Boerne is full of incredibly talented, hardworking, and inspiring young people, and we love the opportunity to shine a spotlight on them. From the classroom to the competition floor, local kids are doing extraordinary things, and they deserve to be recognized for it. Here are just a few of the amazing young people making Boerne proud!
Gemma Pechacek
This 10-year-old phenom is a homeschooled gymnast who is the “flyer” in her trio. This year, they brought home first place in their age and skill category at the state and regional competitions. Gemma and her teammates are competing in the USA Gymnastics Championships this summer, where they hope to qualify for the International Development Team. Go, Gemma!
BISD P-TECH Graduates
36 Boerne ISD students made history this spring when they became the district's first official P-TECH cohort to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance from Northwest Vista College—all while completing high school. The graduating class leaves Boerne ISD not only with a diploma, but with college credentials and CompTIA Security+ certifications in hand.
Kai McKinney
He’s an outstanding fighter who’s kind and humble, too. The 16-year-old brought home the gold in his division at the IBJJF World Championships, the largest and most prestigious tournament in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Kai says he finds strength through his faith. “I competed with faith, knowing that my identity is found in Christ.” Oss!
Champion Girls Swim Team & Kate Canales
In the 2025–2026 season, the team solidified its spot at the top with a second straight UIL State Swimming and Diving Championship. That dominance is thanks in part to Kate Canales, a junior and University of Florida Gator commit, who captured four gold medals. She broke some of her own records along the way to a No. 1 ranking in Texas and a 25th-place ranking nationwide.
Boerne High School Football Team
The Greyhound football team had a fabulous 2025–2026 season, finishing third in the state. They were back-to-back Regional Champions and State Semifinalists. They finished with a 13-2 overall record, a perfect 6-0 in district, and a beautiful 13-game winning streak.
Kids Heart Challenge
Five Boerne ISD elementary students ranked in the top 50 fundraisers out of 15,000 regional participants in the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge, earning the district its 2026–2027 “District of Lifesavers” designation. Through their efforts, Kellen, Victor, Ruby, Jaxson, and Samuel are helping fund life-saving research and heart health education across their community. Woohoo!