Texas Education Agency Student Heroes Award
Recounting my experience receiving the TEA District 5 Award by State Board of Education member Rebecca Bell-Metereau
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) Student Heroes program recognizes Texas public school students in PreK-HS who do an outstanding volunteer service that benefits their fellow students, schools, or their communities. In spring 2021, I was chosen by District 5 — Texas State Board Of Education (SBOE) Member Bell-Metereau as a 2021 Student Hero award recipient for her efforts with the organization SparkED. This prestigious award is presented to only 12 students statewide who are recognized for their acts of kindness, charity, and selfless service offered toward others.
I’m the founder and executive director of SparkED, a student-led non-profit organization with a mission to educate, empower, and enable youth to make informed decisions about their career and life. SparkED hosts STEM literacy camps, webinars, and mentoring opportunities. From webinars and events, SparkEd has grown into a global initiative empowering youth changemakers. With a team of 20 volunteers, I learned about the power of community and collaboration. My organization has hosted several virtual talks and panel sessions by speakers and panelists with attendees from 14 different states in the US and 11 other countries. I have also been the recipient of the Daily Point of Light Award for my service work as well as the Million Women Mentors — Texas Stand Up for STEM Award for sharing skills through role modeling and inspiring others to pursue a STEM career.
Read more about this award and my efforts through the Texas Education Agency Press Release!
