Victoria ISD is pleased to announce that Eliana West has been selected to receive the Texas Association of School Boardsโ Student Voice Scholarship. West was one of five students selected to participate in the TASB Student Voice Panel on March 6 at Governance Camp in Galveston. Each student selected will receive $1,500 from sponsor Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & De Los Santos P.C.
TASBโs annual Governance Camp, held March 4-7, provides school board members with leadership and good governance training while amplifying student voice.
"It is an honor to celebrate Eliana for her exceptional leadership and commitment in making her voice heard, while also inspiring others to lead with confidence to shape our collective work. Elianaโs recognition is a testament to how the 10 VISD Values provide the impetus to shaping student voice now and, in the future, exemplifying the power of courage. She reminds us that every voice matters and can have a lasting impact on the broader school community."
Through panel discussions, sessions presented and co-presented by students, and an expo where students share their projects and innovations, the conference helps connect the work of trustees with the learning experience of students.
During the panel discussion, the five scholarship recipients will share their experiences as Texas public school students with the school board members and administrators attending from across the state.
โThis is a great opportunity for school board members to hear directly from the students they serve, so they can better lead and govern their districts,โ said TASB Executive Director Dan Troxell. โThrough these presentations and discussions, students share their goals, challenges, and aspirations, and education leaders gain valuable insights and that information can help inform planning and decision-making in the boardroom. Weโre thankful to Walsh Gallegos for its ongoing commitment to the scholarship program.โ
This yearโs scholarship winners were selected based on their individual stories, contributions to their community, and their use of โstudent voiceโ to improve their schools.โฏThey are:
Mario Castillo, Lyford CISD, Region 1
Castillo is a senior at Lyford High School and ranks first in his class. Upon graduation, he will earn both a high school diploma and an associateโs degree. Through his involvement in FFA, 4โH, the National Honor Society, varsity tennis, and cross-country, Castillo has developed strong time-management skills and a deep sense of responsibility to his teammates. He also advocated at the Texas Capitol during the 89th Legislative Session. A recipient of multiple awards and recognitions throughout high school, Castillo plans to study neuroscience in college.
Eliana West, Victoria ISD, Region 3
West is a passionate student leader with a love for learning, community, and creativity. As the oldest of four, she brings responsibility and warmth to everything she does, from local theater to mental health advocacy. Having lived in multiple states and cities, West is adaptable and eager to embrace new experiences. Her work with the Victoria Mayorโs Youth Council and Texas Bluebonnet Girls State, a program organized by the American Legion Auxiliary, strengthened her leadership skills and interest in government. She plans to study psychology and expand access to mental health resources for young people.
Keelin Monk, Clear Creek ISD, Region 4
Monk is a senior at Clear Lake High School who understands the most important things in life are her relationships. A global traveler, sheโs the founder of the World Languages Club, and she is also the leader of the Best Buddies Club, which promotes inclusion for students with special needs. She holds a U.S. patent for a haptic wearable system for users with hearing loss. Monk plans to pursue neuroscience and entrepreneurship in college to ultimately start her own neurotechnology company.
Mallory Solomon, Hutto ISD, Region 13
Solomon is a proud Hutto High School Hippo. While participating in the GeoFORCE youth program at the University of Texas at Austinโs Jackson School of Geosciences, she developed a love of geoscience. As the editor-in-chief of the yearbook and student government president, she makes sure stories from all students are represented in her work. Solomon plans to combine her passion for journalism and meteorology into a career as a broadcast meteorologist. She plans to attend a Texas university in the fall to study meteorology.
Addison Wall, Thrall ISD, Region 13
Wall is a senior at Thrall High School, where her life and leadership have been shaped by agriculture. Raised in an agricultureโbased family, she has been deeply involved in 4โH and FFA, developing strong communication, leadership, and advocacy skills. Wall excels academically, ranking in the top 10% of her class. She will be a firstโgeneration college student and plans to attend Texas A&M University to study animal science and genetics. Wall hopes to combine her passion for agriculture and science to advance genetic research and animal health.