Vanguard 2023

2023 VANGUARD

Your Friendly Neighborhood Volunteers

“You have the instincts of a hero, my friend. But above all, the soul of a good man.”

- Nightcrawler

COMMUNITY IN THE 2023 VANGUARD

J. Frank Dobie High School

Destiny Ramirez

Dylan Campos

Isabella Lara

Kennedy Baines

Sandy Hernandez

Yael Azuara

Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School

Alexis Benestante

Bryce McCarley

Charles Garrett

Jackeline Fuentes

Lizandro Montalvo

Pasadena High School

Ashley Collazo

Emely Lopez

Grisangeles Espinoza Guerra

Johnathan Rodriguez

Maria Lara

Pasadena Memorial High School

Adrita Rahman

Angel Arroyo

Devon Manganaro

Joe Mendez

Joseph Luna

Sam Rayburn High School

Estefany Ruiz

Jalissa Reyes

Naydia Perez

Sara Rangel-Rangel

Yamilex Garza

South Houston High School

Ingrid Sanchez

Jennifer Avendano Gaytán

Joseph Ferguson

Kathryn Rodriguez

Victor Lopez Morales

PASADENA ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Vickie Morgan ...................................................................... President

Nelda Sullivan ............................................................... Vice President

Casey Phelan ....................................................................... Secretary

Kenny Fernandez ................................................... Assistant Secretary

Crystal Davila ......................................................................... Member

Paola Gonzalez Fusilier .......................................................... Member

Marshall Kendrick .................................................................. Member

PASADENA ISD ADMINISTRATION

Dr. DeeAnn Powell ................................................................................................... Superintendent

Toni Lopez ........................................... Deputy Superintendent of Staff and Academic Achievements

Dr. Troy McCarley .............. Deputy Superintendent of Governance, Operations, and School Services

Kevin Fornof................................................... Associate Superintendent, Facilities and Construction

Gloria Gallegos ............................................................ Associate Superintendent, Special Programs

Alyta Harrell ......................................................... Associate Superintendent, Campus Development

Jodie Kennemer ..................................................................................................... General Counsel

Jeremy Richardson ..................................................... Associate Superintendent, Human Resources

Dr. Darla Massey-Jones ........................... Associate Superintendent, Accountability and Compliance

Dr. Melissa McCalla .................................................................................... Chief Technology Officer

Ben Pape ....................................................................................................... Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Rhonda Parmer ............................................... Associate Superintendent, Campus Development

Joe Saavedra ....................................................... Associate Superintendent, Campus Development

Dr. Angela Stallings .............................................. Associate Superintendent, Campus Development

2023 VANGUARD

Pasadena ISD would like to congratulate our Vanguard Community Service Award recipients for giving back to the community in a variety of ways.

“Your friendly neighborhood volunteers” budget their time to make a difference for those in need no matter the cause. We want to applaud these heroes from each high school for uplifting their communities.

This year’s Vanguard Class has upheld an ongoing tradition by collectively volunteering more than 6,000 hours of their time. Whether they aided the homeless, tutored kids in after school programs, volunteered with faith-based organizations, or sprang to action after the recent tornado, they stepped up for the greater good.

On behalf of our Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees, district administration, and campus leaders, we want to thank you for your service and for being a role model to your peers and underclassmen. You are a superhero of community service, you are a 2023 Vanguard. Congratulations!

Sincerely,

Superintendent of Pasadena Independent School District

Starlight

Favorite Quote:

“I don’t go by the rule book. I lead with the heart, not the head.”

Destiny Ramirez

- Princess Dianna

Destiny has volunteered at the Houston Zoo, as a camp counselor, at BHI as an assistant cheer coach, and Random Acts of Kindness. Her sights are set on Texas State University in San Marcos where she plans to pursue a major in Biology with a minor in Early Education.

Special Powers: Cheerleading, Spending Time with Family and Friends

J. Frank Dobie High School

The lone Star

Favorite Quote:

“A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.”

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Dylan Campos

Dylan has dedicated his time to volunteering with the Melillo and Frazier Chess Club throughout his high school career. He has devotedly trained children in chess, creating multiple champions and earning many awards for the schools he serves. His future goal is to earn a PhD in Psychology from the University of Houston Honors College so he can contribute to society as a Clinical Psychologist.

Special Powers: Chess, Working Out, Video Games, and Star Wars Expert

J. Frank Dobie High School

rose of Texas

Favorite Quote:

“A house divided against itself cannot not stand.”

- Abraham Lincoln

J. Frank Dobie High School

Isabella Lara

Isabella has volunteered in numerous events over the years such as BeTheMatch, Fundraisers for Uvalde and Victims of gun violence, the Armand Bayou Clean Up, and Key Club. Isabella has also put her coaching skills to use, training little league cheer, drill teams, and competitive cheer teams in the community. Isabella plans to major in Political Science at the University of Houston and aspire to earn a graduate degree in law.

Special Powers: Cheerleading, Concert and Jazz Band, National Honor Society Member, and Student Council Member

Heavenly Helper

Favorite Quote:

“Treat others how you want to be treated.”

- Jesus Christ

Kennedy Baines

Kennedy has made an impact in the community through her volunteer work at University of Houston-Downtown, St. John’s United Methodist Church and One Movement Church, as well as multiple Pasadena ISD Schools. Her future goals are to attend college and earn a PhD in Psychology and Business.

Special Powers: Singing, Dancing, Reading, Baking and Cooking

J. Frank Dobie High School

Xeno the Intellectual

Favorite Quote:

“Will you crack under the pressure? Or overcome the pressure and shine like a diamond?”

- Sandy Hernandez

J. Frank Dobie High School

Sandy Hernandez

Sandy has volunteered in the medical field for Acadian Ambulance Company and Memorial Hermann Hospital Southeast. Post-high school, she plans to continue working as a medical assistant while pursuing an Associate in Applied Science Degree at San Jacinto College to become a nurse.

Special Powers: Dance Workouts, Reading, and Listening to Music

Spider-man

Favorite Quote:

“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.”

- M. Scott Peck

Yael Azuara

Yael has volunteered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, The Royal Sonesta Houston, Vista Nursing and Rehabilitation and the McDonald’s Texas Invitational at Dobie High School. Yael plans to attend the University of Houston Clear Lake to become a Computer Engineer.

Special Powers: Playing the Viola, Chess, Cooking, and Video Games

J. Frank Dobie High School

“Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.”

- Iron Man

Scarlet king

Favorite Quote:

“Be better today than you were yesterday and be better tomorrow than you were today.”

- Lorenzo Snow

Alexis Benestante

Alexis has dedicated her time to volunteering with multiple organizations including Houston Food Bank, Local Church, NHS, Criminal Justice Club, and as a student election worker. She plans to obtain a Bachelor’s in Economics and continue on to Law School for a Juris Doctor After Law School, she aspires to go into Corporate and Constitutional Law.

Special Powers: Archery, Walking, Reading, Cooking and Baking

Kirk Lewis Career & Technical High School

Favorite Quote:

The Conservator

“When you touch an animal, that animal touches your heart.”

- Steve Irwin

Bryce McCarley

Bryce has dedicated his time volunteering for organizations such as the Houston Zoo, Bay Porte Animal Hospital, Pasadena Animal Shelter, and with the FFA. Lead by his passion for nature, he plans to continue his education and pursue a career in animal science or wildlife conservation.

Special Powers: Animal Care, Nature Research, Spending Time with Family and Friends

Kirk Lewis Career & Technical High School

Mr. Dark Superior

Favorite Quote:

“Excuses are the things that build mountains of nothingness.”

- Ms. Gallion

Charles has volunteered for Pasadena’s Taste of the Town, Pine Brook Park, CTHS Court as a jury member and also in the 8th grade Business Pathway as an interviewer. Following high school, he plans to attend either Sam Houston State University or Texas A&M University of Corpus Christi to study Healthcare Administration. His goal is to become a department manager in either a pediatric unit or as the manager of a hospital.

Special Powers: Singing, Dancing, and Public Speaking

Kirk Lewis Career & Technical High School

Charles Garrett

Mighty Hawk

Favorite Quote:

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”

- Aristotle

Jackeline Fuentes

Jackeline has volunteered with multiple locations in Pasadena such as the Teen Court, Garfield Elementary, Brighter Bites at V.W Miller Intermediate and CTHS, and Pine Brook Community Park. Her future aspirations are to become a General Family Physician, where she will have the opportunity to help those in need.

Special Powers: Fitness

Kirk Lewis Career & Technical High School

Karma

Favorite Quote:

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

- Benjamin Franklin

Lewis Career & Technical High School

Lizandro Montalvo

Lizandro has dedicated his time volunteering with Acadian Ambulance Service in the medical field. His future aspirations include attending San Jacinto college and earning a degree that will allow him to join an EMS company and make a positive impact in his community.

Special Powers: Fitness and Working on Cars

Kirk

Ashstroid

Favorite Quote:

“Its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog.”

- Mark Twain

Pasadena High School

Ashley Collazo

Ashley has been dedicated to her community, donating her time to the Communities in Schools organization and at Pasadena High School. She is determined to make a career out of real estate and will do so by getting her real estate license after high school.

Special Powers: Running

Favorite Quote:

Captain Bold

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

- Paul the Apostle

Emely Lopez

Emily is an active volunteer who has served with the Pasadena LSR, Walk for Sight, Women of Kingdom Ministry, Galena Park Library, Agape Love, Bridgehavens Children Advocacy Center, Eastgate Church, Townley Place Center Inc., Jesus Feed My Sheep Ministry, Dayton Community, and organizations within Pasadena High School. She plans to continue her education and obtain a bachelor’s degree in business and start a nonprofit organization that would specifically assist the homeless population.

Special Powers: Swimming, Driving, and Sewing

Pasadena High School

The Great Butterfly Soul

Favorite Quote:

“Life is like a butterfly, you go through changes before you become something beautiful.”

- Maya Angelo

Pasadena High School

Grisangeles Espinoza Guerra

Grisangeles has served with Communities in Schools at multiple campuses in Pasadena ISD, Houston Food Bank, and the Texas Youth Summit Conference. Her future plans after high school include going to college and exploring a career in either Criminal Justice or as a Surgical Technician.

Special Powers: Administration of Family-Owned Business

Man John

Favorite Quote:

“I wonder how many times we forgive just because we dont want to lose someone, even if they don’t deserve forgiveness.”

- Unknown

Pasadena High School

Johnathan Rodriguez

Jonathan served his community through food bank distribution at his local church and with the Communities in Schools organization. He plans to go to college and major in music or computer science.

Special Powers: Playing the Violin and Working Out

Spark

Favorite Quote:

“The past can hurt you. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it.”

- Rafiki

Maria Lara

Pasadena High School

Maria has volunteered at Armand Bayou Nature Center, Bridge Over

Troubled Waters, Pasadena Convention Center, Houston Food Bank, and San Juan Diego Catholic Church, and multiple Pasadena ISD Schools. After high school, she plans to continue her education and receive a degree in biology to become a pediatrician to help kids in need.

Special Powers: Working Out, Reading, and Shopping

Purple Wisteria

Favorite Quote:

“Be defined by the things you love. Not the things you hate. Not the things you are afraid of, that haunt you in the middle of the night. You are what you love.”

- Taylor Swift

Pasadena Memorial High School

Adrita Rahman

Adrita is an active volunteer with the Southdown Trace Neighborhood, Pasadena Animal Shelter, Vista Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Heritage House Assisted Living, and multiple churches in the area. She plans on attending New York University to pursue a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science/Government and post-graduate degree in local government affairs.

Special Powers: Debating, Vocal Performing, Poetry, Thrifting, Reading, Custom Jewelry and Crafts

Favorite Quote:

“If you’re a friend of everybody, then you’re an enemy to yourself.”

Lurker

- Mike Tyson

Pasadena Memorial High School

Arroyo

Angel was a volunteer for the Houston Food Bank, Hitmen Boys Baseball, Pasadena Memorial High School, and St. Pius Catholic Church. After high school, he plans on attending college to receive a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Special Powers: Video Games and Basketball

Angel

Iron Man

Favorite Quote: “Faster than fast, quicker than quick.

- Lightning McQueen

Pasadena Memorial High School

Devon Manganaro

Devon has been an active volunteer in youth sports by dedicating his time to the BAFL Pearland Patriots, Basketball Warriors, and the Braves baseball team. After high school, he plans to attend San Jacinto College to complete his basics before transferring to a university.

Special Powers: Football, Basketball, and Baseball

Favorite Quote:

Ghost rider

“Quit, don’t quit. Noodles, don’t noodles. You are too concerned about what was and what will be. There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”

- Master Oogway

Joe Mendez

Joe dedicated his time and talents as a volunteer coach assistant making a positive impact on many kids’ lives in the area. After high school, he plans to attend college and receive an engineering technician degree.

Special Powers: Cooking, Bowling, Fishing, and History

Pasadena Memorial High School

Azure Star

Favorite Quote:

“The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word ’struggle’ from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

- Unnamed Hopi Elder

Pasadena Memorial High School

Joseph Luna

Joseph has volunteered in a variety of initiatives including the Pasadena ISD Gifted and Talented Summer Camp, PMHS’s Musicals, Legally Blonde and Willy Wonka, multiple homeless shelters, churches, and Pasadena ISD campuses. After high school, Joseph will pursue a degree in chemistry and one day hopes to start his own business.

Special Powers: Playing Clarinet, Piano, Video Games, and Robotics

NightStar

Favorite Quote:

“In the face of adversity, we have a choice. We can be bitter or we can be better. Those words are my North Star.”

- Caryn Sullivan

Estefany Ruiz

Estefany dedicated her time volunteering at the San Jacinto Monument, Pasadena Fire Department, BIG LOVE, the Pasadena ISD Athletic Hall of Fame, and numerous Pasadena ISD schools. After high school, she will attend San Jacinto Community to kickstart her studies to enter the medical field by becoming an EMT as a first career step to gain knowledge and figure out what direction to take for the rest of her professional life.

Special Powers: Crochet, Embroidery, Puzzle Solving and Listening to Music

Sam Rayburn High School

Favorite Quote:

Siren Muse

“Life kicks you around sometimes. It scares you and it beats you up, but there comes a day when you realize you’re not just a survivor, you’re a warrior. You’re tougher than anything it throws your way.”

- Brooke Davis

Jalissa has been a devoted volunteer, dedicating her skills and time to the Houston Food Bank, Sarah’s House, and The Reserve at Pasadena. With ambitions even greater than her current work, she is determined to become a traveling RN while also pursuing a side passion of writing books.

Special Powers: Watching TV, Reading, Writing, Listening to Music, Fanfiction, and Baking

Sam Rayburn High School

Jalissa Reyes

Miss Resilence

Favorite Quote:

“Never regret thy fall, O Icarus of the fearless flight. For the greatest tragedy of them all is never to feel the burning light.”

- Oscar Wilde

Naydia volunteered at NASA Space Center, Verne Cox Community Center, Schriner’s Burn Unit, Pasadena ISD’s Walk4Sight, and Sam Rayburn HS’s Texan Battalion. She hopes to attend Sam Houston State University and join programs or groups to help better the community around her.

Special Powers: Reading, Jewelry Making, Wire Wrapping, Painting, Dancing, and Sudoku

Sam Rayburn High School

Naydia Perez

Favorite Quote:

Lucent Warrior

“To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge.”

- Socrates

Sara Rangel-Rangel

Sara devoted her time volunteering at Sarah’s House, Grace Church, and Sam Rayburn High School. After high school, she plans to study neuroscience or biology in college to one day become a physical therapist or a neuroscientist - both of which she can use to help those with developmental disorders.

Special Powers: Tennis, Singing, Reading, Playing the Piano, and Fitness

Sam Rayburn High School

Master of Nature

Favorite Quote:

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”

- Walt Disney

Yamilex Garza

Yamilex donated her time to volunteering at the Deer Park Community Center working with the youth in her community. As she looks ahead to her future, she has set her sights on obtaining a Real Estate License or Loan Officer License - two credentials that will enable her to help families purchase their dream homes.

Special Powers: Movie Enthusiast

Sam Rayburn High School

The Violet Enchantress

Favorite Quote:

“The minute you think of giving up, think of the reason you held on so long.”

- Sean McLoughlin

South Houston High School

Ingrid Sanchez

Ingrid has volunteered at the South Houston Branch Library, Pasadena Public Library, ECHS, the Hancock Elementary Summer Library, and SHHS Choir. She plans to attend the University of Houston - Clear Lake for a Computer Science degree and enter the tech space.

Special Powers: Reading, Drawing, Coloring, Video Games, and Watching YouTube

Fantastic Girl

Favorite Quote:

“You are what you believe yourself to be.”

- Paulo Coelho

South Houston High School

Jennifer Avendano Gaytán

Jennifer has volunteered at KOINONIA HOUSTON church. She is committed to furthering her education at San Jacinto college and entering the nursing program.

Special Powers: Ice Skating and Painting

Fire Saver

Favorite Quote:

“It’s not what stands in front of you, it’s who stands beside you.”

- Indianapolis Professional Firefighters Union

South Houston High School

Joseph Ferguson

Joseph is dedicated to his community. Throughout his high school career, he has served as a volunteer firefighter in the City of South Houston, helped at the South Houston Baseball League, and the South Houston Fire Department. After high school, he plans to attend EMT and Fire School.

Special Powers: Firefighting with His Dad

Captain Marvel

Favorite Quote:

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

- Dolly Parton

South Houston High School

Kathryn Rodriguez

Katheryn has served the Houston public library and many Pasadena ISD elementary campuses by volunteering in their community events. Her future plan is to attend University of Houston - Clear Lake and pursue a degree in education to become a second grade teacher.

Special Powers: Dancing, Cooking, and Spending Time with Friends

Silent night

Favorite Quote:

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”

- Albert Einstein

South Houston High School

Victor Lopez Morales

Victor spent his high school career as a volunteer firefighter at the Westfield Volunteer Fire Department. After high school, he plans to pursue either a college education or enlist in the military.

Special Powers: Sports, Family Time, Video Games, and Firefighting

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

Your Friendly Neighborhood Volunteers

Produced by the Award-Winning

Pasadena ISD Communication & Printing Department