Spring brings exciting surprises and recognitions across the district

So far, April has marked the beginning of a very busy season across HISD – but it has been a season full of exciting surprises and recognitions.  

For the second year, I have the honor and privilege of personally handing out the Board of Education and Superintendent scholarship awards. This year, the top recipients are 10 deserving members of the Class of 2019 whom I selected from among 44 HISD seniors nominated by their school’s principal or leadership team. These 10 seniors are receiving a $5,000 scholarship, and the 34 remaining honorees will receive $2,000 scholarships. 

I was especially moved by the story of the first recipient we surprised this week – North Houston Early College High School senior Stacy Gonsoulin. Stacy has consistently performed at the highest level of her classes, inspires school spirit, and encourages other students to be better citizens.  

What’s even more amazing are the challenges that Stacy faces at home as a caregiver to two parents who have suffered grave illnesses and ongoing medical challenges for nearly 10 years. With grace and courage, Stacy deals with the daily challenges of being enrolled in a slate of advanced classes. She works nights and weekends to help support her household. She does all of this with a positive attitude and a zest for service as a campus leader.  

Stacy plans to attend the University of North Texas in the fall and major in Interior Design. I am so proud of Stacy and look forward to all that she is going to achieve after HISD. It’s truly one of the highlights of my job to recognize students like Stacy, and it has been so rewarding to make a positive impact in their lives. 

Vals & Sals 

The district will honor the Class of 2019 with the annual HISD Scholars Banquet, which celebrates our valedictorians and salutatorians.  

Every spring, HISD honors the top two scholars at each of its high schools with a formal celebration of the accomplishment of finishing first or second in their class academic rankings. During the banquet, each valedictorian and salutatorian is presented with a medallion in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements. 

Follow along on social media at @HoustonISD and learn more about the top scholars for the Class of 2019! 

Volunteers in Public Schools 

Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” In HISD, we are fortunate to have many volunteers working in service of our children. 

Last week, the district thanked our top volunteers for 2019 in categories such as the top youth volunteer of the year, senior volunteer of the year, and parent partner of the year. We also awarded the annual Jean Davis Myers Service Award to Kids Hope USA for its mentorship program at Sutton Elementary School. 

Each mentor is matched with a student that has been identified by their teacher as needing additional supports with academics, communication skills, self-esteem, or social skills. The Kids Hope mentor commits to spent one hour per week with their student for an entire school year.  

HISD has 39,000 active volunteers districtwide who have dedicated countless hours to schools, programs, and events across Houston. We couldn’t be successful without their dedication and commitment to their communities. 

For more information about VIPS or to volunteer, go to HoustonISD.org/VIPS. 

I want to thank YOU for your continued support to help empower our staff, teachers, and students.