Campus Chronicles: April 3, 2025

Pearland ISD
Pearland ISD Student Selected for Houston Dash’s ‘She Shines’ Art Project
Alana Reyes, a student at Turner College and Career High School in Pearland ISD, has been recognized for her artistic talent by the Houston Dash. She was chosen as one of six local female artists to design a limited-edition "She Shines" t-shirt, a project aimed at celebrating the strength and influence of women in the Houston community.
As part of the Young Art Pros program, Reyes played a key role in creating the collaborative design, with each artist contributing a letter to the t-shirt. Drawing inspiration from the influential women in their lives, Reyes centered her design on the themes of self-love and self-confidence—values she attributes to her mother.
"My mom has always shown me what it means to be strong and confident," Reyes said. "I wanted my design to reflect that inner strength and the importance of loving yourself."
The final "She Shines" t-shirt showcases the combined creativity of the Young Art Pros, with each letter telling a unique story of female empowerment. The initiative not only highlights the artistic talent within the Houston area but also emphasizes the vital role of female role models in shaping young minds.

Reyes also expressed admiration for Houston Dash player Ryan Gareis, citing her as a source of inspiration on the field.
The limited-edition "She Shines" t-shirt will be available for purchase at the Team Store on match days. For more details, visit: https://www.houstondynamofc.com/houstondash/sheshines.
Spring Branch ISD
Sherwood Elementary Student Advances to National Spelling Bee
Spring Branch ISD’s own Noah Cyrus Chen White is heading to the big stage after securing a top spot in the 2025 Scripps Regional Spelling Bee, hosted by Houston Community College. The Sherwood Elementary (SWE) student’s impressive performance has earned him a place in the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee, set to take place in the Washington, D.C. area later this year.
Noah’s journey to the national competition began earlier this spring when he claimed first place in SBISD’s annual District Spelling Bee, demonstrating an exceptional command of spelling and vocabulary. His win at the district level qualified him for the regional contest, where he once again outshined his competitors to secure his spot at the national level.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation's premier spelling competition, drawing the most talented young spellers from across the country. The regional competition closely mirrors the national format, incorporating both traditional spelling rounds and word meaning challenges to test participants’ linguistic skills comprehensively. e.
As part of his achievement, the regional bee will cover airfare and lodging expenses for Noah and one parent, ensuring he can focus on preparing for the challenge ahead.
Noah’s success has garnered immense support from the SBISD community, with students, teachers, and administrators rallying behind him as he gets ready to represent the district on a national platform. His dedication and hard work exemplify the excellence SBISD strives to cultivate in its students.

Katy ISD 



Two Mayde Creek High School Students Earn Prestigious QuestBridge Scholarships
For the first time in Mayde Creek High School’s history, two students have been awarded the highly competitive QuestBridge Match Scholarship in the same year. Valeria Rodriguez and Addmyra Robles have secured full four-year scholarships to prestigious universities, marking a significant achievement for the school.
Rodriguez will attend the University of Chicago, where she plans to study molecular engineering, while Robles will pursue a degree in political science at Rice University. The scholarship, valued at more than $325,000, covers tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, and travel expenses, ensuring the students have the financial support necessary to complete their degrees.

QuestBridge is a national program designed to connect high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with top-tier universities. Beyond financial aid, the program provides ongoing academic and professional support, helping students navigate college and prepare for future careers.
The accomplishment of these two students highlights their dedication and hard work throughout high school. Their success also reflects the school’s commitment to supporting students in pursuing higher education opportunities.