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At Second Baptist School, we are steadfast in our mission to provide a Christ-centered education that equips students to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously. This year has been a beautiful reflection of that mission as students and faculty embraced academic excellence, spiritual growth and vibrant community life.

Our biblical worldview, central to our Christ-centered core value, shapes how students approach learning and life. Whether seen through heartfelt discussions in Bible classes or moments of prayer before and after athletic events, we are committed to helping students see the world through the lens of Scripture, living with purpose and faith.

This year has been filled with events that highlight the pursuit of excellence across academics, arts and athletics. The First Grade Dream Big performance brought to life the creative dreams of our young learners, while the middle school production of Elf Jr. and the upper school fall drama Peter and the Starcatcher, delighted audiences with humor and light-heartedness. As the fall sports seasons come to a close and winter sports now take the field and courts, we are proud of the seasons which have been characterized by remarkable efforts from middle and upper school student athletes, showcasing their perseverance, teamwork and dedication on the field and court.

Our caring community was on full display in each of these moments and many more. Whether in classrooms, on stages or during practices, relationships were strengthened as students grew in wisdom and character.

We are grateful for the ways God is working in and through the Second Baptist School community and eagerly anticipate what He has in store for the rest of the year.

In his third year at Second Baptist School, Mr. Oscar Villanueva has transitioned from teaching freshman bible to now teaching senior bible, a pivotal class in a student’s final year of high school. His passion for teaching is deeply rooted in his strong belief in the authority of Scripture, and he sees this senior year of Bible study as an essential time to equip students with the confidence and knowledge to stand for Christ in a world that often challenges their faith. “I am always energized to engage our seniors with the glory of God’s Word,” he shares, viewing this opportunity as a chance to help students embrace a faith they can live out beyond the classroom.

In the classroom, Mr. Villanueva uses interactive and competitive activities to make learning both thought- provoking and fun. Through structured debates and game-based lessons, he creates an environment where students can dig deeply into their faith, helping them to answer the question: “Why do I believe what I believe?” He explains, “This is intended to help students discover and defend a faith that is authentically theirs and not just something that has been handed down to them.”

Mr. Villanueva’s journey to SBS was inspired by the school’s commitment to nurturing a genuine relationship with Christians in each student. Reflecting on his past teaching experience, he recalls how he wasn’t able to openly share his faith, as many students came from various religious backgrounds. “This broke my heart,” he says, I yearned to tell them about Christ.” At SBS, he now finds joy in helping students develop their growing faith.

Since joining SBS, Mr. Villanueva has been most impacted by the “authentic sense of community and family that exists within the walls of SBS.” He speaks warmly of the “prayers, encouragement, love, and support” that he feels from students, parents, and colleagues. “I am continuously impressed by how the mission and values of SBS are exemplified in interactions that I have had or witnessed during my time at this wonderful school.” For Mr. Villanueva, teaching at SBS allows him to serve and inspire the next generation of Christian leaders.

- Sarah Cela '26 | Communications Fellow

Second Baptist School welcomed alumni, families and friends to the nineteenth annual Distinguished Speaker Dinner, held at the Hilton Americas in downtown Houston. This year’s event featured Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and her husband, former NFL player Andre Levrone Jr., who inspired guests with their stories of resilience and faith.

Welcome and Reflection
Dinner Chairs Trinecia and Jason Pernell, along with Amanda and Terry Boffone, guided the evening with warmth and gratitude. The Pernells opened the event, welcoming everyone and setting the stage for a meaningful night. The evening began with a beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace," performed by the Second Baptist School Reflection Choir under the direction of Ms. Becky Martin. Following the choir, Mr. Jon Konzelman, assistant head of school, led a heartfelt invocation, underscoring the school’s mission to bring every student into a relationship with Jesus Christ and recognizing the dedicated educators who inspire students daily.

Honoring Legacy and Service
Interim Head of School John Card presented the Distinguished Alumnus and Distinguished Alumni Parents awards, honoring those who embody the school’s mission and values. The Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to Mr. Peyton Millinor, a 1994 graduate who has dedicated his life to serving others. After a pivotal moment in 2009, Peyton’s journey led him to co-found HOPE Coffee, a business-as-missions venture that uses its profits to spread the gospel through community projects. Today, he continues to lead mission trips to Honduras, sharing God’s love in action and inspiring others to live purposefully.

Judy and Matthew Ramsey were celebrated as Distinguished Alumni Parents, having been deeply rooted in the Second Baptist community since 1986. They embraced the SBS family, fully investing in school and church life for over 14 years. Their involvement touched nearly every aspect of the community, from supporting athletics and the arts to volunteering in classrooms and serving as presidents of the Parents Association. Matt often says, “It wasn’t us serving the church and the school—it was the church and the school serving us.” 

An Engaging Conversation with Sydney and Andre Levrone
Dr. Ben Young introduced the evening’s keynote speakers, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Andre Levrone, who were welcomed with eager anticipation. Known for her historic accomplishments and unwavering faith, Sydney spoke with humility and depth about her athletic journey, her dedication to her faith, and the resilience that has guided her.  In a question-and-answer session led by Ben, Sydney and Andre shared their candid insights on faith, perseverance and identity, offering a window into their lives as individuals, partners and believers. 

Sydney’s heartfelt testimony of resilience and trust in God resonated deeply with the audience, while Andre shared his perspective on supporting Sydney's journey and their shared commitment to a life anchored in faith. Their candid, authentic stories resonated with the audience, highlighting the strength they draw from each other, their beliefs and the support of those they hold dear through life’s joys and trials.

Closing and Gratitude
Amanda and Terry Boffone delivered closing remarks, expressing gratitude to the attendees, honorees and speakers whose presence made the evening exceptional. 

The 2024 Distinguished Speaker Dinner left an indelible mark, reinforcing Second Baptist School’s commitment to nurturing leaders of character, courage and faith in all they pursue.

Distinguished Speaker Dinner Photos

Mrs. Patterson’s journey with Second Baptist School is a full-circle story of faith and purpose. After attending SBS as a student, Mrs. Patterson never anticipated she’d find herself back in the place that raised her. 

When she married, Mrs. Patterson moved to Orange County, California, but the pull to Texas was still strong. During the pandemic, she and her husband returned to Houston. Reflecting on their move home Mrs. Patterson shares, “One night, I prayed with my husband and asked the Lord for community and purpose.” Her prayer was quickly answered. The next day, her former middle school theater teacher, Mrs. Cindy Blades, approached her about a teaching position at SBS. Mrs. Patterson shares that the Lord fulfilled her prayer in such a powerful way.

For Mrs. Patterson, teaching theater isn’t just about guiding students through memorizing scripts and performing; it’s about transformation. “I wish I could put into words the transformations I see in my classroom,” she says. “I have seen students be goofy, bold and completely hilarious who are quiet and reserved in other classes. I have seen true talent come to the surface, and it is an honor to be in the audience.” 

“Middle schoolers are my people, and I honestly think I have the best job at Second Baptist!” Mrs. Patterson's enthusiasm is contagious and her students feel it too. In her class, the traditional classroom setting is swapped for an open dynamic space where students sit on the floor, move around, and engage fully in creative expression. 

In a world where finding one’s place can be challenging, Mrs. Patterson's class offers a welcoming space for students to explore their personalities and talents. Her passion mixed with her belief in the potential of every student, provides a unique outlet for middle schoolers to unleash creativity. For Mrs. Patterson, it’s clear that her calling is much more than a job, but is a continuation of the values that shaped her own journey at SBS.

- Sarah Cela '26 | Communications Fellow