Story by: Amy Maddie, GCCISD Social Studies Liaison

 Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) is proud to announce that 46 students recently competed in the annual Texas History Day contest in Austin, earning top honors and advancing to the national level.

 

Each year, students across GCCISD participate in National History Day, where they develop original research projects based on a unifying annual theme. This year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History,” was selected in recognition of the upcoming United States Semiquincentennial.

 

The Texas History Day competition featured more than 1,100 student competitors and 555 project entries from across the state, highlighting the high level of achievement required to advance. GCCISD students submitted 30 projects to the state contest, with six earning first- or second-place finishes and several receiving prestigious special awards.

 

GCCISD students celebrate their awards at the Texas History Day competition in Austin. Pictured, from left, Anay Gupta, Manavendra Chouhan, Aron Salazar, Arya Patel, Ananya Sood, Jack Pettine, David Orellana, Austin Thomas, and Isaac Graham.  Photo by: Amy Maddie, GCCISD Social Studies Liaison

 

Students from Goose Creek Memorial High School, under the guidance of teacher April Vogel, produced four of the district’s top entries. Manavendra Chouhan earned first place for his historical paper, “The Spark in Champaran: Revolution Through Satyagraha, Reaction of Empire, and Reform that Reshaped India.” Arya Patel and Aron Salazar received second place for their group website, “A Voice in the Pecan Dust: Emma Tenayuca’s Grassroots Revolution, the Red-Baiting Reaction, and the Reform of Mexican- American Labor.” Ananya Sood earned first place for her individual documentary, “We All Bleed Red: Science, War, and the Fight for Equality,” and also received the Senior Division Outstanding Regional Project Award from Baytown Regional History Day. Anay Gupta received first place for his individual website, “When Truth Hit the Headlines: How the Pentagon Papers Sparked Reaction and Demanded Reform.”

 

Baytown Junior School students Austin Thomas, David Orellana, and Jack Pettine earned first place for their group exhibit, “On the Line of Scrimmage: Revolution, Reaction, and Reform Under the Helmet,” sponsored by teachers Seth Tunink, Heather Caraway, and Joshua Sifuentes.

 

From Gentry Junior School, Isaac Graham, under the direction of teacher Christina Barlow, received first place for his individual exhibit, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform: The Vietnam Draft Protests and America’s Debate Over Duty.” Additionally, Gentry Junior School student Brinkley Benoit earned the Junior Division Outstanding Regional Award from Baytown Regional History Day for her individual documentary, “Up in Smoke: How the Tobacco Industry Lost Its Grip on America,” under the sponsorship of teacher Sarah Capestani.

 

In addition to category awards, organizations across the nation sponsor special recognitions for outstanding projects. Goose Creek Memorial students Jonathan Lewis and Yashvir Singh Gill earned both the Naval Order of the United States Award and the National Maritime History Society’s Special Prize for Maritime Projects for their group exhibit, “SUBSAFE: Revolutionizing the Depths through Vital Reform.”

 

Students who placed first or second in their categories have qualified to compete at the National History Day National Contest, which will be held June 14–16 in College Park, Maryland.

 

GCCISD congratulates all participating students and teachers for their dedication, academic excellence, and commitment to historical inquiry.

Story by: Kami Johnston, GCCISD CTE Business and Community Partner Facilitator

 

The Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department has named Sulzer Turbo as its Partner of the Month for March. The award recognizes the company’s work in giving local students the practical skills, mentorship, and opportunities needed to enter the industrial workforce.

 

 

Stuart Career Tech High School Seniors and Darren Legg-Sulzer. Photo By: Bobby Hathaway

 

While Sulzer is known worldwide for its turbomachinery services and engineering, the local facility has made a name for itself as a direct supporter of public education. Through a highly active collaboration with GCCISD, Sulzer is proving that the best way to build a strong local workforce is to work directly with students and teachers.

 

Sulzer’s involvement with GCCISD spans several programs designed to give both students and educators a realistic look at modern industrial careers.

 

To help keep the school curriculum aligned with current industry standards, Sulzer opens its doors to teacher job-shadowing opportunities. This allows instructors to observe modern workforce practices and bring those techniques back to their classrooms.

 

Students also get direct access to the industry. Sulzer regularly hosts student job-shadowing days and facility tours. For many students, stepping onto the shop floor and seeing precision machinery in action is what drives them to pursue a technical career.

 

When they aren't hosting students at their facility, Sulzer staff are often found on GCCISD campuses giving classroom presentations. These visits allow technicians and engineers to share their career stories and talk about the high demand for skilled trades.

 

Sulzer’s commitment to GCCISD goes beyond field trips; the company helps guide the direction of the district’s CTE programs. Representatives from the company serve on multiple advisory boards, offering feedback that shapes course offerings and student training.

 

The company also participates in district industry panels, sharing information on hiring trends and the specific credentials local employers look for.

 

When it comes to preparing students for the hiring process, Sulzer employees volunteer to conduct mock interviews. This gives students the chance to practice their communication skills, fix up their resumes, and get feedback from actual hiring managers.

 

The most impactful part of this partnership is Sulzer’s willingness to invest in students professionally. The collaboration creates a direct path from graduation to employment. Fulfilling the CTE program's main goal, Sulzer actively hires graduates from GCCISD. By providing local young adults with good careers right out of high school, Sulzer is directly supporting the local economy.

 

A shining example of this pipeline in action is Jacob Macias, a member of the Stuart Career Tech High School Manufacturing Class of 2025. After successfully completing the program and graduating, Macias was hired by Sulzer Turbo, where he now utilizes his technical training in a professional capacity.

 

Demonstrating the lasting impact of the mentorship cycle, Macias recently spoke to the Stuart Career Tech Manufacturing Class of 2026 during their recent visit to Sulzer. During the visit, he shared insights about his transition from student to employee and offered advice on the technical expectations of the modern workforce, providing current students with a relatable roadmap for their own future success.

 

Business partners are essential to the success of CTE programs, and Sulzer Turbo doesn't just talk about supporting the next generation; they show up and do the work. GCCISD CTE is proud to recognize them as the March Partner of the Month.

 

To learn more about how local businesses can partner with the Goose Creek CISD Career and Technical Education Department, visit their website, https://schools.gccisd.net/page/cte.SWC.

By Amanda Kennington, Healthy Community School Coordinator

Highlands Elementary’s 5th Annual Color Run was more than just a fundraiser - the experience brought the entire school community together. The event created a fun, inclusive environment where students, families, and staff could connect outside the classroom while promoting healthy, active lifestyles. The color run encouraged participation from everyone, regardless of fitness level, and turned physical activity into something joyful and memorable.

 

 

Highlands Elementary encouraged families to get active and have fun, placing smiles on everyone’s faces.  Photo by: Amanda Kennington, Healthy Community School Coordinator

 

 

5th -grade teacher, Michelle Stangle, said, "Who knew getting active could be so fun? Color run is an event that students and staff look forward to each year. It is wonderful to see smiling faces on students, families, and staff faces while being active and getting a pop of color at the same time!”

 

As participants moved and laughed together, they not only celebrated the funds raised for the school but also strengthened relationships, built school spirit, and reinforced the importance of wellness in ways that last far beyond the event itself.

 

Principal Blanca Capetillo said, “Our 5th Annual Color Run was a joyful celebration of community, wellness, and school spirit. Families enjoyed exercising, laughing, and dancing to music from our DJ, while vendors provided food and added to the festive atmosphere. Our staff was fully engaged, and our Hawk Council volunteers helped support a successful family event. Each year, this event continues to grow and is something our students, staff, and Highlands community look forward to. It truly reflects our motto—Soar Above the Rest.”

 

The Highlands Campus School Health Advisory Committee, led by Champion Joel Kunz, has expanded on the momentum from multiple opportunities that were offered throughout the school year as a part of the school’s coordinated approach to child health (CATCH) program.

 

"It's really neat to see the students and their families having fun together. There are smiles all around. I'm so blessed to be at an amazing campus. Coach Kotlarz did a great job with registration and organizing the volunteers for the color run stations. Our faculty and staff helped make this a memorable event for our students," said Joel Kunz.

 

Additional events for families to be involved with their children and have fun while promoting health habits included family fitness and dance nights, active recess initiatives, health challenges, campus gardens, and partnerships with local community organizations to support nutrition and physical activity.

 

These efforts help ensure that healthy habits are not limited to a single event, but become a shared, ongoing commitment across the entire school community. Strengthening the connection between schools and community supports the broader goal of improving children’s health, ultimately enhancing student attendance, engagement, and academic achievement.

Story by: Nancy Bonds, GCCISD Director of Communications

Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) senior Mattie Dotson of Ross S. Sterling High School earned the district’s High School Best of Show award for her piece, The Lost Cow, which was also selected for the prestigious Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Auction. Her artwork sold for $15,000 at auction on March 15, 2026, with a portion of the proceeds supporting her education next year. 

 

Mattie Dotson, a senior at Ross S. Sterling High School, poses with her award-winning artwork, The Lost Cow, alongside The Lost Horse, a piece she created in first grade at Stephen F. Austin Elementary.  Photos by: Carrie Pryor-Newman

 

This recognition is among the highest honors in the competition and highlights the exceptional talent of GCCISD student artists. Dotson was the only GCCISD student selected for this year’s auction and the first Sterling High School student to advance to auction in 10 years.

 

Dotson, a 12th-grade student taught by art teacher Annie Watson, has spent her entire academic career in GCCISD, attending Stephen F. Austin Elementary, Cedar Bayou Junior School, and Sterling High School. She is also an accomplished student-athlete, having competed in tennis for three years and qualified for a regional powerlifting competition, while maintaining a strong academic record, including dual-credit coursework and a class rank of No. 13.

 

Her artistic journey began in elementary school, where she discovered a strong interest in art and a preference for it over other creative outlets. Notably, her first-grade artwork, The Lost Horse, created at Stephen F. Austin Elementary under teacher Tina Clark, was also selected for the rodeo show, marking an early milestone that helped shape her passion.

 

“Seeing others improve and grow has pushed me to spend more time on my art and challenge myself,” Dotson said. “It’s also therapeutic, and I enjoy the competitive aspect of it. I want to continue having fun while creating at a high level with strong technique.”

 

Throughout high school, Dotson has participated in competitions such as the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and has learned from art educators Annie Watson, Brandie Barriga, and Darcy McDonald. She credits the support and resources available in GCCISD’s art programs as key to her development.

 

“We have a lot of resources, and our teachers are always willing to help and encourage experimentation,” she said.

 

Dotson said the opportunity to have her work included in the rodeo auction was both meaningful and rewarding. With auction pieces often reaching significant bids, students receive a portion of the proceeds to support their postsecondary education.

 

Looking ahead, Dotson plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to study psychology. While she intends to pursue a career outside of the arts, she plans to continue creating as a personal passion.

 

Her advice to younger students is simple: “Have fun. It takes time to understand different techniques, but that is all part of learning.”

 

Dotson’s achievement reflects not only her dedication and talent but also the strength of fine arts education across GCCISD, where students are encouraged to grow and excel.

Story by: Nancy Bonds, GCCISD Director of Communications

Students at Bañuelos Elementary explored a variety of career pathways during the school’s annual Careers on Wheels event, organized by school counselor Mitzi Oliver to connect students with real-world learning experiences.

 

Students at Bañuelos Elementary explored a variety of career pathways during the school’s annual Careers on Wheels event. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.

 

The event brought together local businesses, city and district departments, and community organizations, all showcasing the vehicles and equipment they use in their daily work. From emergency response units to service trucks and specialized equipment, students had the opportunity to get an up-close look while learning about the careers behind them.

 

Through hands-on exploration and conversations with professionals, students gained insight into different professions and the skills required for each. The experience supports Bañuelos Elementary’s efforts to introduce career awareness at an early age and inspire students to begin thinking about their future goals.

 

“Careers on Wheels is always one of the students’ favorite days of the year,” Oliver said. “It’s a fun way for them to begin thinking about their future and the many career possibilities available to them.”

 

Bañuelos Elementary extends its appreciation to the community volunteers and organizations who helped make the event a success, including the GCCISD Maintenance Department, Baytown Public Works Department, Baytown Police Department, Baytown Fire Department, Sam’s Limousine & Transportation Inc., Baytown Wetlands Center, the United States Army, Next Level Urgent Care, the United States Postal Service, and Kouzan’s Creole Kitchen.

Story by: Isaac Silva, Giants Care Collective Campaign Manager

The Giants Care Collective is a student-led health and wellness team serving as an official ad-hoc committee of the Goose Creek CISD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC). Our mission is to elevate student voice in district health and wellness efforts by helping shape meaningful district policy, supporting SHAC initiatives, and leading campaigns that inspire peers to engage in healthier choices. Our team consists of 16 juniors and seniors with representation from all five Goose Creek CISD high schools.

 

“The GCCISD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) created the youth advisory board to provide a platform to engage and vocalize the health needs of students,” said Amanda Kennington, Healthy Community School Coordinator. “It is exciting to see the high school youth collaborating with adults regarding trending wellness topics that they value and choose to champion. By serving on the Giants Care Collective, the students are creating healthier school environments and making a positive influence on their peers!”

 

In alignment with our mission, the Collective is launching a health campaign in April focused on educating students on the risks of overconsumption of energy drinks, a trend that has become increasingly normalized, not only in teens but in adults as well.

 

Giants Care Collective student members and committee sponsor Brittney Culpepper, GCCISD Coordinator of Marketing. Photo by Amanda Kennington.

 

As part of this campaign, the Collective will:

• Conduct a survey of high school students to better understand energy drink usage and how it affects daily life, such as sleep, focus, and energy levels.
• Promote healthier alternatives to energy drinks.
• Educate on the long and short-term health risks of energy drinks.

 

According to Giants Care Collective member Guadalupe Del Campo, the initiative is about more than just data; it is a direct response to a trend visible in every hallway. “Among students walking the halls of GCCISD schools, one thing is almost always present: an energy drink in hand,” Guadalupe explains, noting that the Collective “aims to raise awareness about the potential health risks these drinks pose, while also helping students discover safer, healthier alternatives.”

 

The energy drink initiative is the first campaign developed by this newly established team and is intended to address a modern health challenge facing students in Goose Creek CISD. By focusing on evidence-based education and relatable outreach, the Collective hopes to shift the culture around caffeine and wellness across all five high schools.

 

Get Involved

Follow us on Instagram @giants.care to keep up with the campaign and see our latest health tips.

 

We also invite the community to visit our booth at the upcoming Children's Day/Día del Niño Celebration on April 30, 2026, at Goose Creek Memorial High School from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.