Ric Morris
Giant Staff Member of the Month
Our Giant Staff Member of the Month for December 2025 is Ric Morris, Digital Communications Academy Teacher at Stuart Career Tech High School.
With more than 20 years of real-world experience in film, radio, and digital media, he has transformed the Digital Communications Academy into a space where students gain authentic industry exposure and hands-on skills that prepare them for future careers. His strong business connections have opened doors for students to learn directly from professionals across the media landscape, an opportunity that is both rare and invaluable.
From the ground up, Mr. Morris has designed and developed the Digital Communications Academy studio, shaping it into a cutting-edge space where students gain authentic, hands-on experience with professional-level equipment. His vision and leadership have built the program into what it is today: a hub of creativity, technical skill, and career readiness. The interest is so high that student demand now exceeds available space.
Under Mr. Morris’s guidance, students are not only learning, they are excelling. His program has produced state and national award-winning talent, including a student who earned the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Lone Star Chapter Student Production Award for Directing and Cinematography. These achievements reflect his ability to mentor young creators and elevate their work to professional standards.
Mr. Morris also serves as an adjunct professor with Houston Community College allowing him to teach dual credit classes, further expanding his impact on the next generation of media professionals. His expertise bridges high school and college learning, giving students a unique advantage as they pursue postsecondary opportunities.
Mr. Morris’s commitment continues to elevate opportunities for his students. He has established partnerships with local businesses that sponsor student projects, supported commercial production work, and guided short film projects that have premiered at our local movie theater. Each project broadens students’ skills and deepens their understanding of the media industry.
To say that Mr. Morris has exceeded expectations is an understatement. His leadership and passion for student growth have propelled the Digital Communications Academy far beyond its goals and have enriched the district’s career pathways in extraordinary ways.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital for sponsoring this award.
Jerell Williams
Giant Alumnus of the Month
Our Giant Alumnus of the Month for December 2025 is Coach Jerell Williams, a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and founder of 3T Elite Track Club.
3T Elite Track Club was founded in 2023 with a clear mission: Teach our youth, Train their minds, and Transform their futures. In just two years, Coach Williams has led over 200 athletes to state-level competition, returning home with 41 medals. Under his leadership, 3T Elite athletes have competed on national stages, including the Games of America in San Diego, California, meets in Brownsville, Texas, and at Texas A&M University.
Coach Williams is a former competitive track athlete who graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 2005. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Lamar University, completed his Principal Certification, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership. His commitment to education and youth development extends beyond the track, as he serves as the Athletic Coordinator at Horace Mann Junior School (HMJ) and was recognized as Teacher of the Month.
Coach Williams is deeply passionate about students, athletics, and community impact. He actively helps student-athletes navigate the college process and has awarded scholarships to athletes training under 3T Elite. To ensure long-term growth and sustainability, he mentors graduating athletes by teaching them how to coach, providing internship opportunities, and creating pathways for them to give back to the same community that helped shape them.
Coach Williams believes in building more than fast runners—he builds leaders, scholars, and future mentors.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital for sponsoring this award.
Juan Suarez
Giant Student of the Month
Our Giant Student of the Month for December 2025 is Juan Suarez, senior at Robert E. Lee High School.
Juan’s journey is defined by excellence and quiet determination. A scholar, athlete and leader, he has excelled in every space he steps into whether it be academics, athletics, campus leadership, or community service. Even with a demanding schedule, he continues to rise to every challenge.
Juan serves as President of Academic UIL and Treasurer of the National Honor Society, while also participating in Student Council, the STEM Academy, and dual credit courses. As an AP Scholar, he consistently pushes himself to master rigorous content, often researching beyond the curriculum to deepen his understanding. He has also been a dedicated member of the football team, supporting his teammates even after an unexpected injury ended his senior season early, showing that leadership doesn’t stop when obstacles arise.
Outside the classroom, Juan is committed to giving back. He volunteers during campus service projects and serves his church community, demonstrating a heart for others that matches his academic drive. His teachers describe him as innovative, dependable, and forward-thinking. He is a student who is both grounded and ambitious.
Juan was selected as our Giant Student of the Month because of his resilience, dedication to serving others, academic drive, and the positive influence he brings to his school community. His contributions to Lee High School are remarkable, and he is unmistakably a model Gander.
Thank you to Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital for sponsoring this award.