Lamar Consolidated High School JROTC Named Among Country’s Elite

Lamar Consolidated High School’s Air Force JROTC program – Unit TX-792 – has been selected as one of only 119 units in the nation to receive the 2017-2018 Air Force JROTC Outstanding Organization Award. This award recognizes Air Force JROTC units that have performed well above and beyond normal expectations and have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community while meeting the Air Force JROTC citizen development mission.

The unit includes students from Lamar Consolidated and George Ranch high schools. The objectives of the Air Force JROTC program are to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship and life skills; promote community service; instill responsibility, character and self-discipline through character education; and to provide instruction in air and space fundamentals.

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FBISD Students Named 2018 Texas State Karate Champs and National Qualifiers

Fort Bend ISD students helped form a 24-member athletic team that competed at the 2018 Texas State Karate Championship and Qualifier in May held in Houston, with individual members placing in the top three positions of their divisions.

The State Championship was sanctioned by USANK the National governing Body for Karate in the Olympic under USOC.

They were among the 235 athletes from throughout the state to enter the competition, regarded as the largest and most prestigious traditional karate tournament in the state of Texas. The FBISD athletes were among the those, to compete in various divisions of kata (essence and foundation of karate that focuses on form), Kumite (face-to-face combat that incorporates attack and defense techniques and Kobudo (the weapon system of Martial Arts).

FBISD Students earning top awards are Haven Lopez, kindergarten, Sullivan Elementary (Gold Kata); Brielle Jenter, kindergarten, Highlands Elementary (bronze, Kata and Kumite); Tyler Lopez, second grade, Sullivan Elementary (gold, Kata); Nalika Nana, third grade, Oyster Creek Elementary (bronze, Kata and Kumite); Anya Singh, third grade, Drabek Elementary (bronze, Kata and Kumite); Meher Singh, third grade, Drabek Elementary (gold, Kata); Joshua Darsan, fourth grade, Walker Station Elementary (bronze, Kata and gold, Kobudo); Jayden Goodman, fourth grade, Palmer Elementary (bronze, Kata); Kaito Sengoku, fifth grade, Austin Parkway Elementary (gold, Kata and bronze, Kumite); James Goodman, sixth grade, Garcia Middle School (gold, Kata and silver, Kumite); Gregory Gurevich, sixth grade, Quail Valley Middle School (gold, Kata and Kumite); Charlize Lopez, sixth grade, Quail Valley Middle School (bronze, Kata); Ahn Vu, sixth Grade, Fort Settlement Middle School (bronze, Kata and Kumite); Sophia Ji, sixth grade, Fort Settlement Middle School (silver, Kata);

Thomas Jenterfrom Highlands Elementary and Akira SantosoFrom Commonwealth Elementary also competed.

Other team members to receive awards include Christina Korman, (gold, Kata and silver, Kobudo); Fabiana Lopez(bronze, Kata and gold, Kumite), Sensei Andres Sanabria(gold, Kumite) and Vinny Vuong(gold, Kata). Also competing was Devashish Akhare, Fabiola Lopez, Baoying Jenter and Sensei Clarissa Villanueva.

The winners of the competition will represent Texas at the 2018 USA National Championships and Team Trials from July 12-15 in Reno, Nevada.

All these karate athletes trained at the Traditional Karate Center under the instruction of Sensei Ramon Veras(chief instructor), Sensei Nizar Albagdadi (senior instructor), Sensei Nathan Work(senior instructor), Sensei Cassie Pham-Kormanand Sensei Andres Sanabria.

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ERP and IPE Name FBISD Name Texas Honor Roll Schools

Several Fort Bend ISD schools have been recognized as 2017-18 Honor Roll Schools by the Education Results Partnership (ERP) and the Institute for Productivity Education (IPE). FBISD schools were awarded Scholar and Star designations.

The Star campuses include Barrington Place Elemen­tary, Garcia Middle School, Lakeview Elemen­tary, Meadows Elementary and Oyster
Creek Elementary.

The Scholars campuses include Brazos Bend Elemen­­tary, Clements High School, Colony Meadows Elementary, Commonwelath Elementary, Corner­stone Elementary, First Colony Middle School, Fort Settlement Middle School, Sartartia Middle School, Sullivan Elementary and Walker Station Elementary.

The Honor Roll recognizes public schools at all levels that demonstrate high academic achievement, improvement in achievement over time and reductions in achievement gaps, as well as college and career readiness. The FBISD schools were among the just 729 schools that were recognized in Texas.

The “Scholar” distinction is given to schools that have high academic achievement, but do not have a significant socio-economically disadvantaged student population. The “Star” distinction is given to schools that have significant socio-economically disadvantaged student populations, and are high-performing and have shown success in closing the achievement gap.

“FBISD teachers and administrators are committed to reaching higher levels of academic achievement and progress while continuously improving our practices,” said Dr. Audra Ude, FBISD’s executive director of accountability and assessment. “We are pleased to see the hard work and dedication translating to positive outcomes for our students.”

Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Institute for Productivity in Education (IPE) partner with leaders in the business community in a shared mission: to ensure all students are prepared to succeed in college and career. Together, they work to improve educational productivity at all levels, K through Job. They draw upon the nation’s largest database on student achievement to uncover successful schools, particularly in economically disadvantaged districts, and promote their best practices to schools that want to do better. Since 2016, the Honor Roll has focused business and academic leaders around a common agenda for high performing public schools leading to increased college success and economic productivity.

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Senior on the Spectrum: Meet Christy

Summer is the time for new beginnings as high school seniors transition from structured school-life to adulthood. With over 3,000 students diagnosed with autism in Fort Bend public schools, many are graduating having travelled a longer, or different road, but with the same hopes and dreams everyone else has.

Christy, 18 years old, just graduated from Ridge Point High School and has autism spectrum disorder. “The thing I will miss most about high school is my teachers, especially Mrs. Cardwell,” said Christy. “Some of my favorite memories were Senior Scram and the parties Student Council threw.” What she values most in her school experiences is the same as her peers, “I like to go to the gym, horseback ride, play soccer, watch movies, and do Special Olympics activities like bowling and basketball.”

However, some things that are easy for most, require more effort on her and her family’s part. “I have trouble doing math and P.E. was also hard sometimes,” Christy said, “with precision needed in some sports.”

Christy also wanted to be more independent. She wanted to be able to walk around the school by herself without a teacher. After convincing her mom and teachers, Christy was able to walk around the school like her peers. Christy plans to attend University of Houston and aspires to be a nurse so she can help others.

When asked she would like everyone to know about autism, Christy said, “People like me, with autism, can be sensitive to sounds, might have trouble making eye contact – especially with strangers – and making new friends can be hard. They mostly do not like hugs or touching. I prefer fist bumps and high fives. People with autism just want to be talked to like we are normal people – like everyone else. We want people to talk to us, not at us.”

For information on resources, transitional support and referrals call Hope For Three, 281-245-0643 or visit hopeforthree.org

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Hubenak Elementary Takes Bluebonnet Book Crown

Hubenak Elementary bested the rest in Lamar CISD’s annual Battle of the Bluebonnet Books. Each elementary forms a team and is tested on the ability to recognize passages and answer questions chosen from this year’s Bluebonnet Books.

Hubenak was represented at this year’s contest by Caleb Helmke, Jennifer Jew, Roman Ortega, Jordan Tosch, Bach Tranand Valeria Vazquez.Librarian Sarah Falcon coached the team.

Each year, the Texas Library Association announces its Bluebonnet Book Award list. Titles are chosen for both quality and appeal to children.

Campbell took second in the annual competition, with Williams and Huggins tying for third after two 25-question rounds and a 20-question tie-breaker.

The competition is completely underwritten by the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation, which paid for t-shirts, trophies, lunch for the participants and travel costs for all 24 elementary schools.

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Austin Elementary and Briscoe JH Earn History Quiz Bowl Crowns

Austin Elementary made history by being the first-ever winner of the Lamar CISD fifth-grade American History Quiz Bowl. The Austin team defeated the other 23 District, K-5 campuses in a test of knowledge of American History. Jennifer Albrightis the coach of the Austin team.

Meanwhile, the annual eighth-grade contest continued, with Briscoe Junior High being this year’s winner. Marco de La Fuentecoached the Briscoe squad.

The elementary schools competed May 24 via an Internet hookup, with questions being answered and scored from a central location. There is only one round. The eighth-graders did two rounds via Internet, with the finals held May 23 in the Brazos Crossing Administration Building.

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FBISD College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship Winners

Seven Fort Bend ISD high school graduates were named 2018 College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship winners by the National Merit Scholarship
Corpor­ation (NMSC). They are among 3,500 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities.

FBISD’s 2018 College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship winners include Matthew Chen, Clements High School, NM Texas A&M University Scholarship; Elsbeth Chow, Dulles High School, NM Texas A&M University Scholarship; Amsai Kassam, Dulles High School, NM Texas A&M University Scholarship; Amy H. Patel, Austin High School, NM University of Houston Scholarship; Elizabeth Louise Roberts, Clements High School, NM Texas A&M University Scholarship; Ashish Singh, Elkins High School, NM University of Texas at Dallas Scholarship; andNicole Wang, Clements High School, NM Vanderbilt University Scholarship.

This year, 178 higher education institutions underwrote Merit Scholarship awards through the National Merit Scholarship Program, including 100 private and 78 public institutions located in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Officials of each sponsor college and university selected their scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution. The awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. The NMSC will announce additional winners of college-sponsored awards in July, bringing the number of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship recipients in the 2018 competition to nearly 4,000.

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Dickinson and Frost Schools Earn Award for Student Leadership

Dickinson and Frost elementary schools are among just 30 Texas schools to receive the National Associa­tion of Elementary School Principals Honor Council Excellence Award. This is Dickinson’s ninth time on the list and Frost’s fourth.

Each year the National Association of Elementary School Principals recognizes outstanding elementary and middle school student leadership throughout the nation. This prestigious honor is indicative of the outstanding work done on these campuses to foster student leadership.

Karen Mumphordis the principal at Dickinson Elementary and Shannon Hoodis the principal at Frost Elementary. They will be honored at the annual Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association Summer Conference.

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British International School of Houston Students Achieve Strong IB Diploma Results

British International School of Houston (BISH) students have achieved strong results in the Inter­national Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for the 2017/18 academic school year. The school’s average score this year is 5.2 base points higher than the IB global average, widening the gap between BISH and other IB schools around the world.

• One student from the school received full marks – the maximum score of 45 points. This is an incredible achievement, as this student is one of only 1 percent of students worldwide who received full marks this year on the IBDP.
• Three students achieved scores of 44 points.
• BISH students’ average score in the IB Diploma was 35, significantly ahead of the 2017/18 global average of 29.78 points.
• 22 percent of students achieved 40 points and above. This is the level of attainment required to gain admission to the world’s elite universities, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard and Stanford.
• 82 percent of students achieved a score higher than the IB global average.

“These are truly outstanding results and are a true reflection of our hardworking students, dedicated and nurturing staff, supportive parents and the strength of the IB programme at BISH,” said Principal Andrew Derry.

Andy Puttock, Education Director of Nord Anglia Education, said, “I am delighted by the outstanding IB diploma results achieved by our students this year. This excellent outcome is not only due to their efforts but also the incredible hard work put in by the school’s teachers throughout the year to ensure our children experience the best in learning.”

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year education program for students age 16-19. It is a widely accepted and recognized qualification for entry into higher education and universities worldwide.

BISH is an independent school in Katy catering to local and international students from Pre-K to 12th grade and is part of Nord Anglia Education Inc.

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Lamar CISD Salutes 2018 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Eight graduating high school seniors have been recognized by Lamar Consolidated ISD as the 2018 valedictorians and salutatorians of their respective schools, having earned the highest academic achievements among the members of their class.

FOSTER HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian Ashley Bilicekwill attend Texas A&M University and study chemical engineering. She wants to be a leader in innovation and create a new technology that will help solve serious challenges, including desalinization, food shortages and efficient uses of natural resources. She wants to be “a person who finds themselves smiling more than frowning.”

Salutatorian Yusef Haikalwill attend the University of Houston, majoring in chemical engineering. He wants to one day run his own hedge fund, and become the best at whatever he chooses to pursue and life. His advice to fellow graduates is “never give up.”

 

TERRY HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian Gina Kowalwill attend the University of Texas in Austin and major in psychology. She plans to be a psychiatrist. Gina advised her classmates to “remember only they can control to their own circumstances and that everyone has the internal power to achieve their desires and goals.”

Salutatorian Hassan Mohammedwill attend the University of Houston and major in mechanical engineering. After graduation, Hassan plans to open an engineering firm with his brother. His advice to his fellow graduates is to “set goals and pursue them without the fear of failure, because failure is a part of success, not its opposite.”

 

GEORGE RANCH HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian Rim Aboulhassanewill major in neuroscience and plans to become a neurosurgeon. She hopes to use her career to advance human health in some way. Rim advised her classmates to “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Salutatorian Tayler Jasekwill attend either Penn State University or the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in mechanical engineering. Tayler plans to work at either NASA or the CIA. She wants to make a tangible, positive impact on the world. She advised her classmates to “ find a passion and have the courage to pursue that passion.”

 

LAMAR CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian An P. Tranwill attend the University of Texas in Austin and major in biology/biomedical engineering. He plans to become either a doctor or a biomedical engineer. His advice to fellow graduates is “pay attention, but have fun.”

Salutatorian Audrey G. Ryburn will attend the University of Texas in Austin and major in one of the sciences. Her plans for her career are doing something cool and making the world a better place. Her advice to classmates is “stay real and don’t be messy.”

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Fort Bend ISD Salutes 2018 Valedictorians and Salutatorians

Fort Bend ISD has recognized the 22 graduating high school seniors who have the distinct honor of being named 2018 valedictorians and salutatorians. These outstanding scholars have earned the highest academic achievements among their schools’ graduating class. They are servant leaders, effective communicators, critical thinkers, compassionate citizens, collaborative team members and life-long learners.

Following are the 2018 valedictorians and salutatorians, their plans after high school and their own words of advice to fellow students.

AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Rishabh Parekh, University of Texas at Austin, electrical engineering. “Always plan for the fact that no plan ever goes according to plan.”

Salutatorian: Victor Li,University of Texas at Austin, business and computer science. “To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together. #BetterTogether”

 

BUSH HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Benjamin Ma, Brown University, applied math-economics. “Choose your happy and do things for the sake of experience – not for the end game, expectations or entitlement.”

Salutatorian: Jane Akwitti, University of Texas at Austin, public health (pre-med). “Make a career out of what you love and don’t be afraid of the hard work along the way. The best things in life never come easy.”

 

CLEMENTS HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Jenny Zhang, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), computer science, economics and data science. “Find something you are passionate about and delve deep into something you enjoy learning and pursuing.”

Salutatorian: Stephen Zheng, University of Texas at Austin, computer science. “Ships are safe in the harbor, but that’s not what they’re made for.”

 

DULLES HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian:Star Ni, University of Texas at Austin, biochemistry (pre-med). “Alone we can do so little.”

Salutatorian: Hasham Dhakwala, Rice University, biochemistry and molecular biology. “Together we can do so much.”

 

ELKINS HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Bryanna Godfrey, Stanford University, cognitive science/neuroscience. Do not let anyone stifle your inner passions – whether it be a palpable connection to the arts, a love for athletics or an obsession with academics – embrace it all.

Salutatorian: Jeff Kue, University of Texas at Austin, biochemistry. “Take life one step at a time and enjoy all the short moments in between. Don’t just do what will sustain you, but do what fulfills you.”

 

HIGHTOWER HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Sharon Zachariah, University of Houston, psychology. “How to be Successful Plan A: Work hard and remain dedicated.”

Salutatorian: Renee Yu, University of Texas, business. “How to be Successful Plan B: If Plan A fails, re-evaluate.”

 

KEMPNER HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian:Faiz Hirani, undecided, finance. “Don’t chase success. Chase excellence and success will follow.”

Salutatorian:Regina Chen, University of Texas at Austin, computer science. “It is never too late nor too early to start working towards who you want to be.”

 

MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Yasmin Lathan, United States Navy, radiation therapy (after Navy). “Time is so precious, use it wisely and be proactive.”

Salutatorian: Matthew Cisneros, undecided, Computer Science. “Do not be reckless in making major decisions regarding your future.”

 

RIDGE POINT HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian:Rachel Hauschel, Texas A&M University, biomedical sciences. “Always work towards achieving your full potential and putting your best self forward. We are all created to contribute something unique and extraordinary to the world.”

Salutatorian:Ashley Jones, University of Texas at Austin, petroleum engineering and international business. “ If you are genuine in your intentions and true to your values and character, life will gladly reward you in any endeavor that you choose to pursue.”

 

TRAVIS HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Syed Usmani, University of Texas at Austin, electrical and computer engineering. “Don’t let anyone try to belittle you for having lofty aspirations that you are trying to reach.”

Salutatorian: Zamann Momin, University of Texas at Austin, Aerospace Engineering. “Don’t let the mistakes of yesterday stop you from conquering tomorrow.”

 

WILLOWRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

Valedictorian: Bridget Robles, University of Houston, environmental engineering. “Structure your life with focused planning and plan to succeed.”

Salutatorian:Steffany Portillo, Texas A&M University at College Station, electrical engineering. “Set your goals and focus on the path to reach them.”