Compassionate Tompkins HS Junior Wins MNN BTS Photo Contest
Trenton's brother, Remy, is pictured in this article's feature image as he waves goodbye to Trenton on his first day of the 2022-2023 school year. This was the first day Trenton drove to school on his own!
Meet Trenton, our 2022 Back to School Photo Contest winner for the Katy/Fulshear region! Trenton is a 17-year-old junior at Tompkins High School who loves virtually every genre of music, playing guitar and piano, and jogging. But there’s much more to Trenton than what meets the eye.
When he was just three months old, his parents and three-year-old brother left their home in New Orleans as Katrina was barreling towards their hometown. With little ones in tow, the family departed The Big Easy at midnight on the Saturday before Katrina ravaged the city, going down in history as one of the most devastating hurricanes ever to hit New Orleans. They finally arrived in Sealy where they stayed with relatives for a month and a half until they found their home in Katy.
“It was hard to leave family behind and come here without a support system,” said Trenton’s dad about the move.
Growing up in the Katy area since their unanticipated arrival, Trenton and his older brother, Remy, share a unique bond that has inspired Trenton to pursue a meaningful desire to help those with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities). Through his older brother’s autism, Trenton was introduced to Best Buddies, a program that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with IDD.
“I got involved [with Best Buddies] to make new friends. It’s a group that matches kids with IDD students to have friendships, parties, and get-togethers for a better social experience in school,” said Trenton about his involvement in Best Buddies.
Trenton is passionate about ensuring that people with special needs have opportunities to be an active part of their community and continue to learn after high school. He wants to see more employers hire and advocate for individuals with special needs like local businesses Texana Café and Howdy’s Ice Cream.
In addition to his passion for special needs individuals, Trenton loves to cook. It comes as little surprise that as a male teenager, he loves to eat (especially seafood), so cooking and eating are a perfect pairing of hobbies. In addition to teaching Trenton how to cook, he credits his parents for helping shape who he is today, especially by teaching him valuable life skills and how to use common sense.
FUN FACT
Remy has a YouTube channel called “Tremmy’s World” that is for young children. With around 32 videos about a friendly monster who goes on adventures, Remy aspires to be the next Elmo. Check out the channel and get ready for some giggles!
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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