Thursday, September 19, 2024
At Monday evening’s Granbury ISD school board meeting, six students were recognized for their impressive accomplishments.
From serving breakfast to first responders to winning a national essay contest and engaging in hands-on scientific research, the evening showcased the diverse talents and dedication of the district’s young scholars.
Highlights included the Patriot Day Drive-Thru Breakfast, a Scholastic Essay Contest win, and participation in the prestigious Joint Science and Technology Institute.
The board meeting began with four Acton Elementary School students leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The students, Paxton Anderson, Logan Byrd, Rowan Pinksa and Colton Druzanovic were recognized for their participation in the pledges and involvement in a Patriot Day event.
On Sept. 11, the students helped serve breakfast to first responders from Hood County, an initiative organized by Acton Elementary to honor local heroes.
“These students not only served breakfast to our first responders but have family members who are firefighters and police officers and EMS providers,” said Acton Elementary Principal Maggie Walton. “It was a beautiful morning filled with appreciation, and we’re truly thankful for the heroes who serve our community daily.”
After the pledges, the board recognized fifth-grader Kinsley Lynch of Acton Elementary for her victory in the Scholastic Essay Contest. Kinsley’s essay on a pioneering African American tennis player stood out among hundreds of submissions nationwide.
“Kinsley’s entry demonstrated a firm understanding of the text and the ability to craft a well-organized and engaging response,” said Walton, reading from a letter from the contest’s editor-in-chief. “We are so proud of her accomplishment.”
The board also celebrated eighth-grader Paola Lumbreras from Acton Middle School, who was invited to attend the Joint Science and Technology Institute this summer.
Paola was one of just 32 middle school students nationwide selected to participate in the week-long program in Maryland, where she conducted hands-on research with peers in a lab setting.
“She collaborated with scientists and was mentored by Department of Defense experts,” said Acton Middle School Principal Jennifer Pennington. “Her mom is one of our esteemed teachers at the high school, and she’s a former Region XI Teacher of the Year, so Paola is among greatness, and we are excited to see where her STEM journey takes her.”
Board Vice President Courtney Gore thanked the students for their hard work and applauded their accomplishments, noting the district's pride in all its achievers.
