Kenner Dahlquist
Giant Student of the Month
Our Giant Student of the Month for November 2025 is Kenner Dahlquist, 7th grader at Gentry Junior School.
Once shy and hesitant, Kenner began last school year receiving resource support for dyslexia, but through hard work and determination, he has made tremendous progress. He is now moving into Honors ELA without any support, a testament to his hard work and determination.
His accomplishments this year speak for themselves. He is excelling in ELA, Honors History, and AVID, embracing new strategies from his teachers, becoming more social, and confidently stepping into challenges. History has quickly become his favorite subject, while AVID is his favorite elective, where he’s mastering organization and study skills that are helping him thrive.
His story is an inspiration. Despite early struggles with learning disabilities, he has steadily overcome obstacles, graduating from speech services in 5th grade, preparing to complete his dyslexia program, and scoring impressively on his ELA STAAR test. Now in 7th grade, he is finding joy in his classes and confidence in his abilities. He is proud to be part of the Gentry community, where the Dyslexia team embraces the motto, “Dyslexia is a gift.”
He embodies what it means to be a Giant: resilient, hardworking, and full of potential.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital for sponsoring this award.
Veronica Phillips
Giant Staff Member of the Month
Our Giant Staff Member of the Month for November 2025 is Veronica Phillips, AVID Teacher at Goose Creek Memorial High School.
Mrs. Phillips is the kind of educator whose influence reaches far beyond the classroom. A teacher whose passion and professionalism leave a lasting mark on the students she serves. She is firm yet inspiring, sophisticated yet fun, and a true model of what a dedicated educator should be.
A former student shared how middle school was a turbulent time filled with bullying, drama, and struggles at home. Through it all, Mrs. Phillips saw her—truly saw her. She asked how she was doing, welcomed her into her classroom during lunch when she needed safety, and reminded her daily of the importance of education. “She inspired me to work hard in my studies,” the student shared. “She is my ultimate inspiration.”
Mrs. Phillips has made an impact not only in her classroom, but across the district and beyond. After serving many years as an AVID teacher at Lee High School, she left briefly only to be recruited back to GCCISD to launch the AVID program at E.F. Green. Under her leadership, the program flourished, earning National Demonstration School status within just three years, a testament to her expertise and ability to build strong systems of support for students. Today, she continues to uplift AVID programs as both an AVID Coordinator and a National AVID Staff Developer, guiding educators across the country in best practices for student success.
Now at Goose Creek Memorial High School, Mrs. Phillips brings that same compassion and excellence to Goose Creek Memorial High School as an AVID teacher. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nationally recognized program that equips students with the skills and strategies necessary for success in higher education and beyond. Mrs. Phillips embodies everything AVID stands for: high expectations, meaningful support, and a belief in every student’s potential.
Her passion for teaching is unmistakable. She exudes a deep love for helping students find confidence in themselves and their future. Mrs. Phillips is not only shaping scholars, but she is also changing lives.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital for sponsoring this award.
Carlie Arabie-Rexroat
Giant Alumnus of the Month
Our Giant Alumnus of the Month for November 2025 is Carlie Arabie-Rexroat, a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and a dedicated Pediatric CVICU Nurse at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.
Carlie has built an extraordinary career caring for some of the most vulnerable patients. Her compassion and commitment have made her a standout in her field. Her excellence has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Nurse Preceptor Award and the Nursing Excellence Award in Compassion at Children’s Memorial Hermann, as well as the prestigious DAISY Award from HCA Southeast. Each recognition reflects her heart for service and her ability to make a profound impact on patients and families during their most challenging moments.
Beyond the hospital walls, Carlie continues to serve her community. She volunteers at local events to provide first aid and medical support, ensuring families feel safe and cared for. She also devotes her time to mentoring the next generation of nurses, working closely with ADN students at Lee College. Through résumé building support, NCLEX review sessions, and interview readiness classes, she helps future medical professionals gain confidence and prepare for successful careers in healthcare.
Carlie is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing – Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Texas Tech University, further expanding her ability to care for children with complex health needs.
Carlie exemplifies what it means to be a Giant - dedicated, compassionate, and committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Goose Creek CISD is proud of the impact she continues to make on her patients, her community, and aspiring healthcare professionals.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital for sponsoring this award.