As the school year comes to a close and the Class of 2025 prepares to cross the stage, students from Memorial High School (MHS), Northbrook High School (NHS), and Spring Woods High School (SWHS) made commitments to their futures this May.

Signing Day, a ceremony honoring the hard work and dedication of student-athletes, highlights their commitment to both education and achievement.

Memorial High School:

• Reese Haley, Beach Volleyball, University of Tampa

• John Stieglitz, Rugby, University of Texas

• Hayden Pettit, Soccer, Pratt Institute

Northbrook High School (view event photos here):

• Kevin Garay

• Emmanuel Arevalo

• Nahun Redondo Urbina

• Hugo Martinez

Spring Woods High School (view event photos here):

• Anthony Luna, Football, Mount Marty University

• Kenneth Mendarez, Soccer, University of Arkansas Rich Mountain

• Aryanna Vazquez, Soccer, University of St. Thomas

• John Cano, Track, Trinity University

Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, SBISD has supported its student-athletes in their commitment to continue their education and compete at the collegiate level.

SBISD remains committed to Every Child achieving T-2-4. We are #SBISDProud to celebrate their hard work.

In Spring Branch ISD (SBISD), every educator’s journey is different — shaped by resilience, dedication, and a deep belief in the power of education. For THRIVE participant Sharon Sealy, the path to becoming a certified teacher wasn’t marked by a single defining moment, but by a lifelong calling.

Before joining the THRIVE program, Sealy spent nine years as a teacher assistant at Wildcat Way School (WWS), supporting early childhood learners with care and consistency. Prior to her time in SBISD, she also served as a teacher and assistant in the private education sector.

“I have always loved working with kids,” Sealy shared. “So, there wasn’t really a big moment where I decided this is what I want to do. It’s just always been there.”

When she learned about SBISD’s homegrown THRIVE program — a partnership with the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV) — Sealy saw an opportunity to take the next step in her career with the guidance she knew she would need.

“It had been a very long time since I’d been to college, and going back was very difficult. I needed a support system,” she said. “THRIVE provided that for me. The support from both UHV and SBISD has been incredible.”

The most challenging part of the transition? Getting back into “student mode” while balancing a full-time job. “It was a big adjustment. Finding that balance between work and school was hard at first,” Sealy admitted.

But with each challenge came new growth — and meaningful relationships that helped her stay the course. Now at Thornwood Elementary (TWE), Sealy has embraced a whole new teaching environment: third grade.

“I had spent all of my career in early childhood, so moving to a third-grade classroom was a big shift,” she said. “One day, I was assisting in a fifth-grade class, and I recognized a student from Wildcat Way. She remembered me. Seeing how much she had grown reminded me that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

She says the support and encouragement from the Thornwood team have been instrumental in her success. “The connections I’ve made through THRIVE and here at Thornwood have been so rewarding. I’ll always treasure them.”

Sealy describes her teaching style as “firm but loving”, and she hopes her students remember her as someone who was kind, fair, and deeply invested in their success.

Her personal motto? “You can do anything if you believe in yourself.”

To her, becoming a certified teacher in SBISD is more than a professional achievement — it’s a full-circle moment.

“It means I now get to give back to the district that believed in me,” she said.

Her advice for future THRIVE participants is simple and heartfelt: “Go for it.” She’s already encouraged one of the paraprofessionals at Thornwood to apply for the next cohort.

“I tell them — the district will support you. You won’t be doing this alone.”

Today, Sharon Sealy is living proof that with the right support, a strong community, and belief in yourself, the journey from assistant to teacher is not only possible — it’s transformative.

Earlier this month, Memorial High School (MHS) senior David Xu was surprised with a prestigious scholarship recognizing his outstanding academic achievement, UIL participation and commitment to community service.

David is one of just five students statewide to receive the UIL Academic Scholarship as part of H-E-B’s corporate sponsorship of the University Interscholastic League. The $2,000 award is one of 15 scholarships totaling $30,000 that H-E-B is providing to UIL student participants across Texas.

The scholarship presentation took place in David’s third-period class, in front of his teacher, classmates and campus leaders. 

Principal Lisa Weir praised David for his achievement and the example he sets: “David exemplifies the kind of well-rounded scholar and leader we are proud to see thrive at Memorial,” Weir said. “His integrity, curiosity and commitment to excellence are traits we work to instill in every learner — from pre-K through 12th grade — as part of Spring Branch ISD’s Core Characteristics of a T-2-4 Graduate. We’re incredibly proud of him and all he represents.”

Congratulations to David on this well-earned achievement, and thank you to H-E-B for your continued investment in Texas public education!