Deauney Thomas, 2nd year member, Rodeo Palms Jr. High

Project: Clothes for the Community - Deauney organized a clothing drive to support her community, collecting over ten bags of clothing from classmates and friends. During spring break, she delivered the donations to Martha’s Kitchen. While there, Deauney also volunteered her time by helping prepare more than 600 quesadillas and distributed snacks to individuals experiencing homelessness. Her hard work made a meaningful impact by providing both food and clothing to those in need. Deauney shared, “Helping those in need will always be a blessing to me.” Sponsor: Robin Glenn, Teacher.

Saanvi Kamerkar, 1st year member, Canyon Ranch Elementary School

Project: The Smart Snacking Initiative for Ducks - Saanvi, along with her sister, created and distributed posters, informational handouts, and pre-made duck food to educate the community about proper duck feeding. Through their efforts, twelve bags of duck food were handed out and duck feeders learned how to feed the ducks safely, helping protect the ducks from health issues such as angel wing. Saanvi shared, “Solving problems in my community felt good.” Sponsor: Wendy Acker, School Nurse.

Saahil Ahmed, 2nd year member, Marvin Baker Middle School

Project: Wrapped with Care - With support from teachers at both his middle and former elementary schools, Saahil organized a donation drive by designing flyers and recruiting fellow middle school council members to distribute them. His efforts inspired students to participate, resulting in the collection of 105 blanket throws and 178 pair of socks for Mission 911, a Corpus Christi nonprofit that assists people experiencing homelessness and poverty. These contributions provided warmth and comfort to many individuals, making a meaningful difference in their lives during challenging times. Saahil shared, “I discovered that stepping up to organize a project takes real responsibility, but it helped me grow as a leader and I feel proud in helping people in need within my community.” Sponsor: Christine Bentley, Teacher.

Darsh Kishore, 1st year member, Cypress Ranch High School

Project: Pages for Progress - Darsh collected more than 1,300 books from over 15 donors, including local school libraries—one of which contributed about 10 boxes. He then volunteered with a friend at the Books for Development facility in Houston, Texas, where they sorted and packaged over 50 boxes of books for shipment to libraries in Africa. Through this project, the recipients gained the tools needed for a proper education, while Darsh learned the significant impact community service can have on those in need. Darsh shared, “"It felt rewarding to see my hard work turn into over 50 boxes of books that will provide essential educational resources to those who need them the most." Sponsor: Lori Benard, Teacher.

Noah Strange, 2nd year member, Wiggs Middle School

Project: Collecting Compassion - Noah and his peer Adrienne collected canned food items for the local restaurant, the Mustard Seed Cafe. Together they gathered around 120 canned goods in Noah's neighborhood to donate to the cafe. The Mustard Seed Cafe runs on a "pay what you can" donation basis, and the canned food helped them make fresh, hot meals and provide comfort and joy to those in need. Noah shared, “Although completing my project was difficult at times, I learned that it is always worth it when you are helping the less fortunate.” Sponsor: Jeanaline Celis, Teacher/NJHS Sponsor.

Anthony Foster, 3rd year member, North Forney 9th Grade Center

Project: United by Blood, Driven by Kindness - Anthony recruited members of the Sharing The Love Foundation and his family to help him with this project. He set up a blood drive where eighteen people donated a total of sixteen units, which will allow more people to get the blood they need. This project impacted him by showing the importance of blood drives and what the community is willing to do to help people in need out.United by Blood, Driven by Kindness Anthony shared, “This experience allowed me to further my knowledge and experience as a leader. It also allowed me to learn about coordinating with a team of people.” Sponsor: Marian Stewart, Founder, Executive Director.

Adam Adera, 1st year member, First Colony Middle School

Project: Adam’s holiday toy drive - Adam’s Holiday Toy Drive helped collect forty-seven new and unwrapped toys for Exchange Club of Sugarland with a help of a friend. The organization helps distribute to needy families of the community with collaboration with a local church. Adam shared, “I learned that I can make an impact in my community even at my age. And I learned the joy of helping others, it truly was a great experience.” Sponsor: Christopher Pryor, Teacher.

Haven Lopez, 3rd year member, First Colony Middle School

Project: Share the Warmth - Haven and her family of five collected 296 articles of clothing and blankets. These items were distributed to Afghan refugees, the Fort Bend ISD Women’s Center, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Their efforts helped provide warmth and essential necessities to those in need during the winter months. Haven shared, “Organizing this project was not easy, and there were definitely challenges throughout the process. However, in the end, it was worth the struggles to see the smiles that I have as this impacted my community.” Sponsor: Jennifer Petru, Principal.

Tyler Lopez, 5th year member, Elkins High School

Project: Give a Book, Share the Knowledge - Tyler and his sister set up collection boxes around their community and collected more than 840 books! After sorting them by reading level, the books were handed out to people at the Fort Bend Women's Center and Afghan refugees. Seeing how happy the recipients were when they received a book made Tyler feel good about the work he did. Tyler shared, “This experience showed me that small actions can make a big difference. Pushing through the hard parts made me a better leader.” Sponsor: Courtney Muceus, Principal.

Nandini Pradhan, 4th year member, Lawrence Elkins High School

Project: Books and Beyond - Nandini and two firends, who are all avid readers, collected over 215 children’s books to donate to the organization Books Between Kids. This project helped at-risk children in the Houston area. Nandini shared, “At first I didn’t think that many people would donate, but as the word spread more people donated creating a larger impact than i would have anticipated.” Sponsor: Sonali Oltikar, Book Club Organizer.

Mansi Verma, 1st year member, Sartartia Middle School

Project: The Battle for Books - Mansi helped collect and donate books for children in the community with assistance from her sister. She gathered over 30 books, which were donated to the Literacy Council of Fort Bend to support young readers who did not have easy access to books. This project helped provide needed resources to students while showing how even a small group effort can make a real difference. Mansi shared, “The sense of accomplishment that you feel when you help others, even if it is in the smallest way, is incomparable to anything else in the world.” Sponsor: Brittany Pettit, Teacher.

Ayden Murrell, 2nd year member, Young Men’s Leadership Academy

Project: Warmth for the Homeless - Ayden organized his 2nd annual leadership project, “Warmth for the Homeless,” which was much larger than last year. Inspired by seeing people experiencing homelessness and without adequate warmth, he worked with his friend Tre and Tre’s mom, who helped put up flyers at their church and donated gloves, socks, and beanies. Together, they collected over 150 bottoms, 144 tops, 20 pairs of shoes, along with many socks, hats, gloves, jackets, scarves, plus pillows and blankets. All items were donated to Beautiful Feet Ministries. Ayden shared, “I learned giving isn’t about how much you have, it’s about how much you care.” Sponsor: Jareem Williams, Principal.

Aanya Chopra, 1st year member, Sue Wilson Stafford Middle School

Project: Play it Forward - Aanya and a friend taught soccer skills and drills to six kids ages 4-11 to help them learn and improve their skills. While doing so, they were able to collect donation bags for Frisco Family Services instead of monetary "fees" for attending a session. The Play it Forward soccer skills camp benefited both the kids who wanted to learn soccer skills and the people in need of toys and clothes. Aanya shared, “I learned that patience and perseverance is the key to gaining success and the hearts of many people.” Sponsor: Edward Kovarik, Coach.

Lucile Wilkes, 4th year member, Alexander Hamilton Middle School

Project: Feeding Our Communities - Lucile led a school-wide food drive and collected seventy-six canned goods. Lucile and nine of her family, friends, and their parents then spent four hours at the Houston Food Bank packing and sorting boxes of food. Working alongside other public volunteers, everyone packed twenty-five pallets (22,680 pounds) of food that would later be distributed by the food bank to those in need. Lucile shared, “I learned that if you ask for people to help, you will be surprised by the number of classmates that will want to help. Some come through, and some don't, but it won't matter - the main thing is that you put yourself out there, and more than your echo came back.” Sponsor: Crystal Jackson-Allen, Public Speaking Teacher.

Angie Sudiro, 1st year member, Beckendorff Junior High School

Project: Colors and Smiles - Angie and her friend colored twenty-seven coloring pages from Color A Smile. They mailed the pages to the Color A Smile organizatio to have them distributed to residents of nursing homes, troops overseas, and people who just needed a little bit of encouragement or a quick smile! Angie shared, “I gave my time to color the pages for others who needed it, and it was great to help!” Sponsor: Audra Marsalia, Teacher.

Kelli Perkins, 2nd year member, Hillwood Middle School

Project: Helping the Homeless - Kelli worked with other students to spread the word about her service project. They gathered donations, purchased items, and collected personal hygiene items to put together one hundred hygiene kits for Tarrant County Hands of Hope. The hygiene kits provide basic items of need for the homeless community. Kelli shared, “Collecting the items was an experience I will never forget. Helping others can bring people hope.” Sponsor: Krysta Reed, Teacher.

Mackenzie Cory, 2nd year member, Lone Oak High School

Project: Books for Buffalos - Mackenzie and her Beta group collected 236 books from students at Lone Oak ISD. She then worked with a friend to sort the books by AR level and determine which books would best fit each school. The donated books were distributed to school libraries, helping students discover new books to enjoy. Mackenzie shared, “This service project helped me learn the importance of communicating, and how sometimes, all I have to do is ask.” Sponsor: Melanie Marsh, Teacher, Beta Sponsor.

Gabriella De La Rosa, 1st year member, Lyford Middle School

Project: Senior Squad: Ensuring the Senior Generation is not Forgotten - Gabriella De La Rosa recently launched a service group called the "Senior Squad", dedicated to bringing joy to senior residents at a local nursing facility by delivering celebratory cards during major holidays. Along with sponsor Ms. Victoria Vela and twenty classmates, Gabriella led the group’s first project by handcrafting Christmas cards for sixty residents at Windsor Nursing and Rehabilitation in Raymondville. The Senior Squad plans to continue spreading kindness by creating cards for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, ensuring seniors continue to feel appreciated and connected to younger generations. Gabriella shared, “I want us to do something meaningful for people who have helped shape our community. Seniors are sometimes overlooked, and I want these cards to remind them that they are valued, special, and loved.” Gabriella shared, “Seeing how my friends and classmates were willing to participate in this great effort encourages me that our school is full of leaders and kids who really want to improve our community and that it’s okay to ask for help when starting something big feels overwhelming.” Sponsor: Victoria Vela, 6th Grade Math Teacher and Coach.

Autumn Fuger, 2nd year member, Robert L. Vale Middle School

Project: The Cat in the Hat Gives Back/Food and Personal Care Drive - Autumn worked with her friend, Audri, and her teacher, Mrs. Valdivia, to collect 290 food and personal care items for the Mary Mother of the Church parish food pantry. They organized the Cat in the Hat Gives Back donation drive through their school from January 26 to February 6 to collect the items. Their drive impacted Autumn and Audri by helping them grow in their leadership qualities and become more involved in their community. Autumn shared, “Working with a friend to collect a ton of items for people who might not have as much was really rewarding and something I'd been wanting to do for a while!” Sponsor: Elizabeth Valdivia, Teacher.

Logan Sullivan-Cruz, 3rd year member, Marshall Law and Medical Services Magnet High School

Project: The Marshall Food Bank Donation Drive - Logan brought together his school's Student Council and NJROTC to host a food drive in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank at his school. As part of this drive, they placed red bins from the food bank around campus and posted promotions on social media. In the end, they raised 187 pounds of food for the San Antonio Food Bank. Logan shared, “I was able to learn how collaboration can lead to good outcomes for the betterment of my community.” Sponsor: Adan Nieto, NJROTC Instructor.

Denalee Wales, 1st year member, Olney Junior High School

Project: Blood Driven - Denalee recruited one friend to assist with organizing a blood drive and promoted it by hanging posters, sending emails, and creating one video requesting 16 donors. She secured 18 donors, exceeding her goal, and all donations were given to Carter Blood Care supporting their local hospital, Hamilton Hospital. This project helped save lives and was especially meaningful because it honored her grandfather who received 16 units of blood after heart surgery last year. Denalee shared, “With hard work and dedication, I was able to prove to myself I can do anything I put my mind to.” Sponsor: Dale Lovett, Retired Teacher.

Sara Williamson, 3rd year member, Overton Middle School

Project: Sara's Lots of Love - Sara encouraged her entire 6th grade class to create Valentine’s cards for a local nursing home, Overton Healthcare Center. Working together, they made 120 cards with creative messages creative for the residents who were very grateful to receive them. Sara shared, “I was the oldest one there so naturally they looked up to me when they encountered setbacks and having me help them work through it with them, helping me become a stronger leader.” Sponsor: Rhanda Parker, Band Director.

Parker Stiers, 2nd year member, Pearland High School

Project: Shining Hope: Rainbow Room Drive - Parker and his friend Noah hosted a collection drive where they collected around 10 large boxes of items and necessities including hygiene products, baby care items, and much more for the organization Partnerships for Children. The items received by the organization go to a "Rainbow Room," where families and kids in the system, or entering into it, are able to receive the necessities needed. Parker shared, “By doing this project, I improved on my ability to put myself out there to do more things like this.” Sponsor: Ashlyn Beard, Teacher.

Neel Chugh, 2nd year member, Rice Middle School

Project: Canine Care - Neel recruited NJHS students and several friends to help support his service project, Canine Care. Together, they collected over $700 in donations that directly benefited the Plano Animal Shelter, providing supplies and care that the animals needed. The project strengthened Neel’s leadership skills and gave him a deeper appreciation for how community support can improve the lives of rescued animals in need. Neel shared, “Leading this project taught me how to stay organized, communicate clearly, and guide others toward any kind of a goal.” Sponsor: Gema Munoz, NJHS Sponsor.

Neel Chugh, 2nd year member, Rice Middle School

Project: Canine Care - Neel recruited NJHS students and several friends to help support his service project, Canine Care. Together, they collected over $700 in donations that directly benefited the Plano Animal Shelter, providing supplies and care that the animals needed. The project strengthened Neel’s leadership skills and gave him a deeper appreciation for how community support can improve the lives of rescued animals in need. Neel shared, “Leading this project taught me how to stay organized, communicate clearly, and guide others toward any kind of a goal.” Sponsor: Gema Munoz, NJHS Sponsor.

Matilda Lilja, 2nd year member, Jasper High school

Project: Boxes of Hope - Matilda and eight friends decorated 200 boxes with kind, encouraging messages and hosted a drive that collected 100 boxes of macaroni and cheese for the nonprofit organization LovePacs. The donations supported less-privileged children and families in their school district. LovePacs recipients receive one week’s worth of food in each box, along with loving, encouraging, and inspirational messages. Matilda shared, “I learned that donating a few hours of my time can leave a significant impact on other people in my community.” Sponsor: Stephen Woods, Teacher.

Stormi Bennett, 2nd year member, Splendora High School

Project: Donuts for Deputies - Stormi and her sponsor Natalie Gillaspy worked to gather donations to purchase 120 donuts, seventy-five breakfast tacos, and plenty of drinks, which included apple juice, Sunny D, and water. On December 2, Stormi and Ms. Gillaspy visited the Liberty County Sheriffs Office to hand out the donuts and breakfast tacos. Stormi aslo spoke with the officers expressing, "It means a lot to be able to do this. I hope that this will help encourage you to spread the same appreciation." Stormi shared, “Through out my service project I have learned that the more love and appreciation you spread, the more others will follow your lead and want to do the same.” Sponsor: Natalie Gillaspy, Teacher.

Drew Breidenthal, 4th year member, Stratford High School

Project: Bringing One Smile at a Time - Drew Breidenthal, with the help of family and friends, collected more than 125 items for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. The donation focused specifically on pre-teen and teenage boys staying at the facility. Items were gathered from parishioners at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, as well as teachers and staff at Nottingham Elementary, along with contributions from friends and family. These items were intended to be distributed to patients staying at the Ronald McDonald House to help bring a sense of home and make their stay more comfortable. Drew shared, “I learned how to lead a group of people in a positive way that brought happiness and smiles to the kids who are going through a really hard time. Smiles are free and I love spreading them.” Sponsor: Stacey Zubair, School Counslor.

Scott Lassen, 1st year member, Sunnyvale Middle School

Project: Sunshine in a Box! - Scott recruited two of his classmates to collect items to create busy boxes for the life skills students at their school. Using the items collected, the classmates filled seven boxes with over 20 items in each one for the students. These students received new and exciting activities to use for the summer that provided a ray of sunshine to each student! Scott shared, “Throughout this project, I have learned to be more responsible and have better time management skills. Even though the project was hard sometimes, it felt very rewarding to deliver my final boxes.” Sponsor: Evangelina Perez, Principal.

Hannah Allen, 1st year member, Inspire:An Acton Academy

Project: Thanksgiving for Seniors - Hannah and her six classmates performed a skit about Thanksgiving for adults with dementia. They also made bookmarks and gave them to all the adults and staff who were part of Connect Camp for Adults with Dementia. The small performance and gifts had everyone smiling and laughing as they shared a Thanksgiving lunch. Hannah shared, “I learned through this experience why it is important to make sure I am confident in my choices as a leader.” Sponsor: Lena Francis, Teacher.