Every month, the Caller-Times honors outstanding Coastal Bend students. Keep reading to meet the January honorees.
Students are nominated for the Caller-Times Students of the Month feature by educators at their schools based on academic success and other accomplishments.
To nominate a student, send an email to students@caller.com with the student’s grade level, a description of the student’s accomplishments and a photo of the student that does not have copyright restrictions.
The Caller-Times will only accept nominations of high school students sent by educators from an official school email address.
Meet the January Caller-Times Students of the Month:
Kristabel Perez, West Oso High School
Kristabel Perez is a senior at West Oso High School. She was recently chosen to represent her school as a speaker at the West Oso Independent School District Education Foundation State of the District.
She has organized a large-scale clothing drive to benefit Dimas Charity in Corpus Christi and is a recipient of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.
Perez serves in numerous leadership roles, including president of the Interact Club and vice president of the National Honor Society. She has also served as president and reporter for the Technology Student Association, where she successfully expanded membership, improved communication through social media and helped lead members to national-level competitions, according to her nomination shared by West Oso ISD Superintendent Kimberly Moore.
“In each role, Kristabel brings organization, professionalism and a collaborative spirit, ensuring meetings run smoothly while supporting the growth and success of her peers,” the nomination reads.
In addition to leadership positions, Perez is involved with other academic, extracurricular and civic organizations, including robotics, talent search, UIL academics, class council and the district’s superintendent student advisory committee. She was a West Oso summer CTE and youth government academy intern.
Grace Vela, Veterans Memorial High School
Grace Vela is a senior at Veterans Memorial High School. She was nominated by teacher and coach Carlos Lerma, who described her as “an exceptional student who exemplifies leadership, academic excellence, and dedication both in and out of the classroom.”
She has served as treasurer of Business Professionals of America for two years, where she has managed finances with precision and professionalism, Lerma said. Her nomination cites her leadership in the growth and success of the program.
“Beyond BPA, Grace holds multiple officer positions across various school clubs and organizations, further reflecting her commitment to service and leadership within the school community,” her nomination reads. “She is the type of student who leads by example—reliable, motivated, and always willing to step up when help is needed.”
She is a three-year varsity tennis player and an Academic All-State tennis athlete.
“Her dedication, discipline, and work ethic are evident on the court, in the classroom, and in every role she undertakes,” her nomination reads.
Leah Orsak, Flour Bluff High School
Leah Orsak is a senior at Flour Bluff High School. According to her nomination shared by the Flour Bluff Independent School District, she has strong work ethic and confidence.
She is a member of the school newspaper staff. She takes pride in maintaining her spot on the A/B Honor Roll and in the strong commitment she shows to both her schoolwork and her job at Sonic, according to her nomination.
“Leah is an amazing writer,” her nomination shared by teacher Audreana Underbrink reads. “She has a very relaxing demeanor for those she interviews, and does a wonderful job when writing articles.”
Orsak dreams of becoming a veterinarian or owning a cattery.
Andrea Sies, Flour Bluff High School
Andrea Sies is a senior at Flour Bluff High School.
Sies is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and has maintained a place on the A/B Honor Roll and a high GPA.
She has earned two scholarships to Oklahoma State University, where she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Her nomination from teacher Audreana Underbrink praises her compassion, academic dedication and positive energy. She is artistic and blends intelligence with creativity and kindness, according to her nomination.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Meet the January 2026 Caller-Times Students of the Month
Reporting by Olivia Garrett, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
