Alumnae Easter Party at the Zeta House

Some were creepy, some cute, and some were nearly falling apart. As I stared up at this assortment of Easter Bunny costume heads, my eyes finally fixed upon a newish looking pick bunny costume. I hurriedly found a sales associate and reserved the costume for March 24^th, the fast approaching date of the first annual Zetas Alumnae Easter Egg Hunt…

Although I had the Easter Bunny costume reserved and ready to go, I still had a long list of tasks to accomplish before the hunt actually started. I ordered everything Easter themed I could find from orientaltrading.com, from a bunny ring toss, to colorable Easter egg wreaths. Next was the food. Obviously, I knew that no Easter Egg Hunt was complete without some sinfully sugary cookie concoctions, which I had designed by Polkadots. I had my bunny, crafts, games, and food, next was the hunt itself…

Sunday March 24^th came fast. I arrived at the house early (is two and a half hours early a little too eager?) to set up. I opened my box of crafts and games and quickly pulled out the goodies inside. I soon found I had much more to do than planned (who knew assembly was required for a bunny ring toss?!) and quickly my Easter-induced cheer subsided in to outright panic. Luckily, my bestie, Lauren Fugitt (PC ’11), was already at the Zeta house and ready to stuff eggs with the chocolate treats Mom Marge supplied. Slowly, more Zeta helpers trickled in, wearing Zeta staple tees of course, and the hunt was ready to begin. We just needed some alumnae and their kids to show up…

The hunt’s official start time was 4, but there were a disturbingly small number of alumnae and their kids at the house until about 4:15. Finally, I unleashed the kids on the front and backyard to find as many eggs as their little hands could grasp. Naturally, the hunt lasted a grand total of ten minutes; kids are much faster than I gave them credit for…

Though the hunt was a ton of work and a little stressful at times, I had a blast planning it! I got some great pictures of kids with the Easter Bunny (aka Mckenzie Harrison-Bolen PC ‘12). Though I may have snapped a few pics of bawling twins (oops!), I think the Texas Zetas, alumnae, and their precious children can agree the Easter Egg Hunt was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

ZL,

Caroline Croskery
PC '11

Introducing the Newest Texas Cheer Co-Captains

Congratulations Whitney Prior (PC '10) and Kayla Bright (PC '11)
 on becoming the Texas Cheer Co-Captains! ZLAM!

Heather Broyles (PC '09), Kayla Bright (PC '11), Whitney Prior (PC '10) and Cici Haley (PC '11)
cheering at the Texas Football Game with  Owen (daughter of ZTA Advisor, Amy Biegel)

My college experience thus far can be described as both unique and privileged. Not only have I been able to be a member of the most incredible sorority on campus, but I have also been a part of the University of Texas Spirit Program for the past three years. For those of you who don’t know, I was elected co-captain of the White Squad this past week. I am unbelievably blessed and thankful to head into my senior year filling this honorable position. That being said, I look at my new rank in leadership as more of an opportunity than a title. As co-captain, I can serve as a positive role model for my peers, as well as for new students coming to the University of Texas.

Texas Cheer Captain Heather Broyles (PC '09),
Kayla Bright (PC '11), Tara Mery (PC '11)
and Whitney Prior (PC '10)

My journey to this point in my college career has been far from easy. This leadership position is the direct result of hard work, sleepless nights, and a LOT of sweat. Although I regret each time I missed a chapter meeting, a social downtown, or simply a sisterhood get together, I have to remind myself those sacrifices were necessary to obtain this leadership role. I hope that in the future, my ability to be an ambassador the University of Texas will help others see what qualities Zetas possess and encourage them to join our family. I genuinely believe that my experiences as both Cheerleader and a Zeta have allowed me grow into a stronger, responsible figure at our University.

Grand Big and Grand Little Lovin'
Morgan Willet (PC '12) and Whitney Prior (PC '10) 

In all, I only hope I can give back to Zeta Tau Alpha what it has given me. Without the support of all my sisters who caught my tears after a difficult practice, or listened to me talk through a cheer dilemma, I would not be where I am today. Thank you especially to Heather Broyles, Alex Bennett, Lara Hoover, Tara Mery, Cici Haley, Courtney Hosea, Sara Pence and Paige More (to name a few) for being those sisters to me. As members of the Zeta family, we are spoiled to be a part of a group of beautiful, intelligent women who are constantly by our side. I encourage everyone to pursue their passions no matter what they may be. We should never be afraid to take advantage of our sisters’ advice and comfort while pursuing our dreams.

This has been a truly humbling experience, as I hope I can fill the shoes of Zeta leaders before me. Hook ‘em \m/

ZL,

Whitney Prior

PC '10

Around this time three years ago, I was preparing to tryout for the University of Texas All-Girl cheerleading squad. I had never been more nervous about anything else in my life, but the hard work and dedication I had put in during the busy last semester of my senior year of high school paid off. I MADE THE TEAM! Although my time is spread thin between cheer, sorority, and school, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tara Mery (PC '11) and Kayla Bright (PC '11) Twins!

My transition into college was similar to everyone else’s: marked by learning, time management, getting used to cafeteria food, and sometimes feeling homesick. It was being a part of Texas Cheer that kept me grounded and pushed me through those moments of weakness we all experience every now and then. My experiences of being a part of the spirit program range from cheering at home football games, to rallying at the F1 race, to throwing a pep rally at the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital. There is never a dull moment in this program and I am extremely fortunate to be a part of it.

One Big ZTA Family
Heather Broyles (PC '09),
Whitney Prior (PC '10),
Kayla Bright (PC '11) and Tara Mery (PC '11)

When my freshman year started coming to a close, I decided that I wanted to rush. After becoming close with two Zetas on my team (Heather Broyles and Whitney Prior) I knew that I also wanted be a Zeta. Since Heather and Whitney, our Texas Cheer Zeta family has grown to eight active members, hopefully even more next year! Being a part of the spirit program is one of the best experiences, but it is not easy. Having sisters within this program helps me get through the stressful and trying times and I am so thankful to always have them by my side!

This past February, I was elected Co-captain of the White Squad for the 2013-2014 season. I am extremely honored and cannot wait to get the new season started! In this position I will be in charge of our team’s internal relations, which includes our choreography and managing uniform and apparel inventory, along various other tasks that pop up during the year. I am excited to begin the new season and can’t wait to welcome new members to our team. I know that my new position on the squad will bring me a new load of responsibilities, but it will also bring me new memories that I will be able to cherish forever. Although my college experience is different from many, being a part of both Texas Cheer and Zeta has brought me more happiness than I could have ever imagined!

ZLAM,

Kayla Bright

PC '11

ZTA Texas Cowboy Sweethearts

Never in a million years would I ever imagine being selected to be a Texas Cowboy Sweetheart.  For those of you (like me at first) who don’t know about the Texas Cowboys, it is a service organization built of male students, both before and after graduation, who have proudly provided the UT campus with leadership, character, spirit, and service since 1992. To be included in this organization was such a surprising honor, one that I am very grateful for. 

My experience so far has been so fun; it almost feels like I joined another little sorority! I’ve had the chance to get to know a ton of new amazing people both male and female, and grow closer with my Zeta sisters who are also sweethearts. In addition to myself, Skyeler Saar (PC '12) and Brittanie Burke (PC '11) are the newly selected Cowboy Sweethearts. We’ve shared some very memorable experiences from induction day to Cowboy semi-formal, and can’t wait to share more! I’m still really confused as to why I was selected but again I couldn’t be more honored! I can’t wait and couldn’t be more excited for all the great memories and experiences yet to come!

ZL,

Annick Rivas 
PC '11

Zetas for Christiane’s Cure

            Three years ago, I started babysitting for two children that live in Austin—a little boy named Garland (now 8 yrs.) and Christiane (now 10 yrs). Christiane was diagnosed with Batten disease a year before I started babysitting her. I had never heard of Batten disease until I met Christine, a beautiful girl with big blue eyes.

            Batten disease is a fatal, inherited disorder of the nervous system that begins in childhood. Affected children suffer mental impairment, worsening seizures, and progressive loss of sight and motor skills. Eventually, children with Batten disease become blind, bedridden, and physically and mentally incapacitated, requiring 24-hour care. Batten disease is always fatal, often by the late teens or twenties.

            Christiane has been an inspiration to me. Every time I babysit her she reminds me that life is short. We should take advantage of every opportunity and enjoy every moment of each day we are given. Although Christiane is legally blind she lives like she isn’t sick at all. She runs, plays, tells silly knock-knock jokes and loves butterflies. She’s a normal kid, trying to live a normal life. It pains me to know that she is losing her vision and that Batten disease could take her life. I hope and pray for a cure to come fast. She is the reason why I am participating in Run to the Sun on April 20-21.  

            The best part about my decision to participate in this fundraiser is the love and support I have from my Zeta sisters. They inspire me just as much as Christiane inspires me. When I told them about the event, they expressed zero hesitations and wanted to join my team. I could not do this without the support of Anna Fleury, Bekah Thayer, Chelsea Carbonel, Emma Weiss, Kate Onofrey, Kim Boller, and Maddy McGlamery. Nor could I do it without the support of the chapter. Thank you to everyone that has made a donation to our team. You are playing a role in making a difference for children with Batten disease.

            Please continue to keep our team in your thoughts and prayers as we train for our 90-mile overnight relay and seek supporters that will make donations to our team.

             

ZL,

Megan Gallishaw

PC '09

If you want to know more about Batten disease check out the Beyond Batten Foundation website www.beyondbatten.org

If you would like to make a donation online click on the following link: http://runtothesunrelay.com/donate/?kwoAdvocateId=87HJRQ7

ZTA Dad's Weekend Success

            They say it takes the best to make the best and this weekend that statement was proven true. Our chapter welcomed over one hundred and fifty of the greatest dads this weekend.

            We started the weekend out at Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar and Restaurant where Zeta’s and their dads enjoyed delicious food and spent the night dancing to songs played by our wonderful DJ.  With their cowboy boots on everyone was two stepping on the dance floor long after midnight. It was the perfect father/daughter dance, ZTA style. Brightly colored daisies in old mason jars decorated the table and set the ambiance for the night. Not too long after arriving, the entire restaurant was filled as we rented out Lucy's so Zeta’s could spend the whole night with their sisters and their dad’s.

            On Saturday, we started the day out right with a University of Texas baseball game. In our section reserved only for Zeta’s, the girls and their dad’s enjoyed the sunshine, cool weather, and some good old fashioned Saturday baseball. With over a hundred and thirty Zeta’s and dads in attendance, we definitely stood out in the crowd cheering on our boys. Some of our Zeta’s were even put up on the big screen in front of the entire stadium! The game could not have ended any better with a big win for our team against Nebraska.

            Directly after the baseball game, we headed to the Zeta house for a backyard crawfish boil. With over seven hundred and fifty pounds of crawfish and over two hundred people, there was not one crawfish left to eat as the girls and dads chowed down. Lemonade, water, and sweet tea were the perfect southern refreshments to go along with our long picnic styled tables covered in red-checkered cloth. We truly gave our dad’s a taste of a southern crawfish boil at the Zeta house with freshly boiled crawfish cooked right in the backyard. The dads also received a first hand look at the Zeta house where their daughters were able to give them tours of the entire house!

            Overall we consider this weekend a huge success and can’t wait to have our dads back for round two next year! It truly does take the best to make the best! 

ZL,

    Christen May and Heather Lauterbach

    PC '12

Locks of Love

After having long hair my whole life, I knew there would be a time where I would cut it drastically. That just so happened to be last weekend. I decided it was time for a change and it would be great to donate it to Locks of Love.

 I anxiously told my hair stylist that I wanted to cut a foot off. So she got her tape measurer and tied a pony tail at 12 inches and after double and triple checking with me that this is what I wanted, it was gone. I am so happy with the results and loved donating to such a great cause!

  

ZL,

Caleigh Campbell

PC '12

ZTA Silver Spurs Sweethearts

Becoming a 2013 Spur’s Sweetheart has been one of the best experiences in my college career! Since their founding in 1937, the Silver Spur’s organization has provided over 2,500 campus leaders with the opportunity to give back to our school and community through philanthropic endeavors associated with the handling of BEVO. The experience of being chosen to represent Zeta Tau Alpha as one of the 2013 sweethearts was truly humbling and exciting! From day one, I have been surrounded by the most kind, friendly, and dedicated people to meet and interact with while becoming part of this amazing organization. I am truly honored to be chosen to represent Zeta Tau Alpha in this amazing organization supported by such wonderful Texas Gentlemen and Lovely Texas Ladies. I am looking forward to enjoying my membership in the organization and being part of such a great UT community!

ZL,

ZTA Silver Spurs Sweethearts

Kate Buchanan

PC '11

Jackie Waterland, Kate Buchanan, and Cici Haley (all PC' 11)
became the newest Silver Spurs Sweethearts