Freya D., 4th year member

Project: Snowmen & Smiles - Freya and a group of her close friends went on a mission to spread holiday cheer in their hometown retirement home. To accomplish this task, they came up with the idea to make snowmen that would last forever by using socks and rice. Not only did the attendees get to make a craft with their fellow residents, but they also got to keep their craft for themselves as a way to remember their fun. Freya said, “I was able to do what I love most and got to share my interests with the people around me.” Sponsor: Ariana Kay, Teacher.

Rishika B., 1st year member

Project: Paintings For Pets - Rishika and her artistic friend created eight acrylic paintings, nine watercolor cards, and eight bookmarks to sell and raise money for the Plano Animal Services Department. The girls successfully raised $350 to donate! The animal shelter can now afford more necessary supplies for the animals they house. Rishika said, “We learned to set and follow deadlines, and how to budget.” Sponsor: Karen Szeryk, Teacher.

Kyle C., 1st year member

Project: Cards for Courage - Kyle coordinated with his middle school teacher collecting over 120 thank you letters from his peers to be sent to active military members through the Operation Gratitude program. A local preschool also participated by coloring pictures to show their appreciation. The letters will provide encouragement to the troops and act as a reminder that the children of the U.S. honor their service. Kyle said, “This experience has shown be how much work was needed to achieve my final goal.” Sponsor: Bailey Lavinsky, Teacher.

Cristian G., 1st year member

Project: Bundle up for Winter! - Cristian enlisted the help of two friends and collected around 150 coats and blankets to be donated to All Community Outreach. The items benefited the community by keeping those who are not able to afford coats or blankets stay warm during these frigid temperatures. Cristian said, “We learned that even though we are young, we can still make an impact and help those in need.” Sponsor: Jeri Stanley, Teacher.

Varun H., 4th year member

Project: Help Restoring Hope! - Varun recruited two friends and his younger brother to help in distributing nearly 100 sleeping bags at the Thanksgiving event for Hope restored Missions. It was a very satisfying and humbling experience for the team to actually make a small difference and help people in need of warmth during the winter. Varun said, “I was motivated to donate nearly 100 sleeping bags this time after the experience last time when we were able to donate 30 sleeping bags and socks. I used the money that I earned as a summer intern at a Fintech company to purchase the bags. Then I assembled the team to help me participate in the Thanksgiving event at Hope Restored Missions. It was a wonderful experience to see so many people coming together to donate various other items and help the needy in our community.” Sponsor: Tamara Monroe, Founder of Hope Restored Missions.

Cecelia D., 2nd year member

Project: Christmas in a Box - Cecelia and her high school Art 1 class created a total of 210 holiday cards over two weeks. The cards were sent out in various deliveries by the Houston Food Bank. The cards were meant to give their recipients a little extra joy in the 2024 holiday season. Cecelia said, “The thought of making hundreds of cards in two weeks seemed very daunting, but it was all worth it in the end when I knew it would put a smile on others' faces and brighten the community a little. Leading the project taught me how to manage my time with school and service on my plate.” Sponsor: Emily Halbardier, Teacher.

Deauney T., 1st year member

Project: Holiday Cards for the Sick and Ill - Deauney recruited eight friends to make fifty Christmas cards for the residents at H.C.A Healthcare, Clear Lake. They colored work sheets and glued the sheets onto construction paper to create the holiday cards. This impacted the patients and the hospital workers for the holiday season. Deauney said, “We learned to be kind and work together to brighten the sick people's day by making cards, so they could feel like they were at home.” Sponsor: Robin Glenn, Teacher.

Amri M., 1st year member

Project: Purrs and Pastries - Amri and her best friend Riley made cookies from scratch and sold them to their neighbors across their neighborhood. Amri and Riley raised over 50 dollars in donations for a local rescue shelter Rachael's Rescues. The animals of Rachael's Rescues were able to use the donation money raised for vaccines and food thanks to the help of Amri's and Riley's baked goods. Amri said, “I learned that even the smallest act of kindness to an animal in need can make a big impact.” Sponsor: Mikensi Bryant, Cheer Coach.

Mathai P., 2nd year member

Project: Socks for Seniors - Mathai, along with some of his soccer friends, reached out to friends and family to collect socks for senior residents at the Meadowbrook Care Center. They placed a donation box in the local bank lobby and were able to collect over 200 pairs of socks for the project. Mathai said, “I did a video sharing the desire to collect at least 100 socks, but was not sure if I would be able to collect them. I kept my affirmation strong and believed that it will happen. I learned how to set a goal, believe for it and cross the finish line.” Sponsor: Tiffany Terry, Board of Trustees Member

Avery S., 4th year member

Project: Bears for a Purpose! - With the help of her friend Ruby, Avery collected twenty-three teddy bears donated by students at Richland High School. These bears will be donated to the Spiritual Care department at Cook Children's Hospital, where they will be given to patients to provide comfort during their stay. Avery said, “This project helped me improve as a leader, asit helped me to work on my problem solving skills to gain donations.” Sponsor: Sarah Kelley, Teacher, Rowdy Royals Coach.

Alyssa P., 2nd year member

Project: Baking for Bravery - Alyssa, along with her sister, Emily, and two of their classmates worked together to organize a bake sale benefiting the Boling Volunteer Fire Department. They baked a variety of desserts and sold them raising $609 to gift to BVFD. During the bake sale, they educated supporters about Fire Safety. It was a rewarding and educational experience. Alyssa said, “This project taught me that when you work together you can get a lot more done.” Sponsor: Megan Lockhart, Math Teacher.

Emily P., 2nd year member

Project: Baking for Bravery - Emily, along with her sister, Alyssa, and two of their classmates worked together to organize a bake sale benefiting the Boling Volunteer Fire Department. They baked a variety of desserts and sold them raising $609 to gift to BVFD. During the bake sale, they educated supporters about Fire Safety. It was a rewarding and educational experience. Emily said, “I love to bake, so that part was easy. When it came to speaking to supporters about Fire Safety, I was nervous; but it was worth it to educate the community and have an impact on the fire department.” Sponsor: Hannah Borden, Agriculture Teacher.

Lindsey G., 2nd year member

Project: Paws For A Cause - Lindsey and two of her friends delivered donations to the Wise County Animal Shelter. It benefited both the animal shelter animals and the students. They took a couple of boxes filled with all the different things the animals need. Lindsey said, “I encountered many set backs with being in sports and other things. It felt good to be able to know they wont have to worry about feeding them.” Sponsor: Lainey Travis, Teacher.

Leighton G., 2nd year member

Project: Go Fetch It! - Leighton collected items such as dog food, treats, cleaning supplies, blankets, and money for Sasha’s Pals. The donations benefited Tracy Miller and the puppies/dogs she fosters. These gifts will allow the dogs to stay happy and healthy while at her home, and help them feel more comfortable at their new home. Leighton said, “I learned just how important it is to get word out in your community for a service project. This helped me become more of an advocate for myself and reach out to people I don’t know.” Sponsor: Suzanne Moore, Teacher.

Whitney J., 2nd year member

Project: Giving is Living! - With the support of community members and her family, Whitney raised $500 in donations for The Giving Machine, which is managed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as part of the Light the World Giving Machine initiative. With these donations, she was able to purchase various items for those in need, including a day of safe haven, soccer equipment, food and clothing, hygiene essentials, and polio vaccines. Whitney said, “I had a little struggle getting money, but I realized that I had to share the information in many ways and multiple times.” Sponsor: Brenda Weilert, Church leader.

Darby M., 2nd year member

Project: Darby’s Dog Toy Drive - Darby enlisted the support of her school’s National Junior Honor Society to organize a donation drive for Carrollton Animal Control Services. The drive directly benefited the shelter, with all contributions going toward helping homeless animals and making their lives a bit more comfortable. Darby said, “Being able to help others and work through setbacks improved my strength and perseverance as a leader.” Sponsor: Ashley Bloomberg, Teacher.

Jayden C., 2nd year member

Project: Pawsitive Supplies - Jayden, along with her community, friends, and sister, organized a supply drive to support shelter animals. They collected donations such as food, toys, and other essentials, all of which are being delivered to League City Animal Control. Their efforts will help provide much-needed care and comfort to animals in need. Jayden said, “I got nervous in the beginning not having a lot of supplies but as it went on the stuff we had multiplied.” Sponsor: Misty Collazo, Youth Pastor.

James G., 4th year member

Project: Socksgiving - James enlisted the help of his school’s Student Council to collect 515 pairs of socks. These pairs of socks were donated to Helping Hands at Sagemont Church, a foster care organization that helps families of foster children receive basic necessities like clothing and food. Recognizing the need in the surrounding community, James made this his project garnering the support of many making this a successful project. James said, “The greatest gift one can receive is one of giving.” Sponsor: Wendy Trigg, Student Council Sponsor.

Logan M., 4th year member

Project: Books From Kids For Kids - Logan organized a book drive in his school district in order to help Books Between Kids. Twenty-four elementary schools collected books. It took 178 volunteers to count, pack, and deliver 46,340 books. Logan said, “This project taught me how to think about the bigger picture.” Sponsor: Toni Davis, Counselor.

Luke M., 1st year member

Project: Books from Kids for Kids - Luke worked with his brother Logan and nine of their friends to collect books from twenty-four elementary schools in the Clear Creek ISD area. 46,340 books were collected, sorted, and delivered to Books Between Kids. This organization gives books to kids who can't afford them. Luke said, “We learned how to work together and get all of the work done in a timely manner. It helped us achieve a common goal.” Sponsor: Toni Davis, Counselor.

Ayomide B., 1st year member

Project: Food for the Soul: Community Care Beyond the Table - Ayomide created a food drive and collected sixty canned food items, three condiments, two juices, two bags of rice, two boxes of cereal, five bags of beans, and five bags of pretzels to benefit the Christ the Rock Chapel Food Pantry. Additionally, collecting food from various people helped Ayomide improve her communication and responsibility skills as well as feel rewarded to help positivily impact those in need. Ayomide said, “I faced challenges that tested my determination, and overcoming them taught me the value of perseverance. The experience reminded me that even small actions can have a lasting impact.” Sponsor: Barbara Baker, Teacher.

Regan M., 2nd year member

Project: Bagels for Backpacks - After preparing and baking the bagels themselves, Regan and the Grand Oaks Student Council organized a fundraiser to support Baily’s Backpacks—a charitable initiative that provides school supplies to students in need. Through their efforts, they sold $66 worth of fresh bagels, with all proceeds going directly toward purchasing essential supplies for children who might not otherwise be able to afford them. Regan said, “I learned how to work hard and mange my time in order to accomplish my goal.” Sponsor: Micheal Sherman, Student Council Sponsor.

Jaelyn M., 2nd year member

Project: Bake for Hope - Jaelyn, with the help of her family and friends, organized a bake sale to benefit the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). She was able to sell two lunchbox cakes, ten cake balls, sixteen cupcakes, two hundred and forty-six cookies, thirty-two scones, thirty-eight sweet rolls, and forty-four chocolate muffins. After expenses, Jaelyn was able to donate a total of $650 to RAINN. Jaelyn said, “I was able to learn how to be more accountable for my own actions and take responsibility for mistakes I made.” Sponsor: Krista Patton, Teacher.

Johnny N., 1st year member

Project: Supporting Eggucation - Johnny, four swim teammates, and four cousins made two hundred traditional Easter cascarones (confetti eggs) to support a scholarship fund honoring a family friend's late son and set up for underprivileged college students. Using recycled confetti and biodegradable eggshells, they promoted Tex-Mex culture and environmental sustainability. Johnny grew as a leader and teacher, while the group learned about cultural traditions and eco-conscious practices. Johnny said, “Teaching my friends and cousins how to make cascarones not only preserved an important cultural tradition, but it also showed me that when we combine our efforts for a good cause, we can make a meaningful difference in others' lives. Seeing everyone's enthusiasm as they learned this Tex-Mex tradition while knowing our work would help students afford college gave me a profound sense of purpose and strengthened my confidence as a leader.” Sponsor: Deborah Shepard, Headmaster.

Catarina P., 2nd year member

Project: Blizzard of Blessings - Catarina and her church community collected one hundred and fifty cans this winter to help those in need. With enough help from those around them, they reached their original goal of one hundred and even surpassed it by fifty cans. Due to the help of others, they added extra blankets, baskets, and supplies. Working together with their faith, Catarina's group managed to give all of the baskets of goods away to those in need, meeting each one of the rexcipients, getting to know their stories, and praying with them. Catarina said, “This helped me improve as a leader by getting to know and connecting with others. Knowing that I, too, can make a change, even if it's a small thing, and how it can greatly impact someone's life.” Sponsor: Genaro Torress, Mentor.

Niomi S., 1st year member

Project: Paws For A Cause - Niomi and her friend Kylee raised over $700 for the Montgomery County Animal Shelter through their “Paws For A Cause” campaign. With the funds and a donation from H-E-B, they provided six 44lb bags of dog food, six boxes of puppy pads, four boxes of baby wipes, five bags of treats, and over one hundred new toys—benefiting more than 470 dogs. Inspired by the experience, Niomi plans to start volunteering at the shelter on weekends. Niomi said, “I felt extremely emotional but made my heart feel better. This experience helped me improve as a leader by problem solving.” Sponsor: Feruza Karnitskiy, Teacher.

Saahil A., 1st year member

Project: Fill the Plates! - Saahil and his friend David organized a two-week neighborhood food drive, collecting 388 canned items totaling 345 pounds of food for the Coastal Bend Food Bank. Their efforts highlighted the power of community support. It was truly inspiring to see neighbors unite to help those in need. Saahil said, “I learned that even small actions can create a meaningful impact. Through empathy and collaboration, I can support important community causes and make a difference.” Sponsor: Catherine Berlanga, Project Sponsor.

Graciela G., 1st year member

Project: Give Back Give Away - Gracie teamed up with her Atrium teacher and Gonzalez Family Dentistry to collect toys for The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth and food for The Coastal Bend Food Bank. By offering raffle entries for three gift baskets she assembled (donated by Gonzalez Family Dentistry), they gathered over one hundred pounds of food and a large box of toys, bringing joy and nourishment to families during the 2024 holiday season. Graciela said, “I felt a genuine satisfaction as I saw how many people wanted to help my drive. It was fulfilling to go and deliver the toys to the children's shelter myself.” Sponsor: Mary Galvan, Atrium Teacher, Church Friend.

Lilah M., 2nd year member

Project: Making Beaches Beautiful - Lilah and her friend cleaned seven bags full of trash off the beach. In addition to that they also hosted a bake sale at church and raised $220 for the National Seashore. They learned that doing work for your community can be fun. It benefitted both them, the tourists, and the animals that live at the beach. Lilah said, “Along the way I delt with many setback but in the end it was worth it to make the beach nicer.” Sponsor: Glenn Meshko, Teacher.

Lance T., 4th year member

Project: Barks and Benches - Lance and five friends joined together to construct three wooden benches that were donated to Aggieland Humane Society as a replacement for the current ones that were falling apart. All involved had a great time doing their part to help our community. Lance said, “We realized we can do things that we actually enjoy and are good at to help people in our community.” Sponsor: Heath Starns, Troop Master.

Michelle B., 3rd year member

Project: Rescue Haven - Michelle and four of her friends had a great time partnering with Cypress Lucky Mutts and Woof Gang Bakery to help dogs in need. Her service project led to five dogs being adopted by loving owners, raised $525 in funds, and three bags of food being donated for the organization. Michelle and her friends were so proud of their accomplishments to help pets! Michelle said, "All the hard work I put in was worth it because it meant a dog found a loving home." Sponsor: Regina Gonzalez, Woof Gang owner.

Abigail C., 2nd year member

Project: Animal Shelter Assistance - Abigail and two of her soccer teammates gathered 123 different items from their neighborhood to help shelter animals. They donated the collection to Lucky Mutt Rescue, which then distributed the items to shelters to improve the lives of the animals in their care. Abigail said, “We learned how to compromise to reach a goal.” Sponsor: Sarah Kimpton, Coach.

Andrew P., 1st year member

Project: Victory for Veterans - Andrew, along with his family, a friend and a teacher, gathered over $400 worth of essential items for veterans at Camp Hope. They contributed groceries and everyday supplies to the campus, which will be used to support the veterans there, who will greatly benefit from these donations. Andrew said, “We learned that by pushing through no matter the challenges we faced, we could still finish the project. We helped the community by donating, collecting donations, and using money efficiently.” Sponsor: Christy Carbaugh, Event Manager | Support & Giving.

Simran V., 1st year member

Project: Threads of Hope - Threads of Hope was a clothing drive organized by Simran Verma, who recruited Kabir Aurora to assist with the effort. The drive collected and donated over 600 clothing items to the Star of Hope Mission, with awareness spread through social media to encourage community involvement. The project provided essential clothing to people experiencing homelessness and strengthened Simran’s dedication to helping those in need. Simran said, “Through this project, I learned how to take initiative, stay organized, and lead with confidence. It made me feel proud knowing I could bring people together to make a difference.” Sponsor: Isaac Portillo, Volunteer Coordinator.

Abigail V., 1st year member

Project: Blankets for Babies - Abigail joined forces with her younger sister and a friend to make a difference by donating blankets to those in need at Cy-Hope. The trio reached out to their community to gather gently used or new blankets from generous donors. After weeks of collecting, they had successfully gathered around 20 blankets, which were then delivered to Cy-Hope, where they were distributed to families in need, providing warmth and comfort to children who might otherwise go without. Abigail said, “I encountered setbacks along the way, but working through them with my team helped us bond and achieve our goal.” Sponsor: Amanda Murphy, Youth Director.

Tristan H., 1st year member

Project: Lend a Paw - Tristen, with help from his siblings, assembled and distributed fifteen Thanksgiving boxes, each feeding five-eight people. The boxes were given to families in need who were identified by Cameron Elementary. Poviding holiday meals for around 75–120 individuals, the project deepened Tristen’s understanding of community service and made a meaningful impact on families who might not have had a Thanksgiving meal otherwise. Tristan said, “I learned how to communicate clearly with others and make sure that they can understand what I am trying to say in order to accomplish a goal.” Sponsor: Denisse Escobedo, Teacher.

Brandon B., 7th year member

Project: Picking up trash to put it in the past - Brandon recruited members of his Clay Target Team and family to help go around the town of Flower Mound and pick up trash. Together, they helped pick up over ten full bags of trash by themselves, and dozens more were collected by other groups and volunteers. Brandon said, “This experience not only taught me the importance of keeping my area and town clean but it also showed me the achievements people make when they work together.” Sponsor: Courtney Key, Marcus Clay Target Team President.

Bri B., 7th year member

Project: Cans for the Community - Bri recruited her high school drill team to collect canned food and other food items for the LovePacs food pantry. Together, they gathered 553 food items, which were distributed to local families in need during the holiday season. The project provided families with much-needed food and allowed the team to make a meaningful impact in their community. Bri said, “This experience helped me develop my leadership skills by teaching me how to coordinate a team and stay organized. It was incredibly rewarding to see my teammates come together for a common cause and to make a real difference in our community” Sponsor: Rachel Simpson, Drill Team Director.

Kylie T., 2nd year member

Project: Written Wishes: Connection Through Cards - Kylie and her brother worked together to create thirty cheerful Christmas cards for the residents at The Delaney, a retirement home. The project benefited residents by making sure they all received some holiday spirit for the 2024 Christmas season. Kylie said, “I learned how to work with people better.” Sponsor: Shelby Cruse, School Counselor.

Tristen N., 1st year member

Project: Holiday Harvest for All - Tristen recruited his brother and sister to help assemble and distribute fifteen Thanksgiving boxes, each containing enough food to feed 5–8 people. The project benefited families in need identified by Cameron Elementary School, providing complete holiday meals to approximately 75–120 individuals. The project gave Tristen a deeper understanding of community service and made a meaningful impact by helping families who would have otherwise been unable to provide a Thanksgiving meal for their loved ones. Tristen said, “Helping families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal reminded me how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference, and it felt good knowing that what we did brought comfort and joy to others during the holidays.” Sponsor: Karina Ligon, Teacher.

Noah S., 1st year member

Project: Joy Through Toys! - Noah and his friend Declan organized a toy drive in their school and on Amazon. The toys went to Toys for Tots, an organization that gives toys to children in need. Together the pair were able to collect twenty-seven toys that were distributed to the youth of El Paso, TX, during the holiday season. Noah said, “Even with many struggles and hardships, anything is still possible with persistence and hope.” Sponsor: Lisa Guzman, Family and Community Liaison.

Anthony F., 2nd year member

Project: Helping Those Who Help Others - Anthony and two people from his family collected twenty-four cases of water for the Forney Fire Department. To collect the water, they went to an event that was organized by their neighborhood and asked for donations of water. This project benefitted the Forney Fire Department by allowing them to have water they could drink, quicker than a source of running water. Anthony said, “This experience helped me as a leader by allowing me to understand that even people who help others all the time can use help from someone, too.” Sponsor: Mary Brown, Teacher.

Caleb H., 2nd year member

Project: Giving A Helping Paw - Caleb and three of his friends worked together to clean up around the Sugar Land Animal Shelter and paint the benches outside the shelter. By doing this it made the grounds a more welcoming space for people who come to volunteer at the shelter and helped make the areas safer for the dog walkers who walk the shelter dogs. I hope by creating a more inviting and safe area, it also helped bring happiness to the dogs. Caleb said, “As I coordinated this event many problems arose as I learned to better manage my time and prioritize.” Sponsor: Kayla Randon, Service Coordinator.

Haven L., 2nd year member

Project: Share Warmth - Haven decided to continue her sister Charlize’s Alumni Council service project since she had gone off to college. Along with the help of her brother Tyler, Haven collected clothing items and donated them during the winter to homeless people, Afghan refugees, and the Fort Bend Women’s Center. Seeing the happy reactions of the people who received the donations brought her a sense of joy. The project also made her mom very happy, as she had always encouraged her to give back. Haven said, “Through providing warmth to those in need, I learned that the greatest gift is not just warmth, but the compassion we share.” Sponsor: Jennifer Petru, Principal.

Tyler L., 4th year member

Project: Give a Book, Share the Knowledge - Tyler and his family had an idea to help people in need. He went to different schools to collect books that were soon to be donated out. After he collected all the books, Tyler had more that 350! One hundred of the books were donated to Afghanistan Refugees and another 250 to the Fort Bend Women's Center and the Star of Hope. When the books were distributed, the children at each organization were thrilled to have them and were very excited for what they were going to learn and discover. Tyler said, “I learned how to manage a collection and distribution all in a short amount of time.” Sponsor: Courtney Muceus, Principal.

Demira M., 2nd year member

Project: Snowflakes and Strings - Demira and one of her friends played a Christmas concert for for residents at Atria Senior Living, Sugarland. They played Christmas carols on the violin and piano and did many sing-alongs with the residents using mini jingle bells, sheet lyrics, and Christmas-themed headbands that Demira received through donations. The project helped foster a sense of connection and provided a moment of happiness for those in the nursing home. Demira said, “Even when I hit some toughs spots, I kept going because leaders don’t quit.” Sponsor: Lauren Haley Baulmer, Violin Teacher.

Lana N., 4th year member

Project: Books4Good - Lana and Olivia partnered up for their service project. Passionate about expanding education and providing educational materials for all, they enlisted their National Honor Societies to collect over 150 school supplies and gently used books for low-income students around Fort Bend ISD. Access to materials should never be a barrier to an education. These school supplies would be given to students in need, providing them with the proper supplies and materials for schools. Lana said, “I truly learned the importance of communicating with others while working together to achieve positive change.” Sponsor: Bobbie Anderson, Assistant Director of Shared Dreams.

Nandini P., 3rd year member

Project: Walk in Kindness - Nandini and one member from her school's National Junior Honor Society worked together on the service project to collect shoes for disadvantaged people. They collected 145 pairs of shoes to donate to the organization Soles4Souls. This project helped less fortunate people all over the world receive shoes. Nandini said, “Although at first this project seemed overwhelming the more effort I put in, the more easily it was executed.” Sponsor: Nitin Muttepawar, Running coach.

Lucile W., 3rd year member

Project: Treats 4 Paws - Lucile asked for donations from her peers and taekwondo friends for the Sugar Land Animal Shelter. Together, they collected several items the shelter needed, including tennis balls, peanut butter, and a lot of paper towels! The shelter pets benefited greatly from their new toys! Lucile said, “I learned that sometimes you have to get up and talk in front of the class to help a cause you believe in.” Sponsor: Brittany Decker, ELA Teacher.

Olivia Z., 3rd year member

Project: Sharing Dreams - Olivia, along with Lana, organized a collection of 150 books and school supplies through their schools and local community to donate to Shared Dreams. With help from Serena, they sorted and packaged the donations before delivering them. The supplies benefited underprivileged families in the Fort Bend area. Olivia said, “Organizing the book and supply drive taught me how to communicate clearly, stay organized, and motivate others to support a cause — it was incredibly rewarding to know our teamwork made a real difference for families in need.” Sponsor: Bobbie Anderson, Shared Dreams Coordinator.

Ayden M., 1st year member

Project: Warmth for the Homeless - Ayden worked to gather donated clothes from his mother's coworkers. The items that were collected were donated to a Beautiful Feet Ministries. Pastor Erik at the Ministry was grateful to receive the donations to help the needy. Ayden said, “I learned that i can help others by giving them what i don’t want and that every little thing matters.” Sponsor: Erik Olsen, Administrative Pastor.

Shruti A., 3rd year member

Project: Love, Serve, Cure - Shruti, along with her tennis friend Riya, both experienced competitive tennis players, organized and led a tennis clinic fundraiser to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They taught basic tennis skills to fifteen young participants and have already raised $685, with all proceeds supporting treatment and research for children battling cancer. Shruti said, “This experience helped me grow as a leader by teaching me the importance of organization and communication. It was rewarding to see how my passion for tennis could make a real difference for kids in need.” Sponsor: Jennifer Paine, School Tennis Coach.

Ashlynn B., 3rd year member

Project: Read, Write, Reach - Ashlynn enlisted the help of her friend Jackson to gather school supplies such as timers, carts, clipboards, whiteboards, books, and more. Their project, Read, Write, Reach, was created to support Mary Gibson, a teacher at Isbell Elementary. Mary, who originally nominated Ashlynn to attend the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps, will use the donations to revamp her classroom. Ashlynn said, “I learned how to recognize those around me who helped me get to the places I am today.” Sponsor: Scott Mills, Color Guard Director.

Mackenzie C., 1st year member

Project: Building Foundational Friendships - For three months, Mackenzie and a group of her friends met weekly during advisory to spend time with students in the Structured Learning Classroom and Active Learning Class. They participated in various activities, including art projects, building with Legos, cup stacking, taking walks, and playing games. Their efforts created a lasting impact on both the students in the self-contained programs and Mackenzie and her friends, fostering new friendships and creating strong, lasting connections among everyone involved. Mackenzie said, “Through the time I spent with the children in the self contained programs my skills of empathy, kindness, acceptance, and patients grew. One day I would love to use these skills to help children in the classrooms with disabilities.” Sponsor: Mariah Scott, Best Buddies Director and SLC Teacher.

Shannon R., 3rd year member

Project: Grand Prairie Pages Project - Shannon recruited six of her friends to help collect books throughout Grand Prairie. Together, they gathered approximately 200 books and donated them to public libraries in the area to expand access to free reading materials for the community. The project deepened her appreciation for literacy access and showed how small efforts can make a lasting difference. Shannon said, “I realized just how powerful small acts of kindness can be.” Sponsor: Jericka Nava Rojo, Teacher.

Evan D., 1st year member

Project: Cash for Cats - Evan and his older brother created a GoFundMe campaign to benefit the local cat rescue organization Rescue Me. They used the power of Social Media to generate support and ultimately received $2350 in donations. The funds are being used for food and medical care for cats and kittens in the Denton County area, especially Flower Mound and Lantana. Evan said, “My fundraiser was quite successful, but in this process I learned that no matter how much you raise, it goes to a good cause and that is what matters.” Sponsor: Charlotte Beakley, Teacher.

Frida R., 2nd year member

Project: Dose of Hope - Frida was able to collect surveys from her local clinic, Su Clínica. She then utilized this to gather information about childhood vaccine reluctance in which there was a lack in knowledge. From this, she donated pan flits, toys, and toiletries to families around the clinic. Frida said, “I was able to get closer to my community and become more involved with the people around me.” Sponsor: Cheryl Sproles, Director.

Delaney M., 3rd year member

Project: Pet Tags for PAWS - Delaney McGurren and her friend Casey teamed up to create fifteen custom pet tags for animals at their local shelter, PAWS Shelter of Central Texas, who were staying for extended periods. Over the course of two months, they carefully handcrafted each tag, ensuring it captured the unique personality of every pet. Their project aimed to brighten the shelter experience for the animals and increase their chances of attracting attention from potential adopters, helping them find their forever homes. Delaney said, “This service project made me feel like a true leader, because I was able to take both the needs of my local community and my passions, and blend them together to help others!” Sponsor: Percy Clark, Lead Kennel Technician.

Evan H., 3rd year member

Project: Rags For Rufus - With the incredible support of his 4H Club, Evan created homemade tug toys for dogs in the Texas Pit Crew system. They repurposed old T-shirts by cutting them into strips and braiding them into durable tug toys that are easy to clean. This initiative helped the pet foster care homes by providing them with toys, easing the financial burden of purchasing them themselves. Evan said, “I learned just how much a gesture like this can make a difference in the animal foster care community.” Sponsor: Jenka Conrad, 4H County Extension Agent.

Hamilton B., 1st year member

Project: Community Card Writing for Seniors - Hamilton and her neighbors, family, and friends wrote forty-seven cards with messages of happiness and joy to donate to the organization Bring Smiles to Seniors. People openly helped write the cards and enjoyed doing it! Hamilton learned a lot about helping in her community, and so did everyone who helped. Hamilton said, “I never realized how much people enjoyed helping out in their community, until I asked them to do it.” Sponsor: Wlede Frankfort, Middle School Science Faculty/Coordinator of Community and Inclusivity.

Franciska C., 1st year member

Project: Helping Animals in Shelters - Paws for a Cause! - Franciska teamed up with two friends to raise money for BARC Animal Shelter through a GoFundMe campaign and dog-friendly bake sales. Together, they raised a total of $640. BARC was incredibly grateful for the generous donation and showed their appreciation with lots of love! Franciska said, “We encountered some problems not being able to sell some places, but the setbacks didn't make us stop we found alternative places and raised more awareness!” Sponsor: Najma Bano, Teacher.

Viraj K., 1st year member

Project: Squash on a Mission for Success - Viraj and a schoolmate worked with a non- profit organization called Mission Success which supports students in academics, mental well- being and in the squash sport, by organizing the equipment shelves for the coaches, scrubbing the squash courts and facilities for better visibility during playtime and writing personalized gratitude letters to the donors. Viraj raised $200 by seeking donations from friends and family and played for points that further contributed to the Squash 'til You Drop Tournament Fundraising win for the organization which helped benefit both the students and the staff members. The duo learned a lot about teamwork, time management, organization, and fundraising that they hope to use towards future service projects. Viraj said, “Through my service project, I was able to understand the principles of hard work and what it takes to be responsible when helping and serving others.” Sponsor: Sarita Ardila, Wellness Director & Assistant Coach.

James P., 3rd year member

Project: The Houston Instrument Share - James recruited his partner, Catie, to help collect and redistribute used musical instruments throughout the Houston area. Together, they gathered over 25 instruments—including flutes, violins, trumpets, and even a full-sized piano—which were donated to five local schools and seven families who could not afford their own. The project brought joy and new opportunities for musical education to the recipients, while deepening James’s appreciation for the power of community support and access to the arts. James said, “This project showed me how music can connect people from all walks of life—no matter their background, everyone deserves the chance to express themselves through art.” Sponsor: Mark Buller.

Nolan Q., 1st year member

Project: Food for All! - Nolan and a friend organized and hosted a food drive to benefit the Houston Food Bank. They distributed 120 flyers throughout the local community to raise awareness for the cause. The drive successfully collected twenty-three cans of food, over twenty-five sealed pantry items, and $333.65 in cash donations, which will be donated to individuals in need. Nolan said, “I improved as a leader by taking ownership and accountability for my actions, while also learning how to manage my time more effectively to ensure the success of the project.” Sponsor: Chelsea Clark, Karate Teacher.

Sofia S., 3rd year member

Project: Casa Hope: Donations that make a Difference - Sofia Solano-Arango as sophomore class president involved her school's student council and students in a donation drive collecting non perishable food items, hygiene items, and household supplies. In total, Sofia and her schoolmates collected 697 supplies. The donation drive benefited Casa de Esperanza, a Houston-based organization that strives to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect, and the children and families who receive care under the organization. Sofia said, “One of the biggest challenges we initially faced was getting our busy students involved. Many of them initially felt like their contributions wouldn’t make a significant difference so it was not important to donate. To change this mindset, I visited individual classes around our school during homeroom and study halls, and gave speeches about who the drive would impact, how their donations could make a real difference, and why their participation mattered. Seeing their perspective shift and their willingness to contribute grow showed me the importance of clear communication and passionate leadership.” Sponsor: McCoy Rasco, Teacher.

Cindy T., 4th year member

Project: Tutorology - Cindy and three of her friends created a tutoring bootcamp online through Zoom that taught elementary school students on subjects such as English and Math. The classes were held over a three-week period and allowed elementary school students to connect with high school students for mentorship and one-on-one advice. Cindy said, “We learned how to change techniques and tactics based on individual student needs.” Sponsor: Alice Rowlands, Teacher and Mentor.

Sonia Z., 2nd year member

Project: Cookies for Kids' Meals - Sonia and two of her friends sold cookies to raise $150. They used the money to buy the supplies needed to make one hundred lunch bags for Kids' Meals. The kids who benefitted from the program were able to receive healthy meals. Sonia said, “We strengthened our teamwork and helped the children in our community receive free, healthy meals.” Sponsor: Renaselle Gamit, Teacher.

Aaron P., 2nd year member

Project: Supplies for Animal Lives - Aaron and two of his friends hosted a service project benefitting the Rita B. Huff Humane Society. He raised over 300 pounds of animal food, and enough blankets for all of the dogs at the shelter. This helped the Rita B. Huff shelter tremendously, because they had just moved into a new building. Aaron said, “I worked really hard on this project and I am very happy with the result.” Sponsor: Kelli Vossler, Counselor.

Harper B., 1st year member

Project: Dreams Delivered: Toys for Bosque County's Little

Angels! - Harper and her friend Leah organized a toy drive with the help of Iredell ISD to benefit the Bosque County Welfare Board. They collected over 100 toys, which were distributed to children in need. The project not only brought joy to the recipients but also strengthened the sense of community involvement for both the organizers and donors. Harper said, “This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Despite the challenges I faced, I learned how to stay focused and motivate others toward a common goal. It was incredibly rewarding to see how our efforts made a difference in the lives of children in need.” Sponsor: Tarja Fowler, Teacher.

Royce M., 3rd year member

Project: Helping Paws - Royce, with the help of his amazing sponsor, gathered over seventy-five items for his Helping Paws donation drive. The Converse Animal Shelter was a joy to work with for the project! The shelter staff were very helpful and thankful for all the items donated for the animals. Royce said, “I learned so much about what it takes to keep an animal shelter up and running.” Sponsor: Dru Sanchez, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).

Samantha B., 4th year member

Project: Florals and Friends - Samantha and her fellow Circle of Friends' officers made floral arrangements with the residents of the local retirement home where she works. While making the arrangements, the officer team helped the residents and had fun conversations. Samantha said, “I got to combine the two things I am most passionate about in such a beautiful way. Everything about this service project combines my interests and I am so proud of it.” Sponsor: Jim Schee, Teacher.

Grace K., 2nd year member

Project: Silver Threads of Kindness - Along with a couple friends, Grace worked to support elderly members in her community. They collected donated items such as blankets, socks, snacks, books, and small gifts along with $200 to support the project. With help from her friends, Grace assembled these items into gift packages to bring joy and comfort to the recipients. She hoped their efforts would help the elderly feel loved, remembered, and appreciated. Grace said, "This experience has truly changed me as a leader. It taught me that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about bringing people together to spread kindness. Giving to others, especially the elderly, made me realize how small actions can leave a big impact on someone’s heart." Sponsor: Damon McMurdo, Teacher.

Keegan M., 1st year member

Project: Joyful Notes - Keegan and 35 of his Time to Shine Troupe and Troupe Elite members went Christmas Caroling at three local senior living facilities: Keller Oaks Healthcare Center, The Conservatory at Keller Town Center, and Legend Oaks Healthcare & Rehabilitation of Fort Worth. Both the children and almost 100 seniors filled their heart with Christmas Spirit by singing classic songs from their childhood. The smiles, sing-along moments, and memories of family members created many joyful moments. Keegan said, “I learned very quickly that it is not how people look at senior living facilities that matters. It is how you make each other feel.” Sponsor: Trisha Buaghman, Owner and Director of Time to Shine Performing Arts.

Kelli P., 1st year member

Project: Helping the Homeless - Kelli recruited her sister and friend to collect blankets and toiletry items for Tarrant County Hands of Hope: Homeless Outreach. Together, they collected enough items to put together fifty toiletry packages with fifty blankets for the homeless. Hands of Hope received these items to continue their work helping the homeless in the community. Kelli said, “I learned that helping others is always a rewarding experience.” Sponsor: Krysta Reed, Teacher, Girl Scout Troop Leader.

Jayde M., 2nd year member

Project: Pages of Posibility - Jayde and several members of her family collected books to donate to the Kerrville Library to support its efforts in promoting literacy among local children, teens, and adults. This project deepened Jayde's understanding of community resources. Jayde said, “Me and a few family members got together to collect books to donate to the Kerrville Library. We wanted to help out with their efforts to promote literacy for kids, teens, and adults in our community. Honestly, this whole project really opened my eyes to how important community resources are.” Sponsor: Luis Espinosa, Counselor.

Brooklynn E., 1st year member

Project: Bridging the Gaps - Brooklynn and her sponsor partnered with the local Kirbyville Food Bank to support individuals and families in need. Together, they worked diligently to prepare and distribute boxes of food and essential items. Each donation box contained twenty-two canned goods, two boxes of rice, and a variety of personal care products, including body wash, soap, and other hygiene items. They worked to distribute approximately fifty-five boxes over a period of two days, making a meaningful impact in their community. Brooklynn said, “I did encounter meny setbacks with the wether and school sports, but I was able to work thought it and still help my community.” Sponsor: Traci Authement, Teacher.

Leeland M., 2nd year member

Project: Encouraging Brooke's Blossoming Hope - Leeland joined a group of twenty volunteers to support Brooke’s Blossoming Hope, an organization that provides comfort and encouragement to children battling cancer. Together, they assembled 200 headwear kits designed to help pediatric cancer patients feel more confident during treatment. These kits will be sent to hospitals around the world, bringing a sense of care and hope to young patients undergoing chemotherapy. Leeland said, “This project made me feel sad and happy at the same time. I had some setbacks with the supplies that pushed us back till the last minute, but had a lot of help that showed up to make this happen. I am so grateful to live in a community that is always willing to help.” Sponsor: Becky Hooten, Teacher/Coach.

Kherington D., 1st year member

Project: Cozy the Community - Kherington partnered with local stores to collect warm clothes to donate to those in need through the Reveal Resource Center. Around thirty warm winter items were donated to a help the less fortunate have a better chance of staying warm. Throught this project, Kherington realized the true meaning helping others. Kherington said, “It encouraged me to get out and be brave, to talk to people, to help those who need it.” Sponsor: Nicole Clemente, Girl Scout Troop Leader.

Autumn E., 1st year member

Project: Sock’s for Souls - Autumn and her Fellowship Christian Athletes group collected and donated 112 pairs of socks to the Bertram Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, as well as Liberty Manor. Autumn also gathered 112 cups and placed a handwritten and heartfelt note in each one to bring joy to the residents. The gifts were warmly received and many residents smiled with gratitude and were truly thankful to receive a brand-new pair of socks. Autumn said, “I learned that even the smallest thing can make a difference in someone’s life, and as a leader showed me a small act of kindness goes a long way.” Sponsor: Kayla McLeod, Teacher and Youth Group Leader.

Mackenzie C., 1st year member

Project: Homes Away From Home - Mackenzie enlisted her school's Beta Club members to help her collect items for residents at Colonial Lodge Assisted Living and Memory Care. They received seventy-seven tissue boxes, seventy-seven bottles of soap, a few large bags of chocolates, three blankets, two puzzles, and five puzzle books. They filled seventy-seven tote bags with the items received and gave a bag to each of the residents at Colonial Lodge near Christmas. The additional items were placed in a common area to be used by all residents. The gifts helped the residents have an early Christmas and helped them feel more at home during the holiday! Mackenzie said, “Through this service project I became confident expressing my thoughts to others, and it helped me learn how to plan successfully.” Sponsor: Sherla Ashby, Teacher and Beta Sponsor.

Natalie S., 2nd year member

Project: Cards of Kindness - Natalie and her friend Taylor, worked together to create Christmas cards for Brownfield Rehabilitation and Care Center residents. The team created handmade cards with personalized notes for each resident of the nursing home. The project benefited both the residents of the home and the two friends by allowing them to receive as well as show Christmas joy. The residents enjoyed the cards, candy, and special hugs. Natalie said, “I had a couple of setbacks when doing my project, but I overcame them when I realized I had so much support from my peers. With my peers, I was able to accomplish my service project.” Sponsor: Vanneta Blackmon, Guidance Counselor.

Justin C., 1st year member

Project: JB’s Book Drive: Creating Adventures for Kids through Books - With the help of family and friends, Justin successfully organized a book drive to benefit local children and teenagers in Willacy County Precint 4 & 7. Together, they spread the word and collected over one hundred books. Justin and his team carefully sorted the books by age and reading level before distributing them at a community event. Through this initiative, they inspired a love for reading and helped ignite curiosity and imagination in young minds. Justin said, “This experience makes me want to do more things that benefit people in my community.” Sponsor: Albert Garza, Teacher and County Constable.

Brynnlee W., 1st year member

Project: Pastries for Paws - Brynnlee and her best friend Charlotte raised about $200 for the Abandoned Animal Rescue shelter in Magnolia by selling cookies and brownies at Bear Branch Junior High and running a Super Bowl squares pool promoted on her mom’s Facebook page. The donations helped the shelter buy food and supplies the animals might have otherwise gone without. Brynnlee said, “I had some challenges but i learned that you can be a leader by also doing things you love.” Sponsor: Kelsey Gomez, Teacher.

Ava P., 1st year member

Project: Love from a Distance - Ava organized through her school and local classmates to promote writing letters to active duty military members serving overseas. She collected a box full of letters and coloring sheets! As a dual military family, this project is close to Ava and her familys' hearts. Ava said, “I found scheduling an event at school to be harder than I expected. Working with the principal and teachers schedule during testing we learned to prioritize and plan timelines. I learned you either plan to succeed or plan to fail.” Sponsor: Kyndra Davis, Teacher.

Mason E., 2nd year member

Project: Tigers Lend a Paw for Seniors - Mason recruited all the 8th grade history classes at Hill Middle School to make Valentine's cards for the elderly. He was able to collect around 200 cards to deliver to the residents at Emerald Oaks Retirement Resort. Mason and members of his PALS class delivered the cards and also played games with the senior citizens at the retirement home. This made Valentine's Day more special for the seniors! Mason said, “This experience helped me learn that you sometimes need to let go things that you are not in control of. I also learned that value of communicating with a different generation.” Sponsor: Mary Bowls, Teacher.

Autumn F., 1st year member

Project: Paw-sitively Purr-fect Donations - Autumn and her friend Audri worked with the San Antonio Humane Society to organize the Paw-sitively Purr-fect donation drive, which collected 266 items! They asked their fellow students and teachers at Vale Middle School to give new or gently used newspaper, clean yogurt cups, cotton balls, pet toys, collars, leashes, blankets, towels, and baby socks. This drive impacted Autumn and everyone involved positively by informing them about an important animal shelter in their community and letting them help give back to it! Autumn said, “Getting involved and being able to give back to the Humane Society was an amazing experience, and I feel has made me a better leader!” Sponsor: Jessica Kenkel, Development Associate.

Logan S., 2nd year member

Project: Christmas Cards for Veterans - Logan recruited members of his church community to help make handmade greeting cards for Operation Gratitude during the holiday season. They made around eighty cards to be shipped off and later placed into Care Packages that are sent to Deployed Troops, Recruit Graduates, Veterans, Caregivers, and First Responders. Logan said, “This experience has taught me a lot about time management and the purpose of reaching out. This project wasn’t all easy though because we had a set back in the amount of people we thought would show up verse the amount that did.” Sponsor: Abie Mata, Church Youth Group Leader.

Ada H., 1st year member

Project: Bites for Barks Bake Sale - Ada enlisted the help from a classmate to collected donations from Ada's Girl Scout Troop and members of a family friend's shop to make baked goods to sell at Critter Shack's Rescue and dog adoption event. The duo raised $282 from their bake sale to donate to Critter Shack, so they could pay for vet bills and food for their animals. Ada said, “We had a setback near the end but we were able to work hard and make a strong comeback.” Sponsor: Stephanie Eivens, Teacher.

Laney K., 2nd year member

Project: Banned Book Awareness Project - Laney and three of her friends raised money through a bake sale and bought 30 commonly challenged and banned books for the Olney Community Library & Arts Center in Olney. These books were purchased specifically to raise awareness for the growing issue of banned books. In addition to buying the books, Laney set up a display in the library consisting of classic and popular children's and young adult books and descriptions of why they have been banned or challenged in other libraries throughout the country over the years. Laney said, “I chose this project because I feel very strongly against banning books, and I feel the need to inform the community of what book banning truly means and how it affects schools and people. I learned even more about a subject I feel very strongly about.” Sponsor: Lori Cox, Olney Community Library & Arts Center Director.

Sara W., 2nd year member

Project: Blanketed with Love - Sara and her mother collected donations of blankets for the Overton Healthcare Center residents. Together, they filled fifty gift bags with one blanket for each of the residents to have a gift on Christmas morning. This project impacted me by showing me how much I love giving and seeing people receive. Sara said, “As a leader this experience has help me find the joy of giving. Seeing how happy the people were always makes my day.” Sponsor: Christina Croswell, Teacher.

Nathalie H., 1st year member

Project: Love in Every Stitch - Nathalie and her friend Jennie reached out to family, friends, and local businesses to gather donations for the local homeless shelter, Sarah’s House. They were able to collect approximately ten baby toys, twenty-five garbage bags filled with gently-used clothing, and numerous personal hygiene products. These donations were distributed to individuals at the shelter, providing them with the clothing and hygiene items they needed, while homeless mothers received toys for their babies. Nathalie said, “We had many setbacks throughout our planning of the project, but we did not give up!” Sponsor: Jennifer Wicks, Orchestra Teacher.

Jennie M., 1st year member

Project: Love in Every Stitch - Jennie and her friend Nathalie collected toys and clothes for kids and donated them to Sarah's House, a shelter for domestic abuse victims. Many families there needed children’s items and benefited from the donations. While the project was already fulfilling, it felt especially meaningful when a mother and her children immediately began taking items they needed. Seeing the impact firsthand was incredibly heartwarming and rewarding. Jennie said, “I went through many struggles and obstacles during this project, but making myself push through them helped me to discover my full potential.” Sponsor: Jennifer Wicks, Teacher.

Parker S., 1st year member

Project: Readers to Leaders - Parker and a group of friends collected books around their neighborhoods to donate to the Friends of West Pearland Library. They collected over 200 books in total. Because of this, the organization had lots more books to sell and give out to the community. Parker said, “I had trouble with public speaking, but I eventually got over that fear and we completed the project.” Sponsor: Marion Clark, Teacher.

Neel C., 1st year member

Project: Canine Care - Neel, NJHS members, and some of his friends created an animal shelter drive to collect donations for the Plano Animal Shelter. They received over three hundred dog toys and twenty bags of dog treats/food. The shelter received many much needed supplies to help take care of their hundreds of pets. Neel said, “I went through a hard time at the beginning, but I persevered as a leader and finished strong. I learned to never give up and keep trying.” Sponsor: Gema Munoz, Teacher and NJHS Sponsor.

Michal F., 1st year member

Project: One Can at a Time - Michal and her family organized a canned food drive, promoted with a poster she designed herself. She also volunteered at the North Texas Food Bank, assisting with sorting and distributing donations. Thanks to the community’s generosity, numerous cans were collected to support families in need. Through this project, Michal experienced the power of community involvement and gained a deeper appreciation for how small efforts can make a big impact. Michal said, “This project taught me the value of collaboration and creativity. Designing the poster and organizing the drive was challenging, but seeing the community come together to donate made all the effort worthwhile. Volunteering at the food bank gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of giving back and helped me grow as a leader.” Sponsor: Alex Fuks, Parent.

Ethan Lilja, 1st year member

Project: Warm Feet Warm Hearts - Ethan and his friends promoted the Warm Feet Warm Hearts Sock drive through flyers, texts, and word of mouth. They collected over 400 pairs of socks, which were gratefully received by Hope Door residents for whom such basic items can be unaffordable. Ethan said, “I realized I needed to work hard to promote the sock drive if I wanted to achieve my goals.” Sponsor: Leo M, Teacher.

Matilda Lilja, 2nd year member

Project: Happy Feet - Matilda and a group of friends organized the Happy Feet Sock drive by distributing flyers, sending text messages, and communicating through word of mouth. They successfully collected more than 500 pairs of socks, which were received with gratitude by the residents of Hope Door, for whom these essential items can often be inaccessible. Matilda said, “I had to be creative on how we advertised the Happy feet drive. It was a great feeling when people responded to my social media posts and socks arrived at home.” Sponsor: Shannon Brooks, Teacher.

Hailey M., 1st year member

Project: Senior Smiles - Hailey and a member from her colorguard team gathered enough toiletries to create thirty-five gift bags for the residents of North Ellis Outreach Center. They were both thrilled to know they could support the organization and it's residents in need. Hailey said, “Though there were struggles along the way, they made me a better leader, and at the end of the day I was happy to have been able to help the organization.” Sponsor: Genise Waltman, Teacher.

Bobby D., 2nd year member

Project: Paws for a Cause - Bobby and three of his classmates took the initiative to support the Austin Animal Center by organizing a service project. They spent time creating several handmade blankets and mats to help provide comfort and warmth for the animals at the shelter. Their efforts made a meaningful difference for both the shelter staff and the animals in their care. Bobby said, “We learned how to adapt to a changing schedule and communicate with each other to reach a common goal.” Sponsor: Michael Ernst, Teacher.

Hariharan V., 3rd year member

Project: Spring's Giving - Hariharan and two friends collected paper bags and daily supplies for the Round Rock Area Serving Center. Their efforts resulted in nearly twenty bags being filled with food items, toiletries, and other essentials, which were then distributed to individuals in need throughout the Round Rock area. Hariharan said, “A lot of the time things dont go the way you expect, but it's how you react to them that determines how successful you are as a leader.” Sponsor: Lori Scott, Round Rock Area Serving Center Director.

Alana A., 2nd year member

Project: Champions for Youth Tanzania - Alana and ten fellow church ministry members made bracelets and hosted info sessions at Randolph Air Force Base, Community Bible Church, and local neighborhoods to support Nuru Orphanage in Mbeya, Tanzania. They raised over $2,500, fully funding a protective overhang and kitchen vent. The improvements will benefit thirty-eight orphans and staff, and construction is set for May 2025 during Alana’s trip to inland Tanzania. Alana said, “With clear vision and a heart for service, you can accomplish anything. Enthusiasm and passion creates joyful givers.” Sponsor: Devon Lahrman, Teacher.

Layla G., 1st year member

Project: Food for Thought - During the holiday season, Layla and two of her friends packed forty-seven food boxes for the Eldorado Service Center to be distributed to people in need in the community. They also made signs and one hundred tags for their local grocery store listing items needed by the food pantry. Through this project, they learned that the food pantry serves almost 1000 hot meals to seniors in our community, and provides free food to almost one hundred families a month. This made them realize the importance to donating time and resources to their community. Layla said, “I never realized our community helped so many people, it felt inspiring to be apart of that.” Sponsor: Kelce Harris, Teacher.

Sebastian C., 2nd year member

Project: Santa’s Soccer Bash - Sebastian sent out flyers asking for donations of soccer clothes, cleats, and equipment. He collected fifty pairs of cleats and much more equipment. Santa‘s Soccer Bash donated the cleats and equipment to the people in Juarez, Mexico who cannot afford such equipment. Sebastian said, “I learned that communication is a key aspect of life that everyone needs to practice. Good communication helped me accomplish my goal by ensuring I connected with others to gather the donations.” Sponsor: Javier McDonald, Soccer Coach.

Peter V., 1st year member

Project: A Socorro Christmas: Spreading Joy One Card at a Time - Peter enlisted the help of more than 25 members of the National Junior Honor Society at Socorro Middle School to handwrite personalized Christmas cards for over 80 residents of Las Ventanas De Socorro Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facility in Socorro, TX. He also collected monetary donations to pay for the materials as well as for a small treat that was handed out with each card. The residents were all smiles as they received the cards on December 23rd, and some even cried tears of joy to see young people taking the time to visit with them, even if just for a few minutes. Peter said, "Passing out Christmas cards and treats to the residents at 'Las Ventanas De Socorro' was an experience I’ll never forget. Knowing that this place once cared for my grandparents, who have since passed away, made it even more special. It felt like a way to honor their memory and give back to a community that meant so much to them and to me. Seeing the residents’ smiles made me realize how something as simple as a card and a kind gesture can brighten someone’s day." Sponsor: Franchesca Fresquez, NJHS Sponsor.

Drew G., 2nd year member

Project: Hygiene for the Holidays - Drew enlisted siblings, friends, and family to help collect donations in both monetary and physical form. Drew then used these donations to create twenty “hygiene kits” for the less fortunate in her community. These were donated to Martha’s Kitchen, a soup kitchen connected to Drew’s church. Drew said, “I realized how much of a community I have to help me, and I want to be that for others.” Sponsor: Jamie Grahlfs, parent.

Drew B., 3rd year member

Project: Spreading Smiles One Board Game at a Time - Drew enlisted his family, friends, and church family at St. Christopher's Episcopal to help him collected board games and card games for the patients at Texas Children's Hospital. Drew collected over 150 items and donated them right before Christmas to help spread some smiles and joy. The games were handed out to over 900 patients and their families currently staying at the hospital and throughout the year. Drew said, “I learned through teamwork and dedication anything is possible and can be accomplished.” Sponsor: Stacey Zubair, School Counselor.

Kyler V., 2nd year member

Project: The Green Thumb Project - Kyler and nine other members of the Stephenville High School Student Council started a fundraiser to buy supplies to clean the local city park. In total, they collected $92.23, and gathered upwards of 50lbs of trash, leaves, sticks, and other debris. The group cleaned the walking trail, baseball diamonds, amphitheater, and all of the volunteers said they enjoyed the work despite the gloomy weather. Kyler said, “When I woke up the morning of my service project, it was pouring rain. But as soon as it cleared up, we got busy and with teamwork, we got the job done.” Sponsor: Kristol Carter, Student Council Sponsor.

Kaleb T., 1st year member

Project: West Texas Shelter Drive - Kaleb, along with his sponsor, gathered a variety of essential supplies to support the Terrell County Animal Shelter. Their efforts were especially meaningful, as the shelter’s owners had recently faced medical challenges that made it difficult to maintain regular operations. The donated supplies not only eased the burden on the shelter staff but also improved the daily living conditions of the animals in their care. Kaleb said, “Knowing that I'm helping my community in some way and seeing how it impacts it, drives me to keep going and be a better leader.” Sponsor: Cody Sandleback, Teacher.

Audrey D., 2nd year member

Project: Raise For The Rescued - Audrey posted signs at her scshool and church requesting donations for the Abandoned Animal Rescue organization. She was very successfulr and was able to donate sixty cans of wet food, eight bags of kibble, three cans of kitten milk, eighty pounds of litter, antibacterial wipes, paper towels, and a $100 monetary donation! These items were able to help the daily needs of the twenty-one dogs and sixteen cat residents at Abandoned Animal Rescue. Audrey said, “After a very slow start I was very surprised at all the wonderful donations given that helped me to have a positive outlook and be extremely grateful at the generosity of so many.” Sponsor: Megan Munson, Teacher.

Gavin L., 2nd year member

Project: Feeding Friends - Gavin created and distributed a flyer to promote a community food drive, resulting in donations of fifty-nine cans of food, two packages of diapers, four boxes of stuffing mix, a case of ramen noondle, and four boxes of mac and cheese. The collected items were donated to Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries. Through this service project, Gavin learned the importance of giving back and how to take initiative in organizing community events. Gavin said, “I learned to speak up better and lead a food drive for my community." Sponsor: Laura Lowe, Math Teacher.

Evan W., 1st year member

Project: Blessing Bags - Evan and some of his The Woodlands Chapter - Jack and Jill of America friends packed Blessing Bags for seniors as part of a larger Meals on Wheels service activity. The group worked to write a kind note to go with each of the 330 Blessing Bags packed with snack food items for seniors in the community. Evan said, “I learned the value of teamwork and service. We really made a difference in our community.” Sponsor: Nakedra Campbell, Community Service Chair.

Marcus S., 3rd year member

Project: Paws for a Cause: Helping Animals in Need - Marcus recruited family and friends to support his service project focused on helping animals in need. He volunteered over 60 hours at The Animal Defense League of Washington County and Rescue Dog & End of Life Sanctuary in Mountain City, assisting with feeding, cleaning, and socializing rescue animals. Through this experience, he gained a deeper appreciation for animal welfare and the importance of community support in helping abandoned and senior pets. Marcus said, “Volunteering with rescue animals has shown me how much love and care they need. It’s been amazing to see the difference even small acts of kindness can make in their lives. This experience has inspired me to continue helping animals in any way I can." Sponsor: Linda Fritsch, Head of Animal Defense League.

Phoebe T., 2nd year member

Project: Grandmomma Wears Pink - Phoebe enlisted the help of her friends to hold a Talent Show and Silent Auction to raise $3,000 for her non-profit Grandmomma Wears Pink. Inspired by her grandmother who fought and survived breast cancer, the goal of this project was to provide handmade care packages to local breast cancer patients. To date, Phoebe has delivered thirty-five breast cancer care packages to the United Regional Foundation. The care nurse delivers the packages to new patients to provide them encouragement during their fight against breast cancer. Phoebe said, “Starting the non-profit and organizing the fundraiser taught me the importance of reaching out to ask for help, and getting others involved in supporting a good cause. I could not have done this without the help and support of my amazing friends!” Sponsor: Carrie Taylor, Mother.