OC Gifted Panther

Follow our GT Instagram account, giftedpanthers

Happy New Year

GT Mentor Seminar (ISM)

The GT Mentorship Program (ISM) is designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of the industry and develop the skills and knowledge required for a successful career. Their mentors offer advice on educational pathways, career choices, and how to navigate the job market effectively. Students gain hands-on experience in their chosen field. This will not only enhance their skills but also provide them with real-world exposure, which is invaluable for their future career and college opportunities.

Special Thanks to all the wonderful Mentors!

ISM Application for 2025-2026 (Current 10th & 11th graders)

Mentor Moments:

Director of Outreach for Congressman Joaquin Castro

Trinity Erwin with Mentor Jasmine Rodriguez

Civil Law

Xavier Phillips with Mentor Judge Ben Robertson (73rd Judicial District Court)

Sports Broadcasting

Amelia Sanchez with Mentor Vinnie Vinzetta (KENS 5)

Cardiovascular Anesthesiologist

Jake Grullon with Mentor Dr. David Clanton (US Anesthesia Partners)

Optometry

Ash Alaquinez with Mentor Dr. Acosta (The Eye Clinic)

Veterinary

Devin Conroy with Mentor Dr. Greg Gaines (

Executive Director of the Majestic Empire Foundation

Ben Cottrill with Mentor Jaselyn Blanchard-Pace (The Majestic Empire Foundation)

Music Composition

Angelo Banis with Mentor Dr. Miles Friday (Professor of Digital Music at UTSA)

Executive Director, Innovation & Low Carbon Fuels Valero

Lane Rigby with Mentor Robert Buchek (Valero)

GT Student Leadership 2: Community Service

GT 2 is dedicated to promoting various service opportunities for students. We aim to inspire and engage our school in meaningful volunteer work that benefits our community and helps them grow as responsible, empathic individuals.

Campus Cleanup and Wild Flower Seeds

San Antonio Humane Society

O'Connor & Jefferson Hygiene Drive

GT 1 Leadership

GT 1 Leadership had a whole array of fun with the Spheros Challenges, learning about their leadership qualities and strengths, some Holiday fun, and Creativity Transformations! Hands-on learning and teambuilding encourages intrapersonal growth, problem-solving, and creativity!

PSAT Scores were released. Our students did great! We now have a base from where to begin and build from it! Be sure to link PSAT Scores with Khan Academy to receive specialized instruction on areas to strengthen.

Holiday Spirit

Group Transformation Challenge

Vinyl Visions

Middle School Visits

Future GT OC Panthers

Special Thanks to Stevenson, Garcia, Jefferson, and Folks Middle Schools for providing the opportunity for us to present to NISD GT 8th graders.

OC GT/ISM Presenters

Sample 4 Year Plan for Gifted Students

TAGT GiftedED24 Conference

O'Connor and Brandeis ISM Students presented at the State conference GiftedED24. School districts across Texas joined the presentation to discover how NISD Independent Study Mentorship (ISM) empowers gifted juniors and seniors through personalized learning with community mentors. The session concluded with a student panel, sharing firsthand experiences and insights. Our students truly shined while presenting at the conference, showcasing their knowledge, confidence, and hard work. Their thoughtful insights and polished delivery impressed the audience, reflecting their dedication and preparation. We're incredibly proud of their outstanding performance and the positive impact they made!