Hey Vikings!!!! We are going to be back in full effect and we are excited! It is time for you to sign up for the first VILLAGE TAKEOVER of the year!

If you are new to Village, The Village Takeover is an event where a fan bus is filled with students and we head over to cheer on our teams at designated away games! WE TAKEOVER!

The first Takeover will be Thursday, August 25, 2016. The bus will leave from Moore Gym at 4pm and return immediately following the football game. Due to construction on our field, the Vikings will play at Houston Baptist University. Don’t get left out… ask your parents… sign up here… get an exclusive Takeover shirt… and get HYPE! [Teachers and staff you can get on the bus too!]

Sign up form: https://goo.gl/forms/11NmUjQitvgEQQw62

The Village Viking Varsity football team was featured in the Houston Chronicle. The article featured our second year Head Coach, Kevon Bagot, as well as many returning players on both sides of the ball. To read the article in its entirety, please click the link below:

http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/memorial/sports/article/Vikings-prepare-for-assault-on-TAPPS-8424522.php

The Village School’s very own, Isaiah Taylor (class of 2013), decided to leave The University of Texas a year early to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA. The Houston Rockets would be Isaiah’s landing spot, who ultimately picked him up as an undrafted free agent. Fortunately for Isaiah, the Rockets are a team and city that he is familiar and comfortable with, having played his high school basketball right here in Houston. This has been a dream come true for Isaiah, who has been given the opportunity to showcase his talent against the best players in the world. There is certainly an adjustment period, but Isaiah will lean heavily on his talent and all of the hard work he puts in on a daily basis to maximize his ability. The Village School is proud of Isaiah for relentlessly pursuing his dream to play in the NBA, and wish him well going forward. Go Isaiah!

Watch this interview with Isaiah, which was published on nba.com:

http://www.nba.com/rockets/video/teams/rockets/2016/07/06/1467831857260-isaiah7616mov-635098/

On February 2nd, the Lady Vikings basketball program held their 2nd Annual “Vikings vs Cancer Day.” On this day, the entire Village School community was encouraged to wear pink to unite behind a common goal to help raise awareness. The amount of support from our community was overwhelming. Students, faculty, and parents generously contributed and showed the impact we can have. The night culminated with a Lady Vikings district basketball game. At halftime of the game, the team stood at half court while Head Coach, Doug Brotherton, thanked the crowd for their incredible support and the contributions that were made. He also recognized one of our Village School faculty members, Diane Staff. Diane is a Kindergarten teacher at The Village School who is courageously battling cancer. Anyone who knows Diane understands that she displays the type of “Servant Leadership,” which we try to instill in each of our athletes. Despite everything going on in her own life, Diane continues to make it her mission to serve her family, friends, students, and co-workers. The Lady Vikings went on to win the game, but the greatest victory was the impact we had as a school to help raise awareness and donate to an organization that will help a family get the necessary treatment and service they need.

At Diane’s request, all proceeds from the T-Shirt sales, admission, and concessions from that day went directly to The Rose Houston. The Rose Houston is an agency that helps affected women by providing financial relief to ensure quality health care and treatment. With the incredible support of the Village School community, the Lady Vikings were able to donate a check in the amount of $3,400 in Diane Staff’s name. On June 2nd, the Lady Vikings and Diane presented the check to Shannon McNair, a representative of The Rose Foundation. It was a touching moment, and comforting to know that the money raised will be best served to help a person and family who needs it.

Thank you to our Village School community for helping raise awareness and for your generous contributions. Because of your help, someone will receive the treatment they need to assist them in their own recovery. It takes a Village.

The Athlete of the Year Award recognizes an individual (male and female) who competed in at least 2 sport seasons, and has been recognized for achieving the highest level of success within his/her sports. This award represents someone who not only competed for Village at the highest level, but who has been a responsible member of the school community, shown sportsmanship and leadership among peers, and has been seen as a coachable student-athlete.

The Female Athlete of the Year Award came down to 3 nominees: Charlotte S, Elisa F, and Amber P. Each student-athlete had tremendous years for the Vikings, and all will be returning as Senior student-athletes next year. The winner for the 2015-16 Female Athlete of the Year Award went to Junior, Amber P.

Amber is a 3 sport athlete. In the Fall, Amber was co-MVP of the girls volleyball team and 2nd Team All-District. In the Winter, Amber played on the basketball team and won the Coaches Award for her outstanding leadership on and off the court, as well as her excellent play throughout the year. Amber was a huge contributor on the best girls basketball team in school history that went 26-7 and went on to the Elite 8 of the TAPPS State Tournament. In the Spring, Amber played lacrosse and earned team MVP. Amber led the team in every statistical category. She also earned TGHSLL All-State recognition. Amber also earned Academic All-State in the Fall and Winter seasons.

The Male Athlete of the Year Award also came down to 3 nominees: Dralyn D, Ross B, and Ben A. This group featured 2 Seniors, and a Sophomore. After close consideration, it was decided that the winner of the 2015-16 Male Athlete of the Year Award was Sophomore, Ben Abueg.

Ben is a 3 sport athlete. In the Fall, Ben ran cross country and earned team MVP. He also finished 11th at the TAPPS 4A State Meet, just 1 spot shy of All-State. In the Winter, Ben was a starter on the boys basketball team that advanced to the Final 4 of the State Tournament. Ben played an important role with his defense, energy, and athleticism, which helped win him the Coaches Award. In the Spring, Ben was the MVP of Track & Field. After winning District and Regionals in the 800m, Ben went on to finish 4th in the State Meet in the same event. He also qualified for State in the boys 400, and finished 7th in it.

Congratulations to our 2015-16 Male and Female Athlete of the Year Award winners: Ben A, and Amber P!