R RROAR& ROAR& eejoice joice
GOOD NEWS & GRATITUDE FROM GRAPEVINE FAITH
GOOD NEWS & GRATITUDE FROM GRAPEVINE FAITH
This exciting new publication is dedicated to celebrating the incredible accomplishments and milestones of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families throughout the year.
At Grapevine Faith, we believe in fostering a community that uplifts and inspires one another, and Roar and Rejoice is our way of shining a spotlight on the many ways God is working in and through our Faith family.
From academic achievements and athletic victories to creative endeavors and acts of service, Roar and Rejoice will be a place to share stories that reflect the heart and spirit of Grapevine Faith. Whether it’s a student excelling in their passions, a teacher making a lasting impact, an alumnus reaching new heights, or a family demonstrating faith in action, this publication will serve as a reminder of the blessings and gratitude that unite us as a community.
Together, let’s celebrate the good news and rejoice in the journey!
Enjoy!
Your
GFCS Communications Team
NEWS NEWS Campus Campus
SENIOR SCARLETT BAIR NAMED A NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP SEMI-FINALIST
Each school year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation selects students who have the opportunity to compete for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $16 million.
Scarlett qualified for the spot with her 2024 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Semi-finalists represent the highest scoring entrants in each state, about one percent of all U.S. high school seniors. Winners will be announced beginning in April 2026.
SENIORS HONORED AS COMMENDED STUDENTS
the National Merit Scholarship Commended distinction.
Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success and are among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2026 competition with the 2024 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Savannah Ballard, Javed Drew, Ian Harriger, Luke Little, and Jenna McCully have earned
ESPORTS FINISHES STRONG WITH THIRD PLACE WINS AT STATE
FAITH ROCKET LEAGUE
FAITH FORTNITE 2
FAITH FORTNITE 2024
NEWS NEWS Campus Campus
CONGRATULATIONS TO ADDY HICKS
CROWNED MISS GRAPEVINE’S TEEN
HONORING GRAPEVINE FAITH'S "YEARS OF SERVICE" AWARD RECIPIENTS
5 YEARS
Michael Atherton, Patrick Bergman, Rae Foster, Ayleen Galvez, Lisa Hott, Alyssa O'Rear, Calista Railsback 10 YEARS
Paula Keylor, Mitch McCleery, Andy Wright 15 YEARS
Dori Barker, Jeanette Brown, Kelly Stanley, Lisa Summy
20 YEARS
Becki Moreland, Michelle Taylor
NEWS NEWS Campus Campus
SENIORS SELECTED FOR HERZOG FOUNDATION'S STUDENT FORUM
Four Faith seniors, Javed Drew, Sarah Cates, Cohen Ross, and Ian Harriger, will represent Grapevine Faith at the Faith & Nation Student Forum, hosted by the Herzog Foundation in partnership with the Young America’s Foundation.
The application process was no small feat it required both a written application and a video submission on the topic, “What makes America great?”
Mr. Rick Jackson will join these students as they participate in a four-day retreat in November alongside other seniors from across the country.
NEWS NEWS Campus Campus
MISSY BOHNE MASTER OF EDUCATION IN STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP
DR. CLIFF MCNEELY DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMin)
FROM OUR SCHOOL-WIDE OBJECTIVES...
hire and retain professionally equipped Christian role models who pursue lifelong learning.
Congratulations to these team members who have done just that and are making room to hang another well deserved degree on their office wall!
DR. JACKSON GREER DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
COLIN ROE MASTER OF ARTS IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
DR. WENDY HOWE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
NEWS NEWS Campus Campus((Beyond) Beyond)
SAILER JAMES' WORK PUBLISHED AFTER PRESTIGIOUS OXFORD WORKSHOP
Sailer James has achieved a remarkable milestone in her academic journey. She was selected to attend a prestigious legal and creative writing workshop at Oxford University this past summer, a testament to her talent and dedication.
The opportunity began last spring when Sailer submitted her writing for consideration. Her work stood out, earning her a coveted spot in the summer law and creative writing program.
At Oxford, she joined a diverse group of students from across the globe, sharing ideas and learning in one of the world's most historic academic settings.
Following the program, Sailer became part of a select global team of six students. Together, they undertook the complex task of researching and co-authoring a legal article. Their work focused on The Montreal Convention and the Commercial Agreement, two significant topics in international law.
Their collaborative effort and rigorous research paid off. The team's article was officially published in the OxJournal, a significant accomplishment that showcases their expertise and hard work on an international stage.
We celebrate Sailer's incredible achievement and look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next. Her journey is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through passion and commitment.
DRUMLINE CLAIMS PODIUM SPOT
Faith Drumline was awarded 3rd place at the TAPPS 5A Fall Band Championship on Oct. 20 at the Waco ISD Athletic Complex. The Drumline earned a Rating of 1, a superior rating. The Faith Band was also recognized, winning 5th place.
Spotlight Spotlight
THERE’S NO DEBATING IT - FAITH SPEECH & DEBATE RECEIVES TOP RECOGNITION
The 2024-2025 GFCS Speech and Debate Teams recently earned top recognition from the National Speech and Debate Association. Each year, students earn Honor Society points and degrees based on competition, leadership, and service activities, which contribute to a school's strength points.
The 2024-2025 GFCS speech and debate members earned 113 or more strength points, earning membership in the prestigious 100 Club. The 100 Club Award recognizes an outstanding commitment to teaching students essential life skills including communication, research, listening, writing, and organization.
ARTS ARTS on the... on the...
15 SELECTED FOR ALL-REGION II CHOIR
Sopranos: Tatum Landry, Faith Floyd
Altos:
Abi Wahby, Camdyn Foster, Bree Born, Dani Doucet, Aspen Ondrey, Zenee Erb, Rachel Grabow (not pictured
Tenor I: Noah Staats, Javed Drew, Jenna Khoury, Kami Stares
Bass I: Luke Little, Sterling Adkins
Bass II: Ben Demarest, Cohen Ross
1st Alternate: Ian Harriger ) )
HIGH HONORS FOR FAITH ARTISTS
In early summer, sophomore Kennedy Porter (pictured here and junior Delaney Jordan earned honors from Rep. Jake Ellzey. Kennedy's piece earned 6th place and Delaney's piece received an Honorable Mention in Rep Ellzey's Art Competition Both works will be displayed in one of his offices in Texas or in Washington, D.C.
UPDATES UPDATES Athletics Athletics
GRAPEVINE FAITH CHEER DAZZLED ON CAMPUS AND AT CAMP
Summer Camp Awards
Top All-American: Leah Smith
Varsity: Harper Bushnell, Sailer James, Pippy Bech, Ava Watts, Piper Allen, Leah Smith, Reese Sabo, Ava Anderson, Ashlyn Hill, Rowen Adkins
Junior High: Lizzy Blaize Team Awards
Varsity – No. 1 Top Team Chant, No. 1 Top Team Cheer, 2x Superior Evaluation Ribbons, Technical Award
Junior High – 3x Superior Evaluation Ribbons, Herke Team Award
Technical Awards
Leadership Award – Harper Bushnell | Jump Contest Winner – Leah Smith
Pin it Forward Recipient – Harper Bushnell, Sable James
NCA Staff Applications – Sailer James, Harper Bushnell
Rookie Coach Award – Steelee Harper
NEW HEIGHTS FOR NEW HEIGHTS FOR
Alumni Alumni
GFC ALUMNA TILLY HILLJE CAPTURES GAMEDAY ACTION WITH THE U.S. COAST GUARD
Grapevine Faith Class of 2023 alumna Tilly Hillje recently experienced the opportunity of a lifetime while working as a photographer for The Battalion, Texas A&M University's student newspaper.
Tilly had the incredible chance to ride along with members of the United States Coast Guard as they helped kick off the Fightin' Texas Aggies' game against Utah State.
This unique experience not only showcased Tilly's talent behind the lens but also highlighted the Coast Guard's dedication and support for the Aggie community.
A heartfelt thank you to the U.S. Coast Guard for their service and for making this unforgettable moment possible. We can't wait to see Tilly's work in print—Whoop!
ZACH MOTSENBOCKER, CLASS OF 2018, SUMMITS MT. KILIMANJARO FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER
Zach Motsenbocker, Class of 2018, made the tough climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro in September with a team in hopes of raising money for pediatric cancer patients.
The "Miles to Miracles" team of 10 raised more than $33,000 for Salood, a non-profit organization in support of pediatric cancer patients.
“We wanted to show those who got dealt life’s worst hand that we see them and stand with them even in this minuscule way, ” Motsenbocker told The Cross Timbers Gazette.
“Climbing a mountain is just a small way of showing that everyone should be thankful that if they’re in good health, it’s a privilege to be able to go do hard things.”
NATIONAL STA FOR NATIONAL STA FOR Alumni Alumni
ABBIE TOCE, CLASS OF 2025, COMPETES AT NATIONAL SPEECH AND DEBATE TOURNAMENT
After earning a qualifying spot during her senior year at Grapevine Faith, Abbie Toce, Class of 2025, competed this summer at the National Speech and Debate Association Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa.
Toce competed in the humorous interpretation event at Nationals after taking the district championship win in February.
Although there are over 140,000 members of the NSDA nationwide, less than 5 percent of NSDA members get the privilege of competing at Nationals.
AGE GE
ON COURSE FOR GREATNESS: JASE SUMMY, CLASS OF 2022, DOMINATES COLLEGE GOLF
Faith alum Jase Summy is continuing a stellar collegiate golf career with the University of Oklahoma.
In September, he led the USA Golf team to a triumph at the 50th Walker Cup, defeating Britain and Ireland, and just after the win, he was named the Ben Hogan Award August Golfer of the Month, an honor chosen by a committee comprised of foundation members, award partners and fan voting.
Summy took a historic victory in August at the Western Amateur as the first Sooner to win the event since 1950. He also won the individual title at the Carmel Cup at Spyglass Hill.
Summy is a senior at the University of Oklahoma. He opened his senior season ranked No. 5 in the PGA Tour University rankings.
ELLEN AUGHENBAUGH, CLASS OF 2022, NAMED SMU SCHOLAR PRESIDENT
Ellen Aughenbaugh, Class of 2022, has been named the president of the SMU Dedman College Scholar's Executive Board.
The Dedman College Scholar program offers scholarship support, an engaged community of peers, and close faculty guidance and mentoring for selected students.
Alum Alum
PONY PONY
mni mni
Y UP Y UP
GRAYSON GRISER, CLASS OF 2022, RECOGNIZED FOR RESEARCH
IN OTHER NEWS, ELLEN & GRAYSON RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THEIR ENGAGEMENT!
Class of 2022 graduate Grayson Griser has been featured recently by SMU and on the iQ3Connect LinkedIn for his work with iQ3Connect in academic settings. He has also published two papers on his research.
In a post about his work with iQ3, the marketing director at iQ3Connect wrote that Grayson is "not just using the tool—he's pushing its boundaries, unlocking new academic use cases, and laying the groundwork for the future of digital manufacturing."
"Grayson's leading by example," the post said
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