Rishika Bansal, 2nd year member, Allen High School

Project: Pages For People - Rishika recruited three friends, and together they collected books from school, their neighborhood, and extracurricular activities. In total, they donated 195 books to All Community Outreach in Allen, directly benefiting families in need or supporting them through proceeds from second-hand sales. Rishika shared, “I learned how to delegate and manage multiple moving parts.” Sponsor: Meenakshi Mohan, Dance Instructor.

Elisa Phan, 1st year member, Lowery Freshman Center

Project: Bright Boxes for Bright Minds! - Elisa and her friend created four interactive learning boxes for different levels of Vietnamese classes at Chùa Đại Bi Temple. Each box included games and activities, along with about 50 donated school supplies. The boxes helped increase students’ interest in learning Vietnamese and improved their overall learning experience and access to resources. Elisa shared, “I learned new leadership qualities and how to work around the conflicts I encountered. I felt good that I was able to give back and help students in my community outside of school.” Sponsor: Tuyen Huynh, Principal.

Landry Skuza, 1st year member, Curtis Middle School

Project: Curtis Appreciative Reinforcement Drive - Landry led three Peer Helpers in organizing a donation drive to support special education classrooms at Curtis Middle School. The drive collected reinforcement items to support students and ease the financial burden on teachers with reduced budgets. They gathered items such as snacks, toys, and supplies, all used to support student focus and engagement in the classroom. Landry shared, “I faced a few setbacks during my project including the need to find a new sponsor from my initial one. While finding a new sponsor I struggled with clear communication, but overall I think this project made me a better leader.” Sponsor: Dekisha Smith, Special Education Teacher.

Deauney Thomas, 2nd year member, Rodeo Palms Jr. High

Project: Clothes for the Community - Deauney organized a clothing drive to support her community, collecting over ten bags of clothing from classmates and friends. During spring break, she delivered the donations to Martha’s Kitchen. While there, Deauney also volunteered her time by helping prepare more than 600 quesadillas and distributed snacks to individuals experiencing homelessness. Her hard work made a meaningful impact by providing both food and clothing to those in need. Deauney shared, “Helping those in need will always be a blessing to me.” Sponsor: Robin Glenn, Teacher.

Amri Marquez, 2nd year member, Slayter Creek Middle School

Project: Spark A Smile Joy Drive - Amri and her best friend Riley organized a donation drive at their school to collect toys for the holiday season. Together, they gathered and donated seven face and foot masks, 24 stuffed animals, and 10 sticker sheets. Their contributions supported families at The Samaritan Inn with toys and self-care items while also teaching them the importance of gratitude and giving. Amri shared, “We learned how to get through obstacles thrown our way and reach our end goal.” Sponsor: Mikensi Bryant, Cheer Coach.

Mathai Palathunkal, 3rd year member, Clemons Creek Middle School

Project: Coyote Packs Food Drive - Mathai organized a food drive to support a program that provides meals for elementary students who may not have enough food at home. This year he collected nearly 200 items for the drive. Mathai shared, “I learned that should be grateful for all the food and resources I have at home.” Sponsor: Tiffany Terry, Board of Trustees.

Ethan Benton, 2nd year member, Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School

Project: Powering Austin's Pulse - Ethan and a friend from band supported Austin Texas Musicians by designing a flyer, printing over 300 copies, and distributing them door-to-door and on telephone poles. During their efforts, they also met several people who were eager to donate and support the organization. Ethan shared, “I learned how to better communicate with strangers and plan out future projects.” Sponsor: Ponder East, LASA Band Director.

Olivia Piñon, 1st year member, Clint Small Middle School

Project: Cards For Heroes - Olivia and a friend created and collected over 60 thank-you cards for veterans. The cards were donated to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4443 in Austin, Texas, where they were shared with local veterans. Olivia shared, “This project helped me strengthen my sense of community and gratitude.” Sponsor: William Laurel, Teacher.

Avery Sutton, 5th year member, Richland High School

Project: Bears for a Purpose - Avery and her friend Brooke collected donated teddy bears from community members and delivered 20 bears to the Spiritual Care Department at Cook Children’s Medical Center. The bears will be given to hospitalized children to provide comfort, safety, and support. Avery shared, “Throughout this process I learned that it is worth the time and the effort to help others; it is always rewarding.” Sponsor: Sarah Kelley, English Teacher and Rowdy Royals Sponsor.

Emily Parker, 3rd year member, Boling High School

Project: Kids Who Care - Emily, her sister Alyssa, and two classmates baked over 25 goods for a Kids Who Care bake sale supporting Wharton County Cares. They raised $450 to help community members affected by cancer. Emily shared, “Through my bake sale, I learned that even small efforts can make a meaningful difference in my community.” Sponsor: Chris Burrow, Chemistry Teacher.

Lindsey Grimes, 3rd year member, Boyd High School

Project: Cause for Paws - Lindsey, along with her school’s NHS and 4H clubs, collected pet supplies for the Wise County Animal Shelter. They gathered several boxes of items including dog and cat food, litter, treats, toys, and collars, which were donated to the shelter. The shelter staff were very grateful for the support, and Lindsey was glad to be able to help. Lindsey shared, “I encountered several struggles a long the way with gathering donations from the students and community. But I was able to power through the setbacks.” Sponsor: Lainey Travis, Teacher.

Tierney Kirkham, 1st year member, Jerry and Linda Moore middle school

Project: Moore Tools for School - Tierney and two friends organized a school supply drive to support teachers at Moore Middle School. They collected 572 items, including glue sticks, markers, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, and tissues, helping provide essential classroom resources for teachers and students. Tierney shared, “I saw an opportunity to provide for my school in a way that would help everyone, not just students or teachers. This project was also a great way to see how our community can come together to help and support each other.” Sponsor: Cristy Densman, PTSA President.

Jayden Castaneda, 3rd year member, Clear Springs High School

Project: Pawsitive Supplies - Jayden, her sister, and three friends organized a donation drive for the League City Animal Shelter. They created flyers to collect supplies for dogs and cats, and delivered all donations to the shelter. Jayden shared, “It felt good to know I was helping animals in need that don’t have as much as pets with homes.” Sponsor: Catherine Rudolph, Pastor.

James Gonzalez, 5th year member, Clear Lake High School

Project: Holiday Toy Drive - James enlisted his student council to support his service project by organizing a holiday toy drive that collected 200 items for hearing-impaired children, helping them experience the joy of the Christmas season. James shared, “This experience pushed me to step up as a leader by taking initiative and staying committed to a goal that mattered; it showed me how powerful it can be to make a real difference in someone’s life.” Sponsor: Wendy Trigg, Teacher, Student Council Sponsor.

Isla Hughes, 1st year member, Clear Falls High School

Project: Crochet for Comfort - Isla and a friend collected 15 handmade blankets from the Crochet Guild of America and other community members and donated them to the Star of Hope Women’s Shelter. The blankets will provide comfort to women in need. Isla shared, “I set an ambitious goal at first and failed to meet it, but it taught me to set a more realistic expectations for myself.” Sponsor: Heather Storta, Knitting Guild Vice President.

Mitt Chen, 1st year member, Allen Academy

Project: Cleaning up Church! - Mitt and his youth church group, along with about eight friends, cleaned up Grace Valley Chinese Church for an hour. They received donated umbrellas, trash bags, gloves, and trash grabbers for the clean-up. The project was successful, creating a cleaner space and a positive experience for everyone involved. Mitt shared, “It was a very rainy day, and we had started to pick up trash . We picked up two full bags of trash including some pipes and some plastic water bottles. I had to tell everyone where to go and what to do. We learned how the work is easier with multiple people.” Sponsor: Bingsheng Zhang, Youth Teacher, Grace Valley Chinese Church.

Lance Tobola, 5th year member, College Station High School

Project: Excitement Enclosed - Lance and his girlfriend donated $550 worth of supplies and spent over three hours building two 6.5x6.5 animal enclosures. The enclosures will help ease overcrowding at the organization. Sponsor: Krista Bligh, Director/Founder, Paws and Claws.

Jaelyn Moore, 3rd year member, The Woodlands High School

Project: Bake for Hope - Jaelyn, with help from her mother, baked and sold hundreds of cakes, cookies, and other goods, raising $928.50 and earning a $753.50 profit. The proceeds were donated to RAINN to support survivors of sexual assault. Jaelyn shared, “I learned the importance of planning ahead.” Sponsor: Katie Hou, Teacher.

Catarina Perez, 3rd year member, Grand Oaks High School

Project: Colorful Cards That Make You Smile - Catarina collaborated with the Spanish Honor Society and three classmates to create and decorate 170 handmade encouragement cards, which they delivered to children at Texas Children’s Hospital. The cards provided emotional support and brightened the days of young patients, strengthened their empathy and showed how small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. Catarina shared, “This experience taught me that leadership isn’t about doing everything myself, it’s about using my strengths to lift others up, collaborate with purpose, and create something that makes a real difference. And that even if you start small it can make a difference.” Sponsor: Genaro Torres, Pastor.

Niomi Sanchez, 2nd year member, Oak Ridge High School

Project: Paws for a Cause - Niomi, with help from her family, teachers, and mentors, raised $335 to purchase items from the Montgomery County Animal Shelter’s wish list. She donated dog and cat food, wipes, puppy pads, and treats, supporting the shelter and strengthening her sense of responsibility. Niomi shared, “This experience helped me improve as a leader as it helped build my emotional intelligence; it taught me patience and empathy when dealing with sensitive situations.” Sponsor: Kendall Bay, English Teacher.

Cameron Starnes, 1st year member, Irons Junior High School

Project: Food for the Good! - Cameron and a friend organized a canned food drive and collected 107 canned goods and 13 nonperishable items from their neighborhood. The donations were given to the Gateway Church Food Bank, helping provide additional supplies for families in need. Cameron shared, “I experienced several setbacks during my donation process, but I was able to overcome them and learned how to be a better leader.” Sponsor: Joel Jauregui, Director.

Emilie Sun, 1st year member, Mccullough Junior High School

Project: Code for Fun - Emilie and her two sisters, members of Girls Who Code, organized a fundraiser called Code for Fun and used flyers to gather donations, raising $225 for the club. Emilie shared, “We learned how to lead together during the hard times with no donations.” Sponsor: Sara Goodwin, Library Youth Director.

Sara Wang, 1st year member, The Woodlands High School Ninth Grade Campus

Project: Code for Fun - Sara led her sisters in a fundraiser for Girls Who Code by distributing flyers at the library and raising $225. The funds will help provide additional supplies for students in the club. Sara shared, “Even though we struggled with certain aspects of our project, learning to be an adaptable leader made me grow.” Sponsor: Sara Goodwin, Library Youth Director.

Saanvi Kamerkar, 1st year member, Canyon Ranch Elementary School

Project: The Smart Snacking Initiative for Ducks - Saanvi, along with her sister, created and distributed posters, informational handouts, and pre-made duck food to educate the community about proper duck feeding. Through their efforts, twelve bags of duck food were handed out and duck feeders learned how to feed the ducks safely, helping protect the ducks from health issues such as angel wing. Saanvi shared, “Solving problems in my community felt good.” Sponsor: Wendy Acker, School Nurse.

Saahil Ahmed, 2nd year member, Marvin Baker Middle School

Project: Wrapped with Care - With support from teachers at both his middle and former elementary schools, Saahil organized a donation drive by designing flyers and recruiting fellow middle school council members to distribute them. His efforts inspired students to participate, resulting in the collection of 105 blanket throws and 178 pair of socks for Mission 911, a Corpus Christi nonprofit that assists people experiencing homelessness and poverty. These contributions provided warmth and comfort to many individuals, making a meaningful difference in their lives during challenging times. Saahil shared, “I discovered that stepping up to organize a project takes real responsibility, but it helped me grow as a leader and I feel proud in helping people in need within my community.” Sponsor: Christine Bentley, Teacher.

Michelle Blevins, 4th year member, Bridgeland High School

Project: Hope for Hounds - Michelle and three classmates made a meaningful impact while hosting a service project at Woof Gang Bakery. They helped two dogs find forever homes and raised $2,100 for the rescue during the event. They also collected several applications for fostering and adoption, continuing their collaboration with Woof Gang and Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue for the fourth year in a row. Michelle shared, “It was amazing to know that I helped dogs find loving homes while supporting Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue. This experience showed me that even small actions can create a big, positive impact.” Sponsor: Regina Gonzalez, Owner, Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming.

Abigail Curtis, 3rd year member, Bridgeland High School

Project: Right to Sight - Abigail and two friends collected 117 pairs of glasses and 65 cases from their neighborhood in one week. They donated them to the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, where they are cleaned, repaired, and redistributed to people who cannot afford them. This helps students in school and makes our roads safer. Abigail shared, “I learned how to effectively communicate my goal in a way that allowed me and my team to work efficiently.” Sponsor: Tom Kennedy, Coach.

Darsh Kishore, 1st year member, Cypress Ranch High School

Project: Pages for Progress - Darsh collected more than 1,300 books from over 15 donors, including local school libraries—one of which contributed about 10 boxes. He then volunteered with a friend at the Books for Development facility in Houston, Texas, where they sorted and packaged over 50 boxes of books for shipment to libraries in Africa. Through this project, the recipients gained the tools needed for a proper education, while Darsh learned the significant impact community service can have on those in need. Darsh shared, “"It felt rewarding to see my hard work turn into over 50 boxes of books that will provide essential educational resources to those who need them the most." Sponsor: Lori Benard, Teacher.

Cassidy Lee, 1st year member, Cypress Ranch High School

Project: Jolly Jingles for Paws - Cassidy, with help from her friend and aunt, organized a donation drive that collected over 300 animal supplies across six drop-off locations in North and South Houston. They received five large boxes of donations, supporting about 325 animals at Citizens for Animal Protection with essential care items while they wait for their forever homes. Cassidy shared, “I faced some challenges, but that has taught me that it's just part of the process. Now that I know what to expect next time, I can lead more effectively. It feels good to know that I am helping animals in rescues get the care, attention, and love that they deserve.” Sponsor: Jocelyn Cummons, Education and Events Coordinator, Citizens for Animal Protection.

Kamila Tralik, 1st year member, Bridgeland High School

Project: Hope in an Envelope - Kamila recruited Michelle to help set up a table where they collected over 100 letters for pediatric patients at Texas Children’s Hospital. The letters were delivered to provide encouragement and smiles, helping Kamila see the impact small acts of kindness can have. Kamila shared, “At first it was hard to get people to write letters, but pushing through that taught me persistence and that made the final impact even more meaningful.” Sponsor: Lizz Puente.

Abigail Vogt, 2nd year member, Cypress Ranch High School

Project: Blankets For Babies - Abigail and her little sister Madeline collected 40 baby blankets to donate to Cy-Hope, to help provide warmth and comfort to children in need. Abigail shared, “I encountered setbacks within my team when we were deciding how to receive donations, but the fact that we were able to work through them helped me see my skills being put into work.” Sponsor: Amanda Murphy, Youth Director, Copperfield Church.

Tristan Herring, 2nd year member, William B Travis Vanguard and Academy for the Talented and Gifted

Project: Stew in the Pot - Tristan, along with eight friends from his school and Scout troop, packed meal bags at the Scottish Rite Playground. They gathered about 1,000 items to assemble 51 snack bags for The Stew Pot. Each bag included food, hygiene supplies, and a handwritten note of encouragement. Before the event, three students helped promote the project by posting flyers at school to collect donations. Tristan shared, “I kept procrastinating, but I really learned my lesson. In the end, I learned a lot about leadership, management, and scheduling. It went really well with help from some others, and I have really improved from this experience.” Sponsor: Sujata Dand, Teacher.

Tristen Nieto, 3rd year member, Cameron Elementary School

Project: Holiday Harvest for All - Tristen recruited his brother, Santiago, to help collect donations, organize items, and prepare holiday meals for delivery to Ector County ISD families in need. Together, they gathered canned goods and frozen turkeys to assemble 25 holiday meal boxes. The meals helped reduce financial stress and allowed families to enjoy a traditional holiday dinner, while teaching Tristen leadership, responsibility, and the importance of giving back. Tristen shared, “I realized that even small acts of service can have a significant impact. This experience strengthened my understanding of the importance of helping others. Sponsor: Karina Ligon, Teacher.

Noah Strange, 2nd year member, Wiggs Middle School

Project: Collecting Compassion - Noah and his peer Adrienne collected canned food items for the local restaurant, the Mustard Seed Cafe. Together they gathered around 120 canned goods in Noah's neighborhood to donate to the cafe. The Mustard Seed Cafe runs on a "pay what you can" donation basis, and the canned food helped them make fresh, hot meals and provide comfort and joy to those in need. Noah shared, “Although completing my project was difficult at times, I learned that it is always worth it when you are helping the less fortunate.” Sponsor: Jeanaline Celis, Teacher/NJHS Sponsor.

Anthony Foster, 3rd year member, North Forney 9th Grade Center

Project: United by Blood, Driven by Kindness - Anthony partnered with members of the Sharing The Love Foundation and his family to organize a community blood drive focused on helping others in need. Through their teamwork and dedication, 18 people donated a total of 16 units of blood, donations that can help save and improve countless lives. Anthony shared, “This experience allowed me to further my knowledge and experience as a leader. It also allowed me to learn about coordinating with a team of people.” Sponsor: Marian Stewart, Founder, Executive Director.

Adediwura Adejumo, 1st year member, Fort Settlement Middle School

Project: Diwura’s Dialogue - Diwura, along with her teacher Mrs. Smith and one additional volunteer, donated 38 books to the local library. The books were organized and delivered to support young readers and families, helping improve access to reading materials and encourage literacy in the community. Adediwura shared, “I learned that you can help other people doing something that you love.” Sponsor: Kehinde Barakat Olajide, Tutor.

Adewonuola Adejumo, 1st year member, Anne Sullivan Elementary

Project: Scrub Every Heart - Adewonuola, with her tutor Baraka, donated two large packs of toilet paper and a box of snacks to staff at Hampton Hills at Meadows Place. Her contribution helped reduce the facility’s need to purchase supplies and support those who care for others. Through this project, she gained a deeper appreciation for giving back and supporting elders. Adewonuola shared, “I hit some rocky hills along the way but I am amazed today in how it all worked out. Believe it and you can achieve it.” Sponsor: Kehinde Barakat Olajide, Tutor.

Adam Adera, 1st year member, First Colony Middle School

Project: Adam’s holiday toy drive - Adam, with the help of a friend, organized Adam’s Holiday Toy Drive to support the Exchange Club of Sugar Land. Together, they collected 47 new and unwrapped toys to help bring joy to children and families in need during the holiday season. The toys were distributed to local families through the organization’s partnership with a local church, helping make the holidays brighter for many in the community. Adam shared, “I learned that I can make an impact in my community even at my age. And I learned the joy of helping others, it truly was a great experience.” Sponsor: Christopher Pryor, Teacher.

Saanvi Emmaneni, 1st year member, Dulles High School

Project: Project Empower Words - Saanvi and two friends reached out to local businesses like Kwality Ice Cream, Cinnaholic, and Sharetea to provide coupons and free items as rewards for book donors. They publicized the drive through social media and their school, collecting over 700 books for students with limited access to reading resources. These books were donated to Books Between Kids, a nonprofit that provides at-risk children with books to build home libraries. The initiative helped ensure more children have the chance to own books and develop a love for reading. Saanvi shared, “At first it was hard to get people to notice our drive, but the idea to partner with local businesses for donor rewards made the project ten times more successful. This experience taught me that leadership is about using creativity and collaboration to inspire others toward a common goal.” Sponsor: Audrey Phillips, Teacher.

Saniya Gadgil, 1st year member, Saniya Gadgil

Project: Your Voice, Your Rights: A Youth Legal Awareness Initiative - Saniya recruited 20 members of the Law and Order Club to design, create, and pass out educational brochures as part of her project, Know Your Rights: Youth Legal Awareness Drive. With donated supplies and school printing support, they shared brochures across Stephen F. Austin High School to help students understand their basic rights and introduce them to law and leadership. Through this project, Saniya grew as a leader by working closely with her team and connecting the initiative to her children’s book about a young girl pursuing a career in law. She plans to continue sharing this message through future school visits and library readings. Saniya shared, “This experience helped me grow as a leader because I learned how to bring people together, listen to different ideas, and turn something I care about into something that actually helps others.” Sponsor: Amelia Peters, Teacher.

Caleb Hsieh, 3rd year member, Stephen F Austin High School

Project: Sharing the Love of Jesus - Caleb and his friend Eric volunteered at the Second Mile Mission Center, bringing donations including 24 packs of noodles, 18 packs of mac and cheese, and 12 cans of corn. They also helped distribute food supplies and snacks into carts for families in need. Caleb shared, “As we were helping out at the Second Mile Mission Center, we realized how there are people all around us need who need the love of God. Both of us are thankful to be used by the Lord Jesus Christ.” Sponsor: Brandon Hoybach, Service Coordinator.

Emma Le, 1st year member, Fort Settlement Middle School

Project: The Crafted Kindness Project - Emma delivered a school-wide advisory lesson on the importance of kindness and the impact students can have on others, even strangers. She collected over 550 cards and engaged nearly 1,500 students. The cards were sent to children across the United States through Cards for Hospitalized Kids, bringing encouragement and brightening their days. Emma shared, “I encountered several issues along the way. It was worth it in the end because I learned how much my actions impacted students and teachers. I may not be able to change the world yet, but I can inspire my community.” Sponsor: Harsha Patel, 6th Grade AVID Teacher/Be the Change Club Sponsor.

Matthew Le, 1st year member, Fort Settlement Middle School

Project: Car Washes for Texas Children's - Matthew and a friend organized car washes to raise donations for Texas Children’s Hospital, with all profits going toward the hospital. Matthew shared, “It wasn't the easiest experience in the Texas heat, but I was proud to be doing the work to benefit the hospital. I learned many valuable teamwork skills and had a lot of fun along the way!” Sponsor: Cameron Carlin, Community Events Specialist - Office of Philanthropy, Texas Children's Hospital.

Haven Lopez, 3rd year member, First Colony Middle School

Project: Share the Warmth - Haven and her family of five collected 296 articles of clothing and blankets. These items were distributed to Afghan refugees, the Fort Bend ISD Women’s Center, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Their efforts helped provide warmth and essential necessities to those in need during the winter months. Haven shared, “Organizing this project was not easy, and there were definitely challenges throughout the process. However, in the end, it was worth the struggles to see the smiles that I have as this impacted my community.” Sponsor: Jennifer Petru, Principal.

Tyler Lopez, 5th year member, Elkins High School

Project: Give a Book, Share the Knowledge - Tyler and his sister set up collection boxes around their community and collected more than 840 books! After sorting them by reading level, the books were handed out to people at the Fort Bend Women's Center and Afghan refugees. Seeing how happy the recipients were when they received a book made Tyler feel good about the work he did. Tyler shared, “This experience showed me that small actions can make a big difference. Pushing through the hard parts made me a better leader.” Sponsor: Courtney Muceus, Principal.

Ayanna Murjani, 1st year member, Sartartia Middle School

Project: Kids Helping Kids - Ayanna and her Student Council hosted a two-week donation drive at their school for Child Advocates of Fort Bend. They received over 15 donations, supporting children in need while also teaching students the value of giving without expecting anything in return. Ayanna shared, “Even though we didn’t get many donations at first, me and my team worked through all of the setbacks and made the drive successful. The setbacks helped me grow in my confidence, communication, and teamwork skills which helped me become a better leader.” Sponsor: Michelle Thrower, Student Council Sponsor.

Lana Nguyen, 5th year member, Lawrence E. Elkins High School

Project: Books4Good - Lana recruited her school’s Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Girl Up clubs to collect gently used books for underprivileged students. They gathered over 115 books for the Sienna Branch Library, expanding access to a variety of genres for readers of all ages. The project inspired Lana to continue advocating for equal education and access to literature for every child. Lana shared, “I learned how to communicate with others effectively and professionally.” Sponsor: Lisa Socha, Librarian, Elkins High School.

Nandini Pradhan, 4th year member, Lawrence Elkins High School

Project: Books and Beyond - Nandini and two firends, who are all avid readers, collected over 215 children’s books to donate to the organization Books Between Kids. This project helped at-risk children in the Houston area. Nandini shared, “At first I didn’t think that many people would donate, but as the word spread more people donated creating a larger impact than i would have anticipated.” Sponsor: Sonali Oltikar, Book Club Organizer.

Vedant SIngh, 1st year member, Anne McCormick Sullivan Elementary

Project: Pages of Possibility - Vedant began volunteering at Books Between Kids, which inspired him to support their mission further. With encouragement from his teacher, Mrs. Lauer, and collaboration with his school’s National Elementary Honor Society at Anne Sullivan Elementary, he collected 127 books from friends and family to donate to the organization. Vedant shared, “I faced lots of roadblocks, but I learned that being persistent pays off.” Sponsor: Cynthia Lauer, Teacher.

Mansi Verma, 1st year member, Sartartia Middle School

Project: The Battle for Books - Mansi helped collect and donate books for children in the community with assistance from her sister. She gathered over 30 books, which were donated to the Literacy Council of Fort Bend to support young readers who did not have easy access to books. This project helped provide needed resources to students while showing how even a small group effort can make a real difference. Mansi shared, “The sense of accomplishment that you feel when you help others, even if it is in the smallest way, is incomparable to anything else in the world.” Sponsor: Brittany Pettit, Teacher.

Ayden Murrell, 2nd year member, Young Men’s Leadership Academy

Project: Warmth for the Homeless - Ayden organized his 2nd annual leadership project, “Warmth for the Homeless,” which was much larger than last year. Inspired by seeing people experiencing homelessness and without adequate warmth, he worked with his friend Tre and Tre’s mom, who helped put up flyers at their church and donated gloves, socks, and beanies. Together, they collected over 150 bottoms, 144 tops, 20 pairs of shoes, along with many socks, hats, gloves, jackets, scarves, plus pillows and blankets. All items were donated to Beautiful Feet Ministries. Ayden shared, “I learned giving isn’t about how much you have, it’s about how much you care.” Sponsor: Jareem Williams, Principal.

Shruti Anand, 4th year member, Independence High School

Project: Crafting Kindness - Shruti and a friend organized an art-based fundraiser to support children facing cancer. By designing and creating handmade tote bags, they raised $250 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Through this project, Shruti learned the value of initiative, planning, and using her talents to give back. Shruti shared, “This project showed me that leadership takes more than just a good idea. It takes planning, effort, and follow-through to make a real impact.” Sponsor: Leonard Buscemi, Art Teacher.

Kate Bell, 1st year member, Frisco Wakeland High School

Project: Paws for Kindness - Kate recruited her friend Runci to help organize and collect donations to provide meals and support ongoing care for animals in need. Together, they gathered over 215 pounds of dry dog and cat food for Operation Kindness. Kate shared, “I learned how to take the initiative and stay committed throughout the project which helped me grow into a more independent leader. Seeing how much we were able to collect made the impact feel real.” Sponsor: Jacob Chambers, Teacher.

Kennedy Bell, 1st year member, Wakeland High School

Project: Fresh Forward - Kennedy worked with her National Honor Society sponsor and school community to organize a hygiene drive, collecting 644 items including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and lip balm. The donations were given to Refresh Frisco North Texas to support children in need with essential personal care items. The project showed Kennedy the impact of an organized effort on the community. Kennedy shared, “This experience showed me how much of an impact I can make by taking initiative, and it helped me grow more confident in leading.” Sponsor: Vaun Flanders, NHS Sponsor/Teacher.

Mackenzie Chaney, 2nd year member, Lamar and Norma Hunt Middle School

Project: Learning Through the Senses - Mackenzie recruited friends to organize an online fundraiser supporting the SLC classroom and Best Buddies program. As of April 2026, they were 20% toward their $3,300 goal to provide additional materials and activities for more engaging learning experiences and meaningful interactions between students and their buddies. The project left Mackenzie feeling proud while helping build a more inclusive environment. Mackenzie shared, “This journey wasn’t perfect. I faced delays and challenges, but I brought them to God and trusted Him through each step. Through this experience, my faith grew stronger, and I learned the importance of patience, love, and perseverance.” Sponsor: La Tisha Johnson, Teacher.

Aanya Chopra, 1st year member, Sue Wilson Stafford Middle School

Project: Play it Forward - Aanya and a friend taught soccer skills and drills to six kids ages 4-11 to help them learn and improve their skills. While doing so, they were able to collect donation bags for Frisco Family Services instead of monetary "fees" for attending a session. The Play it Forward soccer skills camp benefited both the kids who wanted to learn soccer skills and the people in need of toys and clothes. Aanya shared, “I learned that patience and perseverance is the key to gaining success and the hearts of many people.” Sponsor: Edward Kovarik, Coach.

Lauren Gaines, 2nd year member, School for the Highly Gifted

Project: Paw Pals Donation Drive - Lauren created a plan to collect donations for the Prairie Paws Adoption Center. With a few friends, she passed out flyers at her school and collected donations from peers before delivering the items to the shelter. Through the process, she also learned the importance of persistence and thorough planning to ensure success. Lauren shared, “Though setbacks occurred, I was able to push through and make this project a success. I’m happy got to contribute to my community with my friends by my side.” Sponsor: April Gholston, Teacher.

Caden Jones, 1st year member, Ronald W. Reagan Middle School

Project: March of the Cans - Caden worked with two friends to organize a food drive supporting Mission Arlington. They created and distributed flyers at school and placed donation boxes in the office to collect canned goods from students and staff. Their efforts helped provide food to individuals and families in need. Caden shared, “This project helped me see how to be kind and giving to the community.” Sponsor: Jonathan Craig, Teacher.

Evan Hughes, 4th year member, Holliday High School

Project: Blessing Bags - Evan and his 4H club assembled Ziploc bags with snacks, drinks, and hygiene products for the homeless population in Wichita Falls. They then distributed the bags, providing individuals with small resources to support their daily needs. Evan shared, “I gained a firsthand understanding of the hardships these people face and how much it meant to them to know someone cared.” Sponsor: Jenka Conrad, 4H club manager.

Franciska Crkvenjakov, 2nd year member, Lamar High School

Project: Paws for a Cause - Franciska and her friend Poppy baked 150 cookies to raise money for the Houston SPCA. They sold and distributed them around Houston to raise funds, ultimately providing 122 pounds of dog food along with toys and treats for the shelter. They also shared cookies with shelter staff and raised awareness for these animals in need. Franciska shared, “This project pushed me to limits I have never experienced before and taught me what it means to bounce back from negative results after my initial project didn't work out in time. I learned how to make a positive impact even if things don't go as planned.” Sponsor: William Playford, Teacher.

James Perales, 4th year member, Kinder HSPVA

Project: The Houston Instrument Share - James recruited several fellow student musicians and volunteers to support The Houston Instrument Share project. Together, they organized and facilitated the collection, sorting, and distribution of donated musical instruments and accessories. The group gathered over $50,000 worth of instruments, including band and orchestra equipment, along with essential supplies such as reeds, strings, and cases. These items were distributed through The Houston Instrument Share, benefiting local students and schools in the Houston area who lacked access to instruments due to financial barriers. James shared, “I learned how to lead by coordinating people, solving problems, and staying committed even when challenges came up. This experience helped me grow into a more confident and responsible leader, and it showed me the impact I can make when I bring others together.” Sponsor: Mark Buller, Teacher.

Nolan Querin, 2nd year member, Bellaire High School

Project: - Nolan and a friend helped fundraise for the Friends For Life Animal Shelter, raising a total of $500 to support food and essential resources for pets in the shelter. Nolan shared, “I encountered many challenges along the way, but pushing past them to reach my goal showed me the value and payoff of hard work.” Sponsor: Chris Leverette, Mentor.

Sofia Solano-Arango, 4th year member, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions

Project: Casa Hope: Donations that mMake a Difference - Sofia led her school’s fourth annual donation drive. Through her leadership, student council members and students across the school contributed nonperishable food items, hygiene products, and household supplies. In total, Sofia and her schoolmates collected 949 items. The donation drive supported Casa de Esperanza, a Houston-based organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect, as well as the children and families it serves. Sofia shared, “This year’s leadership lessons helped me use my strengths in communication, organization, and initiative to encourage participation. The experience showed me how intentional leadership and persistence can create meaningful impact." Sponsor: Veronica Simmons.

Cindy Tint, 5th year member, Bellaire High School

Project: Supporting Women in STEM - Cindy and her Women in STEM officer board hosted a boba tea fundraiser, raising $100 for their school’s chapter. They also presented to incoming freshmen to promote Women in STEM and raise awareness of upcoming educational sessions for elementary students. Cindy shared, “I enjoyed getting to work with a team and learn how to plan interesting events for our club's members.” Sponsor: Alice Rowlands, English Teacher.

Lucile Wilkes, 4th year member, Alexander Hamilton Middle School

Project: Feeding Our Communities - Lucile organized a school-wide food drive that collected 76 canned goods to support families in need. She then recruited nine family members and friends to volunteer alongside her at the Houston Food Bank, where they spent four hours packing and sorting food boxes. The group helped pack 25 pallets to be distributed to people in need throughout the community. Lucile shared, “I learned that if you ask for people to help, you will be surprised by the number of classmates that will want to help. Some come through, and some don't, but it won't matter - the main thing is that you put yourself out there, and more than your echo came back.” Sponsor: Crystal Jackson-Allen, Public Speaking Teacher.

Aaron Powell, 3rd year member, Huntsville High School

Project: Stock the Shelves - Aaron, along with a friend, organized a donation drive to support Rita B. Huff Humane Society of Walker County and its community pet pantry, which provides free pet food to families in need. They collected over $600 in donations as well as several hundred pounds of dog food, helping ensure animals in the community had access to essential food. Aaron shared, “I learned how to talk to people and organizations in order to achieve my goals.” Sponsor: Tom Waddill, Teacher.

Harper Budd, 2nd year member, Iredell Independent School District

Project: Dreams Delivered: Toys for Bosque County’s Little Angels - Harper got her community together to collect toys for children in need to provide them with a happy Christmas and put smiles on their faces. Harper shared, “This experience helped me grow as a leader by teaching me that leadership is about helping others, not yourself. I enjoyed donating the toys and knowing they would bring smiles to children on Christmas morning.” Sponsor: Tarja Fowler, Teacher.

Arthur Baxter, 1st year member, Judson STEM Academy

Project: Fuel Kids to Learn - Arthur contacted his classmate Mercedes to sell sodas, donut holes, and strudels at his local neighborhood event. The event raised $100 which Arthur donated to SAYL (San Antonio Youth Literacy). The project taught the students the commitment required to raise funds for a cause. Arthur shared, “This experience helped me improve by teaching me how to balance costs and revenue through budgeting.” Sponsor: Russel Baskin, Teacher.

Angie Sudiro, 1st year member, Beckendorff Junior High School

Project: Colors and Smiles - Angie and her friend colored twenty-seven coloring pages from Color A Smile. They mailed the pages to the Color A Smile organizatio to have them distributed to residents of nursing homes, troops overseas, and people who just needed a little bit of encouragement or a quick smile! Angie shared, “I gave my time to color the pages for others who needed it, and it was great to help!” Sponsor: Audra Marsalia, Teacher.

Peyton Freude, 1st year member, Hillwood Middle School

Project: Cans for Care - Peyton Frecruited her friend Kinley to help her collect more than 100 canned food items at Keller ATA, Flips for Fun, and Champion Cheer. The items were donated to the Presbyterian Night Shelter to help provide meals for individuals experiencing homelessness. The project strengthened Peyton's commitment to helping others and created a meaningful impact by supporting those in need within her community. Peyton shared, “This experience helped me grow as a leader by teaching me to take initiative, stay committed, and inspire others to get involved. I learned that even small efforts can make a big impact when you lead with purpose.” Sponsor: Michael Benson, Teacher.

Kelli Perkins, 2nd year member, Hillwood Middle School

Project: Helping the Homeless - Kelli worked with other students to spread the word about her service project. They gathered donations, purchased items, and collected personal hygiene items to put together one hundred hygiene kits for Tarrant County Hands of Hope. The hygiene kits provide basic items of need for the homeless community. Kelli shared, “Collecting the items was an experience I will never forget. Helping others can bring people hope.” Sponsor: Krysta Reed, Teacher.

Jayde Manuel, 3rd year member, Tivy High School

Project: Cans for a Cause - Jayde recruited three family members to help with her food drive. Together, they collected 150 canned food items for a food bank. The project showed her the importance of community involvement, and it helped recipients receive much-needed food. Jayde shared, “Seeing those smiles reminded me that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in the community.” Sponsor: Luis Espinosa, Counselor.

BreAnn Craig, 1st year member, Harker Heights High School

Project: You Control the Traffic - BreAnn and her peers presented suggestions to improve the student experience when entering their school. Their ideas were shared with administrators and staff for consideration, though an appropriate solution has not yet been implemented. BreAnn shared, “My service project helped me better understand the diverse opinions and perspectives of others.” Sponsor: Julie Smith, Teacher.

Karlie Sneed, 2nd year member, LaGrange Elementary School

Project: Essentials for Elders - Karlie and her brother Wyatt collected around 80 toiletry items, clothing items, games, and puzzles and donated them to Bec’s Blessing in Giddings, Texas. The items were given to support and bring joy to elderly individuals, helping brighten their day. Karlie shared, “I learned that the community is willing to come together to support the elderly and work toward the shared goal of helping others and giving back.” Sponsor: Tenille Adamcik, GT Teacher.

Leeland Morris, 3rd year member, Leakey High School

Project: Frio Country Clean Up - Leeland participated in a community service project focused on cleaning up the beautiful Frio River that flows right near his house. Along with several of his friends, he worked first to collect donations of trash bags, gloves, and bottled water. Then, the crew set to work to remove litter from both the riverbank and a nearby highway. Over the course of the project, he and his friends collected a total of 15 bags of trash, helping to improve the environment, keep it clean, and preserve its natural beauty for many others to enjoy. Leeland shared, “I learned that being a leader means stepping up, working hard, and helping others. Cleaning the river with friends showed me how teamwork and effort can make a big difference, and it gave me more confidence to take initiative and lead by example.” Sponsor: Becky Hooten, Teacher.

Sohini Guha, 1st year member, McKamy Middle School

Project: March Toy Drive - Shini and two friends organized a toy drive at their former elementary school, encouraging students and families to donate toys for children in need. The collected toys were given to children in the community, helping bring joy and comfort through the gift of play. Through this project, Sohini demonstrated compassion, teamwork, and leadership by making a positive impact on the lives of others. Sohini shared, “This project has helped me learn how to talk to people and ask for help.” Sponsor: Matthew Rainey, Elementary School Principal.

Kherington Dahm, 2nd year member, Liberty Hill Middle School

Project: Share The Warmth - Kherington worked with friends to collect around 70 winter clothing items for Reveal Resource Center. The donations were given to individuals in need to help them stay warm during the winter. Kherington shared, “I had to speak with businesses to promote my project, which helped me improve my communication skills and clearly share my ideas.” Sponsor: Nicole Clemente, Girl Scout Troop Leader.

Lilly James, 1st year member, Liberty hill high school

Project: Every Kid Belongs - Lilly recruited her friend Maile to interview parents of children with special needs in partnership with Hope House. Their work helped raise awareness and increase community understanding of children with special needs. Lilly shared, “I learned that it takes leadership to achieve goals, and that even a simple conversation can lead to meaningful results.” Sponsor: Kristina Smith, Teacher.

Mackenzie Cory, 2nd year member, Lone Oak High School

Project: Books for Buffalos - Mackenzie and her Beta group collected 236 books from students at Lone Oak ISD. She then worked with a friend to sort the books by AR level and determine which books would best fit each school. The donated books were distributed to school libraries, helping students discover new books to enjoy. Mackenzie shared, “This service project helped me learn the importance of communicating, and how sometimes, all I have to do is ask.” Sponsor: Melanie Marsh, Teacher, Beta Sponsor.

Natalie Silerio, 4th year member, Loop Independent School District

Project: Helping Hands for NAMI - Natalie and her culinary classmates created over 150 soda can bouquets with candy to fundraise for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). They raised $750, supporting NAMI’s mental health programs and services for local communities. Natalie shared, “During my service project, I was able to see the many talents of my classmates and sponsor, whose support helped make my project possible.” Sponsor: Sonja Bell, Teacher.

Gabriella De La Rosa, 1st year member, Lyford Middle School

Project: Senior Squad: Ensuring the Senior Generation is not Forgotten - Gabriella De La Rosa launched the “Senior Squad,” a service group dedicated to bringing joy to senior residents through handmade holiday cards. With sponsor Ms. Victoria Vela and 20 classmates, Gabriella led the group’s first project by creating Christmas cards for 60 residents at Windsor Nursing and Rehabilitation to remind seniors they are special and loved. Gabriella shared, “Seeing how my friends and classmates were willing to participate in this effort encourages me that our school is full of leaders and kids who really want to improve our community and that it’s okay to ask for help when starting something big feels overwhelming.” Sponsor: Victoria Vela, 6th Grade Math Teacher and Coach.

Mason Elseth, 3rd year member, Claudia Taylor Johnson High School

Project: Jags Roar for CHOSA - Mason recruited his lacrosse team to bring together donations for the Children's Hospital of San Antonio. Mason collected over 100 items of clothing for the Angel Closet. The Angel Closet serves children who arrive in crisis and have no belonging and need clothes during their stay at the hospital. Mason shared, “Although this was my third project, it was the first time I faced challenges working with my school. I had to adjust my strategy and lead my lacrosse team instead of my classmates. This experience taught me that leadership sometimes requires adapting.” Sponsor: Nicole Nickells, Teacher.

Autumn Fuger, 2nd year member, Robert L Vale Middle School

Project: The Cat in the Hat Gives Back /Food and Personal Care Drive - Autumn worked with her friend, Audri, and her teacher, Mrs. Valdivia, to collect 290 food and personal care items for the Mary Mother of the Church parish food pantry. They organized the Cat in the Hat Gives Back donation drive to collect the items. Their drive helped them grow in their leadership qualities and become more involved in their community. Autumn shared, “Working with a friend to collect a ton of items for people who might not have as much was really rewarding and something I'd been wanting to do for a while!” Sponsor: Elizabeth Valdivia, Teacher.

Victoria Ramos, 1st year member, Vale Middle School

Project: Helping Fur Joy - Victoria and her friend Luciana set up a donation drive at their school to benefit the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services. They made daily announcements at school and shared the project needs with all their friends. They ended up with over 150 items donated that benefitted the animals and learned the value of independence as well as many important lessons along the way. Victoria shared, “Even though the process is slow and difficult, the outcome can still be strong and meaningful.” Sponsor: Danielle Delgado, English/Language Arts Teacher.

Logan Sullivan-Cruz, 3rd year member, Marshall Law and Medical Services Magnet High School

Project: The Marshall Food Bank Donation Drive - Logan brought together his school's Student Council and NJROTC to host a food drive in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank at his school. As part of this drive, they placed red bins from the food bank around campus and posted promotions on social media. In the end, they received 187 pounds of food for the San Antonio Food Bank. Logan shared, “I was able to learn how collaboration can lead to good outcomes for the betterment of my community.” Sponsor: Adan Nieto, NJROTC Instructor.

Landon Grapes, 1st year member, Tidwell Middle School

Project: Konsoles for Kids - Landon, along with several of his friends, collected used video games and gaming consoles. He then took the donated items to GameStop and sold them, raising a total of $500. The funds were donated to Cook Children’s Hospital to help provide patients with gaming systems and new video games, bringing a little happiness during difficult times. Landon shared, “Although I faced several challenges throughout this project, I will take the lessons I learned to strengthen my organizational, time management, and leadership skills for future endeavors.” Sponsor: Ryan Weiss, Teacher.

Ada Haidinger, 2nd year member, Olfen School

Project: Seating for Seniors - Ada and her FFA group refurbished one picnic table for the Senior Class of Olfen ISD so that they had enough seating during lunch due to overcrowding in the cafeteria. The picnic table will also be used by students from all grades during recess and outdoor classroom activities. Ada's projected benefitted every student and teacher in Olfen ISD and the effects will last for many years to come. Ada shared, “I learned that meaningful service takes time and patience, as this project took several months to complete.” Sponsor: Jacob Halsell, Teacher.

Laney Kimbro, 3rd year member, Olney Junior High

Project: Project Inspiration - Laney and her friends created book promotion slides for the Olney Community Library to highlight selections in the teen section. Together, they developed 20 slides that will be displayed as a slideshow to inspire and guide readers. Laney chose this project after noticing that many of her peers struggled to find engaging books, and she wanted to share her recommendations to encourage a love of reading. Laney shared, “This experience helped me grow as a leader by showing me that my friends and I can make a real impact in the community, even in small ways.” Sponsor: Lori Cox, Library Director.

Denalee Wales, 1st year member, Olney Junior High School

Project: Blood Driven - Denalee recruited one friend to assist with organizing a blood drive and promoted it by hanging posters, sending emails, and creating one video requesting 16 donors. She secured 18 donors, exceeding her goal, and all donations were given to Carter Blood Care supporting their local hospital, Hamilton Hospital. This project helped save lives and was especially meaningful because it honored her grandfather who received 16 units of blood after heart surgery last year. Denalee shared, “With hard work and dedication, I was able to prove to myself I can do anything I put my mind to.” Sponsor: Dale Lovett, Retired Teacher.

Sara Williamson, 3rd year member, Overton Middle School

Project: Sara's Lots of Love - Sara encouraged her entire 6th grade class to create Valentine’s cards for a local nursing home, Overton Healthcare Center. Working together, they made 120 cards with creative messages creative for the residents who were very grateful to receive them. Sara shared, “I was the oldest one there so naturally they looked up to me when they encountered setbacks and having me help them work through it with them, helping me become a stronger leader.” Sponsor: Rhanda Parker, Band Director.

Katherine Doyle, 1st year member, Pearland Junior High West

Project: Flowers for Futures - Katherine, alongside two friends Cathy and Katherine, created 70 crochet flowers. These flowers were sold to raise money for a local nonprofit, Women Leading Success. The $300 raised went to financial and scholarship funding for single mothers. Katherine shared, “I had to learn how to manage my time to meet project deadlines.” Sponsor: Casey Loe, Teacher.

Nathalie Huynh, 2nd year member, Pearland High School

Project: Threads of Hope - Nathalie recruited several friends to collect clothing, personal care items, and stuffed animals to donate to Sarah’s House. They collect six bags of donations from local businesses, family, and friends. The donations benefited those experiencing homelessness and people facing financial problems. Nathalie shared, “Faced with many setbacks, we found creative solutions to overcome them and achieve our main goal.” Sponsor: Lindsey Lundberg, Teacher.

Parker Stiers, 2nd year member, Pearland High School

Project: Shining Hope: Rainbow Room Drive - Parker and his friend Noah hosted a collection drive where they collected around 10 large boxes of items and necessities including hygiene products, baby care items, and much more for Partnerships for Children. The items went to a "Rainbow Room," where families and kids in the system, or entering into it, are able to receive needed necessities. Parker shared, “I improved my ability to put myself out there to do more things like this.” Sponsor: Ashlyn Beard, Teacher.

Michal Fuks, 2nd year member, Robinson Middle School

Project: Threads of Hope - Clothes Donation - Michal recruited friends, family members, and community members to donate gently used clothing for the Threads of Hope clothing drive. Through her efforts, she collected approximately 200 clothing items, which were then distributed to individuals and families in need through the Threads of Hope organization. This project provided essential clothing to those in need and taught Michal valuable lessons in leadership, organization, and compassion for her community. Michal shared, “Leading this project helped me grow as a leader by organizing people, solving problems, and staying committed through challenges. Seeing how the donations helped others showed me the meaning of Tikkun Olam and made me proud to give back to my community.” Sponsor: Eli Nissel, Rabbi.

Neel Chugh, 2nd year member, Rice Middle School

Project: Canine Care - Neel recruited NJHS students and several friends to help support his service project, Canine Care. Together, they collected over $700 in donations that directly benefited the Plano Animal Shelter, providing supplies and care that the animals needed. The project strengthened Neel’s leadership skills and gave him a deeper appreciation for how community support can improve the lives of rescued animals in need. Neel shared, “Leading this project taught me how to stay organized, communicate clearly, and guide others toward any kind of a goal.” Sponsor: Gema Munoz, NJHS Sponsor.

Ethan Lilja, 1st year member, Jasper High School

Project: Boxes of Hope - Ethan and seven of his friends partnered with the local non-profit organization ‘Lovepacs’. They decorated 200 boxes with uplifting messages and collected 100 packets of spaghetti to contribute to the food boxes they packed. These boxes provided children with a week’s worth of food while also offering encouragement and positivity during difficult times. The project not only helped meet a critical need for food security but also strengthened compassion, teamwork, and community involvement among those who participated. Ethan shared, “I learned how to work as a team and efficiently pack food boxes.” Sponsor: Leo McDaniel, Coach.

Matilda Lilja, 2nd year member, Jasper High school

Project: Boxes of Hope - Matilda and eight friends decorated 200 boxes with kind, encouraging messages and hosted a drive that collected 100 boxes of macaroni and cheese for the nonprofit organization LovePacs. The donations supported less-privileged children and families in their school district. LovePacs recipients receive one week’s worth of food in each box, along with loving, encouraging, and inspirational messages. Matilda shared, “I learned that donating a few hours of my time can leave a significant impact on other people in my community.” Sponsor: Stephen Woods, Teacher.

Kynleigh Adcock, 2nd year member, Queen City High School

Project: Care Closet Makeover - Kynleigh, along with groups from First Baptist Church in Queen City, organized a donation drive to collect toiletry and personal care items for the Care Closet at Queen City High School. The donations helped restock the closet, ensuring students in need have access to essential items and support when needed. Kynleigh shared, “I learned that personal care items are needed by people from all walks of life, and anyone can find themselves in need at any time.” Sponsor: Angie Lovelis, High School Counselor.

Alana Angles, 3rd year member, Randolph Field High School

Project: Hope in Action: Equipping Every Child to Learn and Grow - Alana and a friend raised over $2,200 and collected 35 weighted blankets, five six-foot sensory boards, 20 noise-canceling headphones, and a wheelchair. These donations supported Nuru Orphanage in Mbeya, Tanzania, serving 38 children, including at least 10 with disabilities, as well as a local daycare serving over 200 children. Their efforts provided resources to support physical, sensory, and developmental needs while strengthening Alana’s commitment to servant leadership. Alana shared, “I found that speaking and educating my peers about Tanzania and this mission was initially daunting, but the interest and conversations it sparked were phenomenal. I believe it shaped us all as leaders and servants.” Sponsor: Dana Turner, Teacher.

Jameson Pounds, 1st year member, Rockwall-Heath 9th grade center

Project: Helping Paws - Jameson and his friend created social media posts and posters around their town to encourage support for the Rockwall Adoption Center. They donated nearly 30 pounds of dog and cat food along with toys, helping support the animals at the center. Jameson shared, “I learned that hard work leads to amazing accomplishments, and through my mistakes I gained valuable experience.” Sponsor: Shelby Holland, Teacher.

Bobby Deng, 3rd year member, Westwood High School

Project: Shine Little Library - Bobby and his two friends built and stocked a little free library for their community. They constructed one library, collected over 50 books, and installed it in their neighborhood, giving residents and children free access to reading materials and helping promote literacy. Bobby shared, “I faced challenges while building the library, but overcoming them helped me grow as a leader and it felt good to help my community.” Sponsor: Brenda Hu, President.

Kirithik Venkatesh, 1st year member, Round Rock Highschool

Project: The PB&J project - Kirithik and his friend collected bread, jelly, and peanut butter for the Sri Shridi Sai Baba Temple of Austin’s Sandwich Seva. They gathered 16 loaves of bread, 27 jars of jelly, and 19 jars of peanut butter, then helped make and distribute sandwiches to people in need. Kirithik shared, “Though the process was difficult and lengthy, we kept pushing through. In the end, it was worth being able to give back to community.” Sponsor: Vinod Dosapati, Temple Administrator.

Nia Terrell, 1st year member, Young Women's Leadership Academy

Project: Rising Voices - Nia enlisted eight choir members to help create a promotional video encouraging donations to the Children’s Choir of San Antonio. Each student answered four questions about their experience in the choir so they could share personal reflections and inspire others to give. The final video can also be reused in the future to continue promoting support and donations for the program. Nia shared, “I learned the importance of communication to work with others and how to plan out events with others.” Sponsor: Carolyn Cruise, Artistic Director, and director of chamber, encore, and concrete.

Layla Garcia, 2nd year member, Eldorado Middle School

Project: Presents for Residents - Layla and her classmate Gabriel organized a fundraiser for residents at the Schleicher County Nursing Home. After passing out flyers at their middle school, they collected nearly three boxes of hygiene items and snacks. The donations helped residents enjoy higher-quality items and treats during Christmas. Layla shared, “It felt wonderful to lead my fellow classmates and school in this project.” Sponsor: Lillian Hester, Teacher.

Sebastian Carrillo, 3rd year member, Americas High School

Project: Kicking Down Barriers - Sebastian and his soccer teammates distributed flyers to schools in their district, fellow players, and the El Paso Locomotive Football Club to collect soccer equipment and cleats for children in need. In total, they gathered 28 pairs of cleats, which were donated to Valle del Sol Deportivo de Fútbol to distribute to children in Juárez. The children quickly put the cleats to use during their practices and games. Sebastian shared, “I encountered many challenges along the way having to do with communication, but I persevered and found a solution to the different problems.” Sponsor: Heriberto Olivares, Executive Director of Valle Del Sol Deportivo de Futbol.

Stormi Bennett, 2nd year member, Splendora High School

Project: Donuts for Deputies - Stormi and her sponsor Natalie Gillaspy worked to gather donations to purchase donuts, breakfast tacos, and drinks. Stormi and Ms. Gillaspy visited the Liberty County Sheriffs Office to hand out the donuts and breakfast tacos. Stormi shared, “Throughout my service project I learned the more love and appreciation you spread, the more others will follow your lead and want to do the same.” Sponsor: Natalie Gillaspy, Teacher.

Drew Grahlfs, 4th year member, Splendora High School

Project: The Band Bin - Drew and her fellow high school band drum majors collected various hygiene items to donate to students in need within their band program. Through the project, they learned more about the needs of their peers and how supporting others can have a meaningful impact on the entire community. Drew shared, “We learned what people in our community need, and how it feels to impact those around us.” Sponsor: Stevie Martinez, counselor.

Drew Breidenthal, 4th year member, Stratford High School

Project: Bringing One Smile at a Time - Drew, with help from family and friends, collected over 125 items for pre-teen and teenage boys staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Donations came from St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Nottingham Elementary staff, and personal connections. The items were given to help create a more comfortable, home-like experience for families staying at the facility.Drew shared, “I learned how to lead a group of people in a positive way that brought happiness and smiles to the kids who are going through a really hard time. Smiles are free and I love spreading them.” Sponsor: Stacey Zubair, School Counslor.

Lainey Virgin, 1st year member, Henderson Junior high

Project: Presents for paws! - Lainey and her friend hosted a pajama day at their school and raised $101.64 to support their local Humane Society. With help from her sponsor, Lainey purchased needed supplies, including food for cats and dogs, kitty litter, treats, and toys. Lainey shared, “I learned how to manage multiple responsibilities at once and still achieve strong results.” Sponsor: Shea Bloemhof, Teacher.

Kyler Virgin, 3rd year member, Stephenville High School

Project: Serving the Community - Kyler recruited three friends to help run a concession stand at a district tennis tournament. They worked for seven hours and sold snacks and refreshments, raising $150 for the tennis team. The project boosted team morale and gave players one less thing to worry about by providing easy access to food and drinks. Kyler shared, “We had to create a system that worked around our play times, and we got it done.” Sponsor: Kayla Martin, Teacher and Coach.

Scott Lassen, 1st year member, Sunnyvale Middle School

Project: Sunshine in a Box! - Scott recruited two of his classmates to collect items to create busy boxes for the life skills students at their school. Using the items collected, the classmates filled seven boxes with over 20 items in each one for the students. These students received new and exciting activities to use for the summer that provided a ray of sunshine to each student! Scott shared, “Throughout this project, I have learned to be more responsible and have better time management skills. Even though the project was hard sometimes, it felt very rewarding to deliver my final boxes.” Sponsor: Evangelina Perez, Principal.

Kaleb Thayer, 2nd year member, Sanderson High School

Project: West Texas Wash and Wag - Kaleb created flyers highlighting needed items for the Terrell County Animal Shelter and explaining how a dog washing station could benefit the community. He raised $60 along with various cleaning, food, and miscellaneous supplies, supporting the shelter and helping advance plans for a future dog washing station. Kaleb shared, “I learned that dedication and action are more than just ideas.” Sponsor: Cody Sandleback, Teacher.

Ian Santos - Gómez, 1st year member, Wimberley High School

Project: Santa Land - Ian, along with six of his friends, formed a small band to perform at the annual Wimberley High School Band’s Santa Land event. In addition to playing Christmas carols for attendees, they volunteered in the concession stands to help raise funds for the band. The money raised will support the band by helping cover the cost of instruments, food, and equipment needed for the upcoming year, contributing to the program’s continued success. Ian shared, “We faced challenges at the start with little to no practice time, but in the end we pushed through and kept our promise to perform at the event.” Sponsor: Adam Apolinar, Teacher.