Resolution Honoring the 2024 Student Heroes

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS the State Board of Education’s Student Heroes Award, established in 2015, recognizes Texas public school students who perform selfless acts of kindness and volunteer service, thereby benefiting their fellow students and communities; and

WHEREAS members of the State Board of Education reviewed nominations and selected 15 outstanding students from across the state to receive the 2024 Student Heroes Award; and

WHEREAS Rian Forestier, a senior at Louis Brandeis High School in Northside ISD, inspires young athletes through her non-profit organization 4WARD, which has provided over 200 pairs of athletic shoes to students at Title 1 schools in the San Antonio area; and

WHEREAS Alexis Grace Gibbens, a senior at Van Vleck High School at Van Vleck ISD, initiated "SR’s to Seniors," connecting senior students with senior citizens, and has been actively involved in various community service activities including coaching swim lessons, participating in Wreaths Across America, and organizing blood drives; and

WHEREAS Erin Martin, an eighth-grade student at Terrell Wells Middle School at Harlandale ISD, has led impactful campaigns such as raising awareness for childhood cancer and anti-bullying, and has accumulated over 1,196 verified volunteer service hours, earning numerous accolades for her dedication; and

WHEREAS Johnny Dixon, a senior at North Shore Senior High School at Galena Park ISD, dedicates his time to helping others through various volunteer activities, including assisting students with disabilities, and supporting local organizations like Kids Meals and the East Harris County Empowerment Council; and

WHEREAS Devan Kuppusamy, a junior at Westlake High School at Eanes ISD, created the non-profit organization NexTech Projects to address disparities in technology access, securing $56,000 in donations for tech supplies in its first year; and

WHEREAS Trace Bauer, a sophomore at Magnolia High School at Magnolia ISD, has volunteered close to 200 hours, supporting various causes including emergency services, disaster relief, and therapeutic riding programs for children and adults with disabilities; and

WHEREAS Khai Pham, a junior at William P. Clements High School at Fort Bend ISD, uses recycled goods to create soap for those in need, having donated over 2,020 bars of soap to local shelters and demonstrating a strong commitment to environmentalism and humanitarianism; and

WHEREAS Colton Wallek, a senior at Waller High School at Waller ISD, is actively involved in numerous statewide programs, supporting the elderly with digital literacy and communication skills, and exemplifying civic leadership and community engagement; and

WHEREAS Andrew Grogan, a junior at Avinger High School at Avinger ISD, shows dedication through his work with the Avinger Volunteer Fire Department, serving over 16,000 minutes and demonstrating great calmness and control in emergency situations; and

WHEREAS Arjun Sharda, a seventh-grade student at eSchool Prep Academy, Texas Virtual Schools, founded TLEEM, a nonprofit advancing education in Technology, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and Mathematics, and has established nine chapters in five countries to help others develop professional skills; and

WHEREAS Emily Nelson, a senior at Cleburne High School at Cleburne ISD, has continued her late brother's legacy through Legos for Little Warriors, providing Lego sets to children in hospitals and bringing moments of happiness to pediatric cancer patients; and

WHEREAS Piyush Chintalwar, a junior at Allen High School at Allen ISD, leads the nonprofit organization Toys for Texans, collecting and distributing toys to underprivileged families, and has raised over $500,000 in donations, impacting thousands of individuals in need; and

WHEREAS Vanshika Prasad, a junior at the School for the Talented and Gifted at Dallas ISD, founded ‘Mighty Little Us,’ engaging in diverse community service activities, including fundraising for animal shelters, and conducting free coding classes for underprivileged kids, and introducing them to digital literacy; and

WHEREAS Thomas Faulkner, a senior at Edward S. Marcus High School at Lewisville ISD, started “Thomas Gives Back,” providing supplies and support to teachers, first responders, and essential workers, and plans to continue his service at the University of Texas; and

WHEREAS Austin Ellis, a senior at Levelland Academic Beginnings Center at Levelland ISD, has dedicated years to volunteering, notably with Bill’s Backpacks, and as president of Young Emerging Leaders of Levelland, leading community cleanups and supporting various local causes; and

WHEREAS these remarkable students have modeled compassion in their schools and communities; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the State Board of Education extends its heartfelt thanks to each of these kindhearted students and commends them for their selfless volunteerism, good character, and integrity; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this resolution be presented to each of them and that a copy be included in the permanent records of the State Board of Education.

WITNESS our signatures this 28th day of June, two thousand and twenty-four, in Austin, Texas.
 

______________________                       
Aaron Kinsey, Chair     

_______________________
Pat Hardy, Secretary