Here, We Grow Giants
Giant Recognitions
Sponsored by Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital
![A smiling man in a white sweater stands in front of a plain wall background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777771900/gccisdnet5/kqtggjayyadngwmbwaow/ChanceLaFour.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777771900/gccisdnet5/kqtggjayyadngwmbwaow/ChanceLaFour.png","width":367}])
Chance LaFour
Biography
about Chance LaFour
![A bald, bearded man wearing glasses and a black shirt with the text "GCCIS" stands in front of a red brick wall.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777771899/gccisdnet5/lbpm3k67xfx9zypn7d5y/Walenta.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777771899/gccisdnet5/lbpm3k67xfx9zypn7d5y/Walenta.png","width":367}])
Brian Walenta
Biography
about Brian Walenta
![Yoleth Trevino]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769721006/pay2xesvma4kzffoisig/YolethT.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769721006/pay2xesvma4kzffoisig/YolethT.png","width":367}])
Yoleth Trevino
Biography
about Yoleth Trevino
Giant Archive
For alumni information, please contact Dr. Anna Espinoza, Director of Education Foundation and Partnerships, at 281.707.3610.
Chance LaFour
Our Giant Alumnus of the Month for January 2026 is Coach Chance LaFour, graduate of Ross S. Sterling High School.
Chance earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston main campus and later completed his master’s degree at Lamar University, building a strong academic foundation to support his work as an educator and coach.
Brian Walenta
Our Giant Staff Member of the Month for January 2026 is Dr. Brian Walenta, a teacher at Robert E. Lee High School and a true staple of the Gander community.
Dr. Walenta has proudly served the district for 23 years, all at Lee High School, and is an outstanding example of both leadership and dedication in education. Known for his welcoming nature, he extends support to everyone around him and consistently champions students and campus programs. Throughout his career, he has served as the Interact (Rotary) sponsor for many years, a UIL sponsor, and was honored with the 2017 Red Apple Award, recognitions that reflect his commitment to student growth both inside and outside the classroom.
Yoleth Trevino
Our Giant Student of the Month for September 2025 is Yoleth Trevino, 3rd grader at Stephen F. Austin Elementary.
Yoleth has achieved more in her young life than many do in a lifetime. After a devastating accident led to the loss of her leg, she has embraced life with courage and determination, thriving as a confident prosthetic wearer. With what she proudly calls her “bionic leg,” Yoleth continues to move forward with strength, joy, and an unshakeable spirit.
![A young woman with long, dark hair and a warm smile stands in front of a building with trees and greenery in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777771899/gccisdnet5/cksmvrxmmb49rc6uacjh/melina.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777771899/gccisdnet5/cksmvrxmmb49rc6uacjh/melina.png","width":367}])
Melina Arriaga
Our Giant Student of the Month for April 2026 is Melina Arriaga, a senior at Impact Early College High School and a standout student within the Goose Creek CISD community.
Melina is remarkable. She balances a rigorous academic schedule with significant professional and extracurricular commitments. Currently ranked in the top 20 of her class, she has earned membership in both the National Honor Society at Impact and Phi Theta Kappa at Lee College. Her dedication to her studies is matched only by her initiative on campus, where she founded "The Pokemon Club" to provide a welcoming space for her peers.
![A smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a navy blue sports jersey stands in front of a brick wall.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777771900/gccisdnet5/nqbsmvmtcoyh87l4ixny/Kristi.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777771900/gccisdnet5/nqbsmvmtcoyh87l4ixny/Kristi.png","width":367}])
Kristi Malpass
Our Giant Alumnus of the Month for April 2026 is Kristi Malpass, softball coach for the Texas Bombers and Sterling High School class of 2006 graduate.
Kristi’s journey as a standout athlete began at Sterling High School, where she earned a spot on the varsity softball team as a freshman. Her talent and discipline on the mound led to a full-ride scholarship to pitch for Houston Christian University (formerly HBU). Today, she translates that high-level collegiate experience into a coaching career that is transforming the lives of young athletes across the state.