Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Amy Mireles is not only a student body president at Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS) in Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD), but she also is emerging as a national leader, sharing her leadership journey with peers across the country.

Meet Amy Mireles, a junior and current student body president shaping her school experience and those of her peers. 

Amy has attended Westchester Academy since the 6th grade. The SBISD choice school operates on a lottery system, meaning students come from various neighborhoods. This has made fostering school unity and pride somewhat challenging. As a middle schooler, Amy immediately recognized this and made it her goal to do something about it.

When she became eligible to run for a school officer position in the ninth grade, she took a bold step by running for student council president. She launched a creative video series and ran a solid campaign; however, she lost the election to an upperclassman. Nevertheless, she caught the attention of the student council advisor, who created a unique position just for Amy. 

“From there, the sky was truly the limit for Amy, as she has quickly emerged as a natural young leader,” said Valerie Hernandez, principal of Westchester Academy. “Once allowed to share ideas, Amy sparked a remarkable transformation in student engagement. Her leadership and vision led to a tangible increase in school spirit, something our campus had lacked for a long time.” 

Two years later, Amy was elected Student Council President, and in her role, she has continued to elevate student participation and enthusiasm at Westchester. She has worked closely with her fellow officers, ensuring they are approachable so students from all backgrounds and talents feel seen and heard. 

“Amy believes that many students have untapped potential and has made it her mission to discover and showcase their talents,” Dr. Hernandez said. “Her efforts have resulted in increased participation and diversity in school activities.” 

Among Amy’s most notable initiatives on campus was the creation of the Mr. WAIS competition. Recognizing the need to highlight her peers—especially male students—Amy came up with the idea to launch a talent-based event. She led her team in executing the entire show, transforming the traditional concept of a beauty pageant into an opportunity for males to showcase their skills and school spirit. The event was a significant success, further solidifying Amy’s reputation as a dynamic student leader. 

While leading the Westchester Student Council and launching ideas to make the campus feel more connected, she’s also been actively involved in the National Honor Society (NHS). 

Earlier this semester, she had the opportunity to present at an NHS leadership conference in Chicago. 

In a standing-room-only session, Amy spoke on “Leading Among Peers,” offering guidance to fellow students on how to be effective leaders when leading up. 

As she balances her numerous commitments—including playing softball for Northbrook High School—she exemplifies the International Baccalaureate (IB) characteristics that Westchester Academy strives to instill in its students. 

“Amy’s ability to manage responsibilities while making a meaningful impact is a testament to her dedication, foresight, and leadership skills,” said Valerie.  

Looking ahead, Amy plans to pursue a marketing or political science degree. Her high school experience has fueled her passion to advocate for issues she cares about and work toward solutions. She says she finds fulfillment in bringing an idea to life or speaking for those who do not have a voice or are too afraid to speak up. 

“It is evident how much Amy enjoys turning her ideas into reality, especially when they foster unity and unite people. She is incredibly passionate about her community and doesn’t ever hesitate to step out of her comfort zone,” said Dr Hernandez. “She is an inspiration, proving that one student can make a difference with passion and determination.”

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