SAN ANTONIO — Michael Sandoval has walked the hallways of Southwest High School for more than two decades, but his nomination for the KENS 5 EXCEL Award is about must more than longevity. Sandoval's leadership shines bright on campus and brings in true school spirit.
"I see the love you have for the students, I see your passion for them." Southwest ISD Superintendent Dr. Jeanette Ball told Mr. Sandoval in front of his class as he accepted the KENS 5 EXCEL Award along with a $2,000 check from KENS 5 Partner Credit Human, "I think that's why they gravitate towards you," Ball said, "Because they see how genuine you are."
His genuine personality shines through as he displays his fandom for one of the greats.
"I'm a big sneakerhead. I love Michael Jordan," Sandoval said. "I have about 40 pairs of Jordans."
Michael Sandoval loves to spotlight his hobby in his classroom, hitting the ground running with his schoolers daily, Sandoval wants to see them walk in his shoes one day, figuratively speaking.
"Helping them realize that, hey, that wherever you are, at whatever side of town you live on," Sandoval said. "Your dreams are possible."
Sandoval is also the Student Leaders teacher, heading student council along with any major project that involves the entire school. But a humble Sandoval credits his students.
"They're the ones that are doing the work."
Though his own two sons are students on campus, and his daughter graduated from Southwest High School as well, Sandoval considers and treats every student in his classroom as his own.
And the feeling is mutual. Students say they feel they can open up to him.
"He doesn't judge us," said one student, while another chimed in, "He just goes above and beyond as a mentor, and he just really represents what this school is trying to get at."
What the school is trying to say is exactly what Sandoval brings to the campus day in and day out. He brings positive school culture, inclusivity and making everyone feel appreciated. It's not an easy task when you take into account all the students, teachers and staff. He and his students create and executed upwards of 25 projects including for homecoming, Valentine's Day, Halloween and just about any occasion you can think of. The purpose of the projects vary from helping his students gain confidence in themselves, to teaching them how to serve others and become part of a large community.
"Setting up for appreciation days. They're the ones that go into the games," Sandoval said as he pointed to his class.
Sandoval says it's all about bringing the school together, "School spirit. We want to let our custodians, our cafeteria workers know that that we appreciate them."
In his class, Sandoval pointed to brochures and folders laying on every desk.
"This is sort of our mantra, which is 'take flight,'" Sandoval said.
They show a dragon with two wings. One wing reads "good character" and the other "good academics." He said he teaches his students that succeeding is about balance.
This year, the fruits of their labor paid off big when they raised $46,000. Almost half of the money was donated to the cancer charity walk, "Relay For Life." It was a win-win for the students and the charity.
"They do start believing that they can do things that they've never done before," Sandoval said. "Because they didn't think that they believed in themselves to do it. If you understand your 'why,' your 'what' becomes more important to you."
Understanding "Why" is their journey to find their purpose in life.
"He's taught me to learn more about myself," one student said.
"To cope with things outside of school and how to find myself for who I am," said another student.
They now proudly display their stories in the school hallway.
"I'm a teacher, that's what I am. But why am I doing that? It's to inspire students is to make, you know, help them to see that their own dreams can come true," Sandoval said.
To watch stories from past EXCEL Award winners, go to kens5.com/EXCEL.