Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

For Memorial High School (MHS) senior Andre Peer, the sky has never been the limit—it's just the beginning. A member of the Class of 2025 with ambitions to join the aviation industry, Andre has charted a high school journey marked by resilience, leadership and a commitment to helping others.

“My high school experience has been fun and engaging,” Andre says. “I connected with people from all kinds of backgrounds. It’s been eye-opening to see how differently people approach life.”

But the journey was far from easy. Andre had already experienced the heartbreaking loss of his father, and during his sophomore year, he was dealt another devastating blow with the passing of his grandmother. Together, these losses marked a turning point that deeply tested his resilience and resolve.

“I had zero motivation to do anything after they passed,” he shares. “I fell behind in everything. But the MHS teachers motivated me to get back on track. I’ll always be thankful for their support.”

One teacher in particular, Coach Amarantos, became a steady force in Andre’s life. From mentoring him in the classroom to coaching him on the field—and even showing up on a Saturday morning to help Andre complete a physical assessment for his U.S. Air Force Academy application—Coach A’s impact has been immeasurable.

“We have a connection that’s priceless,” Andre says. “He didn’t have to help me that Saturday, but he did—and that means everything.”

That type of support helped Andre grow not just as a student, but as a person. He credits his time at Memorial with teaching him essential life skills: how to lead, how to truly listen, and how to make quick decisions under pressure—skills he knows will serve him well in his chosen field.

Andre’s dream? To attend an aeronautical college and eventually work for United Airlines.

“I wanted a career that didn’t feel like work—something I truly enjoy,” he says. “That’s what aviation is for me. It’s more than a career. It’s a passion.”

On campus, Andre is known for his integrity, resilience and sense of responsibility. He’s taken care to grow not just academically but personally, always seeking to uplift those around him.

“Leadership isn’t just about you,” he says. “If everyone around you is succeeding in their own way, you will too.”

Reflecting on what he’s learned, Andre says Memorial’s rigorous academics and high standards have prepared him for the independence of college life.

“Memorial does a great job preparing students for the next level,” he says. “They set the bar high—and that’s made a huge difference.”

For incoming students, his advice is direct: “Get involved early. Take advantage of every opportunity—sports, clubs, volunteering, all of it. Don’t procrastinate. And make sure your résumé stands out when it’s time for college.”

Looking back, Andre wishes he had jumped in even sooner. “I would have joined sports earlier and found more ways to get involved with the school and community.”

Still, his legacy is one of service, unity and perseverance. “I want to be remembered as the guy who put others first—and the guy who was obsessed with airplanes,” he says with a smile. “As a class, we went through a tragedy our freshman year. We lost a friend, and it brought us closer. We leaned on each other, and we got through it.”

As graduation nears, Andre is carrying more than dreams into the next chapter. He’s carrying a foundation of values that he says will stay with him forever.

“Perseverance, resilience, integrity—those are the values that will guide me as I move forward,” he says. “And I’m excited to do what I love.”

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