program in2018 new engineering BCS tolaunch see pg. By Helyer Benjamin of EducationatUT Austin. College the and Foundation Science tional Also sponsoringtheprogramare theNa- by schools ing engineer for nation the in #9 ranked ing, Engineer of School Cockrell Austin’sUT ed at schools nationwide, is associated with continuing educationunitsforteachers. curriculum, lab costs offset, and training for program. includes program the the funds, the Alongside to principal apply to Johnson secondary Carol alongside worked of thecourse,Mallettwashooked. ing that the design ofadronewouldbepart which involved building a drone. After see- ing for the teachers of the 2017-2018 course Sloan andMallett were able to seethe train conference, the At program. Your World her of a conference offered by the informed Witcher Mel teacher studies cial “STEM.” At the end of last school year, so- for students to engage with the the “E” in ence department to have more opportunities said. “Iwanttotakeit!” of- fered atBrentwood. course the have to thrilled is she said Mallett Michelle chair department Science students. 24 of class one to offered be will and year school next Sloan Diann Dr. by neering Design and Analysis will be taught improve andexcelatBCS!” engineering, and mathematics) continues to to technology,(science, STEM “Congratulations as faculty our 16. Oct. on munity com- BCS the to email an in Bur wrote cham Jay president department,” science will launchnextyear. Brentwood which program engineering an funds areintended todefraytheexpensesof the Universityof Texas at Austin. These on Oct. 16 of their selection for a grant from The program, which has been implement- This summer, Mallett and Dr. Sloan sci- the of goal a been had it said Mallett she class,” amazing an be to going “It’s course The “This is a serious accomplishment by our The BCS science department was notified 3 Engineer Your World I:Engi- U.S. News&World Report. Vol. 30No. 2 Bear Facts Engineer THE - - - - “better than anyone expected,” and she agrees she and expected,” anyone than “better helped us connect well on the court,” she said. the wayteammatestreatedeach other. to success the of much attributes she and son, for and Christ.” other each for “played team whole to prove,”Larsonsaid,notingalsothatthe something they had though district theyfeltas ing wherethey would stand,butafter winning Alyssa Manciasreallysteppedupthisyear. Wishard and Nyna Vazquez, andsophomore of a team. He said that Ragsdill, juniors Jaclyn shock of being young and had to become more son saidthattheteam had togetovertheinitial takes onourside.” Emma Leidleinsaid.“Therewerealotofmis- ent story. the flowofgame.” controlled much Wepretty plan. game any of he said.“We wereable tokeepSugarLandout “awesome,” andwasproudofhisplayers. Ragsdill said. play better andhave more fun,” senior Trinity energy up,andifwehaveourenergy up,we game. which added a fun and energetic element to the costumes, Halloween in dressed came whom of many particularly students, – pecially noisy es- were fans Bear 25-20). 25-17, (25-16, sets three in 31 Oct. on Academy Prep Logos ed lenge.” chal- the to up stepped to, needed they when and goal this on focused was team “The said. Larson Russell coach head task,” easy an not overall recordof25-16. an and record 14-0 perfect a with champions win shortofmakingthestatetournament. on Nov. 4inBryan,endingtheirseasonone game against Cypress Christian in three sets By Natalie Barry Girls win district, fall short ofstate fallshort Girls windistrict, Leidlein said she thinks the season went “We were real close with each other, and that sea- great a was it overall that said Ragsdill “They came into the season not really know- year, last Lar from seniors five losing After “We justdidn’t haveagoodgame,”senior The loss on Saturday, however, was a differ effort,” team complete a was win 3-0 “The Larson agreedthatthegameatmospherewas our keep us helps that cheering, they’re “If Earlier that week atBCS,Brentwooddefeat is 14-0 at district through run amazing “An asdistrict season the finished Brentwood The LadyBearslosttheirregionalplayoff Brentwood Christian School - - - cs wie ihr ws os ih 1 kills, 418 with tops was Wishard while aces, ter,” Leidleinsaid. year), and that made it easier for us to play bet- with Ragsdill’s assessment. Brentwood’slooks onduring over playoff Logos victory Prep 31. AcademyOct. on Intimidating JuniorJaclyn Wishard goeshighto blockasfreshman Allen Brooklyn Vazquez led the team with 604 digs and 92 and digs 604 with team the Vazquezled “I thinkwealljustgotalongbetter(thanlast continue atradition students ofjoiningtheRosedale intheirHalloween festival. 27to ofOct. seniorsonthemorning with therest oftheNational Honor Society Animal farm Adozen seniorswearing strange creature campus onesies left November 2017 will haveagoodseason.” next year, butaslongweplayourbest, hard said. “The competition should be tougher team and tohavethesameteam unity,” Wis- and Ragsdillledwith985assists. Nx ya w cn xet o e similar a be to expect can we year “Next photo: MaeAnneHerring photo: Mere Rowlett see pg. 8 Page 2 Editorials & Humor THE BEAR FACTS November 2017 Thus Spoke Ben Helyer Korean students address their nation’s conflict With neither Donald Trump nor Kim Jong-un each brings a variety of personal ways be looking for ways to move backing down and little progress being made experiences to the table. So with- forward on the peace process. to alleviate the tensions, possibilities for a so- out further ado, I will hand over Kiryang Kwon: lution to the North Korean issue are frequently the column to senior Kiryang It has been 67 years since the painted vaguely. Most Americans don’t appear Kwon and junior Esther Shin. Korean war took place. In Ko- to have strong views on what action our nation Esther Shin: rean, it is often called the “6.25 should take in this conflict, but with millions Regarding North Korea’s mis- war between Koreans”: At dawn of lives at stake in the case of another war with sile tests, I think North Korea has on June 25, 1950, North Korea Korea, a vision for American policy in North no intention of starting a war but Esther Shin invaded the South in the purpose Korea is needed. wants to be acknowledged as a po- of unifying the Korean peninsula. I contend that the best policy going forward tent nation, which they think impossible with- Because of this terrifying incident, my grand- is one of deterrence. Let me explain this term: out their nuclear capability. And I assume that father lost four of his brothers. “deterrence” is the policy which America uti- it is why Kim Jong-un, the supreme leader of In the peaceful town of Jin-ju, my grand- lized in the Cold War to prevent conflict with a North Korea, refuses any inter-Korean dialogue father’s family was the most affluent, but re- nuclear Soviet Union. An assumption of such and panics the world with missile launches. spected highly by the villagers. Unfortunately, a stance is that military engagement should be Since my family lives in the United States, the “Lee” family – who felt extreme jealousy avoided, but at the same time, military strength we do not perceive North Korea as a real threat. towards our family – came up with a plan to must not falter in order to deter an enemy from However, it is inevitable that any news about falsely report our family of being communist attacking. With nuclear missiles, this involves North Korean aggression give us worries, be- spies. At this time, spies were instantly shot Looking at policies regarding this conflict, I keeping a number of warheads at one’s dispos- cause Korea is where we were born and raised to death, which led to the shooting of three of think the South Korean government has to stop al to be ready to attack if another power strikes and where the rest of our fam- my grandfather’s brothers. In ad- the unnecessary food to help the North. In real- first. This ability to retaliate will deter the ri- ily lives. My mom says that she dition, one of my grandfather’s ity, the money and food we are sending is not val from striking due to the devastation that a would rather go back to South Ko- older brothers was missing after going to the people, but is used to strengthen nuclear response would cause their nation. rea to stay with her family if a war the incident. their army. We can’t react to every provocation This strategy is suitable for the Korean situ- actually breaks out. I think that Ten years ago, we received a of North Korea, but at the same time, we can’t ation for a few reasons, the most important of even if a Korean lives outside of written letter from the North Ko- just leave them shooting missiles everywhere. which is that we are almost in the midst of a Korea or becomes used to hearing rean government saying that he Military engagement might be the fastest way “Korean missile crisis.” North Korea already about the North Korean aggres- is still alive and well, but I really to destroy the North and unite our country, but has the capability of striking South Korea with sion, it is true that he or she gets Kiryang Kwon can’t believe them. My grandfa- it is a double-edged sword. a nuclear weapon, and will soon have nuclear anxiety from this issue, especially ther is 84 years old, and he still Since the North’s provocation is a behavior warheads capable of reaching the continental when thinking about his or her family. becomes very emotional when we talk about based on the need of monetary trade and atten- United States: this is an unavoidable fact. Offensive responses to North Korea from his brothers. Sixty-seven years have passed tion, I think we should completely stop every In short, a nuclear North Korea means that foreign countries, especially the United States, since the Korean war, yet we Koreans are still trade related with North Korea and and set a any military engagement with them has the po- could increase provocations of North Korea in silent war, getting tired of the situation day high penalty for breaking the law and trading tential to cost many lives on both Korean and and tension on the peninsula. Rather than force- by day. My only hope is for God to come up with North Korea. This way, the North will American soil. This should be avoided, and ful responses, South Korea needs to maintain with a peaceful plan to unite my nation. eventually surrender. thus a strategy of deterrence is optimal for the a channel of communication with North Korea current situation. through peace talks, as well as to keep sharing In hopes to give more insight to what can information with other countries. Lastly, for seem an abstract matter of policy, following rapid resumption of peace talks between the are two guest writers’ thoughts about this is- North and South, it is important for South Ko- sue. Both of them are students from Korea, and rea to let North Korea know that they will al-

The Dear Edna Column by the lovely Ms. Edna READER: What do colorblind people call READER: What should you do if there’s an an orange? owl in your pantry? EDNA: An orange. Making fun of others’ EDNA: Protect your snacks and make disabilities is not OK. menacing noises to scare it away. READER: I just won a goat in an arcade. READER: Is your refrigerator running? How should I take care of it? EDNA: What is this, the 90s? EDNA: Change its soil and water it daily. READER: What is your spirit animal? READER: Should I make an ostrich or tur- EDNA: Leptodactylus fallax, commonly key for Thanksgiving? known as the mountain chicken or giant EDNA: Please, no personal questions. ditch frog. Is it a chicken, or a frog? Only READER: How can I be the life of the party? Google holds such knowledge. EDNA: Have it at your local cemetery. News & Features Page 3 THE BEAR FACTS November 2017 School set for ‘super’ Jog By Alex Pittner the baseball outfield, while middle and high school students will run a 5K route that stretch- It’s almost that day of the year again when es to the edges of the vast campus. After the students are lacing up their shoes, strapping race students will enjoy a free snowcone, and on their head bands, and getting ready to run. smaller ones will experience unlimited thrills Wednesday, Nov. 15, will mark the 34th annual in a bouncy castle. fundraising event playfully called Jog-a-fun. The fun doesn’t stop there, though, as Students will enjoy a fun day of community throughout the day students will enjoy special filled with activities and, most importantly, the activities such as games and movies. run. For some, such as senior Shaun Amann, it This year’s Jog will have a superhero theme will be the last experience in a long string of in which students can come to school and, Jog-a-fun memories. should they be bold enough, accomplish the “When I was in elementary I didn’t really run dressed up as their favorite superheroes. know what it was about. I thought it was just Secondary and elementary students are given a second field day,” Amann said. “But as I’ve incentives each year to reach out to potential gotten older I’ve come to understand what Jog- sponsors, to perform well in the run, and to a-fun is all about and why it’s so important.” raise money for the school. For high school Jog coordinator Sarah Wilson credits the winners, the top prize will be four season pass- many Brentwood parents who help out each es to Six Flags. Middle school winners will be year to make Jog-a-fun as amazing as it can be. able to take five friends to Topgolf for a day. Ryan Guthrie will be returning as the official Upper elementary winners will get to experi- D.J., and Kyle Wilkie will again provide all ence indoor skydiving at iFly. One lower ele- the equipment and technology needed for the mentary student will be awarded a Grand Slam timing of the races. Tracy Grooms and Laurie Party at the Round Rock Express facilities. Weston will return as field coordinators as well. Once again, secondary students will be bom- In an email to the Brentwood community last barded during their run with heaping handfuls month, school president Jay Burcham pointed photo: Katie Griffith of colored powder, transforming each runner out how important Jog-a-fun is for the school. Congratulations Sophomore Cade Young is welcomed into the National Honor into a moving amalgamation of bright colors. “It is a mechanism that allows us to keep the Society by school president Jay Burcham and NHS sponsor Dr. Brooke Holling- White Jog-a-fun shirts were made available to cost low,” he wrote, “which means that mid- sworth at the induction ceremony on Oct. 17 at Grace Covenant Church. Wear- those with the desire to get completely coated dle-income families can continue to participate ing formal attire, students enjoyed a chicken dinner and listened as Dr. Rachel with various neons, causing their shirts to be in private education, and their children can stained with unique designs and color schemes. receive the benefits of this wonderful Christ- Montesdeoca spoke. NJHS held their induction ceremony at BCS on Oct. 26. Elementary students will again run laps on centered environment.” Students celebrate reading, writing in Book Week By Molly Stewart fourth-grader Arden Choi, and fifth-grader administration on the Thursday of that week, in each classroom. Students were allowed Griffin Smith. while second-grader Ava Bills and fifth-grader to bring a comfort item like a blanket and a Cozy book-ins, writing your own book, and Some students’ stories were chosen to be read Natalie Fogle read at the President’s Breakfast flashlight, make forts, and cuddle up and read. a day of dressing up like your favorite char- at special events. First-grader Aiden Clapp and on Friday. Older students also went to lower grades and acter... During the week of Oct. 23-27, Book fourth-grader Michael Kolagani read to the Throughout the week, book-ins were held read to students. Week celebrated its 25th year of teaching BCS “I love the emphasis on reading and writing elementary students that reading and writing books,” Hager said. “We have big kids and are fun and exciting. young kids sharing books, and big kids read- Books for the Young Authors Competition ing to little kids.” were turned in to judges a week earlier. Ac- On Tuesday, a local author named Carmen cording to elementary librarian Tere Hager, 112 Oliver, who wrote Bears Make the Best Read- students wrote stories for the competition. ing Buddies, visited the third through fifth On Friday, all the authors were recognized in grades and presented a slideshow on writing an assembly in the auditorium. Unique awards books. were given to each student in every grade, Thursday, the kids who wrote and turned in including outstanding fairytale, outstanding a book for the Young Authors Competition got sports story, outstanding adventure story, out- to celebrate with cookies, juice, and a magi- standing original art, and several others. cian for entertainment. Finally, on Friday all An overall excellence award was also given the students got to dress up as their favorite to one student in each grade. Winners were book character for the entire day. kindergartner Rowan McMillen, first-grader photo: Summer Best “Book week is awesome because you get Olivia Montemayor, second-grader Elizabeth I am Batman Hudson Sanders excitedly talks to his fourth-grade classmates about to dress up as your favorite character,” third- McKinnerney, third-grader Charlie Osborn, his character on Oct. 27, the final day of Book Week, known as Character Day. grader Bryce O’Sullivan said. Page 4 Features THE BEAR FACTS November 2017 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Katie Griffith Seniors featured in the Bear Facts were selected by a vote held among the entire BCS Class of 2018. Queen of hearts: joyful, loving, and a bit wacky By Kaitlyn Baird people use to describe Katie. Others also char- “She is a living example to me that it’s OK 30 out of 32 of the Nancy Drew games, and acterize her as creative, driven, enthusiastic, to be as weird and as goofy as you want and to she says she is excited for a new game coming If Katie Griffith were in a deck of cards, and kind. Senior Alex Sass says Katie is as be yourself,” senior Elijah Cunningham says. out soon. she’d be the queen of hearts. Not only was sweet as a piece of dessert. Katie credits her friends and family for help- Katie says that going to Brentwood has al- she crowned homecoming queen of BCS, but “Katie is like a red velvet cupcake,” Alex ing shape her into the person she is today. She lowed her to participate in a variety of extra- she has also captured the hearts of everyone at says. “The cake itself is rich like her personal- says her friends are always there for her, and curricular activities. In addition to theater, she Brentwood with her unparalleled compassion ity. Then, like the frosting, she surprises you at they help her step outside of her comfort zone. has played several sports. In her high school and goofy personality. first and you come to love her.” Her “super close” relationship with her family career Katie has played volleyball, basketball, After just one conversation with her, anyone Katie’s optimistic and lighthearted personal- allows them to joke around at home and talk to and soccer, and she continues to play soccer in can get a glimpse of Katie’s exuberant nature. ity has illuminated the Brentwood hallways for each other about everything. Her sister Caro- her senior year. Wherever she is, Katie always has a smile on 15 years. Her family began attending church line agrees. “I really like that we can be involved in a her face. at Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ when she “Our relationship is very trusting. I know I lot of different things, because people in large “Katie is an incredibly bubbly and was two, and she started going to Children’s can tell her everything without judgment from schools don’t get that opportunity,” she says. magical person. She’s always hap- Ark preschool when she was three. Katie says her,” she says. Among Katie’s list of talents, other than py and positive, and people are going to Brentwood has positively impacted Katie’s closest friends agree that she is al- quoting most of Napoleon Dynamite, solving just drawn to her,” senior Tara her life over the years. ways accepting of them and makes them feel an endless amount of puzzles, and kicking a Whitaker says. “Brentwood is a safe place,” she loved. soccer ball, is her knack for all things graphic Senior Lauren Weilemann says. “I have been able to develop a “She has really shaped me design. When she was younger, she played agrees. strong Christian faith and worldview into the person I am today, around in Illustrator on her mom’s computer “My favorite part about Katie before I eventually leave the ‘Brent- because she has shown and learned how to use all the tools. Since then, is her sunny and super-inclusive wood bubble’ and have it tested.” me the love of Christ Katie has designed multiple class T-shirts, art personality. It’s impossible However, others say Katie through her actions to- projects, and yearbook pages. She even opened to feel left out when Katie’s has impacted BCS just as much ward me even when up her own decal business in 2016. around,” she says. as it has impacted her. As class I didn’t deserve Art teacher Mere Rowlett describes Katie Her vibrant personality president, Katie has the oppor- them,” Alex says. as hard-working, organized, talented when it shines through not only in tunity to use her boundless joy Katie’s kind and comes to art and design, a great yearbook edi- her everyday actions, but and kindness to serve and lead cheery disposi- tor, and willing to help others. also onstage. Katie began others. tion is not the “She’ll stop everything to go help them, acting in eighth grade only thing that which is super cool,” Rowlett says. when she decided to she is known for. Rowlett also describes a time when Katie’s drop study hall and take She spends her diligent nature was on display. She says there theater instead. Since free time enjoy- was a yearbook workshop before school start- then, she has com- ing a multitude of ed, and Katie was supposed to use that time peted in multiple TC- unique hobbies, to start planning and working on the yearbook. SIT and TAPPS act- including solv- However, Rowlett says Katie had already fin- ing competitions and ing logic puzzles, ished everything before the workshop even brought home many writing in differ- started. awards. In eighth grade, ent fonts, watch- Katie’s love for graphic design brought her Katie and senior Merideth Mal- ing Napoleon to the decision to major in visualization at lett won third place at TCSIT for middle school Dynamite, and Texas A&M. Katie hopes to eventually be a duet acting. The two of them also made it into playing Nancy graphic designer, and either work for her- finals in humorous duet acting in freshman, Drew computer self or work for a company like sophomore, and junior years. games. In fact, Disney or Pixar. Merideth says one of her favorite memories Katie has Whatever Katie’s fu- with Katie was practicing their duet together collected ture holds, she knows because instead of practicing, they would end God will be with her up having “weird and fun conversations.” every step of the Theater teacher Michelle Alexander says she way. loves Katie’s energy, especially in her acting. “Throughout the “She always brings what she’s doing to life, years God has blessed and that’s fun to watch,” Alexander says. me so much,” she says. Katie has participated in the two most recent “There are multiple times in my life when I had school musicals, Cinderella and The Little to come to God asking for his help, and he has Mermaid. She was an understudy for a stepsis- always come through. Maybe not in my timing ter and an ensemble member in Cinderella. In but in his timing.” The Little Mermaid, which opened last month, It’s clear that no matter what cards Katie is Katie played the singing seagull named Scuttle. dealt in life, with her perpetual positivity she “I love playing Scuttle. Scuttle’s a lot like will always come out a winner. me, actually: a little wacky,” Katie says. Wacky and goofy are two adjectives many News & Features Page 5 THE BEAR FACTS November 2017

From ‘Joy Bus’ to BCS, Ellis can connect The Bear Facts By Austin Biegert Brentwood Christian School 11908 North Lamar Blvd. From California to Texas, third grade to fifth, Austin, TX 78753 elementary teacher Evelyn Ellis has been shap- ing the hearts, minds, and faiths of young stu- The Bear Facts is published monthly dents for years. The California native has been by the journalism classes of BCHS. The teaching at BCS for fourteen years, during paper is a learning tool which informs the which she has been able to watch her students student body while teaching students to grow up and take her instruction with them as become critical observers of their environ- they mature into adults. ment and to validate Truth within the con- Her love of teaching is only matched by her text of the Christian world view. love of Christ, both of which she has been cul- tivating since an early age. Editor-in-Chief “I remember I was fourteen years old and I Kaitlyn Baird wanted to teach,” Ellis says. Photo Editor Around this time in her life she began work- Jenna Timmerman ing as a camp counselor, teaching kids Bible classes on the “Joy Bus” in her hometown of Reporters Redlands, Calif. This early exposure to teach- Jackson Baird Michael Milicia ing ingrained in her a passion that led her to fol- Sky Barker Isaac Olewin low her dream and become a full-time teacher. Natalie Barry Alex Pittner She trekked from California to ACU for col- Blake Benton Ethan Rutt lege before returning to her hometown with her Austin Biegert Conner Shaver high school sweetheart David, to whom she has photo: Jenna Timmerman Loves to teach Evelyn Ellis, who came to Texas from California 14 years ago, has been Ashton Crow Hayden Shellenberger now been happily married for 32 years. They teaching third grade at BCS ever since then. This year she has moved to fifth grade, Regan Crow Molly Stewart have had two children, Ashley and Zachary, Andrew Geevarghese Wes Tindel which she has taught before and believes is where her greatest teaching gifts are. who are both now in their twenties. Both of Benjamin Helyer Emily Walker them still live in the Austin area and try to see Noah Islas Seth Ziegler their parents at least once a week, or as often see the effects of her teaching, and she watches tional Park, Southern California, and Montana. Riley Keesey as they can. the seeds that she planted in third grade grow Despite her passion for exploration, she has Years before, after much thought and prayer, and mature in the students’ minds. never been out of the country, but she hopes to The Honorary Omelettes the couple had to decide where they wanted to “They have all matured and show a huge change that with trips to the British Isles that Merideth Mallett live and continue raising their children. They amount of compassion,” she says. “It is really are already brewing in her mind. were quickly drawn back to Texas, where Ellis very touching.” Regardless of where life takes her, Ellis re- Adviser began teaching third grade at BCS. The shift from third to fifth grade has still al- mains certain that her life will always be linked Jonathan Weed “My favorite part of working here is that I can lowed Ellis to teach all the subjects and tie each hand in hand with a love and passion for edu- infuse everything I teach with God’s word,” El- topic into one another. She says her love for cation. She endeavors to learn and grow her- The Bear Facts is available online at lis says. “All my colleagues have the same goal all subjects, and the opportunity to intertwine self just as much as she strives to teach and www.brentwoodchristian.org. and focus – we’re all on the same page.” them all, keeps both the class and herself in- impact those around her, both in and out of the Fellow teachers have praised Ellis for her vested. classroom. qualities as a teacher, coworker, and friend. Feeling as though she would get bored with “She’s always thinking of everything in the only one subject, Ellis chose a path that allows frame of how she can make it easier and more her to teach them all, while utilizing her talent relatable to the kids, especially those who for connecting with upper elementary students. Thanksgiving food drive struggle with learning,” third-grade teacher This kind of impact has had a lasting effect Carolyn B’Smith says. “She will always find a on senior students such as Benjamin Helyer, Each classroom’s purple barrel is filling up, but there way to connect to them individually. Even with who once sat in her class and felt her guiding is plenty of room for more food donations before all her own two kids, she would make educational presence throughout that year and beyond. the items are collected and taken to the Round Rock Area Serving Center on aspects within all of their trips, always looking “She did a great job in that transition from Nov. 15. All gifts will be used to serve needy families in the Central Texas area. for opportunities to teach and learn.” lower to upper elementary,” Helyer says. “That She has spent the majority of her time at transition can be hard, but she made it as easy Any non-perishable food items are accepted in every classroom, but there is Brentwood within the third-grade classroom. as possible. That’s a very good quality of hers.” a special need for the following items: canned fruit and veggies, soup, pasta, This year, she took up the opportunity to teach Once she retires, Ellis still plans on retaining beans, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and baby food. Those willing to donate fifth grade, just as she had when she taught at a passion for education. She hopes to be able to sturdy boxes or bags are encouraged to bring these to any classroom. a small school back in California. There, she either volunteer or get a part-time job as a mu- worked in positions ranging from preschool seum educator, organizing field trips that she so The goal is to average about six food items per teacher up through principal, sometimes at the loves going on with her own students. student, although more than that would be wel- same time. She said that she feels, however, Beyond this, she hopes to be able to explore comed, accepted, and put to great use. that her greatest gift is in teaching fifth grade. her growing love for travel. She has many fond Because of this change, Ellis has been able to memories of her family trips to Glacier Na- Page 6 Sports THE BEAR FACTS November 2017 Bears likely to host football playoff game next week By Ethan Rutt cham is leading with 722 rushing yards. Senior ington, who is filling in as head coach while games: running back Ben Ogbodiegwu has 587 rush- Caffey is recovering, said he visited Caffey the 10/20: @ Boerne Geneva 42-24 L After a 52-8 victory over San Marcos Acad- ing yards, including an impressive 11.1 yards day after the surgery, and Caffey said that it is The Bears started with the ball but weren’t emy on Nov. 3, the varsity football team is per carry. Ogbodiegwu also leads the team with “killing him to not be out there” with the team. able to gain momentum early on due to mis- now third in district with a 3-2 record (7-2 11 touchdowns. Washington says that how often the team takes, including a fumble inside their own 10- overall). With a win tonight against St. Gerard, Junior quarterback Blake Benton has 47 practices and what they do in practice is essen- yard line and a fumble on a kick return, as well the Bears will likely finish in second and host a completions for 813 yards and eight touch- tial to installing and executing the game plan. as defense not being as good as it could have playoff game a week later, on Nov. 17, against downs. Sophomore receiver Phillip Mach has The coaches also spend a lot of time breaking been. After early mistakes by Brentwood, they TSD. 207 receiving yards and four touchdowns. down film and preparing plays for the upcom- mostly pulled it together and outscored their Junior linebacker Curtis Mack leads the Head coach Stan Caffey underwent a triple ing week. On top of preparation, practices are opponent in the second half. But the 28-7 half- Bears with 108 tackles, and sophomore Isaac heart bypass surgery on Oct. 30 and will most also used for working on their fundamentals, time deficit was too big to overcome. Copeland leads with four sacks. likely not be able to return to coaching this like strength and conditioning. Mach scored the first Brentwood touchdown On offense, senior running back Hunter Bur- season. Defensive coordinator Correy Wash- On the Bears’ chances for playoffs and future of the game by receiving a pass from Benton games, Washington says that he expects suc- in double coverage to the back right of the end cess and to compete at a high level every week. zone. Benton threw two more touchdowns, “I am positive that we will be 8-2 by the start including one to freshman Zack Billante and of playoffs,” he said. another to junior Micah Best. Sophomore Throughout the three seasons of football kicker Jonah Connor did not miss a single kick Brentwood has experienced, Washington says throughout the game, scoring a field goal and they have improved tremendously in the weight three PATs. room, which has helped them on the field. He 10/27: @ John Paul II 14-7 W says the kids have really applied themselves The Guardians started with the ball, but they and bought into the program. Also, Washing- were quickly stopped by the Bears’ defense. ton says that because the team is a year older Both teams played very good defense, but in and has more experience, their games have the second quarter Benton broke through to been better. score the first touchdown of the game ona “There is a huge difference between a fresh- quarterback run play, running for 20 yards and man and a sophomore,” he said. trucking through a Guardians defender. The Benton said that Brentwood matches up well Guardians eventually moved the ball and tied with their opponents during playoffs. They will the game in the third quarter with a four-yard play TSD in the first round, and if they beat touchdown run. Finally, in the fourth quarter, them, then Cypress in the second round. Ben- Ogbodiegwu ran for the final touchdown on a ton says it will be even. 40-yard run. Copeland, a defensive lineman, said the team 11/3: San Marcos Academy 52-8 W has a good chance of doing well in playoffs this San Marcos started with the ball and almost year. He says they will get farther than they did immediately lost it on an interception by Mack. last year, when they lost in the first round. Brentwood controlled the game and led 49-0 at Brentwood has been moved into a different the half. Burcham scored three rushing touch- division for football next year. The Bears will downs, sophomore Luke Jackson rushed for photo: Darnell Mack Blowout win Junior quarterback Blake Benton picks up yards while junior receiver play in TAPPS 5A, competing against schools two more, and Ogbodiegwu and Benton rushed Micah Best looks for a block during the Bears’ 52-8 win over San Marcos on Nov. 3. such as Hyde Park, Regents, and St. Michael’s. for the other two scores. In the second half, Following are recaps of the most recent Washington used second-string players. Hoops: Lady Bears open with win; varsity boys have first game Nov. 16 By Jackson Baird and Blake Benton Greene comes into the season confident in his The top returning scorer is sophomore Dan- currently practicing with only 10 guys, five of team’s ability to win and compete. iel Hickl, who averaged 5.8 points and 7.5 re- whom are freshmen. Plus there is a new sys- Basketball season has already begun for the “The goal this season is to take it step by step bounds per game last season. Along with Hickl, tem to learn under a new head coach before the Lady Bears, who opened the season with a 38- starting with winning district, then making it to Acheson is expected to help out the Bears’ of- season begins. 24 victory over the Taylor Ducks on Nov. 3. state, and then finishing off the season by win- fense this year after transferring from Round “If it is not hard enough installing a new sys- They boys begin their schedule next week, as ning state,” Greene said. Rock High School during his junior year. tem under a first-year head coach, try doing it they are set to take on Katy Falls in a tourna- Senior Aedan Acheson said that with all the Acheson and his fellow seniors set the goal with only half a basketball team,” Greene said. ment on Nov. 16. hard work that has been put in over the offsea- for the team this season of making it further The Lady Bears, under head coach Devan The Bears go into the season under first-year son, he expects Brentwood to succeed under into the playoffs than in previous seasons. Loftis in his 18th year with the program, are head coach Brandon Greene, who grew up in the new head coach. “We seniors told the team that we expect us optimistic as the new basketball season begins. Houston and played ball at UT-Dallas. Athletic “I really like coach Greene, and I think he can to make it to regionals, and we need to put in Brentwood is led by this year’s seniors: director Stan Caffey contacted Greene about help us accomplish our goals,” Acheson said. all the work needed to make it there,”Acheson Emma Leidlein, Mallory Lesko, Hannah the coaching position, having taught Greene Last year the Bears finished 19-13 overall said. Lewis, and Grace McDaniel. All four of them in high school at Westbury Christian. Greene and third in district. Their season ended with a The Bears face several challenges going played in every game last year. This young was previously the head coach at Cambridge heartbreaking loss to Woodlands Christian 51- into the season. Since football season will run School of Dallas. 50 on Feb. 14 in the first round of the playoffs. through at least late November, the team is see BASKETBALL, page 8 Sports Page 7 THE BEAR FACTS November 2017 Cross country season ends Varsity soccer teams practicing; with four all-district runners girls open season next week By Michael Milicia By Sky Barker and Andrew Geevarghese championships, my prayer for this season is to lead this group of young men to know, love, Senior Diego Escobedo and junior As football and volleyball seasons come to and obey God,” Jordan said. “My challenge for Jade Klafhen were the Bears’ top run- a close, it is now time for the varsity soccer these guys is for them to strive each day to be ners at the TAPPS cross country state teams to gleam in the spotlight. the best versions of themselves on and off the meet in Waco on Oct. 30. The boys’ For the varsity girls, the season will begin field.” team placed 19th out of 22 schools, on Nov. 16 against St. Michael’s, while Brent- Girls’ head coach Cash Miller has high hopes and the girls placed 9th out of 16. wood’s first district game is not until Jan. 4 for success in the upcoming season, as he has Escobedo came in 37th place against John Paul II. In total, the team has five been impressed with the girls’ work ethic and (19:31), junior Mitchell Johnson came non-district games and 12 district games. expects to make playoffs this year. in 56th (20:09), and freshman Isaac The varsity boys play their first game on “I have seen the team put in more work this Stanglin finished 59th (20:15). Nov. 27 against Hyde Park. off-season than ever before,” he said. “They “I wasn’t expecting to get first on Last year the boys were 11-3 overall, win- committed and put in the work to be a better the team, but it feels really good,” Esc- ning district and finishing with a seven-game team than they have ever before.” obedo said. “It’s relieving that I didn’t winning streak before their loss in regionals to Last year the team had an overall record of let underclass teammates beat me, al- Dallas Covenant in Waco. 7-6 and placed fourth in district. Senior Re- though I am confident that they will do Head coach Jesse Jordan said they are look- bekah Connor and junior Madison Moseley led way better than me in the future.” ing to play the same tactics as last year and be the team in goals with 18 each. Senior Avery Escobedo said he should have start- a solid positioning, possession, and pressure Miller led the team in assists last year with 14. ed running when he was younger, and team. “I hope to score more this year, and definitely that he could have pushed the team to “It’s hard to make any predictions at this keep the assists up,” Miller said. “Overall, I do better. But several runners simply point, but hopefully we can build on last year’s want the team to get better in postseason play were not healthy enough to achieve success,” he said, before adding that he hopes than we have been previously.” their goals. to “ultimately capture the state title.” Coach Miller said part of his plan for the year “This meet was not timed well for Last year’s district MVP Brandon Patterson, is to improve on the girls’ defense, as he wants us because most of us were sick,” said with 18 goals and 14 assists, has graduated, the team “to improve in an area they did not sophomore Michael Milicia, unsatis- which provides a new challenge for the team. master the year before.” fied with his time for the state meet. However, sophomore Zach Myers, who scored Practice during the season is Monday through Junior Jade Klafhen came in 24th 16 goals last season and was the district 3A Friday, consisting of ball work and condition- among the girls and accomplished Newcomer of the Year, will attempt to fill the ing. Miller has also stated that there is a lot her best time, 14:13. Senior MaeAnne void. more senior leadership this year, as well as a Herring, also struggling with illness, Along with Myers, current seniors Preston lot of dedication from certain girls sacrificing was 34th (14:29), and freshman Han- Glenn, Patrick Hanrahan, and David Reich time outside of practice to improve their game. nah Womack finished 41st (14:42). were first team all-district last year. Junior Ri- Miller said his mission as a coach is to make “I was glad that Jade won, actually,” ley Walker and sophomore Jonah Connor were the girls work as hard as they can, so that when Herring said. “We’ve been fighting it second team all-district, and senior Luke Tilley they graduate, they have no regrets as an ath- out all season and she worked so hard, earned honorable mention. lete. I’m just really glad that she got the While Jordan is focused on helping the team “Really I’m asking for 100 percent every win.” play as well as they can, he has even bigger day,” he said. “If the team can do that, then The state meet course was an open goals. what the scoreboard says at the end of the game hilly golf course. The weather was “More important than any soccer goals or is irrelevant.” very cool but the sun shined bright to warm up the runners. Head coach Ka- photo: David Crooks tie Smith said she was proud of the ef- Steady Senior MaeAnne Herring came in fourth fort of her runners. at the district meet in Marble Falls on Oct. 14. “Sickness affected us some at state, but that was beyond our control,” Smith said. town. The boys achieved second place overall, “Really, I feel that we did all we could during while the girls came in first. the season to be prepared.” “I felt we all did pretty good for the whole On Oct. 14, the teams competed at their season,” Klafhen said. “We pushed ourselves district meet in Marble Falls. Led by Herring and each other to the limit while having fun.” (fourth place) and Klafhen (ninth), the girls Smith was also pleased with the way the sea- finished fourth. Finishing in the top 10 earned son unfolded. Herring and Klafhen all-district status. “I think we practiced harder and better this The boys’ team came in third place, led by year than in past years and really took our sea- Escobedo (ninth place) and Milicia (10th), son seriously,” she said. who were also all-district. Smith added that she will miss Herring, who photo: Cash Miller The Bears also had a ‘practice meet’ before has been a “great senior leader” and the girls’ Touch Senior Avery Miller and the varsity girls play their first game on Nov. 16. state on Oct. 19 at Grace Academy in George- top runner for most of her high school career. Page 8 News & Features THE BEAR FACTS November 2017 Students zip, kick, paddle in return to Camp Buckner By Noah Islas “Ziplining was really scary, but once you jumped off it was fun,” Nathan Esche said. While the rest of Brentwood students were Some students didn’t know what to expect getting ready for school, 49 seventh graders and were pleasantly surprised. departed for Camp Buckner at 6:50 a.m. on “I like how it was more carefree with not Oct. 23 for a day of hiking, rock climbing, many strict rules coming down from teachers,” team building, and lots of fun. Clive Whaley said. When they got there, the students were split Alongside the students at the retreat were up into groups led by seniors Mallory Lesko, Travis Pollard, who is the retreat coordinator, Grace McDaniel, Grace Rogge, Alex Sass, and three sponsors: principal Carol Johnson, Alec Shelby, Dillon Smith, and Lauren Wei- Coreen Pesco, and Jonathan Weed. lemann. Their first activity was a nature walk Similar to last year the retreat was not over- through some trails. The weather started out night. Other than that there were some major in the low 50s, and several people were under- differences. For one, the number of students dressed. But eventually it warmed up and was was 49 this year instead of the record-number a pleasant day. 71 students in last year’s class. Also, this year After the walk, students participated in team the retreat was back at Camp Buckner instead building exercises. Then for lunch, the students of Reunion Ranch. ate pizza and chicken wings. Despite these differences, Pollard said that Throughout the rest of the day the students the retreat was nice and helped get the kids to engaged in many different activities including motivate each other and bond. ziplining, rock climbing, kickball, and kayak- “This retreat was successful, and most of the ing. kids were motivated by each other,” he said.

photo: Lisa Lee You got pied Third-grader Levi Baron endured a barrage of “pies” in the face at Brentwood’s annual Fall Festival on Oct. 28. A cold front made things a little chilly for a while, but the fundraiser still brought in $10,000 and plenty of smiles.

photo: Travis Pollard Fall Fest raises spirits, funds Peaceful Seventh graders Evan Gruis, Ben Gatlin, and Keira McCormick navigate the waters of the Camp Buckner pond in kayaks during their day-long retreat on Oct. 23. By Emily Walker The fundraiser is PTA’s biggest money earner, raking in more than $10,000 in ticket “Fall fest is a wonderful opportunity for the sales this year. According to Fall Fest coordi- community to come together and have a great nator Tiffany Hague, presale tickets brought in Basketball season underway time,” fifth-grade teacher Evelyn Ellis said. $6,600, and day-of sales accounted for $3,500. The annual festival was on Saturday, Oct. The most successful booths included the continued from page 6 season and 8-2 in district play. Brentwood 28, from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Booths ranged cake walk, which brought in $640, and the fell to Lutheran North 53-38 in the second from second grade’s laser tag to the fresh- petting zoo, which earned $556. Not only do team will rely on these seniors’ game-time round of the TAPPS 4A playoffs. men’s Pie-in-the-Face. New events included grade levels do booths, but also extracurricu- experience to lead the way. “We are going to take advantage of our facepaint and balloon twister. lar groups participate in the activities. Nation- The team graduated Alicia Dixon, Addy depth this year,” Loftis said, explaining the The weather was uncharacteristically cold, al Junior Honor Society offered popcorn, and Hardin, Kayleigh Lawrence, and Abby change in game plan. at 64 degrees as the high and 46 as the low. Lady Bellas ran the cotton candy booth in the White, all four of whom made all-district; Loftis says he thinks the positive outlook However, volunteers and guests soldiered the cafeteria. Dixon and Hardin also made all-state. Dixon of this year’s team is that they are more cold and managed to have a fantastic time. This year, school cafeteria vendor Taher ca- led the Bears in points per game with 15.3 balanced out skill wise. The starting roster High school students got the chance to run tered the event. Lunch included chopped beef followed by Lawrence with 8.4. Dixon also is not set in stone, and it will be open to the booths, and in return earn money for their sandwiches and Chick-Fil-A, which were paid led in rebounds per game with 7.2. However, change throughout the season. senior trip. Teachers also participated in the for with tickets. the Bears are changing up their game a bit to “I am excited to see how we function with fundraiser. Coach Russell Larson was one “We were overwhelmed with all the dona- compensate for this loss. this quicker style this season,” junior Sa- who volunteered for the dunking booth. tions and helping hands,” Hague said. “We “We are going to have to play a lot faster mantha Fowler said. “It was a complete hoot, and I loved trash cleaned up in record time, thanks to National pace offense,” Leidlein said. Brentwood’s first district game will be talking the students,” he jokingly said. Honor Society!” The Lady Bears finished 23-12 on the Jan. 5 against Concordia.