[SAN ANTONIO] –For more than a decade, Ysela Gonzalez has been a proud Harmony Public Schools parent — and now, her years of dedication and service are being honored at the state level.
 

Gonzalez, a parent at Harmony School of Science–San Antonio, has been named a 2025 Heroes for Children Award recipient by the Texas State Board of Education. She is one of only 15 Texans selected statewide for this prestigious honor, which recognizes outstanding school volunteers who make a lasting impact on public education. She will be recognized during a special ceremony in Austin on Sept. 12.

“In the short time that our campus has been open this school year, Ms. Gonzalez has already made a tremendous impact, she is the kind of parent every school dreams of” said Principal Nuray Tunca. “She goes above and beyond to support our students and staff. Her service and generosity reflect the heart of our school community.”

Gonzalez is known for her consistent volunteer work, support of school events and unwavering commitment to helping others — all of which strengthen the mission and values of Harmony. Over the past decade, she has helped start and guide Girl Scout troops on several Harmony campuses from 2015 to 2020, volunteered at Harmony on the Hill — the school system’s annual advocacy day at the Texas Capitol — three times, coached robotics and volleyball teams, organized fundraisers that raised nearly $250,000, and coordinated multiple school events.
 

The Heroes for Children Award, established in 1994, celebrates exceptional public school volunteers who demonstrate outstanding service to students and campuses across Texas. Since its inception, the award has recognized Texas residents for their selfless acts of service, generously offering their time, effort, and support to public schools and the students they serve.
 

Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with more than 60 campuses serving PreK-Grade 12 students in 23 cities across the state, including Greater Houston, DFW, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Waco, Lubbock, Midland-Odessa, Bryan, Beaumont, and the Rio Grande Valley. Harmony’s curriculum places a heavy focus on STEM skills, Character Education, project-based learning, and college readiness. 

Harmony Public Schools is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year for both students and team members

 

Superintendent Selcuk Bakir and parent Ysela Gonzalez