Each holiday season, high school students across Irving ISD come together to support younger students through Project Adoption. This districtwide initiative allows high school classrooms to adopt fellow elementary students who may need support during the holidays. Through gift giving, classroom celebrations and community support, the program helps ensure families feel cared for during the holidays while teaching students the value of generosity and empathy.
At Nimitz, senior Myllie Garcia-Salazar says Project Adoption is one of the most meaningful experiences she has participated in. “I love seeing the kids’ faces when they come back with their gifts,” she says. “Knowing we were able to give them something they might not have received makes it really special.”
For Myllie and her classmates, the project serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Project Adoption also serves as an essential learning experience for high school students. The initiative helps students understand the importance of giving back to their own community. Students get to see that little things can transform lives in a positive way.
The initiative also highlights how campuses across the district come together for a shared purpose while still honoring their individual identities. High schools participate through their own classrooms and student groups, but the focus remains on supporting the greater Irving community through their feeder elementary schools. Through this collaboration, students learn that giving back extends beyond one campus and creates a stronger Irving ISD community.
