Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at A. Maceo Smith students aren’t just sharing their opinions; they’re discovering the power of listening and learning. “I’m a very vocal person. I like to talk a lot and give my opinion,” said Andrew L. “So it’s cool to have a place for us to come together and foster those ideas and opinions.” That space is the podcast room. Nestled in a corner of the school library, it feels like a hidden studio, complete with art submitted by fellow BOMLA students. Similarly, the podcast is entirely student-run, capturing the pulse of campus life and…

A hundred years ago, students walking through open fields to reach Sunset High School were said to resemble a herd of bison. Today, that same spirit of strength and resilience lives on as the Sunset Bison community celebrates a century of history in Oak Cliff. “I feel such a sense of pride for Sunset,” said Adriana Tapia, an alum who is now a teacher. “I am proud of what Sunset accomplished over the years and what it represents for our community.” Tapia’s husband is a Sunset grad, and their children are already looking forward to attending when they go to…

After moving from Guatemala, Maria E. cemented her legacy at Wilmer-Hutchins High School during her sophomore year by founding a League of United Latin American Citizens chapter, a tradition that will continue long after she graduates. “I’ve been here for four years, and in my first year, I was shy,” she said. “I was the one sitting in the back, just surviving school. Then, my teachers saw my potential and started taking me to the front to be a leader.” Now a senior, she leads the chapter of nearly 30 students whose cultures represent Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, Cuba, and El…

At Cedar Crest Elementary School, momentum builds one classroom at a time, and looping is at the heart of it. Looping, the practice of keeping students with the same teacher for consecutive years, has become a powerful driver of growth on the campus. For Principal Stacy Ray, it’s not just a strategy, it’s a culture shift. “Looping allows teachers to know their students deeply, track their progress more closely, and personalize learning in ways that build both confidence and consistency,” Ray said. “It’s that connection, year over year, that makes such a difference.” The difference is clear in state accountability…