Fourth grader Nadalie Cruz knows the art students at Fort Worth ISD’s Manuel Jara Elementary did more than decorate dolls.
They honored women who serve in Fort Worth.
“It’s not about me, it’s about them because they do so much for our community,” Nadalie said.
Nadalie and her fellow students personalized Barbie dolls with handcrafted costumes and accessories for the 2026 Local Women of Courage Celebration Community Awards, an annual event recognizing women who have shaped Fort Worth neighborhoods through education, service, advocacy or community work.
The April 18 event was held at the Northside Community Center — and featured performances from young Ballet Folklorico Quetzal dancers and the Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School choir — where honorees received student-made dolls designed to reflect their work and impact.
The process started with the first ingredient, Nadalie said: A bit of creativity.
“It’s just, kind of, letting your mind flow,” the fourth grader said.
Students drew designs, added patterns and colors, then passed the doll dresses to classmates so each student could contribute their own inspiration.
Nadalie, and her schoolmates Annelies and Cataleya Lara, said they were proud to see the honorees receive the artwork.
Ebony Johnson, Fort Worth ISD’s visual arts coordinator, said the project shows why art remains important for students — especially in April, when schools face pressure around testing.
“There’s so much focus on testing and we’re not focused on creativity,” Johnson said. “It’s really, really beneficial to the students to empower them by allowing them to utilize the crafts that they naturally have and nurture their artistic talents.”
Creating the dolls gives students confidence, she said. The process also gives them a place in the community’s stories.
“These dolls are going to sit on tables, on shelves and mantels for years and years and years to come,” Johnson said.
The recognition came as a surprise to Christene C. Moss Elementary’s registered nurse, Versie Harrison.
“I was shocked,” Harrison said. “Nurses are one of those jobs that we do, where there’s not always a lot of credit involved with it.”
She has worked as a nurse for more than 40 years, including nine years in Fort Worth ISD. Working with children has been the most rewarding part of her career, she said.
The doll made in her honor included hearts, flowers and Band-Aids.
“I spend the day giving those out,” Harrison said.
The award was even more meaningful to her knowing students took the time to recognize her work.
“It is really an honor,” Harrison said. “It’s an unexpected honor, and I appreciate them taking out the time to even acknowledge me.”
The event also honored women and girls beyond the school district.
Trang Pham, a 16-year-old homeschooled artist and self-published author, was recognized for her work giving back through art, music and service. She performs at nursing homes and has published books connected to her Vietnamese heritage and family.
She hopes younger students see her work and realize they can make an impact now.
“You don’t have to wait till you’re 25 or 30 to do what you want to do. You can do great things when you’re young,” Pham said.
Olivia Keener, principal of Christene C. Moss Elementary, said being honored by students in her community was especially meaningful. She grew up in Fort Worth.
“I hope that the students take away that they too can be in the same position I am now, and that is in a position of service to give back to the community,” Keener said.
The ceremony is a reminder that art can connect students to people and stories they may not otherwise know, Johnson said.
“Art shows you perspectives that you wouldn’t have thought you could understand. Art bridges the gaps between cultures. It bridges the divides between communities,” she said.
The project didn’t end when the dolls were finished, Nadalie said.
Instead, Nadalie and students awarded them to honorees.
They saw the impact their work had on the women they honored, several of whom cried happy tears.
Disclosure: The Sid W. Richardson Foundation, which is led by FWISD manager Pete Geren, is a financial supporter of the Fort Worth Report. FWISD manager Laurie George is a member of the Report’s reader advisory council. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
Matthew Sgroi is an education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at matthew.sgroi@fortworthreport.orgor @matthewsgroi1.
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