Spring Branch ISD Featured News

An award-winning debate team member at Spring Woods High School (SWHS) has started an online “newspaper” where students from around the country can contribute stories about topics about which they feel strongly. Jared Lee, a senior, developed the online platform to reflect young people’s points of view.

“This past election highlighted the importance of younger people’s opinions,” said Jared Lee, a senior at SWHS. “Eventually my generation will be the influencers in society. My hope is that we will be more inclusive to have a better impact.”

The online newspaper, where Lee is the editor and a contributor, is the Fidutia Journal (Fidutia means Trust in Latin). Students have submitted stories on topics such as time travel, the state of the U.S. healthcare system, life during a pandemic, victims of police brutality, and other subjects of national and global importance.

“Students find out about how to submit stories by word of mouth, social media and a podcast on YouTube,” said Lee. “It is good for people to talk [and write] about what they are passionate about.”

Lee also serves as an online tutor with Kara Tutoring, an international organization offering free tutoring for the SAT, ACT and upper level classes to disadvantaged students. Lee tutors a student in Ghana once a week. He is on the Kara Tutoring Diversity and Inclusion Board. One of his responsibilities is to interview and screen potential new tutors.

“We are looking for open-minded people who want to help others,” said Lee. “Not just do something for their college resumes.”

Lee is a model of Limitless Curiosity, one of Spring Branch ISD’s Core Values, as he rises above COVID-19 constraints to help young people have more voice and influence.

A quiet demeanor masks his impressive achievements. “His greatest characteristic is that he is so humble about his accomplishments,” said SWHS Counselor Jose Garcia.

This fall, Lee has focused on applying to college and for financial aid. His top choice is to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He plans to major in pre-med/neuroscience and one day become a neurosurgeon.

A CITGO Distinguished Scholars scholarship in the Communications category, recently awarded to Lee, will help launch him on to new endeavors of the mind… and brain!