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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Competition
By far our best year yet, Second Baptist School students competed in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HSLR) art competition, earning medals, ribbons and coveted spots competing in a quick draw contest. 

Fifth grader Kendal Lippy earned the highest honor, Best of Show, for the second year in a row! Her artwork will be displayed in the Hayloft Gallery at the HLSR this spring. What’s more, two other students earned gold medals and will also display their work this year; please join us in congratulating Gemma Lane ‘30 and Alyssa Zhang ‘27 on this impressive achievement!

Only pieces that win Best of Show or gold medals are displayed at the rodeo in March. When you attend Rodeo Houston this season, make sure to search the Hayloft Gallery for Kendal, Gemma and Alyssa's award-winning pieces! Over the next few weeks, all of the winners will be on display in the SBS library gallery. 

Quick Draw Contest

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo hosts a separate art competition called a Rodeo Quick Draw with cash prizes. For the first time, SBS middle school students applied to compete, and Ella Petersen ‘27 & Alyssa Zhang ‘27 were chosen as finalists, with Lucy Brown ‘28 as an alternate. Art teacher Sarah McKeon shared, “This is a huge accomplishment with competition at the highest level. These students competed against hundreds of other students from Houston and the surrounding areas for the finalist spots.” Following the competition on January 22, Mrs. McKeon summarized, “It was a great experience for Ella and Alyssa to see what it's like to draw in such a high stakes environment.”

Congratulations to all of our lower and middle school students who participated in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Competition!

LOWER SCHOOL
Samantha ‘35 - Red Ribbon
Charlotte ‘35 - Blue Ribbon
Charley ‘33 - Blue Ribbon
Caroline ‘33 - Blue Ribbon
Brooklyn ‘32 - Blue Ribbon
Dean ‘32 - Blue Ribbon
Genivie ‘31 - Blue Ribbon
Savannah ‘31 - Blue Ribbon

MIDDLE SCHOOL
Kendal Lippy ‘30 - Best of Show
Gemma Lane ‘30 - Gold Medalist
Brette Baker ‘29 - Blue Ribbon
Anaya Sharma ‘29 - Blue Ribbon
Sloane Secrest ‘28 - Red Ribbon
Sydney Hall ‘28 - Blue Ribbon
Lucy Brown ‘28  - Finalist/Turquoise Ribbon 
Ella Petersen ‘27 - Red Ribbon
Aubrey Jackson ‘27 - Red Ribbon
Berkley Blount ‘27 - Red Ribbon
Hannah Modisette ‘27 - Red Ribbon
Alyssa Zhang ‘27 - Gold Medalist

*Each finalist received a ribbon based on the tier they qualified for, with blue ribbons indicating first place, red as second and white as third. A turquoise ribbon indicates a student in the running for Best of Show or a medal. Best of Show and Gold Medalists have their work displayed in the Hayloft Gallery.

By Communications Fellow Isabella Ventura '23

Friday’s cold and dreary weather couldn’t dampen the sizzling hot commotion inside the E Gym for SBS’s annual Flight Night. In a space with every seat filled and individual sitting on the edge of the bleachers, listening to the harsh sound of a basketball snap into the hands of a player and relishing in the soft swish of it passing through the net—no SBS member remained cold amid the radiating sense of communal excitement. 

Every year, Second Baptist selects a home game to celebrate women’s and men’s basketball teams, branding it Flight Night. And although the event technically revolves around the school athletes, every sector of the SBS community finds a manner to achieve involvement with great success. 

During lower school lunch, winter senior athletes cheerfully signed autographs for the young eagles outside the cafeteria. Later, these very children cheered on the athletes in the school-wide pep rally as the players were recognized in front of the entire school. Lower school kids also received applause, as the elementary basketball Sparks team was honored to be a part of the school celebration. All the basketball players—young and old—smiled brightly as they soaked in the special moment. 

The varsity cheer team kicked-off Flight Night with an impressive routine that brought the crowd to their feet. Then, Preston Igo ‘23 and Ava Buehler ‘23 led a variety of fun and engaging activities, ranging from an intense game of knockout to an SBS faculty basketball scrimmage. As biology teacher Mr. Babcock took a three-point shot, students gathered around the court, thundering in ovation. Teachers, children, and parents bustled in enthusiasm, and Flight Night had still yet to begin!

SBS fans were on their feet for the first tip-off with much anticipation as the women's basketball team worked its way to a solid lead against Lutheran South Academy. It was teamwork and strategic plays. When stepping up to take a free throw, Livi Walker ‘23, bounced the ball twice and quickly sent it into the hoop. Later in the game, Ella Ryan ‘23 flew down the court, juked an opposing player, and passed the ball into the open hands of Kate Marshall ‘23. Two opponents swarmed Marshall, yet she smoothly maneuvered her way around them and made a basket. When the fourth quarter ended, the scoreboard gleamed with a well-earned win: Eagles 73, LSA 52. 

The Golden Girls, led by captain Emily Bolling ‘23, maintained the momentum as the dancers performed a spunky and captivating Top Gun-themed routine, a dance unlike any of their previous ones. 

The men’s match kept the spirited anticipation and fierce competition. Every quarter proved mentally and physically exhausting, yet the Eagles refused to give in. A particularly thrilling moment involved a flawless combination of passing between Zeke Bullington ‘23, Cole Claypool ‘23, and RJ Manginello ‘23 in the offensive half. Due to their successful teamwork, Manginello was granted a sliver of an opening, and he took a shot from outside the three-point line. As the ball soared in a perfect arch and swished as it passed through the net, every onlooker jumped up in roaring applause. It was a moment to remember.

During halftime, Service Prefect Reagan Redick ‘23 commenced the Teddy Bear Toss, a moment to throw teddy bears onto the court that would be donated to the DePelchin Children's Center. Countless people brought teddy bears and stuffed animals such as pigs and dragons—and even an Elmo—which covered the wooden floor. Students, cheerleaders, and Golden Girls helped collect the mounds of teddy bears and colorful stuffed animals. 

The second half of the game proved as exhilarating as the first. LSA solidified its role as a tough opponent, and the Eagles continued to suffer fouls from rough play. However, each player who shot was granted immense applause, and when Christian Haskett made both his free throws, the high school section endearingly chanted, “He’s a freshman!” The Eagles continued to work together as their enthusiastic fans urged them on. Through perseverance and unmistakable teamwork, they carved out a substantial lead. When the final quarter finished, all high school students ran onto the court in joyful celebration of sweet victory. SBS 44, LSA 31.   

Moments after the match, parents, teachers and students walked down to congratulate the basketball team. As cheers and hugs ensued, the extraordinary sense of community was palpable. The upper school crowd was the last to leave with seniors lingering to talk with freshmen and non-basketball players congratulating the victorious athletes. The comfortable environment and tight-knit friendships depict the unique high school experience at SBS, a close community unlike any other. 

Although Flight Night remains a basketball-oriented event, in reality, it is an evening of so much more. It is a night of celebration, excitement, community, and support. Every year, when the date approaches, one can be sure that the entire SBS community will be present at the games, cheering on its Eagles. Flight Night 2023 may be over, but the memories made, the moments captured, the incomparable relationships established—those intangible gifts remain forever.

Photos from Flight Night 2023

Second Baptist School Athletics welcomes Coach Beck Brydon as the new head football coach for the 2023-2024 season. With an impressive coaching resume and robust experience as the Regents School of Austin athletic director, Coach Bryon brings a history of winning and a passion for building a Christ-centered culture.

Brydon’s resume includes 20 years of coaching experience, with a total head coaching record of 197-52. At Regents, he served as head football coach from 2000 to 2019 and athletic director from 2006 to 2023. Under his leadership, the football team earned 15 district championships and played for 11 TAPPS state championship runs and five state championship titles. 

“After a thorough search that brought in resumes from NFL, college, and high school coaches nationwide, we are thrilled to have Coach Brydon join our Second Baptist School Athletics team,” shared Director of Athletics Mike Walker. “Coach Brydon embodies everything we seek in a high school football coach. He will leverage Second Baptist School’s history of success and ensure we continue to execute our mission daily in the lives of our players.” 

Brydon said he and his wife, Trish, are excited to join and serve the SBS community. “As a long-time school administrator and coach, I have had the utmost respect for Second Baptist School and its mission for delivering excellent Christian education.” Brydon continues, “I knew that if I ever left Regents School of Austin, it would have to be an incredible opportunity at a great school, and this opportunity at SBS is just that.”

Brydon is a passionate leader and team builder inspired to further the Kingdom of God. “Many years ago, the Lord laid it on my heart to redeem sports for Christ. Through sports, we have an amazing opportunity to transform lives - student athletes, coaches, parents, opponents and officials,” said Brydon.

The architect of the Regents' football program in 2000, Brydon continued as their head football coach until 2020 when he turned over the program to Tim Phillips. Coach Brydon continued to serve as director of athletics and stayed connected to the program by serving as head middle school football coach. 

Brydon is currently an executive board member of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). He has authored over a dozen articles in state-wide and national publications on topics such as Christian worldview in sports, sportsmanship and parenting. 

Brydon and his wife Trish, an eighth grade English teacher and dean of students, have celebrated 28 years of marriage and have three children who were “virtually born and raised on the football field.” 

In 1992, Brydon graduated from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas and held a director position at a global direct marketing firm before beginning his coaching career. During his tenure at Regents, he also served as their director of institutional advancement and director of communications. 

Coach Brydon takes over a Second Baptist School football program that has won 8 out of the last 9 district championships and played in the state championship game just two seasons ago. The Eagles return ten athletes from the Class of 2024 and will be poised to make another run at a district and state championship in 2023 under Coach Brydon’s leadership.

SBS welcomes Beck Brydon and his family to the SBS community.

Each fall, over 70,000 Texas high school students from both public and independent schools begin the All-State choir audition journey. Through a rigorous audition process over the fall semester, students are narrowed by region and area until they ultimately reach the state round. This year, Second Baptist School had 3 students receive state recognition: Olivia Shoemaker ‘25, Ella Farias ‘25 and Emily Bolling ‘23. 

Most impressively, SBS sophomore Olivia Shoemaker was awarded first chair, alto in the All-State Small School Mixed Choir for the second year in a row! At this level, only four students state-wide are selected for each voice part, making her achievement especially prestigious. “This is an amazing accomplishment for a young singer,” claims Director of Choral Music Becky Martin. “Olivia was competing against some outstanding juniors and seniors both years. Her work ethic is much of the reason she was able to accomplish this high honor.”

Ella Farias ‘25 was recognized as fourth chair, soprano, and Emily Bolling ‘23 was named second alternate for the alto voice part. Membership in the 112-student All-State Small School Choir is truly a feat of great achievement, with students selected from all over the state. Moreover, students who participate in the All-State choirs statistically score higher on standardized tests; in fact, Texas All-State musicians have consistently scored on average 22% higher on the SAT than the national average and about 26% higher than the Texas average.

“We are thrilled for our students selected to the TMEA All-State Small School Choir,” continued Becky Martin. “This is a culmination of months of work on difficult choir literature. Our region and area auditions have become more competitive each year. Truly the very best of the best are selected.”

Director of Arts Cindy Blades summarized, “Olivia Shoemaker, Ella Farias and Emily Bolling are amazing choral vocalists and well-deserving of accolades. Recognition from TMEA is  prestigious and very difficult to achieve. Under the esteemed direction of Becky Martin, these students achieved these distinguished awards.”

Are you ALL IN for God's plan for your life? Thursday, January 5, was an impactful day for SBS middle and upper school as special guest Gian Paul Gonzalez posed that question to more than 700 students, faculty and staff to consider. 

God has used Gian Paul Gonzalez and his mantra of ALL IN to impact professional athletes, Fortune 500 executives and students at hundreds of high schools. Gonzalez is currently the chaplain for the New York Giants, the executive director for Hope & Future Foundation, an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University and a highly sought-after motivational speaker. He holds all of these roles while still maintaining his original calling as a faculty member at Union City High School in Union City, New Jersey. Gonzalez has presented on a variety of leadership, culture and character topics to the likes of Verizon, PNC Bank, Arsenal Futbol Club, the FBI, the United States Army and PNC Bank. 

In a special Community Chapel with seventh through twelfth graders, Gian Paul Gonzalez shared his testimony to inspire students to go ALL IN for Christ. “Gonzalez challenged our students from God's word to commit to giving everything in all our endeavors. God gave us everything, and our response to that gift is to give back everything we have in worship to Him. This was a timely challenge for our students and faculty as we start a new calendar year together,” said Head of School Jon Konzelman. 

Gonzalez closed by inviting each student to consider what going ALL IN for Christ might mean and to affirm that desire by signing their names on individual tokens as reminders to stay ALL IN.

Hear from our students on the impact this presentation made.

Gian Paul conveyed that in order to be successful in any aspect of our life, we must be ALL IN, whether it be in our spiritual life, relationships, academics, or any part of life where we have set goals for ourselves. By the end of his visit, I learned that God has a plan for all of us, and we should be completely willing to accept His calling. We must be ALL IN to glorify Him. 

- Brant Decker ‘23

ALL IN means doing your best in every situation, even if you don't see the effects right away. To be the best you can be at something, you have to go ALL IN during the easy practices that seem trivial and the hard practices that seem endless. To succeed at something, one must put his or her effort ALL IN and encourage others to do the same.

- Olivia Shoemaker ‘25

Gian Paul Gonzalez's testimony touched me. He shared how God can use anyone to accomplish His mission. Gonzalez's message of humility astounded me. He shared how he never cared for the profit or fame of his success. My favorite words were, "Fame is what you do for yourself. Greatness is what you do for others." Gonzalez truly lived this out in his personal life. To me, ALL IN means fully accepting God's plan for my life. From his talk, I learned the power of saying "yes" each morning and being willing to accept His plan, no matter what lies ahead. Being willing allows you to accept challenges and overtake mountains. Gonzalez was willing, and he used the opportunities he gained to help others. My biggest takeaway was the power of humility.

- Ellie Veeningen ‘24