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What started as a trip to Fort Worth for the PBR World Finals turned into a memorable stop at Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD’s Hollenstein Career and Technology Center (HCTC), where graduating students in the welding and automotive technology programs received a surprise designed to help them take their next step with confidence.

BRUNT, a workwear company known for supporting the skilled trades, was in Fort Worth in May as a sponsor of two PBR riders and a bull. While spending time at Dickies Arena, company founder and CEO Eric Girouard and his team made time for another kind of arena, one filled with welding booths, automotive bays, career-ready students and the tools of tomorrow’s workforce.

The company, based in Massachusetts, visited HCTC and donated a new pair of BRUNT Boots, made in San Antonio, to every graduating welding and auto technology student.

For Girouard, the stop was a natural fit.

“We run the boot donation program around the country, and we had an event in Texas, so we found a local tech school that we could come to,” Girouard said. “These USA boots are made here in Texas, so it all came together.”

But the visit was about more than boots.

Girouard spoke with students about the importance of the careers they are choosing, the value of skilled trades, and the pride that comes with building something with your own hands.

“All of our energy goes into the future of the trades and the folks starting their careers,” Girouard said. “This is our small way of starting their careers with their first pair of boots. As much as it is about the boots, it’s also about them hearing about the brand and knowing there’s a company out there that wants to give them the attention they deserve.”

Girouard also praised HCTC and the opportunities students have inside the facility.

“This facility is amazing. One of the best I’ve seen,” he said. “The size and scale, walking down the welding hall, and seeing the access students have to that type of equipment is impressive. It’s inspiring. The fact that students at this level have access to all the equipment they could need is impressive and inspiring.”

For students like Manuel Orellana, who graduated on Saturday from Eagle Mountain High School and plans to continue his welding training at Arclabs, the donation came at exactly the right time.

“I’m doing this for my family, to give back what they gave me and more,” Orellana said. “This is going to help a lot. These feel great, and they’re comfortable. It feels good knowing I’ll have a new pair of boots when I go into Arclabs.”

The visit also made an impression on Orellana because it showed students that others believe in the path they are choosing.

“It feels great,” he said. “It always feels nice to have people investing in us. I think it’s great that they’re coming over and giving back to the community and helping future welders. When I have a company, I’ll do the exact same.”

Lillian Mitchell, who graduated from Boswell High School on Saturday, also left with a new pair of boots and a little extra encouragement for the road ahead.

Mitchell, who was named champion in the second division welding competition at the Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show for her vertical-up stick weld, plans to attend Tarleton State University to study agricultural education. Her goal is to weld as a career and teach others to weld as well.

“It was pretty cool,” Mitchell said. “It was a great surprise. I didn’t expect it at all.”

And the boots?

“They’re awesome,” she said. “I love them. They’re nice and really comfortable.”

For HCTC welding teacher Aaron Rogers, the visit stood out because BRUNT did more than ship a donation. The company showed up, spent time with students, talked with them about their future, and gave them a quality piece of equipment they will need as they enter the workforce.

“It says a lot,” Rogers said. “They didn’t give the kids cheap boots. They really went the extra mile, and I appreciate that. I hope they always do this. A little bit of support for the students goes a long way.”

It is especially helpful, because the boots remove one of the first barriers students often face when beginning a trade career.

“They’re set up now,” Rogers said. “They don’t need that initial investment. Almost every trade job, the first thing they’ll say is, ‘You need safety shoes.’”

He also hopes the visit reinforced something his students have already been learning every day at HCTC, that their skills can take them somewhere.

“I think they saw that they can make something of themselves,” Rogers said. “They can start from scratch with skills and achieve things. The sky’s the limit nowadays for what they can do.”

For the graduating welding and auto technology students, the visit was a practical gift, a vote of confidence and a reminder that the careers they are stepping into matter.

And thanks to BRUNT, they will take those next steps in a brand-new pair of San Antonio made boots built for the work ahead.

The room was filled with quiet anticipation as Phoenix Saysanam approached, unaware of who was waiting for him. 

At the end of the long hall stood two familiar faces, the same ones he had recently seen on the cover of an EMS Proud magazine that left a lasting impression. Officers Koby and Antoine Stevenson, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD graduates, were now standing in front of him. 

“I’ve seen them on the cover, and now I get to see them in real life and connect with them,” Phoenix said. “It all came full circle today.” 

For Phoenix, a Boswell High School senior and Hollenstein Career and Technology Center (HCTC) student, that moment was more than a surprise. It was a reflection of a journey shaped by inspiration, opportunity and the people who believed in him along the way. 

A PATH TAKES SHAPE 

Phoenix’s interest in law enforcement didn’t begin through a family connection. It started during a school career day at Elkins Elementary. “It was when our school resource officer came by and showed us the equipment,” he said. 

That early spark grew into a clear path through EMS ISD’s Career and Technical Education programs. At HCTC, Phoenix has immersed himself in the law enforcement program, gaining hands-on experience, earning certifications, and documenting training activities through his own project, Tactical Thursday Media. 

“This district really prepared me,” he said. 

The Stevenson brothers saw that same preparation in themselves years earlier. As graduates of Boswell High School, they take pride in the foundation EMS ISD gave them. They remain committed to giving back and mentoring students like Phoenix as they begin their own journeys. 

THE POWER OF ONE EDUCATOR 

While Phoenix’s career path is rooted in opportunity, his story is anchored in something deeper: the impact of a teacher. For Phoenix, that teacher is Mrs. Conners-Casillo at Boswell. “She bridged the gap between being a teacher and being human. She was more like family,” he said. 

In her classroom, students felt seen, heard, and connected. That sense of belonging didn’t fade when she transitioned to teaching a different grade level. Instead, it inspired Phoenix to find a way to keep that connection alive. 

INSPIRATION IN PRINT 

After reading the EMS Proud editions of 287 North Living and seeing stories that highlighted people he knew and the community he calls home, Phoenix was inspired to create something of his own. 

“I just wanted to highlight my class for the impact they’ve had on me and my teacher as well,” he said. 

What started as a simple idea became Senior² Standard, a student-created publication filled with stories, photos, and updates designed to keep his classmates connected to one another and to the teacher who made such an impact. 

The process wasn’t easy. “It takes a long time… a lot of effort,” Phoenix said. But for him, the work was worth it. “We didn’t want it to be goodbye. We wanted it to be like a ‘see you later.’” 

Through writing, design, and storytelling inspired by 287 North Living, Phoenix created something meaningful not just for himself, but for those around him. 

OPPORTUNITY IN ACTION 

Stories like Phoenix’s are a reflection of what’s possible when students are given opportunities to explore their interests and are supported by educators who go beyond the classroom. 

From early exposure to careers, to hands-on training at HCTC, to teachers who build lasting relationships, EMS ISD provides pathways that help students discover who they are and who they want to become. 

For Phoenix, those experiences have built both confidence and clarity as he prepares for what comes next. “I’m excited to meet more people, make more memories, and prepare myself for the fast-paced industry,” he said. 

LOOKING AHEAD 

As graduation approaches, Phoenix plans to continue his education in criminal justice, with long-term goals of serving his community in law enforcement. 

Along the way, he carries the lessons he has learned from educators, mentors, and experiences that shaped his journey. 

After reflecting on his path, Phoenix summed it up in a way that speaks not only to his future, but to the impact of those who helped guide him there: “Make your life matter, not by how much space you take, but by how much meaning you create.” 

In Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, that meaning is built every day, through opportunity, connection, and the people who inspire students to turn meaningful moments into momentum. 

FEATURED IN 287 NORTH LIVING

Phoenix Saysanam's story was featured in the May 15 - June 19, 2026 edition of 287 North Living magazine. 

 

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD is proud to celebrate the valedictorians and salutatorians from each of its four comprehensive high schools as the Class of 2026 prepares to graduate.

Through rigorous academics, fine arts, athletics, career and technical education, UIL competitions, student leadership opportunities and extracurricular involvement, EMS ISD students are empowered to discover their passions and prepare for their futures.

Our dedicated educators and staff have helped guide, challenge and inspire these students both inside and outside the classroom.

From future engineers and physicians to filmmakers and business leaders, the district’s top graduates represent the dedication, perseverance and excellence found throughout Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD.

 

Boswell High School

Valedictorian | Berkeley Barber

Berkeley Barber attended EMS ISD beginning in seventh grade at Wayside Middle School before continuing to Boswell High School. During her time at Boswell, she was involved in Book Club, Philosophy Club and National Honor Society while also serving as a roving naturalist volunteer with the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge.

Recognitions while at Boswell include the Hands and Hearts Volunteer Award from the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, the Pioneer Excellence Award for AP Art 4 Studio, the Principal’s Award, AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction and the College Board National Recognition Award.

“My favorite memories are all with my amazing friends,” Barber said. “In 11th grade, when I missed a top 10% celebration, my English teacher, Mrs. Nash, and class surprised me with a party the next day. I’m so honored to know so many great people and teachers.”

Barber said Mr. Gause had the greatest impact on her during high school.

“He is an amazing educator who puts so much work into his instruction,” Barber said. “His classes are extremely productive and fun. Students lead the discussion and he gives great feedback.”

“I am incredibly honored,” Barber said of being named valedictorian. “I wouldn’t have this if not for the love and support of so many incredible family members, teachers and friends. I hope I can repay the kindness they’ve given me.”

Barber will attend the University of Texas at Austin to major in radio-television-film and plans to apply for a double major in biology. She hopes to pursue a career as a filmmaker focused on helping others connect with and appreciate the natural world.

 

Salutatorian | Terry Vongphakdy

Terry Vongphakdy is an EMS Original, attending Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD schools from prekindergarten through 12th grade at Hafley Development Center, Lake Pointe Elementary School, Wayside Middle School and Boswell High School.

During his time at Boswell, Vongphakdy participated in choir, student council, cheerleading and Calculus Club.

Recognitions while at Boswell include becoming the first male in Boswell cheerleading, helping lead the first cheer team in school history to reach the UIL State Finals, receiving Pioneer Excellence honors in AP U.S. History, OnRamps Chemistry 2, AP Calculus BC and AP Physics 2, and being named an AP Scholar with Distinction.

“Elementary field trips like Camp El Tesoro in fifth grade, bonding with friends during COVID in seventh grade, Friday night lights and making new friendships through cheer are memories I’ll always hold onto,” Vongphakdy said.

Vongphakdy said Tammy Thomas had the greatest impact on him.

“Her humor and enthusiasm made OnRamps Chemistry such an enjoyable course,” he said. “She showed me that you can still have fun when dealing with complex topics such as thermodynamics and atomic bonds.”

“Being salutatorian means that I accomplished my goal of having self-discipline,” Vongphakdy said. “Being in the top two of my class did not come from luck or talent. It came from hard work and determination.”

Vongphakdy plans to attend Texas Tech University to major in mechanical engineering with the goal of working in the aerospace engineering field, specifically in commercial aircraft design.

 

Chisholm Trail High School

Valedictorian | Vivienne Lieu

Vivienne Lieu attended EMS ISD schools for 14 years, beginning at Weldon Hafley Development Center before attending Parkview Elementary School, Dozier Elementary School, Ed Willkie Middle School and Chisholm Trail High School.

During her time at Chisholm Trail, she participated in National Honor Society, Student Council, Science UIL, Multicultural Club and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

Recognitions while at Chisholm Trail include AP Scholar with Distinction, fourth place in HOSA Bowl, second place in HOSA Bowl and state qualification, the Mayor’s Achievement Award, PCT MVP and first place in SkillsUSA Medical Terminology with a state qualification.

“One of my favorite memories of my time in EMS ISD is the football games every Friday night, especially being in the student section around my peers and going out to eat with friends afterward,” Lieu said. “Another favorite memory is HOSA competition days where we shared lots of laughter and met many new people.”

Lieu said Mrs. Dutton had the greatest impact on her throughout high school.

“She was always there to ground me and remind me to slow down when I was stressed out,” Lieu said. “She showed me the importance of compassion and kindness and taught me to become a better version of myself.”

“Being the valedictorian is a great honor and testament to how much effort I’ve put in over the past four years,” Lieu said. “It reflects not only my dedication and resilience, but also the people who helped me become who I am.”

Lieu plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin as a biology major on the pre-med track before pursuing medical school and a career as an obstetrician.

 

Salutatorian | Ojal Chand

Ojal Chand attended EMS ISD schools for 13 years at Elkins Elementary School, Dozier Elementary School, Marine Creek Middle School, Ed Willkie Middle School and Chisholm Trail High School.

During high school, Chand participated in National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America, Multicultural Club, Student Council and SkillsUSA.

Recognitions while at Chisholm Trail include AP Scholar with Distinction, second place HOSA Bowl state qualifier, Healthcare Issues Exam state and international qualifier, and the Mayor’s Achievement Award.

“My favorite memories of my time in EMS ISD are the moments with my friends,” Chand said. “Whether it was traveling for HOSA or building strong bonds with my peers in the classroom, those connections made learning more meaningful and enjoyable.”

Chand said freshman English teacher Ruben Brown had the greatest impact on her.

“He inspired me to work hard for what I believe in and served as a role model of a teacher who not only imparts knowledge but also demonstrates commitment to students both academically and personally,” Chand said.

“Being salutatorian is very meaningful to me because it reflects my dedication to academic excellence through the challenges and integrity I’ve maintained over the past four years,” Chand said.

Chand plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to major in biochemistry before attending medical school and pursuing a career as a cardiologist.

 

Eagle Mountain High School

Valedictorian | Grier Palmer

Grier Palmer has attended EMS ISD schools since second grade at Comanche Springs Elementary School, Wayside Middle School, Boswell High School and Eagle Mountain High School.

During high school, Palmer participated in UIL Computer Science, UIL Mathematics, National Honor Society, Student Council as treasurer and EMHS Robotics.

Recognitions while at Eagle Mountain include AP Scholar with Distinction and Academic Excellence honors in AP Human Geography, AP U.S. History and AP Statistics.

“My favorite memory was taking AP Calculus BC with my best friend, Isabella,” Palmer said.

Palmer said Katherine Harnish had the greatest impact on her.

“She encouraged me to share my ideas and showed me what it means to be a kindhearted and strong woman,” Palmer said.

“To be valedictorian is a testament to the support and love I had growing up,” Palmer said. “I am grateful that I’ve had the opportunities to reflect my mother’s passion, my father’s patience and my brothers’ discipline through my achievements.”

Palmer plans to attend the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin to major in business with the goal of becoming a chief financial officer for a nonprofit organization.

 

Salutatorian | Isabella Prefontaine

Isabella Prefontaine attended EMS ISD schools for 10 years, beginning at Eagle Mountain Elementary School before attending Wayside Middle School, Boswell High School and Eagle Mountain High School.

During her time at Eagle Mountain, Prefontaine participated in Student Council, varsity gymnastics, Computer Science UIL, Robotics and National Honor Society.

Recognitions while at Eagle Mountain include being named an AP Scholar with Distinction and receiving the Armor Up Helmet Award for Critical Thinking and Innovation.

“My favorite memory at EMS ISD was getting to watch my team’s transonic rocket, Chuck, launch successfully after all of the hours we spent working toward the design and construction of the rocket,” Prefontaine said.

Prefontaine said HCTC aerospace engineering teacher Mr. Heersma had the greatest impact on her.

“He was the first teacher who ever told me that it was okay to fail,” Prefontaine said. “As someone who expects nothing but the best from themselves, he showed me that perfection was not what defined a leader.”

“To me, being salutatorian is a reflection of the constant discipline and determination that I held throughout high school,” Prefontaine said. “More than a number or a title, it’s a representation of the high expectations I have for myself and my desire to keep learning.”

Prefontaine plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to major in mechanical engineering and hopes to pursue a career in automotive racing or the aerospace industry.

 

Saginaw High School

Valedictorian | Sophianne Cortes

Sophianne Cortes attended EMS ISD schools for five years at Prairie Vista Middle School and Saginaw High School.

During her time at Saginaw, Cortes participated in the Saginaw High School swim team, National Honor Society, the class officers committee, the Japanese School of Dallas and Lakeside Aquatic Club.

Recognitions while at Saginaw include a silver medal at the 2026 UIL Swimming State Meet, a bronze medal at the 2025 UIL Swimming State Meet and the SHS Math Excellence Award.

“My favorite memories are the classes I had with my friends,” Cortes said. “There were many times where we played card games, worked on projects or just had fun conversations together. I will never forget the laughs and jokes we shared.”

Cortes said AP Capstone teacher Mr. Spurgeon had the greatest impact on her.

“Through Seminar and Research, he helped build a family-like community in the classes and helped me learn things I wouldn’t typically learn in my other classes,” Cortes said. “His guidance throughout college application season and lessons on data science meant the world to me.”

“To me, valedictorian isn’t an individual award,” Cortes said. “The constant support from my teachers, friends and family made this achievement possible, and I am incredibly honored to represent this class.”

Cortes plans to attend the University of Chicago to study statistics or data science.

 

Salutatorian | Seng Hton

Seng Hton attended Prairie Vista Middle School and Saginaw High School during his five years in EMS ISD.

During high school, Hton participated in indoor drumline and percussion, UIL Math and Science, National Honor Society, HOSA and Tri-M.

Recognitions while at Saginaw include being a UIL Math, Number Sense and Calculator Applications regional qualifier, a WGI finalist, NTCA third-place finisher, two-time region band member for drumline and QuestBridge Match recipient.

“I will always remember competing with indoor drumline, traveling to competitions and seeing our hard work come together during performances,” Hton said. “I also enjoyed competing in UIL Math and Science because it challenged me academically and gave me the opportunity to represent my school.”

Hton said Mr. Spurgeon had the greatest impact on him.

“Through his Seminar and Research classes, I learned lessons that went far beyond academics,” Hton said. “He taught me how to think critically, communicate clearly and approach challenges with more confidence.”

“Being named salutatorian means a lot to me because it represents years of hard work, discipline and consistency,” Hton said. “I am proud to represent my school and grateful for everyone who helped me reach this moment.”

Hton plans to attend Yale University to major in mechanical engineering and hopes to pursue a career in engineering.

EMS ISD students showed that leadership can happen in many places at the YMCA Texas Youth and Government State Conference in Austin.

For some, it happened while standing at a podium in the Capitol, presenting bills they had researched and written themselves. For others, it happened in courtrooms, where they served as attorneys, witnesses, clerks, and judges in high-pressure judicial competitions. And it also happened behind the scenes, encouraging teammates, stepping into unexpected roles, or helping their delegations succeed.

Across the legislative and judicial divisions, EMS ISD students represented their campuses with preparation, confidence and a clear commitment to making the most of the experience.

Students from Boswell High School, Saginaw High School, Chisholm Trail High School, Eagle Mountain High School, and the Hollenstein Career and Technology Center (HCTC) competed with teams from across Texas. They earned top state placements, qualified for national competition, received individual honors, and helped their delegations stand out among some of the strongest programs in the state.

Legislative Students Learn That Every Voice Has A Place In The Process

For students in the legislative program, Youth and Government offered a hands-on look at how ideas become policy.

Students drafted bills, researched issues, presented in committee, responded to questions, debated amendments, and worked to move their proposals forward. For many, the experience was nerve-wracking at first. But once they settled into the process, they found themselves growing in confidence.

“Replicating the process of what actually happens, but having it with all high school students, I think it shows that these are the same people who will hold these offices in the future,” Leilani Santiago, a Boswell student, said. “I think our future is a little more secure in Texas. Our students seem more willing to listen to people and their side, even if it’s different.”

Santiago was also chosen to serve as a clerk for the Hyde House, one of several leadership recognitions earned by Boswell students at the conference.

Mekayla Garcia, also a Boswell student who served as a clerk in the Hyde House, said the role gave her a way to participate and lead without needing to be the loudest person in the room.

“It was exciting, but really nervous too,” Garcia said. “It was cool to hear the ideas. I’m not a big talker, so it was nice to get that role and have that control.”

For her, the experience showed something important about civic engagement.

“It shows that everyone gets a voice, even if you’re not a big talker,” Garcia said.

Santiago said the program has also helped her become more comfortable speaking in front of others.

“This has made me more OK with talking,” she said. “This has helped me find my voice in front of people.”

Students credited their preparation, sponsors and student leaders with helping them understand the process before they arrived at the conference.

“We practice a lot,” Santiago said. “We run the process in here. We have a great sponsor. We have good student leaders.”

Boswell earned several other major honors at the state conference. The campus was named a Premier Delegation, David Levine III received the Outstanding Club Leader award, Karla Lazcano placed fifth as a County Court Judge, Elliot Walker was chosen to serve as Speaker of the Hyde House, and Hudson Carpenter received the Distinguished Delegate Award for the House of Representatives.

As Governor, One EMS ISD Student Helped Lead The Conference From The Highest Student Office

For Boswell's Emory Miramontes-Eldredge, a Youth and Government participant since middle school, this year’s state conference was especially meaningful. It was her seventh conference and her final one as a student participant, and she served as the Governor of Texas.

“It was one of the best yet,” Miramontes-Eldredge said. “I’m biased coming from the perspective of governor, but I feel like it was one of the best yet, and I have corroborated that perspective with my peers.”

As governor, Miramontes-Eldredge was able to move throughout the conference, work with students in multiple spaces and make an impact on the overall experience. She said one of her proudest accomplishments was signing 17 bills into law, the most signed by a governor in a long time.

She also pointed to the strength of her governor’s cabinet, including the addition of a chief of staff, as part of what helped the conference run smoothly.

“I’m proud of my governor’s cabinet,” Miramontes-Eldredge said. “I was the first Texas governor to have a chief of staff, which was helpful in coordinating everything.”

The role gave her the chance to encourage younger students, including one first-year participant who had written a bill about shelter dogs. She told him the bill was strong and encouraged him to keep pushing for it.

By the end of the conference, that student told Governor Miramontes-Eldredge he had arrived feeling scared but left proud of himself and excited to return next year.

“I hopefully sparked the passion in policy that was sparked in me,” she said.

As governor, Miramontes-Eldredge also had the authority to veto bills. She vetoed two, including one that would have created a $10 bounty for every feral hog tail. After reviewing the proposal, she had concerns about implementation, cost and whether the system could be abused.

“I wanted to let them know why I vetoed it so they could fix my concerns or take them into consideration,” she said. “It just didn’t make sense. They didn’t override my veto. They thought I brought up some really good points.”

For the Governor, that was part of the learning process. She hoped students would carry that same thoughtfulness into adulthood as voters, advocates and community members.

“The ultimate impact was positive,” she said. “And I hope they take that thoughtfulness into adulthood when they’re voting.”

She also delivered the governor’s rally from the podium in the Senate chambers, speaking about the bills that passed and encouraging students to stay engaged.

“Go look at the law,” she said. “Learn about it. Find what you’re looking for and the bills that are impacting your life. Be involved in the laws that directly impact you.”

As she reflected on her final state conference, Miramontes-Eldredge said she was grateful for EMS ISD, her campus, and the adults who supported her Youth and Government experience.

“I’m so proud of EMS ISD,” she said. “I’m so proud to be from EMS and Boswell. All of my sponsors have fostered my passion for Youth and Government. We showed up. We showed out. We put in the work behind the scenes. We care.”

First-Year Lawmakers Step Into The Capitol With Researched Bills And Real Confidence

At the state conference, first-year legislative students from Eagle Mountain High School also took on the challenge of presenting bills and debating in committee and on the floor.

For Henry Fletcher, a sophomore in the Hyde House, the experience began with nerves but ended with relief and pride.

“It was a little nerve-wracking when we got there,” Fletcher said. “I presented my bill about putting electronic speed limit signs on all Texas freeways and toll roads. Once we got through committee and floor, it was an overall great experience. A lot of relief. We did the best we could.”

Fletcher’s bill was inspired by the 2021 winter storm and the deadly crash on I-35W. He researched how electronic speed limit signs can help adjust traffic flow during dangerous weather, congestion or other changing road conditions.

“At district, the debate about my bill was tense,” he said. “It failed by two-thirds at district, but I scored high enough to go to state. At state, I was more prepared. I delivered it better. I knew what I was walking into, so it passed almost unanimously.”

Josie Kieschnick, a sophomore in the Hyde Senate, presented a bill that would require students to earn CPR and AED certification before graduating high school.

“I did a lot of research about possible bill topics,” she said. “I want to be a surgeon in my career, so I wanted to do a bill that was medical.”

Her bill built on current CPR training requirements by adding certification, giving students a practical skill they could carry with them after graduation.

“I thought it was a good bill, especially for my first year, because it would save lives,” she said.

Dash Barrick, a sophomore in the Hyde Senate, wrote a bill requiring two workplace safety checks during construction on Texas state highways. His bill was rooted in stories he's heard growing up from his father, a crane operator.

“I learned stories about what work is like in the construction field,” Barrick said. “I wondered a lot as a kid about why we are putting people at risk for corporate reasons and efficiency.”

Barrick said he wanted his bill to help prevent accidents before they happen.

“My bill aimed to prevent the accidents that happen when people try to cut money,” he said. “With further inspections, we can catch those things before they happen.”

Teacher and sponsor Travis Applegate is proud of how his students handled the state conference.

“Given that they were first-year students, and them in their first year being inside the Capitol to participate in the legislative process with a bunch of other students that are all brilliant just like them, that can be intimidating,” Applegate said. “They got after it.”

His students prepared well, tried to ask questions, gave pro and con speeches, and responded to adversity throughout the experience.

“They did the best they could,” he said. “I was really proud of their efforts and what they did to prepare for the trip and how they responded to adversity leading up to state and at state.”

Saginaw High School Judicial Teams Earn State Placements And National Recognition

In the judicial competition, Saginaw High School had 21 students compete against teams from across Texas.

Two Saginaw teams and one judge competed in the district court division against 44 teams. One team placed fifth in the state and qualified for the National Judicial Competition. Another team placed sixth and became the first alternate to the National Judicial Competition. Saginaw’s district court judge placed fourth in the state and also became the first alternate to the national competition.

The fifth-place district court team included Karsen Brandon, Greta Groves, Aydan Feliciano, Noelle Arellano-Laney, Anh Nguyen, Jordan Johnson, and Elizabeth Galvan.

The sixth-place district court team included Ashley Martinez, Naomi Muzhongo, Marco Teran-DeLaRosa, Aleksandra Islambasic, Nouer Mwer, Eva Sanders, and Layla Ybarra.

Bisola Olusomiro placed fourth as a district court judge and was named the national alternate.

For the fifth-place team, the announcement brought a rush of excitement. Feliciano said he initially thought the team may not have placed.

“We got to the stage when they were reading the names, and I thought we would be eighth,” Feliciano said. “When I didn’t see us on the first slide, I thought we didn’t make it at all. Then we saw our names get called at five, and we were excited.”

The finish was especially close. Students said the difference between fifth place and a higher placement was just one-tenth of a point.

Groves, an attorney, said she was proud of the team’s work.

“Everyone did a great job,” she said. “I’m so proud of my witnesses. I think all of our performances were close to perfect,” Groves said. “It just depends on your evaluator.”

Brandon said one of the most difficult parts of mock trial is being flexible. Some teams script everything closely, but that can fall apart when witnesses do not answer exactly as expected. Their team focused on adapting in real time.

“A lot of teams after the round came and asked us how we do it,” Groves said.

The team also developed memorable courtroom moments. Groves and Brandon were known for dramatic closings, including one argument where Groves slammed evidence on the table to make a point.

Even more impressive, many of the teams they competed against came from law magnet schools, while Saginaw competed as a comprehensive high school. Many top teams also had four attorneys, while Saginaw competed with two.

That made the team’s finish even more meaningful.

Martinez, a member of Saginaw’s sixth-place district court team, said the team’s placement reflected a major jump from the previous year, when they placed 12th.

“I was content,” she said. “I didn’t care about where we placed. We did the best that we could.”

Martinez said the experience represented one of the team’s greatest moments.

“Every time I think about state and our team, it was our greatest moment,” she said. “We performed the best that we could.”

Teacher Peter Branca said he was proud of the team and believed their performance showed how much they had grown.

“They did do well,” he said. “Only 0.1 separated them.”

Students said Branca’s support was a major reason for the team’s success.

“To have the support system we have feels great,” Martinez said. “You have people that care for you. If you need help, Mr. Branca is always there.”

She said mock trial has opened doors she did not know were possible.

“Mock trial has given me so many opportunities to be successful in the future that I didn’t know we had,” Martinez said. “If it wasn’t for Mr. Branca and all the work he puts into this program, I don’t think I would be where I am right now.”

HCTC Teams Complete A Comeback Story With First And Second Place State Finishes

The Hollenstein Career and Technology Center had one of the strongest judicial showings of the conference, with two teams placing first and second in the county court division out of 42 teams.

The first-place team included Salena Carrasco of Boswell High School, Lilyane Proctor of Boswell High School, Lorenzo Lerma of Chisholm Trail High School, Evelyn Sanchez of Chisholm Trail High School, and Mark Frausto of Saginaw High School.

The second-place team included Kyndall Nicholson of Boswell High School, Elisabeth Nyangwile of Boswell High School, Canon Punt of Boswell High School, Amerah Patrick Alvarado of Chisholm Trail High School, Adrien Valenzuela of Chisholm Trail High School, Diego Matos Vale of Chisholm Trail High School, and Jovanni Almodovar of Eagle Mountain High School.

County court does not advance to nationals, but the state placements represented a major achievement for the HCTC program. Proctor, a lead attorney for the first-place team, also received the Outstanding Leading Delegate award, and HCTC was named a Premier Delegation.

The accomplishment was especially meaningful because students had to navigate part of the fall semester without their teacher, who was out for several weeks. After that disruption, even making it to state was considered a significant achievement. Finishing first and second made the outcome even more remarkable.

“We work together well,” Lerma said. “We all like each other.”

Carrasco said the students felt extra pressure because their teacher had been gone for part of the year, which meant they had to take more ownership of their preparation.

“It was more pressure for us to perform well and give it our best,” Carrasco said.

The team had placed 11th at district, but instead of letting that discourage them, students used it as motivation. Proctor said she and Carrasco were the only attorneys on the team, so they studied what other teams had done at district and worked to improve.

“We went through all of the pieces of evidence and knew the whole case so everyone knew what to say,” Proctor said.

Almodovar, a lead attorney on the second-place team, said students also met outside of school at the Saginaw public library to practice and build chemistry.

“It was very beneficial that we had outside meetings to better prepare ourselves,” he said. “If we meet in a different location, it is more personal and we get to know our team better.”

Punt said the team’s early challenges became motivation.

“As teams, we were not working together well, so we were separated,” Punt said. “But that was motivation for us to do better.”

The students also sought help from experienced Saginaw High School competitors Brandon and Groves, who met with them at the library and helped them understand what to expect.

It all paid off when the awards were announced.

“I couldn’t believe that we took first,” Frausto said. 

Valenzuela added, “You work so hard for months, and when you hear your name called, it just makes it worth it.” 

For Proctor, the turnaround from district to state made the win even more special.

"After we got 11th place in district, going from the bottom of the barrel, I thought we were so done,” she said. “There were 41 teams. So winning first place was nice since we came a long way.”

Students See Youth And Government As Preparation For Careers, College, And Life

For many students, Youth and Government is not just a school activity. It is helping them discover who they are, what they are good at, and what they may want to pursue in the future.

“This really opened up my options for what I want to do and took me out of my bubble,” Sanchez said. “I want to do this next year to be even better, and it helped with speaking with others and speaking in front of people.”

Punt said mock trial helped him build study habits, step into an attorney role, and make new friends.

“It was very fun. I hope to do it next year.”

Matos Vale see the applications beyond school learned from the experience.

He said, “In real life, this is one of the few times we can practice as paralegals in a courtroom.”

Students on the HCTC teams also connected the experience to future career goals. Frausto is interested in becoming a real estate attorney. Valenzuela is interested in attending law school and pursuing business law or prosecution. Carrasco plans to study political science and attend law school. Punt is interested in criminal defense. Proctor plans to study psychology at Texas A&M, attend law school, and hopes to become a family court lawyer and eventually a judge. Almodovar is also interested in real estate law.

Across the district, students said the conference helped them grow in confidence, public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.

Whether they were writing policy, debating in chambers, arguing in court, testifying as witnesses, judging rounds, clerking sessions, or supporting teammates, students left the conference with a clearer sense of what they are capable of achieving.

For Miramontes-Eldredge, who closed out her final student conference as governor, the experience affirmed what the program has meant to her and what it can continue to mean for future students.

“I’ve appreciated my time in this program,” she said. “This last state conference went out with a bang.”

We are #EMSproud of all of these students for how they continue to represent EMS ISD on the state and national level.