Resolution Honoring the 2025 Heroes for Children Award Recipients

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, the State Board of Education (SBOE) established the Heroes for Children award program in 1994 to honor individuals who exemplify excellence in educational advocacy and volunteerism; and 

WHEREAS, 15 exceptional volunteers have been selected by each member of the SBOE to receive the 2025 Heroes for Children award in recognition of their dedicated service to students, schools, and communities across Texas; and
 

WHEREAS, Elizabeth Weaver has been a dedicated parent volunteer at Anthony Independent School District (ISD), who has selflessly contributed countless hours to student programs, academic coaching, campus events, health screenings, and critical school initiatives, including the Stronger Connections Grant Advisory Committee; and

WHEREAS, for eight years, Xochitl Garcia has been a dedicated parent volunteer at Harmony School of Innovation in Brownsville, supporting her daughters’ education and strengthening community ties through active engagement in events, programs, and family initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Ysela Gonzalez has shown outstanding leadership and dedication as Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) president at Harmony School of Science in San Antonio, advocating for all students and strengthening the bond of the school community by increasing parent involvement and launching initiatives through major fundraisers including the 2024 Color Run, which raised $30,000; demonstrating creativity and calm under pressure; and

WHEREAS, for four years, Ariana Sanches has actively served Sam Houston Elementary in Galena Park ISD, contributing to campus events, policy development, and student advocacy; and through her leadership and initiative, formed and coordinated a dedicated parent volunteer group, fostering meaningful engagement, strengthening collaboration, and significantly enriching the school community; and

WHEREAS, Courtenay Kehl has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the students of Wimberley ISD through her compassionate service in the Wimberley Best Buds mentoring program and support of the TEXAN Roots Character Education initiative; her dedication has fostered inclusion, strengthened student character, and positively influenced campus culture through mentorship, sponsorship of student clubs, and collaboration with school leadership; and

WHEREAS, Mary Adegbesan has shown exceptional dedication to educational equity through her leadership, volunteerism, and advocacy for underserved youth in Houston ISD and beyond; as a student leader, nonprofit founder, author, and civic advocate, she has empowered thousands through college readiness, financial aid guidance, and free computer science education; and

WHEREAS, Amberly Craft has shown unwavering dedication and compassion in service to the students, families, and staff of Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School; her consistent involvement—spanning campus events, mentorship, and support for academic and emotional growth—has made a lasting and deeply intentional impact across Little Cypress Mauriceville Consolidated ISD campuses; and

WHEREAS, Cassandra Posey who served Waller ISD and the community demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for all children, guided by her belief that “Education is power”, through various volunteer roles, including Chair of the Student Health Advisory Committee, Long Range Planning Committee, JROTC Booster Club, Book Review, Site-Based Decision Making, and Parent Engagement Committees, Youth Pastor Search Committee leader and 4-H volunteer; and

WHEREAS, Arnecia Robinson has devoted four years of generous service, leadership, and unwavering support to the students and staff of Harmony School of Garland where her efforts through PTO event coordination, business outreach, and daily volunteerism have strengthened school spirit, built community partnerships, and uplifted the campus environment; and 

WHEREAS, Jennifer Noonan has devoted over 800 volunteer hours and raised more than $41,000 over 12 years in support of Meridian World School and its students in Round Rock; her creation and leadership of the Uniform Exchange program has provided thousands of uniform pieces to families, raised annual funds for teacher grants, and promoted sustainability through clothing reuse and recycling; and

WHEREAS, Marissa Villafranca has dedicated over a decade of selfless service to students and staff at Harmony Science Academy in Fort Worth; her tireless work from daily campus support and event coordination to compassionate outreach through the school clothing closet—has enriched the school environment and uplifted countless families; and

WHEREAS, Jenna Maynard is honored for her exceptional servant leadership and deep commitment to Plano ISD, having shaped lives through campus advocacy, community initiatives, and district-wide service—including securing International Baccalaureate designation at Huffman Elementary, establishing a food pantry, and raising annual funds for public education; and

WHEREAS, Juan Narvaez has embodied servant leadership and family-focused volunteerism through dedicated service at Harmony School of Innovation in Grand Prairie, inspiring student growth, character-building, and stronger bonds among families, educators, and youth; and

WHEREAS, Adrian Musquiz has shown exceptional generosity and dedication as a volunteer at Parkdale Elementary in Waco ISD, uplifting the school community through birthday treat bags, academic and attendance rewards, the annual “Drive Boo” event, and his advocacy during Bully Prevention Month—demonstrating his commitment to a positive and safe environment; and

WHEREAS, Susan Elaine Perez has championed educational excellence across Texas by empowering families, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for high academic standards; through her leadership with Citizens for Education Reform, work as an Education Empowerment Coach, and support for curriculum reform, school choice, and community prayer, she has united hundreds in pursuit of stronger schools; and now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the State Board of Education proudly recognizes these exemplary individuals as Heroes for Children and extends heartfelt appreciation for their enduring volunteer service and meaningful contributions to Texas public schools and communities.

WITNESS our signatures this 12th day of September, two thousand and twenty-five, in Austin, Texas.

_________________________________                                          ________________________________
 Aaron Kinsey, SBOE Chairman                                                          Will Hickman, SBOE Secretary