Irving ISD Launches Student Influencer Program

Irving ISD is proud to formally introduce the Student Influencers for the 2023-2024 school year! As a part of this new initiative, students will gain experience and knowledge of social media marketing, content creation, public speaking and much more. In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications department, they will represent not only their campus, but the District as well.

Get to know our nine influencers by reading their self-written bios below:

Irving High School

MaKenna Hearne
Hello, my name is MaKenna Hearne, and I’m a 12th grader at Irving High. I am so excited to be an influencer for Irving ISD this year! I am passionate about being involved and have joined numerous clubs and organizations throughout my high school career including, DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), student council, theater, cheer and tennis. I enjoy being a part of these organizations and clubs to offer my viewpoint and contributions. Once again, I am very excited about the opportunity to be an Influencer.

Farra Patel
My name is Farra, and I’m in the 11th grade. I enjoy being involved in various clubs and organizations at Irving High because they have great, dedicated staff that infuse all their lessons with fun. One of those extracurriculars, DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), is where I can exercise my business skills and create close bonds with my classmates. Outside of school, I find joy in camping and hiking adventures with my family. Most of the time I like to keep things slow and calm, therefore movie nights are my go-to. Since I’m a homebody, I enjoy hosting cozy gatherings at home for that perfect blend of comfort and entertainment.

MacArthur High School

Hetzenny Gallardo
Hello! I’m Hetzenny Gallardo, a junior at MacArthur High School. At school, I proudly serve as the Class of 2025 president. Additionally, I’ve qualified nationally in TAFE (Texas Association of Future Educators), FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), and I’m involved in NTHS (National Technical Honor Society). Beyond school, I enjoy activities like baking, traveling and swimming.

Peter Ivanov
Здравей! My name is Peter Ivanov and I’m a junior at MacArthur High School. I’m involved in various activities and clubs ranging from playing for our varsity tennis team to being president of our MacArthur DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) organization. Outside of the courts and classroom, I spend my time tutoring children at Kumon and instructing those interested in karate at the local martial arts gym, Holan’s Texas Karate Do. Originally, my family is from Bulgaria, which has caused me to fall in love with traveling and trying tasty cuisines. In my life, values I strive to uphold are being kind, truthful and magnanimous; a long-term goal I have is to instill useful knowledge into others in order to help society thrive.

Christian Santana
Hola! I’m Christian Santana, a senior at MacArthur High School. Throughout my four years at MacArthur, I’ve been deeply involved as a senior class officer, varsity tennis player, member of Destination Imagination, student council, DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), NTHS (National Technical Honor Society) and NHS (National Honor Society). Additionally, I have also led KMAC, MacArthur’s student-led broadcast program, as the Producer and the Spanish Club as President. From Monday to Friday I am Christian, the scholar, but on the weekends I am Santana, the oldest brother. My family of six – composed of my dad, mom, sister and brothers, the J’s (Johnny and Junior) – are the ones I do it all for with the hope that one day they can proudly say their “Chris” is anchoring the national news on Telemundo.

Nimitz High School

Aniston Moya
Hello, my name is Aniston Moya, and I am currently a junior attending Nimitz High School. In school, I take part in activities such as serving on the student council, being class president, cheer team co-captain, running track and being a part of TAFE (Texas Association of Future Educators). I am blessed for this opportunity that Irving ISD has given me to serve as a Student Influencer. I am so excited to show everyone my outgoing and loving personality. I am happy to say that I have two playful dogs and one amazing sister and brother who I love. Outside of school I enjoy spending my time with God and hanging out with my family and best friends. Some of my favorite things are traveling, Taylor Swift, trying new things and of course anything the color pink! Last, but not least, I can’t wait for all the new experiences I’m going to learn and do as an Influencer to represent the Nimitz Vikings!

Mya Young
Meet me! My name is Mya Young, and I’m a senior at Nimitz High School. First off, I am so excited and thankful for the opportunity to be a Student Influencer for Irving ISD. While I love being an “academic weapon” – taking AP and dual credit classes to advance my education – I also participate in many extracurricular activities, including softball, serving as class president, FFA president, National Honor Society vice president and student council. When I’m not at school or on the softball field, I like to spend time with family and friends, travel across the world, attend concerts, go to the gym and be involved with my church community. I have been blessed with having some memorable experiences with my best friend, my mom, like seeing the beauty of Belize and getting to see Drake in concert. As I get ready to close on this amazing chapter of my life and walk the stage at graduation in a few months, I look forward to beginning a new journey in college and majoring in Biology. I can’t wait to create new experiences over the next year as a Student Influencer and continue to grow as a person, and proudly represent Nimitz High School.

Singley Academy

Brooklyn Butler
Hey, I’m Brooklyn, sophomore at Singley Academy, the Captain of the Nimitz JV Cheer Squad, a dedicated member of HOSA (Future Health Professionals) and a member of the BSU (Black Student Union). I boast a remarkable seven years in Girl Scouts, and as the eldest among my siblings, I bring leadership skills to the table. Beyond that, my heart belongs to the art of baking. I’m very passionate about all things baking and everything related!

Alex Stringer
Hi, I’m Alex, and I’m a sophomore at Jack E. Singley Academy. I’m in the medical pathway, specifically physical therapy. I plan on graduating high school early next year and going to college for sports medicine. I’m the public relations officer for the Thespian Club at my school, and I also participate in various shows. I’m so privileged that I have the opportunity to be a Student Influencer and can’t wait to see where next semester takes me in this program!