Future Forward: Early College High School senior uses business skills to give back to his community

Kelvin Sanchez has spent the past four years at Early College High School (ECHS), determined to make a difference for his family, campus, and community. As a standout senior, Sanchez is wrapping up a season full of hard work and determination to succeed.

Sanchez describes his time at ECHS as “nothing short of amazing.” He credits the deep bonds he built with faculty and peers as the engine behind his success, keeping him focused on the finish line even when the road to graduation grew difficult.

“There were plenty of times it felt like the walls were closing in on me,” Sanchez recalled. “But the support system at ECHS—leaning on my friends and family—pulled me out of those slumps and taught me never to give up.”

One aspect of Sanchez's resilience that really stood out was his work with the school’s DECA chapter, a national organization that prepares students for careers in business and finance. As part of a DECA project management challenge, Sanchez spearheaded an initiative to reinvent the ECHS campus store, which had previously been managed by a single staff member. Seeking to lift that burden, Sanchez and his team took over daily operations to create a more sustainable business model.

To optimize operations, Sanchez developed a custom spreadsheet using AI coding to track sales and inventory in real time. The store’s launch was a runaway success, earning $1,500 in a single semester and securing the team a spot in the state finals. By collaborating with other clubs to share profits, Sanchez ensured the newfound revenue was reinvested in the ECHS community.

“Giving back and serving others has always been a priority for me,” Sanchez said. “Having the opportunity to support our school in this way means a lot.”

As a first-generation college student, Sanchez views his upcoming graduation as a collective victory. He credits his parents’ sacrifices as the driving force behind his ambition, noting that his successes belong to them as much as to him. He also expressed gratitude for the support of teachers like Ms. Rodriguez, Ms. Fuentes and his AVID teacher, Mr. Dunn.

"Kelvin is an extremely professional student, but what truly sets him apart is how he connects with others," Dunn emphasized. "Throughout his time at ECHS, he has built a network of community business professionals who all walk away with a positive impression of him. He’s already preparing for a career in accounting with a level of focus I’ve never seen before. He is incredibly respectful, and we are so proud to see him represent Early College and CFB in the workforce."

Following graduation, Sanchez will attend the University of Texas at Dallas to major in accounting. He plans to earn his CPA license and gain experience at a “Big Four” accounting firm, such as KPMG, before eventually launching his own practice. His ultimate mission is to provide financial literacy and professional services to the Latino community.

“Coming from an immigrant family and seeing how much my parents poured into my education, I want to give them that financial security,” Sanchez said. “Financial literacy is essential. Whether you’re a student with a first job or starting a career, knowing how to manage money is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success.”

As he prepares for the road ahead, Sanchez urges younger students to find organizations that challenge their perspective and push their boundaries. For this future accountant, the lessons learned in high school have already added up to a bright future.