For 7th grader Jaden Armenta, a move from California to Texas unlocked a world of self-expression within his school environment. Now thriving in the Gifted and Talented (GT) program at Johnson Middle School in Irving ISD, Armenta has discovered the freedom to explore his passions and cultivate his talents beyond the traditional classroom setting. He credits the GT program for providing the space he needs to express himself without limitations.
“I enjoy being in the program because you can truly express yourself,” Armenta explains. “With the research projects, you have a bit more freedom.”
Beyond his academic pursuits, Armenta harbors a deep love for music. His passion for the piano ignited around the age of 11, inspired by the musicians at his church. With their encouragement, he learned to play and subsequently developed an appreciation for other instruments, taking up the violin when he joined the orchestra at Johnson Middle School.
This year, Armenta channeled his curiosity into a research project focused on the often-overlooked issue of noise pollution. His interest in the topic stemmed from its significant impact on humans, animals, and the environment. During his research, he was surprised to learn the extent to which noise pollution disrupts the ecosystem, even interfering with the bird mating process.
“Just like we (humans) don’t like our neighbors making noise – animals don’t either,” Armenta observed.
To make his presentation engaging, Armenta incorporated a visually striking design and used relatable, real-world examples to connect with his audience. He specifically highlighted how noise pollution affects students in school through distractions like loud music, talking, and outside noise, ultimately hindering their ability to concentrate and learn. He deeply appreciates the GT program for fostering his growth as both a researcher and a student.
“Each time I improve on my research projects, it helps me grow and express myself,” he added.
Looking towards the future, Armenta's ambitions extend beyond environmental advocacy. While he intends to continue raising awareness about noise pollution, his ultimate goal is to become a middle school principal, aiming to shape the next generation of learners in the same way that educators have positively influenced him.
To learn more about Irving ISD’s Gifted and Talented & Advanced Academics offerings, visit IrvingISD.net/GT.
