The 42nd year of The Chinquapin School is underway! We have a healthy enrollment of 164 students, perhaps the largest student body ever at Chinquapin, including 22 of the most talented seniors in recent history.

This fall newsletter is filled with many events from this calendar year and highlights a few upcoming events and activities that we are looking forward to. Homecoming 2010 will honor the alumni of the 1970s. On Saturday, October 16, we will honor the Chinquapin Alumni of the Year, dedicate “Red Bell Square” in the quad, install the plaque from the Class of 2009, and celebrate the 25th reunion of the Class of 1985. The evening will conclude with an adults-only alumni tailgate party in the pavilion as we watch the Texas vs. Nebraska football game on our giant inflatable screen.

This year promises to be an important one for the future of the school as our entire community will participate in a long range planning process. The Board of Trustees has retained Sterling Associates of Houston to lead us through this process and help us produce a long range plan that will guide our school as we move toward our 50th year. The plan will ultimately be approved by the Chinquapin Board of Trustees, and in the Spring our community will see the blueprint for Chinquapin’s immediate and long-term future. I am excited about this process and look forward to hearing all of your ideas.

Chinquapin remains financially healthy and strong in the midst of the ongoing economic downturn. The education of our nation’s talented and motivated students from urban centers continues to be an issue for which leaders struggle to find answers. Our inner-city schools struggle with graduation rates, grade inflation, and NCLB (No Child Left Behind) testing that does not seem to be improving the academic

achievement of our nation’s high schools. The ACT test organization recently reported in the Wall Street Journal that “fewer than 25% of 2010 graduates who took the ACT college-entrance exam possessed the academic skills necessary to pass entry-level courses.” (August 18, 2010) In contrast, The Chinquapin School has proven year after year that our graduates are more than ready for college. By this measure Chinquapin continues to prove that our model is a working solution needing more recognition by our local, regional and national leaders. I ask you to please help spread the word, and let everyone know about the amazing academic and personal successes we have had for 42 years.

See you all at Homecoming 2010.

Sincerely,

Ray Griffin

Dr. Charles Ray GriffinDirector

Betsy PhillipsDirector of Development

2010-2011 BOARD

Leon M. Payne, Jr.President

Carole L. Engelder, PhDFirst Vice President

Sarah Callahan BakerVice President

Barton R. BentleyVice President

Kelly P. CliburnVice President

Barbara M. CollieVice President

Franchelle E. LeeVice President

Byron L. WillefordVice President

Mary PetersonSecretary

Robert C. Christy, Jr.Treasurer

Jennifer S. Pickering Immediate Past President

William N. MathisAdvancement Committee Chair

Kate S. KirklandTransition Committee Chair

F. Benjamin Henry, Jr.Long Range Planning Chair

Quid pro Quo Fall 2010 Newsletter

THE CHINQUAPIN SCHOOL NEWSLetter from the Director

Page 2 Fall 2010 Newsletter

Homecoming 2010October 15thHomecoming Dinner – “No Host” dinner in Houston for alumni of the ‘70s organized by Bruce Manuel. Contact Betsy for more information at betsy@chinquapin.org.

October 16thHomecoming events, class cheer competition, Alumni of the Year award, recognitions, and homecoming games for the girls’ varsity volleyball and boys’ varsity soccer teams. We will also dedicate and “break ground” for Red Bell Square.

Last year, 15 out of 17 students scored perfectly on their AP Spanish Language Exam! Congratulations to the Class of 2011 for their overall exhibition of mastery.

Four Chinquapin students participated in the Rice Summer Business Institute under the direction of Dr. Jill Foote. This is Chinquapin’s fourth year in the program.

The Summer Chore Crew worked with Mr. Bicente DeLeon to install a new bus stop bench in honor of Teri Lee.

New Board President, Leon Payne, and his wife, Julie, hosted an ‘Ice Cream Social’ on the first day of school to welcome everyone

back to Chinquapin! This will definitely become an annual tradition!

Dr. Todd Disotell, a professor from NYU, spoke to Chinquapin students on our campus and later at the Museum of

Natural Science about primate evolution, courtesy of The Leakey Foundation and

Will Mathis.

Documentary film writer/producer and economic activist, June Arunga, spoke to Chinquapin students about development in Africa though entrepreneurship. Many thanks to the Foundation for Economic

Education and Mr. Jerry Davis for helping underwrite her visit.

Photo by Gale W

iley

Page 3The Chinquapin School News

DANIELA BARAJAS NAMED GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLAR

Class of 2010 Valedictorian, Daniela Barajas, was designated a Gates Millennium Scholar by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for 2010-2011. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMS) is the nation’s largest and most successful scholarship program and covers tuition, room, board, and other college expenses. In addition to financial assistance, Gates Millennium Scholars receive academic support, mentoring and leadership training.

Only 1,000 scholars were selected from over 20,000 students from low-income families. Daniela is attending Middlebury College this fall. The process seeks to identify the most talented, economically disadvantaged students in the United States who will prepare to be leaders in their communities. The award is based on academic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.

Senior Rebecca Loredo visited Ecuador on her World Learning expedition. She writes, “I never imagined that someday I would swim with sea lions, sea turtles, and sharks in one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I also never thought that I would ever see, much less touch, a tapir, or go fishing for piranhas in the Amazon! My days in Ecuador were some of the best days of my life that I will never forget.”

Senior Marissa Garcia visited Spain on her World Learning expedition. Marissa says, “ Overlooking Toledo, España, I was taken aback by its beauty; it was one of my favorite locations. Its architecture is very intricate and the natives are very hospitable. I was in awe with every step I took. I would recommend this amazing town to everyone.”

This summer, Liz Thornton volunteered to be Chinquapin’s school leader for the Woods Project. Her group spent two weeks in California at Yosemite Institute and a full week backpacking in Yosemite National Park. Liz describes her experience:

“Every day was a challenge, but we got to see some of the most beautiful and breathtaking scenery in America. At the end of the trip, I was so proud of our young Chinquapin students who lead six-mile hikes, cooked meals on the campfire, and helped encourage each other with every challenge. It was an amazing experience and wonderful way to recharge during the summer.”

Page 4 Fall 2010 Newsletter

Senior Name Attending College Award Amount Grant/ScholarshipDaniela Barajas Middlebury College $50,000

$3,000University GrantPhi Beta Kappa ScholarshipGates Millennium Scholarship

Tianna Marie Bruno Texas A&M University $2,000$2,150$1,000$2,000

$500

Texas Public Education GrantSchlumberger Co.Heinzerling ScholarshipZuber ScholarshipScience Award

Yesenia Chavez Our Lady of Holy Cross $200$1,000

Pilot Club of BaytownBob & Maxine Moore Scholarship

Abigail Cisneros Houston Baptist University $3,800$1,000$9,500$1,000

$600

Texas Equalization GrantMoore ScholarshipUniversity GrantArrazolo ScholarshipClass of 1995 Scholarship

Lauren Clemons The Art Institute of Houston

Tracy GarciaOccidental College $37,000

$2,000$500

University GrantHighlands Rotary ClubInteract Club

Rykeem Hackett University of Houston $500 Interact Club

Marcell Johnson Houston Baptist University $3,800$8,700$2,000

Texas Equalization GrantUniversity GrantAnn Smith Scholarship

Ivan Loredo University of Texas at San Antonio $800$500

Texas Public Education GrantHeinzerling Scholarship

Dimonque Lott Occidental College $40,000$500

University GrantUniversity Area Rotary Club

Javier Macias Montemayor University of Houston $500$1,000$1,000

$500

Interact ClubNickson Family ScholarshipAlumni ScholarshipUniversity Area Rotary Club

Nailah McFadden Lamar University

Luis Manuel Navarro University of Houston $1,000 Alumni Scholarship

Marixa Rodriguez Occidental College $37,000$500$500

University GrantInteract ClubHaydee Mendez Valdez Scholarship

Kersia Mercedes Salazar University of Texas at San Antonio $2,500 University Grant

Mauricio Vazquez Texas Tech University $6,700$500

Texas GrantDruck Family Cash Award (SAT)

Johnathan Nelson Vela University of Houston $4,000$1,000$1,000

University GrantFrancisco & Lupe Garcia ScholarshipHeinzerling Scholarship

CLASS OF 2010

Page 5The Chinquapin School News

Sixth-Grade Students Selected to Participate in Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP) Twelve of our twenty-three sixth-grade students (now seventh graders) at Chinquapin have been selected to participate in the TIP program. As a result of scoring in the top 5% of all students on a nationally normed assessment, the twelve Chinquapin students will take the SAT examination along with high school juniors and seniors. If the students score at high levels on the SAT for twelve-year-olds, they will be invited to participate in summer enrichment programs, including courses at Duke University in the summer of 2011.

Congratulations to our Chinquapin TIP students!

Erik BadilloJoseph CardozaChristian Garcia

Amber GarzaJoseph Garza Dezirae Gomez

Luke GriffinKevin LeonDaniel Phillips

German RomaldoJuan SanchezJosue Soto

Alumni SpotlightI knew choosing to attend Smith College would be a challenge. I would have to be independent and learn how to manage my time, classes, social life and most of all, being away from home. I struggled to run my life on my own, without my mother’s guidance every step of the way. There were many tears shed and lots of panicky phone calls to my family and friends; but, over the course of time, every day started to become manageable. There were more laughs and smiles. Of course, I still missed home, but I became adapted to my new life in college. Attending Smith has allowed me to blossom and become the strong young independent woman I was meant to be. Smith has expanded my emotional, social, and academic intelligence. I believe the perfect time to explore and grow is when you are in college, putting yourself in an environment that is out of your comfort zone

and learning more about yourself, your limits and boundaries. For example, Smith has given me the opportunity to travel to India to study women’s medical issues and to mentor young

women about their health, an opportunity that probably wouldn’t have arisen at a local school. Attending a college away from home can help you learn how to handle future challenges that you are sure to face when you leave school and enter the real world. I definitely encourage you to take a look outside of the box of Houston and explore schools that will be challenging on many levels. You might struggle, but in the end, you will discover a sense of accomplishment, growth and satisfaction with yourself, just like I did.

- Karen Morfin, Class of 2008

Page 6 Fall 2010 Newsletter

Last year The Chinquapin School had a lot of success with our athletic program. Three out of our five major varsity sports teams made it to District playoffs. Varsity soccer continues to be our blue chip program here at Chinquapin. The varsity team has made it to playoffs for the fifth year in a row. Under the guidance of coaches Jeremy Duncan and Carl Abramowitz, the varsity soccer team was a perfect 8 - 0 in District play and brought home a first place trophy for TAPPS 2A District 7. The Burrs led all teams in District and State nominations. The returning members of the Burrs’ varsity soccer team are extremely eager for a chance at State this year.

The boys’ varsity basketball and the girls’ varsity volleyball teams followed the success of the soccer team by making it to district playoffs for the second year in a row. Led by Michael Scrutchin, the varsity basketball team came in fourth place in TAPPS 2A District 10. We garnered two second team All District nominations and one first team All-District nomination. Although the varsity boys’ basketball team lost six players due to graduation, there is still a core group of rising players who are ready to take on the leadership responsibilities for the team. Our varsity volleyball team, led by coach Mily Perez, also lost four senior starters, but continues to develop with promising underclassmen.

Our track team, led by coaches Dorothy Scrutchin and David Heinzerling, had three athletes go to Regionals in track events. Our varsity baseball team was led by Jeremy Holman. Jeremy took a very young and inexperienced team to the first round of the playoffs in Chinquapin’s first year of the baseball program’s becoming part of TAPPS District. Jeremy spent countless hours reconstructing and maintaining the baseball diamond. The varsity baseball team received two first team All-District nominations and one second team All District nomination.

The Chinquapin School is also proud to announce the addition of several non-core sports to our athletic program. Those sports were cross-country, golf, bowling, and tennis. This year we are adding flag-football.

BURRS’ SPORTS REPORT

For over 15 years, the Claude and Marie G. Hamill Foundation has annually supported the education of five deserving students at Chinquapin. Thank you to Charles Read and Thomas Brown for continuing Mr. and Mrs. Hamill’s legacy of philanthropy in education.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

Graduation 2010Pictured left is Bill Heinzerling who was the commencement speaker at our graduation ceremony. Pictured below Bill are a few members of the Class of 2010 in their Sunday best. On the right is a picture of graduate Johnathan Vela carrying his candle as he passes the torch to an underclassman.

Page 7The Chinquapin School News

Chinquapin celebrated its 41st year with a gala dinner at the fabulous Hotel ZaZa. The chairmen for this fun event for 350 guests were Sarah & James Baker and Kelly & Jay Cliburn (pictured center-left).

Chap Hutcheson (pictured top-left) was the top bidder on a Patrick Hankamer Memorial Rose Garden in honor of his wife, Ethel.

Nhial Malia, Class of 2005, caught up with long time friends Barbara & Bob Collie (pictured top-right).

Kathy Heinzerling joined incoming Board President, Leon Payne, and Chin Hui & Eddie Allen (pictured center-right).

The Third Annual Bocce Ball tournament was held at the McAleer Family’s ranch, Pecan Acres, this past spring. Jay Cliburn chaired the wildly successful event again this year - over $20,000 was raised for the school and we hosted 120 young professionals, families, alumni, faculty, and little children. The tournament winners this year were Ernie Cockrell, Jr. and John Stevens who donated their Calcutta winnings back to the school.

Save the dateWednesday, February 9, 2011“Our Family Tree” Annual Gala Dinner6:30 p.m. – Houston Country ClubChaired by: Emily & Rob Christy and Elizabeth & Gardner Dudley

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Page 8 Fall 2010 Newsletter

The Chinquapin School2615 E. Wallisville Rd.

Highlands, TX 77562-3199

Phone: 281.426.5551Fax: 281.426.5553

Website: www.chinquapin.org

Address Service Requested

For address corrections or to have your name removed from our mailing list, please call 281.426.5467, e-mail betsy@chinquapin.org, or mail your label with corrections or instructions to the above address.

Dr. Jan OttJan teaches Integrated Science, Physics and Environmental Studies, and is the “garden guru.” She is also helping find and write grants.

Marissa GarciaMarissa is our new Secretary, Receptionist, and Registrar.On the weekend she fights crime as a disguised superhero.

Tim HolmTim teaches 7th grade Math, 8th grade Advanced Algebra, 9th grade Algebra I, 10th grade Geometry, and he coaches MathCounts.

The New Faces