
honor society sold a day of
civvies for $2 to raise money
for the Baylor Pediatric AIDS
Initiative. All the tickets sold
went into a drawing, and the
winner of the drawing was
Hunter Lyon, who got a whole
week of civvies. This project
successfully raised $900.
The last project of NHS
this semester is to help serve
at the San Marcos Heritage
Association Brunch May 4. In
this project, girls will go to the
brunch to serve the food and
refill drinks.
Also, the NHS/NJHS
Banquet will be held April
28. During this banquet,
NHS members will be given
departmental awards, new
members will be recognized,
and officers will be inducted.
Coming around the bend, NHS members Isaac Espinoza, Ed Estada,
Cameron Dean, Gom Park, SeungPyo Hong and Daniel Seo
participate in a walk for the American Heart Association.

Nate Grosch hands out a promotion to Eric Ourston as Tony Vannella
looks on. Cadets will attend leadership camp next week.
Leadership trip for JROTC
coming up at Camp Bullis
By Nan Zhuang
The JROTC Leadership Camp will take place April 9-13 for
those students who are interested in participating in the JROTC
program for the next school year.
The Leadership Camp training will be conducted at Camp
Bullis, outside of San Antonio. During the Leadership Camp,
the students will have both adventure type training (rappelling
and orienteering) and leadership training so that they can be
successful in JROTC next year. The cost of the Leadership
Camp is $125, which includes meals, lodging, training sites and
a camp t-shirt.
“If they accept the invitation to Leadership Camp 2008,
cadets must do so with the understanding that virtually all of
time from the afternoon of April 9 until the afternoon of April
13 will be devoted to intense leadership training,” LTC Larry
Revell said. “Therefore, cadets should come prepared to work
hard both physically and mentally. We will conduct physically
strenuous training daily.”
Cadets will be issued BDU’s and a pair of boot for their
training. The deadline to enroll in the camp was March 31.
Fitness, continued from page 5
One of them is the cardio area, which will include exercise
bicycles, treadmills and eliptical machines. The second section
is the machinery area for muscle training, including five or
six weight machines that will work different muscle groups; a
large dumbbell rack; and a couple of benches to use with the
dumbbells; and power racks for serious weight training.
Chief Financial Officer Monty Lewis said the renovation
will help “enhance the on-campus program of students life.”
Athletic Director Toby Wade said, “The Center is going to be
very nice. It should be a significant upgrade for athletics and
will hopefully be less intimidating and more inviting for our
female athletes and very attractive for our non-athletes, kids and
staff who just want to be healthier. I am very excited about the
new fitness center.”
Another new on-campus facility is a riding arena, which is
near the barn. So far, over 100 truck loads of dirt have been
hauled to the site to make the area level. The final step will
include top soil and fencing. When completed, the riding arena
will be used for individual riding lessons for those students
interested in riding or learning how to ride. Mr. and Mrs. D.C.
Toedt III gave a monetary gift enabling the school to build the
arena.
Adam Rollins won reserve
champion in the junior
division for the Texas Shootout
at the Star of Texas Show in
Austin March 12.
The Texas Shootout is
the academic competition
consisting of a written quiz,
a test on the identification
of chicken parts and grading
of eggs, and a 10 minute
speech given after one hour
of preparation. The subject of
the speech was on the positive
impact that poultry production
By Nan Zhuang
From April 17-20, the Academy will provide
the third annual Golden Bear trip, which is only
available to those students who were Golden
Bears three or more times.
At the Golden Bear meeting Feb. 29, several
students indicated that the Disneyland was
the best place for Golden Bear trip this year.
The cost for the trip will be about $1400 per
student.
So far, nine students have signed up for
the trip and will depart April 17, along with
Jackie, continued from page 3
members. “It has been such a joy to watch
Jackie mature into a beautiful and responsible
young lady,” Dorm Director Laura Paul said.
“Graduation will be a bittersweet moment. I
will be sad that she won’t be returning next year,
but very happy for her in her accomplishments.
I wish her much joy and success.” Adding to
what Mrs. Paul said, Hall Director Camillion
McDonald also shared her thoughts about
Jackie. “I think one of my favorite things about
Jackie is her solid demeanor,” Mrs. McDonald
said. “Nothing really ever ruffles her feathers!
The even better thing is that quality permeates
out, which makes for a very low drama level
within her circle of friends. We’re going to miss
you, Jackie!”
Though Jackie still isn’t sure what college
she would like to attend, she already has a pretty
good idea of what career she wants to pursue.
“Right now I want to be a neonatal newborn
nurse but that probably will change,” Jackie
said. “It just seems like something I would like
to do.” Planning to get a summer job, Jackie
also said she wants to have a lot of fun before
going to college.
Attending SMA since her sophomore year,
Jackie clearly has many friends around campus.
Sohei Nishimura recalls a conversation that he
and Jackie had once: “Sohei, you are the craziest
Asian I have ever seen . . . wait, I had never really
seen Asians before I came to SMA!” Jackie said
to him. Jackie said a friend is someone who is
trustworthy and will be there for you no matter
April 4, 2008 The Laurel Page 7
Rollins gets reserve at Texas Shootout
has on the Texas economy
during times of increasing fuel
costs.
Mairi Vannella also showed
her roaster at the Star of
Texas, but neither Adam nor
Mairi placed with their birds.
Additionally, Madison Marcus
and Will Haskin showed steers
in the Austin show March 1-2,
but did not place.
The last show of the year
for 4-H members was the
Houston show. Travis Leslie
took his steer March 10-15 and
finished in the top 20 out of
a class of 70 plus. Only 11 of
the animals went to auction,
so Travis did not make the
sale, but 4-H sponsor Mrs.
Dori Naivar said, “He did an
awesome job.”
Now that all the major
shows are over, Mrs. Naivar is
in the process of looking and
buying steers for next year’s 4-
H projects. Anyone interested
in a steer project should see
her soon.
Golden Bears to meet Mickey Mouse
Mr. Marcus McDonald, Mrs. Vickie Boyer and
two parent sponsors. They will enjoy ECPOT
Center after they arrive in Orlando that day.
On April 18, they will enjoy the water park,
Typhoon Lagoon. And for the last two days,
the will visit Disney’s Magic Kingdom and
Animal Kingdom.
The group will return to the San Antonio
airport April 20.
Mrs. Boyer said that the deadline could be
stretched by a day or two if other students decide
to register late., but the price might increase.
what. “Miss Jackie Hughes, Oh buddy, I love
you so much; there is not much to worry about
as long as you have LeResa’s love, and you do
playa,” LeResa Stokes said.
Knowing Jackie for almost three years,
Kaite Cochran shares a heart-filled thought:
“Jackie is one of those rare friends who never
lets you down. She is an extremely strong
person considering what she has been through
and she still manages to stay positive and go
throughout each day with a smile on her face.
I love you, Jackie; thank you for being such a
great friend.”
Agreeing with just about everyone, Chance
Cook also said that Jackie is very nice and cares
about everyone. Hunter Lyon also added that
Jackie is funny, a good friend. Jackie’s boyfriend
of over four months, Chase Jones, shared what
his girlfriend really means to him. “She is the
only person I’ve ever met who is able to give me
that feeling in my stomach every time she comes
around,” Chase said. “She can make me smile
no matter what mood I’m in, and can make
me forget about everything with hers.” With
mutual feelings Jackie expresses her feelings for
her boyfriend. “Chase is one the best things
that has ever happened to me and I love him,
oh, and he definitely caught me” Jackie said.
On a closing note Jackie said, “There are a
lot of people that have been there for me and
helped me get through all the tough times, and
you know who you all are; thank you so much
for everything!”

Page 8 The Laurel April 4, 2008
It’s never too early to plan for a perfect prom
By Mikki Werner
On May 9, SMA will have
the annual junior/senior prom.
Many girls may struggle with
the stress of not knowing what
perfect dress to buy, or how to
wear their hair and make-up.
A simple guide with a few tips
can help you reach the highest
level of beauty within a couple
of hours.
Instead of fretting over
the prom day ahead of you,
be prepared. Take the time to
plan the steps you are going
to take when getting ready for
the big night. Planning can
save you from running into
those unwanted surprises and
leave you with a spectacular
prom night you have always
dreamed of.
If you are one of those girls
who always seems to show up
at prom with the same dress as
someone else, try shopping at a
dress boutique instead of wellknown
places like Dillard’s
or J.C. Penney. Shopping at
small dress boutique gives
you a much better chance of
having your very own style at
prom. Though the cost might
be a bit higher than at local
department stores, paying a bit
extra is better than showing up
in the same dress as five other
girls.
Though shopping at wellknown
department stores can
be a bit risky, try looking at
their online collection. Most
companies offer a larger
selection online; therefore you
have a better chance of finding
that perfect dress.
After purchasing your
perfect prom dress, now all you
need to do is to find matching
accessories and make your
hair and nail appointments,
and you will be well organized
and on your way to complete
prom satisfaction.
SENSIBLE PROM TIPS
1. Choose your shoes
several weeks early and wear
them in at home. There's
nothing worse than painful
blisters taking away from that
spectacular night.
2. Try wearing your hair
in a different style than usual;
it will help you make that
stunning entrance.
3. Get a fresh clean haircut
three weeks before the prom
date to insure healthy looking
hair.
4. Wear your make-up a
shade darker for that elegant
look.
5. Get lots of beauty sleep
the night before to insure your
utmost radiant self.
6. Be yourself and have
a great time; nothing will
accessorize your dress better
than a great smile gleaming
with confidence.
WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR
PURSE?
Never go to prom with out
all your necessities; accidents
do happen to the best of us, and
it never hurts to be prepared.
A little bit of powder, eyeliner,
and lipgloss can help keep you
looking fresh all night. Bring
your camera to capture the
glitz of the night.
Additionally, don’t forget
your cell phone. A safety pin
or two might come in handy
as well.
Ladies: plan to dress for success at graduation
By Mikki Werner
With only a little over 6
weeks left, many girls have
already bought, or for the last
minute shoppers will soon buy
the 2 white dresses and suit
they will need for graduation.
As a tradition of SMA the
girls have a suit and matching
hat that will be worn during
the Baccalaureate service, a
short-length white dress to
be worn during the ribbon
and senior gate ceremonies,
and a long white dress for
Commencement. When trying
to find the perfect graduation
dress, don’t let it become a
difficult task; most dresses can
be altered to fit specifications.
Guidelines for the senior
outfits include the following:
SUIT
--Any color except solid
black
--Short matching or white
gloves
--Coordinating hat
--Hose and dress shoes
(should be conservative, not
trendy or platform shoes). Heel
height should be comfortable
and easy to negotiate steps;
open toe is ok, if they don’t
look too much like a sandal.
--Places to shop: Dillard’s
Women’s Section or J.C.
Penny’s Women’s Section.
SHORT WHITE DRESS
---Street-length pure white
dress (will wear dress on stage,
and several other places where
you will be higher than the
crowd). A modest length is
appropriate; the length should
be right above the knee cap
and no shorter. Empire waste
or baby doll dresses are not as
becoming as semi-straight or
A-line styles.
--No strapless dresses; straps
must be 1 inch.
--Short white gloves
--Natural/beige hose and
white shoes
--Places to Shop: Dillard’s,
J.C. Penny, White House/
Black Market, David’s Bridal,
dress boutiques.
LONG WHITE DRESS
--Very formal, yet suitable
for day time; without
sequins and sparkles. A
conservative, debutante
type dress is appropriate for
Commencement. Low backs
are not acceptable.
--No strapless; straps must
be 1 inch
--Hose and dress shoes
(should be conservative, not
trendy or platform shoes); heel
height should be comfortable
and easy to negotiate steps;
open toe is ok, if they don’t
look too much like a sandal.
--Places to Shop: Dillard’s,
J.C. Penny, White House/
Black Market, David’s Bridal,
dress boutiques.
Class of ‘07 members Emily
Rainone (left) and Audrey
McGuire and Kathlyn Toone
(right) show some of the appropriate
styles of dress for SMA’s
graduation events.