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Harmony Parent Honored as Statewide Volunteer Hero Ahead of National Parent Group Appreciation Day
San Antonio parent Ysela Gonzalez receives State Board of Education's Heroes for Children Award for a decade of volunteer service
Just weeks before National School Parent Group Appreciation Day, one of our very own Harmony parents has been recognized with one of the highest volunteer honors in Texas.
On September 12, Ysela Gonzalez, a dedicated parent volunteer at Harmony Public Schools in San Antonio, received the 2025 State Board of Education (SBOE) Heroes for Children Award. The ceremony took place at the Barbara Jordan Building in Austin, where Gonzalez was celebrated alongside only 14 other honorees from across the state.
A Decade of Service and Leadership
For more than 10 years, Gonzalez has given her time, talent, and energy to support Harmony students, staff, and families. Her leadership and generosity have left a lasting impact across multiple campuses. Some of her many contributions include:
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- Helping launch and guide Girl Scout troops at several Harmony campuses (2015–2020)
- Volunteering at Harmony on the Hill, our annual advocacy day at the Texas Capitol
- Coaching robotics and volleyball teams
- Organizing fundraisers that raised nearly $250,000
- Coordinating countless school and community events
“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.”
Honoring Parent Volunteers
The SBOE Heroes for Children Award has celebrated outstanding Texas school volunteers since 1994. Honorees are recognized not just for the hours they contribute, but for the transformative difference they make in students’ lives.
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As the nation prepares for National School Parent Group Appreciation Day on September 26, Gonzalez’s recognition is a powerful reminder of the essential role parent volunteers play in building strong, successful school 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–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. Our curriculum emphasizes STEM education, character development, project-based learning, and college readiness.
Harmony is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 school year for both students and team members.
👉 Learn more and apply today at HarmonyTX.org
