The transition to high school is filled with emotions -- from anxiety to excitement. That was especially true for Michelle VanProoyen. When it came time for her son to move on to high school, he wanted to leave private school and attend Churchill High School. She was apprehensive but supportive. And now, as her son is set to graduate—she is filled with another flood of emotions, but mostly gratitude for the Churchill family she now has.

“Four years ago, our son, Kameron VanProoyen, made the decision to attend Churchill High School. After attending private school his entire young life, we were shocked but supportive. My husband and I attended private school all our lives, so this was going to be a huge step for everyone. To say I was terrified is an understatement. But from day one, when I called WC and spoke with admin, to the first counseling session with Jeannine Dimaline, I knew Kam made the right decision. When we had an issue registering, NEISD’s Executive Director of Communications Aubrey Chancellor directed us to Churchill Principal Todd Bloomer. Mr. Bloomer called us Week One to reassure us and help us navigate the waters and has continued to support Kam every step of the way. Who does that? WC leaders, that’s who. As Kam began his journey, athletics became a huge part of his career at WC. His amazing coaches, led by Ron Harris, encouraged him to excel in his craft which paid off BIG time in both soccer and football. Academically he was pushed and supported to aim high when it came to classes and courses, and this has earned him both an academic and athletic scholarship to continue pursuing his dreams in college. Teachers like Mr. Irwin, who treated him with respect and held him accountable -- taught him so much more than just the subject. A huge shout out to Churchill Counselor Mrs. Dickson for her support as Kam prepared for the college application process. Countless others are deserving as well. 

We are weeks away from graduation, and I am reminded of the journey Kam will continue, and I can confidently say that WC played a significant role in helping Kam grow. There is no doubt he is ready for what will come his way. 

When I see the signs ‘go public,’ there holds a much greater meaning for me. 

Thank you, your staff, WC admin and faculty, for creating an amazing experience for our son Kam.   We are looking forward to our daughter attending WC in the fall of 2024 as she has chosen to ‘go public’ as well.  

Well done!  

Once a Charger, Always a Charger,

Michelle”

Big or small, we all have a story to tell; tell us yours by clicking here.

In less than a decade, the Nimitz Middle School Junior Cadets program has grown from about 60 students to nearly 300. Instructor Robert Gonzalez has been integral to the program’s success. 

The other part of the program’s success is the students. Nico Trevino was part of that first class of Junior Cadets.Now, he is a member of the United States Marine Corps. He recently returned to his old stomping ground to talk to the current Junior Cadets about how the program helped set him up for success after Nimitz.

“It’s definitely cool seeing this program progress as much as it has,” said Private First Class Trevino. “Mr. Gonzalez has been a very important role model in my life. He’s inspired me to follow my dreams of becoming a United States Marine. This program definitely helped me excel. It’s good to be back.”

Welcome back, Private First Class Trevino.

We are proud to see you following your dreams and inspiring others #theNEISDway

Gonzalez also sponsors one of North East ISD’s largest Student 2 Student (S2S) programs. S2S connects civilian students with new military students the day they arrive to ensure they have a friendly face to answer questions, show them around, eat lunch together and more. NEISD is proud to have the S2S program in place at every elementary, middle and high school.

To learn more about S2S, click here.

Trevor Mitchell has his head in the clouds enjoying a dream career as a pilot. But his dreams started on the ground at North East ISD.

Trevor grew up attending Stahl Elementary School, Harris Middle School and graduated from Madison High School in 2018. 

“The experiences and teachers I had at NEISD taught me the value of determination, work ethic, and perseverance in achieving your dream career.”

Trevor was a member of the Student Council and Garden Club at Harris. At Madison, he was part of the Interact Club, Spanish Club and Academic UIL teams. He was also loved his culinary arts class. He still remembers the impression that NEISD teachers had on him growing up. 

“At Stahl, Mr. Lawrence Pierdolla and Ms. Michelle Gregory continually challenged me to set high academic standards for myself.  At the same time, they encouraged me to become a leader by setting a good example and being a role model for my peers.

Ms. Sheriden Decastro played a large role in my personal development during my time at Harris.  She helped me find the ability to effectively communicate with others through both speech and writing while staying by my side through some very tough times, never allowing me to lose faith in myself.” 

Trevor channeled all of the support and skills he learned at NEISD into his dream career. After graduation, he started taking flying lessons and earned his private pilot certificate. He then attended Arizona State University, where he studied Aeronautical Management Technology with a concentration in Professional Flight. Through this path, he continued flight training up to the level of Commercial Pilot and Certificated Flight Instructor.

Shortly after, he landed a job with CommuteAir, a regional airline that flies under the United Express brand. 

“I am currently a First Officer on the Embraer ERJ-145.”

Big or small, we all have a story to tell. If you're a NEISD alumni, we want to hear yours. Visit neisd.net/tellyourstory to tell us about it.