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A hallmark of rodeo season, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Art Competition celebrates the artistic talent of students across the Houston area. Each year, thousands of students from more than one hundred school districts submit rodeo-themed artwork for the opportunity to have their pieces displayed in NRG Center throughout the rodeo season.

Second Baptist School art students from lower, middle and upper school participated in this year’s competition. Two SBS students, Alyssa Zhang ‘27 and Sophie Yue ‘30, earned the prestigious “Best of Show” award. Selected from thousands of submissions, their artwork is now displayed at NRG Center during the rodeo.

The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Art Competition challenges students to stretch their creativity and refine their skills. From charcoal sketches to watercolor paintings, each piece reflects careful thought and artistic discipline. We are proud of every SBS student whose work was recognized, and we are grateful for the art teachers who invest the time, skill and encouragement that make this kind of achievement possible.

2026 Rodeo Art Winners

Upper School:

Alyssa Zhang

Ella Petersen

Aubrielle Bob

Kensi Knop

Nell Murphy

Amanda Woody

Elizabeth Abram

Elyse Chan

MJ Maestas

Middle School:

Sophie Yue

Kendal Lippy

Sawyer George

Tyler Weston

Sadie Schoettelkotte

June Kirklin

Charlotte Renaudin

Ava Arroyo

Ava Drum

Cason Hall

Bode Schmidt

Caroline Dalton

Lower School:

Livi A.

Ellie R.

Marlo L.

Birdie D.

John R.

Eleanor S.

Claire S.

Sophie V.B.

As part of helping create the Alumni Mentorship Program, I have been able to see the many ways it connects students with leaders who are living out their callings. Through the program, Dr. Sean Boutros invited a small group of high school students interested in surgery to shadow him for the day, generously opening his practice and his time to us.

The day began early, with a 6:30 a.m. start, and quickly showed us the reality behind a surgical career. Dr. Boutros, who attended Second Baptist School before going on to become one of Houston’s leading plastic surgeons, spoke candidly with us about both his medicine and faith. He advised us to “follow your gift, not your passion. God gave you gifts, use those, and you’ll find passion in what you do”. He also reminded us that “an overnight success takes eight to twelve years,” emphasizing the discipline and perseverance behind any meaningful career. 

Later, we observed one of his signature surgeries, standing for nearly five hours as he worked with calm precision. Watching him operate, shaped by years of training and experience in over twenty countries, was both humbling and inspiring. What stood out most, however, was the way he approached his work with humility and purpose, clearly viewing his profession as an extension of his faith. Ultimately, shadowing Dr. Boutros offered a powerful testament to the impact of using your God-given gifts in service to others.

Written by Aubrey Jackson '27, Advancement Fellow

This week, Second Baptist School kindergarten classes celebrated an exciting milestone, the 100th day of school! Teachers and students marked the occasion with a day of special activities, including dressing up as 100-year-olds and enjoying a surprise visit from Zero the Hero. The festivities highlighted both the joy of learning and the progress students have made during their first 100 days of school.

“This is one of our favorite traditions,” shared kindergarten teacher, Tracy Townsend. “Each child dresses up like they are 100 years old, and they bring a collection of 100 things to share with Zero the Hero. They then work together to build structures using 100 objects (cups, Legos, blocks), make a snack of 100 items and create a portrait of their 100 year old selves.”

While the 100th day was filled with fun and laughter, it was also a meaningful time for teachers to reflect on their students’ hard work and accomplishments since the beginning of the school year. “We are so proud of how each student has grown academically, they are now readers and writers! But, we are even more proud of how they have grown as a class that loves, protects and cares for each other,” said Mrs. Townsend.

To close out the week, the first grade class also participated in their own activity, 101 days of school! This class dressed up as dalmatians to celebrate their milestone, and just the same as the kindergarten class, these students had a day filled with smiles and laughter as they celebrated the joy of learning and growing throughout the school year.