Pasadena, Texas – February 25, 2025 – The Pasadena Independent School District (PISD) and the Board of Trustees held a special ceremony on February 25, 2025, to honor the brave individuals who acted heroically during the shooting at Pasadena Memorial High School on February 1, 2025.

During the event, the district recognized the courageous actions of several individuals, including Juan Lopez, a Cy-Fair dad and teacher, who initially took down the shooter, and Corey Veazey, an Angleton employee, who assisted in restraining the suspect. Additionally, four dads from Pearland ISD—Abram Trevino, Joe Sanchez, Polo Castillo, and Adam Curow—raced toward the gunfire to help secure the suspect and weapon until police arrived.

The district also honored three Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) members—Makaylla Talavera, Charles Mitchell, and Jorge Garza—all Pasadena ISD students, who provided immediate medical assistance to gunshot victim Dwight Benjamin, a percussion consultant with Angleton ISD. Their prompt and skilled response was instrumental in stabilizing Benjamin until emergency medical services could take over.

The Pasadena ISD Police and Pasadena Police Department were commended for their seamless cooperation and swift response during the incident. Their coordinated efforts were vital in managing the situation and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

Superintendent Dr. DeeAnn Powell expressed deep gratitude to all the honorees, stating, "We are immensely proud of the bravery and quick actions of the band parents, students, staff, and law enforcement. Their heroism in the face of danger exemplifies the strength and resilience of our community."

For more information, please contact Art Del Barrio, Director of Communications, at adelbarrio@pasadenaisd.org.