FORT BEND ISD (April 30, 2026) – Three Fort Bend ISD students advanced to the national competition this summer after their performance at the 2026 Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) Local Competition, hosted by the NAACP Missouri City & Vicinity Branch.

The annual competition celebrates achievement in STEM, humanities, business, performing arts, and visual arts, highlighting the talents of high school students across Fort Bend County and surrounding communities.

Fort Bend ISD students who earned top honors at the competition include:

(Gold Medalists advancing to Nationals are indicated with an asterisk)

Sharon Agbebaku* – Poetry-Written, Spoken Word, Oratory - Kempner High School

Breakthroughs Ajayi – Poetry-Written, Biology/Microbiology, Spoken Word - Clements High School

Oluwanifemi Ibukun – Original Essay - Hightower High School

Oluwatemilorun Longe* – Painting, Dance Cultural - Bush High School

Gabriella Taiwo* – Original Essay, Dramatics, Oratory - Kempner High School

“This year’s participants exemplify the brilliance, discipline, and creativity ACT-SO was designed to nurture,” ACT-SO Chair Sharmia Jones said. “We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments locally and excited to support our gold medalists as they advance to the national competition.”

The competition was held under the leadership of Branch President Dr. Linda Coleman and ACT-SO Chair Sharmia Jones, with support from community partners, volunteer judges, mentors, educators, families, and local business sponsors.