By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News
Three local Destination Imagination teams were among 1, 464 teams from around the world at the Globals Tournament at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn. May 25-28. Over 8,000 students — including those from Vandegrift, Canyon Ridge Middle School and Laura W. Bush Elementary — from over 20 countries were competing at DI Globals.
By KIM ESTES, Four Points News
The most rigorous academic curriculum offered by Leander ISD is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and it is coming to Vandegrift High School, said Debbie Quick, VHS IB coordinator.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive an IB Diploma, described as a “door opener” by Lisa Brittain, LISD director of college and career readiness.
“It transcends a lot of barriers,” she said.
IB is a branded program that is internationally known. A student’s IB/DP candidacy status is asked about on the common application for colleges.
By MIKE BEAL, Steiner Ranch Resident
I guess I hit the point where I needed to vent, and in talking to friends and neighbors, it appears I’m not alone. It seems like every time I read a Four Points traffic article I get more and more discouraged. Here are some reasons why:
1) A year to get the “bird people” to approve any construction that would provide some relief. When did a bird that lives here for four months out of the year become more important than our kids safety… only in Austin. Maybe the bumper sticker should read ‘Keep Austin Weird and Stupid’.
2) Proposals that will increase our property taxes that may be on the ballot in November that may be in the works two-three years out and are currently ‘waitlisted’… glad we are fast tracking. Please note that this is not a dig on the folks working very hard trying to push this boulder up the bureaucratic mountain… once again our fine government at work… or maybe not at work.
3) A proposed new light on 620 and Steiner Ranch Blvd that is approximately 300 feet from the existing light on Comanche Trail. If this was really in the plan before the bank went in, then we are trying to accommodate the half of 1 percent of people wanting to take a left turn and are too lazy to exit Quinlan Park Road…so let’s penalize the 100 percent of folks on 620… really?
Young people are seen frequently driving golf carts in local communities like this photo from Monday in Steiner Ranch. Different HOAs have different rules about their use.
By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News
It’s not uncommon to see young people driving golf carts through the streets of Steiner Ranch.
While it may be an easy way to get around, there are some rules golf cart drivers need to be aware of to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
“Parents who permit their children to operate a golf cart are responsible for following HOA rules and state laws relating to golf carts, and educating their children about them,” said Steiner Ranch HOA communications coordinator Meredith Hamrick.
Brodie Copeland, 11, was killed last week with his dad, Sean, in Nice, France while vacationing. Brodie’s local Hill Country Baseball Club teammates gathered a few days ago to honor him.
By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News
Several local youth have been dealing with the loss of their baseball teammate after Thursday’s tragedy in Nice, France when a man drove a truck through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day killing 84 people. Sean Copeland, 51, and his 11-year-old son Brodie of Lakeway were killed at that celebration while on a family vacation.
Described as a joyful boy who brought smiles to all around him, Brodie loved to act and he loved baseball. He played youth baseball with Hill Country Baseball Club since fall 2014 and his father had coached youth baseball.
Brodie and the team recently spent time together at a baseball tournament in Florida. Then just a few days ago, the team gathered to remember Brodie at a memorial service.
“This morning the band of baseball brothers gathered to honor #8 Brodie and his father, Sean. There was music, laughing, hugs and lots of Yeti cups and coolers,” one of the team parents posted on Facebook.