Vanguard College Preparatory School proudly presents their 2008 graduates.

Brennan Bailey-Baylor University
Caroline Blum-Baylor University
Jean Carter- Baylor University
Claire Cole- Princeton University
Charlotte Cooper- University of Texas
Nick Deaver-Baylor University
Jordan Diaz-University of Colorado at Boulder
Michael DiCorte-University of Arizona
Liz Doty-University of Chicago
Lincoln Downs-Baylor University
Joel Farley-University of Houston
Isla Hamilton-Short-Uniiversity of the South
Monica Hart- Texas A & M University
Haley Hoffman-Baylor University
Shannon Kelley-Baylor University
Tim Latimer-University of Tulsa
Jillian Lenamon- University of Mississippi
Ginnie Lowder- University of Texas
Rebecca Mull-Baylor University
Jonathan Neel-Baylor University
Paige Nowlin-Baylor University
Ricky Olmsted-Young Judea Program then the University of Miami
Amy Russell-Baylor University
Brad SoRelle-Hendrix College
Elliott SoRelle-Rice University
Wyn Taylor-Texas Christian University
Megan Welch-Southern Methodist University
Lauren Wood-Southern Methodist University

On Saturday, April 19, the Vanguard Drama Club presented four one-act plays by American playwright David Ives. The evening of comedy opened with a hilarious investigation of the modern dating scene, “Sure Thing.” Samantha Ward played the wary Betty, Jantzen Slaughter the smitten Bill and Victoria Ramos the disapproving whistle allowing for endless pick-up lines, fresh starts and second chances. Next up, Isaiah Ellis and seasoned acting veteran Paul Ruiz were a force to be reckoned with as the TV gods holding an average American couple, Rob and Laura (Michael VanHoose and Caitlin Leslie), hostage in “Captive Audience.” From a living room, then, to a middle-eastern bazaar where, in “Arabian Nights,” Dylan Skelton played the shy Norman eager to buy a souvenir from the equally shy Flora (Randi Grounds). Thankfully romance blossomed and laughs ensued, largely due to a wily interpreter (Paul Ruiz in his second costume of the night). The evening closed with the especially witty and cerebral “Words, Words, Words.”  Elidia Berg, Caitlin Leslie and Dallas Atchley delighted onlookers as the three chimps, Milton, Swift, and Kafka, eager to win their freedom by typing out Hamlet.

Congratulations to all involved in the production of “4 Squared.” Ashley Lopez and Hannah Howard did a terrific job as the introductory emcees, and Erin Frisch, Ian Lovett, Zac Bolin and Ewan Hamilton-Short all worked behind the scenes to ensure the evening’s smooth success! Special kudos and thanks must go, however, to Nick Webb, Director and Sponsor of the Vanguard Drama Club. All of your hard work paid off, and everyone in the audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thank you all for a wonderful evening of laughs!

April 17th was Vanguard’s annual day of service. Previously called Viking Volunteer Day, the annual event was renamed Emma’s Day in 2001 to honor the generous spirit of Emma Welter, a Vanguard freshman, who tragically passed away on her way to Volunteer Day in 2000. Previous agencies helped on Emma’s Day have been the Family Abuse Center, the Advocacy Center, Habitat for Humanity, Compassion Ministries and various Waco nursing homes.

This year the 7th and 8th graders visited World Hunger Relief Farm, in Elm Mott, where they learned about agriculture and the various ways it impacts the environment. The 7th and 8th graders weeded, built trenches, made and laid fertilizer and planted corn. “It was a very smelly but educational experience,” said 7th grader Alan Harlin. “Hard work, but fun,” Calvin Brooks chimed in. The 9-12th graders spent the day at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church helping Camp Fire USA prepare for their summer programs. “I painted fish for the summer wall seascape display,” said 10th-grader Elidia Berg. “We had a lot of fun imagining how colorful the campers ‘class’ rooms will be this June.” “It’s amazing how much we got done,” added fellow classmate Jane Millar. “From posters to painted masks, everyone got to show off their creative side and spread some cheer.” 1,060 tubes of sunscreen were also collected to send to soldiers serving in Iraq. Vanguard students enjoyed dedicating themselves to the spirit of service, and appreciate all that Flip Alexander, World Hunger Relief Farm and Camp Fire USA did to make the day a big success.

Celebrating 35 years of academic excellence, Vanguard hosted its first-ever Founders’ Weekend Friday, March 28-Monday, March 31.

Four days of exciting activities included “Midnight in Morocco,” a dinner, dance, and silent auction for adults at The Palladium on Austin Avenue on Friday night. Alumni and faculty gathered in the Jaworski Center on the school campus on Saturday afternoon. Campus tours and reminiscent tales helped guests turn back the clock momentarily.

On Sunday afternoon, a large crowd flooded the Jaworski Center to honor the dedicated men and women who founded the school in 1973. The event provided the perfect opportunity for the unveiling of the wall of portraits of the Founders.

The Viking Crew hosted its annual golf tournament at Ridgewood Country Club on Monday afternoon. The entire golf course was filled with Vanguard students, parents, and alumni vying for the best shots.

Debaters from Vanguard College Preparatory School emerged as National Qualifiers at the JBJ District competition of the National Forensic League. The National competition will be held June 10-15 in Las Vegas. Alex Krzywonski and Hannah Thompson represented as a Public Forum debate team. Caitlin Leslie competed in Original Oratory, and Dylan Losey competed in Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking. Alternates to the national competition are Robert Braswell V in Student Congress and Elidia Berg for Original Oratory.

Thirty high schools ranging in size from UIL 5 A to TAPPS 3A entered the district contest. Although hundreds of students competed in the initial speech and debate rounds, only the top two finalists in each event advanced to Nationals. Thousands of students from across the United States and its territories compete for awards as well as a chance to receive lucrative college scholarships. The Vanguard students will be accompanied by their coaches Rebecca Melton and Suzanne Kelly. This is the seventh consecutive year that Vanguard has sent its debaters to Nationals.