Aylin Castaneda-Galvan didn’t always see herself as a leader. In fact, when she entered Spring Woods High School (SWHS) as a freshman, she was shy and focused only on academics.

But four years later, she walks across the graduation stage as someone who has built a community, discovered her passion, and inspired those around her with resilience, heart and purpose.

“My high school experience has been full of joyful and stressful memories — and I wouldn’t change a thing,” Aylin said. “From all the ups and downs, I’ve grown into someone the younger me wouldn’t have imagined.”

One of the first turning points in her journey was joining the soccer team. Stepping out of her comfort zone led to friendships, teamwork and a new mindset.

“That group of girls helped me open my eyes to trying new things,” she said. “Now I’m more adventurous and always excited to take on new challenges.”

Pushing Past Struggles

Aylin’s high school journey wasn’t without its challenges — particularly when it came to math.

“It’s always been my weakest subject,” she admitted. “But I learned the importance of asking for help. I’d go to my teacher’s class before school, during lunch, after school — whatever it took to understand the material.”

By seeking support from teachers and friends, Aylin didn’t just improve academically. She gained confidence in her ability to advocate for herself and find solutions.

Inspired by Educators

Throughout her four years, Aylin found powerful mentors in her teachers and coaches. One of the first to make a lasting impression was her freshman year geometry teacher, Ms. Vancura.

“I was frustrated because I kept trying but wasn’t seeing results,” Aylin said. “But Ms. Vancura believed in me and kept encouraging me. Her support helped me push through and start seeing real progress.”

Senior year brought another key influence: her macroeconomics teacher, Ms. Campbell.

“She was there for all of us seniors,” Aylin said. “Even when she didn’t feel her best, she kept showing up, encouraging us and checking in. Her positivity made a huge impact on me during a tough semester.”

When Aylin was deciding between nursing and athletic training as a career path, it was her athletic training coach, Ms. Harrell, who helped her find clarity.

“She talked through it with me and helped me see what I truly enjoyed,” Aylin said. “That guidance made all the difference.”

A Career With Heart

After graduation, Aylin plans to pursue a career in athletic training — a field that allows her to combine her love for sports and medicine.

“Being a student athletic trainer at Spring Woods opened my eyes to a career I didn’t even know existed,” she said. “I got to help athletes through their healing journey and watch them return to the field. It felt perfect.”

In five to 10 years, she hopes to be working with an NFL team, traveling with players, supporting rehab efforts and inspiring others to consider sports medicine. But her goals go beyond career milestones — she’s driven by family and a desire to give back.

“I want to provide for my family, take them on vacations and make sure my parents don’t have to worry about finances,” she said. “Coming from a low-income background, I want to show what’s possible through hard work.”

Traits That Shape Her Legacy

High school helped Aylin build important life skills: time management, communication, flexibility and accountability. These came into sharp focus during her senior year, when the entire athletic training staff left — and Aylin, the most experienced student trainer, stepped up to lead.

“We had to train the new student trainers and figure out a new system,” she said. “Being flexible was key. Things don’t always go as planned, but that’s when you grow.”

Aylin also sharpened her perseverance — in academics, cross country and countless early morning and late-night practices and games.

“No matter how tired I was, I always showed up,” she said. “That’s what perseverance looks like — just showing up and giving it your all.”

Advice and Gratitude

To incoming freshmen, Aylin offers this advice: “Try new things. Join a club. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s a strength, not a weakness. And keep pushing — the results are worth it.”

If she could do anything differently, she says she would have learned earlier that life isn’t all about school. “Balance matters. You can work hard and still enjoy high school.”

As she prepares to graduate, Aylin is filled with gratitude.

“I appreciate and love all of my family, teachers and friends who helped me get to where I am,” she said. “I couldn’t have grown into who I am today without them.”

Looking to the Future

High school taught Aylin how to handle challenges while building memories that will last a lifetime.

“It’s shown me how life can be difficult and fun at the same time,” she said. “Now I’m excited to see what life has in store.”

If she had to sum up her high school experience in one word?

“A roller coaster,” she said with a smile. “There were ups, downs and loops — from field trips and finals to prom and homecoming. So many emotions, just like a ride.”

And what does she hope her legacy will be?

“I hope people remember me as kind, sweet, fun and spiritual,” she said. “Someone who gave it their all and helped others along the way.”

#SBISDProud

 

 

For Tristan Walton, senior year at Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS) isn’t just the end of a chapter — it’s proof that hard work, heart and a little creativity can shape a powerful journey.

From performing at Carnegie Hall to pursuing his passion for film, Tristan’s high school experience has been filled with challenges, growth and unforgettable moments.

“The music and the arts are so important in the lives of students and should always be experienced,” he said. “Traveling and singing at Carnegie Hall with my choir, earning awards and sharing those moments with my friends — those are memories that I’ll carry forever. It was something so many people never get to do.”

Lessons in Growth

Tristan has grown in more ways than one — both personally and through life lessons learned.

“I’ve learned how to make friends from all walks of life,” he said. “And one key lesson? Don’t put things off. Procrastinating can affect your grades, GPA and your mental health. I had to learn that the hard way.”

One of the unique aspects of Tristan’s high school experience was attending the Guthrie Center to study film and cinematography — a decision that set him on a path toward his future career. While it meant managing a demanding schedule and occasionally missing on-campus events, Tristan embraced the challenge.

“Being part of the Guthrie program gave me a chance to focus on something I’m passionate about,” he said. “It wasn’t always easy to balance everything, but I stayed committed because I knew it would help shape my future.”

Inspired by Educators

Tristan credits much of his success to the dedicated teachers who supported him over the years.

His choir director, Mrs. Faleiro, played a particularly impactful role.

“She gave us leadership opportunities, helped us work as a team and took us to places I probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise — all while doing something we love,” he said.

He also remembers Mrs. Franson, his fifth grade teacher, who made him stay after school to finish his homework.

“She always made sure I didn’t fall behind,” he said. “Teachers like her are the ones we never forget.”

At the Guthrie Center, Mr. Rodriguez opened the door to Tristan’s passion for film, offering hands-on experiences in real-world environments — including assisting a former Guthrie student on a movie shoot at Newman’s Castle.

Eyes on the Future

After graduation, Tristan plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to study film and cinematography, with hopes of eventually transferring to UT Austin and breaking into the film industry.

“What started as a hobby became something deeper — I got interested in the technical side of making films, and I found a community of people who shared that passion,” he said.

He knows that success in a competitive field will take more than talent.

“Getting your foot in the door and meeting the right people at the right time can make a big difference.”

Character and Commitment

Alongside his creative and academic work, Tristan is a proud Eagle Scout — a rare achievement that reflects his dedication and leadership. “Scouting taught me values that make you a better student, friend and leader,” he said. 

Even when juggling a packed schedule, Tristan stayed committed to what mattered most.

Gratitude and Legacy

Looking back, Tristan said he might have advocated more for what he needed as a student. But he’s proud of the choices he made — and thankful for those who helped him along the way.

“Thank you for bearing with me — especially the teachers who responded to my late-night emails and gave me patience and guidance,” he said. “Thanks to my family for always supporting me, and to my friends for making high school fun.”

His advice for incoming students?

“Don’t take no for an answer. If someone says you can’t do something, there’s always a way — you just have to look at it differently.”

As he prepares for the next stage of life, Tristan says high school taught him how to work independently, meet deadlines and complete complex projects on his own — skills he’ll carry into college and his future career.

If he had to sum it all up?

“It was rewarding — knowing that the light at the end of the tunnel leads to something so much bigger. College is a new world waiting for me.”

And how does he hope to be remembered?

“I hope people remember me as someone who always put their best foot forward,” he said. “A friend with a creative mind who was always willing to help others — and someone who made a positive impact.”

#SBISDProud

 

 

For Saloni Singh, high school at Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS) has been more than just a path to graduation — it’s been a journey of growth, resilience and finding her voice.

“High school has been a roller coaster ride — full of ups and downs, challenges and discoveries,” Saloni said. “The IB program especially pushed me to realize how capable I am when I commit to something. It taught me what it really means to rise to the occasion.”

Through it all, Saloni found a sense of belonging and inspiration in WAIS’s advanced choir and theater company — two programs that became her creative outlet and emotional anchor.

“Those were the highlights of my high school years,” she said. “The community, the people and the support — especially from Mrs. Faleiro — made all the difference. These spaces helped me manage the stress of rigorous academics and gave me the freedom to be myself.”

Rising to the Moment

Saloni’s growth wasn’t just personal — it was transformational. One moment in particular, during her sophomore year, tested her leadership in a big way. When the school’s theater director had to step away just before tech week, she suddenly found herself managing 50 students and five performances.

“I was overwhelmed at first,” she recalled. “But I realized people were counting on me. That experience taught me how to lead under pressure, how to trust myself and how to bring people together when it matters most.”

That mindset stayed with her through every challenge. “I’ve learned to believe in myself, stay open to growth and always try to understand others before making assumptions.”

Mentors Who Made a Difference

Among the many people who helped shape her journey, Mrs. Faleiro — Saloni’s choir teacher and theater director — stands out as a powerful guiding force.

“She’s so much more than a teacher,” Saloni said. “She’s a mentor, a mother figure and a friend. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She gave me a voice — not just as a singer, but as a leader.”

Whether it was her conducting cues or quiet pre-performance encouragement, Saloni said, “She turned a classroom into a home and strangers into family. She changed my life.”

Another teacher who left a lasting impact was Ms. Heil, whose confidence in Saloni’s writing helped her grow as a communicator.

“She pushed me to take pride in my voice and challenged me to use it boldly — even when I wasn’t sure of myself.”

Building Toward the Future

Inspired by her own home’s rebuilding process after Hurricane Harvey, Saloni discovered a passion for architecture. Watching home renovation shows with her mom sparked her interest, and hands-on experiences at the Guthrie Center and in the ACE Mentors program helped her fall in love with the AEC industry.

This fall, she plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture — with hopes of one day opening her own firm in Houston with her twin sister, Suhani.

“My time in the IB program didn’t just prepare me academically,” she said. “It helped me become someone who can work in teams, solve problems and communicate ideas effectively — all of which I’ll carry into college and my future career.”

Leading With Heart

From theater and choir to broadcasting for WAIS-TV, Saloni found her voice — and her leadership style.

“I learned to lead with both my head and my heart,” she said. “Thinking through technical challenges is important, but connecting with others and building relationships — that’s what truly makes a difference.”

She also credits high school with helping her develop patience, empathy and the ability to really listen — qualities she considers vital for both life and leadership.

Looking Back With Gratitude

“If I could give any advice to younger students, it would be: it’s not the end of the world if things don’t work out,” Saloni said. “High school can be intense, but your true strength shows when you keep going. That’s when you discover what you’re capable of.”

She wouldn’t change anything about her high school experience — even the hard parts.

“There were definitely challenges, but they helped me see my own strength.”

Saloni’s biggest thank-you goes to her teachers, friends and family — especially her twin sister.

“Suhani has been with me through it all. She pushed me to be better and made this journey something I’ll always treasure. I don’t know how I could’ve done high school without her.”

A Legacy of Strength and Self-Belief

As she prepares to take her next steps, Saloni hopes her classmates and teachers remember her as someone who led with heart, gave her all and helped others feel seen.

And if she had to sum it all up?

“Don’t stop believin’,” she said with a smile. “It’s more than a song lyric — it’s a reminder that even when dreams feel impossible, they’re worth chasing.”

#SBISDPROUD