Maira Perez Sotelo’s Heart of Teaching Grant at Rosemont School

(Dallas, TX) — A great yearbook does more than capture photos—it preserves memories, celebrates identity, and tells the story of a school through the eyes of the students who live it every day.

At Dallas ISD’s Rosemont School, educator Maira Perez Sotelo is putting storytelling directly into students’ hands. Through a Dallas Education Foundation Heart of Teaching grant, Perez Sotelo purchased two iMac computers to support her student-led yearbook club, expanding access to professional-quality tools that enable meaningful design, writing, and editing.

For students, this isn’t just a technology upgrade—it’s an opportunity to take ownership of a major campus tradition. With reliable equipment and a dedicated creative workspace, students can collaborate on layouts, refine their writing, organize photos, and build production skills that extend far beyond the yearbook itself.

The impact reaches deeper than the final printed pages. Students are gaining confidence, learning teamwork, practicing deadlines, and developing digital design and communication skills that translate to future classes, careers, and creative pursuits. Most importantly, they are seeing their work recognized—and their voices valued.

The Heart of Teaching program exists to empower Dallas ISD educators to launch innovative projects where funding gaps can limit student opportunity. This grant is a strong example of what’s possible when educators receive the support they need to turn ideas into impact.

Because when students are given the right tools, they don’t just complete a project—they create a legacy.

Donate today: dallasedfound.org/donate