By Amy Morgan
YReagan Student Publishes Multiple Scientific Papers Before Graduation Prolific Prodigy
avuz Selim Inan just graduated from Ronald Reagan High School this May, but already he’s performed groundbreaking scientific research at not one, but three major universities and written multiple journal articles for publication. And Yavuz has conducted this graduate level work in addition to carrying a full high school course load, earning his pilot’s license and leading in Reagan’s JROTC program.
Yavuz’ typical day starts at 6 a.m., when he wakes up early to complete his academic work before class. Once the school bell rings at 4 p.m., he’s busy teaching fellow students how to fly a plane on Reagan’s JROTC flight simulators before working on research projects at home until bedtime.
Born to an American mother and a Turkish father, Yavuz started programming computers at the age of eight. He designed an app that could calculate the calories in a serving of food from a picture before AI was available. His performance in Turkey at international computer science Olympiad competitions solving difficult problems and developing algorithms drew attention when he was in eighth grade. By the time his family moved to Stone Oak, and he started freshman year at Reagan, Yavuz had been recruited by Texas A&M to program microprocessors for biomedical devices. He worked on mold detection and autoclave cycle verification, and his paper on infection monitoring is currently under submission at Nature Flexible Electronics.
Yavuz then began researching single cell RNA at UT Health Science Center. Specifically, he made large language models to predict whether genes were cancerous. He created a published programming library and an AI model to detect diseases through fundus imaging that has engendered nine published citations and earned a Grand Award at the Alamo Regional Science & Engineering Fair (ARSEF).
Between junior and senior year, he spent two months in MIT’s computer science and AI laboratory, solving a problem that had been open for five years. (publication at the MIT CSAIL Research Science Institute coming soon). As a First Seargeant in Reagan’s JROTC, Yavuz was captain of the robotics and stem programs. Reagan’s cybersecurity team under his direction made the national semi-finals, while its robotics team qualified for the World Championship competition twice and won a thirdplace medal. Yavuz believes these accomplishments might have caught the attention of the Aim High Flight Academy sponsored by the U.S. Air Force, which invited
him to spend three weeks in Bakersfield, Calif., last summer to learn to pilot a plane. He’s currently licensed to fly a single engine prop Cessna 172. He took that experience back to Reagan and led the JROTC flight simulation team, where he taught others on the computer. “It was something I wanted to do to encourage other students to get a similar experience,” he said.
He counts JROTC Director Lieutenant Colonel Chad Livingston one of his favorite teachers, noting, “The competitions we won would not have been possible without him.” He also credits JROTC with his favorite Reagan memories. “I didn’t realize how much it would be a community,” he said. “The biggest lesson I learned was to be a great teammate and a good leader, I hope.” He also served as a student mentor on the San Antonio Mayor’s Fitness Council and worked on advanced computer software for the Metropolitan Health District.
Ranked in the top 1% of his class, Yavuz will attend Stanford in the fall, entering a program that allows him to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously in four years. He will develop software to program humanoid robots specifically for biomedical purposes. His dream is to empower robots to perform CPR and other first aid and hopes to start a company to market the results of his research – sooner rather than later. One of the reasons he chose to attend Stanford was its proximity to Silicon Valley, he said. He also plans to contract with the Air Force in related projects and will keep his pilot’s license current. The sky’s the limit for this multifaceted, talented young researcher.
Community Calendar
Presented by Frost
Activities at the Walker Ranch Senior Center – Monday - Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Hot meals served daily from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for qualifying seniors and their spouses. Exercise, field trips, bingo, loteria, movies, arts and crafts, free health and wellness screenings vary daily. 835 W. Rhapsody 78216; 210-207-5280.
Stone Oak Rotary Club – Tuesdays, noon-1 p.m. Guest speakers weekly. Dona Tota, 923 Loop 1604 W. #115 78232; www.stoneoaksarotary.org
Tejas Rodeo – Saturdays, March through November, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. Enjoy live rodeo action: bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and calf scramble. Live music at 9 p.m. Tejas Rodeo Company, 401 Obst Road 78163; www.tejasrodeo.com.
Otherwild at the San Antonio Botanical Garden – Through July 7. This large-scale immersive exhibit features the visionary work of artist Patrick Shearn, known for turning public spaces into areas of magic, movement, and awe. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org.
Garden Run Club – Saturdays through August, 7-8 a.m. Enjoy the morning while running through the Garden’s beautiful 39 acres on a marked one-mile route. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org
TheVery Hungry Caterpillar at the Majik Theater – through Sunday, August 2, times vary. The critically acclaimed production is back, with 75 puppets telling four of the author/illustrator’s beloved stories. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org
“Theatre is Magik” summer camps at the Magik Theatre – Several sessions, dates vary through Friday, Aug. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Campers first through 12th grade learn acting, dance, voice, and tech theatre techniques, ending with a musical theatre-style sharing on the stage. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org
Schertz 50th Annual Fourth of July Jubilee – Friday, July 3, 6 p.m., Saturday, July 4, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., fireworks at dusk. 9 a.m., 5K; 9:15 a.m., parade. Parade ends at Pickrell Park, with expanded events for America’s 250th birthday including a carnival, live music, games, activities, barbecue, concerts both nights and historical plane flyover. Pickrell Park, 701 Oak St. Schertz 78154; www.visitschertz.com.
Fireworks Display – Friday, July 4, 9:15 p.m. The Club At Sonterra hosts a fireworks display that can be seen from locations across Stone Oak. The Club At Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. 78258; www.clubatsonterra.com.
July 4th Celebration – Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Official
Fourth of July celebration offers live music, food, games, a parade, carnival and the H-E-B Fireworks Extravaganza. Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave. 78201; www.saparksfoundation.org
Freedom 15 and 5K – Friday, July 4, 7:30 a.m. Benefits the Acacia Medical Mission, a privately funded non-profit clinic that provides free medical care to those in need in the Bulverde community. Tejas Rodeo, 401 Obst Road, Bulverde 78163; www.runsignup.com/Race/TX/Bulverde/Freedom5K10Mile
Fellowship of San Antonio Kids Day Out Summer Camp – Tuesdays Thursdays, July 7- 30, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Kids explore the wonder of God’s creation through a summer camp adventure. Fellowship of San Antonio, 23755 Canyon Golf Road 78258; susan.pittman@thefellowshipofsa.org
Monty Python’s Spamalot – Tuesday, July 8 - Wednesday, July 9, 7:30 p.m. The Tony Award-Winning Best Musical Comedy is galloping across the stage. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, HEB Performance Hall, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org.
Latin Dance Night with Algo Nuevo – Wednesdays, July 8, 22, doors open at 7 p.m. A lively evening with happy hour, Salsa and Bachata. Includes free dance lessons with Semanaya Dance Studio. Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.stablehall.com
Single Professionals Networking Meeting – Friday, July 10, 4-6 p.m. Join other 55+ widowed, divorced and single mature professionals for conversation, libations and food in a relaxed, social setting. D.J.’s Bar and Grill, 1806 N. Loop 1604 W. 78232; www.spn-sa.org
Night Markets at Pearl – Wednesday, July 15, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy childentrepreneur artisans and makers market, 303 Pearl Parkway 78215; www.atpearl.com
Mean Girls, the Musical – Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19, 2 and 7 p.m. A bold new production packed with powerhouse vocals, explosive choreography and unforgettable music. Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events.
By Amy Morgan
DTrauma Treatment
7to7 Dental’s Professional Evaluate, Restore Damaged Teeth
uring summer’s relaxed schedule we (and the kids) spend more time outside – riding bikes, skateboards and scooters, diving into the pool and playing in the park. While physical activity is healthy and fun, recreation can lead to accidents. The professionals at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics notice a sharp increase in oral injuries during the summer months, said Sarah Martinez, office manager at the practice’s location on TPC Parkway just across from the JW Marriott. She has seen many emergencies in her 11 years with 7to7 Dental. Broken or pushed in teeth caused when the mouth hits the ground (or a hard object like a ball) are a common reason patients come in to the office on an urgent basis, she added.
It’s important to see a dentist ASAP if you sustain an injury to your mouth, cautioned TPC’s Managing Dentist Rebecca Garcia, D.D.S. Even if your teeth look fine, a dentist needs to examine the surrounding structures and x-ray the mouth to make sure the bone underneath has not broken or a tooth root separated.
“We need to evaluate if the root is intact before we can begin any treatment,” she said. 7to7 Dental offers a complimentary 3D x-ray to any patient who comes in with trauma. Once an x-ray illuminates the extent of the damage, the dentist may splint teeth to a permanent retainer to stabilize them until they can reestablish a firm connection to the bone. If the teeth are broken, the dentist can paint on a composite material to create a temporary, tooth colored filling to cover the missing portion. Dentists certified to use mild sedation like Dr. Garcia can offer that option to keep little ones comfortable during the application process.
A crown is a cap for a tooth that has been broken, decayed or worn down. It can be made of metal, resin or porcelain and is shaped to mimic the missing portion of the tooth it replaces. It also can restore teeth that have had a root-canal or implant. Crowns last between 5-15 years with proper care. Crowns generally are used to cover broken teeth if 50% of the tooth is lost, but children aren’t
candidates for crowns until their mouth is fully grown and all their adult teeth have come in –usually in the late-teen years, Sarah said.
Dr. Garcia remembers one adult patient who fell and damaged six teeth across the front of her mouth. Dr. Garcia was able to perform the extensive dental restoration in-house, including stabilizing the teeth with root canals, lengthening the teeth and placing six permanent crowns. Dr. Garcia, and the patient, were delighted with her final smile.
Many of the dentists who work at 7to7 Dental’s 10 locations have been trained in a specialty area in addition to general dentistry. Patients need not look outside the 7to7 Dental family for care, be it pediatrics, orthodontia, cosmetic, or oral surgery.
And the practice is open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. -5 p.m., weekends to make appointments convenient for their patients. Insured patients or those covered by 7to7 Dental’s in-house dental plan pay nothing out of pocket for Brighter Whiter cleanings and exams for adults, cleanings and exams for children, or second opinion evaluations.
7to7 Dental has grown to include 350 team members but is still locally owned and operated by North Central San Antonio residents Justin Coke and Dr. Tiffany Winburn. You might want to keep their number handy in your phone, 210-495-2000, as you never know when an accident may occur.
Analyzing Anxiety
When Your Pup’s Afraid of Storms
By Camp Bow Wow Staff
The sky has darkened, and the first roll of thunder echoes in the air. You look around and notice your furry family member trembling, panting or trying to hide. Our canine companions are highly sensitive to their environment, often sensing changes in weather, routine and atmosphere long before their humans do. And associated scary sights and sounds like loud thunder, bright lightning and strong winds are even more disruptive to their highly sensitive senses of hearing and smell.
“Canine storm phobia, also known as thunderstorm phobia or astraphobia, is a common condition that affects a significant number of dogs worldwide. It’s estimated that up to 30% of dogs exhibit some level of storm-related anxiety, with some breeds being more prone to it than others,” according to thegrubbypuppy. com. At camp, we regularly see dogs begin pacing or acting out of character on calm, clear days simply because barometric pressure has shifted. This same sensitivity makes storm phobia a real, physical experience for many dogs. Some dogs stick Velcro close to their humans, while others hide in a dark place like a closet or under the bed.
Noticing that your pup is experiencing anxiety is the first step toward finding a calming solution. Begin with natural aids for mild anxiety:
• Compression wraps (Thundershirt) used consistently in advance
• Calming chews for dogs, either over the counter or prescribed by your veterinarian
• Pheromone diffusers (Adaptil)
• Soft background music or white noise
• Lavender-based aromatherapy
• A quiet, cozy retreat space away from noise
When considering ways to help, timing is essential. Introduce your dog to a chew or try on a Thundershirt days in advance of storm season. One of the most common mistakes a pup parent makes is waiting until a storm arrives before offering a calming aid. Remember: dogs feel barometric pressure changes and shifts in energy well before humans do. Your pup pacing on a bright, calm day is already telling you a storm is coming. Check the forecast and begin comfort measures proactively, as they take time to take effect. It can
help to draw the shades over windows to limit views of lightning and block out the noise as much as you can. Make sure you remain calm, as your pup will pick up on your nervousness and take emotional cues from you. Smile and speak in a normal, reassuring tone or consider singing to your pup. Raindrops on Roses can work for Fido as well as the Von Trapp children.
Consider consulting your vet about medication when:
• Anxiety is persistent and lasts weeks or months
• The dog is harming themselves (excessive licking, scratching)
• Natural aids have not helped after consistent use
• Anxiety is significantly affecting their quality of life
Many pup parents who know their furry family member experiences anxiety will leave the products that help Fido with them at camp. There the trained, loving staff will notice any anxious behavior and be attentive to each pup’s needs.
How We Support Anxious Dogs at Camp
• Provide additional breaks away from the group
• Offer extra one-on-one comfort and attention
• Move the dog to a quieter space away from noise and activity
• Provide soft background music and cozy blankets
• Monitor behavioral cues closely, especially on days when weather is changing
Every dog is different, and anxiety can sometimes signal an underlying medical condition. Your vet is your best partner in building the right care plan for your pup that will help him ride out the storm with the least amount of distress.
5 FULL DAYS OF CAMP, 1 BATH AND 1 ENRICHMENT FOR only $156! * enhanced first day special!
*LEGAL: Offer valid only at below locations. Camper must pass interview and meet entrance requirements. New customers only. Other restrictions apply.
By Amy Morgan
GFantastic Fairways
Championship Golf and Lasting Connections at The Club At Sonterra
olf is a game that can be enjoyed for a lifetime, bringing together recreation, competition and community. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, spend more time outdoors, or connect with family and friends, golf offers something for players of all ages.
If you are considering the sport for your family, look no farther than The Club At Sonterra. It’s one of the premier private golf clubs on San Antonio’s far north side. Only members have access to its well-groomed greens, but you don’t have to live inside the gates to join. More than 50% of The Club At Sonterra’s membership comes from the surrounding area.
With 36 holes across two 18-hole championship golf courses, members enjoy greater tee time availability and less crowded playing conditions, said General Manager Nick Gillespy. Another unique feature of The Club At Sonterra is that its two distinctly designed courses offer a variety of playing experiences not found elsewhere. The South Course was built as Canyon Creek Country Club in 1954, while the North Course and the clubhouse itself were added in 1985.
The South Course features a typical Hill Country style with plentiful oak trees, narrow fairways and fewer sand traps. “You have to imagine how you are going to hit a shot to get the ball low under a tree,” said Harold Oliver, who serves as Chairman of the Board and has advocated for continued upgrades to The Club At Sonterra’s golf experience. Before taking the lead role, he served a term as Vice Chair, as the Men’s Representative and on the Greens and Grounds Committee.
Although the North Course’s fairways are wide and open with fewer trees, the greens are elevated, and there are more sand traps to avoid. “When you are flying a ball onto the green, you can’t run it up because the green’s fronted by a sand trap,” Harold added.
The club enlisted Mike McCarty as Director of Agronomy in the spring of 2024 to upgrade the courses. He revived several wells to fill the irrigation ponds, allowing them to be used to fullest capacity, Nathan said. Mike also implemented premium turf management practices that have further enhanced course conditions. The bunkers on the North Course were recently refreshed, and new Bermuda grass collars are being added to the South
New members can schedule an evaluation with the golf pro to assess their skill level and receive recommendations on groups to join. There’s always someone to play with, whether through men’s groups, ladies’ associations, couples’ events, leagues or junior programs. “We know everyone and can determine who might be a good fit,” Nathan said. “More than golf, it’s a family. The relationships built on the course often continue in the card rooms, at the 19th Hole, and throughout the club.”
Members also can take advantage of the fully equipped golf shop featuring popular brands such as Black Clover, Peter Millar and FootJoy, along with shoes and clubs. The club has hosted Calloway, Ping, PXG and Titleist fitting days to help members find equipment that best fits their game. You can find just about any golf accessory, many of which can be customized with a company name or logo.
Lessons, camps and clinics run throughout the summer, and a thriving junior league starts in the fall for ages five-14. Whether you are new to the game or a lifelong golfer, The Club At Sonterra offers opportunities for every member of the family to enjoy the sport and build lasting connections. Contact Debbie Gonzaba at 210-483-4292 to schedule a personalized tour and see how your family could benefit from community and connection.
Course to further enhance conditions around the greens, Nathan added.
At The Club At Sonterra, every detail is designed to elevate your everyday. Championship golf, tennis and pickleball, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a vibrant social calendar come together to create a dynamic and engaging club experience.
Schedule your private tour today and see what sets The Club At Sonterra apart. For more information, contact our Director of Sales Debbie Gonzaba at (210) 483-4292 or dgonzaba@clubatsonterra.com.
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