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
Bethany Mann

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief

Bethany (she/her) is a junior and in her third year on staff. She has won numerous awards in UIL writing, ILPC, TAJE Best in Texas and is on the All-State Journalism staff. Additionally, she is a ballet dancer and performs in her dance studio’s annual ballet productions. Her favorite past time is dissecting pop culture with her older sister. Bethany is looking forward to a great year!

All content by Bethany Mann
Junior Cyanna Cavazos dances at last year's homecoming on Oct. 14.

Homecoming tickets on sale now, dress up days to start Monday

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2024
Today is First Amendment Day, and the importance of freedom of speech is ever more present. Graphic by Bethany Mann via Canva.

Texas should adopt New Voices Act to protect student journalists

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
September 25, 2024
Librarian Amanda Trussell talks with senior David Pemberton about the importance of freedom of speech.

Freedom Walk teaches students importance of free speech

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
September 24, 2024
Banned books were displayed at the Freedom Walk to show the current restrictions on freedom of speech.

Senior Chris Rodriguez writes his ideas down while visiting the Freedom Walk.

Senior Hector Herrera takes notes during the Freedom Walk on Sept. 24.

Seniors Reagan Dennis, Mia Castruccio and Gabe Rodriguez take notes at the Freedom Walk.

During the 3rd period Constitution Day assembly, seniors received pocket constitutions as they walked into the auditorium.

Gallery: Constitution Day

Bethany Mann and Taylor Baker
September 18, 2024
At the constitution day assembly, local judge explains to students the rights given to them through the Bill of Rights.

Boxes of pocket constitutions lined the sides of the auditorium for seniors to take one. The constitutions were stamped by local state representative Carrie Isaac.

Local judge talks to students about the importance about the US constitution.

Senior Alec Suarez reads from a classroom copy of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. The book is set in a dystopian society where books and literacy are obsolete.

House Bill 900 removes books from library, requires teachers to keep classroom catalog

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
September 16, 2024
Former editor Orlando Mendiola is a freelance writer who writes for WIRED magazine on occasion. Photo courtesy of Orlando Mendiola.

Former newspaper editor publishes first children’s book

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
September 4, 2024
Junior Sean Mendez laughs as his group members junior Travis Collins and Sophomore Tyler Dolly row their boat across the pool. They successfully made it to the finish line.

Staying afloat: Physics classes complete annual boat racing project

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
May 7, 2024
Juniors Alec Suarez and Hudson Patteson wrestle each other in the pool after completing the boat races. Both students made it across the pool without sinking.

Junior Aidan Kellner laughs as he rows his group's boat to the end of the pool. Kellner was in a group with juniors Marlowe Berry and Amber Smith.

Junior Braeden Wills shoves a student off another student's shoulders in a game of chicken fight. After all the boat races were finished, students did not hesitate to jump in the pool.

Senior Jack Grieve rows his boat to the finish line after making last minute adjustments. Grieve did not have trash bags on his boat, so junior Marlowe Berry gave him the extra bags she had, and they quickly taped them on. Grieve successfully made it across the pool without sinking.

Juniors Braeden Wills, Zach Niles and Jameson Maldonado attempt to places their boat in the dumpster after completing their boat race.

Junior Travis Collins waits at the top of the stairs after racing his boat. All students had to wait and watch the other groups when they were done.

Juniors Braeden Wills and Zach Niles point onward as their group members row their boat across the pool. Wills and Niles wore matching hats that they bought at Disney World on the band trip last Spring Break.

Junior Alec Suarez talks back to the student lifeguards after they were teasing him. Suarez built a two person boat with his partner junior Anderson Thomas.

Junior Marlowe Berry carries her boat to the dumpster after successfully making it across the pool. Berry's group added cylindrical cardboard on the sides for extra support.

In Comal school district, 22.0% of students are eligible to participate in the federal free and reduced price meal program, making the federal nutrition program a necessity. Photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.

Texas should adopt federal nutrition program

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
April 18, 2024
Seniors Victoria Williams and Rowen Hamilton and junior Evie Armour perform the ending scene of the One Act play "Iphigenia" at the Founder's Day celebration April 10.

Theater advances to region

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
April 15, 2024
Valley Ventana’s weekly Connections game: Week of April 8 Photo via Canva

[Photo] Connections: Week of April 8

April 9, 2024
from Bryan Goff: "This is a composition I made during the eclipse (in August 2017). It shows the beginning of the eclipse all the way to totality in the center. Each photo was taken about 10 minutes apart. I took these photos at Crooked River Ranch in Oregon. I just happened to find this spot on Google maps. I am very pleased with the outcome." Photo by Bryan Goff on Unsplash

Solar flair

Bethany Mann and Austen Young
April 5, 2024
Valley Ventana’s weekly Connections game: Week of March 25 Photo via Canva

[Photo] Connections: Week of April 1

April 2, 2024
Valley Ventana's weekly Connections game: Week of March 25 Photo via Canva

[Photo] Connections: Week of March 25

March 25, 2024
Senior Jake McAnelly poses in front of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative building after finding out he was selected for the Youth Tour. Photo courtesy of Jessica McAnelly.

Charging the future

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
March 25, 2024
The Valley Ventana presents a Smithson Valley focused Connections game.

[Photo] Connections: Week of March 18

March 20, 2024
The Miss America Competition started in 1921 after women's roles began to change, giving them more power in society. It has since become a staple for trends and household discussion. Photo via Miss America website.

Miss America 2024 winner shows changing nature of competition

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
March 19, 2024
The 96th Academy Awards will be held Sunday, March 10 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Photo via Academy Awards website.

Students share Oscars predictions

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2024
Even though students are required to put their phones away in class, they will often hide it behind their desk.

[Photo] School policies affect cell phone use

March 5, 2024
Senior Svala Starcher wrestles at the regional competition. Starcher placed second in the 126 lbs. weight class. Photo courtesy of SV Wrestling.

Wrestling team to compete at state Friday

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
February 14, 2024
The state bound wrestling team poses for a photo after their send off on Feb. 14.

Wrestlers head off to state

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
February 14, 2024
Senior Trajan Falk poses for a photo with his parents. Falk will compete in the 285 weight class at state.

Wrestling parents take photos of their kids who will compete at the state competition this weekend.

Junior varsity cheerleaders line the walkway to cheer on the state bound wrestling team.

Drumline lines the main entrance and plays their favorite stadium songs.

Seniors Dylan Gass and Nick Dudzikowski walk through the main hallway during the wrestling state send off on Feb. 14.

Senior Frankie Omelanchuk and junior Jameson Maldonado play with the drumline at the wrestling send off.

Comal ISD videographer takes videos of drumline playing at the send off.

Senior Jackson Duffey signs his letter of intent with the University of Texas at Austin on Feb. 7.

Entering Longhorn Nation: Senior Jackson Duffey commits to UT Austin

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
February 12, 2024
Senior cornerback and wide receiver Jackson Duffey inks his commitment with the University of Texas at Austin to continue his football career. Along with football, Duffey is a varsity baseball player.

Senior Aiden Page signs his letter of intent for McClennan College to further his golf career.

Senior linebacker Jordan Leonardo will continue his football career at the University of La Verne.

Senior linebacker Nick Dudzikowski signs with Colorado School of Mines to continue his football career. Dudzikowski is also a varsity wrestler and placed first at district last week. He will compete at regionals this Friday.

Senior Jaxson Maynard signs with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for football. He will play for UTRGV’s first Division 1 football team.

Senior starting quarterback Ryland Walker commits to University of Mary Hardin-Baylor to continue his football career. Walker led the football team to the state finals in December.

Senior baseball player Jackson Harris signs with Western Texas College. Outside of school, Harris plays with Texas Angels Baseball.

Senior Cole Cantu will continue his golf career at the University of the Incarnate Word. Cantu was named the 2022 Junior Golfer of the Year.

Senior All-American and state champion Jazmyn Singh will continue her track career at Princeton University.

Senior Lillian McNett, a four-year varsity softball player, will play at the collegiate level at North Idaho College.

Senior Konner Schnieder signs with Hendrix College to continue his swimming career. Schneider is the district champion in the 200 and 500 freestyle races.

Senior Alexandra Smithwick signs with Concordia University to further her soccer career in college. Last year, the girl’s soccer team made it to the state semifinals before losing to Grapevine.

Senior Daichelle San Nicolas, a two-year varsity basketball point guard, signs with University of St. Joseph.

Senior Allison Howe poses for a photo after signing with St. Edward’s University to continue her basketball career. Howe is the starting center and a four-year varsity veteran.

The Grammy's will take place Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. CST, and comedian Trevor Noah will host. Photo via Grammy's website.

Students share Grammy 2024 predictions

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
February 1, 2024
The varsity cheer team poses for a photo in Fort Worth while at the state competition. Photo via @svrangercheer on Instagram.

They’ve got spirit: Varsity cheer places 7th at state

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
January 12, 2024
Athletic Secretary Donna Moore answers emails at her desk in preparation for Friday's state final football game against the Aledo Bearcats.

The woman behind the team

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2023

Seniors advance to state in Student Congress

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
November 20, 2023
Senior Austin Ison hands junior Aubree Pipkin her certificate for placing second in the Papa John's Slice of Art contest.

‘Pizza like no other’

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
November 17, 2023
The Marine Corps Toys for Tots program was established in 1991 and is recognized as a non-profit organization.

NJROTC hosts annual Toys for Tots drive

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2023
Director Adam Anders first thought of "Journey to Bethlehem" 17 years ago and has been working diligently to make the movie since. Photo via "Journey to Bethlehem" movie website.

‘Journey to Bethlehem’ brings refreshing new take on the Christian movie genre

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
November 14, 2023
Senior Kaela Stevens fights for a chair during the game of musical chairs at the pink out pep rally.

All pinked out

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a news conference on March 15, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Gov. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Texas lawmakers should not pass school vouchers

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2023
Junior Tatum Williams talks to eighth grade students and parents about the student athletic trainer program.

Rising Ranger night teaches eighth grade parents about school programs

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2023
Kevin McCarthy was elected to the role of House Speaker on Jan. 7 and held the role for 269 days. Photo by Joshua Sukoff via Unsplash.

Kevin McCarthy ousting shows danger of the two-party system

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
October 5, 2023
The homecoming dance is organized by student council every school year. Graphic made via Canva.

[Photo] Homecoming tickets to go on sale Sunday

September 28, 2023
Five different cultures were represented at the staff's cultural heritage day.

Journalism staff celebrates diverse cultures

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2023
Broadcast member Julissa Vargas' plate after getting a little bit of everything.

ASL teacher Claudia Barthuly and sub Tamra Carson merge ASL classes for practice in conversational signing on Aug. 31.

Deaf-ining ASL: American Sign Language 1 classes move online because of teacher shortage

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
September 19, 2023
After football's 54-17 win against Seguin, then junior Davis Kuhn holds his helmet up for the playing of the school's alma mater.

It’s more than just a game

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
August 28, 2023
During a photo field trip last year on Sept. 9, then sophomore Matthew Felix snaps this image of Nadia Vargas using leading lines.

Potential bomb threat to campus determined not credible

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
August 27, 2023
AP Psychology was first offered in 1992 and has since become one of College Board's most popular AP classes.

Opinion: AP Psychology’s full curriculum should be offered in Florida

Bethany Mann, Editor-in-Chief
August 6, 2023
Stacia Snyder has worked in schools of varying sizes and levels over the past 23 years, but she has spent majority of her career at high schools.

School board names Stacia Snyder as head principal for the upcoming school year

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
May 22, 2023
National Library Week is April 24 - 28, and Right to Read Day is how Unite Against Book Bands is kicking the week off.

Opinion column: Right to Read Day illustrates necessity for book availability

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
April 24, 2023
According to Education Week (edweek.org), there have been 14 school shootings this year that resulted in injuries or deaths. Three of those were in Texas - Dallas, Arlington and Amarillo. There have been 158 such shootings nationwide since 2018.

Safety concerns rise across district after increase in social media rumors

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
April 14, 2023
Senior Garrett Blanchard (right) leads his team in a disaster simulation for the final part of the Community Emergency Response Team program. CERT was established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 1993 to better prepare young people for high stress and dangerous situations.

Preparing for catastrophe

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
April 6, 2023

Celebrating women in history: Amanda Wolf-Schramm

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
March 29, 2023

Celebrating women in history: Katherine Johnson

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
March 22, 2023

Celebrating women in history: Mary Shelley

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
March 15, 2023

Celebrating women in history: Jane Addams

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
March 8, 2023
After receiving a plaque Wednesday from Stephan Rahm, clinical director for Bulverde Spring Branch Fire & EMS, senior Jack Mudge gets congratulations from EMT/paramedic D. Moyer. Moyer was among the emergency medical personnel who responded to the call for a heart attack where Mudge performed CPR and saved a man's life.

Stayin’ alive

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
March 6, 2023

Celebrating women in history: Henrietta Lacks

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
March 1, 2023

[Video] College fair teaches students about post-secondary options

Bethany Mann and Lukas Haider
February 28, 2023
News/feature editor Bethany Mann's (front) best friend is her sister, former editor-in-chief Rebekah Mann (back). Rebekah is a freshman in college, and Bethany continues to struggle being the only child in the house.

Never grow up

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
February 16, 2023
Fallen tree branches have cut down power lines across town, leaving many businesses, homes and schools without power.

Blast from the past: Recent storm reminds students of previous snow

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
February 2, 2023
Amazon was established in 1994 by a 30-year-old Jeff Bezos. In 2021, Bezos stepped down from the role of chief executive officer (CEO) and president of the company.

Opinion: Amazon, other large corporations should be investigated for dominance in the economy

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
January 27, 2023
The 281 expansion began in March of 2019 and will conclude in April of 2023.

281 construction to finish in April

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
January 23, 2023
Junior Charlie Hamilton works on a custom computer build for Chazy Designs.

From the ground up

Bethany Mann, News/Feature Editor
January 5, 2023
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The student news site of Smithson Valley High School in Spring Branch, Texas
Bethany Mann