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New to Second Baptist School this year, Ms. Julia Patino brings warmth, wisdom, and a heart devoted to Christ into her classroom each day. Drawn to the school by its Christ-centered culture and supportive community, she immediately felt she was meant to teach there. 

With prior experience in private Christian schools, she brings a deep love for faith-based learning and personal connection. “Each morning, I greet my students at the door as they arrive,” she shared. “I see this as a wonderful opportunity to teach values like respect, good manners, and the ability to greet adults with confidence. It’s also a meaningful moment for me to check in with them, ask about their morning, and continue to build personal connections.”

For Ms. Patino, teaching has been a calling on her heart since childhood. “From an early age, the Lord placed this calling on my heart,” she said. “I’ve found deep joy in walking in it. I love witnessing my students grow as learners, as faithful friends, and as followers of Christ.” Her passion is evident not only in her classroom practices but also in the way she sees her role as an encourager to her students. She loves watching her students grow in wisdom and faith.

Ms. Patino’s love for teaching is rooted in her desire to help students grow not only academically but personally and spiritually as well. Her thoughtful approach has already made an impact on the lives of her students. As she continues her first year at SBS, she’s grateful to be part of a community that shares her values and gives her the opportunity to invest in her students every day. 

- Sarah Cela '26 | Communications Fellow

In 2019, Mrs. Hedges and her family were ready for a change. Idaho was beautiful but a little too cold, and they felt it was time to return to Texas. After praying and visiting different schools, God led them to Second Baptist. “Once I met Amy Konzelman and Shannon Brooks, I knew we were in the right place,” she said. What stood out most to her and her family was the school’s commitment to excellence not only in academics and athletics but in the arts and faith.

In the classroom, Mrs. Hedges lives out the principle that “iron sharpens iron.” Her English classes are filled with collaboration, creativity and a genuine love for learning. “If you stop by my classroom on a Tuesday or a Friday, you are likely to see one of my incredibly intelligent students teaching for the day,” she said. Whether it's limbo in AP Literature or deep discussions on classic texts, Mrs. Hedges believes in working hard and playing hard. Her students are not only preparing for AP exams but learning how to think critically, communicate clearly, and grow in confidence. 

As both an alumni mom and a current SBS mom, Mrs. Hedges feels deeply connected to the Second Baptist community. Her four sons- Colin, Carter, Clayton, and Colby have each been part of the school in different ways, making it a special place for their entire family. Whether in the classroom, on the field or stage, or simply just around campus, the Hedges family has found a strong sense of belonging at SBS. “What a blessing to grow together in the same Christ-centered community with people we all know and love!”

Each day, Mrs. Hedges starts her class with a prayer over her students, blessing their time together. Her guiding verse, Colossians  3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not man,” reminds her why she teaches. “ I do my best to serve my students with excellence every day because, in doing so, I serve God.” With a heart for excellence, a love for literature, and a deep commitment to her students' growth, Mrs. Hedges is a faithful example of servant leadership. 

- Sarah Cela '26 | Communications Fellow

Second Baptist School is delighted to introduce the Asby family, who joined our community during the 2023-2024 school year when their oldest daughter entered the ninth grade, followed by sisters Betsy and Mary for the 2024-2025 school year. Seeking a school that would challenge their children academically while fostering their spiritual growth, the Asbys found SBS to be the perfect fit. With a mission to “nurture students academically, spiritually, physically and socially,” Second Baptist School offered the Asby family an environment where students can thrive in every aspect of their development.

A Holistic Approach to Education
The Asby Family initially considered Second Baptist School because of its reputation for integrating rigorous academics with spiritual development while offering students “the opportunity to engage in both the arts and athletics while excelling academically,” thereby “distinguishing SBS from other schools.” They were drawn to this well-rounded approach, and after originally enrolling their oldest daughter, Anna Kate, it became clear that their younger daughters, Betsy and Mary, should also be a part of the community. 

A Foundation of Faith and Learning
The impact of their daughters’ SBS education became evident within just a couple of years. The Asbys quickly recognized the value of blending academics with spiritual development through conversations at their dinner table. “Discussions on current events often include insights from AP World History, references to kindergarten Bible lessons, and examples from seventh grade English. We have observed the commitment of the faculty and staff to achieving academic excellence while upholding spiritual truths across all three divisions of the school.” 

A Community That Cares 
Transitioning to a new school can bring uncertainty, but the SBS community made sure the Asbys felt at home. Families reached out with open arms, offering friendship and support. “We were initially a little bit anxious about how our girls and family would integrate with students and families who have been here for so long,” shares Mrs. Asby, but “the strong community and the relationships formed have made us feel welcomed and connected.” 

Individualized Attention for Every Student
When deciding where to enroll their children, the Asbys placed a high priority on making sure each of their children received individualized attention. “We hoped for a place where they would feel loved, cared for, and pushed to achieve their full potential,” shared the Asbys, “SBS is that place.” 

Their first experience of this care came during Betsy's course registration. Middle School Counselor Janet Harrison took time to understand Betsy’s needs, making sure she would be challenged while thriving academically. “Both experiences showed how well Betsy is known and clearly affirmed our decision to join SBS.”

Walking in Truth
This year’s theme, “Walk in Truth,” has been a powerful reminder for the Asbys as they watch their daughters grow. “Mary is being taught foundational biblical truths, and our older daughters are getting to go deeper into God’s truth.” The Asbys are confident that this theme will not only shape their 2024-2025 school year but will ring true throughout their daughters’ education. “We know that our girls will continue to be guided in the truth by SBS.”