Garland ISD news June 30-July 10
NGHS student chosen to attend honors-only, STEM summer program
North Garland High School student Rhiannon Roberts represented Garland ISD among thousands of gifted peers from across the nation at the 2015 Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders June 28-30 in Boston. After reviewing her teacher-submitted nomination, world-renowned American astronaut Buzz Aldrin invited the incoming sophomore to the honors-only summer program.“When I found out I was selected, I felt really excited and honored because I do a lot to get my grades and people do not always recognize that,” Roberts said. “I am looking forward to the new experience, as well as meeting the scientists and deans of top colleges who will be there.”
The 15-year-old received this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by achieving a GPA of 3.5 or greater, displaying leadership potential, and showcasing a desire to have a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
During the three-day affair, Roberts heard Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science winners talk about scientific research, received advice from deans of the world’s top tech universities, and learned about innovative advances that will impact the future of science and technology. In addition to this summer session, Roberts also received access to the organization’s free services and programs—which include communication and mentorship opportunities with industry leaders, as well as college and career tools for students and parents.
“This is a crucial time in America when we need more nimble-minded and creative scientists and technologists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially,” said Richard Rossi, executive director of the National Academy of Future Sciences and Technologists, in a press release. “Focused, bright and determined students like Rhiannon Roberts are our future, and she deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give her.”
Roberts wants to pursue a career in scientific engineering—a traditionally male-dominated field. She believes this enlightening symposium and the ongoing support it offers will not only prepare her for that journey, but can also serve as a sign of encouragement to her female peers.
“A lot of girls do not think they are into technology, engineering or building stuff. But girls have great ideas, too,” she commented. “It helps to have a girl’s mind instead of just a guy’s mind to develop ideas and build things. Girls can play a big part in this field. We just have to show what we can create and get out of a STEM career.”
SGHS earns Global Education Excellence Award
Changing lives of students halfway across the world, South Garland High School recently received Education First (EF) High School Exchange Year’s Global Education Excellence Award. This leader in high school exchange recognizes a select few campuses each year that demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to international understanding and global awareness.“By welcoming exchange students into the classrooms, South Garland High School has created new and unique learning opportunities not just for the exchange students, but for the American students and faculty as well,” said Dan Sodervall, president of EF High School Exchange Year.
“I remember the first day that I came to the counselor’s office with Greta from Italy and Nagi from Japan,” added local exchange coordinator Judy Wadsworth. “Nagi could speak very little English and was crying because she did not understand. Ms. [Tamara] Stovall went out of her way to call another school and get a translator to help Nagi register.”
In addition to Greta Castillini and Nagi Kihira, SGHS also welcomed Maria Basa from Spain and Hannah Monken from Germany this year. The girls became an integral part of the school’s academic and extracurricular life throughout 2014-15.
“My experience at South Garland was amazing,” said Basa. “I was able to participate in cheerleading, softball and the school play, which is something I would not have done in Spain.”
Others participated in volleyball and color guard, as well as Career and Technical Education courses. Monken even led the SGHS tennis team to a regional title.
“I always say that hosting an exchange student is all about caring and making a difference in the world,” commented Wadsworth. “South Garland has done that.”
“To receive this award because of the customer service and care that we provide to children is the greatest honor,” said Principal Tracy Curtis. “It is just part of what we do, so for someone to stop and say thank you is unexpected and unnecessary, but we love it.”
Committed to promoting international understanding and global awareness for more than 30 years, EF High School Exchange Year has matched more than 100,000 students with host families across the United States. To learn more about getting involved, visit www.efexchangeyear.org.
Sachse HS sought-after athlete gears up for stellar senior year
As one of Sachse High School’s star athletes, incoming senior Devin Duvernay is used to being followed by the spotlight. Considering the 17-year-old has already made Sachse history and is one of the nation’s top recruits, it comes as no surprise that Duvernay is looking forward to making the most out of his senior year. And that is something the Mustang community is excited to see in 2015-16.“Devin is a model student. For several years now, it has been well known that he is a very talented athlete,” said Principal Ray Merrill. “With a great foundation from his parents and educators at all levels, Devin has taken that talent and exceeded the already high expectations others had of him. I hope everyone in Mustang Country is as excited about this year as I am.”
A gifted football and track athlete, Duvernay demonstrated his exceptional talent by becoming the campus’ first UIL State Track Meet Champion in May—a satisfying win for the committed competitor.
“I dedicate about three hours a day to school athletics,” Duvernay said. “I felt great and relieved when I won gold in the 100-meter dash because all the hard work I put in paid off.”
Sachse Head Football Coach Mark Behrens was not only proud of Duvernay’s UIL performance, but glad that he will be remembered in Sachse sports permanently.
“It has been a blessing to be able to coach football in general, but to have an athlete like Devin is something that does not happen every day. So it has really been special, for sure,” Behrens commented. “We have had other state champions at other schools in the district, but he will always be Sachse’s first. He is what you want in a student athlete. Not only is he a leader in the building, but on the field and track as well.”
Duvernay’s athletic prowess is exactly why he is entering his senior year ranked the nation’s No. 2 football wide receiver recruit. The hometown sensation has currently racked up 45 college offers, and will have even more eyes on him this fall season.
“It feels great to be ranked No. 2 because I know what I bring to the table. It is a blessing to be able to perform on a high level, and get my talents noticed,” the humble player stated.
And as far as his senior year and future are concerned, the high schooler hopes to achieve big goals.
“I plan to just have fun, enjoy myself and have a great senior year on the field and track as long as I am in the school building,” Duvernay expressed. “I want to end high school greatly and have a successful college career on and off the field. I also hope to play in the NFL, and go from there.”
Photo courtesy of Mark Behrens.
New administration to welcome students back to school
Several new principals and assistant principals will greet students as they return to school this year. A list of recent campus appointments is below.
Principals:
Armstrong Elementary School – Coleman Bruman
Bullock Elementary School – Shannon Trimble
Centerville Elementary School – Amie Pennington
Classical Center at Vial Elementary School – Beatris Martinez
Club Hill Elementary School – Shae Creel
Daugherty Elementary School – Bonnie Barrett
Herfurth Elementary School – Jessica Hicks
Hudson Middle School – Jennifer Benavides
Keeley Elementary School – Spencer Hughes
Rowlett Elementary School – Kathy Tunnell
Sewell Elementary School – Kim Marsh
Shorehaven Elementary School – Deborah Henson
Southgate Elementary School – Quinton Darden
Stephens Elementary School – Janee Haynes
Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence – Lisa Alexander
Watson Technology Center for Math and Science – Chris Grey
Assistant Principals:
Austin Academy for Excellence – Eddrick Haskins
Beaver Technology Center for Math and Science – Magda Carrero-Diaz
Caldwell Elementary School – LaBotta Taylor
Coyle Middle School – Brent Reid
Coyle Middle School – Cherelle Wilson
Dorsey Elementary School – Denise Cambell
Heather Glen Elementary School – Pacquepsi Ramirez
Herfurth Elementary School – Bobbie Carter
Hudson Middle School – Mark Booker Jr.
Jackson Technology Center for Math and Science – Adrian Hernandez
Jackson Technology Center for Math and Science – Terri Osborne
Keeley Elementary School – Sheri Taylor
North Garland High School – Natasha Shaw
North Garland High School – Robert Quach
Northlake Elementary School – Zuri Tafciu
O’Banion Middle School – William Knuckles IV
Roach Elementary School – Claudia Saenz
Rowlett High School – Sonya Roberts
Sam Houston Middle School – Jocelynn Charbonneau
Schrade Middle School – Kenneth Pearce
South Garland High School – Angela Nolan
South Garland High School – Victoria Acevedo
Spring Creek Elementary School – Jade Hobbs
Steadham Elementary School – Jeffrey Waller
Stephens Elementary School – Kristen Babovec
Webb Middle School – Devonia Maddox
Carver Elementary students create campaign, donate profits to St. Jude
Creating their own project-based learning lesson, six Carver Elementary School fifth-graders recently learned how to manage a small nonprofit and pay it forward. The entrepreneurial group created a club called Art with Heart, which sold original artworks, bookmarks and bracelets to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Originally conceived by Phillip Benjamin, Jordan Gonzalez, Modupe Karimi, Daniel Ruiz, Clarissa Salinas and Damerian Wigenton as a for-profit business, the idea to launch a nonprofit began with the advice of fifth-grade teacher Sabina Bawany.
“When they came to me and told me that they wanted to create a business, I told them they might want to start a fundraiser,” Bawany said. “I believe there are some policies in place regarding soliciting, so from there, it just took off. I have been very blessed to have kids who are really motivated and do a great job.”
Once they settled on a mission and game plan, the students got to work, meeting three times a week to craft their original art pieces—which were inspired by Carver’s first-ever art class.
“I was very proud they were using skills they learned in my class and taking them and doing good things with them,” said art teacher Christy Dickerson. “They are not only learning valuable lessons of craftsmanship, but they are also learning about being good citizens and stewards.”
After a three-month campaign of selling $1 yarn bracelets, $2 yarn bookmarks and $1-3 original drawings three times a week for 45 minutes, the bunch raised $200. In June, the group officially mailed that check to St. Jude, bringing this charitable project to a close.
“I think it is a good thing that we donated the money because the children really need it,” said Art for Heart member Damerian Wigenton. “I do not think we should get a prize for this. Our prize is that we just feel good about doing this.”
But the group gained much more than emotional gratification from their philanthropic endeavor.
“This project not only taught them empathy, but it also taught them communication, marketing, math and crafting skills. It was a multifaceted project,” Bawany explained. “The best thing is that through this project, they got to see the application in a real-world scenario.”
And though the fifth-graders are moving on to middle school come fall, they hope they established a new tradition that will thrive at Carver and ultimately inspire other campuses districtwide.
Rowlett HS to receive Texas Bandmasters Association award
The award-winning Rowlett High School Mighty Eagle Band is about to enhance its packed display shelf with another shining trophy. The ensemble will receive the 2015 Exemplary High School Band Award by the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA) later this month. Just two secondary schools in the state receive this honor every year.
“The Rowlett band is truly one of the most exemplary high school band programs in Texas,” states a press release. “It has collected many awards throughout the years, and has been a consistent example of excellence over a long period. It has developed that reputation under the leadership of Director Phillip Alvarado and staff.”
Alvarado, who recently left the district, shaped and strengthened the program over the past 18 years. Beginning with less than 100 members, the Mighty Eagle Band now boasts 260. As the largest organization on campus, it is responsible for positively impacting the lives of countless students.
“Students in band are also members of many other clubs, organizations and sports teams on and off campus,” states the Mighty Eagle Band’s website. “Being a member of the RHS band means you will receive a well-rounded education and surround yourself with others who share a passion for music.”
Because of its hardworking students and strong leadership, RHS will become the first Garland ISD campus to join the elite group of Exemplary Band Award recipients. Just 18 Texas middle and high schools have received the honor since it was introduced in 2006.
North Garland spotlighted in TEA study
Due to its talented students and staff, North Garland High School was one of just 11 campuses spotlighted by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The campus was selected to be part of a case study project, which outlined best practices at high-performing and high-progress Title I schools.
“The work taking place at these 11 schools reflects some innovative principles that can be applied in districts all across our state,” said Commissioner of Education Michael Williams in a press release. “It is my hope that by sharing these best practices, all schools can be in a position to help their students thrive and succeed in the classroom.”
TEA strategically chose campuses that featured a high percentage of low socio-economic students, excellent academic performance rates, quality teachers, a positive school climate and effective leadership. In order to document best practices, representatives from TEA and the Texas Comprehensive Center conducted interviews with campus principals, teachers and school improvement coordinators to learn about operating procedures and achievements.
North Garland will now impact and inspire schools across the state, as TEA plans to distribute the case study as part of its Texas school improvement trainings.
To see a list of participating campuses, or the complete case study, visit the TEA website.
Austin Academy and GHS teachers partner to help students
Taking the leap from middle to high school, seven Austin Academy for Excellence graduates joined forces with former and future teachers during a recent competition. Austin theater director Aaron Gallagher and Garland High School speech and debate coach Lory Stewart partnered to give those students an edge at the National Speech and Debate Association Tournament June 17-19 in Dallas.“This opportunity came about because nationals was in Dallas this year, so it was the perfect chance to take our incoming freshmen in the middle school division,” Stewart said. “It was a huge opportunity to compete at nationals because we usually only have two or three students qualify for this particular tournament.”
Taylor Dodd, Taylor Laredo, Trevor Stewart, Avery Trevino, Benji Varnan, Kennedy Wallace and Kennedy Waterman were the lucky seven who made it to nationals. Although Stewart and Wallace worked with coach Stewart during her time at Hillside Academy for Excellence, this first-time Austin-GHS partnership proved to be a great success.
Stewart placed fifth in humorous interpretation and was a semifinalist in duo acting, as was Varnan. Dodd, Laredo, Trevino and Waterman all landed in the top 24 in duo acting. Waterman was also a quarterfinalist in dramatic interpretation. Wallace, the group’s Lincoln-Douglas debater, impressed all when she went 3-3 her first time out—a remarkable accomplishment for the 14-year-old. But the coaches were not the only ones celebrating the crew’s accomplishments. Parents were more than proud, and also saw the long-term benefits of the event.
“We believe this opportunity really helped boost our son’s morale and helped to fuel his competitive fire,” said Varnan’s father, Jackson. “[This event] broadened the students’ minds about what they are truly capable of doing. GHS will gain a valuable pool of seasoned kids who are now accustomed to the national stage, which will further help in future successes for both the school and students.”
Future successes are on coach Stewart’s mind, as she hopes to continue her collaboration with the incoming freshman and Austin’s theater director.
“We look forward to even more big things from these students in the future,” she commented. “We also hope that Aaron Gallagher will travel with us to other states for nationals in the future.”
Photo courtesy of Lory Stewart.
North Garland students impress at HOSA nationals
A group of North Garland High School students earned big honors at the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) National Leadership Conference June 24-27 in Anaheim, Calif. Going head-to-head with thousands of the nation’s toughest contenders, the Raiders used their skills and talent to place within the top 10 in eight categories.“We had spectacular results at nationals,” said health science and technology teacher Nancy Stewart. “We were there along with 9,000 of the most academic competitors in the nation. It takes dedication and hard work to place in these competitive events. We are so proud of these students, and thank the district for allowing us to compete.”
Impressing in categories that covered everything from newsletters to biomedical laboratory sciences, the NGHS team proved that hard work and dedication reap rewards. But the group would not have been successful without their health science Career & Technical Education teachers. Learning real-world skills, such as medical terminology, body mechanics and taking vital signs, surely helped these students secure their victories. The future health professionals also propelled their chances by joining North’s HOSA chapter, which allowed them to acquire experience in their forthcoming careers.
That critical experience can be credited with the following results from nationals:
Miguel Aguilar – ninth, epidemiology
Eyad Alrabbat – seventh, biomedical laboratory sciences
Jesus Bermejo – Best in Category, HOSA HAPPENINGS Newsletter
Karla Martinez – Best in Category, Outstanding HOSA Chapter
Perla Martinez – National Service Project of Merit Award to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Tariq Muhanna – first, biomedical laboratory sciences
Vivian Nguyen – second, biomedical laboratory sciences
Maria Tijerina – fifth, physical therapy
Photo courtesy of Vivian Nguyen.
Social