The Allen ISD Board of Trustees recently recognized students, staff, and community members at their board meeting held on June 2, 2025. Honorees included state-level student competitors, award-winning artists, student journalists, and a retiring Board Trustee.
Allen HS Artists Recognized in Congressional Art Competition
The board recognized six Allen High School student artists who were honored in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition, a national contest sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives. Katie Zhou earned first place in Texas’ Third Congressional District with her piece "Nurtured by Time," which will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Additional recognized students included:
Garrett Zlatar, "The Stain of War"
Mina Horvath, "Hey Little Man"
Aasrita Gonaboyina, "Hope in the Wilderness"
Caleb Angell, "Hope Shines in the Dark"
Andrew Obermeyer, "Russian Grey"
Allen Track Athletes Excel at State Meet
The board recognized Allen High School track athletes for their outstanding performances at the UIL 6A State Track and Field Championships in Austin. Students achieving notable finishes included:
Girls
Jayda Johnson, Mikyah McDonald, MacKenzie Giles, and Laila Greer, alternate Aaniyah Conley: 4th place in the 4x200-meter relay
Sydney Smith: 7th place, 100-meter hurdles
Karis Nartey: 5th place, triple jump
Boys
Julius Baker: 3rd place, 110-meter hurdles
Jonathan Simms: 6th place, 400 meters
Tennis Doubles Team Qualifies for State
The board recognized Allen High School athletes Jaelyn Walker and Savanna Cragg for advancing to the Girls Doubles Semifinals at the UIL State Tennis Tournament. The pair qualified for the state tournament by finishing as Girls Doubles Regional Runners-Up.
Animation Students Earn Top State Awards
The board recognized Allen High School animation students for earning top honors at the UIL State Film Festival. Their work demonstrated excellence in storytelling and animation:
"Beetle Days" by Efy Bryce, Jamie Boyce, Spencer Boyce, Raissa Dourado Viana, Luke Oliver Martinez, Logan Reed, and Mia Ponce De Leon — 1st place
"Ghost Town" by Olivia Noh, Ashley Nguyen, Katie Le, and Isabella Goh — 2nd place
"Upswing" by Araceli Thompson, Brianna Gomez, Raissa Dourado Viana, Jamie Boyce, Andrew Bright, Kenneth Tieu, and Katie Le — 6th place
Student Journalists and Broadcasters Win UIL Awards
The board recognized several Allen High School journalism and broadcast students for their success at the UIL Press Conference Spring Convention. Students receiving awards included:
Aivry Lemons and Peyton Barclay: 1st place, Documentary
Charlie Cole and Aivry Lemons: 1st place, Daily Announcements
Aubrey Leeson: 3rd place, Photo Portfolio
Kate Chapman, Minowa Brown, Miron Malakvhei, and Grace Fogg: 3rd place, Special Coverage