The New Braunfels ISD Board of Trustees recognized Katie Best and Andy Lopez Palacios as its Students of the Month during a regular monthly meeting that was held on Monday, September 9.

The students were introduced to trustees and those in attendance by New Braunfels High School Principal Greg Hughes.

Katie Best has attended NBHS for all four years of high school and has been involved in many organizations. She has been a four-year percussionist in the Mighty Unicorn Marching Band as well as captain of the front ensemble for the marching season. Additionally, Best has earned two gold medals for state solo and ensemble percussion performances, and she traveled to Indianapolis with the NBHS percussion group her sophomore year.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and has spearheaded opportunities for students to serve teachers by helping them log books from their classroom libraries. Best is also a proud Unicorn Handler who loves Buford and “undoubtedly bleeds blue!”

Best is involved with her youth group and serves on a student worship team as well as going on mission trips and leading Bible studies.

Her plans are to attend Dallas Baptist University where she will major in Music Business with a concentration in Worship Leadership and a minor in Psychology or Biblical Studies in hopes of becoming a full-time missionary.

She is the daughter of Brandon and Laura Best.

Andy Lopez Palacios is also a four-year attendee of NBHS. While at NBHS, he has been involved in the band, auto mechanics, welding and the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

He will graduate this year with a certification in welding, in which he says, “I have enjoyed this time with my teachers in learning these trades and have already been able to use these skills on projects outside of school to help support my family.”

In addition to welding, Lopez Palacios has a passion for mariachi music. He currently is a managing member of the Mariachi Sangre de mi Tierra, which performs regularly at special events and restaurants.

He is most proud of being able to mentor newly-enrolled Spanish-speaking students at NBHS. He gets to know them and helps them find their way around campus as he was once in their shoes because he loves NBHS and wants them to feel the same type of belonging on campus.

After graduation, he plans to attend trade school to obtain a welding certification in which he can find a job that is fulfilling and allows him to support his loved ones. He also plans to pursue Mariachi music and to help others around the community to bring people joy and make a positive impact.

He is the son of Yolanda Palacios and Oswaldo Lopez.