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Submitted By Gunn Auto Group Gunn Auto Group Honors Student ArtistsH igh school art students from Seguin High School and O’Connor High School were selected for their exceptional, military- themed greeting card designs. Their artwork will be printed and sold in gift sets, with proceeds benefiting Soldiers’ Angels, a San Antonio-based national nonprofit that supports active-duty service members,veterans, and their families.Each winning student received a $1,000check in recognition of their achievement, as well as 50 printed cards. In addition, each school’s art department received a $1,000 donation from Gunn Auto Group to support future creative programming.“My grandfather, and our founder ‘Pop’ Gunn, served with the 13th Armored Division during World War II as a lieutenant colonel under General Patton, and he was a Bronze Star recipient,” said Sean Gunn, CEO of Gunn Automotive Group. “Curtis C. Gunn Jr., a Navy lieutenant, served as the navigator and operations officer on the USS Boyd.“Currently, the Gunn Automotive Group collectively employs more than 30 former servicemen and women and reservists. We truly appreciate our military personnel and their families for the many sacrifices they make so that we can live in a free country, and these greeting cards are a small gesture to let our heroes know they are appreciated and not forgotten.”Each greeting card features a hand- drawn design and a short artist biography on the back. The inside is left blank, allowing the sender to craft their message. Gift sets of five cards will be available for purchasethrough Soldiers’ Angels.Military service runs in Ja’nya’s family—her uncle and cousin have served in the Navy and Air Force, inspiring her path. She plans to attend Texas State University to become a doctor and continue to serve by caring for veterans and underserved communities. For Ja’nya, medicine is another form of service— one that heals, uplifts, and protects. Winners from O’Connor High School15-year-old Freshman Ariana Solis created We Thank You using alcohol ink markers and colored pencils to capture detail and depth that one medium alone couldn’t achieve. Her inspiration came from the bravery and dedication of soldiers who risk their lives daily. Ariana has a personal connection to the military—her grandfather was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965, served in the Vietnam War in 1967, and completed his service in 1968. He experienced hearing loss and PTSD due to his time in combat, and sadly passed away in August 2016. He is laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.Ariana’s dream is to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio, earn a bachelor’s degree in art, and become an art teacher—a goal she has wanted to achieve since childhood.16-year-old sophomore Isaac Watson’s greatest inspiration for his artwork comes from his grandfather, Charles Watson, who served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1972. Isaac has grown up listening to his grandfather’s stories and the lessons he learned during service.These stories and additional researchAriana Solis - We Thank You O’Connor High School Art Of Valor WinnerIsaac Watson - We Salute Your Service. O’Connor High School Art Of Valor WinnerLily Moore - United We Stand O’Connor High School Art Of Valor WinnerIsaac conducted on military history shaped the vision behind We Salute Your Service, which was created using colored pencils. His great-grandfather also served in the military during World War II, further deepening his appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members.Through these family connections and historical insights, Isaac has developed a deep respect and gratitude for all military personnel and their families. His future goals include earning scholarships through art competitions during his remaining years of high school, attending college to study art and design, and pursuing a career in the arts.14-year-old Freshman Lily Moore was inspired to create United We Stand by the dedication and sacrifice of all branches of the U.S. military. Her colored pencil artwork honors their hard work and service in protecting the country and ensuring the safety of its citizens. A personal connectiondeepened her inspiration—her great- grandfather, Gayle S. Albritton, served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War. He was a staff sergeant, earning two Bronze Stars and a medal for bravery for delivering supplies to the front lines during battle. He served four years in WWII, nine months in the Korean War, and continued his service in the National Guard.Lily is a 9th-grade student aspiring to attend an art and architecture college. She plans to graduate from high school and then attend college and hopes to open her own bakery.“Students took on this project during their own time, with many graduating in a matter of weeks,” said Ashley Henas, art instructor at O’Connor High School. “We are honored to have been included in this inaugural effort and are proud of the creativity of our students.”Coach Natasha Benavides: Honored As O’Connor’s Educator of the YearBy Sally KalosC oach Natasha Benavides has dedicated 11 years to coaching. For the last two years, she has been the Head Coach of Girls Basketball at O’Connor High School. Her passion for coaching has shaped her career, which she describes as a fulfilling journey of building meaningfulrelationships with her athletes.Her inspiration to become a coach camefrom her high school coach, Coach Sanchez, who made a lasting impact on her. Coach Sanchez believed in her during some of the most challenging years of her life and served as a mentor. She saw potential in Coach Benavides, even when she couldn’t see it in herself. This mentorship changed the trajectory of her life and is something Coach Benavides strives to emulate with her own athletes. She wants them to know she believes in them, loves them, and is always cheering them on through every win, struggle, and step forward.Coach Benavides is incredibly thankful for the support she receives from her community. She believes a coach’s success is built on the foundation of those aroundO’Connor Girls Basketball Coach Natasha Benavides.them. From fellow coaches and staff to the Booster Club and, most importantly, her athletes, she is grateful for their trust, teamwork, and unforgettable moments. She also thanks her family and friends for their unwavering love, patience, and encouragement, which help keep her grounded and push her to continually improve.Coach Benavides credits her family, friends, and community for all the success she has achieved, emphasizing that the recognition she receives is a reflection of thecollective heart, effort, and unity of her team. She feels honored and deeply thankful to be part of this close-knit group.When asked about the qualities needed to be an effective coach, Coach Benavides emphasizes communication, patience, and genuine care. She believes clear, honest, and constructive communication is essential, especially when difficult conversations are required to help athletes grow. Patience is crucial, as growth takes time, and it’s important to trust the process, even when things don’t go as planned. Above all, she stresses the importance of caring about athletes as individuals, not just focusing on wins and losses. Effective coaching is about how athletes develop as people, how they represent the program, and the character they build along the way.Looking ahead to the next school year, Coach Benavides is excited to continue watching her program grow and evolve. She’s particularly eager to witness thedevelopment of leadership within her team, both on and off the court. Watching her athletes put in the effort and grow as individuals is always rewarding, and she looks forward to seeing their hard work pay off in the upcoming season.On top of her coaching accomplishments, Coach Benavides was honored as O’Connor’s Educator of the Year this school year. She was also named the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Region 8 6A Coach of the Year, a recognition that reflects her dedication and impact in the field of coaching.8www.heloteshighlights.comJuly 2025