Nixon-Smiley community remembers NSHS student

Many tributes abound from the Nixon-Smiley community in support of a NSHS student who passed away in late September.

Seventeen-year-old Gianna Jewett of Nixon died in car accident Saturday, Sept. 24, returning home from the high school after a band performance at an away game in Comfort. The community continues to mourn and honor the student in a variety of different ways.

Jewett was a senior at NSHS and a member of the Nixon-Smiley Marching band. The team and school honored her during the football game against Karnes City with the band playing the alma mater in her memory, and a moment of silence before kickoff.

The Nixon-Smiley CISD made a statement before the game, after the band performed the tribute.

“The entire Nixon-Smiley CISD community is saddened by the loss of Gianna Jewett. Gianna was a member of the Mustang Band, serving as a drum major her junior year, a member of National Honor Society, and a member of the Lady Mustangs track team. She will be deeply missed by our Mustang family. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family,” the game announcer stated.

Jewett was traveling westbound on Farm Market 1117 when a Jeep Cherokee, driven by 42-year-old Jesus Hernandez Jr., crossed the center lane and crashed into her vehicle, according to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Ruben San Miguel. Jewett was pronounced dead at the scene, while Hernandez was transported to San Antonio Medical Center in serious condition, San Miguel said, noting the accident remains under investigation.

In Sept. Jewett was recognized from the College Board National Recognition Programs; she was awarded the National Rural and Small-Town Award.

“These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process. Colleges and scholarship programs identify students awarded National African American, Hispanic, Indigenous, and/or Rural/Small Town Recognition through College Board’s Student Search Service.” the award purpose as explained in Sept. 8 issue of the Gonzales Inquirer.

Jewett loved playing the clarinet with high school band, as well as reading, watching anime, playing video games, hanging out with her friends and spending time with her many pets.

A service for Jewett will be held Thursday, Oct. 6, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Donations may be made to fund the Gianna Jewett Memorial Scholarship Fund towards providing one or more scholarships to NSHS band students. Donations may be made by the following options:

• By mail: Scott or Barbara Jewett, c/o Third Coast Bank, The Gianna Jewett Memorial Account, 200 N. Nixon Ave., Nixon, TX 78140

• Cash App: $GSJMScholarship

• PayPal: paypal.me/gsjmscholarship2022

• Zelle: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/scott-edward-jewett