Brian Walenta
Giant Staff Member of the Month
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.
Whether during or beyond school hours, Dr. Walenta willingly gives his time to attend concerts, competitions, and events whenever Lee High School students are involved. What truly sets him apart is his presence. He doesn’t just voice his support - he shows up. At concerts, plays, and events that highlight student excellence, Dr. Walenta can be found offering encouragement and standing alongside students when it matters most.
Going far beyond his professional responsibilities, Dr. Walenta continuously supports both students and fellow staff members. His long-standing commitment, enthusiasm, and genuine care make him a deserving recipient of this recognition and an invaluable part of the Lee High School community.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital for sponsoring this award.
Joseph ‘Chance’ LaFour
Giant Alumnus of the Month
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.
Chance began his career at Gentry Junior High before returning to his alma mater, Sterling High School, where he taught and coached. He now serves as the head boys basketball coach, teacher, and Special Education department co-chair at Robert E. Lee High School. His leadership and dedication to the game have been widely recognized, including being named the 2025 SETC Coaches Association All-Star Head Coach and a finalist for the 2019 TABC Assistant Coach of the Year.
Born and raised in Baytown, Chance attended Goose Creek schools from start to finish and has always felt a deep connection to the community that shaped him. After leading the Pasadena Eagles basketball team to a bi-district championship, he felt called to return home and accepted the head boys basketball coaching position at Lee High School in 2021. Since then, he has focused on building not only a competitive program, but one rooted in service and character.
Under his leadership, the Lee High School basketball team actively gives back through food and backpack drives, local street clean-ups, and by supporting elementary campuses through car rider lines and school events. Chance is a familiar and supportive presence across campus, and while he may be a Sterling graduate, his Gander Pride now runs deep. His love for his school, his colleagues, and the Baytown community is evident in everything he does.
Chance’s passion for education, service, and giving back to the district that built him continues to inspire students and staff alike, making a lasting impact well beyond the basketball court.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital for sponsoring this award.
Alexa Guerrero
Giant Student of the Month
Our Giant Student of the Month for January 2026 is Alexa Guerrero, a senior at Goose Creek Memorial High School.
Alexa is a member of the Goose Creek Memorial drill team and participates in the Pharmacy Technician pathway at Sterling. As a senior, she has embraced every opportunity to challenge herself while consistently maintaining strong academic performance.
One of Alexa’s most notable accomplishments is earning her place in the National Technical Honor Society while balancing an impressive and demanding schedule. She is enrolled in dual credit coursework, participates in the Pharmacy Technician pathway at Sterling, including an internship with Birdsongs Pharmacy, and serves as a social officer for the Goose Creek Memorial drill team, all while dedicating significant time to community service. Beyond school, Alexa remains actively involved in her church and has dedicated the last several months to volunteering at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital, demonstrating her continual commitment to giving back and supporting others.
As a future first-generation college student, Alexa is paving a path no one in her family has walked before. She inspires those around her by balancing rigorous coursework, leadership roles, and meaningful volunteer work while navigating the unique pressures that come with being the first to take this step.
Alexa was selected as our Giant Student of the Month because of her academic drive, leadership, service to others, and the positive example she sets. Her ability to excel both academically and personally reflects her commitment to building a meaningful future, and we are proud to celebrate her as a Giant.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital for sponsoring this award.