SBOE Member Marisa Perez-Diaz with 2025 Heroes for Children Award honoree Ysela Gonzalez of Harmony School of Science-San Antonio.

Just weeks before National School Parent Group Appreciation Day, Ysela Gonzalez, a parent volunteer at Harmony Public Schools in San Antonio, was honored with the 2025 State Board of Education (SBOE) Heroes for Children Award. The ceremony was held Sept. 12 at the Barbara Jordan Building in Austin.

Gonzalez is one of only 15 Texans selected statewide for this honor, which recognizes outstanding volunteer service in public schools.

"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 well known for her consistent volunteerism, strong support of school events, and commitment to helping others—all of which strengthen the mission and values of Harmony Public Schools. Over the past decade, she has:

• Helped start and guide Girl Scout troops on several Harmony campuses (2015–2020)

• Volunteered three times at Harmony on the Hill, the school system’s annual advocacy day at the Texas Capitol

• Coached robotics and volleyball teams

• Organized fundraisers that raised nearly $250,000

• Coordinated multiple school and community events

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

As the nation prepares to celebrate National School Parent Group Appreciation Day on Sept. 26, Gonzalez’s recognition is a timely reminder of the critical role parent volunteers play in building strong and successful school communities.

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, Brownsville, Laredo, 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.