At the heart of Spring ISD, a quiet but powerful transformation is taking place: One that celebrates perseverance and the belief that every student deserves a pathway to independence. Within the walls of Westfield High School, the Vocational Independence Community Training of Outstanding Resilient Young Adults (V.I.C.T.O.R.Y.) Program has become a place where young adults with disabilities continue to learn, grow, and discover their strengths long after graduation. It is here that Daniel Calvillo, once a shy student, found his confidence, his voice, and a future filled with purpose.

Daniel, now 22 and set to complete the V.I.C.T.O.R.Y. Program in May 2026, began his journey at Beneke Elementary School, continued through Wells Middle School, and graduated from Westfield High School in 2022. It was at Westfield that he discovered the program, where he has been preparing for life beyond high school and developing the skills to live independently.

“My favorite activities were in the print shop, using the laminator, cutting, and printing on the huge printer—it was relaxing. Calvillo said. “But I also learned about job interview practices and work ethic, and that is how I got my job at a local Kroger grocery store.”

When Daniel first arrived at the V.I.C.T.O.R.Y. Program, he was quiet and unsure of himself. His teacher, Taledra Davis, remembers those early days vividly. 

“When he first started, Daniel was very, very shy,” Davis said. “He hardly spoke, but slowly he began building relationships. He worked hard every day, even when he was nervous. He really started opening up.”

Hands-on tasks quickly captured Daniel’s interest, especially in the print shop, one of the program’s vocational rotations. What began as simple curiosity soon became leadership.

“Daniel was one of our print shop supervisors,” Davis added. “He would delegate tasks, help his classmates, and make sure orders were complete. Watching him take charge was amazing.”

The V.I.C.T.O.R.Y. Program offers much more than vocational skills. Students rotate through a variety of activities—creating products, learning printshop and office skills, preparing snacks and simple meals, performing household chores, practicing social skills and managing money. The program also emphasizes community engagement, giving students real-world experiences like shopping for groceries, ordering and paying at restaurants, and participating in recreation and leisure activities.

Students regularly create items such as t-shirts, flyers, and dog treats, to name a few, which are then sold in a small on-campus shop where district employees can purchase these products and directly support the program. All the money students earn through these enterprises goes back into funding activities, materials, and ingredients for the program, and families and staff can also support through purchases, donations, or personalized orders.

Calvillo’s success on the path to independence was not only visible to his teachers; it was also clear at home. His mother, Ramona Lopez, recalls her fears when he first joined the V.I.C.T.O.R.Y. Program. 

“My concern was that he was going to face it out there once he finished high school,” Lopez said. “I worried if he would overcome his fears or move forward. But he has. He has grown so much, become more independent, and even has a job and his driver’s license. I’m very proud of him.”

Through years of structured experiences, encouragement and opportunities—from volunteer outings to internships and partnerships with the Texas Workforce Commission—Calvillo learned to advocate for himself, collaborate with peers, solve problems, and navigate the community with growing confidence.

“He has made so much growth,” Davis added. “He has his driver’s license, a job, friendships, and communicates clearly and confidently. He really knows how to advocate for himself.”

Today, Calvillo continues to work at his job and has goals many young adults share. 

“I want to have my own vehicle, like a Honda, a reliable car,” he said. His ambitions may be simple, but they are meaningful, and he is determined to make them happen.

For Spring ISD 18+ Coordinator Dr. Lisa Swindull, Daniel represents something powerful. 

“One of our biggest goals is helping students become as independent as possible, whether that’s cooking, doing laundry, or cleaning, so they can confidently contribute at home and in their daily lives,” Swindull said. “Our students are constantly practicing social skills, from working in groups to understanding personal space and even learning about internet safety and dating, all tailored to their individual needs.”

As Calvillo prepares to complete the V.I.C.T.O.R.Y. Program in May 2026, his journey shows that with encouragement, structure, and opportunity, students can overcome obstacles and achieve true victory.

“I would tell someone thinking about joining the program that it gives real-world experiences, so you can be more prepared,” said Calvillo. “Now I feel independent and confident in what I can do.”