Alumni Connection - February 2026

Mary Bennett, Jana Ruddell, and Rosanne Zapp share how their Vanguard education led them to this life of service.

Youth mental health challenges — anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD — are on the rise. In 2024, over 5.3 million U.S. adolescents aged 12–17 had a diagnosed mental health condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Anxiety is the most common condition, affecting 16.1% of teens.

Three Viking alums are working to help people of all ages and stages navigate tough times and face their diagnosis — and life — with high hopes.

Click Here to read the Alumni Connection

Vanguard’s Next Chapter: Your Voice Matters

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

During the inaugural Educational Outlook event, Vanguard launched its strategic planning process and shared the Head of School’s State of the School Address. Alumni, families, and friends are invited to engage in the process by:

Watching the Planning Overview Video

Participating in an alumni listening session this fall

Serving on a strategic planning committee (committees will meet twice during the 2026–2027 school year and offer recommendations that help shape Vanguard’s future)

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

Alumni & Alumni Families: Join a Strategic Planning Committee

Click Here to read the State of the School Address

Click Here to watch the Educational Outlook Program

Thank you, Vanguard Community!

Thank You, Sawyer Family Trust

Vanguard extends sincere thanks to the Sawyer Family Trust for their generous $100,000 matching gift, which helped the Annual Fund reach its goal and significantly expand support for our students and programs.

This leadership gift amplified the generosity of our alumni and community and strengthened Vanguard’s mission and future. We are grateful to the Sawyer family for their continued commitment to Vanguard.

Goji Games: A Win for Vanguard

Huge thanks to our Vanguard students who competed in the Gogi Games, including students of alumni. Their efforts helped generate a $17,500 donation to Vanguard from Blue Goji.

Special thanks to Rebecca Kennedy ’10, National Account Manager at Blue Goji, for helping Vanguard secure the Blue Gogi bikes—bringing engaging, game-based fitness that supports physical and cognitive wellness while building community.

Grand Piano!

Thank you to the Campbell family for their generous gift of a baby grand piano. This gift will greatly enrich Vanguard’s choir program.

Thank You for Making the Alumni Fall Gathering Memorable

Vanguard alumni gathered on campus this fall for a weekend of connection and celebration. The Class of 2015 returned to mark their 10-year reunion, while alumni of all classes enjoyed an open gym on Friday, reconnecting through games, conversation, and shared memories. It was a great reminder of the lasting Viking community.

Alumni Fall Open Gym

Class of 2015 Dinner

10-Year Reunion

Thank you to Patrick Vincent, son of Jerry Vincent, Vanguard’s first Head of School, for stopping by Vanguard and sharing several meaningful items from his father’s papers. These included an article on the founding of Vanguard, the 1973 school handbook, the 1974 and 1976 yearbooks, and Jerry Vincent’s business card.

Class of 1977 Wins!

Congratulations to the Vanguard Class of 1977 for taking first place in this year’s Alumni Class Competition!

Your participation and generosity made a meaningful impact on Vanguard students and programs, and you’ll be recognized at Homecoming and during a special alumni celebration.

Thank you to all of our classes!

Annual Fund gifts are still being accepted, and gifts of $365 and over include a commemorative paver on campus—a lasting way to support Vanguard and leave your mark. Thank you for showing what Viking pride looks like!

Thank you to the Class of 2025 alumni who came back to speak with our 11th Grade College Prep class about the realities of college life.

We loved hearing that they feel prepared—especially in writing—and learning about their experiences in college so far.

We loved welcoming Annie Wucker back to Vanguard during a fall visit. Pictured here with Annie are her sister, Karen Wucker Canty, who attended Vanguard through 9th grade, and their father, Ed Wucker, who served as Vanguard’s Head of School from 1980–1990 and helped shape Vanguard in its early years.

Join us — March 21, 2026

Join us in celebrating 100 years of combined service from Patty and Joe Flowers and their incredible legacy at Vanguard. After more than five decades each of dedicated service, the Flowers’ impact continues to be felt across generations of students and families.

This special event is a celebration of educators and the lasting impact of education. It will mark the establishment of the Distinguished Service Award, honoring those whose dedication continues to shape generations of students and families.

Video messages may be sent to Events@Vanguard.org and may be shared during the event.

Class Notes

News of births, weddings, new jobs, books, graduations, memoriam, awards, retirements, and more. Submit Here

Congratulations to Evan Cole ’20 and Nikki Pirrello on their engagement!

Evan studied Business/Corporate Communications at Baylor University and now works as a marketing director for a downtown church, while Nikki is in advertising sales. Both are proud Baylor graduates and Waco natives, with Nikki a graduate of China Spring High School. The couple shares a love of travel and is enjoying this exciting season together, with wedding plans to be announced.

Pat Green '90 in Waco!

Texas country favorite Pat Green ’90 is coming to The Backyard in Waco on Friday, February 27.

Known for his high-energy live shows and Texas roots, Pat continues to be a staple of the Texas music scene.

Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the Pat taking the stage at 10:00 PM. Don’t miss the chance to catch him live in Waco.

Get tickets Here

Alumnus Jake Willeford '23 is currently in pre-production on a feature film at SMU, a period piece set in 1930s–40s Texas.

The project is in its crowdfunding phase, with support helping cover locations, period-accurate props and wardrobe, and essential production needs.

🔗 https://whentheazaleasbloomed.com/

🔗 https://gofund.me/b0f3d6bfb

Vanguard alumni took center stage this fall!

We were proud to see Juliet Indergard ’24 and Paul Shank ’13, both Vanguard alumni, starred as the leads Elsa and Hans in Waco Civic Theatre’s fall production of Frozen.

Juliet is a sophomore at Baylor University studying musical theatre and is the daughter of Laura and Michael Indergard '89. Her sister is currently a student at Vanguard, and her brother Brooks '21, is pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles. Paul works at RBDR Architects in Waco and studied at Texas Tech University.

Bravo, Vikings!

Meredith Croyle ’97, alumna and current parent, is performing as Kathy in 9 to 5: The Musical at Waco Civic Theatre.

Meredith earned degrees in psychology and business from Trinity University and a master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from LSU, and spent over a decade in international risk management and regulatory compliance before returning to Waco. Meredith now runs Croyle Compliance and is a realtor with Camille Johnson Realtors, specializing in complex residential transactions. Catch the show Feb. 12–Mar. 1!

Former teammates and Vanguard State Champions Karch Knoll '21 and Zach Henry '24 continue to make their mark in tennis.

Karch is currently the Assistant Men’s Tennis Coach at Tennessee Tech University and Tennis Director for Next Athletes. His team recently earned impressive doubles wins over nationally ranked Alabama and Vanderbilt opponents.

Zach has served as Manager of the #20 Baylor Men’s Tennis program and played abroad with the University of St Andrews tennis team last semester.

SUBMIT ALUMNI NEWS!

Vanguard School News

Legacy moment!

The son of alum Chris Howard '92, Drew Howard '26, scored his 1,000th point as a Vanguard Viking! Three Vanguard students have reached the 1,000th point milestone this season.

Legendary Vanguard faculty member and Baylor University’s First Gent, Brad Livingstone, is featured on the JOY over Happiness podcast, reflecting on how gratitude, presence, and honoring others’ stories have shaped his 35 years as an educator.

Listen here

The Vanguard Review - Is digital!

Click Here to read!

A Season to Remember for Viking Football

This season marked a special moment in Vanguard football history as our Vikings finished Second in the State and earned their first District Championship since 2017. The legacy of the 2017 District Championship team continues to inspire today’s program. From past to present, the Viking tradition runs strong. Go Vikings!

Thank you to all the alumni who came out to cheer on the Vikings!

TAPPS Dance Competition!

Vanguard’s dance team recently competed at the TAPPS Dance Competition at the Extraco Events Center Coliseum, alongside schools from across Texas.

Our dancers earned an Excellent rating in group performances, along with Excellent ratings in solos and duets, and one Superior rating in ballet—the highest distinction.

Great job, Vikings!

It's Admissions Season!

Where education goes beyond the classroom! We are focused on raising a generation of thinkers and problem-solvers.

Come Visit Vanguard! Applications open for grades 6 - 12.

Contac Admissions@Vanguard.org to schedule a shadow day or tour.

www.vanguard.org

Vanguard Named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll!

Vanguard earned Silver-level recognition, with 91% of students scoring a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam, reflecting the school’s academic rigor and commitment to excellence.

Vanguard Ranked #1!

Vanguard varsity boys are ranked 1st in District and 5th in the state (MaxPreps). They are currently undefeated in District!

Last game before playoffs:

2/9 6:30 pm

February flashbacks to Winter Glitter, Senior carnations, and Mrs. Flowers dancing at Middle School WG.

Oh, the memories!

Celebrating Our Athletic History

Nominations are now open for the Vanguard Athletic Hall of Fame. Alumni, families, and friends are invited to recognize individuals and teams whose achievements and leadership have shaped Vanguard athletics.

Help honor our Viking legacy and inspire future generations.

Learn more and submit a nomination: Here

Class Reunions!

2026 Class Reunions, Planning Starts Today

Contact Advancement@Vanguard.org

50-year - Class of 1976

40-year - Class of 1986

30-year - Class of 1996 - Facebook Group

20-year - Class of 2006

10-year - Class of 2016

5-year - Class of 2021 - Set for November 25, 2026

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 at the contact below! We look forward to seeing you!