About

A life of international diplomacy is in the cards for Kirsten Cruz, a senior at International Leadership of Texas Windmill Lakes-Orem High School who spent most of her high school years immersing herself in foreign language.

“All countries really depend on each other to really function in the world,” said an excited Kirsten, when talking about her interest in a career in foreign affairs. “That's why international affairs really caught my eye, because you can see how something that could be taking place somewhere randomly in like the Middle East, could have a long term effect on us.”

Like every ILTexas student, Kirsten learned in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. The Houston-area senior participated in several of ILTexas’ Exceptional Learning Opportunities (ELOs), including a Chinese language summer program at the University of Mississippi. Following that, she spent several weeks putting her new skills into practice during an immersive ILTexas trip to Taiwan.

“A lot of the terminology that we were taught in Ole Miss became useful in Taiwan because the teachers were of China and Taiwan descent,” she said. “We were able to actually know how to say certain things that could become useful.”

After graduation, Kirsten will attend Oberlin College in Ohio for international relations. Her hope is to earn a graduate degree from an Ivy League school.

In addition to participating in travel opportunities with ILTexas, Kirsten is part of National Honor Society, Student Council, and our Model United Nations team. She’s also part of the Marine JROTC program at Windmill Lakes-Orem. She credits her experience in JROTC, as well as the leadership classes each student is required to take at ILTexas, for her expected success in an international relations education.

“There was an entire lesson on how to show empathy, and how to how to navigate cultural nuances and cultural differences. I think skills like that are really useful in these kinds of majors,” she said. Her favorite teacher while at ILTexas was Mr. Jacob Mexicano, who inspired her love of social studies.

One of her favorite things about her time at ILTexas is the sense of support she felt from her teachers and classmates. Kirsten said, “It really creates more of a sense of community within the campus.” She’ll continue getting that support as part of the Posse Program, an exclusive scholarship program aimed on building support systems for incoming college freshmen.

For ILTexas Keller-Saginaw senior Bergen Smith, senior year was anything but typical. Her days started before dawn, balancing a demanding mix of leadership roles, varsity sports, and flight training, all while navigating one of the toughest college admissions processes in the country: the United States Air Force Academy.

In December, long before most students heard back from their schools, Bergen got the call to offer her an official appointment at USAFA.

It was the moment when all the late nights, sacrifices, and hard work finally paid off.

Flight Found Her and So Did Purpose

Unlike many future pilots, Bergen didn’t grow up obsessed with planes. Her love for flight began at just 10 years old, while traveling across the country for volleyball tournaments. The excitement of takeoff, the buzz of the airport, and the peace of cruising above the clouds sparked something inside her.

Eventually, she realized being a passenger wasn’t enough.

Her curiosity turned into action. Bergen earned her Private Pilot’s License while still in high school and quickly began working toward her instrument rating. But she didn’t stop there; she started dreaming bigger. She began planning a future where she could serve by attending the United States Air Force Academy.

The Foundation of Leadership

JROTC played a huge role in shaping Bergen into the leader she is today.

When she first joined ILTexas’s JROTC program as a freshman, she was new to the district, with no prior experience in the program and no connections. But what started as something unfamiliar quickly became a second home, a place where she felt supported and pushed to grow. JROTC provided the structure she needed to thrive, helping her build the leadership qualities she’d always had but never fully developed.

As the Battalion Executive Officer (XO), Bergen didn’t just wear a rank, she earned it. She mentored cadets, set high standards, and held herself accountable to them. These experiences shaped her into a leader, mentor, and source of inspiration for others.

She also commanded both the primary Color Guard and Armed Regulation teams, leading them to multiple top-three finishes, including a 3rd place at Regionals, and proudly representing ILTexas at events across Texas.

“JROTC taught me how to lead with confidence, but also how to lead with care,” she said. “It pushed me in ways I didn’t think I could handle, mentally, physically, emotionally. It taught me that discipline is a choice you make every day, especially when no one’s watching.”

A First Semester Few Ever See

Applying to USAFA was like adding a full-time job on top of being a full-time student, athlete, cadet, and pilot. While most students were focused on a few essays and their transcripts, Bergen was tackling nominations from elected officials, preparing for interviews, attending nomination boards, and writing essay after essay.

“It was the hardest semester of my life,” she said. “I was writing constantly, training for the Candidate Fitness Assessment, flying, going to volleyball practice, and keeping up with school. There were times I was sick, injured, or just exhausted, but I kept showing up. Because deep down, I knew what I was fighting for.”

Despite everything, she maintained a 4.0 GPA, led multiple organizations, and volunteered over 496 hours, all while giving it her all for the application process.

“People see the appointment and think, ‘Wow, that’s cool.’ But they don’t see the blood, sweat, and tears that went into it. And that’s okay, because I do. And I’ll carry that with me forever.”

The Moment It All Became Real

When the phone rang in December, Bergen wasn’t expecting anything. She hadn’t even heard back about her nomination. But there was an offer of appointment to USAFA.

“It hit me like a wave,” she recalled. “I couldn’t believe it. I told my parents and called my mentors, coaches, and friends as soon as I could. That night, I just sat with my family and let it sink in. Every ounce of effort, every setback, every breakthrough, it all led to this moment.”

For Bergen, receiving the appointment wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was an incredible honor. “I understand how much of a privilege it is to receive an appointment to the Air Force Academy,” she said. “My family and I view those who answer the call to serve our country with the utmost respect. To now be a part of that legacy is incredibly humbling.”

She credits her parents for being her rock, offering constant support even when things seemed impossible.

“My parents have been my foundation. They’ve sacrificed so much for me, supported every crazy dream, and reminded me who I am when I doubted myself. This appointment is as much theirs as it is mine.”

A Year of Leadership in Action

Outside the classroom and cockpit, Bergen made her mark across ILTexas in countless ways. She was part of the group of students who had the honor of welcoming former astronaut Capt. Christopher Cassidy, during his visit to ILTexas Keller Saginaw High School as part of the Leadership Speaker Series, an event that left a lasting impression on students and staff alike.

Bergen also took part in a meaningful moment of school pride when Brandon Hall, a member of the Texas State Board of Education, visited the campus, and again when she helped welcome Jennifer Dailey-Perkins from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) for a special site visit. During her time at ILTexas, Dailey-Perkins toured multiple campuses, observed the Chinese Advanced Language (CAL) project in action, and met with students and staff.

Thanks to DoDEA’s support, ILTexas is expanding language learning for all students, a mission Bergen was proud to be a part of.

Onward to Colorado Springs and Beyond

Now, Bergen is looking ahead, ready for the next chapter, heading toward the U.S. Air Force Academy. She plans to grow into a pilot and leader who embodies the grit, integrity, and compassion she’s learned along the way.

“I want to be the kind of officer who makes people better, who challenges them, but also leads with compassion,” she said. “I’m not just going to survive at the Academy. I’m going to thrive. Everything I’ve done up to this point has prepared me for that.”

From a volleyball-playing little girl captivated by takeoff to a determined cadet ready to lead from the flight deck, Bergen Smith is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it’s just the beginning.

As a young woman stepping into a field where few look like her, Bergen hopes her story inspires others to pursue their passions, no matter how daunting the path may seem.

ILTexas College Station K-8 students Richard Barraza and Avril Ferrer were selected as National Math Stars, a program that chooses mathematically extraordinary students early in their education to help "overcome barriers to reaching the frontiers of math and science."

The program includes math mentorship, family advising, community gatherings, and funding over 10 years. Each student will receive $100,000 in math resources.

Richard's family said, when asked about the program, "Math is so much more than solving problems and National Math Stars knows that some students have unlimited potential if given the right tools and opportunities. It is a great program that will help Richard for the next 10 years to nurture his desire to learn with advanced Math classes, a yearly budget to use on resources like STEM kits, books and enrichment programs and a fully funded Summer Math Camp experience where he will have the opportunity to connect with other students that have the same love for Math. We are beyond excited for all the opportunities that this program has to offer and can't wait to see the positive impact this will have on our son."

He also added, "Our experience so far has been nothing but extraordinary, from our family advisor, Math mentor and an incredible team that go above and beyond for every star. We are very thankful for Mrs. Krueger at ILTexas for introducing us to this amazing program."

Congratulations Richard and Avril!