Haltom High School senior Tony Hoang has become a standout example of hard work and faith‑guided ambition in Tarrant County. The 17‑year‑old earned a place on Junior Achievement’s 18 Under 18 list, an honor that celebrates local teens who demonstrate dedication, ambition, and service to the community.
From classroom projects to a thriving pop‑up
Hoang’s entrepreneurial journey began in the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), where he rose from member to president of his school chapter and now serves as vice president of a regional DECA board covering eleven North Texas counties. His DECA adviser, Pamela Wright, praised his attention to detail and leadership, noting that “he gets his work done and prioritizes what needs to be done.”
Inspired by a family‑run café in Vietnam and by other student pop‑ups he saw on social media, Hoang and his sister Vy launched “Vung Tau,” a Vietnamese tea and coffee stand named after their mother’s hometown. The siblings saw the venture as a way to share their culture and bring authentic Vietnamese coffee to their peers.
Hard work pays off at Buff Night
After months of research, recipe testing, and navigating permits, Vung Tau made its debut at Buff Night, a school‑wide community event. The pop‑up attracted a large crowd and sold out within ninety minutes, proving that careful planning and perseverance can turn a classroom project into a real‑world success.
“What started as a school assignment quickly became a tangible business,” Hoang said. He added that the experience taught him the complexities of live‑event food sales and highlighted areas for improvement, such as streamlining product preparation and delegating tasks.
Family values drive ambition
Hoang attributes his drive to the example set by his parents. His father, Hung Hoang, immigrated to America 35 years ago seeking a better life for his family. “You get an education, you can move up,” Hung explained, emphasizing the importance of schooling as a pathway to opportunity. The family’s support has been unwavering; Hung says he backs his son “200 %.”
Vy, Tony’s sister, describes her brother as dependable and humorous, noting that his willingness to help friends has strengthened their social circle. “My friends merged with his friends because we all just got along, and that’s partly, mostly because of Tony,” she said.
Looking ahead
Buoyed by the success of Vung Tau, Hoang is already planning future pop‑ups and hopes to expand the reach of Vietnamese coffee in the region. His story underscores the value of hard work, family support, and faith‑based perseverance—principles that resonate deeply within the Haltom community.
Junior Achievement’s 18 Under 18 program highlights students like Hoang who make a positive impact on Tarrant County through entrepreneurship, service, and leadership. As Wright put it, “He’s just an outstanding kid; his shoes are going to be tough to fill when he leaves as our president.”
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
