Director of Student Experience & Belonging, Jessica Walton, welcomed Deacon Walton Zollars on January 3. According to the internet, Capricorns like Deacon are highly ambitious and productive. As such, Deacon has had a very productive first hundred or so days on planet Earth. He has discovered his toes and (almost) learned to roll over. He has spent his time observing animals, playing with water and fiercely protesting his car seat.
Deacon has already made several celebrity appearances on campus. At the splash day party last week, he was seen serving as a tiny human shield for Walton, gazing out of his carrier at shrieking, water-gun-armed teenagers with a look of bewilderment and concern.
Deacon’s future bestie, Terran “Wren” Wilder LaBarge, has also had a great time in her first month. Wren was born to STEM teacher Sierra LaBarge on April 2, making her an Aries. Despite her zodiac sign, she is an exceptionally chill baby, sleeping peacefully through the chaos of having a two-year-old in her home. Big brother Flynn (Sagittarius) loves to give Wren kisses and hold her; he is mostly happy to share his parents and has made attempts to share his snacks. Unlike her exceptionally blond sibling, Wren seems to be taking after her mother in looks, sporting a fashionable brunette tuft of hair.
Both mothers will be returning to campus for the 2026-2027 school year. Walton said, “I’ve always enjoyed working, and I definitely miss being around all the students at SA. At the same time, I think it’s going to be hard to transition back to work full-time. Deacon and I have basically spent every day together since he was born. I have a little bit of anxiety about how much I’ll be missing him, considering how quickly babies change and grow. But, I know so many new moms get far less time with their new babies than I’ve had, so overall, I feel grateful and try to soak up this time at home as best I can.”
