Traditionally, adults are the ones teaching students a thing or two. However, at Dekaney High School’s cafeteria on Thursday evening,  the roles were reversed  as Spring ISD hosted its annual Gifted and Talented (GT) Expo. The student geniuses welcomed families, their fellow students, and staff to one of the district’s most anticipated academic showcases of the year. They say you learn something new everyday, and this day was no exception.

Across the cafeteria, colorful displays lined the room, each one telling a unique story. Whether it was a human body project, a tornado simulator, an interactive periodic table, or even a live lizard that loved to be cuddled, the range of topics was as wide as it was impressive. Students stood proudly by their projects, ready to share what they’d learned and why it mattered to them.

Approximately ten students from each campus were invited to participate—each of them selected for having the top projects at their school’s own GT Expo. These standout projects were brought together under one roof to showcase student mastery, passion, and original thinking. 

The district’s Advanced Academics team, responsible for organizing  the event, made it a point to give students full ownership of their topics—a decision that shaped both the quality and heart of the work on display. By allowing students to pursue what genuinely excited them, the gifted and talented program created space for deeper engagement and more meaningful learning. Each project reflected hours of work, driven by student interest and guided by curiosity. 

Advanced Academics Specialist Shontel Newsome felt that giving the students an opportunity to choose their projects gave them the ability to put together truly amazing work.

“Allowing students to choose their projects is something I always advocate for,” Newsome said. “When students have ownership over their learning, engagement naturally increases. It not only gives them the freedom to think outside the box but also empowers them to explore new ideas in ways that are meaningful to them. The ability to ‘color outside the lines’ or even invent new colors is what makes their work so impressive.”

For many students, it was a chance to shine in a new way—beyond test scores and classroom assignments. The expo gave them a platform to explore ideas outside of the traditional curriculum, diving deep into subjects that sparked their imagination.

“I love to see the kids putting their all into their projects,” Director of Advanced Academics Amy Ellingson said. “It is so impressive because they aren’t just speaking off a script, they truly became experts on their topic and I couldn’t be happier with their work.” 

Throughout the evening, the sense of pride was unmistakable. Teachers, staff, and district leaders watched as students brought learning to life in thoughtful, meaningful ways.

The Gifted and Talented Expo continues to serve as a celebration of innovation and student voice—values that sit at the heart of Spring ISD’s vision.