Second Annual gala raises funds, support for San Marcos Academy

SAN MARCOS ACADEMY

San Marcos Academy brought glamour and glitz to the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center Saturday, April 26 with its second annual Academy Nights Gala. Featuring a semi-formal dinner, both a live and silent auction, a photo booth sponsored by Dru Photo and a program emceed by Rev. Mike Satterfield of Field of Grace Ministries, the Academy Nights Gala proved to be a memorable evening of celebration, fellowship and fundraising.

“It feels incredibly meaningful to be part of something that not only brings our community together but directly supports the teachers, students and the mission of Christian education at San Marcos Academy,” Sarah Whitley, co-chair of the Gala Committee, said. “Knowing that the joy and generosity shared at the Academy Nights gala help provide resources for classrooms, support our dedicated staff, and nurture a faith-filled learning environment — that’s what makes it all so impactful. It’s a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together for a purpose bigger than ourselves.”

Planning for the 2025 Academy Nights Gala began immediately after last year’s inaugural event, which raised $213,000 to support San Marcos Academy. This year’s event brought in over 380 guests in attendance and over 120 items on the silent auction. This necessitated an additional ballroom at Embassy Suites to accommodate more guests and adequately display the auction items.

“We also wanted to create a space where people could have fun and not feel cramped,” Michelle Harper, also co-chair of the Gala Committee, said.

This year’s Gala treated guests to a spacious dance floor and intimate sitting areas along the outer edge of the ballroom, which allowed for socializing before and after dinner. Andrew Lopez of Dru Photo provided an interactive photo booth to allow guests candid souvenirs of the evening.

Dramatic centerpieces and floral sprays combined with subtle candlelights brought an air of elegance to every table, the dancefloor and the stage.

“The decorations committee was chaired by Chloe Gatewood with assistance from Leteshia Finley and Calli Swindle,” Harper said. “Chloe had a vision for the event and her committee worked to bring the vision to life. We could not have created this without a sponsorship from H-E-B who provided the florals and Texan Family Care and Lali’s Med Spa who underwrote the decorations that night.”

The menu included 72-hour braised beef short rib with a cabernet demi-glace, jalapeno cheddar grits and haricot verts with a dessert of a flourless chocolate torte, fresh fruit and a cream shooter.

Under the direction of Eric Casillas, Director of Institutional Advancement and Chief Development Officer, the Gala Committee Co-Chairs Sarah Whiteley and Michelle Harper, as well as the committee members, Chloe Gatewood, Jill Russell, Leteshia Finley and Jeannine Merrill, this year’s Gala exceeded last year’s fundraising efforts by $17,000.

“With support from 51 underwriters and sponsors, particularly our platinum sponsors Creative Solutions in Healthcare, AmeriTex Pipe and Products, LLC and IBC Bank, along with everyone who bought a ticket, made a donation, raised a paddle or purchased an auction item, we raised just over $250,000 to support San Marcos Academy,” Harper said. “We are also so grateful for Two P’s and Calli’s sponsorship of our Red Carpet, which set the tone for the night as the entrance to the event. Texas Storm Athletics sponsored our band, The Tones, who kept the party going and Ally Medical underwrote the photo booth, providing even more entertainment for our guests.”

Funds raised at the Academy Nights Gala go directly back into San Marcos Academy, one of the oldest and largest private schools in Texas. Established in 1907, San Marcos Academy is unique in that it serves students from six counties across Central Texas but also students across the United States and throughout the world with its boarding program.

“The funds raised at the Academy Nights gala will help to fill the gap between tuition dollars and the cost of running a school as large as ours,” Harper said. “We also had a special ask during the event that raised close to $40,000 that will directly benefit Fine Arts programs at SMA, everything from our lower school music and art to our upper school ceramics, band and theatre classes.”

In the welcome invocation, Rev. Mike Satterwhite talked about the school’s overall vision to educate young people of integrity with a strong moral compass.

“What truly sets this institution apart is its tradition of excellence,” he said. “What is most boastful is that [the students] are all men and women of character.”

In his President’s remarks, Dr. Brian Guenther reiterated the school’s commitment to leading students with integrity.

“The pathway to the future includes committing to a balanced budget and offering competitive salaries to teachers that reflect their value and dedication to their profession,” Guenther said.

After dinner, the live auction began, led by Caleb Warren, SMA parent and auctioneer. The evening concluded at 10 p.m. with a closing celebration and farewell. As the doors of the ballrooms closed, committee members took a moment to celebrate the success of this year’s event before turning their sights to Academy Nights 2026.

“The gala committee could not be more grateful for all of the support, not just from our sponsors and attendees but our volunteers and even those who prayed over the event,” Harper said. “For the past two years we have been blown away by all the ways God has shown up throughout this event for our school… We are already planning for next year’s event which will be held on April 24, 2026.”