Meet the Officers

President: Josiah Ponce
Collegiate High School, Area 1

Hi Future Educators!

My name is Josiah Ponce, and I am incredibly honored to serve as your 2025-2026 TAFE State President! I am a senior at Collegiate High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, where I am passionate about education, leadership, and making a lasting impact in the lives of future educators across our great state.

Since my freshman year of high school, I have been in TAFE, and I knew when I joined it was more than just an organization — it was a place amongst like-minded people where I could find lasting friends and people that I could call family. I started off serving as a Chapter President, then moved up to the Vice-President of Area 1, and now as your State President. This journey has allowed me to grow as a person and as a leader that advocates for education.

This year, we get to implement the amazing theme of “Blooming in the Garden of Education.” Just like a garden, we as young and aspiring educators grow and require dedication, patience, and care to be able to nurture into future educators and leaders. I hope to help each, and every TAFE member find their own roots and bloom into a beautiful person — whether it’s in a classroom, in the community, or throughout your own life.

A few goals I have for this year include:

• Creating more opportunities for member engagement through social media and virtual connections

• Highlighting the incredible stories of TAFE members across the state

• Encouraging personal and professional growth through leadership development

• Strengthening our bond as a family where everyone feels supported and valued

Outside of TAFE, I enjoy playing the violin in the Del Mar College Mariachi, acting in theater, partaking in mass and serving my community. I am the President of the Student Council and involved with speech and debate as well. When I’m not busy with school or extracurriculars, you can find me spending time with friends and family, playing on PS4, or enjoying a walk with my dogs.

I cannot wait to meet and collaborate with each of you this year! Let's ground ourselves, plant seeds of knowledge, and bloom together as we continue shaping the future of education.

If you ever need anything or have any comments, please don't hesitate to reach out. I am eager to hear your thoughts and ideas— remember, TAFE is not just an organization, it's a family.

With gratitude and excitement,

~ Josiah Ponce, TAFE State President
[email protected]

Vice President: Jasmon Sampy
Alief Taylor High School, Area 4

Hi!! My name is Jasmon Sampy, and I am a proud senior at Alief Taylor High School. I have been an active member of TAFE since my freshman year, and this organization has truly shaped my high school experience. Serving as State Vice President is an incredible honor, and I am excited to help lead and inspire future educators across Texas!

Outside of TAFE, I am deeply involved in my school community. I serve as my chapter’s president for the third year and am also a dedicated member of my school’s band, where I play both the trumpet and baritone. When I’m not busy with leadership and music, I love spending time in the kitchen, baking and cooking new recipes.

I am passionate about education, leadership, and making a lasting impact. I look forward to working with my fellow officers to make this year one to remember for all TAFE members!

Secretary: Peyton Stewart
Kingwood High School, Area 4

Hi, y’all!

My name is Peyton Stewart, and I’m beyond excited to serve as your 2025-2026 TAFE State Secretary! I’m currently a senior at Kingwood High School, part of Area 4, and I’ve been involved in TAFE since 2023.

Funny enough, I often look back and wonder where I’d be if I hadn’t accidentally attended my first TAFFY  with TAFE meeting my sophomore year. What started as an unintentional choice quickly became one of the best decisions of my life! Now, my goal is to help others discover and fall in love with this organization—whether they planned to or not.

To make that happen, I want to focus on micro-adjustments that will enhance the TAFE experience. While campaigning, I spoke with many members who shared small but significant inconveniences they’ve faced in the organization. These are all easy fixes that, once addressed, will help expand T.R.A.F.L.E.S. and grow TAFE’s “garden of education” one seed at a time.

Outside of TAFE, I love reading, listening to podcasts, playing varsity tennis, coaching tennis, working as a hostess, and experimenting in the kitchen (though I’ll admit my cooking is still a work in progress!).

TAFE has given me more than just leadership experience—it’s given me a sense of purpose, a strong community, and the chance to grow in ways I never expected. I’m so grateful for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to work alongside all of you to make this year one to remember!

Historian: April Fernandez
Silverton High School, Area 8

Hey y’all my name is April Fernandez. I’m a senior at Silverton High School. I’ve been in TAFE my entire high school career. I’m your historian for this 25-26 school year. As your historian I would love to meet you all and let you know how appreciative I am that you are in TAFE. I love TAFE very much. TAFE has made the biggest impact on my life. It has made high school more fun and enjoyable. Without TAFE I wouldn't have made the friends I have made since joining. 

Other than TAFE my life is very busy. I’m very involved in and around my school. I work at the local Dollar General and I’m in many extra-curricula’s. (FCS, yearbook, UIL, and One Act Play) I love listening to music and I love to sing. I’ve won my school's talent contest 2 years in a row. I also sing the National Anthem at the football games. I also love meeting new people and I’m very talkative. I have a 3-year-old nephew whom I babysit a lot and he is my bestest friend. Can’t wait to meet you!

-Your very grateful historian
April Fernandez