A South Austin third grader is competing for the title of America’s Favorite Student and a chance to meet Bill Nye, according to a recent announcement. Jackson Garcia, a student at Sunfield Elementary in Buda, is currently among the top five contenders in Colossal’s America’s Favorite Student competition, which is presented by Bill Nye and benefits The Planetary Society.
The competition offers a grand prize that includes a $20,000 educational award, a feature in Reader’s Digest, and a trip to The Planetary Society to meet Bill Nye. According to the announcement, Jackson is described as a gifted student who is suspected of having ADHD and is undergoing formal evaluation. His family said that what might seem like a challenge has become his strength: “He is relentlessly curious, impossible to discourage, and excels in both science and math. Watching Bill Nye with his parents is his idea of a good time. He’s already rallied his Hays CISD community into the Top 5.”
If Jackson wins the competition, his family said the $20,000 award would be used for STEM camps and accelerated learning programs. They added that these are “exactly the kind of opportunities Texas students need as public school funding faces serious cuts.” The statement continued: “This is a moment to show what committed students and strong communities can do, even when the system falls short. This is a story about a kid who wasn’t waiting to be diagnosed before deciding to love learning. Nothing can hold him back from achieving his goals, and reaching for the literal stars.”
High-resolution photos are available on Jackson’s competition profile page along with information on how to vote for him.
More details about Jackson Garcia’s participation can be found on the organization’s website.
