PASADENA, TX– Willard Joiner III, a senior at J. Frank Dobie High School, has been named Pasadena ISD's Student Spotlight of the Month for his outstanding achievements as a scholar-athlete. Joiner exemplifies excellence in every aspect of his life, from his impressive academic record and leadership roles to his athletic progress and community involvement. As a nominee recognized by the Touchdown Club of Houston as a Scholar-Athlete, he continues to set a high standard for his peers.

Since his early days at J. Frank Dobie High School, Willard Joiner III has shown remarkable dedication to academics and athletics. "When I got to high school, I wanted to pursue being a student-athlete,” Joiner shared. With a GPA of 3.8 and a class rank of 108 out of 1038, he has earned the titles of Honor Graduate and Academic All-District.

His commitment to education is highlighted by his membership in the National Honor Society and completion of the Advanced Placement Curriculum. Fluent in Spanish, Joiner also holds a Bilingual Education Certification.

Joiner has been actively involved in various extracurricular activities, including the Yearbook Staff, Future Farmers of America, Safe School Ambassador, Men of J. Frank Dobie High School, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Student Council. These roles have helped Joiner grow in many ways, enhancing his ability to solve problems, communicate effectively, lead with confidence, and connect with others.

On the athletic front, Joiner has made significant contributions to multiple teams at Dobie. As the starting quarterback and team captain of the varsity football team, he has earned All-District Honorable Mention and Most Improved Player. In varsity baseball, he serves as team captain and has been named First Team All-District Outfielder. 

Additionally, Joiner is a district qualifier in varsity golf and a dedicated member of the varsity powerlifting team. "I was always a little ball of energy," Joiner recalled. "My parents always wanted to keep me busy, so they put me in sports. I was always good at it, so I tried anything I felt inspired me."

Joiner's dedication to his community is equally impressive. He has volunteered with Pearland Little League, Carleston Carnival, Kappa League for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inroads College Links Program, Houston Astros Youth Academy, and the Pink & Green Charitable Foundation. Through these experiences, he has not only given back to his community but also developed a strong sense of civic responsibility and community engagement to add into his experience as he furthers his journey in undergrad.

His commitment to excellence and leadership extends to his athletic achievements as well. Reflecting on his nomination for the Touchdown Houston Scholar-Athlete award, Joiner said, "It means a lot to me. It means that somebody sees something in me." He added, "I feel like my coaches and teammates thought that I'd be a good fit to be a nominee for the Houston Touchdown Club."

Joiner also sees himself as a role model for his peers. "I see myself as a big inspiration to others, not only through sports but in the classroom as well," he said. "Being that role model to my classmates and my teammates means everything to me."

Looking ahead, Joiner plans to earn a scholarship to a four-year university and pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. "I prioritized my studies, my SAT score, and worked on my GPA to achieve this goal," he explained.

With his eyes set on the future, Willard Joiner III is a name to watch. His determination, leadership, and dedication ensure that he is well on his way to achieving his dreams. "I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to grow academically, athletically, and personally. I look forward to continuing my journey and making a positive impact in the future," he concluded.