Meet the Officers

President: Josiah Ponce
Collegiate High School, Area 1

Josiah, a passionate advocate for education and future teachers from Corpus Christi, is committed to inspiring, supporting, and empowering the next generation of educators across Texas. As a rising senior at Collegiate High School, he has demonstrated strong leadership through roles such as TAFE Chapter President, Area 1 Vice President, and Vice President of Student Council. Josiah’s dedication and vision are poised to elevate TAFE to new heights. In addition to his leadership, he is actively involved in DECA, where he has honed his skills in competition and teamwork, as well as various arts, including playing the violin in the Del Mar College Mariachi and performing in the CCISD Musical Finding Nemo Jr. Josiah is also a dedicated participant in Speech and Debate, further developing his public speaking and critical thinking skills. With over 300 hours of community service, he enjoys giving back to his community and finding ways to make a positive impact. When he’s not focused on school or personal commitments, Josiah enjoys a wide variety of activities, such as conversing with friends, spending time with his dogs, and bike riding.

Join us on this journey to make a lasting impact on Texas education. Together, we can lead, inspire, and create a brighter future for students and educators alike.

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

Howdy! My name is Jasmon Sampy, and I am a proud junior at Alief Taylor High School. I have been hitting all the right notes as an active member of TAFE since my freshman year, and it has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences throughout my high school experiences. I am currently marching into my second year as chapter president, and I couldn’t l be more excited about leading my team to success! Outside of TAFE, I keep things in tune by playing both the trumpet and baritone in my school's band. In my free time, I enjoy baking and cooking. I am thrilled to be running for State Officer and look forward to the opportunity to strike a chord with my fellow TAFE members. I believe my dedication and passion will help me lead with perfect harmony, ensuring our organization continues to march to success and thrive together! Let's keep the rhythm going and make this year music to our ears.

Secretary: Peyton Stewart
Kingwood High School, Area 4

Hi! My name is Peyton Stewart, and I’m currently a junior at Kingwood High School. I’ve been part of TAFE for about two years now, and it’s been such an impactful experience. I am honored to serve as the Area 4 1st Vice President, where I collaborate with my other student officers to support and promote future educators. I’m actively involved in our Kingwood Chapter, from visiting elementary schools to teaching leadership skills to competing at nationals in the Ethical Dilemma event with my team. When I’m not busy with TAFE, I’m either playing or coaching tennis, diving into a good podcast, or experimenting in the kitchen-though, truthfully, I enjoy eating the food more than making it! One other thing that’s always been clear to me is my passion for teaching. After high school, I plan to purse a career as either an English or Psychology teacher. Joining TAFE has been such a meaningful decision for me. It hasn’t just deepened my understanding of education; it’s also given me an incredible opportunity to connect with my community and do what I love most: teaching.

Historian: April Fernandez
Silverton High School, Area 8

My name is April Fernandez. I'm 17 years old and a junior at Silverton High School. I have been in TAFE for three years now and have been to state competitions all three years. I have written a children's book each year. This year I made it to state in Impromptu Speaking as well. I was the Area 8 second Vice President during 2024. I am involved in One Act Play as well as FCS and yearbook. I played basketball and ran track during my freshman year. I love talking to new people and getting to know everyone.