Granting Greatness
The Hutto Education Foundation (HEF) continues to champion student innovation and leadership with its Student IMPACT Grants, an initiative designed to empower young leaders to create meaningful change. This past December, HEF awarded eight grants across the District, totaling $4,650, with projects spanning diverse topics and inspiring outcomes. These grants not only enhance the educational experience for students but also provide an opportunity to foster leadership and build skills that will carry students well into their futures.
Among the grant recipients, eighth-grade FCCLA members Charlie Heras and Alicia Lopez from Hutto Middle School exemplify the transformative power of student-driven projects. Their initiative, “Mind Over Matter,” was inspired by Charlie’s late father, Marcos Heras, who passed away in 2021. Motivated by his father’s resilience and hard work, Charlie wanted to create something meaningful that could offer support and comfort to individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Alicia joined the effort after hearing Charlie’s vision, knowing how much the project meant to him. Together, they decided to create chemo care packages and launched a series of fundraisers to support their mission.
The students raised over $1,000 through creative initiatives like a silent auction held at North Creek Apartments. The auction featured service-based donations like lawn mowing and house painting, as well as unique items like teacher gift baskets and even a Botox treatment valued at $600. The funds, combined with their $500 grant, will be used to assemble more than 100 care packages filled with thoughtful items such as anti-nausea wristbands, compression socks, crocheted beanies, and other essentials to ease the burden of cancer treatment. FCCLA members and the community can also participate by writing notes of encouragement to include in the packages.
Want to support this heartfelt project? Donations to the chemo care packages can be made through RevTrak. Every contribution helps bring comfort and care to those undergoing treatment.
What sets the Student IMPACT Grants apart is the emphasis on student leadership. Each project must be driven by students, with faculty sponsors offering guidance and support. This structure ensures that students like Charlie and Alicia not only learn critical skills such as communication, organization, and teamwork but also inspire others to step up and make a difference. Their faculty sponsor, Erin Pustejovsky, shared how their work has motivated younger students to consider joining FCCLA and taking on their own service-learning projects, saying:
“Charlie and Alicia are incredible. Their initiative and dedication are inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.”
The grants also highlight the ripple effect of service-driven initiatives. As Charlie and Alicia's project gained traction, local businesses and community members rallied behind their efforts, offering donations and spreading awareness about their mission. This collaboration underscores the vital role of HEF in connecting resources, people, and purpose to make a lasting impact.
Across Hutto ISD, Student IMPACT Grants are sparking creativity and empowering students to tackle challenges both big and small. From enhancing mental health resources to supporting sustainability efforts, the diversity of these projects reflects the innovative and thoughtful spirit of Hippo Nation. Like ripples that grow into waves, these initiatives are enriching classrooms, campuses, and the wider community, proving that even the smallest acts of leadership and compassion can create a lasting impact.
For Charlie and Alicia, the journey has been deeply personal and transformative. Charlie hopes their project inspires others to recognize and respond to the needs of those around them. Alicia shared that the experience has changed how she sees the world, showing her that even small contributions can have a meaningful impact. Both students are eager to see their care packages bring comfort to patients, and they’re already brainstorming ways to continue their work in the future.
Student Impact Grants: Empowering Innovation
A Student IMPACT Grant is an incredible opportunity to foster leadership, inspire creativity, and create meaningful change across Hutto ISD. These grants emphasize student-led initiatives, requiring applicants to take an active role in planning and executing projects that enhance their classrooms, campuses, or the broader community.
Each grant is designed to showcase future leaders in action, with faculty sponsors providing guidance while the students drive the vision and impact.
Want to support these innovative programs?
Join the Hutto Education Foundation by making a recurring monthly donation and help fund the futures of Hutto ISD students and teachers. Together, we are empowering innovation and maximizing educational opportunities in our schools.
Support HEF and make a donation.
Let’s continue to make a meaningful impact in Hippo Nation—together!