Category Archives: Achievement/Recognition

Ascending to Men Project celebrates inaugural year with districtwide summit

The Houston Independent School District’s Ascending to Men Project (ATMP) held its districtwide youth summit to mark the end of its inaugural year on Friday.  

The summit, titled Changing the Narrative of Our Story, was held at Kingdom Builders’ Center to celebrate a successful year of the districtwide program, which connects male students with mentors who provide a wide range of support to keep students on track toward success in college, careers and beyond. 

“The Ascending to Men Program was just a vision 12 months ago,” Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said to the crowd of students, staff and guest. “We are here today because of your hard work.” 

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HISD campuses ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools

44 schools selected, including campuses on Best STEM, Best Charter and Best Magnet lists

U.S. News & World Report has listed 44 Houston Independent School District campuses – with four breaking the top 100 in the nation – on its 2019 Best High Schools rankings.

HISD campuses ranked near the top of the best public high schools list are:

  • DeBakey High School for Health Professions, ranked #3 in Texas, #17 in the nation
  • Carnegie Vanguard High School, ranked #4 in Texas, #24 in the nation
  • Eastwood Academy High School, ranked #9 in Texas, #97 in the nation
  • Challenge Early College High School, ranked #10 in Texas, #102 in the nation
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Senior recipients honored at Board of Education and Superintendent Scholarship Dinner

Houston Independent School District graduating seniors who have overcome odds and adversity to achieve their academic goals were honored at the annual HISD Superintendent and Board of Education Scholarship Dinner on Wednesday evening. 

At the dinner, which was held at the Cockrell Boy Scouts Center, each of the 46 award recipients and their families were treated to a dinner and reception hosted by ABC 13 reporter Stefania Okolie. Kinder HSPVA senior Racquel Leonard performed a gorgeous rendition of Disney’s “I’m Almost There.” 

After the performance, Leonard, who will attend Loyola University in the fall to study music, was surprised with her own HISD Superintendent and Board of Education Scholar Award. The scholarship, originally worth $2,000, was increased to $5,000 after HISD’s Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan learned that Leonard was short on her tuition.  

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At YWCPA, a red-carpet celebration of 100% senior college acceptances

It was a day of celebration as students at Houston Independent School District’s Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy held a red-carpet celebration in honor of 100% senior college acceptances on Thursday.  

During a special school-wide assembly, YWCPA students walked a red carpet to announce the institutions of higher learning where they will continue their academic careers. Some have been accepted to the nation’s most prestigious universities, including Bryn Mawr College, the University of Virginia, Berea College and Texas A&M University. 

“We are so excited and proud of you all,” YWCPA Principal April Williams said to a cheering crowd of students, parents and staff. “Always come back to visit us and help us to build upon that strong YWCPA spirit.” 

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HISD celebrates first-ever Academic College Signing Day

For the first time ever, HISD hosted Academic College Signing Day for the district’s top University Interscholastic League (UIL) Academics, Music, and One Act Play students.  

Nearly 190 students from 32 high schools signed ceremonial letters of intent in the presence of their families, teachers, and classmates.  

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HISD recognizes top six JROTC cadets in HISD Class of 2019

Houston ISD’s JROTC program formally honored its top six cadets from the class of 2019 during the annual HISD JROTC Final Review and Awards Ceremony on Saturday. 

The students were chosen from the ranks of all seniors in HISD’s 23 JROTC programs and all were promoted to cadet colonel, which is the highest ranking attainable in the JROTC program. 

“This is the culmination of several lessons that are taught throughout the school year” said Lt. Col. Cornell McGhee, Director of JROTC Programs in HISD. “I am honored, I am pleased, and I am proud. It is great to see young people leading their peers and doing what’s necessary for them to become the next generation of leaders for this country.”  

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Two ‘Fan Favorite’ teachers to be announced at May 17 Educators of the Year banquet

Vote now in Round 2 for elementary and secondary finalists

Over the past week, HISD staff, students, and alumni have voted for their “Fan Favorite” Teacher of the Year.

Voters could choose from any of the campus-based Teacher of the Year nominees. The votes are now tallied, and the top four elementary and secondary teachers are moving on to round two. The finalists are: 

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Stevens ES teacher receives the 2019 Elementary Science Teacher Award

The Elementary Curriculum and Development Department celebrated Science Teacher Dierdre Ricketts of Stevens Elementary School as the winner of the 2019 Elementary Science Teacher award, sponsored by alliantgroup on Tuesday. 

Earlier this month, the department announced the below six finalists for the inaugural award who were selected by a committee of school office and curriculum leaders, teacher development specialists, strategic partnerships, and university partners. 

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HISD art cars win four trophies in Art Car Parade 

Four of HISD’s 22 entries in the 32nd annual Houston Art Car Parade caught the judges’ attention, winning trophies and even some cash. 

The Art Car Parade judges like to give out numerous awards, so there are winners in multiple categories, including four first-place winners, four second-place winners, and four third-place winners.  

Heights High School students with leader Rebecca Bass won first place for their homage to Texas legend Stevie Ray Vaughn, “Pride & Joy.” This is Bass’s 32nd art car. Bass also received a Lifetime Achievement award, after spending the last 30 years as an Art Car Parade participant.  

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HISD names Ann Sledge Instructional Coach Excellence Award winners

HISD administrators had a special surprise planned for two HISD instructional coaches on Thursday as administrators dropped by their classrooms to present them with the third annual Ann Sledge Instructional Coach Excellence Awards. 

Ambreen Ali, literacy instructional specialist at Meyerland Middle School, was the winner of the campus-level award. Rogelio Martinez, Teacher Development Specialist in the HISD’s Secondary Curriculum and Development Department, was the winner at the districtwide level. 

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