Pasadena ISD honors 2 South Belt principals
Pasadena ISD this past week announced its 2026 principals of the year, with South Belt schools claiming both the elementary and secondary honors.
Melillo Middle School Principal Jennifer Sauceda was selected Elementary Principal of the Year and Thompson Intermediate Principal Tanis Griffin was selected Secondary Principal of the Year. Both principals were surprised by district administrators at their respective home campuses.
“Congratulations to Jennifer Sauceda, Elementary Principal of the Year from Melillo Middle School, and Tanis Griffin, Secondary Principal of the Year from Thompson Intermediate,” Pasadena ISD Superintendent Toni Lopez said in a statement. “Your leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success make a lasting impact on your campuses and our entire district. We are proud to recognize you both.”
About the honorees
According to Pasadena ISD officials, Sauceda leads a campus recognized for its focus on academic growth, student support and community engagement. District officials highlighted her role in fostering a collaborative, student-centered environment.
Griffin heads one of Pasadena ISD’s largest middle‑grade campuses. Her leadership is frequently associated with building strong school culture and supporting diverse learners, as reflected in publicly posted district and school communications.
Districtwide recognition
The Principal of the Year awards are among Pasadena ISD’s highest leadership honors, celebrating principals who demonstrate exceptional campus stewardship, academic leadership and dedication to student achievement. According to school district officials, the honor recognizes principals who show measurable impact on school culture, instructional quality and student outcomes.
Lopez said the efforts of the two distinguished principals serves as an inspiration for local students.
“(The principals) serve as beacons of inspiration for every student they serve.”
Refuge for Women to hold annual gala
Refuge for Women Texas Gulf Coast will host its 2026 Spring Gala at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at Sagemont Church.
The annual event is traditionally the largest fundraiser of the year for the local nonprofit group, aimed at battling human trafficking.
Titled Her Story, His Glory, the gala will be a semi-formal event honoring “hope, restoration and God’s redemptive work in the lives of women who have escaped human trafficking and sexual exploitation.”
Proceeds from the gala will go toward the following:
– Safe housing for survivors
– Trauma‑informed care
– Long‑term healing programs
– Support for women exiting human trafficking and sexual exploitation
According to organizers, every ticket and table sponsorship directly supports these services, which are offered at no cost to the women in their care.
Although tickets are sold out, the group emphasizes that supporters can still contribute financially to sustain its programs.
Refuge for Women
Refuge for Women is a national faith‑based nonprofit providing long‑term residential recovery services for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation.
The Texas Gulf Coast chapter operates locally but is part of a broader network founded to offer survivors a structured, holistic path toward independence.
To donate to the organization, visit refugeforwomen.org/give.
For additional information on this year’s gala, visit refugeforwomen.org/texas-gulf-coast-2026-spring-gala/.
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