Spicer resigns from VHS band, Howard named interim
By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News
Jeremy Spicer
Jeremy Spicer resigned as director of bands at Vandegrift High School, which he took to its highest level last fall when the band was named the 2013 University Interscholastic League 4A State Marching Band Champion.
Mike Howard
In the interim, current assistant band director, Mike Howard, will assume all head director responsibilities, according to Charlie Little, VHS principal, who sent out an email to Viper parents on Monday.
“The process to find the highest quality replacement for Mr. Spicer will begin immediately,” Little said.
Since VHS opened in August 2010, Spicer has the led the largest organization on campus, which had more than 225 members last school year,
He has resigned for several reasons including to attend graduate school.
“I am planning to attend graduate school to pursue a Masters and eventually a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting so that I may eventually reach a lifelong dream of teaching at the collegiate level,” Spicer said.
He also will continue to grow his student leadership training business called Solutions and Specialized Innovations or SASI.
“I will have the opportunity to grow SASI and positively impact the lives of students through leadership development and empowerment,” Spicer said.
Last year SASI delivered seminars at four universities and 28 high schools. The curriculum reached over 2,000 students last year. The company also offers athletic and staff leadership programs, among others.
Ultimately Spicer’s decision to move on was to spend more time with his family. Continue reading
Cups & Cones and HCEF launch book swap, read books and earn rewards
Cups & Cones and the Hill Country Education Foundation are partnering on a summer Four PointsBook Swap focused on encouraging kids of all ages to engage in a summer reading challenge.
The Four Points Book Swap is kicking off this week at Cups & Cones at 2900 N. Quinlan Park Rd Suite 290. To participate, students should bring a gently used book to the designated Book Swap area and swap the book for another one.
The Four Points Book Swap kicked off last Monday at Cups & Cones at 2900 N. Quinlan Park Rd Suite 290.
The challenge is for each student to read at least six books. After the student successfully completes the challenge, he or she will receive an ice cream sundae, or non-dairy substitute, at Cups & Cones and be eligible to enter a drawing towin an iPad Mini. One winner will be announced on Saturday, August 16 at the annual Steiner Ranch Concert in the Park.
Rappelling for Make-A-Wish
Steiner Ranch resident, Tara Nash, recently participated in the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Over the Edge fundraiser in Austin.
“I raised a total of $2,155 for this amazing event and was one of 200 people to rappel 38 stories off the top of the W Austin Hotel,” Nash said.
Nash doesn’t have a personal connection with Make-A-Wish but deeply appreciates the work they do for children with life threatening medical conditions, and giving them the chance to experience joy and happiness.
“I’m always up for an adventure, and the opportunity to rappel 38 stories seemed like a pretty exciting way to get involved and raise money,” she said.
Tara Nash rappelled 38 stories during the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Over the Edge fundraiser recently.
She said her greatest reward — aside from landing safely on the ground — was meeting Wish Kids and seeing their faces light up talking about going to Disney World or getting to swim with dolphins in Hawaii.
Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas raised over $454,000 total, which will make 90 local kids’ wishes become a reality, Nash said.
“It was an incredible experience and I can’t wait to do it again next year,” she added.
L – R: Ethan, Ellen, Tara, Thomas and Russell Nash
Austin Pediatric Dentistry opens in River Place
By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News
A new pediatric dentistry office is now open in River Place focusing on making trips to the dentist fun for kids.
Austin Pediatric Dentistry PLLC, run by Liliana Lucas D.D.S., serves infants through adolescents, and patients with special needs.
Located at 6618 Sitio Del Rio Blvd., Ste B102, Austin Pediatric Dentistry opened in March and has created “fun distractions” for kids, Lucas said. They have a projected, interactive game to draw kids in while parents check in, and iPads for each child while they’re being treated.
“Technology isn’t just for fun though, we use all digital X-ray for the lowest dose, and specialized video so parents can see anything we need to discuss,” Lucas said. “Sometimes cavities do happen; if so, we talk about what is urgent and what can wait. Since I’m always here, I get to know my patients, and they get comfortable with seeing the same doctor. If an emergency should arise, I’m always available for my patients as well.”