La Porte ISD Magazine Fall/Winter 2025

FALL/WINTER 2025

SIDER LA PORTE ISD

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA PORTE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Federally insured by NCUA La Porte ISD Insider • 2

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

La Porte ISD prioritizes every child’s success through personalized learning and small class sizes. Home to six top-ranked elementary schools by U.S. News & World Report and a unique on-campus planetarium, we excel in academics, arts, and athletics, with championship programs thriving in our state-of-the-art Bulldog Stadium and athletic complex. Our tuition-free Accelerated College Education program has empowered over 170 graduates to earn an associate degree alongside their high school diploma since 2017, shaping confident leaders for tomorrow.

Big things are happening at La Porte ISD, where our legacy of excellence creates a tight-knit community of learners. Join us, and let your child grow with the best!

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lpisd.org/enroll La Porte ISD Insider • 3

CONTENTS

06

BOOKED FOR SUCCESS

AP SCHOLARS

08

PROJECT LAUNCH

12

DOLLAR PATROL

14

ATHLETICS

17

FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

20

21

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

07

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT La Porte ISD Insider

Board of Trustees

Jeff Martin, President Mason Peres, Vice President Melissa Crutcher, Secretary Danny Hanks, Trustee Russell Schoppe, Trustee Dee Anne Thomson, Trustee Karen Wheeler-Hall, Trustee

Dr. Walter G. Jackson

Superintendent of Schools 1002 San Jacinto La Porte, Texas 77572 281-604-7000

lpisd.org

LPISD HALL OF HONOR

10

BOND UPDATES

is a community magazine published by the La Porte ISD Communications Department to inform community members about La Porte Independent School District and its campuses.

Adam J. Holland Director of Communications & Community Relations Devin Dozier Communications Coordinator Amy Lott Secretary to Director of Communications & Community Relations Penny Shawley Print Shop Technician Justina Rodriguez Clerk/Receptionist Communications

The La Porte Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Title IX Coordinator is Paula Jackson (jacksonp@lpisd.org), executive director of human resources, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77572, Telephone (281) 604-7110. The Section 504 Coordinator is Billye Trader (traderb@lpisd.org), executive director of special programs, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77572, Telephone (281) 604-7034.

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09

19

CAREER & TECHNOLOGY

On the cover: Kindergarten teacher Taylor Harris-Guerrero at Bayshore Elementary receives a grant from the La Porte Education Foundation on Thursday, Oct. 23 during the annual Dollar Patrol.

LEADERSHIP Dear La Porte Family, We are well into the second grading period, and I’m proud to share that La Porte ISD is continuing the school year with strong momentum. There’s a positive energy in our classrooms, with students and teachers fully engaged in learning and setting meaningful goals for growth and success.

•

I hope you had a chance to join us at the new Bulldog Stadium during football season— especially on Homecoming, when we hosted a fabulous evening of spirited events and inducted the 2025 Hall of Honor. If you weren’t able to make it, we’d love to see you at a future soccer game or track meet. There’s always something exciting happening in La Porte ISD athletics!

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We’re excited to start the third year of our Project Launch partnership with the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where gifted fifth- and sixth-graders take STEM courses on campus. Participation has grown to 160 students this year.

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Fall sports in La Porte ISD are beginning to wind down after a spirited and successful season. From junior high and high school volleyball and football to water polo, cross country, and tennis, our athletes have competed with energy and determination. Supporting them every step of the way were the Chatos, junior high and high school cheer teams, JROTC, band and color guard, choir, and athletic trainers. As we celebrate their accomplishments, we also look ahead with excitement to the upcoming spring sports season.

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We began the school year with 100 Partners in Education. From local small businesses to leading industries, their generous support provides meaningful contributions to our students and staff, helping to create a stronger, more connected school community. Are you interested in partnering with us? Please email Terri Cook, Partners in Education Coordinator, at cookt@lpisd.org.

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Finally, we are deeply grateful to the La Porte Education Foundation, whose continued partnership helps bring innovation to our classrooms. The Dollar Patrol recently paraded through our schools, delivering almost $140,000 in grants for creative and enriching classroom projects. Much of this support is made possible thanks to the generous proceeds raised during the Foundation’s annual Gala in September. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Foundation and all of its supporters who make this impact possible.

As we reflect on the strong start to this school year, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to our La Porte ISD Board of Trustees. Their tireless dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence make a lasting impact on every student, teacher, and family in our district. I also want to thank you — our incredible La Porte community — for your continued partnership, pride, and support. Together, we are building a future win which all students can thrive.

Here’s to a successful and inspiring school year ahead!

In your service,

Dr. Walter Jackson La Porte ISD Superintendent of Schools

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BOOKED FOR SUCCESS La Porte ISD campuses receive new library books The La Porte ISD libraries are buzzing with excitement after adding an impressive 16,433 new books, featuring diverse genres, high-interest topics, and student-requested titles to spark a love for reading among all ages. This major refresh, completed through dedicated summer work by library staff, ensures fresh and engaging content is available across campuses. Highlights include revamped spaces like College Park Elementary’s new look, complete with modern furniture, updated layouts, and cozy learning zones designed to enhance visibility and collaboration. Aligned with state guidelines like HB 900 and SB 13, the libraries emphasize transparency with open catalogs, family partnership portals, and a clear review process for materials. Online resources have been expanded, including databases, digital tools, and partnerships with the Harris County Public Library to support research and learning.

Looking ahead, goals for 2025 focus on boosting circulation and reading growth through unified high-interest activities, ongoing Beanstack challenges, and integrated library lessons connected to classroom curricula. Makerspaces equipped with iPads in every library will promote problemsolving, creativity, and hands-on literacy across subjects. Ultimately, these updates underscore how La Porte libraries are key to student success, inviting families to explore the new collections this winter.

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2025 AP SCHOLARS 34 La Porte High School students earn prestigious AP Scholar Awards Thirty-four La Porte High School students, have been named as 2025 Advanced Placement Scholars.

The honor recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP exams, according to information from the College Board. The AP Program announces the honorees each fall.

“These awards are a tremendous honor,” said La Porte High School Principal Dr. Kade Griffin. “We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication these students have shown to achieve this recognition.”

Deputy Superintendent Julie Abram added, “The AP Program and its course offerings represent a rigorous standard of college-level learning. The high scores our students achieve on AP exams reflect their exceptional capabilities. Earning AP Scholar awards is further testament to the quality of our programs and the talent of our students.”

La Porte ISD 2025 Advanced Placement Scholars Student Name

Grade Level

Scholar Award

Jessar Aguilar Sarahi Aguilar Noah Balboa Cristhofer Batres Merari Caceres Moaz Chatta Sarah Cody Melanny Cruz Natalie Gamble Raymond Gibbs Evan Halbardier Rowan Leidecker Vinicius Lowe Alanny Martinez Jacob Martinez Amelie Mastan Camden Morrill Sienna Naron Liz Olivera Nadia Olson Cesar Perez Abigail Powers Samuel Quinones Colt Rawls Charles Ray Keondre Reese Aubree Reilly Madelyne Ross Kareena Runwal Blake Schneider Luke Sonka Addison Steffer Dylan Thatcher Annabella Zak

11th Grade 12th Grade 12th Grade 11th Grade 10th Grade 12th Grade 12th Grade 12th Grade 12th Grade 11th Grade 11th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade 11th Grade 10th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade 12th Grade 12th Grade 12th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade 12th Grade 11th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade 12th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 11th Grade

AP Scholar AP Scholar AP Scholar AP Scholar AP Scholar AP Scholar with Honor AP Scholar AP Scholar AP Scholar with Distinction AP Scholar with Honor Awards and Criteria AP Scholar with Honor AP Scholar AP Scholar – Student scores 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

AP Scholar AP Scholar with Honor AP Scholar w/ Honor – Student scores average of at least 3.25 on all AP Scholar AP exams & scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams AP Scholar AP Scholar with Honor AP Scholar w/ Distinction – Student scores average of at least 3.5 AP Scholar with Distinction on all AP exams, and scores 3 or higher on five or more of these AP Scholar with Distinction exams AP Scholar AP Scholar AP Seminar and Research – Student completes rigorous AP Seminar and Research courses, including an extensive study on AP Scholar a topic approved by La Porte ISD Institutional Review Board, and AP Scholar must score of 3 or higher in both classes.

AP Scholar with Distinction AP Scholar AP Capstone Diploma – Student earns scores of 3 or higher in AP AP Scholar Seminar, AP Research and on 4 additional AP Exams.

AP Scholar AP Scholar AP International Diploma – Student earns scores of 3 or higher on AP Scholar at least 5 AP Exams including requirements for World Language.

AP Scholar with Distinction AP Scholar AP Scholar with Distinction & AP International Diploma AP Scholar AP Scholar La Porte ISD Insider • 7

PROJECT LAUNCH @ UHCL For the third straight year, fifth- and sixth-grade gifted and talented students in La Porte ISD participate in our Project Launch program. Located at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, students engage in college-level classes taught by G/T certified professors. These courses focus on enhancing rigor and unique academic opportunities for our G/T students.

This semester, students engage in diverse, hands-on courses like Adventure Awaits, Art Time Machine, CSI: Crack the Case!, and Exploring the World through STEAM, which foster global awareness, artistic expression, scientific inquiry, and environmental exploration. Additional courses such as Journey Through the Animal Kingdom, Trash to Treasure, and World Builders encourage students to investigate biology, practice sustainable creativity through upcycling, and develop problem-solving skills via game design in Roblox, culminating in unique projects like a student-run Upcycle Market and a scientific poster symposium.

Lomax Junior High teacher selected for exclusive event Faith Miller, from Lomax Junior High, spent her Fall Break weekend at an allexpenses paid wellness retreat at the Holdsworth Center.

She was one of only 150 chosen from over 3,000 nominations in the Houston area.

The wellness retreat is a dedicated time to pour into teachers to help ensure that they know the difference they make in their students lives each day.

Throughout her weekend, she spent time networking with other Houston area teachers, hearing from Dr. Adam Saenz on the importance of balancing teacher well-being, snuggling baby goats, learning how to plant and care for succulents and learning from an HEB dietitian on the importance of balanced diets.

The Holdsworth Center is a non-profit organization founded and primarily funded by Charles Butt, Chairman of H-E-B. Its mission is to improve the quality of K-12 public education for all Texas students by supporting and developing educational leaders. The organization partners with public school districts to help them cultivate and inspire outstanding leaders at every level of the education system.

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HALL OF HONOR La Porte High School graduate Margaret Anderson-Eddy and longtime former staff members Esther Clamon and Pinkie Ned have been named as 2025 Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Staff in the La Porte ISD Hall of Honor.

The honorees were inducted on Sept. 26 before the Homecoming football game between La Porte and Friendswood at Bulldog Stadium.

Honorees are nominated at large and chosen by a committee of community and district volunteers who submit their selections to the Board of Trustees for approval.

Distinguished Alumni - Margaret Anderson-Eddy Margaret “Maggie” Anderson-Eddy, a third-generation La Portian, is the passionate force behind Around La Porte Community Newspaper and a lifelong champion of the La Porte community. Known for her tireless volunteerism and deep-rooted love for her hometown, Maggie has dedicated decades to uplifting La Porte ISD and organizing events that strengthen local pride – from disaster relief efforts to spirited support of the La Porte Bulldogs. Her grassroots leadership helped preserve Main Street’s highway access, initiated the iconic Adopt-a-Dog football support program, and helped to facilitate countless school- and city-related campaigns, including securing the Bulldog emblem on the Main Street water tower. As editor, activist, and advocate, Maggie has documented and driven positive change, always working behind the scenes to ensure La Porte thrives.

Distinguished Staff - Esther Clamon Although Esther Clamon is no longer with us, her legacy as a pioneer of girls' athletics in La Porte continues to inspire generations. A dedicated educator and coach, she began her career at La Porte High School in 1948 and spent 36 years shaping the lives of young women through sports, eventually becoming La Porte ISD’s first Girls’ Athletic Director. With degrees from Sam Houston State and the University of Houston, Esther championed the introduction of competitive girls' basketball and volleyball programs in the 1950s and 60s, organized the Girls’ “A” Club to promote athletics from junior high through high school, and played a key role in reinstating competitive sports for girls in the 1980s. Known for her unwavering support, integrity, and belief in the value of athletics to build character, self-esteem, and community, her impact was recognized when La Porte declared October 22, 2006, “Esther Clamon Day.” Esther’s contributions laid the foundation for the vibrant girls’ athletic programs La Porte enjoys today, making her a true trailblazer and deserving member of the Hall of Honor.

Distinguished Staff - Pinkie Ned Pinkie Ned has devoted over 47 years of her life to La Porte ISD, leaving an extraordinary legacy as both an educator and mentor. Beginning her teaching career at College Park Elementary in 1975, Pinkie specialized in English but also taught Choir, Science, and History, always with a focus on making learning engaging and meaningful. Known for her creativity— like using music to enhance spelling retention—and her consistently exemplary student test scores, she quickly became a favorite among students and colleagues alike. Her impact spans generations, with many former students proudly bringing their own children into her classroom. Recognized multiple times as Campus Teacher of the Year and ultimately named District Teacher of the Year, Pinkie continued to serve the district after retiring in 2013 by mentoring first-year teachers, many of whom have gone on to win awards themselves. Her influence is so deeply felt in the La Porte community that her legacy is honored with portraits in both College Park and the district’s administration building. Pinkie Ned’s longstanding dedication, innovative teaching methods, and lifelong commitment to student and teacher success make her a truly distinguished staff member.

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BOND 2023 Construction projects funded by Bond 2023 are advancing across La Porte ISD, bringing significant upgrades to La Porte High School, Lomax Junior High, and other district facilities. These updates are transforming campuses with modernized spaces, enhanced safety features, and improved functionality, fostering pride and spirit throughout the district.

La Porte High School

At La Porte High School, major renovations are underway. Bulldog Stadium and Legacy Complex have been completed, marking significant milestones in the Bond 2023 initiative. Current efforts focus on the demolition of the front offices, courtyard, and counseling suite. The new courtyard is taking shape, with groundwork laid for an Astroturf surface that will run between concrete walking paths. Unlike the previous courtyard, which lacked external entrances for yard equipment, the new turf design eliminates the need for mowing and enhances usability as a multipurpose space for students and staff throughout the day. Inside the current campus, a Golf Simulation Room is being added, featuring two simulators and storage space for golf bags, providing students with a modern facility to practice and develop their skills.

Construction also continues at the campus entrances, where ceilings are being expanded and new spaces created to modernize areas untouched by prior updates. Approximately 40,000 square feet of detention space has been added to the high school renovation project to address drainage and infrastructure needs. The steel package for the project has been released, and building construction is set to begin soon. The high school renovation is on track for completion by August 2026.

Lomax Junior High

At Lomax Junior High, the new competition gym is nearing completion. The exterior is almost finished, while significant progress is being made inside, including the installation of hardwood floors. Crews are working diligently to finalize the space before installing bleachers. The gym is expected to be completed in mid-to-late November. Additionally, the Band and Orchestra rooms are under construction and slated for completion in April, providing enhanced spaces for music education.

Sonja Angelo Theater

Renovations at the Sonja Angelo Theater are enhancing the facility’s functionality and aesthetics. Sound updates and enhancements are currently in progress, improving the auditory experience for performances. The lobby is undergoing a transformation with new flooring, paint, and media/sound upgrades. Renovation of the main theater space, referred to as the House, will begin after the upcoming musical production, ensuring minimal disruption to performances.

Additional Districtwide Updates

Across all campuses, safety film graphics have been installed at entrances to reduce visibility into buildings while promoting school spirit and pride. These graphics enhance security and create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

In terms of transportation, 10 of the 20 buses ordered in September 2024 have been received, with the remainder expected to arrive soon, improving the district’s capacity to safely transport students.

These Bond 2023 projects reflect La Porte ISD’s commitment to creating safe, modern, and inspiring spaces for students, staff, and the community. Stay tuned for further updates as these transformative projects continue to take shape.

La Porte ISD Insider • 10

Demolition of the atrium and counseling suite at La Porte High School.

The La Porte High School courtyard being prepared for the synthetic grass installation.

The entry and front office space after demolition at La Porte High School.

Flooring being installed in the newly built competition gym at Lomax Junior High.

Lomax Junior High’s competition gym entry.

Entry security graphics on Bayshore Elementary’s front doors and windows.

The front entry of the Lomax Junior High Competition Gym.

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2025 DOLLAR PATROL The La Porte Education Foundation on Oct. 23 awarded $139,669.84 in grants to La Porte ISD teachers and administrators during its annual Dollar Patrol. The grants will fund 127 innovative classroom projects across the district.

This year’s grant total is among the most in the Foundation’s 32-year history.

The Dollar Patrol, which included foundation members, donors, school district administrators and community members, visited every school in the district to present grants to teachers.

Grants awarded for the 2025-26 school year will be used to fund resources such as 3-D printers, digital microscopes, licenses for educational apps, and reading pens, among others.

“The Dollar Patrol is something we all look forward to at the La Porte Education Foundation. We even call it Super Thursday,” Executive Director Charlotte Pennye said. “Seeing the joy and excitement on the faces of teachers and students when they receive their grants is incredibly rewarding. None of it would be possible without the ongoing support of our donors, and we’re truly grateful for their generosity.”

In addition to the Dollar Patrol grants, the Foundation awarded $5,188 in mini grants to teachers this past spring. The mini grant program, which began in 2024, offers teachers an opportunity to have their Amazon wish lists funded up to $250.

Since 1993, the La Porte Education Foundation has awarded more than $3 million in grants to teachers, counselors, and administrators in La Porte ISD for innovative educational projects.

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FALL ATHLETICS Bulldogs running towards a historic season The La Porte Bulldogs Football Team is charging toward greatness this season with an impressive 7-1 record as of publication. Currently undefeated in District 11-5A, the Bulldogs are dominating both on the ground and through the air, averaging nearly 400 rushing yards per game at an explosive 8.5 yards per carry, complemented by a passing game averaging 17.5 yards per catch.

The season kicked off in historic fashion with a thrilling 35-31 victory over cross-town rival Deer Park, marking the first win in the newly opened Bulldog Stadium. With over 8,000 passionate fans packing the stands, the electric atmosphere made opening night unforgettable.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Kevin Berneathy, the Bulldogs are poised for another deep playoff run.

As the La Porte community rallies behind their team, the Bulldogs aim to bring home another district championship and playoff hardware to the new trophy cases at Bulldog Stadium.

Football fun at Bulldog Stadium This September, the Bulldogs hosted their second annual Big Dog-Little Dog camp, a beloved community event held in the newly constructed stadium. Over 130 young athletes from the La Porte area filled the field, eager to run football drills, play games, and bond with their favorite La Porte High School football players, affectionately known as the “Big Dogs.” The camp, which was revived last year after a hiatus, has quickly become a highlight for local youth, offering a unique opportunity to connect with high school athletes while experiencing the thrill of playing on the pristine turf of the stateof-the-art Bulldog Stadium.

The Big Dog-Little Dog camp provided a fun and engaging environment where kids participated in a variety of football drills designed to teach fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Under the guidance of the La Porte High School coaching staff and players, the young participants ran routes, practiced tackling techniques, and enjoyed friendly competitions, all while soaking in the electric atmosphere of the stadium. With over 150 attendees, the camp’s success underscores the strong community spirit in La Porte.

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Volleyball making waves this fall The La Porte High School Volleyball Team completed district play this year in second place with a 10-2 record in District 20-5A. The team has showcased exceptional talent, teamwork, and determination as they head into the playoffs.

The Lady Dawgs boast a roster of skilled athletes, with several players leading the charge: • Sophomore Jimena Vela is dominating the court as the team’s top performer in kills.

• Senior Kynlee Arechiga is a defensive and play-making powerhouse, leading the team in both digs and assists.

• Senior Elaine Munoz anchors the defense at the net, leading the team in blocks.

The Lady Dawgs are poised to shine in the postseason, carrying their momentum into the playoffs with confidence and skill.

Cross Country shines at Bulldog Invitational and Regionals On Sept. 12, the La Porte High School cross country teams showcased their talent at the 2025 Bulldog Invitational held at Northwest Park, competing against a strong field of regional teams.

The boys team secured an impressive fifth-place finish, led by seniors Jet Jessen and Roy Ramirez, who both placed in the top 20, alongside junior Thomas Green, who also earned a top-20 spot with a strong performance. The girls team delivered a solid performance, finishing eighth overall, with sophomore Gianna Palomarez leading the way by securing 16th place and posting a strong time.

Gianna continued her stellar season at the Region 3-5A meet, placing 13th with a time of 19:36, earning her individual qualification for the UIL 5A State Cross Country Championships for the second year in a row.

Water Polo claims 14 All-District spots, Coach of the Year In only the fourth year as a UIL-sanctioned program, the La Porte High School Water Polo teams have placed 14 students on the 10-6A All-District Team, including three district superlatives.

Head Coach Joseph Stewart has also earned Girls District Coach of the Year honors for the first time in his young career as a water polo coach.

“I’m incredibly proud of our athletes who received postseason honors this year,” Stewart said. “Their recognition is a direct result of the countless hours they put in... A relentless dedication to both their individual growth and the success of the team. It’s been a privilege to coach such hardworking and committed players.”

Both the boys and girls teams this season posted winning records of 8-7 and 10-5, respectively, while combining for six single game records, nine single season records and six career records.

DISTRICT COACH OF THE YEAR Joseph Stewart, LPHS GIRLS ALL-DISTRICT

BOYS ALL-DISTRICT

Goalie of the Year – Kimberly Manzo

Goalie of the Year – Doug Robb

Newcomer of the Year – Addilynn Morara

1st Team All-District

1st Team All-District

Lucas Prigmore

Natalie Chavez

Jake Gazaw

Adilyn Smith

1st Team Honorable Mention

2nd Team All-District

Jaime Reyes

Allie Pilkerton

2nd Team All-District

Skylir Taylor

Ean Lopez

Nellie Ortiz

2nd Team Honorable Mention

Honorable Mention

Gary Jordan

Isabella Huerta

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Delgadillo will enter 2026 as an All-Stater La Porte High School pitcher Adrian Delgadillo was named to the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association AllState Second Team, recognizing his outstanding performance on the mound during last year’s 2025 season.

Delgadillo, now a senior, played a pivotal role for the Bulldogs last year with his consistent command, competitive spirit, and leadership. One of the highlights of his season came in the playoffs, where he threw a no-hitter on May 9 against Lake Creek, cementing his reputation as one of the top arms in the state. His recognition by the THSBCA places him among the elite high school pitchers in Texas.

“We’re incredibly proud of Adrian and all the work he’s put in to earn this honor,” said La Porte Baseball Head Coach Ricky Torres.

“He’s a fierce competitor and a great teammate, and we’re excited to see what he brings to the field in his senior season.”

Arechiga follows the La Porte/Aggie pipeline Kynlee Arechiga, a multi-sport star from La Porte High School, has committed to play softball for Texas A&M University, becoming the third Lady Dawg shortstop to join the Aggies in the last 10 years, following in the footsteps of Tori Vidales and Koko Wooley.

Despite her talent in volleyball and basketball, where she earned multiple AllDistrict honors and reached 1,000 career volleyball assists in 2025, Arechiga chose to pursue softball at the collegiate level. Her softball accolades include being named to the All-District and Academic All-District teams, as well as earning District Newcomer of the Year and Team Offensive Player of the Year twice. Known for her relentless work ethic, Arechiga has spent countless hours in batting cages and playing club ball to reach this elite level. La Porte ISD Athletic Director Elisha Thompson praises her as a gifted athlete and exceptional teammate who consistently strives to perfect her game. Head Softball Coach Bryant Upshaw highlights her positivity, humility, and kindness, noting her encouraging presence on the team.

Arechiga’s admiration for Vidales and close friendship with Wooley reflect the strong recruiting connection between La Porte High School and Texas A&M’s softball program. This pipeline continues to produce standout talent, with Arechiga poised to carry on the legacy of her predecessors in Aggie Maroon and white.

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FINE & PERFORMING ARTS Bulldog Band wins 12th consecutive UIL Sweepstakes On Oct. 18, La Porte High School’s Mighty Bulldog Marching Band qualified for the UIL Area Marching Contest with a Sweepstakes performance at the Regional contest in Channelview.

This marks the band’s 12th consecutive Sweepstakes award at the UIL Marching Contest. To earn this distinction, a band must receive Division One (superior) ratings from all judges.

The La Porte High School band program is led

by Director of Bands Jason Harvey, with Assistant Directors Mark Fennell and Wilmaure Mejos.

The UIL Area Marching Contest was scheduled for Nov. 1 at Ray Maddry Stadium in Channelview, after this issue went to press.

Sixteen named to Junior High All-Region Choir Sixteen talented junior high students have earned the prestigious honor of representing their district at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Region 19 Junior High Choir Clinic and Concert on Nov. 15. These students secured their All-Region honors through outstanding performances during auditions held on Oct. 3 and 4 at Bonnette Junior High in Deer Park. The selected students from La Porte Junior High include Jasmine Alvarado, Blake Bocanegra, Mia Castillo, Lily Derr, Coralynn Garcia, Harley Green, Spencer Harrelson, Kendall Lawrence, Charles McCovery, Brody Smith, and Noah Williams. From Lomax Junior High, the honored students are Cheyenne Bittler, Lily Buckalew, Rebecca Cervantes, Elizabeth Embry, Trinitee Guillory, and Sofia Herrera.

Under the dedicated direction of Conner McCowan at La Porte Junior High and Morgan Hanson at Lomax Junior High, these students have honed their vocal talents to achieve this remarkable accomplishment. The upcoming All-Region Clinic and Concert, set to take place at Deer Park High School South, will showcase their skills in a collaborative performance with other top young vocalists from the region. This event highlights the strength of La Porte ISD’s choir programs and the commitment of its students and directors to musical excellence.

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ACADEMICS Campuses celebrate 2025 accountability ratings The Texas Education Agency announced its first district and campus ratings in August 2025. La Porte ISD earned an overall B rating for the 2024-2025 school year, reflecting strong student achievement, academic growth, and progress in closing learning gaps across its campuses. These ratings evaluate factors like test scores, graduation rates, and equity in education.

Several campuses stood out with exceptional performances. College Park Elementary, Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary, and Lomax Elementary each received an A rating. Lomax Junior High improved significantly, moving to a B rating with gains in math and reading scores.

To celebrate these achievements, each of these four campuses held pep rallies honoring this great achievement and growth. At the elementary schools, members of the La Porte High School Band and Cheer Team came to help celebrate the occasion.

La Porte High School maintained its B rating, boasting a 95.7% graduation rate and increased College, Career, and Military Readiness outcomes.

District leaders are proud of these accomplishments and committed to furthering student success. They plan to implement strategic instructional practices, such as expanded tutoring programs, and targeted interventions to support both academic and personal growth for all students.

TIA elevates teacher salaries La Porte ISD is currently in its second year of participating in the Teacher Incentive Allotment program, a statewide initiative from Texas aimed at rewarding exceptional educators. This program seeks to motivate teachers to excel in their roles by providing financial incentives based on their performance and impact on student success. It particularly focuses on retaining skilled teachers in high-need subjects and areas where quality instruction is crucial. Teachers are assessed through a combination of teaching effectiveness and measurable student growth metrics.

Those who achieve designated standards receive special recognition levels, which translate into additional annual compensation. The potential extra pay varies widely, ranging from a few thousand dollars up to more than $30,000 per year, depending on the teacher’s accomplishment tier. Additionally, educators holding a national teaching certificate are automatically eligible and guaranteed at least $3,000 annually.

La Porte ISD initiated its involvement in the program in early 2024, with the first incentive payments anticipated to begin in 2026, assuming the implementation timeline stays on track. The district is collaborating closely with school leaders to ensure that the evaluation processes are equitable, transparent, and accurately reflect teacher contributions.

Looking ahead, La Porte ISD plans to broaden the program’s scope by incorporating more teachers and academic subjects, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and recognition for hard work.

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CAREER & TECHNOLOGY JROTC demonstrates excellence at Nationals The La Porte High School JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl team achieved an impressive 11th place out of 40 top teams at the national finals in Washington, D.C. Hosted by the U.S. Army Cadet Command and the College Options Foundation, the JLAB competition brings together elite JROTC academic teams from over 1,700 Army JROTC programs across the nation. Qualification required excelling in online rounds covering leadership principles, current events, math, science, language arts, and SAT/ACT-style questions. The finals, held at The Catholic University of America, featured intense academic challenges designed to promote teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership under pressure. Through dedication and strong academic performance, the La Porte cadets advanced through multiple rounds to compete among the nation’s best. Each cadet earned two medals, and the team received a finalist plaque for its outstanding performance.

This accomplishment underscores the commitment and excellence of the La Porte High School JROTC program.

FFA excels at Pasadena Rodeo The La Porte High School FFA students participated at the 2025 Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo, held from Sept. 19 through 27, with outstanding performances across multiple categories.

Everly King secured the prestigious Reserve Grand Champion Sheep title, while Jake Hayman dominated the Heifer division, earning both Reserve Champion Overall and Exotic Champion. Audri Wright Sanchez showcased her skills, placing 10th in Ag Mechanics with a beautiful custom firepit. In Fryer Rabbits, Becca Branch and Kelsey Elledge finished strong with 6th and 11th places, respectively. The duo also excelled in the Pig category, with Elledge claiming 3rd and Branch taking 9th. Additionally, Branch earned 7th place in Broilers.

The Pasadena Auction on Sept. 25 proved highly rewarding, with La Porte FFA members collectively raising over $25,000 from their auction animals and items, marking a triumphant event for the team.

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GROWING LEADERS La Porte ISD’s Aspiring Leadership Academy marks year five In education, great leaders don’t just appear – they are nurtured, guided, and grown. At La Porte ISD, that philosophy is the driving force behind the Aspiring Leadership Academy, a program now in its fifth year and continuing to build a pipeline of capable, confident leaders from within the district’s own ranks.

The academy was born from the district’s involvement in the Holdsworth Center’s Leadership Program, a prestigious statewide initiative focused on developing strong leadership in public education. Inspired by the Holdsworth model, district leaders recognized the need to cultivate future administrators who understand the La Porte culture, its values, and the needs of its community.

“We wanted a way to grow our own people,” said Deputy Superintendent Julie Abram. “There is incredible talent already in our buildings. This program is about helping them see themselves as leaders and giving them the tools to lead effectively.”

While the primary focus is on developing assistant principals, the academy has drawn interest from a wide range of educators across the district. Classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and other aspiring leaders have taken part, many with the goal of strengthening their own leadership skills, regardless of title or position.

Each cohort goes through a yearlong experience that includes leadership development sessions, mentoring from district administrators, book studies, and hands-on learning projects. Participants explore topics such as building trust, managing change, instructional leadership, and creating a positive campus culture.

The results are already visible: five current La Porte ISD assistant principals are graduates of the Aspiring Leadership Academy. For them, the academy wasn’t just preparation, it was a launchpad.

“The academy gave me the support and training to recognize my potential,” said Jaime Arizpe, who is in his third year as an assistant principal at James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus. “It equipped me with the skills and confidence to take the next step in my leadership journey.”

Now in its fifth year, La Porte ISD continues to refine and expand the academy, always with the goal of empowering more educators to lead from where they are and grow into where they are going.

“Our investment in leadership is an investment in our students,” Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson said. “By growing strong leaders from within, we are building a stronger future for La Porte ISD.”

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Tori Vidales - Athletes Unlimited softball champion Tori Vidales, a 2014 graduate of La Porte High School, has made an impact on the softball field everywhere she has gone. As a four-year letterman here at La Porte, she earned the District Offensive Player of the Year honors twice and was named Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, helping lead the Lady Dawgs to a District Championship. In her Senior Year, Tori had a historic season, posting a .750 batting average—which was seventh all-time in the National Federation of State High School Associations records—while hitting 18 home runs. In the classroom, Tori ranked in the top 10% of her class, serving as junior class president and a member of the National Honor Society.

Credit: @juliakostopoulosphoto

Upon graduation, Tori took her talents to Texas A&M where she started off her freshman year logging 174 at bats and led the Aggies in runs scored (51), hits (64), home runs (20), and RBIs (56). Over her four years in College Station, Tori was named to multiple NFCA All-American Teams, voted to the All-SEC First Team, NFCA AllSouth Region Team and ended her career with school records in runs (198), RBIs (219), and total bases (480). She was also ranked second in home runs (65), third in walks (164) and slugging percentage (.694), and sixth in batting average (.355) and putouts (1200).

In 2019, Tori played for the Mexican National Team and helped them qualify for Mexico’s first-ever softball appearance in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She hit .500 in the tournament and led her team in hits and RBIs on their road to a fourth place finish.

This past sprint, Tori played in the inaugural season of the Athletes Unlimited Professional Softball League where she led her team, The Talons, to the first ever AUSL Championship. In the final game, Tori hit a historic first-pitch home run and secured the victory with the game-winning sacrifice fly.

Off the field, Tori shines as an SEC Network softball analyst at ESPN, providing on the field expertise and commentary during college games throughout the season. Her love for softball and the promotion of women’s sports makes her a perfect addition to the broadcasts.

Distinguished Alumnus Dr. Jackson honored by his hometown Liberty ISD Liberty High School recognized Dr. Walter Jackson, Class of 1989, as a Distinguished Alumnus during its homecoming celebration on Oct. 3.

Dr. Jackson, who has served as La Porte ISD’s superintendent since 2020, was honored for his impactful contributions to public education at both the state and national levels.

The ceremony highlighted his achievements and lasting connection to the Liberty community.

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