Advancement

Academy Nights

Join the San Marcos Academy community for an evening of celebration, purpose, and generosity at the 3rd Annual Academy Nights Gala on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in San Marcos, Texas. This signature fundraising event supports Christ-centered education and strengthens the mission of the Academy.

Parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends are invited to come together for a memorable evening that includes a formal dinner, live and silent auctions, and an unforgettable performance by SKYROCKET!, one of Texas’ most dynamic and entertaining show bands. Known for their high-energy sets and crowd-pleasing renditions of iconic hits from the 1970s and 1980s, SKYROCKET! brings a level of excitement that will have guests on their feet and dancing the night away. To learn more about the band, visit skyrockettheband.com.

As we embark on San Marcos Academy’s 118th year, our 2025–2026 theme is ‘Love One Another,’ drawn from John 15:12 where Jesus commands, ‘“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” This simple but powerful truth will shape our community and relationships this year among students, colleagues, families, and friends. We are committed to living this out intentionally across campus and throughout every aspect of Academy life. Our theme song for the year is “The Jesus Way” and we encourage everyone in our community to become familiar with it as we walk this path together.

Since 1907, San Marcos Academy has prepared students for lives of leadership, service, and faith. Our students come from across Central Texas and around the world to be challenged academically, formed spiritually, and equipped for a life of purpose. Proceeds from Academy Nights help enrich the academic experience for students, fund key programs and curriculum initiatives, maintain and improve campus facilities, and expand opportunities in fine arts, athletics, and student life.

Last year’s gala raised over $250,000 with support from more than 50 sponsors and 380 attendees. The Paddles Up appeal alone brought in more than $40,000 to benefit the fine arts programs across the campus. With your support, we believe this year will be even more impactful.

Opportunities to contribute by sponsoring the event or donating auction items will be available soon. In the meantime, we invite you to contact the Development Office to learn more. Call us at 512-753-8001 to inquire about how you can support this year’s gala and make a lasting impact.

Entertainment Feature: SKYROCKET!

On paper, SKYROCKET! is impressive — over 500 hit songs from the ’70s and ’80s in their setlist. In practice, they’re something more remarkable: an immersive, high-energy experience that breathes new life into these timeless classics.

"Any SKYROCKET! show is a joyous event."
— Andrew Dansby, Houston Chronicle
More than just a cover band, SKYROCKET! recreates every detail of your favorite songs — the harmonies, guitar tones, drum sizes, and even the stage moves. They’ve done the homework, and it shows.

Born from Austin’s indie-rock and songwriter scene, the members of SKYROCKET! are multi-instrumentalists who tackle anthems and one-hit wonders note for note. Their fearless, witty style turns every performance into a celebration, winning over fans with the same devotion reserved for the original artists.

Get ready — they’ll knock your socks, shoes, and party roof off at the 2026 Academy Nights Gala.
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