Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Owin Morales: Open to New Possibilities

As Owin Morales, a Spring Woods High School senior in the Class of 2026, prepares to step into his next chapter, he’s taking time to reflect on the people, programs, and experiences in Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) that helped shape who he is today.

“SBISD has helped me become someone I never thought I would become,” Owin said. “I’m grateful for the journey I’ve been on and for the chance to try new things and meet new people along the way.”

One of those experiences was in a journalism class. In Joshua Ault’s class, he learned the fundamentals of interviewing, writing, and telling stories for people without a voice. Journalism showed him the impact it can have on the community. 

The class didn’t just sharpen his reporting skills; it also taught him that listening is equally important. When he had the opportunity to meet the district’s superintendent for journalism, Owin approached the assignment just like a reporter would – with genuine curiosity. He enjoyed learning more about the work happening across SBISD, including efforts to improve student opportunities and strengthen support on campuses. 

Looking ahead, Owin plans to study psychology. He’s interested in understanding how people think, learn, and cope with challenges, and he hopes to build a career that enables him to support others through meaningful, one-on-one work.

Reflecting on his journey, he credits the people around him for keeping him grounded and motivated throughout high school. 

“My friends and family made a huge impact on my journey,” Owin said. “Without them, I don’t believe I would have been motivated to keep going and finish high school.” 

Owin said the variety of opportunities available to SBISD students helped shape his experience, from career and technical education (CTE) and early college options to fine arts and athletics. Multiple pathways to explore allowed him to discover new interests, challenge himself in different settings, and build skills that will serve him well beyond graduation. 

As he prepares for life after Spring Woods, Morales says he’s focused on building a fulfilling career, continuing to grow through constant learning, and making time to travel and experience new places. 

Above all, he hopes to carry forward the confidence he gained in SBISD and serve as an example to future students to stay open to new opportunities and learn new skills, because doing so has the potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.