La Porte ISD Magazine Spring 2026_Final

SPRING 2026

SIDER LA PORTE ISD

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA PORTE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

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CONTENTS

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LITERACY SPOTLIGHT

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LEADERSHIP

RODEO ART

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SPELLING BEE

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BOND 2023 UPDATES

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SPRING ATHLETICS

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ACADEMICS

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LP SPOTLIGHT

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Board of Trustees

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.

CTE DISTRICT OF DISTINCTION

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FINE & PERFORMING ARTS On the cover: Eighth graders Tucker Nash and Aliya Christopher of Lomax Junior High participate in the JROTC’s annual cardboard “Boat Regatta” at the LPISD Natatorium on Jan. 30.

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La Porte ISD Insider

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

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 77571, 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 77571, Telephone (281) 604-7034.

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LEADERSHIP Dear La Porte Community, I am filled with excitement for the possibilities that await La Porte ISD in the coming months.

Our devoted educators and staff have been working diligently to ensure that our students receive the highest quality education as we complete these final few months of the 2025-26 school year.

Congratulations to the remarkable individuals of the La Porte High School Theatre Department and the entire cast of Fiddler on the Roof. The 2026 musical production continued our long-standing tradition of excellence on the stage, all thanks to the exceptional talents of our actors, directors, musicians, stage crew, and the invaluable support of our community volunteers. Bravo!

Our excellence in the fine and performing arts extends well beyond the stage. Seven works of art by La Porte ISD students were on display throughout the rodeo season at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Show’s Hayloft Gallery at NRG Arena. Our junior high and high school orchestras won a combined 5 Sweepstakes Awards in the recent UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest, and the Chatos wrapped up contest season with a First Division rating at the Texas Dance Educators Association and University Interscholastic League Assessment.

La Porte ISD athletics have also been shining examples of excellence. In addition to numerous postseason honors across all sports, our Bulldogs and Lady Dawgs both qualified for the state playoffs, with the Lady Dawgs establishing themselves as a top 10 team with an appearance in the Final Four. Baseball, softball, soccer and track & field are also underway, and we expect big things.

Of course, academic excellence is paramount, and La Porte ISD continues to set a very high standard. U.S. News and World Report recently designated six of our elementary schools and a junior high school as among the best in the nation, while three of our elementary schools were named to the 2025 Education Results Partnership Honor Roll for high achievement and success. Meanwhile, Niche continues to grade La Porte ISD among its Best School Districts.

As you drive past La Porte High School or catch a glimpse of it while attending a game or outdoor meet, it is hard to miss the construction activity. While some of the Bond 2023 projects have been completed, such as the high-tech golf simulator and beautiful courtyard, the entrance area of the school is undergoing a major transformation. (Learn more about it on page 10) I am pleased to report that we remain on track for completion of this project by the start of the 2026-27 school year.

The future holds tremendous promise for La Porte ISD. Before long, we will gather to celebrate our students’ accomplishments at awards ceremonies, scholarship presentations, inductions, and commencement exercises. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to keep pursuing excellence as we move through the spring semester.

We are deeply grateful to the La Porte community for your steadfast support, and we also extend our sincere thanks to our Board of Trustees for it’s continued leadership and dedication to our students and staff.

With La Porte pride,

Walter Jackson, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools La Porte ISD Insider • 6

LITERACY SPOTLIGHT La Porte ISD Hosts TXLR Showcase Visit La Porte ISD recently showcased its commitment to early literacy excellence as La Porte Elementary was selected as a spotlight campus for the Texas Reads, Texas Leads (TXRL) initiative. On Jan. 22, representatives from Goose Creek CISD, Castleberry ISD, Mesquite ISD, and Deans for Impact—an organization supporting university-level pre-service teacher preparation—visited the campus. The visit highlighted La Porte Elementary’s robust implementation of structured literacy practices and the districtwide systems driving sustainable improvements in reading instruction, serving as a compelling real-world example of TXRL’s positive impact in action within LPISD. The TXRL Grant, supported by the Moody Foundation, the Charles Butt Foundation, and the CA Group, is a cohort-based, multi-year statewide program that assists districts in developing and executing sciencebased K–3 literacy plans. These plans detail strategic actions, critical decision points, and targeted investments to achieve ambitious early reading proficiency goals. Participating districts, including LPISD—which received a $250,000 grant as one of eight selected recipients—engage in comprehensive systems alignment to ensure that instruction, assessment, professional learning, and resources all align with evidence-based literacy practices, fostering long-term success for young readers across Texas.

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RODEO ART Seven Students Advance to Rodeo Art Show The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Show’s Hayloft Gallery at NRG Arena featured seven works of art by La Porte ISD students in 2026.

Students from La Porte High School, La Porte Junior High School and Heritage Elementary earned Best of Show awards for their respective age categories in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Art Show. Artists from La Porte High School, Lomax Junior High School and Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary are represented in the Gold Medal category.

Each January, schools across the Greater Houston area compete in the Rodeo School Art Program, with judging taking place at the district level.

All work is eligible for the show’s School Art Auction, according to the Rodeo Houston website.

Best of Show 2 “Fer in Texas Y’all” by Fernanda Sampaio, La Porte High School 7 “Autumn Nap” by Jahandra Thebeau, La Porte Junior High 1 “Homage to the Skies” by Ethan Scroggins, Heritage Elementary Gold Medal 6 “Midday Rest” by Ashley Morales, La Porte High School 5 “Trust Between Two Spirits” by Allison Bravo, La Porte High School 3 “From a Child’s Perspective” by Khloe Anderson, Lomax Junior High 4 “Cactus Illusion” by Emma Stakes, Rizzuto Elementary

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Christina Todaro teaches the La Porte High School winners; Amanda Mattox and Bobbi Lapushansky teach the art winners at La Porte and Lomax Junior highs, respectively; Jami Lupold and Mona Gibbs teach the art winners at Heritage and Leo A. Rizzuto, respectively.

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DISTRICT SPELLING BEE Bayshore’s Caiden Carr Claims Spelling Bee After 16 intense rounds of competition, Bayshore Elementary fifth-grader Caiden Carr stepped up to the microphone and carefully spelled out the final word — “a-u-t-h-o-r” — securing the championship title at the La Porte ISD 2026 District Spelling Bee on Feb. 11.

The annual event brought together 30 of the district’s top elementary and junior high spellers, each earning their spot after advancing through campus-level competitions. From the opening round, it was clear the students had put in countless hours of preparation. Challenging vocabulary words steadily narrowed the field, but the competition remained tight well into the later rounds.

Carr maintained his composure as the rounds progressed. As the bee stretched past a dozen rounds, the difficulty intensified and the pressure mounted. Still, Carr demonstrated focus and confidence beyond his years, ultimately securing the winning word in the 16th round.

Finishing runner-up was Ethan Salazar of Heritage Elementary, who delivered a strong performance throughout the afternoon. Sevrin Galano of College Park Elementary earned third place, rounding out the top three in what judges described as an exceptionally competitive field.

With the district title in hand, Carr will advance to the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee in March, where he will compete against top spellers from across the region for a chance to move on to higher levels of competition.

District officials praised all 30 contestants for their dedication and preparation, noting that the high level of performance was evident from the very first round.

For Carr and his fellow competitors, the 2026 La Porte ISD Spelling Bee was not only a test of vocabulary, but a showcase of perseverance, academic excellence and school pride.

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BOND 2023 Construction projects funded by the 2023 Bond are advancing steadily across La Porte ISD, delivering major upgrades to La Porte High School, Lomax Junior High, and various other district facilities. These improvements are modernizing learning and activity spaces, boosting safety and security features, and enhancing overall functionality—building greater pride and Bulldog spirit community-wide.

La Porte High School

Renovations at the front of La Porte High School are progressing visibly, with the new entryway and administration building taking shape. This project updates one of the campus’s oldest sections while incorporating critical infrastructure improvements. Notably, approximately 40,000 square feet of underground water retention has been added to resolve long-standing drainage problems that have affected the school for years. Current work in the entry and office areas includes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) installations, along with fireproofing and fire sprinkler system roughins. The full front-entry renovation remains on schedule for completion by August 2026.

The old competition gym—home to the last remaining original locker rooms on campus—is set for major renovations starting over Spring Break. This work will modernize the locker facilities for athletes and programs while upgrading the gym itself for improved daily use by the entire campus.

Golf Simulator Room

The La Porte High School Golf Team now has a state-of-the-art training advantage thanks to the newly completed golf simulator room, funded by Bond 2023. Named The Bulldog Bunker, this year-round, weather-independent space delivers instant, data-driven feedback on swing mechanics—including speed, path, and spin—to help players quickly refine accuracy, distance, and form.

The room features two Uneekor Sim Kits (each with launch monitor, enclosure, impact screen, hitting turf, and projector).

La Porte ISD’s maintenance and technology teams collaborated to get it fully operational, and it’s already making a measurable positive impact on student-athletes.

Lomax Junior High

With the new competition gym now complete, attention has shifted to updating and repairing the former practice gym (now repurposed as a dedicated practice space). The floor has been repaired, and walls are scheduled for fresh paint to refresh the area.

The new fine arts spaces—housed in the previous practice gym—are in the final stages of construction. Band and orchestra rooms, along with related areas, are expected to be turned over to the school by the end of April.

Districtwide Updates

Campus furniture assessments are complete districtwide, and replacement items are now being ordered to equip classrooms and common areas effectively.

Additional enhancements include: Carpet replacement scheduled for multiple campuses (specific sites to be confirmed as work progresses).

Classroom painting underway or planned at Baker Elementary and select other locations.

These Bond 2023 projects continue to deliver meaningful improvements that support student success, safety, and campus pride. Stay tuned for more updates as milestones are reached!

The original LXJ gym received improvements to the parquet flooring and playing surface.

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Students The entrywalking and front throughout office space theafter newly demolition at completed courtyard La Porteduring High School. a passing period.

Viewentry The of the and new front hallway officefrom space theafter courtyard. demolition at La Porte High School.

Interior view of the new high school hallway from the front door entrance.

LPHS golf members utilizing the newly completed golf simulator room.

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CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION La Porte ISD has been selected as a 2025 CTE District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas. This esteemed recognition celebrates districts across Texas that demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation and commitment to student success through high-quality Career and Technical Education programs.

The CTE District of Distinction program highlights districts that excel in workforce readiness, foster innovation in CTE and inspire others through their dedication to student achievement and community impact. Honored districts serve as models of excellence, showcasing best practices and driving progress in CTE statewide.

“Receiving the CTE District of Distinction honor reflects the incredible commitment and effort of our Board of Trustees, teachers, administrators and students,” said Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson. “We take great pride in leading the way with innovative, future-focused CTE programs that equip our students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s workforce.”

The CTE District of Distinction program was designed to celebrate outstanding career and technical education programs across Texas. Honored districts are selected based on their ability to meet rigorous criteria that include innovative programming, industry-based certifications, alignment with workforce needs and exceptional student outcomes.

As a CTE District of Distinction, La Porte ISD is not only celebrating its own achievements but also setting a benchmark for excellence in CTE statewide. This designation opens doors to new opportunities for collaboration with educational and workforce development leaders, further advancing the district’s mission of preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving economy.

Scan the QR code to learn more about LPISD’s CTE programs.

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AGRICULTURE, FOOD & NATURAL RESOURCES

ARMY JROTC

ARTS, AUDIO/VIDEO TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATIONS

BUSINESS, MARKETING & FINANCE

EDUCATION & TRAINING

ENGINEERING

HEALTH SCIENCE

HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

MANUFACTURING

TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION & LOGISTICS

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SPRING ATHLETICS Four Bulldogs Land Padilla Poll All-State Recognition Four La Porte Bulldogs football players have been named to the Padilla Poll Coaches 2025 5A Division 1 All-State Team.

Defensive back and Texas Wesleyan University commit Blake Stout was named to the Second Team Defense; offensive linemen Jake Hayman and Grady Ferranti, who have both committed to Blinn College, were named to the Third Team Offense, along with junior tight end Ryker Reynolds.

The Padilla Poll is a widely followed statewide high school football polling and news source focused on Texas high school football. It publishes weekly rankings, playoff results, scores and postseason honors for teams and players across classifications from 1A through 6A. The Poll also curates the annual Padilla Poll Coaches All-State Teams, which recognizes outstanding individual performances from the past season.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these guys,” Bulldogs Head Coach Kevin Berneathy said. “They show up every single day and put in the work, whether it’s in the weight room, on the practice field or in the classroom. This honor is well deserved, and it speaks volumes about the kind of young men and teammates they are.”

The Padilla Poll’s All-State teams are selected based on input from high school coaches around Texas. These coaches nominate and vote on the top players at each position within their respective classifications, culminating in first team, second team, and third team honors across offense, defense and special teams.

LP Swimmers Make Waves The La Porte High School swim team concluded it’s 20252026 season with a strong performance at the District 18-5A Championships, undeterred by the cold weather. Swimmers delivered some of their season-best times, set multiple personal records and came close to school marks—highlighted

by Natalie Chavez missing the 100-yard Breaststroke record by just 0.05 seconds while placing 4th in the 100 Backstroke, and Julina Michel earning 3rd in the 100 Backstroke.

Relays impressed as well, with both the girls’ and boys’ 400yard Freestyle teams finishing 4th and the 200-yard Freestyle relays taking 5th. Standouts included Jake Gazaw’s 4th-place finish in the 500-yard Freestyle, plus PRs from Isabella Huerta, Nellie Ortiz, Adilyn Smith, and Jacob Smith.

Several Bulldogs qualified for the 2026 UIL Region 5-5A Championships in Sugar Land, Texas, including Gazaw (500 Freestyle), Chavez (50 Freestyle and 100 Breaststroke), Michel (200 IM and 100 Backstroke), and all six relays. The team’s resilience and point-scoring efforts showcased impressive growth.

Adding to the program’s success, Head Coach Joseph Stewart was honored as the 2025 District 10-6A Girls Water Polo Coach of the Year, reflecting his leadership across aquatics sports.

Congratulations to the entire La Porte swim team on a memorable season!

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Lady Dawgs Wrap Up Historic Season Lady Dawgs Reach State Semi-Finals Under Coach Elisha Thompson’s leadership, the Lady Dawgs tied for first in district and claimed the top seed with a dominant 10-2 record (overall 30-7 entering the state tournament). They stormed through the playoffs with victories over Beaumont United, A&M Consolidated, Austin Anderson and College Station to capture the 5A Region 3 Division I championship. For the first time in almost four decades, La Porte advanced to the State Semi-Finals, where their remarkable season concluded against a tough opponent. What an incredible, historymaking campaign for the Lady Dawgs!

Bulldogs Build Momentum for the Future Coach Jeremy Clark’s Bulldogs fought to third place in District 20-5A, highlighted by a key play-in win over Angleton. They opened the playoffs against Baytown Sterling in a hard-fought bi-district battle, falling just short in a close 47-50 contest.

The team closed the year with a solid 21-15 overall record—proof of the players’ grit and growth. Congratulations to the Bulldogs on a competitive season with plenty of positives to build on!

Powerlifting Setting New Records

The La Porte High School girls powerlifting team made history this season, setting a new school record by qualifying 16 athletes for the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association (THSWPA) Region IV 5A-D1 Championships held on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Alvin High School.

Competing against top talent from across the region, La Porte powered its way to an impressive 2nd-place overall team finish at Regionals. Out of the 16 regional qualifiers four standout athletes earned coveted spots at the THSWPA State Championships and 10 earned medals for placing in the top 5 of their weight class.

The state qualifiers are: • • • •

Isabel Burke — Regional Champion Nadia Elabdallah — 2nd Place Samantha Gilder — Regional Champion Ariana Castaneda — 2nd Place

The THSWPA State Championships take place March 18-21 at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas. Congratulations to Coach Beck Neal and the entire team for representing La Porte ISD with pride.

Deer Park Silenced - Baseball and Softball off to Hot Starts The Bulldog Baseball team started off hot this season with a nearperfect record of 6 wins and 1 tie. In a dominant statement game on 2/24, the Bulldogs shut out rival Deer Park 4-0 on their home turf, powered by senior pitcher Adrian Delgadillo’s masterful no-hitter. The team is currently 11-6-2 as of publication.

On the girls’ side, the Lady Dawgs Softball team continues to roll with a strong 14-3 record. They handled Deer Park convincingly earlier this month, securing a 6-1 victory on Tuesday, February 10, behind solid pitching and timely hitting.

With these rivalry wins fueling the fire, both La Porte squads are positioned for a strong push through district competition.

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FINE & PERFORMING ARTS Fiddler On the Roof is Officially In the Books The La Porte High School Theatre and Music Departments proudly presented their 2026 musical production, Fiddler on the Roof, Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 5-7.

This beloved classic, based on Sholem Aleichem’s short stories “Tevye and His Daughters,” is set in 1905 in the small Jewish village of Anatevka under Tsarist rule. Tevye, a poor dairyman, his wife Golde, and their five daughters strive to uphold cherished Jewish traditions amid hardship and oppression. The heart of the story unfolds as Tevye confronts the winds of change: his three eldest daughters defy custom by choosing to marry for love rather than relying on the matchmaker Yente. Through it all, the iconic Fiddler on the Roof serves as a powerful metaphor for Tevye’s precarious balancing act—holding onto faith and tradition while the world around him shifts dramatically.

This year’s production brought together an impressive cast, crew, and orchestra of more than 180 students, teachers, and community members. It marked the 58th musical in the program’s proud history and the fourth time La Porte High School has staged this timeless tale.

Congratulations to everyone involved—what an incredible showcase of talent and teamwork!

SCAN TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS!

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Keeping The Rhythm: Bulldog Percussionist Makes All-State Band La Porte High School was once again represented in the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Band, marking the school’s third appearance since 2015.

Junior percussionist Isaiah Macias earned a coveted spot in the prestigious ensemble after auditions held on Jan. 10. Macias advanced through a rigorous, multi-round selection process that began with more than 70,000 band students from across Texas.

Each year, the journey to All-State begins in July with the release of audition music. In December, students compete for All-Region Band placement, with top performers advancing to All-Area auditions, where final All-State members are selected.

“Making the All-State Band is a remarkable accomplishment,” said Head Band Director Jason Harvey. “Isaiah’s dedication, preparation and musicianship truly set him apart, and we are proud of how he represented our program and school.”

The 2026 TMEA All-State Band performed in February at the association’s annual clinic and convention in San Antonio, an event that attracts more than 30,000 music educators and students from across Texas and around the world.

From La Porte to Center Stage: Naron On All-State Team Chatos Captain Sienna Naron represented La Porte High School Jan 10-13 as a member of the Texas Dance Educators Association All-State Dance Team.

Naron earned one of the limited All-State selections, with only one dancer chosen to represent each school. Her selection reflects her dedication and talent in drill team performance.

All-State dancers participated in the association’s annual convention in Houston, taking part in dance workshops, leadership training, master classes and networking opportunities with students from across the state.

The experience concluded with a performance for thousands of convention attendees, choreographed by a master choreographer.

Jeannine Watson is the Chatos director.

La Porte ISD Fine Arts Students Earn Top UIL Honors Students across La Porte ISD delivered outstanding performances at recent University Interscholastic League music evaluations, earning top honors across multiple campuses and ensembles. Both junior high varsity bands earned sweepstakes awards, while all three high school orchestras — varsity, JV and sub-non-varsity — also achieved sweepstakes recognition. At Lomax Junior High School, both the varsity and JV orchestras earned sweepstakes, and the orchestra at La Porte Junior High School received a first-division rating. The La Porte High School Chatos also earned a first-division rating at the Texas Dance Educators Association/University Interscholastic League evaluation.

UIL competition season continues for La Porte ISD fine arts students in the coming weeks. Junior high choirs will compete on March 25, followed by high school choir evaluations scheduled for March 30 through April 1. High school bands will also take the stage for their UIL evaluation on April 1 as the district’s strong fine arts programs continue their spring competition schedule.

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ACADEMICS When Code Clicks: Mentorship Transforms AP Computer Science at La Porte High School In a classroom filled with lines of code, problem-solving discussions and bursts of excitement when a program finally works, students in Laura Dykstra’s AP Computer Science class at La Porte High School are discovering that computer coding is more than just syntax, it’s creativity, confidence and possibility. A new partnership with NexusQuest has helped bring that discovery to life.

Through engaging workshops, interactive lessons and personalized mentorship, NexusQuest volunteers have been working closely with Dykstra’s students to support their learning throughout the year. The sessions go beyond textbook instruction, helping students better understand how coding works, why it matters, and how it can be applied to real-world problems.

Rather than simply reviewing material, mentors focus on breaking down challenging concepts and encouraging students to think critically and creatively. Topics such as algorithms and data structures – often seen as intimidating – have become more approachable as students gain hands-on experience and individual guidance.

Students have responded with enthusiasm. The additional support has sparked curiosity, encouraged questions and created a welcoming environment where learners feel comfortable making mistakes and pushing through challenges. As the AP exam approaches in May, many students report feeling more confident, prepared and motivated.

Dykstra praised the partnership as a valuable enhancement to her classroom.

“Exposure to mentors who actively work in and care about the field brings computer science to life in a way that traditional instruction alone cannot,” Dykstra said. “It also shows students how community involvement can have a real impact on their education.”

The collaboration between NexusQuest and La Porte High School highlights the power of mentorship and community engagement in education, Dykstra added. For these AP Computer Science students, the experience has not only strengthened their technical skills but has also expanded their vision of what is possible in the world of technology.

Growing Beyond Earth

James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus is one of 19 schools in Texas participating in Growing Beyond Earth, a nationally recognized STEM program led by NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in partnership with the Florida-based Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

Baker is one of only two participating schools in the Houston region. The program gives students the opportunity to conduct scientific research that supports NASA’s efforts to grow food for astronauts aboard the International Space Station and for future deep-space missions. As part of the program, Baker received a $1,000 plant growth chamber identical to the one currently in use on the space station, along with a three-year supply of seeds and growing media.

Selected STEM students are growing plants in 28-day experimental cycles, monitoring plant health, growth and environmental conditions. Data collected from the growth chamber will be automatically transmitted to scientists at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, allowing students to contribute to ongoing spaceflight research.

The program is led by Christina Davidson, a Baker STEM teacher and La Porte ISD’s secondary STEM facilitator. “This project is designed to mirror professional scientific collaboration and communication,” Davidson said. “More specifically, it allows students to engage in hands-on research and gain exposure to high-level scientific work at an early age.”

District leaders said participation in Growing Beyond Earth reflects La Porte ISD’s commitment to expanding STEM learning opportunities and preparing students for future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

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Turning Curiosity Into Careers: Viola DeWalt Academy Connects Students To Real-World Opportunities The Academy of Viola DeWalt High School is taking learning beyond textbooks and classrooms by giving students a firsthand look at the world of work through expanded career exploration experiences.

Traditionally, the Academy has enriched instruction with educational field trips to colleges, zoos, nature centers and science museums. In 2025, that approach evolved with the launch of a new initiative that places students inside leading corporations and mainstream businesses across the Houston area.

Through the program, a select cohort of students and staff visit professional workplaces, meet with department leaders, tour facilities and learn about corporate culture, leadership, professional communication and workplace expectations. The exposure to innovative industries has already begun shaping student interests and long-term career goals.

The Academy has partnered with more than seven universities, colleges and businesses, including the Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Dynamo/Dash, Paul Mitchell, Marriott Downtown, San Jacinto College, the University of Houston and La Porte ISD Support Services.

One highlight occurred on Dec. 3, 2025, when students participated in a Career Education Training visit with the Houston Astros. During the visit, they engaged with leaders from the organization’s human resources, marketing and finance departments. Discussions focused on career pathways within Major League Baseball, internship opportunities and strategies for professional success in a competitive sports organization, offering students a rare look behind the scenes of professional athletics and its corporate operations.

The Career Education Training Cohort is designed to expose students to a wide range of professional environments, encouraging them to explore career paths they may not have previously considered while building practical skills for the future.

As the Career Education Training Cohort continues to grow, the Academy of Viola DeWalt High School is redefining what it means to prepare students for life after graduation. By connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences, the program empowers students to envision themselves as future professionals and leaders. With every workplace visit and conversation, students gain not only knowledge, but confidence – turning curiosity into purpose and possibilities into plans for the future.

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LP SPOTLIGHT LP Leaders on the Rise Jaime Arizpe steps into the bustling halls of James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus each morning with a quiet determination, his role as assistant principal demanding a balance of guidance, discipline, and encouragement for young students just beginning their middle school journey.

Years earlier, he had made a deliberate choice to join the inaugural cohort of La Porte ISD’s Aspiring Leaders Academy in 2022. Drawn by the opportunity to connect with others who shared his passion for improving K-12 education, Arizpe sought more than just professional advancement — he wanted to challenge himself, to step beyond the familiar and contribute to something larger than his own classroom or office.

Through the academy’s sessions and discussions, Arizpe discovered a profound truth about leadership that reshaped his daily work. He learned that true influence rarely came from being the loudest voice; instead, it emerged from being the most attentive listener. Now, as he navigated conversations with teachers, parents, students, and staff, he drew heavily on that lesson. Whether mediating a conflict, planning campus improvements, or making tough decisions, Arizpe paused to truly hear every perspective first. That deliberate practice of listening guided his choices, fostering trust and helping create a supportive environment where everyone felt valued and understood.

Looking ahead, Arizpe’s ambition burns steadily brighter. While he cherishes his current role, he dreams of one day leading as a principal at a middle or high school, where he can shape even broader horizons for students. Already pursuing a Doctor of Educational Leadership at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, he remains deeply curious about how the fast-changing world—technology, culture, and societal shifts—influencing teenagers’ experiences and growth. Committed to staying informed and adaptable, Arizpe aspireds to collaborate with all stakeholders to build spaces where every student can thrive holistically, equipped not just academically but emotionally and socially for whatever lies beyond the school doors.

La Porte ISD Earns Statewide Award For Responsible Purchasing La Porte ISD has been recognized by the Texas Association of School Business Officials with a 2025 Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations.

The Award of Merit was established in 2009 to recognize Texas school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and education service centers committed to following professional standards in the acquisition of goods and services.

Each year, TASBO officials review the award criteria to ensure it aligns with current best practices and reviews both new and recertification applications from organizations across the state. La Porte ISD is among a relative few school districts across Texas to receive the honor.

This is the fifth consecutive year that La Porte ISD has received the award and the eighth year overall.

Members of the district’s purchasing team were honored at an awards reception on Feb. 25 during the 2026 TASBO annual conference.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT From LP Graduate to Distinguished NASA Physicist When Heather Rodriguez Cowardin was a student at Bayshore Elementary, her third-grade teacher inspired her to follow her dreams. “Mrs. Roberts really opened my eyes to ‘I could do anything,’” she said.

At that time, Cowardin’s dreams were to become an astronaut, Batman or a garbage collector. She laughed as she noted that her current role encompasses a little of all three.

A 1999 graduate of La Porte High School, Cowardin is now the Branch Chief for NASA’s Hypervelocity Impact and Orbital Debris Office, which ascertains the risk of trash in space. She oversees the integration and success of the interdisciplinary team to support measurements, models, mitigation and risk assessment associated with the orbital debris environment.

Growing up in La Porte, Cowardin often told her mother, “I’m going to work at NASA one day.”

Her teacher’s encouraging words helped her to focus on pushing through, taking challenging classes and making good grades in pursuit of that goal.

Many other teachers motivated her along the way. She remembers orchestra director Rachel Hilson as being patient and kind, encouraging her to “pace yourself” as she strived for excellence, and she often reflects on the mantra of her former track coach, the late Joel Fagan, who was known for saying, “No pain, no gain!” She noted that Fagan advocated for her in earning a full scholarship to Sam Houston State University to run cross country and track.

Later, she transferred to the University of Houston, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in physics with a minor in math. She later completed her master’s degree in physics and her doctoral degree in space physics at UH. “Ironically, I did not like physics in high school—I was passionate about chemistry,” she said. “Now, here I am loving it!”

As an undergraduate, Cowardin interned at NASA, and as she completed her master’s degree, she worked with a NASA contractor. Also going to school full-time, she was able to use her research at NASA to build her dissertation and defended it while pregnant with her first child. The only female earning her Ph.D. in physics that year, Cowardin saw it as an opportunity to shine. “When you doubt me, it pushes me a little harder to prove that I can do it,” she said.

With Hispanic and German-Irish parents, Cowardin says coming from a diverse background helped her to be respectful of various cultures, understand different viewpoints and be welcoming to everyone. Those skills come in handy as she manages 35 employees, including both civil servants and contractors.

Her job also demands flexibility. “As the world has evolved, and our earth environment has evolved, we have to integrate and pivot to meet the new NASA priorities,” she said. Being able to multi-task and manage time well are also vital to her role. Most important, with 20 years of experience in this area, she loves what she does. “It’s a passion!” she said.

Cowardin’s other important roles are those of wife and mother. Her husband, Grady, who is originally from the Virgin Islands, is a mechanical engineer. They have two sons, one in high school and the other in junior high.

“As someone who leans into challenges, I passed that on to my kids,” Cowardin said, adding that her younger son recently earned his black belt in karate and her oldest plays on AAU and high school basketball teams.

What would she say to young girls who have set important goals for themselves? “Don’t give up, ever. Look for mentors who will guide and encourage you, advocate for you, who won’t laugh at your goals,” she said.

A huge proponent of extracurricular activities, she encourages those pursuing STEM careers to integrate arts and humanities into their studies. Even now, she sometimes plays her violin, and is currently training for a halfmarathon in April. “Academics didn’t come easily for me, but having orchestra and running helped mitigate the stress,” she said. “There’s a whole science behind it—they help you to be a better academic.”

Cowardin recalls when she competed in the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce’s Miss Sylvan Beach pageant. Although she wasn’t confident about her chances to win, she needed the scholarship money for college. “I was a runner—I couldn’t walk in heels!” she said.

During the interview competition, she noticed that the contestants’ chair was offset from the judges’ table.

She pulled her chair up to the table, and ended up winning second runner-up and a $700 scholarship. “Bring yourself to the table” has become her advice to those who have big aspirations.

The little girl who reached for the stars now impacts NASA’s work in space. She said, “When you’re really dead-set on something, don’t let anyone deter you. It’s okay to take a pause in life, but never quit.”

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