TASB Awards Five Public School Students with Student Voice Scholarships

Austin— The Texas Association of School Boards is pleased to announce the five students selected to participate in the TASB Student Voice Panel March 7 at Governance Camp in Galveston. The high school seniors each will receive $1,500 from sponsor Walsh Gallegos Kyle Robinson & Roalson P.C. 

TASB’s annual Governance Camp provides leadership and good governance training to board members. The event focuses on student voice through the panel discussion, sessions presented and co-presented by students, and an expo where students share their projects and creations. The panel discussion allows the scholarship recipients to share their public school experiences with school board members and administrators from across the state. Additionally, school leaders have the chance to hear directly from Texas students about the challenges and aspirations shaping their education.   

“This event provides a great opportunity for board members to hear from students across the state and get a better understanding of the public school experience from the students’ perspective,” said TASB Executive Director Dan Troxell. “It’s a very powerful way to tap into conversations and connections that can translate into new ideas and perspectives. We’re very thankful to Walsh Gallegos for their continued support of this scholarship program.”  

This year, Paula Maddox Roalson will serve as the moderator of the Student Voice Scholarship Panel. An attorney/shareholder at Walsh Gallegos, Roalson says the event is profoundly meaningful for both the students and board members who participate in Governance Camp.  

“I am proud that our law firm partners with TASB to spotlight student voices because I believe this is one of the most important things that we do,” Roalson said. “Students are the focal point for this event, not just contributing to the discussion, but also sharing their voices and taking actions that can positively influence the educational experiences for students for years to come.”  

This year’s scholarship winners were selected based on their individual stories, contributions to their community, and their use of “student voice” to improve their schools. They are: 

• Haydan “Tyler” Gottschalk, Pflugerville ISD, Region 13  
  Gottschalk is a dedicated student-athlete, entrepreneur, and community leader with a passion for both football and service. As captain of the varsity football team, he embraces his leadership role beyond the field, advocating for teamwork and respect within his program. Growing up on a family farm, Gottschalk provides fresh produce to widows, churches, and retired farmers in his community, reflecting his deep sense of service. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own lawn care and fence-building business, demonstrating his determination to succeed. Gottschalk will pursue a master’s in petroleum engineering at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo. With resilience, ambition, and a heart for others, he strives to leave a lasting impact on his community and beyond. 
• Sheila Lugo Lopez Lisethe, McDade ISD, Region 13  
  Lugo Lopez Lisethe is a dedicated student who embodies leadership, resilience, and creativity. Growing up in a vibrant Hispanic household where Spanish was her first language, Lugo Lopez Lisethe found her passion in dance — a form of art that has continually fueled her self-expression and connection with others. Her leadership shines through her roles in the school’s band color guard, where she served as lieutenant and then captain, designing choreography that led her team to state-level competitions. She has honed her mentoring skills as a member of an international drum corps group, an experience that has enriched her sense of responsibility and independence. With aspirations to become a pediatric nurse and a dance teacher, Lugo Lopez Lisethe is committed to inspiring future generations, proving that with passion and perseverance, every challenge can be transformed into an opportunity for growth. 
• Tina Ly, Anahuac ISD, Region 4  
  Ly is a dynamic changemaker whose achievements and passions span academics, engineering, and community service. Raised in a hardworking immigrant family, Ly’s early exposure to diverse cultures and the value of education ignited her drive to succeed. As a 4.0 GPA student and valedictorian of her class, she shattered expectations by taking advanced courses at a young age — earning top marks in anatomy/physiology as a sophomore and graduating with an associate of science degree in pre-engineering from Lee College. Ly's passion for STEM is matched only by her commitment to uplifting others. She founded Build Beyond Poverty, leading a team of more than 200 to construct critical infrastructure in rural Vietnam, directly benefiting thousands of families. Ly consistently transforms challenges into opportunities, making her a true inspiration and leader for future generations. 
• Perla Mendoza, Brownsville ISD, Region 1  
  Mendoza is a dedicated senior from Veterans Memorial Early College High School whose passion for learning and community empowerment shines in every endeavor. Excelling academically in dual-enrollment and AP classes, Mendoza ranks in the top 5% of her class and has earned recognition as an AP Scholar. Beyond the classroom, Mendoza founded a math tutoring organization that helps students overcome language barriers and build confidence, transforming academic challenges into triumphs. Her commitment to service is evident in the more than 200 volunteer hours she has dedicated to uplifting her community, including acting as a translator for immigrant students. Mendoza’s resilience and drive prove that true wealth lies in compassion and determination.  
• Dre Mitchell, Longview ISD, Region 7  
  Mitchell is a resilient and ambitious student-athlete who made history at Longview High School as the first freshman kicker to train with the varsity football team. Despite facing major injuries, including a torn ACL, he fought his way back to earn a starting role in his senior year, proving his determination under pressure. Beyond sports, Mitchell has excelled in a four-year welding program, winning competitions, and earning a forklift certification while working full time during the summers. His dedication to service is evident through his leadership in the Young Men’s Service League, where he has spent countless hours giving back to his community. With a passion for leadership and advocacy, Mitchell plans to attend Baylor University and pursue a career in law, committed to making a lasting impact on his Texas community.