Benbrook and Western Hills Students Recognized as FWISD Scholar Athletes.

Balancing athletics and academics is no easy task, but several students from Benbrook and Western Hills recently earned district-wide recognition for excelling in both.

Fort Worth ISD announced its 2026 Scholar Athletes, an honor recognizing middle and high school student-athletes who excelled in the classroom while actively participating in sports.

Representing Benbrook High School were Jessica Anzaldua and Ethan Farr. Western Hills High School students Vianet Garcia and Ethan Shottenkirk also earned the distinction at the high school level.

At the middle school level, Eliana Yun and Noah Palmer were selected from Benbrook Middle-High School, while Harmony Managan and Jaylen Loyd represented Leonard Middle School.

According to the district, the Scholar-Athlete program has been recognizing standout students since 1984. Selections are based on academic performance and athletic participation, with grade point average serving as the primary factor.

The recognition highlights students who successfully managed practices, competitions, travel schedules, and schoolwork while maintaining some of the highest academic marks on their campuses.

Related news:

Fort Worth ISD Weighs School Closures and Restructuring Plans. Benbrook Bobcats Earn Rare Statewide Academic Honors. Western Hills Senior Named National Scholar-Athlete. FWISD Athletics at a Crossroads as Football Costs, Low Participation Raise Tough Questions.