Two Harmony Parents Honored with Statewide Heroes for Children Award

Superintendent Selcuk Bakir and parent Ysela Gonzalez

Assistant Area Superintendent Aaron Gecit; Principal Yakup Baris; Parent Xochitl Garcia; Campus Engagement Coordinator Vanessa Torres-Soto

Two Harmony Public Schools parents — Ysela Gonzalez of San Antonio and Xochitl Garcia of Brownsville — have been named 2025 Heroes for Children Award recipients by the Texas State Board of Education. This prestigious honor, given to only 15 individuals statewide each year, recognizes exceptional volunteers whose dedication has a lasting impact on Texas public schools.

Gonzalez and Garcia will be celebrated at a statewide ceremony in Austin on Sept. 12, where they will be recognized for their tireless commitment to students, families and staff across their Harmony campuses.

Together, these two parents represent the spirit of service that defines the Harmony community. Gonzalez, who has supported Harmony students for more than a decade, has led Girl Scout troops, organized fundraisers, coached student teams, and volunteered at the district’s annual advocacy day at the Texas Capitol. Garcia, equally devoted, has given countless hours to Harmony School of Innovation–Brownsville through the PTO, student activities, and campus events, always striving to create a welcoming and encouraging environment for all families.

School leaders praised both parents for the positivity, reliability and generosity they bring to their campuses. Their selfless contributions not only uplift students but also strengthen the culture of collaboration and excellence that Harmony strives to foster across Texas.

Established in 1994, the Heroes for Children Award is the Texas State Board of Education’s highest recognition for public school volunteers. Each year, it highlights individuals who go above and beyond to ensure the success of students and the vitality of schools in their communities.

About Harmony Public Schools

Harmony Public Schools is a Texas-born, Texas-wide public charter school system with more than 60 campuses serving PreK–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, 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.