Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Eva Zapata, Class of 2026 at Spring Woods High School (SWHS), is preparing for a future centered on helping others grow, heal and thrive. With plans to become a pediatric occupational therapist, she is driven by a passion for working with children and making a lasting difference in their daily lives.

Her goal is rooted in personal experience. With three cousins who have special needs, Eva has seen firsthand how life-changing therapy can be for children and their families. Watching a pediatric occupational therapist help improve their quality of life showed her how meaningful that work can be and inspired her to pursue the same path.

After graduation, Eva plans to attend college and major in kinesiology before continuing to occupational therapy school. She hopes to one day work with children, helping them develop skills, gain confidence and become more independent.

As she reflects on her journey, Eva points to her first year of high school as a defining moment. Everything felt new and overwhelming, but it pushed her to step outside of her comfort zone and become more independent. That experience helped shape the confidence and resilience she carries today.

Her time in Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) strengthened that growth even more. Taking challenging classes and playing basketball had the biggest impact on her high school experience. Basketball taught her discipline, accountability, teamwork and time management, while her classes helped her build confidence and realize what she is capable of achieving.

“The experience that impacted me most was taking challenging classes and playing basketball,” she said. “Basketball held me accountable and taught me discipline, teamwork and time management, while my classes helped me build confidence and realize what I’m capable of.”

Several programs helped shape Eva’s high school journey, including National Honor Society (NHS), basketball, theater and journalism. Each challenged her in different ways and helped her discover her strengths. Basketball taught discipline and accountability, SWHS helped her grow as a leader, and theater and journalism gave her the confidence to express herself and find her voice.

One teacher who made a lasting difference was Mr. Ault, her journalism teacher. His constant encouragement and belief in her helped her push past self-doubt and stay motivated. Through his support, Eva built confidence, strengthened her skills and learned to trust in her own abilities.

“Mr. Ault believed in me even when I doubted myself,” she said. “He helped me build confidence, improve my skills and stay motivated.”

SBISD helped Eva become someone who is confident, responsible and ready for the future. Through academics, athletics and the support of mentors, she found both purpose and direction.

As she looks ahead to college and beyond, Eva carries with her the lessons of leadership, discipline and compassion, qualities that will make her an exceptional pediatric occupational therapist and an advocate for the children and families she will one day serve.

#SBISDProud