Bird Bowl has been an HCISD tradition for 33 years, uniting the community each fall.
This year, the spirit of the event went beyond the football field. Former and current HCISD Board Members gathered for a special reception ahead of the big game to honor a shared legacy of leadership and service.
For current Board Secretary Gina Cano-Monreal, the event was especially meaningful as she stood side by side with her father, who once served on the board himself.
“My dad is genuine and authentic, and he served on the board in that way,” said Gina Cano-Monreal. “Serving on the board was never about him – it was about others and how he could be of service to them. He was inquisitive and wondered big. Importantly, he believed in and advocated for opportunities for all students. These attributes have directly impacted my behaviors and steer my actions in the boardroom, on school visits, and in interactions with the community. I hope that my children and all those in HCISD who have seen me serve, know that I am genuine in my actions.”
Her father reflected his pride.
“What goes through my mind when I see Gina serving as a leader in the community today is nothing short of deep pride and admiration for the strong woman whose leadership has positively impacted many lives,” said Omar Cano.
The theme of family and service continued with current board member Ricky Leal, whose father also served on the HCISD Board.
“My dad served in educational leadership for as long as I remember, and he would often talk with us about what it meant,” said Ricky Leal. “I think we’d call his approach today as having a ‘Heart for People’ and it meaningfully impacts how I carry out my responsibilities today. We are blessed in HCISD with incredible families, teachers, and administrators, and also with a great legacy of performance. I hope that our students feel like their achievement, growth, and development are prioritized in every decision we make.”
His father shared how much it means to see his son follow in his footsteps.
“It makes me very proud to see Ricky serving his community,” said Gilbert Leal. “I knew he had leadership skills, having served as a Captain in the United States Air Force for five years and in many roles in the community.”
The reception was a testament to the way leadership is passed from one generation to the next.
HCISD’s board members, past and present, reminded everyone that leadership is about integrity, service, and paving the way for others. Today’s board members carry that tradition forward, knowing that students are watching, learning, and preparing to lead the future.
