That Deserves a Crown | HoustonTexans.com

Jassmin Benitez exemplifies excellence as an ENT Physician Assistant, consistently going above and beyond for her patients. Her selfless commitment to their well-being, paired with her clinical expertise and compassionate care, makes her a standout in her field. Whether she's guiding patients through complex treatments or simply offering a reassuring presence, Jassmin brings heart and skill to every interaction. Her unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy make her a truly deserving nominee for The Crown Royal Crown!

JeDonne is a dedicated mental healthcare professional, mentor, and community leader known for his compassion, integrity, and commitment to service. Throughout his career, he has supported individuals during their most vulnerable moments, providing care that restores dignity, builds trust, and inspires hope. Beyond his professional work, JeDonne is deeply involved in mentorship and community initiatives, with a strong focus on empowering young men and strengthening support systems. He is passionate about creating safe spaces for growth, breaking cycles, and fostering meaningful connections that lead to lasting change. JeDonne leads with humility and purpose, driven by a genuine desire to serve rather than seek recognition. His steady presence, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering dedication continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives and communities he serves.

Bryan Castillo has helped to grow the Child Nutrition department through sustaining innovating methods. When Bryan came on board with Child Nutrition, we had 19 schools. At that time, our department was accustomed to manual processes that were time consuming as well as labor intensive. As Bryan began to immerse himself in the daily tasks of Child Nutrition, he realized that there were things that could be done to seamline processes. Bryan has been a key influence in bringing on multiple new maintenance partners as approved vendors to help with maintaining our equipment. This was a key piece that we needed in order to ensure the equipment for all of our schools are on a schedule so that we can extend their lifespan. Additionally, Bryan has been able to put his networking to use from the conferences and training he has attended. Bryan helped to launch the new digital Smart Sense equipment tracking program in our Child Nutrition department. Smart Sense allows us to know in real time when a piece of equipment goes down through digital notifications that are sent out to our Smart phones. Through Bryan's innovative initiatives, he has simultaneously created a financial management metric for our department. Bryan has saved our Child Nutrition department hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs and in food loss. Bryan Castillo is deserving of the Crown because of his visions and advancements of technology programs for the YES Prep Child Nutrition Department.

Mars deserves a crown because his service has been steadfast, generous, and rooted in love for young people. For years, he has shown up whenever HYPE Freedom Schools needed him, giving his time, energy, and heart without hesitation to share his love of reading and learning. Mars brings the HYPE and energy to whatever space he's in! Now, as a proud graduate with a degree in education, he is turning that lifelong commitment into a calling, choosing to walk boldly into a profession that shapes futures. He leads by example, and serves at all times with humility. He truly does Deserve a Crown!

Jometra Hawkins-Sneed is a devoted single mother of five and a powerful advocate for health equity. She spends much of her time and energy partnering with organizations such as the American Heart Association and the Lupus Foundation to raise awareness around cardiovascular health and chronic disease in underserved communities. As Executive Director of the African American Health Coalition, Jometra launched the Skin Deep: Melanin Matters Screening Tour, bringing vital screenings, education, and resources to thousands. Her work with the African American Male Wellness Agency and her service as Assistant Presiding Officer on the Texas Department of State Health Services Community Health Worker Advisory Committee underscore her commitment to lasting, systemic change. Through her leadership, compassion, and dedication to community wellness, Jometra continues to save lives and advance a healthier, more equitable future.

Sandra is a dedicated leader in education whose calm, patient, and detail-driven approach keeps her district running smoothly. She oversees registrars, discipline secretaries, and attendance clerks across the district, ensuring full compliance with Texas Education Agency guidelines. Each year, Sandra helps guide the enrollment of thousands of students—including coordinating the onboarding of more than 800 new students in just a few days—all while providing clear communication and compassionate support to families and staff. Known for her exceptional organization and responsiveness, Sandra manages high-volume parent inquiries, community concerns, and employee questions with grace and efficiency. Her leadership in training assistant principals and supporting campus operations is marked by accuracy, positivity, and a steady demeanor that sets the tone for others. Beyond her professional expertise, Sandra is an enthusiastic community supporter and a proud Houston Texans superfan—engaging fellow fans, volunteering at tailgates, and even modeling team gear. She is also a devoted "Glammy" and a cherished sister. Sandra's combination of patience, excellence, and heart makes her a standout leader who brings out the best in everyone she serves.

Nicole is a veteran who lives with PTSD as a result of her military service, yet she continues to show incredible strength, kindness, and dedication to others. Her passion for helping individuals experiencing homelessness drives her work in the community. She serves on the Coalition for the Homeless Advisor's Board in Houston, where she brings both lived experience and empathy to every conversation. This past summer, she traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak with the National Alliance to End Homelessness, lending her voice and perspective to national advocacy efforts. Nicole is someone who gives quietly and wholeheartedly. She does not seek recognition, praise, or spotlight. She simply steps up where she is needed and leads with compassion. Beyond her service, Nicole has a joyful spirit and a big love for football. Watching games brings her a sense of connection, excitement, and pure happiness.

Cattani Frye is an exceptional educator who has dedicated over a decade to shaping young minds across Houston ISD and surrounding districts. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in improving academic performance, strengthening student discipline, and inspiring future leaders. Her commitment to education extends far beyond the classroom—Cattani is deeply invested in the growth and success of every student she encounters. Those who know her best have witnessed her passion firsthand. As both a mentor and role model, Cattani's leadership and encouragement have influenced not only her students but her own family as well. Even outside of school hours, she continues to learn and grow, pursuing her own education while balancing her many responsibilities. Her dedication, compassion, and drive truly embody what it means to be an educator and leader.

Bobbie Freeman is a light in the darkness and a steadfast advocate for children and their families. Known for her compassion and dedication, she goes above and beyond to help anyone in need. Bobbie's presence brings warmth and positivity to every room she enters, and when she's not there, her absence is deeply felt. During difficult times, including when families face housing or personal challenges, she is the first to offer resources, guidance, and daily words of encouragement. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering support have touched countless lives and made her a true pillar of her community.

Connie Zapata is a wonderful, kind, and generous woman who dedicates her time to serving others at the local food bank. A former teacher, she brings the same patience and compassion to her volunteer work that she once brought to the classroom. Whether she's organizing food drives, comforting families, or mentoring young volunteers, Connie is a steady source of hope and support in her community. Her selfless spirit and unwavering commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of everyone she touches. Everyone who has ever met Connie has had nothing but amazing things to say about her and her commitment to helping other in her personal life and professional life. She's one of the most kind hearted, funny and generous people you'll ever meet. She's worked two jobs her entire life to support her family and rarely ever takes a day off even in her later stages in life. Everyone she serves in the community remembers her, whether its from her current job or her former job and still thanks her for helping them in hard times.

Troy, a pediatric critical care flight nurse on the Kangaroo Crew at Texas Children's Hospital, deserves this award for his extraordinary dedication, expertise, and steady calm during the most critical moments of a child's life. He delivers ICU-level care during air and ground transports, stabilizing the sickest infants and children with precision, urgency, and compassion. Troy's ability to act quickly and confidently in high-stakes situations has saved countless lives and brought comfort to families facing their most frightening moments. Troy's impact on the community is profound. Every time he steps onto a helicopter, he carries not only advanced medical care but also the hopes of parents, the trust of referring teams, and the promise of a safe arrival. His professionalism builds trust between families and medical teams alike, ensuring seamless, expert care from bedside to hospital. Troy's skill, heart, and humanity strengthen the entire pediatric care network in our region.

Griselda Noyola has been with El Centro de Corazón for over 12 years. She is a pillar of the Quality Assurance department, using population health strategies to increase access to life saving cancer prevention screenings for El Centro patients. She has helped hundreds of patients receive no-cost cancer screenings for colorectal and breast cancer and has helped navigate patients who need follow up into care. Her hard work and dedication truly make El Centro de Corazón patients and our community healthier and stronger.

Terri has been a EMT for 15+ years, where has she received EMT of the year. Currently, Terri leads a community geriatric program assisting elderly clients receive necessary equipment, medications, earnestly listens to their needs, and is the first point of contact and the eyes and ears helping make decisions that keep her patients out of the hospital. She is compassionate, generous, knowledgeable, and has a true passion for serving her community. She just received the "Most Devoted" award for the work she does. She treats her patients as she would her own mom. She truly represents what a true hero is.

Luis Martinez deserves recognition for his outstanding volunteer efforts. His dedication to serving the community is evident through his extensive work with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Bishop's Storehouse, providing essential support to families in need. Martinez also spearheaded the Rainbow Park cleanup, demonstrating a commitment to environmental beautification. Beyond this, he consistently volunteers to maintain his local church and contribute to community events like Pioneer Day. Luis Martinez's leadership shines through coordinating volunteers for moving fellow military families and, significantly recruiting workers for the Peanut Butter Factory, which provides crucial aid to the Houston Food Bank. His actions embody selfless service and make a tangible difference in countless lives.

Jimmy Rogers, co-founder of Boots For Troops, launched the nonprofit organization in 2015 after his deployment in the U.S. Navy. The organization provides custom care packages to deployed troops, including a pair of boots chosen by the service member.

Jimmy joined the Navy in 2011 and was deployed in 2015 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. As he served with the armed forces overseas, Jimmy saw a need for care packages that actually connected with service members as individuals. Through Boots for Troops, Rogers aims to uplift and empower the morale of active duty military members and their families through personalized care packages filled with quality items tailored to their preferences.

During his military service, Jimmy earned promotions at every opportunity and received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Military Good Conduct Award, and Military Letter of Commendation.