African American Heritage Celebration

A great crowd turned out Sunday for the district's 29th annual African American Heritage Celebration. More than a thousand people, including families and supporters, joined me in honoring students, community leaders, teachers and district staff for their achievements and service.

Friends and family filled the Austin Convention Center in support of the honorees.

It is fitting that this year’s theme is “Every Dream a Reality,” because our district is brimming with students who are working hard in pursuit of their dreams. Nearly 50 years after Dr. King inspired us with his famous speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., we can take pride as a community of educators and caring citizens in our efforts to help young scholars and all of our students identify and realize their dreams. 

AISD Trustees Vincent Torres and Cheryl Bradley join Chief Schools Officer Paul Cruz and me in congratulating one of the many outstanding students recognized at the celebration.

I’m particularly proud of the 11 seniors who were recognized as four-year scholars. They have been honored at this event in each of their high school years for their outstanding leadership and academic achievement. These seniors will receive scholarships to support them in their dreams as they go on to college and become the leaders and change agents of tomorrow. Please join me in congratulating Michael Amare (Lanier), Sarah Bailey (Akins), Nelson Cole (McCallum), Kendall Davis (Akins), Hayden Graham (Anderson), Jeremy Jackson (Bowie), Jaron Mackey (LASA), Tara Mayberry (Bowie), Makeda Robertson (McCallum), Malachi Williams (Travis) and Carisa Weber (Anderson). These students are the heirs to Dr. King’s dream. In their pursuit of their interests and goals, they are making the world a better place for all of us.

Destiny Jenkins-Head of Overton Elementary is joined by her teacher and principal in accepting the award for her first-place student essay.

We also recognized the community leaders who provide positive role models for our youth. We are grateful for their hard work and commitment to the children and families in our community. And finally, a big thank you to the students and teachers of Reagan High School and to AISD staff for making possible this very impressive celebration.