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At the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, Second Baptist School launched the School of Energy, the third track in the growing Schools of Distinction program. Established in 2023, the Schools of Distinction give students opportunities to explore potential career paths through the School of Business, School of Medicine and now the School of Energy.

For students growing up in Houston, one of the world's leading centers of the energy industry, the new track offers a chance to explore a field with significant local and global impact.

Through hands-on experiments, interaction with industry professionals and exposure to a wide range of energy careers, students learn the science, engineering and problem-solving behind the industry. Projects range from building physical models of oil field equipment to comparing the viscosities and densities of fluids to better understand crude oil properties. 

The result, according to Dean of the Schools of Distinction Dr. Jill Foote, is that the School of Energy provides students with “hands-on, real-world experiential learning they would not typically encounter in a standard high school classroom.” 

School of Energy teacher Kristelle Castiglione describes the introductory course: “Students are currently working on a project to research careers in the energy sector that might fit their God-given interests and gifts. [They] are discussing the different skill sets that scientists and engineers bring to solving energy problems, and students are being encouraged to consider careers in both renewable and non-renewable energy. Their understanding of careers in energy will be further aided in this course by labs, case scenarios and guest speakers.”

Castiglione reiterates that “the Schools of Distinction offer students a chance to explore academic subjects leading to professional careers that aren't typically offered at the high school level. As Houston is a leading center for the energy industry worldwide, it is only natural that SBS would tailor a School of Distinction with that focus.”

Whether students ultimately pursue careers in energy or discover that their gifts lead them elsewhere, the experience gives them an opportunity to explore, ask questions and consider how God might use their abilities and interests to serve others through their future work. Through the Schools of Distinction, students begin to discover where their interests and God-given gifts intersect, preparing them to pursue with excellence whatever God calls them to do.

There’s something special about the friendships that grow at SBS when moms serve, pray and spend time together. A friendship might begin while working a shift at EagleFest, gathering in someone’s living room to pray for your child’s grade or sitting together at Bible study and grabbing coffee afterward. What starts as simply getting involved can become genuine friendship and a lasting sense of community.

Whether you’re new to SBS, have been here for years or have simply decided this is the year you want to get a little more connected, there’s a place for you.

Here’s where you can start!

Get Involved

One of the easiest ways to get to know other SBS moms is to serve alongside them. There are opportunities for every schedule and season of life, from big traditions like EagleFest and Distinguished Speaker to helping with student lunches, classroom activities and other needs throughout the year.

And somewhere between setting up, serving lunch and cleaning up afterward, you may find that you’ve made a few friends along the way.

“Some of my fondest memories are preparing for EagleFest with other moms, decorating varsity locker rooms for state championships and serving meals to hungry theater kids. It’s all a place for fellowship and a chance to take a load off of the hard-working faculty. As my teenagers look to finish their time at SBS, serving alongside other moms will be something I really miss. I can’t recommend enough for moms to jump in somewhere to serve!”

       —Emily Goolsby, mom to Will ’27, Mac ’29, Molly ’31

Ready to jump in? Visit the Volunteer Resource Board to see current opportunities. Then complete the volunteer application. If you have questions, contact the Office of Advancement at (713) 365-2310 or volunteer@secondbaptistschool.org. 

Gather in Prayer

GateKeepers is a mom-led prayer ministry at SBS that brings moms together each month by grade level to pray for their children, their classmates, our faculty and staff and the school community.

Gatherings take place either in homes near campus or at SBS, depending on the grade. There’s no special role to play and no expectation that you have all the right words. It’s simply an opportunity to come together with other moms and pray.

“The time praying together each month is so sweet and bonding. We leave the GateKeepers meetings spiritually encouraged and more deeply connected with other moms in our kids’ grade.”

       —Ashley Brown, mom to Ethan ’21, Kennedy ’23, Braden ’25, Jude ’27, Titus ’27, Ainsley ’28

If you’d like to join a GateKeepers group, contact Ashley Brown at brownash@comcast.net.

Grow in the Word

Bible study offers another natural way to spend time with other women in the Second Baptist community. The women’s ministry at Second Baptist Church offers weekly studies where women can gather around God’s Word, encourage one another and build relationships along the way.

Two opportunities include More Than a Mom Bible Study and JOY of Living Bible Study. Whether you come with a friend or walk in knowing no one, you’ll find a welcoming place to learn and connect with other women.

For more information, visit the More Than a Mom or JOY of Living Bible Study pages, email women@second.org or call (713) 365-2339.

There are plenty of ways to be part of life at SBS, but finding community doesn’t mean saying yes to all of them. Choose the one that sounds like you, show up and see what grows from there. Some of the best friendships at SBS start that simply.