Katy ISD Student-Athletes Build Leadership Through Service at YMCA Turkey Dash and Bayou Bowl
This fall, Katy ISD student-athletes took their leadership training beyond the field and into the heart of their community, volunteering at two beloved local events that serve thousands across Katy and the Greater Houston area.
As part of the District’s Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT), student-athletes collaborated with the Katy Area YMCA and the Greater Houston Football Coaches Association (GHFCA) to support two major annual events: the YMCA Turkey Dash and the Bayou Bowl All-Star Game.
During the District’s Fall Breakout outreach initiative, SALT members assembled race packets for the Turkey Dash and prepared player packets for the Bayou Bowl, demonstrating their commitment to service and collaboration.
SALT is more than just a leadership group — it’s a platform for student-athletes to develop core values like integrity, teamwork, and community-mindedness.
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“SALT gives our student-athletes the opportunity to lead with integrity and make an impact where it matters most,” said Katy ISD Assistant Athletic Director Angela Spurlock. “When students serve their community, they learn what it truly means to represent their campuses with pride and purpose.”
Turkey Dash and Bayou Bowl: Community Staples
The YMCA Turkey Dash is one of the Katy Area YMCA’s most anticipated events of the year, drawing families, runners, and volunteers from across West Houston for a morning of fitness and fun on Thanksgiving Day. Proceeds from the race support the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, which funds scholarships for families to access critical programs like childcare, swim lessons, and summer camps.
The Bayou Bowl All-Star Game, organized by the GHFCA, showcases some of the region’s top high school football talent. More than just a game, the Bayou Bowl raises scholarship funds for college-bound athletes — awarding between $1,500 and $2,500 to deserving male and female students across Greater Houston.
Why Teen Volunteerism Matters
Beyond the benefits to the community, research shows that volunteering can have powerful effects on the mental, emotional, and social development of teens. According to the Mayo Clinic, youth who volunteer regularly report increased self-confidence, stronger relationships, lower rates of depression, and a heightened sense of purpose. Service also encourages the development of leadership and communication skills — exactly the outcomes SALT is designed to foster.
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For Katy ISD student-athletes, projects like these offer real-world opportunities to practice the lessons they learn through SALT: collaboration, commitment, and caring for their community.
And that’s a win-win for everyone.
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.
