State Board of Education Celebrates 2024 Student Heroes
AUSTIN, Texas – July 3, 2024 – The State of Education (SBOE) recognizes the 2024 Student Heroes, an inspiring group of Texas public school students who have made a significant impact in their respective communities through their volunteer efforts. These students have engaged in various acts of kindness from supporting local charities and founding their own organizations to leading community improvement projects and assisting those in need.
“This exceptional group of students demonstrate leadership and compassion. Their dedication to making a difference not only enriches the lives of those they help but also sets a powerful example for their peers and the entire state of Texas.” said SBOE Chairman, Aaron Kinsey. “We are thrilled to honor their commitment to serving others.”
The 2024 honorees will be celebrated with a plaque and a medal. The SBOE approved a resolution in their honor during its June general meeting.
Learn more about the 2024 recipients below:
District 1: Rian Forestier of Northside ISD
Rian Forestier, a senior at Louis Brandeis High School in the Northside Independent School District (ISD), is inspiring young athletes one step at a time. Forestier created a non-profit organization called 4WARD, which helps provide new pairs of athletic shoes for young girls. 4WARD has gifted more than 200 pairs of shoes to students at Title I schools in the San Antonio area. Forestier, an all-state basketball player, believes the right footwear can minimize the risk of injury, raise self-esteem and inspire athletes to continue playing the game.
Rian is recognized by SBOE District 1 member Melissa Ortega.
District 2: Alexis Grace Gibbens of Van Vleck ISD
Alexis Grace Gibbens, a senior at Van Vleck High School in Van Vleck ISD, initiated SR’s to Seniors, an organization that collaborates with community partners to provide support to senior citizens in Van Vleck and Matagorda County. Alexis Grace also coaches the Aquacats Swim Team, providing swim lessons to ensure that children in her community have lifelong skills in the water. Her participation in Wreaths Across America, countless blood drives and numerous other volunteerism opportunities further exemplify her dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on her school and community.
Alexis Grace is recognized by SBOE District 2 member LJ Francis.
District 3: Erin Martin of Harlandale ISD
Erin Martin, an eighth grader at Terrell Wells Middle School in Harlandale ISD, initiated an impactful campaign raising awareness of childhood cancer and spearheaded participation in the anti-bullying campaign, Be A Friend Project. Her extensive volunteer work, including serving as a Youth Ambassador for VFW POST 837 and as a Wounded Warrior Project Student Ambassador, showcases her dedication to her friends, neighbors and community.
Erin is recognized by SBOE District 3 member Marisa Perez-Diaz.
District 4: Johnny Dixon of Galena Park ISD
Johnny Dixon, a senior at North Shore Senior High School in Galena Park ISD, has dedicated his time to helping others through various volunteer activities, including assisting students with disabilities in the Baseball Miracle League, which is an adaptive sports program through the YMCA. He also helped assemble rice socks and yarn barns for cats at the Harris County Animal Shelter. Johnny’s kindness has been shared with organizations such as Kids Meals, the East Harris County Empowerment Council, Attack Poverty and several other local organizations.
Johnny is recognized by SBOE District 4 member Staci Childs.
District 5: Devan Kuppusamy of Eanes ISD
Devan Kuppusamy, a junior at Westlake High School in Eanes ISD, created a non-profit organization, NexTech Projects, addressing disparities in technology access and fostering a sustainable future. He secured a partnership with eight organizations and gathered $56,000 in donations for tech supplies in the first year of work.
Devan is recognized by SBOE District 5 member Rebecca Bell-Metereau.
District 6: Trace Bauer of Magnolia ISD
Trace Bauer, a sophomore at Magnolia High School in Magnolia ISD, has volunteered nearly 200 hours supporting various causes. Trace, who aspires to attend the United States Air Force Academy, exemplifies the Air Force’s core values of integrity, service and excellence through his volunteer work with emergency services, disaster relief and therapeutic riding programs. Trace volunteers at Inspiration Ranch, a group working with children and adults to overcome their physical, emotional and social disabilities with therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapy and activities.
Trace is recognized by SBOE District 6 member Will Hickman.
District 7: Khai Pham of Fort Bend ISD
Khai Pham, a junior at William P. Clements High School in Fort Bend ISD, uses recycled goods from local grocery stores to create soap for those in need. Inspired by the dual ethos of environmentalism and humanitarianism, his mission set a target of producing 5,000 bars of soap, a goal towards which he has made significant progress. To date, he has donated 2,020 bars to local shelters such as Fort Bend Family Promise and The Beacon. Khai plans to continue his initiative, aiming to provide hygiene and dignity through his work.
Khai is recognized by SBOE District 7 member Julie Pickren.
District 8: Colton Wallek of Waller ISD
Colton Wallek, a senior at Waller High School in Waller ISD, is actively involved in several statewide programs showcasing civic leadership and community engagement. As a 4-H State STEM Ambassador, a prominent leader in his JROTC program, and member of the National Honor Society, Colton exemplifies commitment and service. Beyond his academic pursuits, Colton devotes time to supporting the elderly in his community, assisting them in navigating the complexities of the digital era. Whether it's setting up emails, enhancing communication skills or sharing precious moments through family photos, Colton's compassion shines through in his efforts to bridge generations.
Colton is recognized by SBOE District 8 member Audrey Young.
District 9: Andrew Grogan of Avinger ISD
Andrew Grogan, a junior at Avinger High School in Avinger ISD, shows heroic actions with the Avinger Volunteer Fire Department. Andrew shows great calmness, control and awareness on any emergency call such as medical, fire or vehicle accidents. Andrew’s dedication is exemplified by his more than 16,000 minutes of service with AVFD since joining the department in November 2021. His heart and drive to help others is a shining example for students to not give up on their dreams and to do what they love. Andrew is a shining example that you are never too young to serve your community or start a career.
Andrew is recognized by District 9 SBOE member Keven Ellis.
District 10: Arjun Sharda of eSchool Prep Academy
Arjun Sharda, a seventh grader at eSchool Prep Academy, a Texas Virtual School, founded TLEEM, a nonprofit advancing education in Technology, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Engineering and Mathematics. TLEEM is helping individuals develop and sharpen their skills for the economic empowerment of the world. Arjun’s mission is to help other talented secondary schoolers pursue a professional career at a young age. Arjun’s efforts have made a global impact, with nine chapters in five countries promoting education and empowerment.
Arjun is recognized by SBOE District 10 member Tom Maynard.
District 11: Emily Nelson of Cleburne ISD
Emily Nelson, a senior at Cleburne High School in Cleburne ISD, has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving the community and pediatric cancer patients through her volunteer work with Legos for Little Warriors, a charity dedicated to providing Lego sets to children in hospitals. Emily's journey with Legos for Little Warriors began with her younger brother Brody, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018. Brody started collecting Lego sets for pediatric cancer patients at Cook Children’s Medical Center and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Emily has continued Brody’s legacy since his passing in September 2019. Emily has brought moments of happiness to children facing difficult circumstances. She has created a legacy of service that has inspired her peers and made an impact on her community.
Emily Nelson is recognized by SBOE District 11 member Patricia Hardy.
District 12: Piyush Chintalwar of Allen ISD
Piyush Chintalwar, a junior at Allen High School in Allen ISD, actively engages in community service through his nonprofit organization, Toys for Texans. He dedicates his time to collecting and distributing toys to underprivileged families. Over the past three years, Piyush has overseen the growth of Toys for Texans, expanding the volunteer team from five to five hundred members. He has orchestrated various fundraising events both within and outside his school, collaborating with local businesses to gather in-demand items and distribute them accordingly. Last year alone, Piyush and his team successfully delivered 50,000 toys and books to 14,000 individuals in need in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Through his passion and determination, Piyush has managed to raise over $500,000 in donations for Toys for Texans.
Piyush is recognized by SBOE District 12 member Pam Little.
District 13: Vanshika Prasad of Dallas ISD
Vanshika Prasad, a junior at the School for the Talented and Gifted in Dallas ISD, is a community youth leader and founder of Mighty Little Us, a non-profit organization. With over a thousand hours of community service experience, Vanshika has engaged in a diverse array of activities, including fundraising for animal foster and adoption programs, organizing food drives, supporting animal shelters through financial contributions, selling homemade crochet items at art fairs to raise funds and conducting free coding classes at Dallas libraries for underprivileged kids. Through her passion project Scratch Sparks, she has introduced more than 200 kids to the dynamic world of coding and empowered them with digital literacy and computational thinking skills. In these engaging and interactive sessions, kids learn to create animations, games and stories.
Vanshika is recognized by SBOE District 13 member Aicha Davis.
District 14: Thomas Faulkner of Lewisville ISD
Thomas Faulkner, a senior at Edward S. Marcus High School in Lewisville ISD started Thomas Gives Back, a program providing treats and supplies to teachers, first responders and essential workers in his community. He started this mission in middle school using his allowance money. Over the years Thomas has provided back to school kits, disinfectants during the pandemic and snacks. Other service acts include volunteering at a local food pantry, assisting at senior living facilities, tutoring middle school math students and serving as a ‘buddy’ to guide and support students with disabilities. Thomas has a servant's heart and plans to continue Thomas Gives Back programs when he attends the University of Texas at Austin in the fall.
Thomas is recognized by SBOE District 14 member Evelyn Brooks.
District 15: Austin Ellis of Levelland ISD
Austin Ellis, a senior at Levelland Academic Beginnings Center in Levelland ISD, had dedicated years to volunteering, notably with Bill’s Backpacks, helping feed 220 students weekly. As president of Young Emerging Leaders of Levelland (YELL), he led a successful fundraiser, tripling scholarship funds for peers. Ellis's commitment extends to community cleanups, donations to nursing homes and food banks and supporting a local animal shelter. At 18, his deep sense of giving back reflects a promising future filled with continued generosity and impact.
Austin is recognized by SBOE chairman and District 15 member Aaron Kinsey.
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