January 19, 2022 - A Smithson Valley High School senior was named this year’s KENS 5 All Star Student representing the Comal Independent School District.
Chosen for his resilience, work ethic and positive attitude, Tytus Gonzalez was surprised when his high school Counselor Ayanna Bush pulled him out of class for the presentation. As they walked to the front of the school where fellow thespians, the dance team and ROTC cadets were waiting for him, he could hear the SVHS drumline playing, and Bush told him they were playing for him.
“I was overwhelmed with happiness,” he says when he was given the All Star Student award in front of his friends, teachers and family.
KENS 5 and the UPS Store present the All Star Student award to local students who excel not only in the classroom but who also exhibit leadership qualities through community service and extra-curricular activities exemplifying teamwork and integrity.
The Comal ISD KENS 5 All Star Student segment.
Gonzalez, who maintains an A-average while enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, truly excels in all that he does, and he does a lot, both in school and in the community while also helping out at home.
“Tytus is a student who has suffered adversity while in high school,” Bush says, “but he has used that hardship to strengthen his dedication to being a better student and community member.”
As a freshman at SVHS, Gonzalez’ father passed away and just a year ago, his grandfather passed away. He is the first to say that it isn’t easy to keep going after such loss, but he maintains a positive attitude by helping others, being involved in school activities, and knowing that he is making his father and grandfather proud.
“Every obstacle has really helped me,” he says. “I haven’t let myself get discouraged, and I do it all to honor my father’s memory.”
Gonzalez keeps busy at school as a member of the theater program, Student Council, and UIL academic competitions. He also is very involved in community service, volunteering at his church, the Humane Society, St. PJ’s Children’s Orphan Home and more. He does all this while working part-time.
“Tytus always handles himself in the most respectful and dignified way even during hard times,” says SVHS Theater Director Casey O’Bryant. “On a daily basis, he is positive, fun to be around and a huge contributor to the theater program.”
His dedication, involvement and strong desire to succeed garnered him several honors including being selected to five high school productions; participation in the Texas Boys State summer leadership program sponsored by the American Legion; and being chosen as a 2021 Bank of America Student Leader. He was one of four selected from the 320 San Antonio area students who applied for the program which included an eight-week internship with Communities in Schools San Antonio, a local nonprofit organization.
Gonzalez plans to attend college upon graduation and study business.
Congratulations, Tytus!
-Smithson Valley High School senior Tytus Gonzalez was presented with the KENS 5 All Star Student Award on Tuesday, Jan. 11, with friends, teachers and family cheering for him.
-Smithson Valley High School teachers were proud to help celebrate one of their students during the KENS 5 All Star Student presentation Jan. 11. Pictured from left is Gloria Wolfshohl, Tytus Gonzalez, Casey O’Bryant and Ayanna Bush.
-Smithson Valley High School theater students celebrated one of their own, Tytus Gonzalez, who received the KENS 5 All Star Student award on Jan. 11.
-The Comal ISD 2021 KENS 5 All Star Student was surrounded by his family when presented with the award. Pictured from left is Zachary Gonzalez, honoree’s older brother; KENS 5 reporter Vanessa Croix; honoree Tytus Gonzalez; and Diana Gonzalez, honoree’s mother.