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Meet Tony Holmes, a former student of Tice Elementary, Purple Sage Elementary, a member of the first class at Cobb Sixth Grade Campus, Cunningham Middle School, North Shore High School, and a 2007 graduate of North Shore Senior High School. While in high school, Tony accomplished many things and was involved in numerous organizations, all of which made him an outstanding student and scholar.  He was a member of National Honor Society, AVID (College Bound Organization), Surf Club (Community Service Organization), and a 2007 Senior Class Officer (Social Chairman). During Tony’s sophomore year at NSHS, he became a member of the Gents’ organization and step team. In junior year he earned the title of step-master for the Gents’ step team, and led the organization to their second consecutive Stagebreaker (City- Wide Championship). During his senior year, he became president of the Gents organization and remained step-master.  While a Gent, he was required to lead the organization in many community service activities, in doing his passion for on community service was born. He was involved with the AIDS Walk Houston, March of Dimes, Houston leadership trainings, and other school related volunteer projects.

Tony decided to continue his higher education at Stephen F. Austin State University. He chose SFASU because it was not too far from home, but far enough to experience life on his own. He also had family that lived in East Texas and SFA’s school spirit was an added bonus.  Tony explained school spirit creates a positive learning environment for both students and teachers and having a positive learning environment is one of the many things that makes school exciting. He selected Interpersonal Communication as his major because he enjoys interacting with people, building relationships, and wanted to develop professional communication skills. He knew those skills would help him towards his future career path, and he also selected sociology as his minor. In his first course in sociology, Tony felt instant gratification in learning social issues and education, which re-sparked his passion for society, culture, and working with different communities. This resulted in Tony moving from a minor to a double major in Sociology and Interpersonal Communications. Tony was also involved in numerous organizations at college, such as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., where he served as President of the Fraternity, and President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. His fraternity received the President’s Award for community service in 2010 and he was a member of the SFASU Orientation Leader in 2011. The college achievement that makes him proud is when he founded the SFASU’s first United Way organization in 2011. The goal of the organization is to help improve social conditions through health, education, and income. He had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. where he trained for a week at United Way’s headquarters. Not only was he the founder and president of the organization, he also had the opportunity to serve on the Nacogdoches County United Way Board of Directors as a voting member during his time in the organization. Before graduating, he was awarded the Chairman Award by the Nacogdoches County United Way in 2012.

In 2012, Tony was awarded his Bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communications and Sociology. Then shortly after he received his first job working as a Case Manager in Nacogdoches. His role focused on assisting low-income families with social services and working to build relationships with the students and families.  Shortly after, Tony decided to further his education and pursue a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He enrolled back at SFA and will be receiving his MPA in August 2015. Currently, he is working at the Houston Food Bank as the Conference Services Manager. Prior to that role he served as the Corporate Volunteer Coordinator and Social Services Outreach Coordinator. The Houston Food Bank has been a great place for him to work. Tony loves to help people in need and those fighting hunger. He has grown attached to the organization’s mission to help end hunger in Southeast Texas and is a frequent public speaker and advocate for the organization.

During his free time, he works out, trains for marathons, and is involved in several organizations that focus on the community. He is a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization and the National Forum of Black Public Administrators. He also is the founder for a new organization, the Young Millennials of Texas. This organization is for young millennial professionals and individuals aimed at sparking change within the communities across Texas.

Tony hopes to pursue a doctorate’s degree and encourages students to always follow your passion and work hard no matter the cost, sacrifice, or uncertainty. He stated, “There is no shortcut to success, but the first step to achieving your goals is giving back to other people, putting God first, and yourself last. We can’t solve every problem in the world, but we can all help someone else by living a selfless life each and every day.”

GPISD is so proud of Tony and all that he has accomplished at a young age.  We admire his desire to give back to the community! He has rendered an invaluable service to the community with his involvement.