Student of the Year - Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce

Student of the Year presented by The First National Bank of Central Texas, Walk-On's and HEB Woodway

Since 2016, the Greater Hewitt Chamber has partnered with Midway ISD to choose one student at each campus to be recognized as the Student of the Year. The campus faculty has selected past winners for their kindness, leadership, compassion, academic achievements, community involvement and extracurricular activities.

Congratulations to our Students of the Year! Be sure to scroll to stay tuned for 2025 pictures and video shot by Hip Pixel Media.

Presenting Sponsorship $1000 – Sold to The First National Bank of Central Texas, Walk-On’s & HEB Woodway

Attend and participate with presentation of trophies all winners at Midway ISD campuses in February

Name recognition on trophies
1 Radio Interview
Logo recognition in Hewitt Express magazine
Recognition in e-bulletin, e-blast, recognition video posted to Chamber’s social media & website
Include a prize in each of the 11 goodie bags (optional)

Prizes Sponsor $550 – limited to 3 (sold to Hewitt Kids Dental, 2 remaining, 1 pending to McLennan Community College)

Name recognition on all trophies
Name recognition in Hewitt Express magazine
Recognition in e-bulletin, e-blast, recognition video posted to Chamber’s social media & website
Include a prize in each of the 11 goodie bags

Supporting Sponsorship $220 – limited to 4

Name recognition in Hewitt Express magazine
Recognition in e-bulletin, e-blast, recognition video posted to Chamber’s social media & website

Madison Thomas, Woodway Elementary

Maddie Thomas is the daughter of Mike and Mandi Thomas of Woodway. Along with winning the Student of the Year Award, Maddie is a part of the big sister/foster sister program, Woodway mentors, and purposeful panthers. She is also a pivotal member of multiple UIL Teams, including ready writing and maps, graphs and charts. Outside of school, Maddie attends Kids Foundation classes, Joys School of Dance, is a member of Highland Baptist Church, and a junior in Girl Scouts.

chapel park soty

Will Prall, Chapel Park Elementary

Will Prall is the son of Nathan and Jennifer Prall of Mcgregor. At school, Will is a part of many activities including Library Helpers, Gifted and Talented, Safety Patrol, UIL, is a member of the Lighthouse Leadership Team, and an enthusiastic Gingerbread Dream Volunteer. In his free time, he volunteers with Shepherd's Heart Food Pantry, Midway LIttle League, and works with the Midway Youth Sports Association. Will is also a member at Harris Creek Baptist Church. He is planning on majoring in history and political science.

Esther Kim, Midway High School

Esther Kim is the daughter of Seung Kim and Young Lee of Waco. Alongside her perfect ACT score, she has received a Congressional Award Bronze Certificate, is a two-time TMEA All-State Orchestra Member, National Spanish Exam Silver Medalist, and an AP Scholar with Distinction. In school, Esther is the Student Council Senior President, NHS President, is a member of the UIL Science Team, UIL Calculator Team and the MHS Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster. She is also a coauthor of an SPIE Manuscript titled “Non-invasive respiratory rate detection using thermal imaging and facial recognition.” Furthermore, Esther is the Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra Concertmaster and an avid member of the worship team at The Lord’s Church of Waco. Following her time at Midway Esther plans to major in chemical engineering.

Elizabeth Iannuccilli, Midway Middle School

Elizabeth Iannuccilli, daughter of Sarah Van Raalte and Anthony Iannuccilli of Hewitt, is a dedicated student, athlete, and servant-hearted leader. A two-year member of Panther Choral, she has earned recognition for All-Region Choir, the National Junior Honor Society, and the All-A Honor Roll. Elizabeth serves as a student representative for the MMS Council, participates in PALS, and takes all honors classes. She is also a member of the Volleyball and Track teams. Outside of school, she has been part of the Waco Junior Volleyball Club for three years and on the Trampoline & Tumbling at Texas Dynasty Athlete for two years. Her heart for service is evident in everything she does. An active member of First Baptist Woodway, Elizabeth finds joy in serving others through VBS, mission trips, and Acteens, a discipleship group for teenage girls. She is passionate about using her talents to help others and strives to serve Christ in all that she does.

andrea colon, Hewitt Elementary

Andrea Colon, daughter of Andrea and Gamalier Colon of Hewitt, is known for her responsibility, empathy, and honesty. She is an active member of the Student Council and the Garden Club (Keep Hewitt Beautiful) at Hewitt Elementary, where she takes pride in contributing to her school and community. Andrea’s passion for helping others extends beyond school. Last year, she volunteered to set up the pumpkin patch at Central Christian in Waco, reflecting her dedication to service and making a positive impact.

Keeth Shebley-Jonard, Castleman Creek Elementary

Keeth Shebley-Jonard, a fifth-grader at Castleman Creek Elementary in Midway ISD, is the son of Scott and Summer Shebley-Jonard. An accomplished and curious student, Keeth excels academically while pursuing his passions in Jiu-Jitsu and archery, often practicing with his dad. Active in his school and community, Keeth participates in the gardening club, volunteers with the school’s Hunger-Free Program, and is engaged with his church youth group. He is admired as a role model among his peers, known for his willingness to help others. Keeth aspires to attend Baylor University for his undergraduate studies, followed by Baylor School of Dentistry, with the goal of becoming a dentist.

garrison strickland, Speegleville Elementary

Garrison Strickland is the son of Garrett and Gabby Strickland of Woodway. Along with earning a place on the A honor roll, Garrison participates in Gifted and Talented (GT) programs, serves on the Safety Patrol, and is an active member of the Library League. He also contributes to the UIL Number Sense team. Outside of school, Garrison enjoys playing soccer, reading, and spending quality time playing board games with family and friends.

JUSTUS CLINE, South Bosque Elementary

Justus was born in Ethiopia and moved to Texas when he was 8 months old. He moved to France when he was two and started school in the French system at three. When he moved back to the United States at six, he was fluent in French and English and was a "well behaved French student". He started school in the U.S. in Rockwall, Texas, and moved to South Bosque Elementary before second grade. He enjoys playing basketball and pickleball and "chillin" at the house with his dad. He is an outgoing and caring student that enjoys learning and interacting with others.

DAVIS RUTHERFORD, River Valley Middle School

Davis Rutherford, son of Way and Amy Rutherford of Woodway, is a dedicated student and athlete, earning recognition on the academic honor roll. During his time at River Valley, Davis has been an integral part of several highly competitive and successful teams, including cross country, basketball, track, soccer, and FFA. In addition to his athletic involvement, he plays the trumpet in the River Valley Wind Ensemble. Outside of school, Davis and his family are active members of Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

JADEN DUONG, Park Hill Elementary

Jaden Duong, son of Tracy and Hoan Duong of Hewitt, is a dedicated and engaged student leader. As a member of the Principal’s Cabinet, he actively participates in school activities, supports classmates facing challenges, and mentors younger students in various ways. Jaden is always seeking opportunities to enhance the learning environment and volunteers for a variety of tasks. Beyond school, he demonstrates his commitment to the community by picking up trash around the neighborhood, contributing to a cleaner and better environment.