Welcome to Texas
Flag
Nickname
The Lone Star State
Motto
Friendship
Your State Representatives
- Theresa D.
- Justin D.
- Kiyah S.
- Courtney R.
- Aidan C.
- Farrah G.
- Mason R.
- Hannah H.
- Greyson G.
- Zoi A.
- Savannah G.
- Matthew V.
- Anaya P.
- Matthew M.
- Jack M.
- Maddison W.
- Kylie K.
- Alivia G.
- Jackson P.
- Jaci H.
- Lucky C.
- Haleigh A.
- Ava S.
State Representative Theresa D.
“I live by the quote, ‘Be the person you needed when you felt alone.’ I sit here as the person I needed. I hope that by doing this, I can inspire people to see the beauty & uniqueness of adversity & empower them to Be Strong.”
-Theresa
Why Theresa Was Nominated:
Theresa is the very definition of compassion, kindness, integrity, and acceptance of all human beings. She was severely bullied at her high school and is now becoming very active in creating a true bullying-free world, especially in the public-school system. Bullying-prevention is her major platform being a contestant in the upcoming Miss Houston Pageant March 2018. She has always been a child and now teenager who stands up for what is right and speaks out against bullying. She also is an advocate and volunteer for special needs children and adults at The Special Angels of The Woodlands. Theresa would make a wonderful Texas Representative, being a part of this organization will help enable her to have a voice in the school districts in our area and in our state.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Justin D.
“I choose to Be Strong in my school, community, and the hearts of those around me by facing adversity and overcoming the odds against bullying.”
-Justin D.
Why Justin Was Nominated:
I am nominating Justin because he is dedicated and works very hard. He carries himself with integrity and is always kind and honest. There is never a day when Justin isn’t working to make someone smile. He is not afraid to talk in front of people and is very good at making others comfortable talking about how they feel. He is always eager to help anyone. He, himself, has been through bullying and because of this, he can relate to those who are going through it now. He also didn’t let being bullied stop him from doing all the things he likes and he still continues to be happy and go on about his life, which shows how strong of a person Justin is.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Kiyah S.
“I want to make sure that people can go to school and not worry about being bullied for what they possess and everything that makes them unique.”
-Kiyah
Why Kiyah was Nominated:
As a President of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., a national humanitarian organization, that oversees a youth group, Top Teens of America, the Lake Houston Chapter in Kingwood, Texas is proud to present the name of Kiyah Kianah, Second Vice President of Top Teens of America, to be a member of Be Strong Student State Representative Program. Kiyah can best be described as an academic scholar, 3.7 overall GPA, and a leader who fosters the belief that everyone matters and should be treated with dignity and respect. She will proudly echo the message, “I am not a bystander; I am someone who stands by victims of bullying.” Kiyah will be an ambassador for implementing campaigns and rallies throughout the great state of Texas which will echo the call, “No More.” She believes that every person deserves to come to school, join activities and pursue their dreams of matriculating in a college without fear or intimidation. It is mandated that every member of Top Teens of America enrolls and completes a bullying initiative. Kiyah did more than just enrolled; she took the lead in sharing that bullying comes in many different forms, from cyber-bulling to physical bullying, but she believes it’s all wrong, and it has to stop. Bullying has a real negative effect on a person’s life. She researched and shared statistics on those who are constantly bullied can be pushed to the breaking point, where they could end up hurting themselves or others. She would introduce a campaign to raise awareness to the issues of bullying. For the campaign kick-off, she would hold a rally for students to share their personal stories and experience with bullying. She would incorporate counselors and/or psychologists to serve as resources. Kiyah’s leadership service will further enhance her ability to mobilize students to be active bystanders. Her leadership as president of Student Body, Miss National Youth Achiever (NYA), Crowned in Winston-Salem, NC, Social Outreach Society, Member-at-Large, Student Council, Best Buddies, basketball, cheerleading and Drama Club, to name a few, have strengthened Kiyah’s self-confidence, which enables her to stand up and stand against a wrong. She will be an active bystander who will do far more than just watch. She will: mobilize the compassion of witnesses to step in and stop the bullying, support the target and reduce the trauma, be a positive influence in curbing a bullying episode, encourage other students to support a school climate of caring and report a bullying incident since 85% of bullying occurs when an adult is not present. Kiyah Kianah should be your prime candidate for the “Be Strong Student State Representative Program for the State of Texas.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Courtney R.
“When you start to change the way you look at things, the things you look at will start to change.”
-Courtney
Why Courtney Was Nominated:
Courtney is an amazing young lady who cares about everyone. She has a truly amazing heart. She is in our Future Teacher Program, and wants to help change lives! She would be a great representative for our school, and to help us help everyone who walks thru the doors of Sachse High School.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Aidan C.
“Even a small gesture, like a smile or a “hello,” can make a difference in someone’s day. So, I ask you, do you have what it takes to Be Strong in your community?”
-Aidan
Why Aidan was Nominated:
I have the privilege of nominating Aidan to this amazing program. He is a young man who truly empathizes with the struggles that others face – whether child or adult. Due to his personality and character, he wishes to always include everyone, listens to all sides of a story before making up his mind, and supports those people who are struggling most with whatever they happen to be facing. He is considered the “therapist” of his friend group. Aidan has felt that he is deeply connected to the student body and peers; however, he has not found his niche in the current extra-curricular environment. After discussing this issue with his father, I believe that Aidan would be the perfect candidate to nominate for your program – he is empathetic, kind to others, loves to communicate and interact with new people, and doesn’t always follow the mainstream thinking. Aidan would be an unequivocal addition to your program.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Farrah G.
“I am inspired to help others find their voice and be able to come out of their shell to do great things.”
-Farrah
Why Farrah was Nominated:
Farrah is one of the most dedicated, selfless, and positive students I know. She advocates for positive change within her community as the President of Juniorettes and takes on multiple responsibilities in her position as historian within the student council, always getting the job done with a smile on her face. When I watched #wedinetogether on the national news, the first person I thought to nominate was Farrah because of her relationship with the student body, disposition and dedication I have seen time and time again. When I told her about the program, she was so thankful that I had brought it to her because it hit close to home. It was at that point I realized that Farrah went through this exact thing of being the new kid and feeling so alone years ago. She is one of the strongest people I know, though, and came out of it as resilient as ever. I saw the joy she had in her eyes about this program, and I know that she will make this program one of her top priorities in our school this year, setting the foundation for years to come. She will be a true ambassador for the cause, and I will be right by her side along with other passionate students in our organization to make #wedinetogether come to life in our school!
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Mason R.
“I choose to be strong by helping new students in my school feel welcomed.”
-Mason
Why Mason Was Nominated:
Mason is an extremely responsible and hard working student. He is dedicated to making good choices and doing what is right. I believe Mason will be fair in his decisions and will give 100% effort in brainstorming and implementing ways to combat social issues. He is respected by his peers, has leadership qualities, and sticks to his morals. I believe he will be an awesome representative for the Marion Middle School 6th grade class We Dine Together Club!
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Hannah H.
“I choose to to Be Strong by helping others and tutoring students who are struggling.”
-Hannah
Why Hannah Was Nominated:
Hannah is an extremely responsible and hard working student. She is dedicated to making good choices and doing what is right. I believe Hannah will be fair in her decisions and will give 100% effort in brainstorming and implementing ways to combat social issues. She is respected by her peers, has leadership qualities, and sticks to her morals. I believe she will be an awesome representative for the Marion Middle School 8th grade class We Dine Together Club!
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Greyson G.
“I choose to Be Strong by being there when someone needs a friend.”
-Greyson
Why Greyson Was Nominated:
Greyson is an extremely responsible and hard working student. He is dedicated to making good choices and doing what is right. I believe Greyson will be fair in his decisions and will give 100% effort in brainstorming and implementing ways to combat social issues. He is respected by his peers, has leadership qualities, and sticks to his morals. I believe he will be an awesome representative for the Marion Middle School 7th grade class We Dine Together Club!
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Zoi A.
“I feel like I can make a difference by helping and loving others.”
-Zoi
Why Zoi Was Nominated:
Zoi is a caring student who always considers other peoples’ thoughts and feelings. She is a leader, respectful, and very intelligent.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Savannah G.
“I choose to Be Strong in my community by having integrity and bring people together for positive purposes.”
– Savannah
Why Savannah Was Nominated:
Savannah is a part of the organization I sponsor, student council. In the past few years, she has held a top leadership role because of her dedication and drive, and this year, she is the cheer captain, as well, of her cheerleading squad. She is a kind hearted individual who is loved by many. This year, she is still a major part of student council but wanted to take an active role as president of the we dine together organization because of her passion for truly helping others. Since our new school was built, we have had a major increase in school size where we have many new students that she wants to make sure fit in. She loves everything this organization stands for and will do anything to make things happen so that the culture of the high school thrives throughout the school year.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Matthew V.
“I choose to Be Strong in my community by being a great leader and showing my peers what’s right all the time.”
– Matthew
Why Matthew Was Nominated:
Matthew will be an amazing we dine together ambassador because so many people look up to him as a positive role model. He will definitely lead others to be there for those in the lunch room that have a hard time fitting in which is imperative for this movement. He is my financial officer for student council and will an excellent vice president of the we dine together club.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Anaya P.
“My name’s Anaya and I’m different. People are going to have to get use to that- you’re weird, you’re different. I want to bring my awareness by joining the Be Strong family.”
– Anaya
Why Anaya Was Nominated:
Anaya and other members of her family are little people. She is typically optimistic and outgoing, but she has been a target. She doubts herself sometimes and her talents, but when she watched the Be Strong Live Event, she was inspired and requested to be nominated. I think that she can help give other people on campus a sense of belonging and purpose.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Matthew M.
“When I was in the third grade I was being bullied by people who would ignore me and call me names like “you’re loser” and “you suck” and that made me depressed. When I was 9 years old, I became a type one diabetic. When I saw the Be Strong LIVE, I knew this would help me.”
– Matthew
Why Matthew Was Nominated:
Matthew has suffered from depression and juvenile diabetes from a young age. He has been a target of bullying since elementary school. He is kind, hardworking and respectful to everyone he encounters. When we attended Be Strong LIVE he sounded inspired and even said “This is curing my depression” I think being involved in this program will give him a sense of purpose and strength.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Jack M.
“I choose to Be Strong in my school and community by making sure everyone is treated great. There are so many reasons why you matter and your are great.”
– Jack
Why Jack Was Nominated:
Jack Martin is passionate about equality, kindness, integrity, and being a leader. Jack is the first to reach out to a student that is down or being picked on. He makes his peers feel important and sets the example for others to be kind to these students. Jack has a very special gift of making others feel loved, valued, and important; Especially those that may not feel that way often. He treats others the way he wants to be treated and speaks very openly about his stance on treating everyone equally. In his student council representative speech, he spoke these words of wisdom… “I don’t want to make it all about me. I want to make it about your ideas too, because yours really matter. I want to make sure all of you can be happy. ” That is a wonderful description of Jack’s heart and drive. He has the best interest of others in mind, always. Inclusion is everything to Jack.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Maddison W.
“In a world where social media is widely accessible to everyone, by the click of a button you can open an app and change someone’s life. Personally I’ve seen bullying over social media and originally there wasn’t much I could do, but Be Strong has given me the opportunity to stand up for the people who feel as though they have no voice and make a large enough impact to empower and encourage them to speak up.”
– Maddison
Why Maddison Was Nominated:
She is an excellent student who is involved in many ways. Maddison began a crotchet club at her high school, served as Freshman class president and has proven to be a leader. She also volunteered at a shelter during Christmas providing gifts and dinners for those who were less fortunate. Maddison is also apart of Spanish National Honor Society at her high school and is a member of one of the top 20 debate teams in the state of Texas.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Kylie K.
“I choose to Be Strong by showing kindness, respect and patience towards others. I share these characteristics by making sure that everyone feels included and picking them up when they feel down.”
– Kylie
Why Kylie Was Nominated:
Kylie is a GREAT leader in our school. She is so kind, trustworthy, responsible, loving, and hard-working. Watching her spread the love and joy among her 6th-grade peers has been so touching. I could not think of better leader to join Be Strong!
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Alivia G.
“I choose to Be Strong because I don’t think it’s fair that people get judged by their gender, looks, race or weight. I’m here to make sure that no one gets treated better than anyone else and no one feels like they don’t belong and no one feels left out.”
– Alivia
Why Alivia Was Nominated:
Alivia is an awesome leader. She is strong in her beliefs and is a great speaker. She leads her classmates to dig deep into their beliefs and become greater people. Alivia is so kind and full of love and happiness. Thank you for considering Alivia as a Be Strong leader.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Jackson P.
“I want to prevent bullying at my school because I don’t like seeing people being mistreated or disrespected. I’m hoping that everyone who will move here will feel welcomed and safe.”
– Jackson
Why Jackson Was Nominated:
This student has come so far since last year, he is a true leader. He always makes sure that other students are included and feel heard in group work. He is patient and helpful with students that need help. He works great with others; he’s great at admitting when he’s wrong or someone else’s opinion might be better than his. Anytime there is a case of a student being mistreated, he comes to me and lets me know what he saw – even if it gets him in trouble too. He is a good friend but also understands when people need their space. I believe he would be a great student leader.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Jaci H.
“I choose to Be Strong in my school and community by helping kids that get picked on or bullied. I know kids can be mean sometimes but that doesn’t mean that we should stay mad at them. I want everyone to feel welcome and I will always be a friend to anyone that needs one.”
– Jaci
Why Jaci Was Nominated:
There was a day in my science lab this year when we finished early & I allowed the students to read or draw. A student drew a picture that was not pretty and took it to this student, who is beautiful, and told her this was her in the future. She took the picture, looked at it and then brought it to me and told me what happened. She also told me that she wasn’t mad at him for doing that, but if he was to do that to the wrong person that they would get their feelings hurt. I took the student that drew the picture to the hall to speak to him and then he went back in the lab and apologized to her. She simply said, “It’s okay, I’m not mad at you.” She never faltered and completely understood that some students don’t realize how cruel they are to others.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Lucky C.
“Choosing to Be Strong is important to me because having a person who can stand up for you and be there for you matters and I want to be that person.”
– Lucky
Why Lucky Was Nominated:
Lucky Cantu is my role model..and my daughter. She tackles life with great enthusiasm in all that she does. While she loves learning, dancing, acting, traveling, and reading, she seems to shine brightest when helping others. Lucky always looks at life with an optimistic and confident attitude despite any setbacks put in front of her. Her confidence and joy is infectious! She has always tried to serve in various ways through creating bags for the homeless, raising funds for foster children, and being a mentor in her school, martial arts, and acting programs. Lucky has always tried to find a way to be positive and giving, even when others were unkind to her. At school there have been times when other students would be unkind or even cruel, but Lucky kept her chin up and made a choice not to be that way in return. She has always stood up for others more than herself. When she and Miranda became friends, I saw a fire light up in Lucky about looking out for others. While she had always been deeply empathetic, her awareness of how others were being treated increased a million fold. Lucky has been able to see how Miranda is sometimes treated by others at school and often steps in to make sure Miranda feels involved and supported. Rather than being Miranda’s voice, Lucky and Miranda have become one voice as they did for their project at the State Capitol to promote Cerebral Palsy awareness. Their friendship is amazing to see, because each one of them brings a strength and beauty that makes it work. They stand up for one another and are each other’s best advocates and cheerleaders. Their friendship has been the most rewarding that Lucky has ever had, and the way that they understand and help one another is even more powerful. They travel together, participate in the CASA Superhero Run, do community project, and always find ways to lift one another and those around them. Being Be Strong leaders together is one more way that they can spend time together while doing good for others!
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Haleigh A.
“From that moment, I knew I could make a difference in someone’s life by just sitting down and talking to them.”
– Haleigh
Why Haleigh Was Nominated:
Haleigh was the student on the swim team that was always her own self and did her own thing. I asked her to step out of her comfort zone and come and volunteer with Special Olympics. She fell in love with helping and organizing events for us. She became the best advocate for inclusion on campus. She created several different campaigns and committees on campus to fight for the sped students to be equal and able to do as much as all the other students. She organized the first kickball Unified team and they played in a school tournament, she has hosted cheering sections at different sporting events. She has kept engaged and motivated to continue to serve others all while being on the swim team and being accepted into the nursing program at our high school. She is dedicated to her family and doing great things for them, she is a stand out student and her grades are stellar. She was recognized with several awards on the swim team as being a leader and a trend setter for equality and inclusion for all. She is brave in the face of adversity. She has had a few set backs of her own, one requiring knee surgery last year, I reached out and offered her to continue to contribute online while she was at home; and boy did she ever take on that role with confidence. She started reading all about Special Olympics and the programming offered and was reaching out to me to do more and sponsor more at school. She has taught me more than I will ever be able to teach her. She is a true inspiration.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Ava S.
“I choose to Be Strong by being strong for others ‘cause sometimes you need someone around you to Be Strong so that you feel strong as well.”
– Ava
Why Ava Was Nominated:
Ava is one of the most pleasant young people you will meet as she is polite, courteous, well mannered and well spoken. She is oldest of 3 but had a tough younger life. She shows great care for her siblings and her family showing it constantly. She is a straight A student, plays the flute in marching band and is active in church youth activities. Whether with adults, peers or younger kids she is always thoughtful, polite, and leads by good example.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
Download the Be Strong App to Connect with Local Resources
Help Us Understand Bullying in Your State
Want to Become A State Representative?
Current Student Resources
Feeling Lost: 9 Ways to Cope When You Feel Lost
Feeling lost is something that every person will likely experience at some point. Remember not to blame yourself and that there are ways you can cope.
Seven Ways to Find Your Purpose in Life
Having a meaningful, long-term goal is good for your well-being. Here’s how to find one.
How Kindness Spreads in a Community
Researchers call the warm feeling we get when we see generosity “moral elevation.” It not only feels good but inspires us to want to do good ourselves.