The Austin Independent School District (ISD) recently held its 42nd annual African American Heritage Celebration, recognizing outstanding students, staff, and community partners. The event, themed "Unity in Diversity: Celebrating Trailblazers in the Community," highlighted community leaders and included performances by students from Akins Early College High School.
This celebration takes place each year during Black History Month to showcase African American culture and honor achievements within the Austin ISD community. The event features essay contests, community awards, and scholarship awards for Senior Scholars.
In the essay contests, Jackson Wolfe from Bear Creek Elementary School won first place for third grade. Alexa Grover-Valdez from Barbara Jordan Elementary School took first place for fifth grade. Aynn Clark from Bertha Sadler Means Young Women’s Leadership Academy won the seventh-grade contest.
Several Senior Scholars were recognized as Outstanding African American Students throughout their high school careers. These students will receive a textbook scholarship upon college enrollment:
- Thomas Loving, Akins Early College High School
- Chinonyelum Muoneme, Anderson High School
- Simone Baskin, Bowie High School
- Alexis Sterling, Eastside Early College High School
- Gahmoto Malangalia, LBJ Early College High School
- Imani Williams, LBJ Early College High School
- Emily Laux, Liberal Arts & Science Academy High School
- Cyrus Rule, Liberal Arts & Science Academy High School
- Felix Watts Kahlor, McCallum High School
- Lucy Hiwot Weil Zanker, McCallum High School
- Jordan Alexavier Davis, Travis Early College High School
- Mikayla Aundrea Gonzalez, Travis Early College High School
For more information on how Austin ISD celebrates Black History Month, visit their website.