Inside Dallas ISD

W.W. Samuell High School is known for its high academic standards and excellent extracurricular activities. One feature of the school is its Early College High School program, which lets students earn an associate’s degree for free while still in high school. “The partnership with Eastfield College (for our Early College High School Program) is wonderful,” Samuell High School Principal John Vega said. “Our students transition as 11th graders to Eastfield and take their 11th- and 12th-grade college courses along with their high school courses on the Eastfield campus. They get a true college experience.” Many Samuell High School graduates go on to…

Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household, Vernon Johnson learned early the value of education and philosophical inquiry. He was a bright student from the start, participating in Talented and Gifted programs throughout elementary and middle school. As a student at the Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet, Johnson and his debate partner, Crayton Gerst, consistently broke district debate records and were the first team in Dallas ISD history to attend and qualify twice to the Tournament of Champions, the most prestigious and competitive high school debate tournament. And that’s just the beginning of Johnson’s accomplishments. After he graduates this month,…

Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts students Jared Brown and Kaylin Sturtevant have been named Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Both Jared and Kaylin were selected in Modern Dance. The 20 Scholars in the Arts, all YoungArts Winners, were nominated to The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars by YoungArts for their artistic achievement, and then selected based on academic achievement, personal characteristics and leadership and service activities. The award, presented on behalf of the President of the United States, is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students and symbolically honors all graduating high school…

News that Texas Ranger Cole Hamels’ foundation is donating $5,000 grants to a pair of district schools prompted surprise and elation from the two recipients at Tuesday’s presentation event. Adelfa Callejo Elementary counselor Tiffany Minor and Winnetka Elementary P.E. teacher Cassandra Benavides are still reeling from the news and hoopla surrounding the announcement that their schools are receiving the first local grants from Hamels’ Foundation. The pair met and thanked their benefactor Tuesday at a student assembly held at Winnetka to formally announce the grant presentations. Benavides says she was surprised and elated at her selection to receive the $5,500 grant.…