Local Parent Mayra Quevedo Named 2026 SBOE District 5 Heroes for Children Awardee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUSTIN, Texas — Parent volunteer at Harmony School of Excellence Mayra Quevedo has been selected to receive the prestigious 2026 Heroes for Children Award representing State Board of Education (SBOE) District 5. Quevedo was nominated by Jennifer Gomez, an employee at Harmony School of Excellence, in recognition of her exceptional dedication to enriching the lives of local students and school families.

The Heroes for Children Award recognizes volunteers who provide outstanding service, invaluable support, and selfless dedication to public school students across Texas. Over the past year, Quevedo has served as an indispensable presence in her school community through her active involvement in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and various school-wide events.

Known for her reliability and willingness to step into any role, Quevedo consistently manages both visible and behind-the-scenes tasks, from event setup and cleanup to community outreach. Among her notable contributions was preparing homemade tamales for a winter festival, sharing her culture and traditions to help foster an inclusive, welcoming environment for all students and families.

"Mayra Quevedo embodies the qualities we wish to celebrate: compassion, generosity, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to supporting the children and families in our school community," stated her nomination essay.

Quevedo will be formally recognized alongside 14 other award recipients statewide during the SBOE general meeting on Sept. 4, 2026, at the Barbara Jordan Building in Austin. SBOE Member Rebecca Bell-Metereau, representing District 5, will present the award during a resolution reading ceremony following an 8:15 a.m. photo session.

The State Board of Education established the Heroes for Children Award to honor citizens who volunteer their time and effort to improve public education in Texas

About Harmony
Harmony Public Schools-Central Texas blends the highest standards and expectations with a rigorous, math- and science-centered STEM curriculum and dedicated, engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers, and life. At Harmony Public Schools-Central Texas, we believe every child can succeed, and we are committed to helping them realize their full potential. There are nine campuses in the Austin Metroplex: Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander, and Pflugerville. We have open enrollment for students and career openings for school professionals.