At the Randall Reed Center, parents and students sat side by side as counselors explained application timelines, National Guard representatives shared information about service opportunities, and district staff provided resources for earning college credit before graduation. It was Spring ISD’s annual College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Night, designed to prepare families of students in grades 8–12 for what comes after high school.

The event, which grew from just a handful of families last year to nearly 100 attendees this year, gave students a close look at college readiness; from understanding the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA2) to enrolling in dual credit courses through Lone Star College. Families also learned about Spring ISD’s 23 Advanced Placement courses, where strong exam scores can lead to both college credit and CCMR points. Career readiness was another highlight, with district leaders showcasing 32 career and technical education pathways that include certifications, internships, and opportunities to earn associate degrees while in high school.

Military readiness was also a focus, with National Guard representatives explaining how part-time service can provide tuition assistance, job training, and steady pay while students pursue college or a full-time career.

Dr. Julie Guillory, Spring ISD assistant superintendent for Non-Instructional Data Quality and leader of the district’s CCMR Task Force, said the evening underscored Spring ISD’s commitment to preparing students with choices.

“No child should walk across the stage unsure of what comes next,” Guillory said. “Whether it’s college, career training, or the military, our role as a district is to make sure every student has a pathway forward and the confidence to pursue it.”

For Guillory, the impact of CCMR readiness is also personal.

“It’s a feeling of pride when I see a student who once doubted their future come back and say, ‘Look what I’m doing now,’” she shared. “Sometimes their parents are working multiple jobs, and school is the place that feels like home. Nights like this show families that we are here to support every child, every step of the way.”

That sense of reassurance resonated with families in attendance. Spring ISD student Salvador Pedroza Jr. said the event gave him a new perspective. 

“Coming here gave me a lot more information than I expected,” Pedroza Jr. said. “There were so many options and resources, and it made me feel more secure about my future. Talking with the National Guard gave me another pathway to think about, and now I know I have real choices after high school.”

His father, Salvador Pedroza Sr., shared the same appreciation. 

“As a parent, it’s good to see all of these opportunities laid out,”  Pedroza Sr. said. “It makes me feel better knowing my son has support and that he doesn’t have to figure everything out on his own. The district showed us that there are many ways forward, and that matters for families like ours.”

Families left carrying handouts and application guides, with students holding clearer timelines for exams, dual credit enrollment, and career and military pathways. The night gave families practical tools and the reassurance that Spring ISD will continue walking beside them as they plan for the future.