By: Kendall David, Executive Director of Community Engagement
Goose Creek CISD is proud to announce that students in the district’s Digital Communications Academy are officially taking over the production and live game day footage on the brand-new Stallworth Stadium scoreboard.
Alondra Burgos Irizarry and Jasmin Padilla, students of the SCTHS DigiComm Academy, stand before the state-of-the-art scoreboard where their work will appear during the games. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.
The state-of-the-art scoreboard, attached to the new Stallworth Field House completed as part of the 2019 Bond Program, was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony this summer. Now, Digital Communications Academy students are making it come alive with high-quality video, live coverage, performance introductions, and advertising from local businesses.
This week, the students successfully completed their first trial run during the Goose Creek Memorial Patriots vs. Dayton Broncos scrimmage, putting their training into action and showcasing their ability to deliver professional-quality production for the community.
Led by academy teachers Kristen Jaso and Ric Morris, and under the leadership of Principal Shonna Prentice, students are gaining hands-on, brains-on learning by designing, filming, and producing real-time game day content. Their work includes instant replays, performance introductions, and advertising for local businesses—bringing professional-level production to Stallworth Stadium.
“This is an amazing opportunity that our Digital Communications students are truly excited about,” said Principal Shonna Prentice. “You can see the joy on their faces and hear the enthusiasm in their voices when they talk about it. Our students are developing confidence, creativity, and career-ready skills through this real-world experience.”
The academy offers a robust pathway of courses and includes a Dual Credit Program with Houston Community College, where students can earn a Certificate of Completion in Filmmaking – Film/Video Production Level 1.
“Students are not just learning about digital communications—they’re living it,” said Randal O’Brien, GCCISD Superintendent. “This is the type of real-world, skills-based learning that builds confidence, creativity, and career readiness. It’s a perfect example of how in GCCISD, We Grow Giants.”
Community members or business owners interested in advertising opportunities on the scoreboard can email kristin.jaso@gccisd.net for more information.
Austin, Texas – Ashlynn McMakin, of the Stuart FFA Chapter, has been approved as an American FFA Degree recipient at the 98th annual National FFA Convention to be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The American FFA Degree is the highest degree bestowed by the National FFA Organization, with less than 1% of FFA members earning the prestigious honor.
The American Degree is the top degree in a four-tier degree program that recognizes individual achievement in instructional programs, supervised experience, and leadership development and is awarded at the National FFA Convention in October.
A portion of the American FFA Degree ceremony states, “Boundaries within our country exist only in name. True American citizens are interested in and loyal to their local communities and states, but their greatest devotion is to their country. Recipients of the American FFA Degree see beyond limited horizons. They concern themselves not only with the affairs of their local chapters and state associations but also with the National FFA Organization, working for the advancement of agriculture, which, in turn, strengthens America.”
Ashlynn was named as a candidate for the American FFA Degree at the 96th annual Texas FFA State Convention held this past summer, June 30 – July 4, 2025, in Fort Worth. The 96th annual Texas FFA Convention recorded approximately 16,000 members and guests. Members of the state’s largest agricultural youth leadership organization spent the week attending leadership workshops, participating in events and activities, being recognized for their achievements, and serving as the legislative body for the Texas FFA Association.
The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership of more than 182,000. FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real-world experiences through local, state and national competitions. For more information about the Texas FFA, visit www.texasffa.org.
By: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications
This summer, IMPACT Early College High School students from Goose Creek CISD traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to participate in the Food for Thought Project at Banpanton School, an initiative organized by @worldwiseadventures in partnership with EF Tours. Led by Comprehensive College and Career Counselor Mrs. Evelyn Mexas, the trip combined cultural exchange with meaningful community service aimed at addressing food insecurity and promoting responsible tourism.
Pictured, from left, recent graduate Jade Ochoa, current senior Jeikobs Mercado, IMPACT Comprehensive College and Career Counselor Evelyn Mexas, recent graduate Nicholas Garza, and current senior Ydalia Curiel.
During their time at Banpanton School, students created 1,000 mushroom bags to support the school’s learning programs and food supply. They also helped plant a vegetable garden designed to provide fresh produce for both student meals and resale within the community. These projects are part of a sustainable effort to help local schools grow their own food, ensuring access to nutrient-rich diets for students and, in many cases, generating extra income for classroom resources, teacher wages, and other student needs.
Beyond their work at Banpanton School, students volunteered at a local Elephant Sanctuary, where they prepared vitamin balls from local ingredients, cut grass for food stock, and planted corn to feed the elephants.
Participants in the service trip included recent graduates Nicholas Garza and Jade Ochoa, as well as current seniors Ydalia Curiel and Jeikobs Mercado. Together, they represented IMPACT Early College High School and Goose Creek CISD with dedication, compassion, and a spirit of global citizenship.
The Food for Thought Project offers visiting students the opportunity to make lasting contributions to local communities while learning about global issues, including food security, environmental stewardship, and cultural exchange.
Escucha el episodio hoy aquí
En este episodio de Conversaciones Gigantes contamos con la invitada especial Marlene Flores, PNP-C, Enfermera de Práctica Avanzada en Pediatría y la directora de cuidado pediátrico en West Chambers Medical Center.
Marlene comparte cómo fue su experiencia como estudiante en Goose Creek CISD, los retos y triunfos al navegar la universidad, y lo que la inspiró a dedicarse a la salud infantil.
También conversamos sobre nuestra búsqueda de historias inspiradoras de estudiantes actuales que reflejen el orgullo y la fuerza de nuestra comunidad. ¿Conoces a un estudiante con una historia que merece ser contada. ¡Queremos escucharla! Comparte su historia aquí.
National children’s health organization Alliance for a Healthier Generation today unveiled its 2025 list of America’s Healthiest Schools, celebrating 1,120 K–12 schools nationwide for their commitment to advancing whole child health, including schools from Goose Creek CISD.
Supported by Del Monte Foods, Kaiser Permanente, and Kohl’s Cares, Healthier Generation’s annual award program recognizes schools for implementing evidence-based policies and practices to support academic success and lifelong well-being. Schools are recognized in nine health-related topic areas.
The following Goose Creek CISD campuses were recognized for their commitment to health and wellness:
- Alamo Elementary School
- Ashbel Smith Elementary School
- Dr. Antonio Banuelos Elementary School
- Dr. Johnny T Clark Jr. Elementary School
- George W Carver Elementary School
- Harlem Elementary School (All-Star Awardee)
- Highlands Elementary School
- Impact Early College High School
- Jessie Lee Pumphrey Elementary School
- Lorenzo De Zavala Elementary School
- Point Alternative Center
• San Jacinto Elementary School
- Stephen F. Austin Elementary School
Each of these campuses were awarded in one or more of the following topic areas: Strengthening Social-Emotional Health & Learning, Cultivating Staff Well-Being, Increasing Family & Community Engagement, Improving Nutrition & Food Access, Implementing Local School Wellness Policy, Bolstering Physical Education & Activity, Enriching Health Education, Promoting Tobacco-Free Schools and Supporting School Health Services.
"Schools play a crucial role in positively shaping the health and well-being of our nation's youth, and they deserve national recognition for their outstanding efforts," said Kathy Higgins, CEO of Healthier Generation. "The dedication of school leaders, educators, and staff to support the physical, emotional, and academic needs of their students is nothing short of extraordinary. Their commitment is creating healthier futures for children and communities alike."
See the full list of recognized schools at healthiergeneration.org/AHS.