The Texas Council on Family Violence has named Sarah Ambrus Advocate of the Year for her work involving C-squared and helping to make LISD a “No Place for Hate” zone.

“I was in total shock,” Ambrus said. “I wasn’t expecting it at all. I didn’t even know I’d been nominated. When I got the call telling me my nomination had won, I had to ask them what the award was for.”

Ambrus was one of the original co-sponsors of C-squared (Coalition of Clubs), which originated in LISD in 2010.

“This award should really be going to the students,” Ambrus said. “C-squared on our campus is student led. They’ve worked really hard to create a positive school culture.”

Leander Middle School Principal Christine Simpson was the one who nominated Ambrus for the award. Apart from being a fellow original co-sponsor of C-squared, Simpson also co-wrote a book with Ambrus, titled “Riding Shotgun: Empowering Students to Lead Change.”

“It is a great tool for teachers who want to make a positive influence on their school but need some ideas on how to approach it,” Ambrus said.

Since its launch in 2010, C-squared has moved to 33 campuses across LISD. Now, it’s expanding outside of the district, moving to Lago Vista High School.

“It’s really important that the clubs grow to have a representative for everyone at their school,” Ambrus said. “We’re supposed to learn about each other’s differences and learn to appreciate them.”

Ambrus will have the award officially presented to her on February 19 at 8 a.m. in the Little Theatre by the Texas Council on Family Violence.

“Our diversity is our strength,” Ambrus said. “If we’re all the same, we can’t learn from each other.”