By: Kendall David, Executive Director of Community Engagement

The Baytown Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 37-year partnership with Goose Creek CISD during the annual Partners in Education (P.I.E.) Luncheon, recognizing standout students, innovative school partnerships, and the impact of collaboration between businesses and education.

 

 

Seven exceptional graduating seniors were each awarded a $2,000 scholarship in recognition of their academic excellence, leadership, and future potential. The 2025 scholarship recipients are:

• Hannah Griffice, Goose Creek Memorial High School
• Sebastian Kingston, Ross S. Sterling High School
• Keila Torres, Stuart Career Technical High School
• Mariana Rangel, Robert E. Lee High School
• Emilio Moreno, IMPACT Early College High School
• Emaluisa Plasencia, Robert E. Lee High School
• Mariella Ocampo, IMPACT Early College High School

 

The top honor of Partner of the Year was awarded to Robert E. Lee High School and ExxonMobil Baytown Area. This partnership has made a profound difference through:

• Sponsorship of the Girl-E Club, empowering young women to explore careers in STEM
• Mentoring students through hands-on STEM projects, including building a functioning claw machine from a blueprint
• Sponsoring student attendance at the Women in Industry Conference in Galveston
• Volunteering for the school’s career day, providing real-world insight and inspiration

 

Two Partner of the Year Runner-Up awards were also presented:

• Crockett Elementary and Chevron Phillips for their strong STEM presence and commitment to academic achievement
• Bowie Elementary and Covestro for developing a family resource closet and a campus fruit and vegetable garden to support student wellness and family needs

 

Additionally, schools were honored for their success in the Cards for First Responders initiative. Alamo Elementary, Cedar Bayou Junior School, and Goose Creek Memorial High School were recognized for submitting the highest number of thank-you cards. Crockett Elementary received the award for Most Creative cards.

 

Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Dr. Randal O’Brien reflected on the legacy and impact of these partnerships:

 

“The strength of our school district lies in the business partnerships that have made our district unlike any other—the reason We Grow Giants. We are thankful for the Baytown Chamber and our partners for helping us provide experiences that truly shape our students’ futures.”

 

A special thank you was extended to presenting sponsor of the luncheon, Beacon Federal Credit Union and all partners for supporting our schools. Thank you to the Chamber leadership and the members for their dedication to this longstanding initiative. Appreciation was shared for Connie Tilton, P.I.E. Chair; Gilbert Santana, Education Division Chair; Tracey Wheeler, Chamber President; and Rikki Wheeler, Vice President and P.I.E. Lead, for their continued leadership and support.

Congratulations to Spencer Anthony on being named the new Ross S. Sterling High School Athletics Coordinator!

 

Spencer Anthony brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role as Athletics Coordinator at Sterling High School. A proud third-generation teacher and coach, Anthony has spent the past seven years serving the Goose Creek CISD community, most recently as the Defensive Coordinator at Lee High School, where he also held roles as Recruiting Coordinator and Head Golf Coach.

 

Before joining GCCISD, Anthony built a strong coaching resume with positions including Safeties Coach at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Defensive Coordinator, Assistant Head Coach, and Head Powerlifting Coach at Wharton High School. While at Southeastern Oklahoma State, he earned a master’s degree in Sports Administration, complementing his bachelor's degree in Health & Physical Education.

 

Originally from Norman, Oklahoma, Anthony is engaged to Karla Arellano, who also serves in Goose Creek CISD at E.F. Green Junior School. His deep-rooted commitment to education, athletics, and community makes him a strong asset to Sterling High School and the district as a whole.

 

“I’m truly honored for this opportunity and grateful to the district, supportive staff, and mentors who’ve guided me. I’m committed to GCCISD and the Ranger community and will always put students first. I’m excited to be part of the Ranger Family.” - Spencer Anthony

By: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD proudly celebrated its second annual Día del Niño event, bringing together students, families, community members, and staff for a vibrant celebration dedicated to children and cultural unity. Spearheaded by Mima Trujillo, Multi-Media Design Specialist, and Veronica Dyson, district translator, the event is a cornerstone of the district’s Hispanic Outreach initiative.

 

The Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation gave out books to students during the event.

 

Día del Niño, or “Children’s Day,” is a beloved tradition across Latin America, particularly in Mexico. It celebrates children simply for being children. Often likened to Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, it’s a joyful, nostalgic occasion rooted in love, community, and giving for kids up to fifth grade.

 

“The goal is to create a welcoming space for our Spanish-speaking families and all cultures represented in our schools,” said Trujillo. “This event builds trust, strengthens relationships, and celebrates what makes our community so special—our children.”

 

This year’s celebration saw significant growth in both attendance and support. The event featured cultural performances, interactive booths, student showcases, and community partner participation. It was made possible through the tireless efforts of the Hispanic Outreach Committee, including Stephanie Aguilar, Briceida Alcaraz, Marisol Chavez, Irasema Cisneros, Anna Espinoza, Zamira Torres, Yulia Trujillo, Brenda Villanueva, and Aurelia Yznaga.

 

Title Sponsor Onyx Group Realtor y Bienes Raíces, and Gold Sponsors PGT Technologies and Enterprise Products played a critical role in bringing the event to life. Niagara Bottling Company generously provided water for the entire event. Family First ER sponsored a customized Goose Creek CISD-themed Family Lotería, a lively version of the traditional Mexican bingo game that brought families together for fun, laughter, and prizes. R & E Industrial generously donated two bicycles for the giveaway.

 

Local businesses and organizations that participated included EPI Pre-packaged Supplies, Greater Baytown Area Local Emergency Committee, Baytown Police Department, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Beacon Credit Union, Balloon Art by Alejandro, Sisters Sweet Treats, The D. Salinas Realty Group, Jump and Splash Party Rentals, Taquería Amor, Taquería Bravo, Taquería Los Dos Potrillos, Taquería Mayito, and Taquería Piquín.

 

Goose Creek CISD departments and campuses also contributed with activity booths and displays, including Bañuelos Elementary, Harris County Community Youth Services, Gentry Junior School, Multilingual Department, Career and Technical Education, Stephen F. Austin Elementary, Safe and Secure Schools Department, Carver Elementary, Social and Emotional Learning and Student Wellness Department, GCCISD Library Department, GCCISD Tax Department, Lamar Elementary, GCCISD Education Foundation, Highlands Elementary, Alamo Elementary, GCCISD Health Services, and Ashbel Smith Elementary.

 

The event’s performers demonstrated cultural pride and student talent with acts from Corazones Alegres de Pasadena, Mejikenze Ballet Folklorico, Ross S. Sterling Mariachi, Carver Elementary Kindergartners, Bowie Elementary Dance Group, San Jacinto Dance Performers, Gentry Junior School Dance Performers, Gentry Junior School New Arrival Center, and Bañuelos Elementary Accordion Group.

 

Looking ahead, the district plans to expand Día del Niño into a larger outdoor event with more entertainment, fine arts performances, and greater community involvement. “With almost 70% of our student population identifying as Hispanic, this is more than a celebration—it’s a cultural bridge,” said Dyson. “But we also want to showcase and welcome all cultures. This is about unity and celebrating each other.”

 

Goose Creek CISD invites local businesses and community members to partner in future celebrations. “Whether it’s donations, sponsorships, or volunteering time and services, every contribution helps build something meaningful for our students,” said Dyson.

 

In addition to cultural events, the Hispanic Outreach initiative also hosts Spanish-only parent meetings to mirror the support English-speaking families already receive. “It’s about equity,” said Trujillo. “We are building an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone.”

 

As Día del Niño continues to thrive, so does Goose Creek CISD’s commitment to celebrating its students, their cultures, and the communities that support them.

By: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 7, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of the new fieldhouse at Stallworth Stadium. This marked a significant milestone in the district’s continued investment in student success, athletic excellence, and community engagement. This event also marks the official closeout of the district’s 2019 bond program, a comprehensive initiative that has brought numerous facility enhancements and educational improvements across the district.

 

District leaders, students, and community members gather to mark this milestone for Stallworth Stadium and Goose Creek CISD.

 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Randal O’Brien addressed the crowd, emphasizing the fieldhouse as more than just a structure. “With this new addition, we are not just enhancing a structure; we are elevating an experience,” said Dr. O’Brien. “This facility will serve our athletes, fine arts students, and the broader student body through initiatives like Healthy Community Schools.”

 

The event brought together school district leaders, community members, high school coaches, student-athletes, and city officials. GCCISD Board of Trustees members led the invocation and pledges, reflecting the board’s ongoing commitment to service and tradition. Kendall David, GCCISD’s Executive Director of Community Engagement, hosted the program and guided the evening’s celebration.

 

Helen Berrott-Tims, outgoing GCCISD School Board President, highlighted the project’s roots in the 2019 bond election. “This fieldhouse reflects our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and growth,” she said. “We thank the voters and the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee for making this possible.”

 

Lee Martinez, GCCISD Athletic Director, expressed his excitement over the facility’s future impact. “This is a space where young people will grow as leaders and athletes. It’s a house of pride and purpose.”

 

The state-of-the-art fieldhouse positions Stallworth Stadium as a destination for future regional athletic competitions and community events. Following the ceremony, guests were invited to tour the new facility, with tours led by student guides who proudly showcased the space. Nash Industries provided tailgate-style refreshments, including grilled favorites, adding to the celebratory spirit of the evening.

 

The district has sought community input on naming the new fieldhouse, with final decisions expected in June.

By: Nancy Bonds, Director of Communications

Cedar Bayou Junior School recently held a meaningful flag replacement ceremony, emphasizing respect, patriotism, and student education. In partnership with the Spindletop VFW Post 1806, the event reinforced the importance of proper flag etiquette and national pride.

 

CBJ students assist Post Chaplain Jorge Gonzalez with replacing the Texas Flag.

 

The ceremony, led by Post Commander Marvin Cash and Post Chaplain Jorge Gonzalez, demonstrated how to respectfully retire or replace American and Texas flags when their edges become frayed or faded. While this event was considered more of a replacement than a full retirement, it upheld the solemnity and dignity of the process.

 

Students learned the symbolic significance of the 13 ceremonial folds in the American flag, each with its own meaning, and the importance of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance when raising the flag. The proper retirement of flags typically involves burial or ceremonial destruction, which was also discussed during the event.

 

Cedar Bayou Principal Dr. Rogelio Cardona remarked, “It is an honor to have a local VFW to help educate our students on the U.S. flag code. We are blessed to have these heroes positively influence our future.”

 

Sixth grader Grady Lockett was instrumental in the ceremony, helped lower the worn flags, and raised the new ones alongside Jorge Gonzalez. Several students also participated in folding the flags with care and precision. These students included seventh graders Jax Husband and Nagwa Abdelghany and eighth graders Alizay Jaime, Adilynn Jaime, Samantha Santibanez, and Camila Avalos.

 

Special thanks to orchestra teacher Kerry Rice for coordinating student participation in this event. Cedar Bayou Junior School is proud to promote honor, leadership, and civic responsibility among its students through experiences like these.