Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

When Memorial High School (MHS) senior Evren Meyers started cleaning out his closet, he had no idea that a simple act would spark an international effort to promote literacy across the world.

What began as a weekend project turned into a 5,000-book drive that helped build a children’s library in Oniipa, Namibia—and revealed what it truly means to be service-minded.

Evren’s idea began as he sorted through old books from childhood. His parents suggested donating them locally, but Evren wanted to do something more meaningful—something that would reach children who had few or no books at all.

Having spent his elementary years in Oman and seen firsthand how limited access to education can be in some communities, he searched for international organizations in need of books. After many inquiries, one volunteer from Namibia responded. He was building a small library for local children—but lacked books.

“I didn’t have enough for a library,” Evren said. “So I decided to start collecting more, setting an initial goal of 1,000 books.”

Evren’s goal quickly outgrew his garage. With support from Principal Hiler, Ms. Muras at Frostwood Elementary, and several other Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) schools, he set up donation stations across the community.

The response was overwhelming. “Students, parents, and teachers all joined in,” he said. “Before long, we had collected 5,000 books.”

Evren is quick to share the credit, offering special thanks to Bunker Hill, Rummel Creek, Bendwood, and Memorial Drive elementaries, Principal Ellen Green at Memorial Middle School, his MHS friends, and his brother Emre, who helped every step of the way.

When Evren reached out to MHS, the campus immediately embraced the idea. Teachers and students organized a mini book collection drive of their own—helping fill boxes that would later travel more than 8,000 miles to Namibia.

Memorial Middle School (MMS) principal Ellen Green said the project was a perfect opportunity for her students to see how service can start locally but make a global impact.

“Evren’s project showed our students that even small actions like donating a book can change lives,” said Principal Green. “It was inspiring to see our middle schoolers realize that their generosity was helping children on another continent discover the joy of reading. Evren truly embodies what it means to be service-minded, and she’s setting a powerful example for younger Mustangs to follow.”

Through the project, MMS students also learned about challenges around the world and reflected on ways they could continue giving back through their own service projects.

The books traveled thousands of miles to Namibia. Watching videos of the students’ joy as they opened the boxes, Evren said, was one of the most rewarding moments of his life. “It showed me how something small can grow into something life-changing when people come together,” he reflected. “It reminded me how connected we all are, even across continents.”

Evren’s says the experience also taught him about communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

“There were challenges,” he admitted. “Some people said it would be too hard or expensive to send the books to Namibia, but I didn’t let that stop me. I just focused on solving each problem as it came.”

His perseverance paid off for the children in Namibia and an entire community that rallied together in the spirit of service.

Inspired by what he’s learned, Evren hopes to study Mechanical Engineering to design sustainable energy and clean water systems for communities in need around the world.

“This project gave me confidence,” he said. “If you’re passionate about something, and you set goals, stay determined, and work hard, you can turn a small idea into something that makes a real difference.”

#SBISDProud