Resolution Honoring the 2026 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 2026 Student Heroes Award; and

WHEREAS Jaylin Esparza, a senior at Riverside High School in Ysleta Independent School District (ISD), has demonstrated superior leadership, compassion, and dedication through her service in Student Council, athletics, and her church community, uplifting others through her work with special needs children making her an inspiring member of the Riverside community; and

WHEREAS Liam Toledo, a 9th grade student at Science Academy of South Texas in South Texas ISD, has transformed his passion for reading into a powerful, self‑sustaining community initiative that provides books, food, and mentorship to families across the Rio Grande Valley, demonstrating extraordinary leadership, compassion, and service at a young age; and

WHEREAS Lynda Guzman, a junior at Harmony Science Academy-San Antonio has shown extraordinary compassion and leadership by transforming her home and daily life to provide safety, stability, and academic support for 52 young immigrant girls—serving as a mentor, advocate, and lifeline who ensures they feel seen, valued, and prepared to succeed; and

WHEREAS Farmata Lo, a junior at Blanson Career and Technical Education (CTE) High School in Aldine ISD, has demonstrated exceptional empathy, initiative, and innovation by creating the Ether Initiative—developing thoughtfully designed care kits that bring comfort and accessibility to neurodiverse patients in medical settings, reflecting compassion and leadership far beyond her years; and 

WHEREAS Asvini Thivakaran, a junior at McNeil High School in Round Rock ISD, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and environmental stewardship by championing STEM education for all, founding impactful initiatives, and empowering over a thousand underrepresented students through mentorship, education, and community action that creates lasting change; and 

WHEREAS Lucas Wang, a 9th grade student at Taylor High School in Katy ISD, has shown remarkable leadership, compassion, and vision by co‑founding Music No Boundaries and expanding free music education to students locally and around the world, using his talent and dedication to break barriers, build confidence, and create lasting opportunities for young musicians; and 

WHEREAS Sloane Rooney, a 5th grade student at Port Neches Intermediate in Port Neches Groves ISD, has demonstrated great compassion and a heartfelt commitment to uplifting others through her school leadership, faith‑based encouragement, volunteer work with special needs students, and dedicated community service that reflects a maturity and kindness beyond her years; and

WHEREAS Zach Casas, a senior at Hargrave High School in Huffman ISD, has demonstrated superior integrity, vision, and service by founding the large‑scale Pond to Purpose outdoor learning and wellness initiative—securing major funding, uniting his community, and creating a long‑lasting educational resource that will benefit thousands of students for decades to come; and 

WHEREAS Jayden West, a senior at Zavalla High School in Zavalla ISD, has shown remarkable resilience, growth, and compassion by transforming personal hardship into a life of service—volunteering as a firefighter, supporting community events, uplifting special needs children, and becoming a confident advocate and role model whose kindness strengthens the Zavalla community; and 

WHEREAS Shreyas Ambati, a 9th grade student at Rouse High School in Leander ISD, has shown extraordinary compassion, initiative, and leadership by founding the Smilebox Foundation at age 15, creating, funding, and delivering hundreds of activity kits to children in hospitals and child welfare centers, bringing comfort and hope to those facing their hardest moments; and

WHEREAS Emily Doty, a senior at Cleburne High School in Cleburne ISD, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, compassion, and initiative by founding the S.P.L.A.S.H. program—transforming research, collaboration, and CTE learning into a sustainable community effort that equips families of special needs children with life‑saving water safety education and long‑term support; and

WHEREAS Mary Grace Gibbons, a junior at Paris High School in Paris ISD, has shown exceptional compassion, initiative, and leadership by creating “Mr. Marvin’s Market,” a sustainable campus food‑sharing program that reduces waste, supports students facing food insecurity, and strengthens community partnerships through her thoughtful, service‑driven action; and 

WHEREAS Hailey Smith, a senior at Yvonne Ewell Townview Center in Dallas ISD, has demonstrated heartfelt dedication to her community through consistent volunteerism, preparing holiday meals, delivering food to the elderly, and creating the Black Doll Project to promote confidence among young Black girls, embodying the compassion and service that define a true student hero; and

WHEREAS Evelyn Hatfield, an 8th grade student at Blalack Middle School in Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD, has transformed her own experience with dyslexia into a powerful force by creating accessible assistive‑technology tutorials, training students and families, and collaborating with district leaders and software developers to ensure districtwide support for learners with dyslexia; and

WHEREAS Bergan Pinkley, a senior at Big Spring High School in Big Spring ISD, has demonstrated superior leadership, academic excellence, and a servant’s heart by uplifting her school and community, creating meaningful traditions for nursing‑home residents, honoring first responders and veterans, organizing military care packages, and leading with integrity as a scholar‑athlete and student leader whose dedication has made a lasting impact; and 

WHEREAS these distinguished 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

WITNESS our signatures this 26th day of June, two thousand and twenty-six, in Austin, Texas.


______________________                                              _______________________                  
 Aaron Kinsey, Chair                                                           Will Hickman, Secretary