Maria Garcia
Giant Staff Member of the Month
Our Giant Staff Member of the Month for February 2026 is Maria Garcia, math teacher at Goose Creek Memorial High School.
Maria is widely recognized as an extremely hardworking teacher who consistently goes above and beyond to support both her students and her colleagues. Her commitment to academic excellence is reflected in her classroom data, particularly the exceptional performance of her Advanced Placement students last year. By constantly finding innovative ways to bridge the gap between where students are and where they need to be, she ensures that every learner is guided toward their full potential.
Beyond her own classroom, Maria is a vital resource for the entire district. She actively collaborates with the calculus and precalculus teams, sharing her materials and high-quality resources to elevate instruction across multiple campuses. Because she is a true example of excellence, she is frequently selected to mentor student teachers and interns, helping to shape the next generation of educators.
Maria’s influence extends into the heart of the school community. She regularly attends events to cheer on her students, proving that her dedication doesn't end when the school bell rings. Her willingness to lead, her passion for growth, and her readiness to lend a helping hand make her an invaluable asset to her school and the district at large.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital for sponsoring this award.
Johan Enciso
Giant Student of the Month
Our Giant Student of the Month for February 2026 is Johan Enciso, a 5th grader at James Bowie Elementary.
Johan is a scholar who quietly demonstrates excellence and character in everything he does. Throughout the year, he has consistently shown an exceptional commitment to learning and integrity, earning a place on the A Honor Roll every grading period. His teachers and classmates alike admire him for his strong work ethic, positive attitude, and the maturity he brings to the classroom.
Johan’s maturity shines through his academic pursuits, most notably during his GT project, where he confidently interviewed former Superintendent Dr. O’Brien with both professional curiosity and pride.
Beyond his individual achievements, Johan is a leader who leads by example. He approaches every assignment with diligence and frequently goes above and beyond to master the material. He is often the first to offer a helping hand to peers who are struggling, fostering a supportive and kind classroom environment. Whether he is competing in UIL or asking thoughtful questions in class, Johan’s actions reflect the values of empathy, honesty, and good judgment.
Johan was selected as our Giant Student of the Month because he embodies the Giant spirit through his academic drive and admirable character.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital for sponsoring this award.
Mason Duke
Giant Alumnus of the Month
Our Giant Alumnus of the Month for February 2026 is Mason Duke, a 2022 graduate of Goose Creek Memorial High School.
Mason recently earned admission to Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry after graduating Magna Cum Laude from Alcorn State University with an outstanding 3.78 GPA. During his time at Alcorn, he received multiple President’s and Dean’s List honors and was recognized with the Department of Biology Outstanding Senior Award. His academic excellence opened doors to prestigious internships at Yale School of Medicine and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, where he further sharpened his passion for dentistry and service.
While excelling in his coursework, Mason also balanced the demands of being a scholarship student-athlete, demonstrating discipline, resilience, and leadership both in the classroom and in competition. As an HBCU graduate, he has proudly represented excellence, breaking barriers in a field where less than three percent of dentists are Black.
Beyond academics and athletics, Mason made a lasting impact through mentorship, leadership in student organizations, and service through his fraternity. He has remained committed to uplifting others and inspiring younger students to pursue ambitious goals without limits.
Mason continues to carry his Baytown roots with pride, proving that GIANT dreams truly can begin right here in Goose Creek CISD. His journey reflects a commitment to paving the way for those who will follow.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital for sponsoring this award.