LEAD Public Schools

At LEAD Public Schools, our students are more than data points, they are the heart of our community. Every day, they demonstrate what It means to be a LEADer through perseverance, growth, and leadership both inside and outside the classroom. The following stories spotlight students who embody LEAD’s pillars, reflecting not only academic progress, but the confidence, resilience, and character they continue to build.

Amya Esmond – Not Letting a Late Start Become a Limitation

Amya Esmond, an eighth grade student at LEAD Southeast Middle School, joined the LEAD family in 7th grade. When Amya joined LEAD, she had a clear goal in mind: achieve high enough scores to be able to take Algebra I as an eighth grader. However, she came to the school late in the year, and had to begin state testing right away, with virtually no time to adjust to the new school. 

“I had to rush my TCAP and finish it in less than a day or two,” Amya recalled. Although her score fell just below the benchmark, Amya didn’t let this stop her. Her drive and determination earned her the opportunity to enroll in Algebra I as an 8th grader, where she has since excelled, earning proficiency in IA1. 

Amya also excels outside of the classroom and has jumped into the community at LEAD Southeast by being a leader of the school’s volleyball team. 

“Being a leader on the volleyball team taught me to be a leader in class and gave me the confidence to speak up even more often than I already do,” she adds. Amya’s determination and resilience is proof that being new to a school or coming in mid way through the year doesn’t have to limit your experience.

Esby Villeda – A Score Built on Support

Esby Villeda, a 12th grader at LEAD Academy High School, has shown tremendous growth on what might be the most vital test a student can take in their academic career: the ACT. On his most recent practice test, Esby earned a score that placed him in the LAHS 21+ Club, a milestone that highlights his academic progress and dedication as he works toward reaching that same benchmark on the official exam.

For Esby, the supportive, community-centered environment at LEAD has played a meaningful role in his success.

“With the teachers I’ve been able to talk about my future and my plans for after high school and during high school,” he says, reflecting on the support he’s received. “It’s easy to build a community and build connections with students and teachers alike.”

Beyond his academic success, Esby continues to make a meaningful impact within the school community. This year, he was inducted as a LEAD Academy High School Student Ambassador, a role reserved for students that exemplify character, responsibility, and leadership.

Raul (Francisco) Torres – Showing Resilience in Reading

Raul (Francisco) Torres, a senior at LEAD Southeast High School, has been a LEAD student since fifth grade. When he began at LEAD, Raul faced an academic language barrier and struggled with reading and writing fluently in academic English. Because of his hard work and dedication over the years, he has grown significantly and is on track to graduate with mastery of all of his proficiency goals. Raul credits a lot of his growth to the supportive teachers and staff at LEAD. 

“Since I’ve been at LEAD there’s always been a teacher supporting me every year,” Raul shares, “There’s a lot of support here, any English teacher will support you and encourage you to keep going [even if you are struggling with reading.].” 

Outside of the classroom, Raul is known for his charisma and kindness. He has become a leader both in the classroom and on the soccer field. A standout athlete, he continues to embody teamwork and character, supporting his teammates even when faced with an injury that forced him to sit out. 

Timothy Cooper – Building Confidence Through Growth

Tim began his journey with LEAD in fifth grade, where he began at LEAD Brick Church and lacked proficiency on testing, Now, after four years of being a LEADer, Tim is a member of the basketball team, a student ambassador, and is showing proficiency in multiple subjects at LEAD Neely’s Bend. His continued growth and dedication has earned him a place in the school’s accelerated cohort. 

In addition to excelling academically, Tim is growing to be a strong leader both in the classroom and in life. 

“Being here at LEAD Neely’s Bend builds confidence. Our whole name is being a leader and being a leader means a lot, not only to me, but to the adults [and students] in the building as well,” Tim adds. “Especially in the world we’re living in now, because leading leads to change.”

Erick Morales-Gomez – Excelling to New Heights

Erick Morales-Gomez, an eighth grader at LEAD Cameron, has demonstrated strong academic performance across subjects. His success is reflected through consistent classroom achievement and a quarterly report card marked by mostly A’s. Erick continues to challenge himself through advanced coursework, including taking Algebra I as an eighth grader.

He attributes his progress to the high expectations and support systems at Cameron.

“LEAD Cameron pushes us a lot and reminds us that the things we’re doing now are going to help us later down the line,” Erick reflects. “Even if they’re minor skills like writing things in your agenda, these skills are going to be helpful later in life for me to be successful.”

Beyond academics, Erick is known as a student who builds community and practices discipline, qualities that mirror Cameron’s focus on preparing students for long-term success.