Welcome to Cru's News
Welcome to our St. Andrew's e-newsletter! Every month, you'll read exciting news about our scholars, artists, athletes, and servants
--in and outside the classroom. If you consider yourself a member of the St. Andrew's community, then this newsletter is for you.
If you have any interesting news you'd like to share, contact us at
[email protected] with your story ideas and pictures!
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US Plays ("Laramie Project" "Rumors") - April 16-17, 19 A Night of the Arts (including "Alice in Wonderland" play) - April 17 LS Musical ("Shrek") - April 18-19 US Student Recognition Ceremony - April 21 US New Student Course Registration - April 22 Final Parent Enrichment Book Club Meeting - April 24 Concert for Financial Aid - May 3 MS Musical ("Peter Pan") - May 8-9 Grades 5-8 Percussion and Choir Concert - May 13 Grades 5-8 Band and Orchestra Concert - May 14 MS Awards Banquet - May 22 Memorial Day - No Classes - May 25 LS Field Day - May 28 Last Day of Classes - May 29 8th Grade Commencement - May 29 US Graduation - May 30
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Teacher Auction Goes Live on Monday!
Have you noticed the teacher-sponsored auction items, like the Lower School teacher-for-the-day or front row Upper School Graduation seating?
The teacher auction is a fundraising effort in conjunction with the Concert for Financial Aid to ensure our financial aid program remains strong.
Sneak Preview: Live Auction Items for Concert!
The bidding wars continue (for a great cause!) on
Sunday, May 3, at the Concert for Financial Aid. A live auction and silent auction will offer lots of opportunities to bid, while we "Toast the Derby" with signature cocktails, food, and live music from Emerald City Band.
Gather your friends and coordinate - there are group trips, tickets, and amazing experiences in store for you! Some of our items include:
 Erwin Center Suite for 12 to see Iggy Azalea on October 23, 2015! 12 lucky guests will be chauffeured in a limousine to the Erwin Center, where guests will enjoy premium access to an Erwin Center Suite with full Mexican buffet dinner to see Grammy-nominated singer Iggy Azalea perform live!
 Exclusive Spring Break 2016 Retreat in Sun Valley, Idaho! Enjoy the stunning mountain views of Sun Valley, Idaho in this spacious yet comfortable home on 4 acres that sleeps 18. This luxurious mountain log home boasts over 6000 square feet in a uniquely upscale and elegant floor plan, ideal for anything from a family getaway to large group entertaining.
Private Tour by Luci Baines Johnson of the LBJ Library Presidential Library and Museum!
Ten lucky guests will get a private tour and luncheon in the Presidential Suite hosted by Luci Baines Johnson, President Lyndon Johnson's youngest daughter. The tour will include access to the museum's newest exhibits and more!
More items up for Auction:
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Bon Voyage! A beautiful summer week in southern France
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Hear the Waves Crash from a Gorgeous Five Bedroom Sea Island Beach Home
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Back by Popular Demand! Art History Lecture & Dinner with Upper School Art History Teacher Marsha Russell
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Fourth of July for 8 in Telluride, Colorado!
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A Thanksgiving or Christmas Holiday in London
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3 Magical Nights for ten guests at a Beautiful Home in San Miguel de Allende
And don't miss our Silent Auction, with the following highlights:
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Four ACL Guest passes with access to side stages and the Artist Lounge
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Autographed football with 25 Heisman Trophy winner signatures
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Overnight stay at the new Hotel Van Zandt with a $200 Uchi gift card
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Dinner for 20 couples, catered by Fork & Taco, at the home of Robert and Mari Josey
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YETI cooler
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Private Suite to a Texas Stars game
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Four dugout level Astros tickets, hats, t-shirts, and a Jose Altuve autographed baseball
- Autographed Bob Schneider Guitar
Get Your Tickets for the Concert!
Visit www.sasaustin.org/concert to reserve your spot at the Concert for Financial Aid!
We hope you'll join us on May 3 at the Upper School campus for this special event
!
If you'd like to know more, or are interested in placing an ad in the Concert for Financial Aid Program, please contact Concert Co-Chairs
Stacie Keliehor
and
Teresa Bessette
or Director of Development
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Immerse Yourself in the Arts Tomorrow! 
Tomorrow evening is the opening night of our All School Art Show. "A Night of the Arts" will begin at the Upper School campus at 5:30 pm, and will showcase the many artistic talents of our Lower, Middle, and Upper School students.
Visual art displays, live instrumental and vocal performances, and scenes from Lewis Carroll's beloved "Alice in Wonderland" will make it a fun night for the whole family. Admission is free, so come celebrate our creative community with us!
What: All School Art Show's Opening Night Celebration
When: Friday, April 17
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 pm Where: Upper School campus (5901 Southwest Parkway)
Featuring:
- Visual Art Show by artists in grades 1-12
- Lower, Middle & Upper School Strings
- Lower School Percussion and Band
- Middle School Band
- Upper School Jazz Band
- Select Choir
- A Special Performance by Upper School Acting I class, presenting scenes from "Alice in Wonderland" in the Dell Fine Arts Center
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Middle Schoolers Top National Latin Exam!
Middle School Latin students took the National Latin Exam in early March, and the results are in! Nearly 80% of our students received an award for their achievements; two 7
th
-graders earned a perfect score, and multiple students took home gold and silver medals. Our students competed against nearly 150,000 students from across the country, some even from overseas! Middle School Latin teacher Greg Mele remarks, "I'm very proud of the effort and attention that the students put in this year in preparing for this national exam. The level of their preparation is reflected in the number of awards they earned." To read more, including the full list of winners, click here.
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Upper Schoolers Win Science Olympiad Meet!
By Jonathan Zornio '16
On March 7, the St. Andrew's Science Olympiad team was named the overall winner of the Science Olympiad Regional Meet at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Coached by Upper School teachers Cindy Albach and Jeff Osborne, all 14 students on the team received at least one first- or second-place finish in their events; collectively the team won half of the 14 events offered. As the overall Meet winner, St. Andrew's is now qualified for the Science Olympiad State Meet in College Station on April 24 and 25. St. Andrew's is competing in the Science Olympiad at both the middle and high school level this year. Science Olympiad gives students a chance to display their knowledge and understanding of science through a mix of academic tests, labs, and building competitions. To read more, including the full list of winners, click here.
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Final Latin Convention a Success for Our Cru!
 St. Andrew's Upper School students competed in academic, artistic, and athletic contests at the Texas State Junior Classical League convention on March 27-28 at Amarillo High School. The Austin-area Advanced Certamen Team (which included students from St. Andrew's) competed in the state tournament; they won second place and missed tying for first place by five points. Bryce Deskins won an award for having the highest score for his individual contest (Classical Art) in any level. Overall, the Upper School placed ninth in the Advanced Division Sweepstakes, and the Upper School Club was awarded the second runner-up prize in the Latin Club of the Year contest. To read more, including a full list of winners, click here.
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Russia Expert Visits Lower School
As a part of their social studies class, the sixth-graders heard from guest speaker (and St.
Andrew's parent) Brian Konradi on March 26 and 27 in chapel.
Brian talked to students about the Russian Revolution and shared information about his family who lived in Russia at that time.
He also led a discussion on current events and relations between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S.
Students have been studying the Russian Revolution, World War I, and current issues in Russia, so they were ready to ask lots of questions. Thank you Sharla Campbell for sharing!
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"Sweeney Todd" Takes Home 2 GAHSMTA Awards
On April 14, St. Andrew's fall production of "Sweeney Todd" was honored at the Greater Austin High School Musical Theater Awards ceremony at the Long Center for Performing Arts. The Oscars-style awards ceremony included musical numbers by the nominated "Sweeney Todd" cast and individual nominees Logan Giberson, Mandy Justiz, and Gabe Lucio-Martin.
Competition among the many Austin-area high school artists was fierce, but St. Andrew's claimed two awards for "Best Set Design" and "Best Costume Design." Musical Director Rick Garcia is proud and thankful, saying, "Thank you all for supporting 'Sweeney Todd' and the 10 nominations. Congratulations to [Best Set Design winner] Scott Schumann, and to [Best Costume Design winner] Celia Kilgore and her student designers: Eliana Abramowitz, Olivia Best, Lily Kincannon, Brooke Wilson, and Lydia Wilson." Rick added a special "thank you" to "Marvin Shelton and Shawn Roberts' staff who loaded, transported, unloaded, and returned the massive 'Sweeney Todd' set to and from the Long Center!" Revisit this wonderful production through our gallery of photos here.
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Jones '17 Joins Austin Saxophone Ensemble
 Congratulations to Chris Jones '17, who was recently accepted into the Austin Saxophone Ensemble (ASE). Upper
School Jazz
Band teacher Dr. David Guidi remarks, "This is a very competitive audition for public and private school area saxophone students. Chris auditioned with 'Sonata' by Paul Creston, a solo that many college students include in their recitals. Chris making it into the ensemble is an impressive accomplishment." Read more about ASE here.
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Creative Growth at ISAS Festival
Last month our St. Andrew's students and faculty took in the sights and sounds of the ISAS Fine Arts Festival at Fort Worth Country Day School. Over the course of three days, our students participated in fine and performing art reviews in the company of professional artists, who provided helpful tips and insights for further inspiration and growth. Thank you to the faculty for sharing their photos with us on Facebook! Visit our Facebook page here to listen to the Upper School Jazz Band's performance at ISAS!
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St. Andrew's Upper School Theater Production class presents:
"The Laramie Project" by Moisés Kaufman
When: Thursday-Friday, April 16-17 at 6:30 pm
Sunday, April 19 at 2:00 pm
Where: Nazro Lab Theatre, Upper School
*Admission is free!
"Rumors" by Neil Simon
When: Thursday-Friday, April 16-17 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, April 19 at 4:00 pm
Where: Nazro Lab Theatre, Upper School
*Admission is free!
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St. Andrew's 6th Grade Musical Theater class presents:
"Shrek: The Musical" When: Saturday, April 18 at 7:00 pm Sunday, April 19 at 2:00 pm Where: McGill Chapel (LS/MS campus) *Admission is free!
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Watch the Middle School's "Peter Pan" May 8-9!
Join us May 8-9 for the magical adventures of Peter Pan, the boy who refuses to grow up. Some of our cast will actually take flight, so you won't want to miss it!
When: Friday, May 8, 7:00 pm Saturday, May 9, 2:00 and 7:00 pm Where: Dell Theater, Upper School Tickets: $5.00 Mezzanine, $8.00 Orchestra Tickets must be purchased through the Long Center box office. You may purchase tickets online through their website here, or you may call (512) 474-5664 (M-F, 10:00-6:00).
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Sign-Up for Our Diversity Dash!
Runners of all ages are invited to join us on St. Andrew's beautiful Upper School campus for the inaugural Diversity Dash on Saturday, May 16.
The St. Andrew's Diversity Dash will feature a timed 5-kilometer race on the scenic Gilbert Tuhabonye Trail; medals will go to top finishers, and a pizza party will be awarded to the team with the most runners. A 400-meter "Fun Run" will keep our younger runners in the action as well. Raffle prizes, art, music, and post-race snacks will make it a blast for the entire family!
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Summer Camp Inspires Students of All Ages
Though the school year is ending soon, St. Andrew's faculty and staff will continue to bring their passion for teaching to school as hosts of the "SAS Summer" camp programs.
Ethan Rogers '17 first visited St. Andrew's as a camper in the Musical Theater summer program three years ago. He recalls, "I had a lot of fun. I got to meet a lot of new people, and I learned more about being comfortable on stage." Ethan's summer camp experience drew him into the St. Andrew's world immediately. He says, "Being able to use the fantastic facilities inspired me to apply to St. Andrew's. I wasn't even considering St. Andrew's until I went to the camp. I saw how nice the campus was and I had such an awesome experience. I knew that this was the school I wanted to attend."
The impact our camp programs can have on students will continue to grow this year with even more camp offerings, especially the new arts programs for high school students. "Graphic Design" "Architecture" "Film Photography" and "Ceramics" are just a few of the fun courses students will enjoy this summer.
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Enjoy the music stylings of our fifth-graders, courtesy of Sara Ballon! Fifth-grade students gave a percussion performance last week in chapel. Click the titles to watch the videos.
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Career Fair For Breakthrough Students
Over 100 Austin-area Breakthrough students came to St. Andrew's campus this month to meet with 28 of our own student mentors to prepare for a mock career fair.
One weekend, career representatives came to campus so Breakthrough students could interview them about their jobs. On April 11 they finished research and practiced pitches for their career field.
During the career fair the St. Andrew's mentors, faculty, and Breakthrough parents visited the various student tables, and the Breakthrough students told them facts about the field they had chosen, the kind of education you need for that career, and what you could do in that job.
Thank you Laura Milton for contributing this article, and Matt Martinez of Breakthrough Austin for sharing his photos!
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Volleyball Match Keeps Students "Aware Awake Alive"
by Scott Politz '15 and Lucy Jones '15
 For the fourth consecutive year, St. Andrew's student ambassadors hosted a four-on-four volleyball tournament on Sunday, April 12, as a part of the "Aware Awake Alive" Club's campaign to prevent alcohol poisoning. Students were asked alcohol-related questions throughout the matches to decide who got to serve.
A total of 15 teams participated, including a faculty team, and everyone had a lot of fun. The Varsity Girls Volleyball team and the faculty team were co-champs. 
By combining fun and education, the Aware Awake Alive Club continues to spread the news of alcohol poisoning and the Texas 911 Lifetime Law throughout our school.
"It is most important that students know the signs before they get in a position where someone needs help. We as friends have to help one another if a person is in trouble. This club allows us to learn what to do in a situation and make sure  everyone stays safe," senior Laine Porter says. Another St. Andrew's senior, Lucy Jones, says, "I am very grateful for being involved in this club. I have been able to help my friends by knowing the signs of alcohol poisoning. My hope is our message spreads to every student so everyone knows what to do."
Aware, Awake, Alive is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating students of the dangers and signs of alcohol poisoning.
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In Case You Missed: Crystal Collier
By popular demand, guest speaker Crystal Collier's presentation on how high-risk behaviors affect the adolescent brain is now available to download here. If you were not able to attend her presentation this year, she will be back next year with her powerful information.
After Crystal's presentation, parents were overheard saying, "This is something all parents should hear" and "What an informative presentation. Ms. Collier was a very energetic speaker with great information that all students and parents should be armed with."
Crystal returned to St. Andrew's this spring after her visit last fall with our sophomores. She is currently the Director of the Behavioral Health Institute and the Choices Prevention Program for The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston.
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In Case You Missed: Crusader Magazine
We're proud to offer you our first digital issue of the Crusader Magazine:
read it now by clicki ng here
!
You'll notice some articles include
links to photo galleries, video clips, and related websites
, to keep plenty of info at your fingertips.
Also included is the St. Andrew's Fund proof: THANK YOU in advance for the generous gifts to the St. Andrew's Fund this year, please review the list to confirm that your information is accurate! The final version will be included in our printed Fall 2015 Crusader Magazine, which will incorporate our full Annual Report.
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Check out this article featuring alumna Eliana Gill ('12)! When a serious surgery and extended hospital stay put her in close contact with nurses, she found inspiration to pursue nursing herself!
We asked Eliana to describe for us what she enjoys about her new-found profession, how she feels St. Andrew's has helped her on her path, and what sort of advice she would give to others considering a career in medicine.
Eliana writes: "What I like the most about the nursing profession is the patient interaction and being able to help and care for people when they are at their most vulnerable state. Working as a nursing student in the hospitals around Dallas has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I enjoy being able to combine my ability to care for someone who is physically sick while also caring for their mental and spiritual state.
I would say that all my teachers shaped my career goals not only through their support of my dreams, but also by taking time individually to work with me and strength areas in which I struggled. All my teachers shared with me their passions, and encouraged me to follow my own.
To those interested in nursing: you have to have a big heart that is resilient and compassionate. It is very hard work, but more than worth it when you get to work with patients and actually witness your training pay off. Nursing is a profession where you will always be able to make a positive impact on someone's life. Remember! A strong stomach can be acquired, so do not shy away from the opportunity to change lives because of a little blood."
If you are interested in pursuing nursing and have some questions, Eliana would love to hear from you! You can contact her directly at
[email protected].
Thanks for sharing, Eliana!
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Carter (right) with Connor Brucker '15
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Carter Cowan ('10) is now co-coaching the US Boys Lacrosse team. Carter played lacrosse for all four years of high school at St. Andrew's, before heading to Southwestern University to play for them. His stellar career on the field includes:
When he's not coaching the Crusaders, Carter is working for Schwab.com as a Web Software Application Engineer. Carter says, "The best part of coaching at my high school is the ability to give back to the school, and sport, that has given me so much." Thank you for sharing, Carter!
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The following is excerpted from the April 9, 2015 edition of West Austin News.
The week of March 16 was National Match Day for all U.S. fourth-year medical students. Jill Fadal was matched in the highly competitive Orthopedic Surgery specialty with George Washington University Medical Center. She will move to Washington, DC in late May where her five-year residency will begin June 15. Jill attended St. Andrew's for 12 years before attending Texas Tech University where she earned an undergraduate degree in Pre-Med and an MBA, and will receive her MD from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in May.
Congratulations Jill!
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The following obituary is excerpted from Austin American-Statesman. Read the full obituary here.
Louisa Mahone Donoghue passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2015, and Heaven received another angel. Louisa was born in San Angelo on July 17, 1944, to Dortha Wattinger Mahone and John Thomas Mahone. She grew up in Austin on Jarratt Avenue, was a member of the first graduating class of St. Andrew's Episcopal School and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School. She attended The University of Texas at Austin where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, served as President of Ashbel Literary Society and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in the Plan II Honors Program. Louisa was a dedicated teacher who taught Texas History in Spring Branch ISD in Houston.
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We Need Volunteers!
It is hard to believe that the school year is drawing to a close! The Parent Association is busy planning for next year, and we would love your help.
We need volunteers to participate in many different committees for the 2015-16 school year. No matter your interests, available time or skills, there is an opportunity for you to support St. Andrew's!
Volunteering is a fun way to meet new people, interact with your children and the faculty, and support the community, so come join us!
To learn more and sign up:
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Visit our Volunteer web page here and click on any volunteer opportunity to read more details
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Click the yellow "Sign Up" button to open the Volunteer Form
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Complete the form and click the blue "Submit" button at the bottom
Please complete the volunteer sign up by Friday, April 24. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Thank you for volunteering!
Lydia Soldano (LS), Mari Josey (MS), Tami Scott (US)
2015-16 Parent Association Co-Presidents
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Spirit Shop Shifts
With less than 2 months left of school to go...there are a number of events and activities on all three campuses where we can sell SAS spirit gear to new (and current) families and we could really use your help! Please click on the link below and sign up for at least one shift (or more) if you can.
It has been a great year for our new spirit shop(s) and we are forever
grateful to all of you for volunteering over these past months. Please
contact Mari Josey ([email protected]) if you have any questions!
Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot:
http://vols.pt/nVuikU
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on
VolunteerSpot)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated
confirmation and reminders. Easy!
Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you
prefer not to use your email address, please contact us and we can sign you
up manually. Thanks!
Spirit Shop Schedule
We are sorry that the Crusader Hall shop has been closed for renovations!
Please visit us online at www.sasspiritshop.org.
The Upper School Cru-Op is also open EVERY day from 2:00-4:00.
We will be open at the following events:
April 17 - Night of the Arts, Upper School
April 22 - 9th grade registration 5:30-7:30, Upper School
May 7 - Peter Pan, Upper School
May 14 - LS New Parent Dinner
May 22 - MS Awards Banquet
May 28 - Field Day, HUGE Sale at the LS!
Feel free to contact us at [email protected]
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Want to keep up with all the fun moments on campus?
Then be sure to "Like" us on Facebook!
Click here
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In Memoriam: Louisa Mahone Donoghue (1944-2015) 