Meet Olivia Rodriguez: A Shining Example of Leadership and Service

By Klein ISD Isabela Reyna

September 25^th, 2025

Klein Collins High School senior Olivia Rodriguez is known for much more than her bright smile and school spirit; she’s recognized as a student whose leadership, compassion, and drive extend into every corner of her life.

From the moment she stepped onto campus as a freshman, Olivia stood out to her teachers. Child Guidance teacher Ms. Donna Jones at Klein Collins recalls seeing her potential early on.

“I first met Olivia when she was a freshman enrolled in my Principles of Education course,” Ms. Jones said. “I knew at that time that she had the potential to be successful in the Early Learning Teaching Program. Olivia is a shining star in the classroom, always modeling respectful behavior and positive connections with her classmates.”

Because of her outstanding performance in class, Olivia has served as a student teacher in the program during her junior and senior years of high school. As she continues her senior year, Olivia not only plans lessons and works directly with preschool students on campus but also mentors younger student teachers who are new to the program.

Meet Olivia Rodriguez: A Shining Example of Leadership and Service

Oliva's leadership shines just as brightly on the cheerleading team, where she's earned the Tiger Pride award, is a four-time All-American and All-Star winner, and has even been nominated to join the Universal Cheerleaders Association staff. As Varsity Captain, she's a standout whose leadership doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Olivia has been one of my athletes for over 3 years, and I couldn’t be prouder of how she represents our cheer program,” Coach Amy Smith said. “She is a phenomenal young lady with a servant heart, compassion for others, and genuinely a strong leader who empowers others. She leads with integrity, kindness, and has a passion for helping others.”

Olivia’s dedication also goes beyond school. Outside of Klein Collins, she holds the 50-yard breaststroke record for 15-18 girls, is a 50-yard breaststroke Ponderosa qualifier, and competes as a swimmer with the United Aquatics Swim Team. She also works as an instructor for United Swim School.

For Olivia, a significant part of her life is her church community, where she's involved in ministry. She has received a superior ranking and national invitations to speak in sermons and lead children’s lessons for South Texas Assemblies of God Youth Ministries. Olivia has participated in international mission trips to Ecuador and El Salvador, serving alongside her mother in the National Charity League, Cypress Creek Chapter, and holding leadership roles, including President, Treasurer, Social Media Chair, and Historian, on her class’s executive team board.

“Her passions go beyond personal education, cheer, and even ministry. She takes that which she enjoys (and has excelled in) to outer communities - places untouched by many others,” Northwood Youth Directors Jessica and Ross Feazell said. “We are beyond proud of Olivia, to say the least, and are confident in the steps she's taken to ensure the successes of not only her future, but that of those around her.”

Looking ahead, Olivia plans to attend Nelson University to pursue a degree in Intercultural Studies and Early Childhood Education. There, she will continue cheerleading, lead her first mission trip to Cuba as a freshman, and serve on the Student Missions Association Board. Her long-term goal is to live out her calling as an international missionary.

“I have chosen to do all of these things as a student to strive toward my goal of becoming an English as a Second Language teacher, hopefully in Cuba, while loving people in service as I have been loved,” Olivia said. “Everything I lead and do is for the growth of others, and that is what keeps me working each day.”

It’s this combination of service, academic dedication, and athletic leadership that makes Olivia such a standout student. Whether on the sidelines, in the pool, or serving through her ministry, this inspiring leader shines with dedication and heart.