Meet the 4 NISD Students Competing as Semifinalists in a Prestigious Statewide Environmental Contest!

SAN ANTONIO – Exciting news is buzzing in San Antonio! A statewide contest focused on protecting the environment has reached the semifinals, and four contestants are from right here in the city.

Among the top contenders are three students from Straus Middle School, part of the Northside Independent School District. They are competing in the “Take Care of Texas” video contest, organized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

This contest encourages middle school students to create 30-second commercials that promote environmental awareness. The top entries were selected from a large number of submissions, judged on creativity and message impact.

Ruth Smith, a seventh grader at Straus, expressed her amazement at making it this far. “It was a big shock!” she said. Her classmate, Madelyn Franks, felt similarly surprised. “I didn’t think I’d be one of the top six in the whole state!” Franks exclaimed. Another student, Makaio Danford, agreed, saying, “I didn’t expect to be chosen, especially with so many great videos out there.”

Despite their surprise, these students are passionate about protecting the environment. Franks, who loves hiking, shared her hopes for making a difference. “Keeping the environment safe is very important to me,” she said.

Their commitment goes beyond their school projects. For example, Smith often encourages her younger siblings to recycle. “They roll their eyes and walk away,” she laughed, but she remains determined to teach them about environmental care.

The voting for the top three finalists will be open until January 24. Winners will receive gift cards of $800, $600, and $400. Regardless of who wins, these students send a strong message: caring for the environment is crucial for our future.