On March 26, 2024, Brazosport ISD hosted its fourth annual Scholar Banquet where more than 70 high-achieving students were acknowledged for their academic achievements. The students who were invited to the banquet had successfully earned 18 or more college credit hours before the start of this school year or were identified as an AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, with Distinction, or a National AP Scholar by the College Board. Additionally, students who received a letter of commendation or were identified as a semi-finalist or finalist for the National Merit Scholar program were also invited.

BISD Superintendent along with members of our Board of Trustees were present to congratulate Brazosport ISD students for their achievements during the evening. The students had the opportunity to invite their parents as well as one teacher who made a significant impact on their educational growth to the annual banquet.

Former Brazoswood student Ryan McKnight, who earned his bachelor's degree in the Comparative Study of Religion from Harvard University, a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale Divinity School, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law, delivered the keynote speech. He advised them to:

• Call your parents regularly, to just check-in
• Spend time thinking about what your expectations and goals will be for the next few years
• Start building the adult version of you
• Never compromise character and integrity, no matter the cost

After Mr. McKnights words of encouragement and wisdom, students were acknowledged for certain academic achievements and were presented with a Certificate of Merit and a BISD Scholar pin by Superintendent Danny Massey and the BISD Board of Trustees. Each student also had the opportunity to address the guests and thank the teachers and/or teachers who had made a significant impact on their school endeavors.

“Hearing from the students firsthand on the influence that their teachers had in their education was very impactful,” said Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment Brian Cole. “The student scholars acknowledged teachers from elementary school through their high school teachers. Educators not only teach our children, but they also make real and lasting connections that will continue to impact the lives of their students in the future.”

The BISD Scholars were celebrated for choosing to take the rigorous college-level curriculum and have committed the time, energy, and effort to achieving high levels of success. The evening was a moment to pause and congratulate each student on their outstanding academic achievements.