Goose Creek CISD News
RSS Feed
Baytown Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 37 Years of Partnership with Goose Creek CISD at Annual Partners in Education Luncheon Honoring Outstanding Students, Business Partnerships, and the Power of Community
05/14/2025

By: Kendall David, Executive Director of Community Engagement

The Baytown Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 37-year partnership with Goose Creek CISD during the annual Partners in Education (P.I.E.) Luncheon, recognizing standout students, innovative school partnerships, and the impact of collaboration between businesses and education.

 

lee high school principal, chamber members, and exxon staff pose with award

 

Seven exceptional graduating seniors were each awarded a $2,000 scholarship in recognition of their academic excellence, leadership, and future potential. The 2025 scholarship recipients are:

  • Hannah Griffice, Goose Creek Memorial High School
  • Sebastian Kingston, Ross S. Sterling High School
  • Keila Torres, Stuart Career Technical High School
  • Mariana Rangel, Robert E. Lee High School
  • Emilio Moreno, IMPACT Early College High School
  • Emaluisa Plasencia, Robert E. Lee High School
  • Mariella Ocampo, IMPACT Early College High School

 

The top honor of Partner of the Year was awarded to Robert E. Lee High School and ExxonMobil Baytown Area. This partnership has made a profound difference through:

  • Sponsorship of the Girl-E Club, empowering young women to explore careers in STEM
  • Mentoring students through hands-on STEM projects, including building a functioning claw machine from a blueprint
  • Sponsoring student attendance at the Women in Industry Conference in Galveston
  • Volunteering for the school’s career day, providing real-world insight and inspiration

 

Two Partner of the Year Runner-Up awards were also presented:

  • Crockett Elementary and Chevron Phillips for their strong STEM presence and commitment to academic achievement
  • Bowie Elementary and Covestro for developing a family resource closet and a campus fruit and vegetable garden to support student wellness and family needs

 

Additionally, schools were honored for their success in the Cards for First Responders initiative. Alamo Elementary, Cedar Bayou Junior School, and Goose Creek Memorial High School were recognized for submitting the highest number of thank-you cards. Crockett Elementary received the award for Most Creative cards.

 

Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Dr. Randal O’Brien reflected on the legacy and impact of these partnerships:

 

“The strength of our school district lies in the business partnerships that have made our district unlike any other—the reason We Grow Giants. We are thankful for the Baytown Chamber and our partners for helping us provide experiences that truly shape our students’ futures.”

 

A special thank you was extended to presenting sponsor of the luncheon, Beacon Federal Credit Union and all partners for supporting our schools. Thank you to the Chamber leadership and the members for their dedication to this longstanding initiative. Appreciation was shared for Connie Tilton, P.I.E. Chair; Gilbert Santana, Education Division Chair; Tracey Wheeler, Chamber President; and Rikki Wheeler, Vice President and P.I.E. Lead, for their continued leadership and support.