Tag: spirit

Categories
College Readiness

Let’s Hear It for School Spirit

By Heather Dondis
Director of College Counseling, Lakehill Preparatory School

I love dressing up. Halloween costumes, holiday sweaters, and my cow costume for free Chick fil A sit in my closet.  I delight in coming up with an outfit that matches each day of Lakehill’s Homecoming spirit week.  Tacky sweater day was truly tacky–my bedazzled, jewel-encrusted, florescent flower pattern with the garage sale price tag still hanging on the front garnered accolades from students and staff alike.  And it goes without saying, my own children were covered from head to toe on College Day, representing a variety of colleges that I have visited over the years.

For me, spirit week represents more than the week leading up to a Homecoming football game. It is a chance to be silly and have fun with students and colleagues. It is a chance to show solidarity for our school.

School spirit is a major factor students consider in a college search, but often, this is defined in terms of football games. Although football games undeniably generate a great amount of spirit, it is important for students to consider other aspects of school spirit.  All colleges have their own traditions:  midnight breakfasts during exam weeks, a birthday swim in the campus pond, a President-mandated day off to have fun on a nearby mountain, or sledding on cafeteria trays during the first snow; the list is endless.  Students who engage in the life of their campus tend to have a more positive college experience and often perform better academically; so save up those old costumes, hang on to those tacky sweaters, and be ready to eat pancakes in the wee hours of the morning.  Your college experience depends on it!

Heather Dondis

Categories
Service Learning

Seasonal Magic

By Kaye Hauschild
Middle School Coordinator, Lakehill Preparatory School

December has different faces for different people, but for me it is the pinnacle of a year of giving. It is the time when almost everyone you meet is open to giving to the bell ringer or the angel hanging from a tree or the canned food collector. Seasonal magic casts its spell over a wide array of generous people.

Of course, I am a very lucky person because I get to observe the giving magic throughout the year. Consider our Middle School students and their generosity throughout this first semester of the year. Our sixth grade has taken responsibility for delivering Meals on Wheels to about seventeen elderly or infirm residents of a nearby apartment building. It requires working ahead or making up time missed from class, but every student group returned from their deliveries excited about the opportunity to help these “nice people” and ready to go to again.

Our seventh grade stepped up as volunteers on Veteran’s Day for the residents of C.C. Young. Our Boy Scouts raised the flag and our Girl Scouts led the pledge, while everyone else helped to move the residents in wheelchairs from their home floor to the flag pole. More importantly, all of our students took time to listen when the seniors shared their memories and thoughts. It was a powerful experience for everyone.

Our Community Connections group has assisted at an area carnival, kept books ready for our Little Free Libraries, made dog toys for an animal shelter, and assisted with school wide drives like the UNICEF collection.

The seventh and eighth grade came together to create an event that was fun and a fundraiser. Their powder puff football game had all of the elements of a big rivalry plus money making concessions. In the end, their teamwork raised $750 for the Genesis Women’s Shelter. What an accomplishment!

Sometimes we wonder what we can accomplish as an entire group. Our Student Council led the entire Middle School to complete two service opportunities in one twenty-minute time period. Student Council wanted to do a project that would benefit the homeless or members of the military during the holiday season. After some research, they voted to do something for each group; they would make trail mix bags for the Soupmobile to deliver to the homeless and create handmade holiday cards to be dispersed to service men and women by the American Red Cross. In 20 minutes, Middle School students mixed and bagged approximately 175 bags of trail mix and created 200 holiday cards.

It makes me happy to know that the giving magic is with our students throughout the year.

 

Categories
Family and Community

There’s a First Time for Everything

By Ray Dent
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Lakehill Preparatory School 

For the first time in my life I participated in a mob… a Flash Mob. The Lakehill faculty and staff “flashed” at a Pep Rally to help boost school spirit for the Warriors. As I reflect on my first six months here, I think of numerous first time life experiences Lakehill Prep has given me.

For example, within 72 hours of starting this job I saw a teacher on her hands and knees painting bright colors on the asphalt of an outdoor parking spot. (The oddest part to me was that everyone acted as though it was a perfectly normal thing to witness.) I asked, of course, and was told, “Oh, that’s Ms. Livengood. She’s decorating a special spot for a student to park.”

Some weeks later I went to find the Headmaster and was told he was playing “hooky” at the drag races with one of our students and a parent. Not long after that the Assistant Headmaster took several students horseback riding one afternoon.

Ultimately, I learned that to raise money for the school and our students an organization called the Parent Faculty Club (PFC) had auctioned all these unusual things the faculty were doing.

I’ve worked in education for many years. However, an institution where the parents, faculty, and students all work together doing such fun and interesting things to support their school is a very refreshing new life experience, indeed!

Categories
Service Learning

Hope in Good Hearts

By Jennifer Warder
Upper School Mathematics Teacher, Lakehill Preparatory School
Freshman Class Sponsor

As adults, we often wonder what the future holds when the young people of today will become our leaders. Sometimes what we witness here and now can cause us to be doubtful and even fearful. Thankfully, at Lakehill we have solid, reliable young people in every class who give us hope. Rarely, however, do you find an entire class with hearts like our current Freshman class.

Although we started this year with no one wanting to take a leadership role in the Freshman class, we have since been blessed with four good officers who work well together and a class of students all willing to do their part. During our first class project as part of Lakehill’s annual Holiday Luncheon, every member of the class played an important role in the weeks leading up to the Luncheon and on the day of the actual event.  In addition to our amazing officers, we had other students who stepped up and took on leadership roles. There were also the “thinkers,” who proactively thought out every possible stumbling block we could encounter and took action to prevent issues. On the day of the event, we had the “doers,” who kept the elderly supplied with water and coffee, wrapped silverware for the luncheon, and ran to get help when we encountered issues. Those comfortable with strangers sat and spoke with the elderly, holding their hands, and showing compassion well beyond their years. All were positive; all played to their strengths.  All made their class sponsors incredibly proud.

Freshmen are typically (and understandably) the most immature of the Upper School classes. However, this group has a maturity of spirit that is rare, in addition to positive attitudes that accompany a wit and sense of fun that I cherish.

They have themselves shared with me that they are not the most academic-minded of students.  But, they have a heart for people and a sense of empathy that I find rare for their age.  As teachers, we can work with them on the academic front.  But, we cannot coach them into having a heart for others.  I see a promise in all of our futures because of the incredible hearts of our Freshmen.

 

Categories
Family and Community

A Greater Whole

By Heather Dondis
Director of College Counseling, Lakehill Preparatory School
Lower School Parent

As a working mom of two Lower School students, I feel very comfortable in our school environment.  I remember the headmaster once saying at a meeting with parents that there will be many opportunities to help, fiscally and physically, but you have to pick and choose and contribute where and how you can, if you can.

I have found ways to help out through assisting with parties, driving to field trips, and setting up for seasonal events.  I am fortunate that I have a job that allows me some time away from time to time to do these things, but if I couldn’t participate, I would not feel out of place.  People do what they have to do to make a living and provide for their children.  I am amazed by the number of parent volunteers and their willingness to cooperate in whatever ways they can: moms, dads, grandparents; working and stay-at-home. Major fundraising is not my area of expertise, but I love buying books at the book fair or donating a dollar or two or a canned good here or there to various charities and organizations supported by school groups.  I know that every little bit helps and working together will accomplish greater things than we can imagine.

In just a few short years, I have seen how active the school is – from Kindergarten all the way to the end of high school.  From academics to sports to special interest groups, there truly seems to be something for everyone.

I have seen flyers from the Upper School Spanish Club raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis research which initiated a great discussion with my kids about that disease. I have friends who hired babysitters from the National Honor Society and independently from the high school and they could not have had a more positive experience.  My son still talks about his “Middle School buddy” from a field trip they had in kindergarten to the Environmental Center and he says hi to him from time to time in the halls even now that this student is in high school.  My daughter will probably never stop talking about the classroom aide she had who was a senior aspiring to become an elementary school teacher.

My kids are thrilled each day to see the older kids they recognize in the halls. The familiar faces from the musicals and plays, from athletic events and Tribe meetings give them a sense of belonging to a greater whole. It’s an amazing community of which we all are a part.

 

 

Categories
Community

Through The Looking Glass

By Victoria John
Latin Teacher, Lakehill Preparatory School

A young boy steps forward in the lunch line, his head barely topping the rail where the green tray blocks his view. Tilting his head back, he peers up through the glass protecting the food choices. His timid eyes meet a familiar smile reflected in the mirror-like glass. As his own smile grows, so does his confidence to ask, “Miss Tammy, what are we having today?”

Tammy Jackson, Lakehill’s Cafeteria Manager for over 15 years and an integral part of the school, remembers answering this child’s question day after day. “He was always so polite, so respectful,” as she describes recent 2012 Lakehill graduate Hunter Austin Simpson. She continues, “I couldn’t believe how much he had grown up, until I watched him play basketball in the Nothing But Nets fundraiser,” and adds, “I’m so proud of him.”

Tammy’s co-worker, Shandra Jackson, fondly remembers when Austin brought his senior clearance form into the cafeteria. “I had to stretch my neck to look up at him as he towered over the glass. When I recognized him as the sweet little boy who used to look up at me, I blurted, ‘You used to wear glasses!’” Surprised, he replied, “I did?”

Thirteen years at Lakehill and 6’ 7” tall, Austin Simpson has grown into a mature and still respectful young man, an outstanding athlete, and a talented photographer, who recently had two sports photos published in the Dallas Morning News, where he served his senior internship. Austin clearly examines his choices and makes thoughtful decisions that affect him and others positively.

Austin has special memories of Tammy and Shandra. “I’ve always loved getting food from the cafeteria, not only because I like the food but because since kindergarten, I’ve had a nice, warm welcome every time I set foot in the lunch line. It’s been a treat to see Tammy every day of every year. She’s one of the most genuine and sweet ladies I’ve had the pleasure to know. It’s also awesome that Shandra was around for my Lakehill beginnings and was back for the end of my time here. Those ladies truly have the power to brighten my day. I will miss them more than they know. It would be great if they could come with me to Colorado State University.”

Lakehill offers not only a quality education, but a caring community. From Mr. Perry’s morning greeting, to the dedication of classroom teachers and coaches and the supportive administrative staff, to nurturing women like Tammy and Shandra. All offer a listening ear as they contribute to a Lakehill student’s personal and educational experience.

Hunter Austin Simpson’s legacy continues every time a kindergarten student entering the cafeteria looks up and asks, “Miss Tammy, what are we having today?” Through their comforting kindness, Tammy and Shandra impacted Austin’s experience, just as he impacted theirs. We are all teachers and learners. It just depends on your perspective. You never know how a smile changes someone’s day, until you see Austin smile. The hours in a school day mirror the years in a student’s life. They fly by quickly. But the memories of a smile reflected through the glass linger forever.

Categories
Spirit

True Confessions of a Cheer Lover

By Kaye Hauschild
Middle School Coordinator, Lakehill Preparatory School 

Time for true confessions: I have been a cheer lover forever.  It is not a well-known fact, but I never achieved the rank of cheerleader as a student.  Oh, I tried out and have some very funny stories for my family to retell of my trials and errors.  Not being on the cheer squad did not lessen my cheer.  Instead, I became a member of the pep squad, drill team, spirit sign painting club, ribbon seller, and anything else that let my love of spirit shine.

One normally leaves cheer behind when formal education ends, but I was a lucky cheerer.  I got to cheer at work.  In my first school, I quickly joined the ranks of the cheer people, coaching a squad of ninth graders in my hometown.  When life moved me to Dallas and Lakehill, I followed the stomps, claps, and chants to my colleagues, Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Durbin, and asked for the chance to share the Lakehill love.  I have lived happily ever after since then.

Cheer has changed a lot since I first hit a megaphone on the ground while yelling, “Lakehill….Warriors!”  We used to have super strict try-outs for our squads that left other cheer lovers off the field.  When we realized that every other sport at Lakehill allowed every student to participate without try-outs, we happily joined in the fun.  Our squads have ranged in size from five to twenty-five in my twenty-something cheerful years at Lakehill.

For a cheer lover like me, life could not be better!  Whether Varsity or Middle School, Lakehill cheer brings me the joy and spirit that we share with our fans.

Along the way, I have been lucky enough to find others like me, those who love Lakehill and cheer alike.  And beginning this spring, I am passing the opportunity to lead our Varsity squad to the amazing and awesome Mrs. Becker and Mrs. Burt.  I will continue my stomp, clap, and cheer with the Middle School cheerleaders and look forward to those amazing times when we get together, two squads as one.  “Lakehill……Warriors!”

Categories
Family and Community

Lakehill Perks

By Victoria John
Middle School Latin Teacher, Lakehill Preparatory School 

It’s Monday morning. Still tired, I drag my rolling bag through the parking lot up the inclined sidewalk and into school. The enticing smell of coffee jolts my senses. Then I remember – the Commons.

As I weave my way through the Upper School hall, I see former students chatting at their lockers. I hear the early morning buzz of a new day mingled with excitement. I feel my cheeks lifting in a smile and hear my voice saying, “Good morning!”

Connor Cumpton comes up to me to share his latest skating success. I pass Emily Allton and congratulate her on her state cross-country victory. Jackson Vickery turns with his signature friendly smile and says, “Hi, Ms. John.”

I’m grateful to be teaching at a school where I know most of the students. Grogginess has given way to renewed energy. It’s not the caffeine but the feel of community that awakens me.

Lakehill has a brand new gathering place – the Commons. It has now become our own neighborhood coffee house filled with students, teachers, and parents.

I get many perks from this. It forces me to leave my home in the Middle School hall. It begins my day by reminding me why I love teaching at Lakehill – it feels like a home. It gives me the chance to get reacquainted with previous students. Once they move on to Upper School, graduation comes quickly. While I see them on the stage or the playing field, I don’t always have a chance to interact.

How lucky we are to have this new addition to Lakehill. It gives the students the opportunity to practice their entrepreneurial skills while welcoming the rest of the school. In serving us, they build community.

Hudson Trent is there every morning. I see Hudson’s involvement all over Lakehill. Whether in sports, Homecoming, or offering advice to another student, Hudson epitomizes Lakehill. He is a genuine example of what makes Lakehill tick, what gives us that sense of being part of something larger than each of us.

In my twelfth year here, I still find ways to appreciate the gifts Lakehill offers. Let’s give a big hand to Bob Yttredahl, Jamie Thorne, and sophomores Emily Allton, Sydney Firsching, and Hannah Cavouti for starting this new tradition and for creating a common ground for sharing a cheerful “Good Morning.”

Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister’s eyes,
Into your brother’s face, your country
And say simply
Very simply
With hope
“Good morning.”

     – Maya Angelou

Categories
Spirit

Dreaming In Blue And Green

By Kaye Hauschild
Middle School Coordinator, Lakehill Preparatory School 

I could not sleep last Thursday night.  It was ridiculous, really.  We have been having early morning cheer practices and after-hours projects like float building along with volleyball games that earned the varsity girls a place in the playoffs.  Students and teachers have continued to keep their academic focus throughout these overscheduled days. There was every reason in the world to fall deep into some seriously needed REM.  But I didn’t.  Instead I anticipated the day and the night to come.

HOMECOMING!

You might think that I would be beyond bored participating in my 28th Lakehill Homecoming.  No way!  I am filled with the excitement that our Homecoming celebrations bring with them.

My first surprise was a Homecoming mum I received from my cheerleaders, decorated with miniature cowbells that rang with my every step.  A second treat was the parade participation of a former Lakehill cheerleader from the early ’70s who wore part of her cheer uniform and used her original megaphone throughout the parade.   After the hard work of our Upper School houses, it was no surprise that our first ever Homecoming parade was super spirited and fabulously fun.  The pep rally that followed the parade was a labor of love, creativity, and skill from the Varsity cheerleaders and included performances from our Middle School cheerleaders and the senior guys.  I was proud that everyone’s hard work paid off in what I heard some people call our most spirited pep rally ever!

On Friday night, Perry field was alive with cheers for our football team.   The lines were long for the Dad’s Club cooking and the Alumni dinner catered by Mr. Wolf’s Rudy’s.  No one could have predicted the incredible number of alumni who came to share in the fun. I loved seeing the new babies, the reunited friends, and the alumni parents who don’t want to miss the fun even if their child has graduated.  It was definitely an honor to see how many of our past Homecoming queens came to join our halftime ceremony.    And it was wonderfully unexpected when we sang our Alma Mater at the end of the game and so many alumni voices joined in.

I loved every minute of Homecoming 2011.  It was definitely worth losing a little sleep over.  Now I start dreaming of 2012…

Categories
Spirit

Coming Home

By Katie Becker
Social Studies Department Chair and Alumna, Lakehill Preparatory School 

October has always been my favorite month. In Texas, October means that fall is officially here and the oppressive heat is replaced with cool breezes and changing foliage. When October arrives, it’s time to visit the State Fair of Texas to eat a Fletcher’s corny dog and see Big Tex.

October also means that football season is in full swing and it’s time for homecoming. This year on Friday, October 14, Lakehill will celebrate this annual tradition with alumni coming home, high school girls wearing mums, and everyone enjoying the cool weather as they watch the football team under the Friday night lights.

When I was a student at Lakehill I loved homecoming week. It was spirited, fun, and ended with a dance. How could it get any better? I don’t think I realized at the time what homecoming truly meant for the school and the alumni who returned home to visit their alma mater. But it all made sense when I returned for my first true homecoming during my first year in college. While I had only been at college for a month or so, I felt an entirely new sense of community from the school I had graduated from just months earlier. Where once I was merely a student within the immediate confines of the school, now I was part of a much larger community – a network of accomplished and interesting individuals. I felt a new sense of spirit and a pride in my school that eventually drew me back to teach here. Now I enjoy celebrating homecoming week as a teacher and as an alumna. And this year I look forward to sharing homecoming with my husband and two future Lakehill alumni.

This year a new tradition is taking place and adding to the spirit of homecoming week. Festivities start at 2:00 p.m. on the Lakehill main campus with a homecoming parade, complete with student-made floats, the homecoming court, and former homecoming queens. The parade will lead the entire school around the building to the gym for the annual pep rally that starts at 2:30.  And later at Perry Field, both Middle School and High School football teams will play Rockwall Christian with games starting at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. respectively. The alumni tent will host all alumni in a welcome dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. I look forward to sharing in the homecoming fun with all past, current, and future students and their families.