The student news site of Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch, Texas

Valley Ventana
The student news site of Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch, Texas

Valley Ventana
The student news site of Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch, Texas

Valley Ventana
Emma Siebold

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief

Emma Siebold (she/her) has been on staff for her entire high school career. She has won numerous UIL, ILPC and Best of SNO honors and hopes to pursue journalism in college. Outside of journalism, Emma plays for the girls varsity soccer team, is NHS President and serves on the Student Council Executive Board. She is also Loki's biggest fan.

All content by Emma Siebold
Editor-in-Chief Emma Siebold helps yearbook editor Annie Osborne with building a portfolio.

Logging off

Emma Siebold , Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2023
Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol.3 came out in theaters on May 5.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3’ provides emotional ending to Marvel’s best storyline

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
May 16, 2023
Junior Alex Smithwick stands with LLS Regional Director Clarissa Flores (left) and varsity soccer coach Jason Adkins (right). Smithwick,a forward on the girls soccer team, won Student Visionary of the Year for her efforts in raising money for blood cancer.

Junior wins LLS Student Visionary of the Year

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
May 15, 2023
Brand trades places with junior Ciara Gonzales after batting against Glenn. In a set of three, the Rangers beat the Grizzlies in the third match.

It’s all in the Brand

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
May 10, 2023
Senior events start on May 11.

Senior events coming up in May

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
April 28, 2023
The supergroup boygenius consists of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker.

‘the record’ brings authenticity, reality to indie music genre

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2023
Sophomore Mia Perez placed second with the sprint medley relay at Texas Relays.

Track competes at Texas Relays

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
April 4, 2023
The boys varsity tennis team won first place at district.

Varsity boys tennis wins district

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
March 31, 2023
Senior Jasmin Dominguez dribbles down the field against Seguin on Feb. 24.

Girls soccer looks to defend 24-game winning streak

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2023
Junior Greg Gelsone dribbles down the field in the Rangers first match against Pieper. The boys beat Pieper out for the second playoff seed.

Soccer teams prepare for bi-district bout

Emma Siebold, Editir-in-Chief
March 22, 2023
Junior Cade Dornburg, along with junior Braxten Alexander, received the Angler of the Year award in 2021.

‘Keepin’ it reel’

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
March 22, 2023
Sophomore Katelyn North clears the ball from her defensive third. The Rangers beat Seguin 10-0 on Feb. 24.

Texas should adopt a ‘mercy rule’ for high school soccer

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2023
Junior Callaghan McGuire beats a defender down the line during the Ranger Classic tournament.

Soccer matches against Pieper could decide district standings

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2023
Senior Avery Eckert sits with a Red Bull energy drink. Red Bulls contain 148 mg of caffeine per 16 fl. oz. serving.

Energy drink surge affects teen mental, physical health

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
February 10, 2023
Wiktoria Ludwiczak and fellow journalism student Giorgia Scordato visit San Antonio restaurants. Scordato had recently moved to the U.S. from Italy.

Former exchange student returns to Poland amid Russian invasion of Ukraine

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
February 8, 2023

[Video] In an ice grip

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2023
IMG_8404-1

[Photo] Color guard officers bear the pressure

October 19, 2022
Senior Colton Thomasson signed his letter of intent to play at Texas A&M University while Gavin Woods committed to play at Navy.

[Photo] National Signing Day 2023: Gavin Woods and Colton Thomasson

December 22, 2022
OnRamps Geoscience will be taught by Michael Pickerill next year if 10 students sign up.

Science program to offer new OnRamps Geoscience course

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
January 25, 2023
Staff members ask students about their New Year Resolutions and how they are going to accomplish them.

[Photo] New year, new me

January 18, 2023
UIL debate competitors were state finalists last year. Junior Rowan Hamilton recently qualified for UIL state student congress and placed seventh.

UIL academic teams succeed at Johnson Invitational

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
January 17, 2023
The Cornhole Club practicing in the back of the school on Jan. 10.

[Photo] Just so you know: Jan. 17 – 21

January 17, 2023
The Spanish Club will be collecting toiletries from Jan.17 to Feb. 3.

Spanish Club collects for annual toiletry drive

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
January 17, 2023

Beyond the Bubble: Alternative Graduation Paths

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
January 10, 2023

[Video] National Signing Day 2023: Gavin Woods and Colton Thomasson

December 22, 2022
Hours after announcing his retirement to the faculty and staff, principal Michael Wahl celebrates with class president Aboudi Awad after the seniors win the spirit stick at the pep rally Dec. 2.

Principal to retire at semester’s end

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2022

Beyond the Bubble: Celebrating Religious Differences

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2022

Beyond the Bubble: Respect for Marriage Act

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
December 12, 2022
Valley Ventana

[Photo]

Dual Credit English instructor Verna Mann stands with her ambassadors: Daniel Freeman, Charles Hamilton and Adyson Sublett.

Student ambassadors represent courses at Advanced Academics Night

Emma Siebold and Bethany Mann
November 18, 2022
The AP Government classes mock elections predicted an overwhelming victory for Republicans, namely incumbent governor Greg Abbott.

Texas midterms result in overwhelming Republican victory

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
November 9, 2022
Tuesday, Nov. 8 marks Election Day as midterms across the United States.

Midterm elections take place across the nation

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
November 8, 2022
Senior Jacquelyn Rolle will commit to the University of Delaware for track Nov. 9.

Rolle in

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
November 3, 2022
Early voting is available locally at the Mammen Family Public Library in Spring Branch.

Early voting under way across Texas

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
November 2, 2022
Voting is an important civic privilege that all citizens should act upon.

See you at the polls

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
October 21, 2022
The Silver Spurs perform their hip-hop routine.

Gallery: Homecoming pep rally

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
October 7, 2022
Dozens of students crowd the Spring Branch Whataburger after the Pink Out game.

Whata-rush: Local chain feeds masses Friday nights

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
October 7, 2022
Serenity Lippe performing with the color guard at the Alamodome

[Photo] Color Guard debuts “Saving Neverland” show at KSAT Pigskin Classic

September 9, 2022

Beyond the Bubble: School safety procedures

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
September 7, 2022
Seniors show their support for the football team against Reagan at the KSAT Pigskin Classic.

[Photo] Which of this year’s football student sections are you most excited for?

September 1, 2022
Junior Freddie Dubose attempts to shake off multiple Reagan defenders.

Rangers to take on Harker Heights with Rattler victory under their belts

Emma Siebold , Editor-in-Chief
August 31, 2022
Ranger cheer perform at the Comal ISD Convocation.

Back to school: advice from the Ventana

Emma Siebold, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2022
SPUD Week takes on the theme of the show Friends.

FACS to host SPUD Week to help local families in need

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
April 25, 2022
Published in 2013, Vicious proves to be a captivating fantasy novel.

In a land of gods and monsters

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
April 18, 2022
Nine athletes signed their letter of intent today.

Sign up

Jackson Posey and Emma Siebold
April 13, 2022
Dildy played on the SAFC professional team as part of the USL Academy Agreement.

It’s a mental-ildy

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
April 12, 2022

For permanent standard time

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
April 8, 2022
Senior Zada Zimmerman jumps over a hurdle at last years Ranger Relays. Zimmerman set her personal record for the 100-meter hurdles at the Texas Relays last weekend.

Track competes in Texas Relays

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
March 27, 2022

Beyond the Bubble: Gas Prices Skyrocket

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
March 23, 2022
Tevijon Williams finishes the fourth leg of the 4x400 relay on March 5.

On the fast track

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
March 22, 2022
Sophomore Jordan Todd dribbles down the field in a scrimmage against Alamo Heights.

Repeat defenders

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
March 22, 2022
The Batman movie premiered on March 4 and stars Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz.

This is (not) the skin of a killer

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
March 7, 2022
Sophomore Ellie Kennedy plays the violin solo with a piano accompaniment.

Superstar (Ellie’s Version)

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
February 23, 2022
Danny McKeague battles with an attacker at the Ranger Classic tournament.

New kicks on the block

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
January 31, 2022
Senior Sidney Coffin represents Team USA as she competes in bunker trap shooting.

Oh, shoot

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
January 27, 2022
Captain Melyna Martinez prepares for a save in a preseason scrimmage against Alamo Heights.

Goal oriented

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
January 24, 2022

Beyond the Bubble: Mental Health and COVID-19

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
January 13, 2022

Beyond the Bubble: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
December 8, 2021

Beyond the Bubble: Texas book censorship

Emma Siebold
December 1, 2021

Beyond the Bubble: National Diabetes Month

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
November 17, 2021
Junior T.J. Hunt receives the ball for a touchdown in the Rangers bi-district game against Madison.

Just your Maver-age victory

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
November 13, 2021

[Video] Beyond the Bubble: Veterans Day

November 9, 2021
Students are asked to wear specific colors each day during the week of Nov.8 in support of marginalized groups on campus.

S.U.R.E Club to host Ally Week in support of minority groups

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
November 3, 2021
During game play in the spring, sophomore Holland Snell dribbles the ball up the field in Ranger Stadium. Boys and girls soccer practice and play at Ranger Stadium, but their locker rooms are in the main building.

Proposition C: Spring sports have fieldhouse dreams

Emma Siebold and Parker Maroney
October 23, 2021
Juniors Valerie Mendez and Jordan Jones slump over their Spanish textbooks. (Photo illustration)

Stop telling juniors that junior year sucks

September 27, 2021
Junior Colin Doyle crams in studying in the locker room after swim practice.

The double life

Emma Siebold and Parker Maroney
September 30, 2021
The Stanford womens basketball team won the 2021 NCAA tournament. The 2022 womens tournament will be branded as March Madness.

NCAA to begin branding women’s basketball as ‘March Madness’

Emma Siebold, Managing Editor
September 30, 2021
Senior Colton Adkins signed to attend Trinity University to continue his soccer career.

Sign of the times

Emma Siebold, Sports Editor
May 19, 2021
Crouching behind home plate, Ethan Gonzales peers towards the dugout. Gonzales, a sophomore, is committed to play at Texas Tech.

Pitch it or ticket

Jackson Posey and Emma Siebold
May 18, 2021
Sophomore Rachel Moore chases down Tatum Umsheid in a practice scrimmage against the freshmen.

Powderpuff collects donations for childhood cancer

Emma Siebold, Sports Editor
May 11, 2021
Tevijon Williams races against Clemens at the district track meet. Williams, who is competing with the 4x400 relay this weekend, holds the school record for the 100m (10.55).

Staying on track

Emma Siebold, Sports Editor
May 7, 2021
Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes) and Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson) hold Captain Americas vibranium shield. Steve Rogers passed the shield to Wilson in the last Avengers film.

Introducing a new era of Marvel

Emma Siebold, Sports Editor
April 9, 2021
Sophomores Mason Mock and Ainsley Miliken decorate stickers to put outside of classrooms. On the stickers, students wrote phrases such as This is a safe space or Your mental health matters.

A united front

Emma Siebold, Sports Editor
March 29, 2021
Senior Helene Farris takes a free kick in the district championship against Steele. Farris committed to play soccer at UTSA last month, and this year is her first at Smithson Valley.

One game at a time

Emma Siebold, Sports Editor
March 26, 2021
Standing in the dugout, baseball locks in before a game on March 6, 2020. One week later, these players – and others across the state – would lose their respective seasons to COVID-19.

Coronaversary

Emma Siebold and Jackson Posey
March 13, 2021
Trinity Garrett looks to pass the ball under pressure from Wagner. Garrett averaged 10 points per game this season, and she signed to play basketball at the University of South Alabama in the fall.

Young at heart

Emma Siebold, Sports Editor
March 1, 2021
David Beck signs to Schreiner University in Kerrville.

New recruits

Emma Siebold, Sports Editor
February 3, 2021
Sophomore Matthew Capetillo chips the ball out of the Rangers middle third against McCollum. The boys beat the Cowboys 3-0, taking their fifth and final win of the preseason.

Redemption season

Emma Siebold, Sports Editor
January 25, 2021
Senior Thomas Conner was born without a radius in his forearm, but that has not limited his achievements.

Don’t doubt Thomas

Emma Siebold, Sports Editor
January 11, 2021
Junior Mason McClellan and sophomore Ryder Cunningham showoff the days catch.

It’s a reel sport

Emma Siebold, Staff Writer
December 8, 2020
Sara Scott takes the lead at the Cedar Park Invite, Amalie Mills close behind.

Amazing race

Emma Siebold, Staff Writer
November 11, 2020
Senior Amalie Mills, ecstatic after running a personal best, qualifies for the regional meet with a first place finish at district.

Air Force run

Emma Siebold, Staff Writer
November 5, 2020
Junior running back Travis McCracken evades Wagners defense on Oct. 9. McCracken scored his first varsity touchdown in last nights game against Clemens.

A windy win

Emma Siebold, Staff Writer
October 24, 2020
Quarterback Jalen Nutt releases the ball at home against Wagner, in which the Rangers lost in overtime, 27-24.

A tall challenge

Emma Siebold, Staff Writer
October 23, 2020
Junior varsity players stand holding their medals after a successful finish.

Crossing boundaries

Emma Siebold, Sports Writer
October 7, 2020
Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump faced off in a contentious debate Tuesday night.

Discussing the debate

Emma Siebold, Staff Writer
October 1, 2020
The Ranger Rugby Team won all of their total 11 games. The team is led by coach Josh Bottjer along with captain Jack Barry and vice-captain James Dearduff.

No need for ruck

Emma Siebold, Staff Writer
March 27, 2020
Civilians in Ecuador get tested for COVID-19. The number of cases in South America is growing as they near 1,000 infected.

Corona in Comal

Emma Siebold, Staff Writer
March 18, 2020
https://soundcloud.com/fieldhouserock/episode-2-girls-playoff-three-peat

Fieldhouse Rock, Episode 2: Girls’ Playoff Three-Peat

Parker Maroney, Jackson Posey, and Emma Siebold
March 3, 2020
Sophomore Tatianna Herrera takes the ball up the line in a preseason game against Uvalde, in which the Rangers won 10-1.

Keeping their shape

Emma Siebold, Staff Writer
February 28, 2020
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