Category Archives: High Schools

Lamar High School valedictorian prepares to change the world with activism, empathy

During his 13 years in HISD, Lamar High School graduate Michael Hamad collected quite a few superlatives. He maintained perfect attendance from kindergarten through his senior year, and he was named the 2024 senior class valedictorian. Maintaining perfect grades is a herculean task on its own, but Hamad’s ambitions far surpass going above and beyond for his own acclaim. In addition to his exceptional academic record, Hamad has a vision for a brighter and more equitable future, and he has big plans to make it happen. 

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Lights. Camera. Lead. HISD spotlights Star Educator Alisa Zapata

Dr. Alisa Zapata has served as principal of Westside High School since 2022, where she and her team work to provide a vital, engaging educational experience for their zoned students, Westside’s STEAM magnet, and Futures Academy of Health Science students. She is this week’s HISD Star Educator.

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HISD seniors turn tassels a second time at HCC graduation

Days after receiving their high school diplomas, HISD dual-credit seniors accepted their associate degrees or professional certificates at Houston Community College’s (HCC) 2024 commencement ceremonies on Thursday, June 13.

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HISD senior awarded full scholarship to “Little Ivy” university

No person is born at their fullest potential. Troy Jackson, a senior at HISD’s Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy, would tell anyone that much. Jacksonnever expected greatness, but with hard work and perseverance, as well as guidance from a handful of trusted adults, he is preparing to attend Swarthmore College in the fall on a full academic scholarship.

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HISD seniors honored with scholarships at Superintendent Scholars Luncheon

As another school year draws to a close, HISD seniors are not only preparing for exams, prom and graduation, but for the vast and unknowable world that awaits them after high school. In acknowledgement of the bright and exciting futures that await them, HISD granted the Superintendent Scholars Award to an outstanding senior from each high school, and bestowed an additional honor to the Superintendent’s hand-picked top 10.

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HISD sophomore combats food insecurity with nonprofit food delivery service

Layla Lee, a sophomore at Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, is only fifteen years old, but she is already on a mission to change the world around her for the better.

Lee founded and runs a nonprofit organization called Community Cuisine, a project devised to combat food insecurity in her community. Inspired by a school visit from the Pangea Network, an organization devoted to empowering women and youth, Lee applied for their Young Women’s Leadership Challenge (YWLC), a program that encourages young people to start their own community service projects.

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HISD Valedictorians and Salutatorians honored at Scholars Recognition Ceremony

HISD’s highest achieving high school seniors gathered at Delmar Fieldhouse on April 30 to celebrate the 2023-2024 valedictorians and salutatorians at this year’s Scholars Recognition Ceremony. These students have worked hard to reach the highest echelon of high school academics and were recognized in front of friends, family, and educators in a touching sendoff to their high school careers.

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Carnegie Vanguard earns top spot in Children at Risk’s annual rankings

The research and advocacy nonprofit Children at Risk released its annual school rankings with several Houston ISD campuses earning top spots. For the 2022-2023 school year, HISD’s Carnegie Vanguard High School was ranked the number one public high school in the Greater Houston area.

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HISD to hold inaugural Military Career Day

HISD will host its first-ever Military Career Day for high school juniors on Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Delmar Fieldhouse (2020 Mangum Road, 77092).

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