Lieutenant Commander John B. Allison, Blue Angel Solo Pilot #5 was at Flour Bluff High School on April 13 to visit with students. Two of his former teachers, Mr. David Rubac and Ms. Susan McConnell were also on hand to greet him. Allison, a 1991 honors graduate, member of the NJROTC and the varsity football team, returns in his final year with the Blue Angels. When asked why it was his final year, he stated a tour of duty with the Angels is only 3 years. This year he flies in traditional Blue Angel multi-aircraft formations, as well as the lead solo pilot. His decorations include the Air Medal with Combat "V," one Strike Flight Air Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various personal and unit awards.

Congratulations to our high school UIL competitors for placing at the Regional competition on April 14 in San Antonio. Placing 1st and moving on to the state competition are the Number Sense, Calculator and Mathematics Team. In addition to the three teams, we also have several students who placed individually that will compete at the state level. Regional results were: Andrew Acker - 2nd (Number Sense), 3rd (Calculator), 2nd (Mathematics); Anthony Pabillano - 1st (Calculator),5th (Number Sense), 8th (Mathematics); Dylan Keyes - 6th (Number Sense), and 7th (Calculator & Mathematics); Austin Smith - 3rd (Number Sense), 8th (Calculator), 13th (Mathematics); Chelsea Brown - 1st (Social Studies); and Katy Gonzales, Kari Sassenrath and Lii Benson for Theatrical Design. Congratulations also to Mr. David Rubac, Mrs. Pam Pailes and Mrs. Billie Lashua, team sponsors.

There were many preparations for the TAKS test this week at Flour Bluff I.S.D. and students at the Elementary School really got in the spirit. They donated money to have one of the school administrators kiss a pig at the TAKS pep rally. And the lucky winner was Principal Linda Barganzki! They raised a total of $440 for the Relay for Life.

Congratulations to a special group of athletes at Flour Bluff Junior High. The eighth grade girls were undefeated district champions in volleyball, basketball and track. Also placing first in District were the 7th and 8th grade tennis teams.

Varsity tennis players qualifying for the Regional tournament set for April 24-26 are: Glenn Griffin and Aidan DeLeon (boys doubles), Rachel Proske and Heather Brewer (girls doubles) and Stuart Tjon-A-Joe (boys singles runner-up). Good luck at Regionals!

The Varsity Girls Track Team placed 1st at the District 31-4A track meet held on April 12 -13. The boys teams came in a close second to Calallen. The top three individuals in each event will now move on to the Regional competition on April 28 in San Antonio.

Results for the boys are: Bill Robinson (2nd 110 hurdles), Stephen Shores (2nd high jump), R.J. Long ( 1st long jump), Robert McCormick (2nd long jump, 3rd triple jump), Ryan Flowers (3rd high jump), Ian Soderquist (2nd shot put), Sammy Smith (3rd shot put), Mike Marshall (2nd discus), and Chris Greenwell (3rd pole vault). The 4x100 Relay Team, and the 4 x 200 Relay Teams placed first and the 4x400 Relay Team placed second.

Individual results for the girls are: Ashley Darley (2nd -100, 3rd - 100, 2nd long jump), Terrah Austin (1st - 400, 1st triple jump, 2nd - 200), Abby Greenwell (1st pole vault, 2nd 100 hurdles, 3rd 300 hurdles, 3rd triple jump), Holly Watson (2nd high jump), Tevin Thompson (1st shot put), Megan Fichtel (2nd shot put), and Jordan Moses (1st discus).

The Flour Bluff/NAS/Padre Island Relay for Life will kick off at 6:00 p.m. on April 20 at Hornet Stadium. If you have not joined a team and still want to, there is still time. The registration booth will open at 3:00 p.m. and teams will be able to start setting up their campsites. So far we are up to 63 teams and have collected over $57,000! Fundraising will continue the entire night with the awards presented at midnight for the teams and individuals who raised the most money. The luminary ceremony is scheduled at 10:00 p.m. We encourage everyone to come out and take part of this great community event. You don't have to be on a team to participate. Come out and walk on your own, walk with friends and family and have some fun! There will be food, games and lots of fun while we raise money to fight cancer. The event ends at 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning, April 21.

Next week, April 23-27, the Junior High School will be a little empty. Most of the eighth grade class and teachers will be in Leaky, Texas at HEB Camp. Flour Bluff I.S.D. has been sending students to camp since the late 1950's. Ask any graduate or former student of Flour Bluff I.S.D. what they remember most of their school years and they will tell you - HEB Camp! Good luck campers and be safe.

The Flour Bluff Foundation for Educational Excellence received a surprise at their April 25 board meeting. Damon Gibson, President of the Optimist Club of Downtown Corpus Christi was on hand to present Glenn Lyons, President of the Foundation a check for $2,000 as part of a $8,000 grant award from the Optimist Club. Damon also noted he was very pleased to be able to present this check since he was a product of FBISD. Damon graduated from FBHS in 1988. Damon is now publisher of Texas Coastal Enthusiast magazine.

Congratulations to Kacey Cavanaugh at Flour Bluff Primary School. She won 3rd place from over 300 entries in the KEDT Reading Rainbow Young Writers & Illustrators Contest. Kacey is a student in Ms. Laura Villarreal's second grade class.

Congratulations Kacey!

Are you feeling like a polar bear this week? I definitely understand. I want to thank you for your outstanding preparation for the TAKS, SDAA, LDAA, and other assessments. I know the students did their best this week. Your high expectations, encouragement, attitude, and teamwork will show in the scores. I hope you enjoyed your KicTaks. Thank you for living and modeling the vision – Every Student is Worth My Best! Have a wonderful weekend.

~ Dr. Carbajal

Friday 4/20 - Relay for Life @ Hornet Stadium
Friday 4/20 - Softball @ Tuloso Midway
Friday 4/20 - Baseball @ Tuloso Midway
Saturday 4/21 - South Coast Music @ FB