Story by: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communication Goose Creek CISD seniors Erik Gonzalez and Alec Lopez of Stuart Career Technical High claimed first place in the Level 3 Food Innovation category at the recent FCCLA State Leadership Conference. Competing at the highest level of the event, the duo impressed judges with their creativity, professionalism, and strong understanding of nutrition and product development. Their success was made possible under the mentorship of Stuart's culinary instructors, Chef Kylie Sobczak and Chef Tina Andrade. Erik Gonzalez and Alec Lopez proudly pose with their 1st place plaque in Level 3 Food Innovation. Photo by Kylie Sobczak. This year s Food Innovation theme centered around superfoods, nutrient-rich ingredients gaining popularity for their health benefits. The challenge called for participants to design a nutritious beverage that featured a unique superfood, followed strict dietary guidelines and appealed to a broad age group. Gonzalez and Lopez created Strango, a protein smoothie inspired by the classic flavor combination of chocolate-covered strawberries. The drink was crafted with strawberries, oatmeal, and dark chocolate, offering nutritional value with a dessert twist. Their presentation featured innovative packaging and a spinning visual display of the product, catching the judges' attention and bringing their concept to life. From the start, the students took an entrepreneurial approach. They developed a detailed planning process summary sheet, emphasizing taste-testing with peer groups, collecting feedback, and making strategic improvements based on data. Our planning process was key. We treated it like a real business, said Alec. We went through multiple rounds of revisions after letting our senior and junior classmates test it. The team also tackled real-world production challenges by researching shipping methods, temperature control, and product storage, an aspect of the project that they took further than most competitors. It wasn t just about making a drink, Erik noted. We had to think about how it would hold up on shelves and in transit. That gave us a more complete view of what it means to launch a product. This project marked the first time Erik and Alec had worked together, but their collaboration was seamless. They divided responsibilities, worked both during school hours and on their own time and brought their individual strengths to the table. Their previous experiences in the culinary program helped them refine their presentation skills, project planning, and ability to engage with judges. Our program taught us how to sell our ideas and personalities to the judges. We really learned how to sell your excitement. Erik said. Their win reflects their talent, hard work, and the strength of Goose Creek CISD s CTE programs. This experience has taught us how to carry ourselves professionally, develop and pitch ideas, and grow through feedback, The students said. The certifications and training we ve received give us a head start and real credibility going into our futures. The school community congratulates Erik and Alec for their outstanding achievement and thanks the dedicated faculty who continue to make student success possible.

A simple act of kindness is making a big impact at Clark Elementary. As part of a heartwarming community service project, the Clark Elementary Student Council has partnered with Rexanna s Foundation s Rally Writers initiative to support Matthew, a courageous young cancer patient undergoing treatment at MD Anderson. Clark Elementary Student Council students ask Matthew questions about his cancer journey. Photo by Yulia Trujillo-Rodriguez. Led by President Ezra Salazar, Vice President Koby Davis, Secretary Zoey Zurovec, and Class Representatives Meghan McCleery, Carter Garcia, Michael Ocampo, Leah Taylor, Jaycee Jenkins, and Natalie McWhorter, the Student Council took on the project with heartfelt purpose. Guided by School Counselor Elisabeth Lewis, the students created hand-decorated, motivational cards filled with words of hope and encouragement. This all started when Mrs. Lewis told us about Matthew, said Ezra. We felt bad for him and wanted to help. We thought writing cards with motivational messages would make him feel better. The cards, colorful, personal, and filled with heartfelt encouragement, stood out to Matthew, who keeps them in a special shoebox alongside other cherished notes he has received. I love receiving cards, he shared. The Clark ones are so decorated, and I love reading them. They re very inspiring. Matthew s journey has been long and challenging. Diagnosed with cancer in September 2024 after years of unexplained pain and treatments, he endured multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and an emotional rollercoaster. Chemo was the hardest journey of my life. It felt like forever. But these cards helped. They were encouraging. It made me feel like people got to know me through the process. The project was initiated by Principal Kem Scheidt, who has a personal connection to the cause after her own battle with colon cancer. We wanted our Student Council s service project to be meaningful, said Principal Scheidt. Rexanna s Foundation offered the perfect opportunity. It connects students with real people and real stories. It s not just about service, it s about empathy. Dr. Lisa Spain, founder of Rexanna s Foundation, emphasized the long-lasting impact of projects like Rally Writers, which began in 2007 after the loss of her best friend to lung cancer. It s not just about raising money, said Dr. Spain. It s about raising spirits. Cancer is a long journey, and support shouldn't stop after the initial diagnosis. These cards show patients that they are not alone. For Clark students, the lessons go far beyond writing. It felt nice to make the cards, said Ezra. We were thinking about how Matthew would feel. I ve learned that a little bit of kindness can go a long way. Over 120 writers nationwide are paired with patients through the Rally Writers program to send weekly encouragement. Like so many others, Matthew's story reminds us all of the power of human connection and the simple act of showing you care.

By: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications Highlands Elementary recently held its 4th Annual CATCH Family Color Run, welcoming a record 350 participants to one of the school s most vibrant and anticipated family events. Coordinated by Physical Education teachers Joel Kunz and Camryn Kotlarz, the color run is one of three major family engagement nights hosted on campus each year. What began with just 100 participants four years ago has grown into a community-wide celebration of health, fun, and togetherness. This event has been in the works for a long time, and it s amazing to see how much it has grown, said Coach Kunz. The community has truly embraced it. Local businesses showed strong support through donations of food, water, medical supplies, and funds. Highlands Elementary PTO played a key role in sponsoring the event, making it possible to expand and enhance the experience each year. This year s run featured not only the traditional color-tossing fun but also food and drink vendors and booths hosted by local businesses. Blanca Capetillo, Highlands Elementary Principal, and Dr. G, GCCISD mascot, getting runners ready to take off. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman. Volunteers from Goose Creek Memorial PALS, Soccer, Cross Country, and Volleyball teams stepped in to assist, along with members of the Lee College Volleyball team, who brought great energy and support to the event. Staff members from Highlands Elementary also pitched in, managing stations and joining in on the color-throwing fun. Students were able to purchase color packets and particularly enjoyed covering teachers, coaches, and administrators in bright powder. The students love it, and the families enjoy watching their kids have such a great time, said Coach Kunz. There are smiles all around. Coach Kunz expressed deep appreciation for the staff and volunteers who help make the event possible each year. Coach Kotlarz and I are so blessed to work with an amazing team. Everyone comes together to create a joyful experience for our students and families. Plans are already underway for next year s color run as the tradition continues to grow and bring the community closer together.

By: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications Goose Creek Memorial High School s National Honor Society (NHS) brought smiles and springtime fun to students at Victoria Walker Elementary by hosting a colorful Easter egg hunt on campus, complete with a surprise visit from Pat the Patriot, the GCM mascot. Pictured, from left, Adalynn Powers and Riley Bloom, GCM National Honor Society Member. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman. High school NHS members spent the day engaging with elementary students, hiding eggs, guiding the hunts, and helping little ones fill their buckets with candy-filled surprises. Pat the Patriot added to the excitement by donning festive bunny ears and posing for photos, making the day even more memorable. The event was filled with laughter, sunshine, and a sense of unity between campuses, a perfect celebration of spring and service.

By: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (GCCISD) proudly hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 15, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of its new Professional Development Building and Community Event Center. The event marked a significant milestone in the district s continued investment in educational excellence and community engagement. Community and district leaders gather to mark the next step toward opening GCCISD s newest learning space. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman. Superintendent Dr. Randal O Brien opened the evening by highlighting the building's dual purpose as both a center for professional growth and a public space for community connection. This center will host professional development sessions that empower our educators with the tools they need to continue delivering exceptional education, said Dr. O Brien. But this center is especially unique because it s also open to the public a hub of possibility and progress. The ceremony featured remarks from GCCISD School Board President Mrs. Helen Berrott-Tims, who thanked the community for supporting the 2019 bond that made the project possible. This facility represents our commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in education, said Berrott-Tims. It s a space that reflects the professionalism and passion of our educators. Special recognition was given to district leaders, city officials, the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, planning and construction teams, and educational partners who played key roles in the project s success. Leslie Garcia, Coordinator of Professional Learning & Special Projects, will serve as the building s administrator and spoke to the center s future impact. We re excited to welcome everyone back to our open house on August 26, 2025, Garcia announced. This space will support the growth of our giants, celebrate our successes, and strengthen our community partnerships. Natalie Edwards, Director of Nutrition Services, also introduced the building s new catering kitchen, which served a tasting menu for guests during the celebration. The event concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and an invitation for guests to tour the state-of-the-art facility. Representatives from PBK Architects and the district s facilities team were on hand to answer questions and showcase the space s flexible, collaborative design. This new facility is a testament to GCCISD s vision for innovative education, community involvement, and a future shaped by opportunity and shared commitment.

Goose Creek CISD is inviting the community to participate in the naming of the Field House at Stallworth Stadium and the Professional Development and Event Center at the Education Service Center. This is a meaningful opportunity to honor individuals who have made a significant impact on our district or society. How to Submit a Nomination Suggestions for the name must be submitted in writing as a separate document and may be: Mailed to: GCCISD Superintendent s Office, P.O. Box 30, Baytown, TX 77522 Faxed to: 281-420-4815 Emailed to: noemi.garcia@gccisd.net Delivered in person to: Goose Creek CISD Administration Building, 4544 Interstate 10 East Deadline: All nominations must be received between April 21st and May 2nd. Nomination Requirements According to Board Policy, a facility may be named for: A living or deceased person who has attained local or national prominence in education, science, art, statesmanship, political science, or military achievement An early pioneer of the Goose Creek CISD area or the state of Texas An outstanding President of the United States Students and citizens are encouraged to nominate individuals who reflect the diversity of our community. Each nomination must include three paragraphs outlining: Biographical information The nominee s significant contributions A statement explaining why the field house or the professional development and event center should bear their name Citizen Participation Opportunity Community members are encouraged to present their nomination during Citizen s Participation (6:00 p.m.) at the May 6, 2025, Board Meeting . Presentations will be limited to three minutes per person, with a maximum of five speakers per nomination. The Board of Trustees may or may not take action on the name at the June 2, 2025, meeting. For more information, please contact the Goose Creek CISD Superintendent s Office at 281-707-3418 .

By: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications Bañuelos, Bowie, and Travis Elementary School students recently participated in Careers on Wheels, a dynamic program that directly brings career exploration to students through hands-on, real-world experiences. With vehicles, tools, music, and enthusiastic professionals on site, students had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of careers without leaving their campus. Bañuelos Elementary students learn about careers with the Baytown Fire Department. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman. At Bañuelos Elementary, students experienced an exciting mix of learning and fun as they rotated through interactive career stations featuring a wide range of community partners. With music and energy provided by 97.9 The Box, students were fully engaged while meeting professionals from the Baytown Police Department, U.S. Postal Service, Sam s Limousine, Frank s Collision Repair, Baytown Collision Center, COLT, the Harris County Public Library, and more. Even Buster the Bus made an appearance! From emergency services and public transportation to media and mechanical trades, students got a close-up look at how these professionals serve the community while having a blast along the way. Bowie Elementary students learn about careers with the Public Works Department from the City of Baytown. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman. Bowie Elementary also brought career day to life with visits from Covestro Industrial Park Baytown, which showcased an impressive boom lift, and the City of Baytown and GCCISD Maintenance Department. Students explored vehicles and equipment used daily in essential city services and met real-life heroes like firefighters, EMTs, and even a few horses, all while learning how different careers help keep Baytown safe, clean, and connected. Travis Elementary 4th graders Caleb Wilson, Lathan Lackey, and Alan Watson learn about careers with the Police Department from Officer Vanessa Bocanegra. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman. Over at Travis Elementary, more than 25 different careers were represented, along with three Goose Creek CISD school buses and the district s beloved Buster the Bus. Students rotated through career stations featuring animal shelters, service pets, trades professionals, and city employees. With each stop, they asked questions, explored tools of the trade, and discovered new possibilities for their future. These impactful events were made possible thanks to the collaboration of campus school counselors and student success specialists, who played a vital role in planning, organizing, and coordinating with community partners to ensure a smooth and meaningful experience for every student. Goose Creek CISD remains committed to fostering early college and career readiness. By connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences, Careers on Wheels empowers students to dream big, explore boldly, and begin building the foundation for their future.