Jackson Garcia, a third-grader at Sunfield Elementary in Buda, Texas, has advanced to the national quarterfinals of Colossal's America's Favorite Student, a nationwide competition presented by Bill Nye the Science Guy benefiting The Planetary Society, the world's largest nonprofit space organization, co-founded by Carl Sagan. Jackson won first place in his group round, rallying his family, his Hays CISD community, and supporters across the country to carry him to the national stage. The grand prize includes a $20,000 educational award, a feature in Reader's Digest, and a visit to The Planetary Society headquarters to meet Bill Nye.

Jackson is not your average third-grader. Testing at a fifth-grade academic level, he has earned the Habit Award and the Grit Award at Sunfield Elementary and been nominated for the National Math Stars program. "Math," he will tell you, "is simply a puzzle to solve."

But Jackson's love of learning did not begin in a classroom. It was built, piece by piece, by the people who love him. His dad introduced him to double-digit addition and early coding at age three. Grandpa Gil and Granddad James opened the world of circuits and electronics. His grandmother, microbiologist Marianne, along with scientists like Bill Nye and Emily from Emily's Wonderlab, lit a fire for hands-on experimentation. And a village of aunts, uncles, and cousins filled in the rest, sparking passions for filmmaking, architecture, race cars, swimming, travel, and creative expression. Jackson does not just absorb what he learns. He builds on it, combines it, and makes it his own.

His teachers at Sunfield Elementary, including Mrs. Cooke, Mrs. Cheshire, Mrs. Messinger, and Principal DiPalma, have consistently recognized his curiosity and aptitude, recommending him for the Gifted and Talented program and finding creative ways to nurture his enthusiasm beyond the standard curriculum. That same generosity extends to everyone around him. At home, he regularly helps his younger sister Emma with reading, counting, and addition.

Outside the classroom, Jackson is a junior Select soccer player whose competitiveness mirrors his drive in the classroom. He credits his best friend Bradley with always pushing him to give his best, earning the pair the nickname "Shake and Bake," a nod to Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly's beloved duo in Talladega Nights. His former coach and skills trainer, Coach Erica, recognized what comes naturally to a math-minded kid: a sharp instinct for geometric positioning that makes him a formidable defensive anchor. With Bradley leading the attack and Jackson commanding the defense, the two bring the same teamwork to the field that they bring to everything else. When he is not solving equations or launching rainbow kicks, Jackson can be found gaming, creating YouTube content, and planning his next academic adventure.

If Jackson wins the $20,000 grand prize, every dollar will go toward STEM camps and coding programs that his current classroom environment cannot provide alone. His story arrives at a critical moment: Texas public school funding continues to face significant cuts, making enrichment programs increasingly essential for students ready to reach beyond what their grade level and financial circumstances currently allow. Every vote cast for Jackson also contributes directly to The Planetary Society's mission to advance space science and exploration worldwide.

Voting is free. Cast your daily vote at: https://americasfavstudent.org/2026/jackson-139