Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is a top rated school district by Niche, an online platform that provides profiles on every school in America to connect students and families with colleges and schools. While traditional rankings rely almost exclusively on metrics like test scores and academic performance, Niche’s rankings combine user input — ratings from current students, alumni and parents — with quantitative data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate teachers, resources and facilities, extracurricular activity opportunities and more.
Best School Districts in
Districts with the Best Teachers in Dallas-Fort Worth Area
Best Places to Teach in Tarrant County
Districts with the Best Teachers in Tarrant County # #
About the cover
Students from GCISD’s Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) look out a window as they get ready to participate in their annual egg hunt. The ECDC is open to the children of GCISD employees, and it provides a high-quality early childhood environment for children from birth to age three by September 1 of the year of enrollment.
LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
GCISD Family,
As we close another incredible school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we have accomplished together. This year’s theme, Together for Tomorrow, reminded us that the strength of our community lies in our collective commitment to honoring our legacy, equipping for the future, and achieving excellence.
Throughout the year, we have seen firsthand the power of collaboration. Our educators have worked tirelessly to ensure our students have the skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-changing world. Our families work as partners in their children’s education to create a more enriching and supportive environment for students. And our students –each and every one of them – have embraced challenges, celebrated successes, and continued to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
From academic achievements to artistic performances, and athletic victories to acts of service, we have witnessed extraordinary moments that define who we are as a district. These milestones were not reached alone; they were made possible by the dedication and shared vision of our entire community.
As we look ahead, we do so with a deep appreciation for where we’ve been and an eagerness for what’s to come. While the excitement of a new school year is still on the horizon, I promise that what lies ahead will be filled with inspiration and purpose. For now, let’s take a moment to celebrate this year’s achievements and the strong foundation we’ve built – together – for tomorrow. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Brad Schnautz, Ed.D. Superintendent
Grapevine High School Students Qualify
For DECA’s International Conference:
A GCISD Communications Intern Story by GHS Student Darren Yang
Ten GCISD DECA students from Colleyville Heritage High School, Grapevine High School and iUniversity Prep recently competed at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), which is a particularly difficult feat since the Texas chapter is the largest DECA association in the world with more than 23,000 members.
DECA is a global student organization dedicated to preparing students for careers in the business world, including the fields of marketing, finance, entrepreneurship and hospitality. The organization fosters leadership, public speaking and problemsolving skills among many others through events such as role plays and presentations.
Two GHS students, Spencer Smith and Sofiyka Malyshchak, faced fierce competition from dozens of other state qualifiers. Thanks to their hard work and preparation, they were successful.
Malyshchak, who competed in a presentationstyle event, credited her success to recording and practicing her presentation over and over while giving her recorded self-feedback from the perspective of judges.
However, one other detail was absolutely crucial: “Believing in myself was just as important as perfecting my delivery,” she reflected, and that confidence gave her the edge that was needed.
BOARD SPOTLIGHT
What’s a hidden gem within the district—something people might not know about but should?
Every district has its gems, the ones that might not always be in the spotlight but play an important role in shaping the student experience. One of those treasures within GCISD is the incredible dedication of our educators and support staff. Their passion and commitment create an enriching environment that empowers students to thrive. The heartbeat of our schools exists in the unseen moments where learning sparks curiosity and support systems ensure that EVERY student feels seen and valued.
If you could spend a day shadowing any role within the district, which one would you choose and why?
If I could spend a day shadowing any role within the district, I would undoubtedly choose to experience the daily life of a teacher or student. There’s no better way to truly grasp the realities of education than to step into their world. Seeing the energy of a classroom, the interactions between students and the challenges educators navigate would provide an invaluable perspective. This firsthand experience would shape policy decisions, highlight areas that need improvement, and foster deeper connections between trustees and the students and staff they serve. By understanding the daily experiences of students and teachers, we can bridge the gap between leadership and real-world impact to make sure that our decisions are made with insight, compassion and a commitment to excellence.
Dalia Begin, Trustee Place 2
Why did you want to serve on the GCISD Board of Trustees?
Serving on the Board of Trustees is a truly humbling experience, one that allows me to contribute meaningfully to the success of every student and staff member in our schools. My background in business and finance has given me valuable insight, and I hope to bring that expertise to help guide GCISD. But beyond professional skills, my heart has always been drawn to service. Volunteering has been an integral part of my life, providing fulfilling opportunities to leave the world a little better than I found it. Community roles like this remind us that purpose is rooted in connection, growth and the belief that even small actions can lead to meaningful progress.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how does it guide you in your role?
Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to receive wisdom from many incredible mentors, but two pieces of advice stand out above the rest: seek to understand and always assume positive intent. It has been an anchor for me, guiding my decisions both personally and professionally. Whether in leadership or service, approaching situations with empathy and openness leads to stronger relationships and more effective solutions. Trust and understanding are at the core of meaningful progress, and when we listen before we act, we create an environment where every voice matters.
The GCISD Board of Trustees oversees the management of the district and ensures that the superintendent implements and monitors district operations. The board and the superintendent work together as a team of eight to translate the needs of students into policies, plans and goals that will be supported by the community.
Each month throughout the school year, a member of the GCISD Board of Trustees sends out a Letter from the Board. This letter aims to connect the trustees through the community, share district news, give clarity on policy updates and include important celebrations. To continue building on the board’s efforts to keep the community informed, GCISD sends monthly newsletters with reports and updates from board meetings. These messages are sent within the week of the regular monthly meetings and provide the community with an overview of information presented and action taken by the board.
If you would like to receive future Letters from the Board and Board Notes, please sign up by using the QR code.
Students Collect Coins to Help California Wildfire Victims
Students at Glenhope Elementary rallied together to support victims of the California wildfires, collecting $1,025 during a two-week coin drive in February.
The collection began when fifth graders Emme Davis, John Marshall Corgan and Caleb Kinard approached their teacher, Christina Hayes, with the idea of helping those affected. Wanting to take the effort schoolwide, the students asked if they could present their idea to the principal. Hayes encouraged them to first create a detailed plan, which ultimately included posters to place around campus, designated collection areas, and an incentive: extra recess time for the grade level that raised the most money.
“We added the extra recess time as a way to motivate everyone,” Davis explained.
Once the plan was approved, the school’s student council joined in, volunteering to help count the coins after school each day. To keep track of their progress, Corgan created a spreadsheet to log daily totals and a poster of a bucket in the school’s main hallway was colored in each afternoon to visually represent their growing donations.
“I think the whole school coming together is really nice,” Corgan remarked. “At first, I thought only a few people would donate, but it turned out to be way more. We raised more money than I ever imagined.”
Beyond the financial support for wildfire victims, Hayes sees the project as a valuable lesson in both math and compassion.
“Even though the students are competing, they share a common goal of helping people and animals in need,” she said. “This experience is teaching them to think beyond themselves, and it’s also creating a stronger sense of community within our school.”
With teamwork, creativity and a shared goal of helping others, these students learned that even small acts of kindness can make a big impact.
Students’ Pizza Creation Lands on Restaurant Menu
The assignment: Develop an idea for a pizza concept.
The prize: The winning pizza would land on the menu of Wise Guys Pizzeria, starting March 1.
This semester, students in the Advanced Culinary class in GCISD’s Career and Technical Education program got that unique opportunity.
Students came up with creative concepts and names like the Maui Mobster, the OG Twist and the Don Maca-Loni.
Co-creator of the Don Maca-Loni Macy Lanier, a junior at Colleyville Heritage High School, said their team came up with their concept after noticing that fried mac and cheese balls were on the Wise Guys menu.
“Cheese pairs well with cheese, so we decided fried mac and cheese balls would go well on a pizza,” she remarked. Alfredo sauce and mozzarella rounded out their cheesy creation.
“We think it’s going to win because it’s simple,” she added.
Classmate and Grapevine High School senior Jorge Garcia said his team also came up with an Alfredo-based delicacy, but with a Hawaiian twist. Their Maui Mobster is topped with Canadian bacon, red onions and pineapple.
“We both wanted to do an Alfredo-based pizza, and then we brainstormed to give the pizza a bit more ‘pop.’ It’s not loaded with a lot of ingredients, but it’s also not too simple.”
Meanwhile, CHHS junior Albin Jacobson said that for his team’s OG Twist concept, “we wanted to come up with something that people liked and was marketable, but was also different from the rest of the things on the menu.” Their stuffed-mozzarella crust pizza is topped with more mozzarella cheese, garlic oil, spicy marinara sauce, ricotta, basil and capers.
Kevin McNamanara, owner of Wise Guys Pizzeria in Grapevine and a GCISD community partner, which also supports the district’s “Stars of GCISD” staff recognition program, said that his team came up with the idea because they wanted to add new pizzas to the menu that were ideas from the community. That spurred the restaurant to reach out to the district and in particular, the district’s CTE culinary program.
“I like seeing students light up when they learn and they grow,” he stated. “As an entrepreneur, it’s exciting for me to see the next generation learning about the business that I chose. At some point, someone took a chance on me, and it’s part of my duty to give back to the new generation.”
It wasn’t just about coming up with ingredients. As a learning opportunity, students also had to determine food costs and
create a marketing flyer, something which they learn through CTE since students take Principles of Hospitality and Culinary I before entering the Advanced Culinary class.
In the advanced class, they also have an opportunity to cater events and prepare to take the industry-based food manager certification, a 90-question college-level exam that demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the food industry.
Representatives from the pizzeria visited the class in February to announce the winner, but shared a surprising twist: All three pizzas would be featured on the menu to allow customers to decide which one is the best.
On April 25, McNamara returned to the class to announce the winner: The Don Maca-Loni, which now has a permanent spot on the restaurant menu.
However, the real winners were all the students.
“The assignment has built my confidence and has helped me speak more openly about ideas,” Jacobson stated.
For Lanier, she is “glad that we had this opportunity to experience working with a real business,” adding that she “learned teamwork and how to collaborate. It’s something that I can put on my resume and something that will help me in the future.”
GCISD Employees of the Year
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Secondary Teacher of the
Year
Carolyn Frank Paraprofessional of the Year
Emma Ackels, fourth grade teacher at Silver Lake Elementary School and GCISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year, is a highly involved and dedicated teacher who uses various teaching methods to reach her students.
Gina Ramon, choral teacher at Cross Timbers Middle School and GCISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, has cultivated an exceptionally inclusive and thriving program, hosting after-school socials to build community.
Zainab Ellis, pre-K assistant at Grapevine Elementary School and GCISD’s Carolyn Frank Paraprofessional of the Year, can often be found singing with the students in the music room, creating fun activities in the classroom or helping a colleague.
Congratulations to Emma Ackels and Gina Ramon who were named Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year, respectively, and to Zainab Ellis who was named the Carolyn Frank Paraprofessional of the Year. Their exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to GCISD are known amongst their colleagues, and their commitment to excellence is an inspiration to all. As District Teachers of the Year, Ackels and Ramon will now represent GCISD at the regional level, with a chance to compete for the 2025-2026 State Teacher of the Year honor.
Emma Ackels Silver Lake Elementary School
Gina Ramon Cross Timbers Middle School Zainab Ellis Grapevine Elementary School
Congratulations to all of our Employees of the Year!
#WEARE
GCISD hosted its third annual Walk A Mile event at Mustang Panther Stadium for an evening of community and connection. Participants walked a mile on the track and heard about all the fantastic things happening in our district.
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students at Grapevine Middle School hosted their College and Career Fair, where eighth graders showcased universities they plan to attend. Their displays featured fun facts about each campus, including tuition, acceptance rates and areas of study. The event promoted the AVID program while helping students explore the many higher education opportunities available after high school.
Dove Elementary School student Niko was invited to attend a Grapevine City Council meeting, where Mayor William D. Tate officially presented him with a proclamation designating April as Autism Awareness Month. Thank you to the City of Grapevine for inviting Niko to be part of this meaningful moment and for helping GCISD celebrate Autism Awareness Month.
iUniversity Prep found a new way to bring collaborative art to life through their traveling mural! Thanks to a Star Teaching Grant from the Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation, students submitted artwork that was compiled into a design, which then traveled across Texas to be painted by students at in-person meetings. The mural’s journey began in Houston, where students painted the first panels. The creativity continued in Grapevine at a student meet-up. During these painting sessions, Owls connected, collaborated and created something truly special together.
Middle School Magic: Students Who Light Up Our Campuses
Bradley Merrow
Eighth Grader
Colleyville Middle School
If you’ve ever visited the campus at CMS, chances are you’ve probably run into eighth grader Bradley Merrow. His infectious smile lights up the hallways, and he’s adored by students and teachers alike.
Bradley also sings bass in the CMS choir. His vocal range comes in handy when he’s singing his current favorite song to perform, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver.
In addition to singing, Bradley also enjoys dancing. His great moves coupled with his high energy earned him the role of school mascot, but don’t tell anyone that Bradley is who is under the Colt mask. What he loves most about being the mascot is getting the crowd pumped up.
Bradley enjoys meeting new people, and his favorite class at CMS is English Language Arts. Next school year, Bradley will be attending Colleyville Heritage High School as a freshman.
Ke’Maria Howard Seventh Grader Cross Timbers Middle School
Ke’Maria loves to help. You might say it’s her superpower. The seventh grader’s selfless attitude is always on full display when traversing the halls of CTMS.
“If I see anyone having a bad day, I’ll always offer them help or take them to the counselor to get help,” Ke’Maria said.
Spotting students who might be down or maybe need a lift to their day is a role Ke’Maria has taken upon herself. She’ll even hand out hugs if you want one.
It’s no wonder Ke’Maria is considering being a relationship therapist as a potential career.
Next school year, Ke’Maria plans to get involved in cheer and basketball.
Overall, Ke’Maria is an integral part of the Wolfpack at CTMS. (Insert howl here.)
Faith Tenney
Eighth Grader
Grapevine Middle School
Faith Tenney is the epitome of a student. The well-rounded eighth grader has been in GCISD since kindergarten, where she started at Cannon Elementary.
Faith loves to learn. Right now she’s enrolled in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) courses, and is taking accelerated algebra and biology. Her main interests are in the sciences, which put her on track for her career goal: a veterinarian.
Outside of the classroom, Faith is an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) ambassador and a leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She also plays basketball and the French horn in the GMS band, an instrument she chose because it can be heard in so many musical scores.
Ultimately, what Faith enjoys most about GMS is her fellow students and teachers.
Lillie Echternach
Eighth Grader
Heritage Middle School
Ever since kindergarten at Grapevine Elementary, Lillie Echternach has always excelled in math. In elementary school, she was a telescoping student and now the eighth grader at Heritage Middle School is taking accelerated biology, geometry and principles of business. Lillie plans to use her math skills in her career and hopes to become a forensic accountant.
Lillie is also a great athlete. Lillie laughs when she says, “I play every sport in our school besides tennis because I’m not very good at tennis.” She participates in volleyball, basketball, track and soccer.
Lillie also likes to act. She’s involved in playbill, where she gets to perform at elementary campuses across the district. Currently, she’s preparing for a performance titled “The Rehearsals” as part of One-Act Play. Lillie enjoys playbill because “it’s super fun and it’s easy to make a lot of friends in there.”
GHS Band Marches in Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Grapevine High School’s Mustang Band had an unforgettable experience marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, held on March 17, proudly representing GCISD on an international stage.
They were one of the 12 marching bands from Austria, Ireland and North America selected to march before more than half a million spectators in what was billed as Dublin’s largest-ever St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The band entertained spectators with some Texas favorites, performing the songs “Yellow Rose of Texas” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”
“This seemed like an opportunity that would be a life-changing event for the students in the program and something that we could use to showcase that Grapevine High School and the Mustang Band are capable of things that are enormous and transformative for our students,” GHS Director of Bands James Rees stated.
The trip was several years in the making, with GHS competing with bands from across the world for a coveted spot. In their application, the GHS band included video recordings of their performances and information detailing their repertoire and musical talent.
Meet Our Elementary Assistant Principals
Jenna Brosette Bear Creek Elementary School
FUN FACTS:
• I am a passionate educator, a boy mom, a stepmom, a dog mom to two fourlegged girls, a wife (to a Red Raider), an Aggie, a sister and a daughter.
• I love the lake! I grew up going to Lake Texoma with my parents and grandparents. Now, Ryan and I take our boys there, which is so special to create similar experiences for them.
Tell us what part of being an AP makes you smile each day. I love greeting our Cubs each morning as they arrive at school. What makes me smile each day is knowing I am helping instill confidence, empathy and a sense of belonging in all children and staff, no matter their needs. Seeing a child light up when something clicks is an amazing moment to be a part of, and supporting the selfless educators who make this possible brings a smile to my face. I am proud to serve a diverse elementary campus, and I always learn new things from our Bear Creek community. The Creek is a special place!
Matthew Canafax Bear Creek Elementary School
FUN FACTS:
As a family, we love to travel. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a longer trip, we enjoy being together, exploring a new part of the country and trying new things.
Tell us what part of being an AP makes you smile each day. High fives and fist bumps! No matter what, it is great to walk down the halls and bring smiles to kids’ faces with something as simple as a high five or a fist bump. The kids in our district are amazing and come from amazing families.
Kelly Allen Bransford Elementary School
FUN FACTS:
• I am a military spouse.
• I’ve lived in five different states.
• I come from a large, close-knit family with over 100 first cousins.
Tell us what part of being an AP makes you smile each day. I love morning arrival! Each day, we have the privilege of greeting our students at the door. Fun music fills the air as teachers stand outside, opening car doors and greeting each student by name with a smile. Every student walks in beaming, many with a warm hug. It’s the perfect way to start the day, reminding us of the true purpose behind the work we do.
Behind every great school is a team of dedicated leaders working tirelessly to support students, teachers and families. In GCISD, our assistant principals play a vital role in creating a positive learning environment. From fostering strong relationships to providing support and guidance through daily school life, they are reliable anchors that help campuses thrive.
Get to know the assistant principals of GCISD elementary schools, and discover what drives their commitment to this role.
FUN FACTS:
I love cooking new recipes with my family, and trying new holiday DIY projects is always fun.
Tell us what part of being an AP makes you smile each day. Building positive relationships with students in a different way brings such a smile to my face! Impacting students by helping them learn from their actions and choices makes all the difference. Supporting students in navigating conflicts or challenging situations at a young age empowers them to build confidence and learn to use various strategies to handle things if they arise in the future.
FUN FACTS:
I love to travel and have visited around 15 different countries.
Why did you want to become an assistant principal? I wanted to help provide a positive impact on our school communities by working with students and teachers in this role.
FUN FACTS:
• I graduated from Texas A&M.
• I love watching the Texas Rangers.
• I enjoy traveling with my family.
Why did you want to become an assistant principal?
I wanted to become an assistant principal because I am passionate about having a broader, more significant impact on the educational community. In this role, I can support and guide more teachers, helping them thrive in their work and foster an environment where they feel valued. By doing so, I can also positively influence more students, ensuring they receive the best possible educational experience. Additionally, I enjoy building meaningful relationships with families, supporting them in their students’ journeys and in creating a collaborative school community that drives success for all involved.
Amanda Diehl Dove Elementary School
Laura Herrera Colleyville Elementary School
Allison Bailey Cannon Elementary School
Lauren Vise
Glenhope Elementary School
FUN FACTS:
• I am a proud 2001 graduate of Colleyville Heritage High School.
• I returned to GCISD in 2006 to continue my journey in education as a student teacher at Bransford.
Tell us what part of being an AP makes you smile each day. The most rewarding part of being an assistant principal is guiding students toward their goals and celebrating their successes alongside them!
Marie Menard
Grapevine Elementary School
FUN FACTS:
• I grew up on a small dairy farm, and that’s where I learned the value and importance of hard work.
• I went to college in Montreal, Quebec, and taught French for 13 years.
• I have run five full marathons.
• My brother played in the NHL, so I spent years at the rink!
Why did you want to become an assistant principal?
I wanted to contribute to the success of our school community on a larger scale. I’m passionate about supporting teachers, students and their families in reaching their full potential. I believe that by fostering a positive school community and providing effective leadership, I can help create an environment where students feel safe, valued and motivated to learn. Throughout my time in this role, I’ve been dedicated to fostering positive relationships, guiding instructional practices and ensuring student success.
Cindy Kue Heritage Elementary School
FUN FACTS:
• I played sports growing up and through college, and I am currently learning to play a new sport: tennis!
• I also enjoy spending time outdoors, especially when I get the chance to go camping in my RV with my family and friends.
Tell us what part of being an AP makes you smile each day. I truly smile each time I visit one of our classrooms. Our staff and our students work hard! I love hearing the students share what they are learning and how excited they are to show all that they know.
FUN FACTS:
• I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and I speak Spanish.
• I’ve been married for 20 years.
• I have a boy and a girl who attend GCISD.
• One of my favorite things in life is to laugh.
• I love shopping!
Why did you want to become an assistant principal?
After 18 years in the classroom, I was inspired to transition into leadership because I wanted to support teachers in the same way I had been supported. I’ve been fortunate to work under exceptional administrators who empowered me, provided guidance and created environments where both educators and students could thrive. I strive each day to be that same kind of leader: one who uplifts and equips teachers to reach their full potential and makes a lasting impact on student success. In this role, I have the opportunity to influence systems, promote equity and ensure that all students and staff feel valued and supported. I wanted to inspire learning while also driving meaningful change throughout the entire school community.
FUN FACTS:
• I have a first grader who attends Silver Lake Elementary.
• I love Korean BBQ.
Why did you want to become an assistant principal?
I aspired to become an assistant principal to provide meaningful support to educators, empowering them to make learning fun and engaging while positively shaping the lives of their students. I also aimed to foster strong connections with both students and their families, creating a nurturing environment where teaching, learning and relationships can thrive.
Nicki Clem
Timberline Elementary School
FUN FACTS:
I wear purple every Thursday to follow the tradition of my alma mater, Tarleton State University.
FUN FACTS:
I grew up in South Jersey and celebrated the Eagles’ big Super Bowl win. Go Birds!
Why did you want to become an assistant principal?
I love working with students and supporting teachers. Being an administrator allows me to do both, as well as interact with our TES families.
Why did you want to become an assistant principal?
I pursued the role of assistant principal with a strong desire to create a meaningful impact in a new way. My goal is to positively influence the lives of students and staff by fostering an environment of growth, support and success for all.
Juana White Silver Lake Elementary School
Daniela Alvarez Timberline Elementary School
Juanita Priesand O.C. Taylor Elementary School
LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Kelly Mires, Chief Human Resources Officer
What inspired you to pursue a leadership role in education?
My path to leadership started way before I even realized it. Growing up, I had the best of both worlds—my mom was a first-grade teacher, and my dad was a Director of HR. From her, I saw the magic of teaching, how she could shape young minds with patience and encouragement. From him, I learned how important it is to support the people who make organizations run. I started out as an elementary teacher because I loved working with kids and seeing those lightbulb moments when something clicked for them. But over time, I started noticing the bigger picture—things like how hard it was to keep great teachers, how policies impacted the school culture and how much behind-the-scenes work went into making a school a great place to work and learn. That’s when I realized I wanted to make a difference beyond my classroom.
What’s a typical day like for you, and what’s the most rewarding part of your job?
A typical day as a Chief Human Resources Officer in a school district is never the same, and that’s what I love about it! One of my favorite parts of the job is visiting schools and talking to educators and staff. I started my career as a teacher, so I know firsthand how hard they work, and I want to make sure they feel supported. Whether it’s helping a new teacher navigate their first year or creating policies that improve work-life balance, I love knowing that my work helps create an environment where educators can focus on what matters most—teaching and supporting students. The most rewarding
part? Seeing the impact of a strong HR team on the district. When we hire an amazing teacher, solve a workplace challenge or develop programs that make employees feel valued, I know we’re making a difference. At the end of the day, my job is about people, and helping them thrive is what keeps me motivated.
What’s one moment in your career that made you especially proud?
One moment that really stands out was when I was first starting my career in HR. I helped develop a mentorship program for new teachers. I remember what it felt like to be a brand-new teacher—excited but also overwhelmed—and I wanted to make sure our new hires felt supported from day one.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students who may one day want to work in education—whether as a teacher, administrator or in a role like yours?
My biggest piece of advice? Stay connected to your “why.” Education is one of the most rewarding fields, but it also comes with its challenges. Whether you become a teacher, an administrator or work behind the scenes in a role like mine, you have to remember why you started. Also, be open to different paths. I started as a teacher and never imagined I’d end up as a Chief Human Resources Officer, but every step along the way helped me grow and find new ways to make an impact. Education needs passionate, dedicated people in every role, so find what you love and run with it!
GCISD & RECOGNITION AWARDS
Grapevine High School principal Dr. Alex Fingers was nominated for National Life Group’s 2024-25 LifeChanger of the Year award. The award recognizes the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. Fingers was nominated for his outstanding leadership and dedication to his students, staff and community. The nomination cited his integrity, ability to inspire and the profound impact he makes on his campus.
Colleyville Heritage High School students Saba Gillani and Salma Alsawfta earned impressive honors at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair. Saba Gillani earned the Science Toy Magic Award for her research on sustainable materials and concrete design to reduce CO2 emissions and create stronger materials. Salma Alsawfta won the Naval Science Award in the Senior Division for her innovative approach to water purification and desalination.
Grapevine High School junior Piyush Mallick achieved a perfect score on both the SAT and ACT. Mallick hopes to be accepted into the University of Texas at Austin, Stanford University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology next school year and pursue a career in computer science. Mallick’s achievement was also featured on Fox 4 and CBS News Texas.
Eleven GCISD students were named 2025 All-State Musicians by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). Beginning each fall, over 70,000 high school students across the state audition in their TMEA region. Individuals perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. A select group of musicians advances to compete against musicians from other regions in their TMEA Area. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in one of 18 Texas All-State ensembles.
The Cannon Elementary School Odyssey of the Mind team finished in second place at the state tournament held in Houston. This qualified them to move on to the world finals, which will be hosted in East Lansing, Mich.
Nineteen members of the Class of 2025 were named National Merit Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official had to submit a detailed scholarship application, which included information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors and awards received. The honoree must also have an outstanding academic record throughout high school; be endorsed and recommended by a high school official; write an essay; and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.
GCISD Career and Technical Education students in Future Farmers of America (FFA) competed at the Tarrant County Junior Livestock Show and Youth Fair. Six students from high school and one from the elementary school level received awards in their respective categories.
The Cross Timbers Middle School FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team, “Apex Entities,” competed at the State competition, finishing in the top 3% of 1,200 teams in Texas. They were awarded the Breakthrough Award, which recognizes teams that show significant growth in confidence and capability in both the Robot Game and Innovation Project while demonstrating strong core values. Their success secured an invitation to the Western Edge Open this summer in Long Beach, Calif.
The Colleyville Heritage and Grapevine High School girls soccer teams had incredible playoff runs this season, with both teams reaching the UIL 5A state championship tournament in their respective divisions. CHHS made it to the Division I championship game for the second consecutive year, while GHS reached the Division II state semifinals for the seventh time in 11 years. Congratulations to both teams on their outstanding achievements!
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