Americas High School sophomore Sebastian Carrillo's passion for soccer is creating opportunities far beyond the field. Through his community service project, Kicking Down Barriers, Sebastian collected and donated soccer equipment, including 28 pairs of cleats, to underprivileged children in Ciudad Juárez, empowering them to play the sport and making a difference in their lives.
"I love seeing young kids who also love soccer," Sebastian said. "I love giving them the opportunity to have good equipment to practice and play when otherwise they might not."
In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments, Sebastian was selected to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Socorro ISD Board of Trustees regular meeting in August 2026.
Kicking Down Barriers was inspired by the Lone Star Leadership Academy, which Sebastian has attended every summer since before sixth grade. Students travel across Texas, learning leadership skills through hands-on experiences and visits to historical sites.
"The camps let us explore and express our leadership skills," Sebastian said. "They show us how to use leadership in real situations instead of just learning about it in lessons."
For the past three years, Sebastian has served as a youth facilitator, organizing activities, mentoring younger students and inspiring future leaders. As a member of the program's Alumni Council, Sebastian created Kicking Down Barriers as a community outreach initiative in which students select, plan and lead their own service projects to practice real-world leadership. In June, he was recognized with El Paso County's Community Builders Award in the youth category for his project.
The project allowed Sebastian to combine his love for soccer with a desire to help others. It was especially meaningful because Sebastian sees soccer as a source of unity in the Borderland.
"As they say, it's two countries, three cities, one family," said Sebastian, who is a goalkeeper for the Americas High School Trailblazers.
With the help of friends and teammates, he organized a collection drive for soccer balls, cleats, gloves and other equipment. The donations were delivered to the players at Unidad Deportiva Valle del Sol in Juárez this spring.
“I went to their practice when I went to donate to them, and they're a bunch of really good kids, very young, up to high school age, and they are just very happy and very eager to play the game,” Sebastian recalled.
His mom, Melissa Carrillo, said public service runs in her family. Carrillo, who works for the County of El Paso and volunteers with several community organizations, aims to instill these values in her son. She said Sebastian's involvement in projects like Kicking Down Barriers shows he is developing into a well-rounded leader.
“I want him to always be kind and giving,” Carrillo said. “To see him complete these projects reminds me that he's on the right path as a young man who will be able to take care of himself, his family and his community in the future.”
While soccer is an important part of his life, Sebastian values his studies just as much. He remembers his middle school teacher telling him that as a student-athlete, the student portion always comes first.
“I've always made sure that my academics come before my athletics, and I think it's helped me. It's encouraged me in a lot of ways,” Sebastian said.
He maintains a 4.0 GPA, serves on the student council, participates in the Trailblazers Early College program and is a member of Libertas Academy, one of Americas High School advanced academic programs designed for students pursuing careers in government, public administration, or law.
Through early college, Sebastian is on track to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree, accelerating his path toward a law degree. His interest in law has grown through Libertas, where students learn from attorneys and participate in activities such as mock trial. He appreciates the genuine learning the program provides.
“I feel that you get a sense that you're actually in the courtroom and you're learning from lawyers themselves. You feel a sense of authenticity in what you're learning, instead of just from a textbook,” Sebastian said.
Sebastian is setting his sights even higher. He plans to maintain his 4.0 GPA over the next two years, graduate in the top 10% of his class, and contribute to the Trailblazers soccer team's success. Additionally, he is collecting funds to establish a nonprofit organization, allowing him to help the community for years to come. His commitment to service began with his first service project in seventh grade when he started a diaper drive for migrant families.
He credits the Lone Star Academy with providing the motivation he needed to bring his volunteer efforts to fruition.
“I think the camps really gave me confidence, boosted my thoughts about it, and made me really want to give back to the community. When I first started, I just had the diaper drive, and I realized I love giving back to the community,” Sebastian said.