Award medals shine brightly in the stage spotlights, dashiki adorned community members, and even in the dark ambiance lights of the theatre the smiles of proud students and parents alike couldn’t be more apparent. The STAR theater inside of Dekaney High School became the place to celebrate African American strength, culture and heritage. 

This year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” honored the resilience and contributions of Black Americans in shaping the workforce and society.

Community members turned their eyes to the stage as the lights around them dimmed and when the low rumble of chatter ceased The Expo began. 

It opened with a warm welcome from Spring ISD Executive Director of Family and Community Engagement Tranita Carroll, setting the tone for an inspiring night. The Dekaney High School JROTC presented the colors, followed by a moving rendition of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” by the Roberson Middle School Choir, led by Ms. Kandi Poole. Dueitt Middle School Theatre also provided a statement performance that enhanced the theme of the night. Students and parents mouthed the words to the hymn with a twinkle in their eyes. 

Another highlight of the night came when the Roberson Middle School step teams – The Gems and the Kings – came together to give the crowd a powerful display of collaboration and rhythm that had the entire auditorium applauding for more. With each step and stomp the echo of the stage beneath them added emphasis to their message, and the expressive faces  

Spring ISD Multicultural Coalition Samba Goddard led the charge for the event, he expressed his appreciation and his pride for the work that the students put into making the event all it could be.

“The students are the engine,” Goddard said. “Their performances, art pieces and written works were incredible. Without their involvement we would not have an expo, and they deserve all the credit in the world.”

Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa followed with a message on how important diversity is to the district.

“It is important that we take time to pause and celebrate the great work that African American people have done,” Hinojosa said. “Here at Spring ISD our greatest strength is our diversity.  Taking time to celebrate our different cultures is something we hold very close to us.”

One of the most anticipated moments of the night was the announcement of the Black History Month contest winners, recognizing outstanding student work in art, writing, and performance. A full list of winners can be found at the bottom of the article. 

Beyond the stage, guests explored interactive exhibits featuring student-created projects, historical displays, and artwork that strengthened their connection to Black history. Families, educators, and students engaged in conversations, sharing reflections on the impact of Black Americans in shaping society.

The 2025 Black History Month Expo stood out as a remarkable tribute to the creativity, determination, and cultural pride of our students. Far more than a typical school event, it served as an inspiring platform where young voices brought the richness of Black heritage to life. As attendees departed, the takeaway was unmistakable: Black history isn’t merely a subject for textbooks—it’s a vibrant legacy that demands recognition and inspires us to move forward with purpose. This expo wasn’t just a moment; it was a milestone for the community.

Art Winners:

1st Place Art Individual:

• Andre Carillo, Elementary Pre-K Category, McNabb Elementary School
• Ximena Sanchez, Elementary 3-5 Category, Jenkins Elementary School
• Abeerah Fatima, Middle School Category, Roberson Middle School
• Brookyln Robinson, High School Category, Westfield High School

1st Place Art Group:

• Amaris Guillen, Demarcus Robertson, Hy Vong, Keilyn Alvarado, Peyton Darks, Raegan Venters, Eli Nguyen, & Journe Wells, Elementary PreK-2 Category, Thompson Elementary School
• Abigail John, Skye Porter, Maecy Malveaux, & Gabrihanna Garrett, Elementary 3-5 Category, Winship Elementary School
• Henrry Cerna, Tristen Price, Natalie Rosales-Munoz, Jocelyn Luis, Katherine Gallardo , Spring Leadership Academy
• Navea Clark, Serenity Ledet, T’Asiah Barnes, Leslie Johnson, High School Category, Momentum High School

2nd Place Art Individual:

• Corley Williams, Elementary Pre K-2 Category, Jenkins Elementary School
• Annamaria Busti, Elementary 3-5 Category, McNabb Elementary School
• Nicolette Hillard, Elementary 3-5 Category, Thompson Elementary School
• Alan Ortega, Middle School Category, Spring Leadership Academy 

2nd Place Art Group:  

• Skai Canty, Deena Malik, Skye Davis, Aysia Fields, Melrose Riley, Kayla Price, PreK-2 Category, Major Elementary School
• Samara Igbaroola & Juliannie Morales, Elementary 3-5 Category, Cooper Elementary School
• Jagged Wright and Abdulaleem Siddiqi, Middle School Category, Spring Leadership Academy

3rd Place Art Individual

• Anderson Rivas, Prek-2 Category, Beneke Elementary School
• Luis Rios, Pre K-2 Category, Thompson Elementary School
• Penelope Ramirez, Elementary 3-5 Category, Northgate Crossings Elementary School
• Brandon San Luis, Middle School Category, Twin Creeks Middle School 

3rd Place Art Group:

• Presley Cuevas, Heily Rich, Azalia Patterson, Carl Stewart, & Hailey Mayo, PreK-2 Category, Northgate Crossing Elementary School
• Vanessa Vaughn, Elliot Rorie, Elementary 3-5 Category, Winship Elementary School 
• Sophia Trevino , Asha Smith , Makayla Garcia, & Kaydence Gilstrap, Middle School Category, Twin Creeks Middle School

Writing Winners:

1st Place Writing Individual:

• Samaria Weary, Elementary 3-5 Category, Jenkins Elementary School
• (Spanish) Melvin Guitirrez, Elementary 3-5 Category,  Beneke Elementary School
• Ruby Carrillo, Middle School Category, Twin Creeks Middle School
• Tavin Hurley, Middle School Category, Roberson Middle School
• Xavier Corbin, High School Category, Westfield High School

1st Place Writing Group: 

• Amiya Hicks, Kai Guidry, and Kennedy Williams, Elementary 3-5 Category, Thompson Elementary School

2nd Place Writing Winners: 

• Raylyn Ray, Elementary 3-5 Category, Lewis Elementary School
• Yuriel Suarez, Middle School Category, Spring Leadership Academy
• Navea Clark, High School Category, Momentum High School

3rd Place Individual Winners

• Abigail John, Elementary 3-5 Category, Winship Elementary School
• Daniel Garay, High School Category, Carl Wunsche Sr. High School