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Alumni Connection - September 2025
Long Nguyen - Class of 2019
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Whether coming to the U.S. at age 16 with limited English language skills, or working his way through college — and COVID-19 — in a local ICU, or earning U.S. citizenship, Long Nguyen (‘19) has never shied away from a challenge. Today, he works as an ICU nurse where he’s giving back to the community that gave him opportunities to grow and thrive — and he’s grateful every day.
But the challenge is nothing new to Nguyen. When he first came to the U.S. as a sophomore in high school, he said he knew nothing about the culture and expectations of living here — and faced small challenges daily. One person in particular became his window into a new world: Patty Flowers, Nguyen’s conceptual physics teacher.
“I think God has brought people into my life for a reason,” he said. “I had Mrs. Flowers as the last class of the day. Coming in fresh, I didn’t know the norms. I didn’t know what a PSAT was and I didn’t know how to talk to classmates about different things because I had grown up with different norms.”
Nguyen would linger for half an hour or more, sometimes past afternoon tutorials, for the chance to talk with Flowers — about school and life.
“She just took her time and stayed there with me,” he said. “She's just the sweetest woman I've ever met. She’s passionate about her job and she's always willing to help. I never felt like I was asking her too much. She always waited for me to leave first — she never left me there. I have often thought that I don’t know how I would have done it without her. She showed me that I was capable of way more than I thought.”
The year 2025 brought another accomplishment. “I became a U.S. citizen after nine long years of living, learning and growing in this country,” Nguyen said.
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Honoring a Vanguard Legend:
Mr. Joe Flowers Retires After 52 Years of Service
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After 52 years of dedicated service to Vanguard, Mr. Joe Flowers is officially retiring.
If you walked the halls of Vanguard, chances are you were impacted by Mr. Flowers. His name has become synonymous with the Vanguard experience for generations of students.
A special retirement celebration event honoring the enduring impact of Patty and Joe Flowers will be held in Spring 2026.
While Mr. Flowers will continue to serve as an IT Consultant as needed, he’s most excited about his new favorite role: driving his granddaughter Hannah to school each morning.
Look for details of the celebration coming soon!
Thank you, Mr. Flowers for 52 years of serving our beloved Vanguard! We wish you well in retirement. Email him congratulations at Joe_Flowers@vanguard.org.
| | Thank you, Vanguard Community! | | |
Thank you, Austin Dickson '98 for all you are doing for Kerr County.
Austin Dickson, a Vanguard Alum from the Class of 1998, is the CEO of Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. In response to the recent flooding in Kerr County, the Foundation has set up a relief fund to support immediate and long-term needs.
If you’re looking for a way to help, this is a trusted place to give.
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has raised at least $60 million in donations and distributed $8 million in grants to local nonprofits in 18 days since July 4 flooding devastated Kerrville, CEO Austin Dickson told the City Council.
"This community is ready for the power of Texas philanthropy," Dickson said. "We are delivering and we're going to continue to deliver for the long term." More
Donate to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund: Here. We are praying for Texas and our community.
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Thanks to generous gifts to the Vanguard Annual Fund, both the Jaworski area and Alumni Patio have received new commemorative pavers and exciting updates!
The Jaworski space now features improved drainage, fresh landscaping beds, and new sod—making it more functional and inviting for students and visitors.
The Alumni Patio has also been enhanced with new pavers and tables, creating a welcoming space for receptions, team meals, and a much-needed resting spot during athletic practices.
We’re grateful for the continued support that keeps our campus growing and thriving!
If you’re interested in adding a commemorative paver through this year’s Annual Fund, visit Vanguard Annual Fund
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Thank You, Pat Green '90
A huge thank you to alumnus Pat Green and all the performers who came together for an unforgettable and impactful concert at Globe Life Field—raising $1 million to support families affected by the recent flooding in Texas.
Our prayers are with his family and all those impacted by the flood across Texas.
More
| Thank you, Peters Family and Alumna Abby Peters '24, for providing lunch to our faculty and staff during this year's Faculty Workshop! | | | |
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Looking for a unique way to promote your business and support Vanguard?
We’re offering advertising opportunities on the video screen in the Longhorn Longhouse! Your brand and ads will be seen by hundreds of students, families, and fans during athletic events and school activities—all while supporting Vanguard!
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Class Notes
News of births, weddings, new jobs, books, graduations, memoriam, awards, retirements, and more.
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Henry Wright ’89 Featured in the Wacoan
Congratulations to Henry Wright ’89 and Lenore Wright, whose home was recently featured in the September issue of the Wacoan! The beautifully written piece by Vanguard faculty member Gretchen Eichenberg — writer for the Wacoan with over 25 years of experience writing for magazines and newspapers — captures the heart and history of their thoughtfully curated home.
Read the full article here: Artful Abundance – Wacoan
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New Book by Paul Sloan ’05
We’re excited to share that Paul Sloan ’05 has a new book coming out on August 19: Jesus and the Law of Moses: The Gospels and the Restoration of Israel within First-Century Judaism.
In this thought-provoking work, Paul challenges common interpretations that portray Jesus as opposing legalism, ritual law, or Jewish nationalism. Instead, he argues that Jesus upheld and taught the Torah while proclaiming the covenant restoration of Israel.
You can check it out here: Jesus and the Law of Moses on Amazon
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Congratulations to Braden Black ’19 and Emeline Whealton on their wedding on June 29th!
Braden is the assistant coach for Vanguard's boys' basketball teams and a sales manager in Medicare and health insurance with Journey Advisors.
| Left to Right: Pierce Snokhous '19, Benton Mattson, Carter Boehm '19, George Eichenberg '18, Elijah Wade '19, Luke Wilson '19, Niklas Larson '19 | |
Dr. Alexandra Jones Adesina ’06 Recognized in the 2025 Waco Under 40!
The Waco Under 40 program highlights young professionals making a difference in the Waco community. This year’s celebration will take place on Thursday, November 13 at Bird Kultgen Ford.
Dr. Adesina, who serves with Waco Family Medicine, continues to make a meaningful impact through her work and leadership.
Learn more: Waco Under 40
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Congratulations to the Koelsch family on the arrival of Bruce Spinn Koelsch, born July 3, 2025.
He was warmly welcomed by his proud big brother, John Robert, and parents Philip ‘11 and Melissa Koelsch.
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Andy Cox '18 graduated this May with a Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Andy interned this summer at Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico and then moved to Arizona to begin his studies as a doctoral student at Arizona State University.
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Francesca Robinson ’18 and Canon Castro are overjoyed to announce the early arrival of their son, Crosby, born on June 19.
We’re thrilled for the Robinson-Castro family and send all our love to baby Crosby!
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John Crouch - Class of 2001
It is with heavy hearts that the Vanguard community remembers John Warren Crouch ’01, who passed away on May 11, 2025, at the age of 42. John was a gifted musician and creative spirit, known for the depth of his intellect and individuality.
Click here to read more.
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Scott Steinbach - Alumni Parent, former member of the Board of Trustees
We are saddened to share the passing of Scott Steinbach, beloved Vanguard parent, dedicated volunteer, and former member of the Board of Trustees. Scott gave generously of his time and talents to our school community, and we are deeply grateful for the impact he made at Vanguard. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Steinbach family during this difficult time.
Read more about Scott’s life.
| | A Vanguard Tradition - 1st Day of School Video! | Fall Preview of the Vikings! | Football Preview - Click Here | Leading the Way: Mr. Johnny Graham Joins Vanguard as Head of School! | KWTX News Story - Click Here | 2025-26 Faculty and Staff | |
The backbone of Vanguard - Our tenured Faculty and Staff!
Meet our Team - Click Here
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Our Senior Class of 2026 recently spent a few days bonding at the annual leadership retreat at Mo Ranch — a Vanguard tradition many of you may remember.
We’re so proud of this group and excited to see the mark they’ll leave on Vanguard, just as so many of you have before them.
| Outstanding Scores for the Vikings Released! | |
Great Scores on the College Board AP Tests!
AP Classes give students a glimpse at college-level classes and allows them to earn college credit. Great job to our students who tested in May. The preparation the Vanguard Faculty provides gives our students the tools to be successful at the next level and beyond.
Last year Vanguard was in the top 6% of eligible schools worldwide that take AP exams that received Platinum (the top level) level AP School Honor Roll recognition. All Vanguard students enrolled in an AP class are required to take the AP test.
| | Faculty Highlight: Dr. David Foti | |
Dr. Foti recently published an article in the peer-reviewed Journal of Comparative Fascist Studies (Amsterdam University Press). He teaches senior-level history at Vanguard as well as Dual Credit Economics and Government and also serves as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Economics at MCC.
Read his article here:
https://www.aup-online.com/content/journals/10.5117/FASC2025.1.004.FOT#metrics_content
| | Thank you, Vanguard Community! | | |
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October 2nd, 5:00 pm
Homecoming Tailgate
Vanguard Campus
October 2nd, 6:30 pm
Alumni Homecoming Photo
Prior to kick off. All Alumni and their families meet in the end zone for a group photo.
October 2nd, 7:00 pm
Homecoming Game
Paul Tyson Stadium
Tickets
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Nov 26th, 2025, 7:30 pm
Fall Alumni Get Together
Cricket's Draft House & Grill, Downtown Waco
| | Get your tickets for upcoming Vanguard athletic events here:: Tickets | | |
Class Reunions:
50-year - Class of 1976 in 2026
40-year - Class of 1985 - Contact Advancement@Vanguard.org
30-year - Class of 1995 - Facebook Group
25-year - Class of 2000 - Facebook Group
20-year - Class of 2005 - RSVP
10-year - Class of 2015 - Contact Advancement@Vanguard.org
5-year - Class of 2020 - Contact Advancement@Vanguard.org
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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!
| | From the Director of Institutional Advancement | | |
Rigor, Respect, Responsibility | | |
Vanguard College Preparatory School
Phone (254) 772-8111
Address: 2517 Mt Carmel, Waco, Texas 76710
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