Brock Burgan proudly stood at a school committee meeting when Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD trustees praised its community service, from caring for younger students to feeding families.
“It’s just part of me. I like people to be successful and perform well, and helping is an important part of that,” he said.
The list of those he has helped is long. He founded Brox Sox, a sock collecting and donation campaign. He’s given them to the school district closet and homeless through Mission Arlington, where he came into contact with co-founder and longtime ward clerk Tillie Burgin. He is a trendsetter at HEB ISD, where he reads to and mentors younger students. He volunteers in the public library. He photographs for the KEEN Group, the Kids Environmental Education Network, a non-profit organization in Fort Worth. And there’s Brocks Buddies, an online campaign for the Tarrant Area Food Bank that raised about $ 1,500 that has provided over 6,000 meals to feed families in the pandemic.
“I just had a mini pitch that I sent to family and friends to pass it on, and it has become what it is today,” said Brock of the campaign he started on his 16th birthday Has. He asked people to donate to help others instead of buying gifts for him.
“He’s just watched things he’s seen over time and just taken it upon himself to pursue and propose his own ideas, and here we are,” said Father Steve Burgan.
For all of that and more, the state Department of Education recognized the 17-year-old as the Student Hero of Texas in 2021.
“It’s a really big deal in the state of Texas. Only 11 students received it. And I got a message from Texas Senator Ted Cruz too, so that was pretty cool. I am honored to receive this award, ”said Brock.
Brock is due to graduate next spring and eventually hopes for a career in sports marketing or sports journalism, but his passion will always help others.
“I want to be remembered as a great person who has helped people. That is the main goal. That is always great,” said the teenager.
[ad_1]
