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The Second Baptist community was out in mass as Class of 2026 waved from cars decorated in paint, with streamers and balloons, representing the universities they will attend in the fall. The annual tradition captures a bittersweet feeling known well among high school seniors: nostalgia for the memories and friendships of the past four years paired with excitement and anticipation for the next chapter ahead.

Following the car parade, students donned their tennis shoes to participate in the Senior Fountain Run, another cherished tradition: taking a celebratory splash during their final week of high school.

Students begin inside the school, racing through the same hallways and down staircases they have traveled countless times as upper schoolers, before arriving breathless at the fountain, where cheers of “We made it!” and congratulations echo through the courtyard.

While students and parents are often focused on what comes next, senior traditions allow for the gift of the present, soaking in memories and their final moments together as classmates. These traditions serve as a reminder that no matter where these graduates go, it is their relationships formed along the way that will leave the biggest mark.

As teachers, coaches, staff, and underclassmen, we know that a bright future is ahead for the Class of 2026. Equipped to think critically, live biblically, and lead courageously, we are confident that they are prepared to do with excellence that which God has called them to do!

Car Parade & Fountain Run Photos

Oh, the places they’ll go!

Abilene Christian

Arizona State University

Auburn University

Baylor University

Blinn College

Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Carroll University

Dallas College Brookhaven

Dartmouth College

East Texas Baptist University

Eastern Illinois University

Florida College

Houston Christian University

James Madison University

Lamar University

Louisiana State University

Oral Roberts University

Samford University

Shenandoah University

Texas A&M University

Texas Christian University

Texas State University

Texas Tech University

University of Alabama

University of Arkansas

University of California San Diego

University of Charleston

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Houston

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

University of Mississippi

University of Oklahoma

University of South Florida St. Petersburg

University of Tennessee

University of Texas

Tommy Tune Awards

The cast of Crazy for You participated in the Tommy Tune Awards, an award ceremony that recognizes outstanding musical productions from high schools across the Houston area. This year, over 6,000 students from 65 different schools were considered for awards ranging from outstanding stage management and costume design to outstanding musical and ensemble. For their unforgettable performance of Crazy for You, Second Baptist School received seven total nominations and brought home four awards:

Outstanding Supporting Lead: Tessa Garcia ‘26

Outstanding Choreography: Ellen Klare Brown ‘26, Tessa Garcia ‘26, Caley Crawford

Outstanding Ensemble: Second Baptist School, cast of Crazy for You

Outstanding Musical Director: Peyton Deffebach ‘27, Noah Salazar ‘27, Claire Westmoreland

In addition to these distinctions, Mac Goolsby ‘29 was one of two students selected to be a Tommy Tune Awards Reporter. Bravo to the cast and crew of Crazy for You for these well-deserved awards and for creating a show that was one to remember!

Gelato, Java & Jazz

A break from the end-of-the-year busyness, Gelato, Java & Jazz brought the SBS community together for an afternoon of music, ice cream and fellowship. 

With students and parents gathered in the atrium, the drumline kickstarted the event followed by a performance of “Beethoven’s Ninth” from the Middle School Beginner Band. Music continued to fill the room as the Middle School Intermediate Band performed melodies such as “Amazing Grace” and “Air and Dance”. The Upper School Jazz Ensemble took center stage and closed the production with their set, which included crowd-favorites such as “All the Things You Are” and “Chameleon.” 

With final exams next week and summer break just around the corner, Gelato, Java & Jazz invited students to rest and enjoy an afternoon of music as we close out the year.

STC Showcase & College Commitment Signing

To close out the 2025-2026 theatre season, Second Theatre Company hosted a showcase that featured student-directed dance numbers, heartfelt duets and powerful solos that they’ve worked on throughout the year. The showcase opened with a high-energy group number to “Hair Up” followed by a solo from Oliver Dawley ‘27 to “What Comes Next” from the musical Hamilton. Crowd favorites like “Agony,” performed by Mac Goolsby ’29, Christopher Key ’26, Mac Northrup ’26, and Nic Schweers, filled the room with laughter, while Tessa Garcia’s heartfelt rendition of “Astonishing” left the audience deeply moved. A beloved tradition, the annual STC showcase highlights student talent and brings the community together to celebrate all that these students have accomplished.

Following the showcase, the STC College Commitment Signing honored three seniors who will be continuing their pursuit of theatre and music at the collegiate level. These students have shown a passion for theatre and have consistently used their gifts to bring God glory throughout their time at SBS. We look forward to all that God will do in their lives in the years ahead. 

Kambell Crites ‘26 | Texas Christian University

Tessa Garcia ‘26 | Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Nic Schweers ‘26 | Shenandoah University

That’s a wrap on the 2025-2026 arts season. Bravo!

“When I grow up, I want to be a Golden Girl.”

The frenzied fervor that grips my four-year-old whenever she spots the Golden Girls on campus rivals that inspired by any Disney princess.

In March, a dream came true for her and over 100 other girls, all donning shirts emblazoned with “Future Golden Girl,” as they participated in a clinic hosted by the team, learning choreography they would later perform at the annual Golden Girls Spring Show.

One of the sweetest parts of being a PK-12 school is watching our upper schoolers mentor, lead and build a legacy for the students coming up behind them. Over the past ten years, this has been an area in which our dance program, led by Head Coach Madelyn Whitehead and Assistant Coach Jacqueline Rose, has excelled.

For Whitehead, what started as a step of faith has become something far more meaningful.

“It has been one of the most unexpected and precious blessings to coach the Golden Girls for the last 10 years,” she shared. “I took a leap of faith and said yes, and I’m so grateful that God nudged me to do so.”

That investment is felt not only in performances but in relationships that extend well beyond graduation.

“The young women I have had the pleasure of coaching have impacted my life forever,” Whitehead said. “What is so special is that now I consider many of them dear friends as they enter adulthood themselves.”

While the talent and style of the Golden Girls have evolved over the years, the foundation has remained the same.

“The commitment to faith, character and sisterhood has been our constant,” Whitehead said. “Our goals are bigger than us, and we know they are only achieved when we work together and genuinely love one another.”

Before you assume that I am waxing poetic about character in the absence of achievement, let’s be clear: over the past decade, our Golden Girls have been dubbed:

• Two-time TAPPS State Champions
• Four-time TAPPS State Runner-Up
• Four-time Crowd Pleasers Overall Grand Champion Classic Team

These young women don’t just glitter. They are solid gold. 

That standard has been built year after year, team after team. It was on full display this past fall, when former and current Golden Girls gathered for a 10-year reunion and performed side by side at the 2025 Homecoming game.

“Having so many incredible young women back at SBS dancing, laughing and worshiping together again had my cup overflowing,” Whitehead said of the 10-year alumni reunion. “We were able to simply reflect on God’s faithfulness in our lives and in the program.”

She added that this year’s team was a fitting group to mark the milestone. “They have a deep love for one another, and it has shown all year.”

That same spirit of gratitude and legacy was captured in a special video shared at this year’s Spring Show, featuring testimonies from Golden Girl alumni across the past decade. You can watch it here.

Congratulations, ladies, on ten incredible years. And to my daughter, if ten years from now you do get to become a Golden Girl, I’ll be just as excited to see you step into a program that has been home to so many incredible young women.

Spring Show is a beloved annual tradition and the culmination of the Golden Girls’ year-long dedication. The performance showcases routines developed across football games, pep rallies and competitions, while featuring soloists and special guest performers, including future Golden Girls. It celebrates hard work, excellence and the vibrant community surrounding the program.

Please enjoy a look at this year's show below.

GOLDEN GIRLS SPRING SHOW 2026