Category Archives: Four Points

Viper Nation Education adds to board

While there are some exciting changes for Viper Nation Education Foundation to announce, on behalf of the entire VNEF Board, I would first like to congratulate all Vandegrift graduates and wish each of you much success in your next journey wherever that may lead.

As most are aware, the discussion regarding a proposed merger between LEEF and VNEF was finally resolved, and VNEF will be converting to an academic booster club over the summer. This change will not affect our mission nor our support for all of the schools in Four Points; however, we expect to announce a slightly different name and logo in August.

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Steiner’s Sept. 2011 wildfires remind how quickly fire destroys

This staircase served as the only remains of the Gierke’s Steiner Ranch home following the turbulent 2011 wildfire that ran through the neighborhood. The family dog hid under the staircase when the home was struck, a choice that saved the pet’s life. Courtesy Jesica Gierke

By LESLEE BASSMAN,Four Points News

Neighbors Jesica Gierke and Don Dickson are urging newcomers to Four Points, those who have moved here over the past eight years, to take precautions against the spread of wildfire.

Two Steiner Ranch families recall the 2011 wildfire, an event that destroyed six out of the 10 cul-de-sac homes on their street, Varner Court.

It’s the threat of complacency they fear now.

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Central Texas could see greater risk of wildfire in late summer, Community has become complacent since 2011 devastation

By LESLEE BASSMAN, Four Points News

River Place Firewise Coordinator Randall Jamieson tells media attendees at the May 15 conference that the golf course greens behind him may be used by River Place residents as a safe shelter in the event wildfire breaks out in the community. Leslee Bassman

Although rain has been in the Austin-area forecast for weeks now, local and state officials assembled May 15 at River Place Country Club to inform residents that the regional danger for wildfires still exists later in the year.

With almost eight years between the wildfire that hit Steiner Ranch and today, residents have become complacent about being proactive to use best practices to minimize the risk of such a disaster, the experts said. Additionally, recent rains have put the threat of a wildfire emergency out of the minds of many citizens, with the added population growth indicating that some newer residents aren’t fully aware of the catastrophe that affected Four Points on Labor Day weekend 2011 when wildfire destroyed 23 homes in Steiner Ranch.

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Four ViperBots teams competed at World Championship

6800 ViperBots Valor World Championships results: Galileo Semi Finals Alliance, Gracious Professionalism Award Winner

Vandegrift ViperBots robotics teams did “really well” at the World Championships in Houston last month, according to Rad Allen, VHS computer science teacher and ViperBots advisor.

Previously, Hydra won the state championship in the FIRST Tech Challenge 5A-6A Division.

This year’s challenge took FTC teams on an exploratory mission of uncharted planets, and FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC) teams ventured into deep space. Competing alliances tackled a series of challenges that put their STEM, collaboration and problem-solving skills to the test.

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Vandegrift boys golf places 2nd at state

The Vandegrift boys golf team finished second as a team at the 6A state golf tournament at Legacy Hills Golf Club in Georgetown on May 21 with a two-day total of 9-over 585. TIFFANY SPEAKS

By ZACH SMITH, Hill Country News

For the second year in a row, the Vandegrift boys’ golf team is adding a second-place trophy to the case.

The Vipers finished second as a team at the 6A state golf tournament at Legacy Hills Golf Club in Georgetown on Tuesday, shooting 8-over 296 in Round 1 and 1-over 289 in Round 2 for a two-day total of 9-over 585.

“To finish second in back-to-back years and feel like we’re one of the better teams in the state, we’re totally ok with that,” Vandegrift head coach Matt Wernecke said. “It was well below our scoring average for the year and it was under pressure. You can’t ask more of your players.”

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