Alief ISD was awarded the Certificate of Excellence from the Association of School Business Officials International. The award signifies that the district meets the highest standards of school financial reporting. To qualify, the district must satisfy specific guidelines for effective and high-quality financial reporting recognized by school business officials.

Youngblood Intermediate student Chris Henriquez, O’Donnell Middle School student

Vincent Iwunze and Olle Middle School student Hennessy Marte attended the prestigious Lone Star Leadership Academy Camp hosted by Education in Action. These young leaders were selected for the camp based on demonstrated academic success and leadership ability, an educator recommendation and involvement in school or community activities.

Alief ISD students brought home a silver medal in Double Dutch Pairs Speed from the FISAC International Rope Skipping Federation World Championships in Hong Kong this summer. Jennifer Granados (AECHS), Camryn Lam (Taylor), Patrick Anaemejeh (Taylor), Austin Lam (Albright) and Victoria Le (AMS) were recognized at the August Board Meeting for their accomplishment.

O’Donnell Middle School students Diana Cao, Kelon Dews and Tracy Hoang were chosen to have their book reviews posted on the SEBCO Book Company’s Web site. These students’ book reviews were chosen from thousands of entries nationwide. Students read, edited and reviewed advanced copy, uncorrected proof books for a real-life experience into the phases a book must go through before it is ready to sell.

Alief FFA student Sherice Perkins (Taylor) placed second out of 200 students in the livestock judging contest at the Fort Worth Longhorn Autobahn Show and received a scholarship.

Taylor High School teacher Andrea Sonpon won two gold medals in the ballroom dancing event at the 2014 Donate Transplant Games of America, a national multisport festival event for individuals who have undergone transplant surgeries. Sonpon was featured in Houston Methodist Nurse Magazine for her achievement.

Best and Smith Elementary’s After School Programs received the Texas Education Agency’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant. This grant will provide free after school program services that focus on improving academic performance, attendance and behavior. Boone, Cummings, Heflin, Kennedy, and Outley’s After School Programs were also awarded the Harris County Department of Education’s Cooperative for After-School Enrichment grant, which will enhance the enrichment activities and provide families with scholarship opportunities.

Cummings Elementary was treated to a special guest when Texas State Senator Wendy Davis stopped by to read to students on the first day of school.

Alief Early College High School’s student organizations Alpha Active Knights and Alpha Leos were awarded the Outstanding Service Award by the Partnership for the Advancement & Immersion of Refugees (PAIR).