Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Ashley Vasquez, a senior at Spring Woods High School (SWHS) in the Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD), has realized a dream. Her personal documentary, “Now or Never,” won the prestigious Student Production Award from the Lone Star Emmy Foundation.

Each year, the foundation presents awards to students across Texas who have demonstrated excellence in media and journalism. The awards highlight cultural, educational, technological, entertainment, news, and informational achievements by undergraduate college and high school students.

“Receiving a student production award is a huge honor, especially considering how much I love film and capturing human moments,” Ashley said. “When I submitted my documentary to the Lone Star Emmy Foundation earlier this year, I hoped others would connect with my story and see a bit of themselves in it.”

The win marks a significant milestone in Ashley’s journey and is also a moment of pride for her school and the district.

“I’ve always had a passion for the arts,” Ashley said. “I want to keep that passion alive in film, dance, music, or production. This project allowed me to share my journey with others and show them that anything is possible, no matter the obstacles.”

The journalism program at SWHS has been instrumental in fueling Ashley's love for journalism and multimedia. In her classes, Ashley and her peers are entrusted with more than just assignments—they are given a platform to share real stories, often their own, highlighting the importance of student journalism in shaping young voices.

Joshua Ault, who teaches journalism, yearbook, newspaper, and photojournalism at SWHS and is a former journalist, encourages his students to tell the stories of their lives and focus on moments that define who they are. Ashley embraced this challenge with remarkable vulnerability and reflection, illuminating her life’s ups and downs.

“Winning for a Student Production award is a testament to Ashley’s incredible storytelling skills and her bravery in sharing her life’s most challenging moments,” Joshua said.

“Ashley’s honesty is awe-inspiring. She didn’t shy away from difficult topics in her documentary, and her ability to find the good in her experiences is powerful and mature for someone her age. It’s refreshing to see a young person show such resilience and have clear goals for her future.”

Throughout the production, Ashley took full ownership of her work, shaping her narrative and ensuring each element authentically captured her story. Her journey reveals a young woman who, despite setbacks, sees possibilities and has a clear vision for the future.

As Ashley reflects on her achievement, she remains steadfast in her desire to pursue the arts. Her Lone Star Emmy win is just one powerful validation of her talent, resilience, and passion. 

#SBISDProud