October 13-17, 2025
Photo Credit - David Conover
Braves of the Week - CHS Volleyball Teams - October 13-17, 2025
Our Braves of the Week are the Community High School volleyball teams!
After learning that their beloved high school custodian, Abel Zumaya, did not have a car of his own, these generous Braves decided to fundraise for him. They then demonstrated wisdom by involving local businesses, including Rockwall Ford and J.R. Arey State Farm, to upgrade the donated funds into a great vehicle and include insurance. Their passion for the people around them, along with their humility of spirit, make our Lady Braves volleyball students hands-down winners of this week’s honors.
Below you can find coverage of the surprise gift by both CISD Communications and NBC 5.
Community ISD Coverage of the Surprise
NBC Nightly News
Noticias Telemundo
NBC 5 Coverage of Surprise
Telemundo 39 Coverage of Surprise
Don’t forget to nominate a Brave for next week’s honors! We reveal our winner on the Community ISD Facebook page and here on our website every Thursday at 8 a.m.
Other Brags Submitted This Week
Danay Freeman - Passionate
Nominator
Emily Joyner
Which Trait was this person exhibiting?
Passionate
Why are you nominating this person?
Danay's passion for her job and the students is absolutely incredible! When she was in Child Nutrition, she found ways to connect with the students and be involved in all the campuses. Now as a teacher in the classroom, she's continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of these students. She's not only teaching them how to be kind, generous, and responsible leaders, but she's an example of all of those things every single day. We are so blessed to have Danay at Edge Middle School!
Shannon Lefebvre - Generous
Nominator
Morgan Gruner
Which Trait was this person exhibiting?
Generous
Why are you nominating this person?
Mrs. Shannon is the biggest blessing to our life skills students at Edge. She loves them fiercely, gives endlessly, while maintaining a positive attitude at all times. She dreams big for our students and will do whatever it takes to make sure they have everything they need to be successful. She is unable to do anything half way and is the first to step up when a need arises. Not only is she a blessing to our students, but also our whole staff. She is attentive and kind, always notices when someone is down and is the first to do something to brighten their day. Everything she pours out is out of the purest love for others, not recognition, but she is so deserving!
Cash Elston - Generous
Nominator
Lindsey Hedge
Which Trait was this person exhibiting?
Generous
Why are you nominating this person?
There has been several times where the varsity football team is at elementary campus parent car drop off in the mornings. Its barely light out, and hours before they are required to be at school. Cash has stood out to my elementary student as always having a big smile on his face and seemingly happy to be serving the school, opening car doors for students, fist bumps, laughing with them and wishing them a good day. Its the small gestures like this that make such a difference in the kiddos start to their day! Thank you Cash for your positivity and willingness to demonstrate leadership and being passionate and generous.
Tiffany Shankles - Humble
Nominator
Elizabeth Jones
Which Trait was this person exhibiting?
Humble
Why are you nominating this person?
Mrs. Shankles has been an absolute blessing to my son this third grade year. By far the BEST teacher, hands down. I wish we could keep you until high school graduation! You are patient, kind, understanding, loving. You are all the things we have been needing! I literally cannot express how much relief I have sending my son to school knowing he gets to see you everyday! I hope you know how awesome you are and how much we appreciate you.
Leah James - Wise
Nominator
Rhonda Estrada
Which Trait was this person exhibiting?
Wise
Why are you nominating this person?
Leah recently saved her brother as he was choking on a piece of candy. In a split second she made a decision to perform the Heimlich Maneuver to dislodge the candy and then go for help. Through the whole incident Leah remained calm and did exactly what she had learned to do. I had the privilege of teaching Leah in 3rd grade and can say that her actions were a true reflection of who Leah is. She makes wise choices and she has the kindest soul. She is always striving to do her best and I am so proud of her.
Jorge Macias - Passionate
Nominator
Amy Romero
Which Trait was this person exhibiting?
Passionate
Why are you nominating this person?
Jorge continued to work hard even after his partner left. He is determined! He demonstrated leadership and responsibility in class.
Leighton Dooley - Generous
Nominator
Kayla Dooley
Which Trait was this person exhibiting?
Generous
Why are you nominating this person?
Leighton is eager to step up and help others who are struggling.