Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Andre Peer, a 2025 graduate of Memorial High School (MHS), has always dreamed of flying airplanes.

Thanks to the educational foundation he received as a student in Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD), that dream is becoming a reality.

After graduating last spring, Andre moved to Florida’s east coast, where he recently started his freshman year at the Florida Institute of Technology.

While the transition was a flurry of activity and somewhat chaotic—as with any significant milestone—Andre says he’s eager to start his next chapter and feels well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

“SBISD did an outstanding job preparing students academically for what lies ahead,” Andre said. “But just as important, they offered many opportunities to get involved. Those experiences, inside and outside the classroom, helped shape me into a well-rounded student and made the transition into this next phase of life much smoother.”

He also remembers his network of outstanding educators, who were more than just teachers; they were mentors.

“They accepted students for who they were and were also patient with those still discovering their true selves,” he said.

That sense of understanding and encouragement is something Andre remembers vividly from his time at MHS, especially on the basketball court.

When asked if SBISD’s current theme, “Every Child. Every Way. Every Minute. Every Day.,” was something he felt during his days at MHS, Andre quickly recalled the interactions he had with Head Basketball Coach Dave Lay.

“Coach Lay made sure he formed a special bond with each student. Feeling like you have an advocate and someone who understands you can brighten a child’s day,” he said.

Since day one at the Florida Institute of Technology, Andre has demonstrated the core traits of a T-2-4 graduate. Adaptability has been essential as he transitions from growing up as an only child to sharing a dorm room. He’s confident the other qualities—effective communication and collaboration, resourcefulness, empathy, and self-awareness—will be crucial for his aviation career.

From a Memorial Mustang to a Florida Institute of Technology Panther, Andre is living proof that when students are recognized, challenged and supported, the sky is truly the limit. As he embarks on his journey, both in the classroom and the cockpit, he carries with him a strong academic foundation, real-world skills and resilience—all characteristics that define SBISD graduates.

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