Alumni Connection - April 2026

Alumni Connection Feature - Will Bostwick

For Will Bostwick, Class of 2006, the path to journalism wasn’t straight or narrow.

It was winding and, at times, uncertain. But it’s that nonlinear journey that led him to where he is today: a staff writer and fact-checker at Texas Monthly, covering environmental and outdoor stories across the state.

“I feel like I’m finally in a job that makes a lot of sense to me,” Bostwick said. “All the other jobs — I was interested in them as an experience — but I didn’t necessarily see them as my long-term thing. This, I could.”

That clarity didn’t come overnight.

After graduating from Vanguard, Bostwick attended Sewanee — The University of the South — where basketball initially took center court in his life. But after a year of playing, he decided to step away.

Click Here to read more about Will Bostwick

Don't Miss!

Deadline to register - Friday, April 10

Thank you, Vanguard Community!

Thank you to the more than 155 alumni families, students, and faculty who joined us to celebrate educators and honor Joe and Patty Flowers for their 100 years of combined service to Vanguard.

A special highlight was the city proclamation recognizing their impact on both Vanguard and the broader community.

Congratulations to Zach Seifert, recipient of the first Patty and Joe Flowers Excellence in Service Award.

If you were unable to attend but would like to honor Joe and Patty Flowers, you may make a gift in support of Vanguard in their honor here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ec1yofstv/ or send a note or remembrance to Events@vanguard.org

Thank you to Trevor Hickok ’19 for joining us as the featured musician at the Bingo VIP Party on April 17.

Trevor developed his love for country music while studying Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech, where he played fiddle and wrote songs in local bands. Now a doctoral candidate in Materials Science and Engineering at Baylor University, he continues to perform at local venues across the area. We are grateful to have him as a part of the evening.

Thank you to Michael Bennett ’24, a founding member of Vanguard’s Marketing Class, for returning to campus to speak with students about his work in sports media at the University of Alabama.

A marketing major with a minor in management, Michael serves as a student production assistant with Crimson Tide Productions. He credits Vanguard, especially Chelsa Ressetar ’96 and Mr. Borg, with helping him discover his passion. Today, he works as an in-venue cameraman, capturing student-athletes in front of thousands.

Thank you, Nik Daftery ’97, for coming to campus and speaking with our students.

Nik is the founder of Curriculus, an innovative platform using AI to transform course materials into comprehensive teaching guides and structured learning experiences. His work is being implemented in active graduate courses.

Nik earned his MBA in Entrepreneurship from the Texas McCombs School of Business and his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Trinity University.

We are grateful to the Leslie and John Pegram family for their generous donation of a new batting cage for Vanguard Athletics. This wonderful gift strengthens our baseball and softball programs and provides an outstanding space for our student-athletes to train and compete.

Go Vikings!

Class Notes

News of births, weddings, new jobs, books, graduations, in memoriam,

awards, retirements, and more. Submit Here

The Vanguard College Preparatory School Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee has met and is currently reaching out to this year’s nominees. An official announcement of the 2026 class will be shared soon.

The induction ceremony will take place during Homecoming Weekend on September 26 at 11:00 AM in the Johnson Family Gym at Vanguard.

Learn more: https://www.vanguard.org/alumni/athleticshalloffame

Congratulations to Dr. Chandler Smith ’15 on joining the Legends Dental team in Waco.

Chandler discovered her passion for dentistry during mission trips in high school. She went on to earn her degree from Southwestern University, where she was an All-Conference pitcher, and received her DDS from the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston.

She is now serving patients and looks forward to building lasting relationships with her community.

A fun Vanguard connection in New York City. While visiting her daughter, faculty member, Gretchen Eichenberg discovered that Jackson Anderson ’18 was performing just one block away in the East Village as part of his East Coast tour with singer Claire Ernst.

The show turned into an unexpected alumni moment, with Isaac Fluhr ’18 also in attendance while visiting from Boston. Isaac is now working as a systems engineer at Draper, supporting advanced defense technology programs.

Erin Padgett ’23 & Andrew Holze ’23

Andrew and Erin got engaged on December 20, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. Andrew is studying Wildlife Enterprise Management at Auburn University with minors in business, biology, and hospitality, while Erin is pursuing a degree in Business Marketing at Baylor University.

They are planning a wedding for May 2027.

Austin Dickson ’98 was recently featured in TCU Magazine for leading flood relief efforts in the Texas Hill Country. As CEO of the Community Foundation, he has helped raise more than $100 million to support recovery across the region.

Kathryn Smith ’18 is making her mark in orthopedic medicine.

A graduate of Southwestern University and former student athletic trainer, she is now completing a residency at the Emory Healthcare Atlanta Hawks Sports Medicine Complex, working alongside world-class surgeons as she prepares to become a Surgical Athletic Trainer.

Read more about Kathryn’s journey: Here

Rachel Lundeen Gatlin ’01 recently shared a reflection on the Nashville school shooting in her blog, That Monday, offering perspective on grief, faith, and responding with compassion in difficult moments.

Grace Yoon ’22 recently returned to campus. A graduate of the University of Michigan, she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Data Science at Columbia University, focusing on using data to create positive impact.

Peter Debruge ’90 has been named Director of the SXSW Film & TV Festival. A former chief film critic for Variety, he brings extensive industry experience and a strong voice in global cinema to this leadership role and will be relocating back to Texas.

In Memory of Margie Elaine Hackbarth Grossenbacher Allen, wife of Vanguard founder.

We remember Margie Elaine Hackbarth Grossenbacher Allen, whose life was marked by deep faith, strength, and devotion to her family and community. She was the wife of Vanguard founder Rudy Grossenbacher and the mother of alumni Gay Grossenbacher King and Rose Grossenbacher, both of whom preceded her in death.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and all who knew and loved her.

To read her full obituary, please visit: www.WHBfamily.com

In Memory of Mark Winchell '77

We remember Mark Winchell, Class of 1977, valedictorian and a member of the tennis and debate teams, serving as tennis captain his senior year.

He went on to graduate from the University of Texas at Austin and built a successful career in finance. Mark was a devoted father and man of deep faith.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

Read his full obituary: https://everloved.com/life-of/mark-winchell/obituary/

In Memory of Markham Dossett

We are saddened to share the passing of Markham Brown Dossett, father to Vanguard alumnus Markham Jr. '21 and Walter Dossett, who died doing what he loved, caring for his ranch, his cattle, and his horses near McGregor.

A Navy veteran and retired stockbroker, Markham was known for his deep knowledge of history and his love of the land. He will be remembered for a life well lived and the passion he brought to all he did.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Read his full obituary: https://www.whbfamily.com/obituaries/markham-dossett

SUBMIT ALUMNI NEWS!

Class Reunions!

Join us during Homecoming Weekend in September for your reunion, featuring a milestone tailgate and on-field recognition.

You may also choose to gather at another time, such as the Alumni Fall Gathering on November 25, or plan a separate event that works best for your class. Options include a dinner, campus reception, or school tour.

For more information, contact Advancement@vanguard.org

50 year Class of 1976

40 year Class of 1986

30 year Class of 1996

20 year Class of 2006

10 year Class of 2016

5 year Class of 2021 - November 25, 2026

Class of 1977, you will be recognized on the field during Homecoming and enjoy a special reception at the Tailgate, along with a reserved table on campus.

We look forward to celebrating with you and will continue to share reunion updates. Make sure your contact information is up to date. Call 254-772-8111.

Join our Alumni Community Groups!

Click Here

Vanguard School News

Congratulations to our VASE Art Winners!

Over Spring Break, our talented artists competed in the VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event) competition and brought home 11 Regional Gold Medals!

Vanguard Review

The March 2026 edition of the Vanguard Review is here!

Click Here to read more!

District Wins!

Tennis Teams place 1st in girls team, 1st and 2nd in girls singles, 4th and 5th in girls doubles. The Boys won 3rd in District Team, 2nd in singles, and 4th in boys doubles.

District is coming up for Golf, Track, Softball and Baseball!

Vanguard Summer Camps are back!

To sign up - https://www.vanguard.org/student-life/2026-summer-camps

2026 Vanguard Trip to New York City and Washington, D.C.

What an incredible week on our 2026 Vanguard trip to New York City and Washington, D.C.! Students explored some of our nation’s most historic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Central Park, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, and more - plus a Broadway show and visits to several Smithsonian museums. It was an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture, and learning.

Annual Emma's Day, Senior Cook Out, and Field Day is April 10th.

Vanguard’s Next Chapter: Your Voice Matters

Vanguard is shaping its future, and we invite you to be part of it.

Click Here to learn about the strategic planning process

Alumni & Alumni Families: Join a Strategic Planning Committee

Your voice matters. Thank you for continuing to be an essential part of Vanguard’s story and the path ahead.

From the Director of Institutional Advancement

Planning a visit to Waco? We'd love to arrange a time for you to catch up with your favorite teacher and explore what's new on campus. Interested in coordinating a reunion, campus tour, or hosting an alumni event? Let us know using the contact below! We look forward to seeing you!