“Welcome to the Royce West Leadership Academy.” A soft-spoken middle school student greeted Sen. Royce West with these words as he arrived at the renaming ceremony held in his honor. For West, it was a touching realization marking the significance of hearing a student address the school in his honor for the first time. “This moment is not lost on me and I understand the significance of this day,” said West, reflecting on the impact of the day.  Surrounded by students, elected officials, and community members, the Royce West Leadership Academy was officially unveiled on Feb. 20, signifying the senator’s…

While the term “amygdala” may not bear much significance for the average person, elementary students attending Biomedical Preparatory at UT Southwestern understand it as the small structure inside the brain that processes emotions. Through experiential learning and the school’s partnership with the UTSW Medical Center, students easily grasp complex concepts like this every day. “We want students to become critical thinkers by giving them an opportunity to discern and then make their own decisions,” Biomedical Preparatory Principal, Roberto Gonzalez, said. “Curiosity, creativity, resilience, empathy, innovation, and leadership drive everything we do.” An idea envisioned by Charles Ginsburg, M.D., Vice Provost…

Creating the perfect experience The quality of customer service often shapes experiences, and students at Justin F. Kimball High School are learning to create unforgettable moments for people through the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism (AOHT) at their school. During their first year, students in the academy are introduced to the industry by planning a family vacation to learn the four main sectors of hospitality and tourism: transportation, lodging, food and beverage, and entertainment. “We learn how to relate the industry to the real world. We have guest speakers come speak to us, we prepare delicious dishes, and we participate…

Mariah T. has been lighting up the dance stage for as long as she can remember, a passion that grows daily as a senior at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.While working toward her dream of becoming a professional dancer, her dedication to dance is complemented by an exploration of her culture.As secretary of the Black Student Union (BSU) and co-producer of her school’s African American Heritage Festival, Mariah has become a voice for other young Black students and dancers.“Everyone’s a star in their own way because they bring something different to the table,” Mariah…