Category Archives: Achievement/Recognition

Many African American artists among HISD’s distinguished alumni give back

Editor’s Note: Black History Month runs from Monday, Feb. 1, through Monday, Feb. 29, this year, and HISD is celebrating with a series of weekly stories recognizing distinguished African Americans who graduated from district high schools. This third article focuses on alumni who went on to have successful careers in the fine arts. The first and second articles spotlighted professional athletes, and lawmakers/politicians (respectively). Others will feature educators and those with careers in radio, TV, and film.

HISD has a wealth of African-American alumni with talent in the performing and visual arts — and many of these distinguished graduates have chosen to share their gifts with later generations of students.

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Four more campuses recognized as ‘model’ Family Friendly Schools

DeAnda ES parents (pictured) were able to purchase books at discounted prices from local retailers after obtaining library cards from the Houston Public Library, thanks to a special arrangement made by Principal Erwin Garcia Velazquez.

DeAnda ES parents (pictured) were able to purchase books at discounted prices from local retailers after obtaining library cards from the Houston Public Library, thanks to a special arrangement made by Principal Erwin Garcia Velazquez.

Last month, HISD began honoring district campuses for their successful implementation of the Family Friendly Schools program.

Now, four more campuses have been recognized by the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department for their efforts to make parents feel welcome and valued at their children’s schools.

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Slideshow quiz tests knowledge of distinguished African-American HISD alumni

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How well do you know your distinguished alumni from HISD? Take our quiz and find out!

In honor of Black History Month this year, the district’s Communications team has put together a question-and-answer-style slideshow that highlights 24 different African-American graduates, along with the years they earned their high-school diplomas.

Among those featured are professional athletes, artists, elected officials, and more.

Black History Month runs from Feb. 1 through Feb. 29.

HISD assistant superintendent named ‘Educator of the Year’ by LULAC

Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo

Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo

Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo has been named “Educator of the Year” for 2016 by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 402. The assistant superintendent of HISD’s Family and Community Engagement Department will be formally recognized during the council’s annual scholarship gala on Feb. 17.

“I am humbled by this honor from LULAC Council 402, a group that has been distinguished by its historic service to our community and its commitment to education,” said Dr. Arredondo. “I am also quite humbled to have been included on this list. Past honorees are all life-long educators who deeply value parents and caregivers. They not only welcome them to be part of their child’s education, but view it as a privilege and the highest honor to provide a high-quality education to all students. They also understand that despite the gains that we’ve made, too many children are not achieving their maximum potential, and it is our duty as a whole community to alter those conditions, using every possible opportunity we have from cradle to career.”

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Pilgrim Academy sweeps advanced category at TCEA robotics competition

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On Jan. 30, six teams from HISD’s Pilgrim Academy competed in the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) Area 4 Robotics Competition — and three of those teams took home top honors when they swept the Advanced Arena Division for middle- and high-school students.

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Westbury HS staff tells students why they are inspirational

The world is full of stories about teachers who have inspired their students to reach for greatness.

But at HISD’s Westbury High School, campus staff members have turned the tables. Faculty and administrators alike have been stopping Westbury pupils in the hallways to share the many ways they feel inspired by these students to come to school every day and continue the work they do in public education.

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African-American leaders forged lasting legacy of public service

Editor’s Note: Black History Month runs from Monday, Feb. 1, through Monday, Feb. 29, this year, and HISD is celebrating with a series of weekly stories recognizing distinguished African Americans who graduated from district high schools. This second article focuses on alumni who went on to have successful careers in politics or law. The first one spotlighted professional athletes, and others will feature artists, educators, and those with careers in radio, TV, and film.

Since its earliest days, Houston has been home to great leaders who, through their commitment to public service, have helped to shape our community and create opportunities for future generations.

African-Americans figure prominently in this group of civic and government officials, and HISD is proud to count many of them among our distinguished alumni, who have left a lasting legacy for citizens of Houston and students in HISD.

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Bellaire HS advances to “Sweet 16” round of global debate competition

Hundreds of debate teams from around the world entered the 2015–16 International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) competition, but only 16 remain — including HISD’s Bellaire High School. If Bellaire advances in the next round, the team will win an all-expenses-paid trip to the IPPF Finals in New York City on April 2.

Sponsored by the Brewer Foundation and New York University, the IPPF is the first and only competition that gives high school students from around the world the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public policy. By advancing, the students remain eligible to win a $10,000 grand prize. The Bellaire High School team is one of only two teams from Texas to advance this round.

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Students formalize college commitments during National Signing Day ceremony

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As a part of National Signing Day, more than 100 HISD students gathered at the Pavilion on the Forest Brook Middle School campus on Feb. 3 to formally announce their intent to play sports for particular colleges or universities this fall. The annual ceremony marks the culmination of years of hard work — both in the classroom and out on the field — and many of the talented athletes present were savoring their moment in the spotlight.

“I have never been to anything like this before,” said Reagan High School soccer player Stephanie Sanchez, who is going to Alcorn State University in Loman, Mississippi. “I am just soaking it all in.”

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HISD student athletes commit to play college sports on National Signing Day

More than 100 of HISD’s top performing student athletes committed to taking their academic and athletic talent to the college level on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day.

The HISD ceremony recognized the students’ formal commitment to continue their education and sports careers at colleges and universities around the country. During the event, students signed symbolic certificates of intent to continue their careers in baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling. Continue reading →