News

Service is an essential part of the Distinguished Scholars Program, reminding us that leadership begins with a willingness to serve. This year, our DSP 9–12 scholars partnered with Inspiration Ranch in Magnolia, TX, an organization that provides equine-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and adults with physical, emotional, and social challenges.

Students spent the day completing a major facilities project by painting fencing that will extend its lifespan by 5 to 10 years, while also learning about the Ranch’s unique equine-assisted psychotherapy and therapeutic riding programs. The staff expressed deep gratitude for the scholars’ hard work, and many students returned eager to find more ways to serve after experiencing the impact of their efforts firsthand.

Houston Christian High School proudly launched the newest tradition of the Distinguished Scholars Program: the Legacy Challenge.

At the program’s first luncheon of the year, each student was placed into a Legacy, a leadership-centered community they will belong to for the duration of their time in the program. Rooted in the Five Pillars of Leadership promoted by the Bush Center for Scholars and Leaders—Character, Communication, Competency, Compassion, and Courage—these Legacies establish a framework for growth, belonging, and purpose-driven leadership.

Throughout the year, students will engage in collaborative challenges and meaningful experiences that cultivate character, strengthen communication, and inspire courage. We are grateful for opportunities that enrich our students’ educational journey and celebrate the traditions that prepare them to lead with purpose and conviction.

Houston Christian High School was privileged to welcome Alice Yates, Chief Executive Officer of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation, to our campus.

Ms. Yates conducted a comprehensive tour of The Bush Center and engaged with student groups to discuss the Center's specialized programming and signature events.

We deeply value our enduring partnership with the Foundation and anticipate continued collaboration on meaningful initiatives that honor the Bush legacy and enrich our educational mission.

Houston Christian High School was honored to host Colonel Shane Kimbrough, NASA Astronaut, for our Distinguished Leader Speaker Series assembly presentation. Through the initiative of one of our sophomores, who approached Colonel Kimbrough at an Astros game with an invitation to address our student body, we secured this exceptional educational opportunity.

Colonel Kimbrough shared compelling accounts from his distinguished career, including his recent tenure as Commander of the SpaceX Crew-2 mission, during which he spent 199 days aboard the International Space Station.

We are grateful for the community connections that enrich our educational experience and commend our students who demonstrate the leadership and initiative to pursue meaningful opportunities for themselves and their peers.

Houston Christian High School was honored to welcome a distinguished foreign affairs delegation from Taiwan, comprising eight exceptional high school students and five esteemed representatives from Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office–Houston.

Our visiting scholars engaged in a comprehensive campus experience, including guided tours of our facilities and immersive classroom observations alongside our Bush Center Ambassadors. The day culminated in a meaningful cultural exchange over lunch, fostering connections between our student communities.

We remain deeply grateful for our enduring partnership with TECO and our broader international collaborations, which continue to enrich our educational environment and expand global perspectives for our entire school community.

This week, our incoming class of freshmen participated in our annual Passport to Lead Ceremony—a cherished tradition where our seniors welcome the newest Mustangs and inspire them to embrace leadership opportunities throughout their Houston Christian journey.

Each freshman received their official Passport to Lead T-shirt and enjoyed personal greetings from our senior class leaders. As we kick off the new school year, we're excited to watch our seniors model exceptional leadership across campus while our freshmen dive into the rich opportunities awaiting them—from clubs and fine arts to athletics and beyond.

This gathering of our entire student body was a powerful reminder of how our Mustangs are called to be leaders not just within our school community, but as positive influences in the world around them.

At Houston Christian High School and The Bush Center for Scholars & Leaders, we believe that transformative learning happens when students engage directly with industry leaders. Our commitment to experiential education equips students with the real-world skills and insights they need to shape the future.

In January 2025, during the Executive Innovation Experience event, our Distinguished Scholars had the extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with top executives to create meaningful change within our community. Guided by Maria Oden from Rice University OEDK and Kim Krieger, VP of Logistics at BP, students engaged in a dynamic design thinking process to address future campus growth. Working alongside their executive partners, they identified key opportunities, developed strategic solutions, and refined their ideas through iteration. Ultimately, the teams presented their visionary proposals to the Houston Christian Leadership Team, with two winning groups earning the prestigious opportunity to present to the HC Board of Trustees.

This immersive experience would not have been possible without the generous support and dedication of our executive mentors. Their investment of time and expertise provided students with invaluable learning, leadership, and networking opportunities. In return, the executives left inspired by the intelligence, creativity, and enthusiasm of the next generation of leaders.

Here’s what some of our executive mentors had to say:

“The students did such a great job, and I hope they continue turning their proposals into action. I know the board will be excited to see the impact of this workshop. I left invigorated—my organization even noticed the energy I brought back with me!”

“What an incredible experience! Maria and Kim did a fantastic job leading us through a productive and insightful session. The students were phenomenal—well-mannered, eager to learn, highly engaged, and incredibly intelligent. I walked away with a renewed sense of optimism about the future of leadership.”

“It was an amazing day. The students truly impressed me, and I was honored to be part of their journey.”

Together, we are shaping the future.