The Insider - Spring 2026

A SEASON TO REMEMBER

THE

La Marque’s run to State showcased years of unbreakable chemistry

SPRING 2026

INSIDER

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THE INSIDER 2025

PUBLISHER

Texas City ISD Communications Department CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Melissa Tortorici COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Clarissa Silva PHOTOGRAPHY

Clarissa Silva Melissa Tortorici Karen Faulkner Quinn Thomas

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CONTENTS WELCOME TO THE INSIDER 1 A Message from the TCISD Communications Office

FEATURES 2 6

A Season to Remember

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A Final Walk and New Beginnings

A Journey of Grit and Determination

INSIDE TCISD

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10 Moments that Matter 11 Kudos 12 District Calendar

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FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Welcome to the new quarterly edition of The Insider!

As we welcome the Spring 2026 edition of The Insider magazine, we are proud to share stories that highlight the heart of Texas City ISD. These stories focus on our students, our schools and our community.

This issue celebrates moments of growth, pride and new beginnings. You will read about a La Marque High School basketball team whose historic run to the state championship game brought Cougar Nation together and showcased years of hard work and determination. You will also step into a powerful milestone as La Marque High School opened its new campus, honoring the past while creating new opportunities for future generations.

At the same time, we are reminded that success is often found in personal journeys.

Dawn Culver’s story shows how perseverance, support and a second chance can change the course of a student’s life, leading her to rediscover her purpose and future in service.

Together, these stories reflect what makes TCISD special. They show the strength of our students, the dedication of our staff and the pride of a community that continues to support and uplift one another.

We hope these stories inspire you as much as they inspire us.

Have a story to share? We would love to hear from you. Please send your story ideas and submissions to mtortorici@tcisd.org.

Your stories are what make this publication meaningful. Thank you for reading, sharing and being part of the TCISD family.

Thank you for being part of our story.

The TCISD Communications Team

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THE INSIDER

Senior Joshua Minix makes a break from a Dallas Carter High School defender during the UIL State Championship basketball game March 13.

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SPRING 2026

A SEASON TO REMEMBER La Marque’s run to the state championship showcased years of unbreakable chemistry it really became clear midway through their sophomore season when they started handling adversity with maturity, staying composed and finishing strong in tough games.”

That maturity carried into a playoff run defined by consistency and composure.

“No matter the stage or opponent, they stayed locked in and played our brand of basketball,” Wilcox said.

From the start of the season, players believed a run like this was possible.

“We always knew,” said senior Brendan Harris. “Coming off of last year’s (state semifinal) loss, we knew we had a chance to go all the way this year.”

At the core of that belief was chemistry. Many of the players have spent years growing up together, building relationships that translated directly to success on the court.

“Most of these guys, they’ve been playing together since kindergarten,” junior Malcolm McNail said. “Then I came in this year and seeing how we all connected together, I knew it was going to be a good team.”

Wilcox noticed that bond from the very beginning.

“From day one, there was a level of trust and togetherness that stood out,” he said. “The players genuinely cared about each other and were willing to put the team above individual recognition.”

That connection was strengthened off the court through shared experiences and time

It came down to a single point.

In a 68-67 semifinal thriller against Houston Wheatley, the La Marque Cougars delivered the moment that defined their season, punching their ticket to the UIL state championship game and completing a journey years in the making.

“It was definitely very intense,” senior Derrick Edison said. “We had to get our redemption.”

That win sent the Cougars to the Alamodome to face Dallas Carter in the state final. La Marque fell 67-41, but the loss did little to diminish a season that elevated the program and set a new standard.

“It’s huge,” head coach Kevin Wilcox said.

“It validates the work that’s been put in over the years and sets a new standard for what this program can achieve.”

For the Cougars, the story was never just about the final game. It was about how they got there.

From early playoff exits in previous years to a deep postseason run this spring, La Marque steadily built toward this moment. Seniors who once experienced first-round losses returned with a different mindset and a stronger foundation.

“Seeing us improve every year,” Edison said.

“My freshman year we lost in the first round.

Then just seeing us improve every single year… there was a reason behind it.”

Wilcox saw that growth take shape long before the postseason.

“There were flashes early,” he said, “but

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THE INSIDER spent together.

“Just hanging out… going to the movies or the arcade,” Edison said. “I feel like that’s what built that chemistry.”

The result was a team that trusted one another completely, especially in high-pressure moments.

When asked which game they would never forget, the answer came immediately.

“Wheatley!” the players said together.

The semifinal matchup carried added weight after a loss to Wheatley the previous season. This time, La Marque held on, leaning on each other in the closing moments to secure the win.

“We all held each other accountable,” Edison said. “We pretty much stuck it out as a team.”

“We took accountability for our mistakes and held each other accountable,” senior Brandon Harris added.

Wilcox said moments earlier in the season helped build that confidence.

“During both Brazosport games, everything came together,” he said. “Communication, execution and energy. You could see the confidence build in real time.”

That confidence became part of the team’s identity.

“They were resilient, disciplined and united,” Wilcox said. “This was a group that prided itself on effort, toughness and doing the little things right every single day.”

That mindset carried the Cougars through each round of the playoffs.

“We just took it one game at a time and focused on our next opponent,” Edison said.

When they arrived at the Alamodome, the moment was unlike anything they had experienced before.

“The environment, it was different,” Edison said.

“Warming up, it was a little intimidating, but once the game began, we were good.”

Beyond the wins and losses, players say the season helped them grow as individuals.

Leadership, discipline and character became just as important as performance on the court.

“One thing I learned about myself is being a leader and being that person to motivate the team,” senior Joshua Minix said. “There were a lot of challenges throughout the season, but I learned to stay focused on the team.”

Wilcox saw that growth as one of the team’s biggest achievements.

“They grew as leaders, as teammates and as young men,” he said. “Their communication improved and their confidence grew.”

Wearing the La Marque jersey, players said, carried a deep sense of pride rooted in tradition.

“It’s a different feeling,” Edison said. “I’ve been at La Marque pretty much my whole life… I had older family members that played here. They inspired me to want to put on the blue and gold.”

That pride extended to the way the team represented its community.

“They showed what La Marque is about,” Wilcox said. “Defense, family, grit, heart and resilience.”

As the season came to a close, both players and coaches reflected on what this team leaves behind.

“I want us to be remembered as a team that never gives up,” Brendan Harris said.

“A hardworking, disciplined, winning team,” Minix added.

Wilcox put it simply.

“They set the standard,” he said. “They showed what’s possible through unity, hard work and belief in each other.”

COVER Senior Brandon Harris holds off a Dallas-Carter defender during the UIL State Championship basketball game March 13.

LEFT Community members showed support for the team during a celebratory parade following their state playoff run.

Player said the support “meant the world to us.”

TOP LEFT Senior Brendan Harris attempts to block a shot from a Dallas-Carter player during the state championship game.

TOP RIGHT Senior Derrick Edison defends against a Dallas-Carter player during the state game at the Alamodome, RIGHT Junior Malcolm McNail wrestles for the ball against three Dallas-Carter players during the UIL State Championship basketball game.

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SPRING 2026

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THE INSIDER

TOP

RIGHT

TCHS senior and Marine Corps JROTC ComDawn Culver stands at attention during pre-game manding Officer Dawn Culver waves the Sting activities at a TCHS football game. flag during a Stingarees football game.

ABOVE Dawn Culver prepares to lead fellow JROTC cadets in running with the Sting flags following a TCHS football team touchdown.

Story and photos by Quinn Thomas, TCHS senior and TCISD Communications intern.

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SPRING 2026

A JOURNEY OF GRIT AND DETERMINATION How one student’s second chance in JROTC helped her rediscover her purpose and her potential When Dawn Culver sat down with her freshman counselor to plan her electives, nothing really caught her attention. But at the mention of the school’s JROTC program, a brief hint of interest crossed her face.

“He was so tired of me saying no to everything else, he just went ahead and marked that down,” she said.

Despite that initial interest, Culver said she spent most of that year actually disinterested.

She wouldn’t wear her uniform on uniform days and chose not to participate in the group’s physical training (PT) days.

After transferring to Texas City High School her sophomore year and into the school’s Marine Corps JROTC program, Culver said she continued to not participate much.

She expected to follow the same pattern during her junior year. A series of poor choices led to her being assigned to the district’s alternative education program (DAEP). While at DAEP, Culver said she realized she didn’t want to be the type of person who does nothing with her life.

She wanted to do better for herself.

The JROTC program, however, has strict rules. Students assigned to DAEP are typically removed from the program. But Culver took a chance. She emailed Sgt. Major Ramon Nash and Gunnery Sgt. Travis Daniels, the program’s instructors, with a promise. She would change and put forth more effort than ever before.

Her email was so persuasive, it convinced Nash and Daniels to take a chance too. They agreed to let her continue with the program when she returned to TCHS. Once back on campus, Culver started to prove her promise to herself and her instructors. She asked for help, not only from Nash and Daniels, but also from her fellow students.

“When the fall of Miss Culver’s junior year came around, I noticed an increased amount of maturity,” Daniels said. “Dawn had earned a second chance indeed. “ Culver continued to work hard, regaining

respect from the instructors and her fellow students. Putting forth double the effort of everyone else, Culver worked her way up, getting healthier, rebuilding relationships and learning everything she could about the JROTC program.

Daniels said the JROTC program is designed to develop character, leadership and citizenship with cadets gaining a combination of academic knowledge, practical life skills and tangible career advantages. Participation helps teenagers develop “grit,” determination and improved self-esteem through a sense of belonging to a team.

“Dawn participated in pretty much everything JROTC had to offer,” Daniels said. “She improved academicallynd transformed herself into being the most physically fit female we had in JROTC. She had made quite a name for herself.”

The end of junior year came, as well as the yearly award ceremony. Culver was given the title of Commanding Officer, the highest rank possible for students in JROTC. Daniels said Culver more than deserved the title after the amount of work she put in to improve her grades, fitness and leadership skills.

“Dawn can be counted on,” he said. “She earned the respect and support of the leaders in her immediate chain of command and completely changed my mind of who should be the Commanding Officer (CO) the following year.”

After everything that Culver has learned in the past two years, she’s decided to challenge herself and enlisted into the Marine Corps.

“The idea that maybe I wont be able to succeed, makes me more motivated to prove myself wrong,” she said.

Daniels said he’s very proud of the young lady Culver has become. “The foundation she’s built for herself will ensure her success” he said, “It has been a pleasure being apart of her educational journey and I cant wait to see what she does next.”

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THE INSIDER

A FINAL WALK AND NEW BEGINNINGS The opening of a new La Marque High School blended a final walk through the past and a bold step forward With cheers from a state finalist basketball parade still echoing through the streets, La Marque High School ushered in a new era March 21 as students, alumni and families said goodbye to the past and stepped into the future.

The celebration brought together generations of Cougars for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, open house and a special “Last Prowl,” giving alumni the chance to walk the halls of the original La Marque High School one final time. From emotional reunions to first steps inside the new building, the day blended nostalgia with excitement for what lies ahead.

“Moments like this are powerful because they connect the past, the present and the future all at once,” Superintendent Dr. Melissa Duarte said. “I know that the dreams that begin here will carry Cougar Pride forward for generations to come.”

For more than 50 years, the original campus served as the heart of the La Marque community. During the Last Prowl, former students revisited classrooms, shared memories and honored the traditions that shaped generations. While parts of the campus, including the field house, auditorium and competition gym, will remain, the walk marked a meaningful goodbye for many.

“Today is more than a ribbon cutting… this is a moment of legacy, pride and promise,” said TCISD Board Vice President Nakisha Paul, a La Marque High School graduate. “We stand at the intersection of where we’ve been and where we are boldly going.”

That pride carried into the opening of the new facility, where visitors explored modern classrooms, performance spaces and athletic areas designed to support student success.

District leaders emphasized that while the building is new, the spirit of LMHS remains unchanged.

“The spirit of La Marque High School has never been about the building itself,” Board President Lori Carnes said. “It has always been about the people…the students, the teachers, the coaches, the families and the community.”

The new campus represents years of planning and community support, offering expanded opportunities for students to learn, grow and pursue their goals.

“I believe the students who walk these halls will be shaped by more than the classrooms and the technology they find here,” Duarte said. “They will be shaped by the spirit of this community and by the legacy that has been passed down through generations.”

Speakers reminded students that the building is only the beginning.

“This building is not just brick and mortar, it is opportunity,” Paul said. “It is hope. It is a fresh start for every student who walks through these doors.”

Classes resumed in the new building following spring break, bringing life to the hallways and marking the start of a new chapter for the school.

“It is where friendships will grow, where challenges will shape us and where we will discover who we are and who we want to become,” LMHS junior Journey Jackson said.

“As we walk through these doors, we carry forth the Cougar pride that has always defined THE La Marque High School.”

As the doors officially opened, one message rang clear. The legacy of La Marque High School is not left behind in the old halls. It moves forward with every student who walks into the new ones.

“The true measure of a school is not the building itself, but the dreams that begin inside it,” Duarte said.

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SPRING 2026

TOP

TOP LEFT

Members of the LMHS Class of 1971, the first graduating class of the previous high school, gathered for the Last Prowl and open house.

LMHS alumni walk the halls of the former campus one last time during the Last Prowl.

ABOVE

BOTTOM LEFT

TCISD Superintendent Dr. Melissa Duarte and LMHS Principal Ricky Nicholson cut the ribbon for the opening of the new LMHS.

Alumni and community members explore the jury room that is part of the law enforcement classroom at the new LMHS.

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SPRING 2026

MOMENTS THAT MATTER

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Big moments, bright achievements and busy campuses — here’s what’s been happening across Texas City ISD.

TCISD CHOIRS EARN TOP UIL SWEEPSTAKES HONORS Choir programs across Texas City ISD earned UIL Sweepstakes honors, the highest possible rating for concert and sight-reading performance.

Recognized groups include the La Marque High School Choir, Texas City High School Master Chorale, Tenor-Bass Choir and Treble Choir, and the Blocker Middle School Choir. Directors David Rhone, Alex Musgrove, Michael Skarke and Glydel Obate led students to success, with support from Fine Arts Director Mary Goldner. q POWERLIFTING STANDOUTS COMPETE AT STATE MEET Nine students from La Marque High School and Texas City High School qualified for the state powerlifting meet, earning a spot among Texas’ top athletes.

Competitors included Corey Hosea, Jordyn Oliphant, Aiyana Spoons, Jayden Wilburn and Philip Yoakum from LMHS, and Dustin Burch, Emma Gates, Brayln Harris and Makenna Martinez-Jones from TCHS. Wilburn and Martinez-Jones each placed fifth at state.

Students were coached by Amber Rozier and Jermain

Anderson.

and Assistant Principal Ashley Knape. p SPECIAL OLYMPICS BOWLERS BRING HOME

STUDENT ARTISTS WIN TOP RODEO ART AWARDS Texas City ISD students earned top honors at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Contest. Best of Show winners include Alexandria Ortiz of Levi Fry Intermediate, Perswataun Oakes of Giles Middle School and Greyson Chapman of Texas City High School. Gold Medal winners include Linda Vega, Maia Turner and Hailey Bradberry, with Brian Vicente earning Special Merit. Students were guided by art teachers Lissa Beauchamp, Mandy Peyrani, Joan Finn, Stacy Flores and Jenn Massie.

MEDALS Texas City ISD’s Special Olympics bowling team delivered a strong performance at the Area 22 Winter Games, earning multiple medals. Gold medalists include Timothy Gasaway, Anna Grunden, Abrianna Moore, Alina Moore and Tobie Robison. Gabriel Grimes earned silver, while Role Ruiz and Ethan Almeraz placed fifth and seventh. Several students advanced to state competition. Coaches MC Giusti and Shone Evans supported the team’s success.

HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY NAMED TO TEXAS HONOR ROLL Heights Elementary earned a place on the 2025 Texas Honor Roll, a distinction awarded to schools demonstrating strong academic performance and growth. Only about 15 percent of eligible schools statewide receive this recognition. The honor highlights the hard work of students and staff and their commitment to success for all learners. The campus is led by Principal Sarah Furman

VASE ARTISTS ADVANCE TO STATE COMPETITION Three Texas City ISD students advanced to the state Visual Arts Scholastic Event after earning the highest possible rating at regional competition.

Alex Vargas Moraga of La Marque High School and Isabella Bradberry and Taliyah Watkins of Texas City High School qualified to compete for the Gold Seal at state. Their success reflects strong artistic ability and dedication, supported by teachers Joan Finn, Stacy Flores and Jennifer Massie.

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BAND STUDENTS EXCEL IN ALL-STATE AUDITIONS Student musicians from La Marque High School and Texas City High School earned top honors in the TMEA AllState audition process. Sir Calvin Cooper and Courtland Nicholson earned region band placements for LMHS. TCHS students Kristopher CalderinReyes advanced to area, while Samuel Ramirez earned region honors and Bentley Knowlton competed at area. Both bands also won UIL Sweepstakes awards. Directors Kevin Black, Marvis Jones, Kelly Barker, Ben Guillotte, Michael Johnson and Jared Angel support these students. p ELEMENTARY CAMPUSES EARN NATIONAL RECOGNI-

TION Heights and Guajardo elementary schools were named among U.S. News and World Report’s Best Elementary Schools, recognizing strong academic performance and student success. The honor reflects the dedication of students, teachers and staff in creating positive learning environments. Campus leaders include Sarah Furman and Ashley Knape at Heights, and Wendy Patterson and Rachel Kauffman at Guajardo.

Find out more happenings in TCISD at www.tcisd.org/news.

Download the calendar from our website at www.tcisd.org/calendar.

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OUR BOARD

DISTRICT 1

Melba Anderson

DISTRICT 2

Mable Pratt

DISTRICT 5

David Moss

DISTRICT 3

Nakisha Paul

DISTRICT 6

Amber Prouty

DUTIES OF THE BOARD The policies established by the board, acting as a body, are executed by the administration of the schools. Trustees adopt a budget, which is necessary to maintain and operate the schools, levy taxes to support the budget and submit bond issues to the district’s community to finance construction projects. The board also appoints the superintendent as its chief executive officer.

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD Regular meetings are scheduled

DISTRICT 4

Lori Carnes

AT-LARGE

Randy Dietel

on the second Tuesday of each month and are held in the board room of the Simpson Education Support Center, 1700 Ninth Avenue N., in Texas City.

Board meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise designated.

When necessary, the board schedules other public meetings — special meetings, emergency meetings, study sessions and work sessions — to conduct additional business and for in-depth study of programs and issues.

1700 NINTH AVENUE N. TEXAS CITY, TX 77590 409-916-0100 | www.TCISD.org

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) requires school districts to notify parents, students, faculty and employees annually of the presence of asbestos in the facilities and to inform them of how it is managed. The act also requires that a management plan be written and approved by the Texas Department of Health. Copies of TCISD’s approved management plan are available in the TCISD Business Office, the Maintenance Department and individual schools. For more information, contact the TCISD Maintenance Department at 409-916-0141.

A JOURNEY OF GRIT AND DETERMINATION How TCHS senior Dawn Culver’s second chance in JROTC helped her rediscover her purpose and potential.

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