TEMPLE, Texas — The United Way of Central Texas (UWCT) joined Temple Independent School District administrators in recognizing nearly 40 Temple High School students for their participation in the United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program Monday afternoon (April 28).
The THS students, 14 of them seniors, volunteered to help Central Texans prepare and submit their tax returns as part of the VITA program. The program is open to clients making less than $67,000 per year and students prepare the returns at no charge to participants in the program. As a group, the Temple High School prepared 255 returns that earned more than $300,00 in refunds for clients. Some students put in more than 70 hours of tax preparation and all of the students involved contributed at least 15 hours of service to the program. In addition to the refunds the students were able to earn for their clients, the program also saved a significant amount of money for the customers in tax preparation fees. The students participating in the VITA program have an opportunity to give back to the community while also practicing skills they will use for the rest of their lives, even if they do not pursue a career in accounting after high school.
“It is inspiring to see the impact of what we have been able to learn in this program,” said Jamarri Thrasher, a Temple HS senior “I’ve even been able to help my mom with her taxes. It has been great to break my bubble and have the opportunity to talk to the clients and help solve real-world problems.”
“The most rewarding thing is to be able to help people and put myself in their shoes while I am helping them,” added THS junior, Nevaeh Tobe. “It is an amazing experience and it feels great to be able to help the community and contribute in some way.”
Temple High School accounting teacher Jessica Cuellar helps train the THS students who participate and is in her second year working with the program. She also enjoys seeing the rewards of working with VITA, both for the community and for the students involved.
“It means a lot to see how much these students learn through their involvement with this program,” Cuellar said. “When clients come in, they praise our students and that really validates the work they are doing. It is amazing to see these students work so hard. We are so grateful for the partnership with the United Way and to see the way the community supports this program really means a lot to me and to the students.”
The students recognized during Monday’s celebration received certificates for their service, thank you letters from the IRS and community partners, and seniors were also presented with cords to wear during graduation reflecting their participation. This is UWCT’s 15th year to provide tax assistance to the local community. In 2025, UWCT VITA volunteers prepared nearly 2,000 free tax returns for Centrals Texans and brought in over $2.5 million in refunds. 100% of the tax refund goes directly to the customer.