Mesquite ISD

At the December 8 Mesquite ISD Board meeting, the district celebrated a number of exceptional students, staff, and community partners whose dedication continues to make a lasting impact on MISD and the families we serve. The evening opened with a special holiday medley performed by the Mesquite High School Pizzazz Choir, under the direction of Jennifer Resendez. Their festive performance set the tone for a night filled with recognition and appreciation. 

The special recognitions began with the prestigious Apple Corps program, made possible through a partnership between the Mesquite Education Foundation and Clay Cooley of Mesquite. December’s honorees were Mayra Pratz, a Spanish teacher at Poteet High School and Price Elementary School 5th-grade teacher Haley Thompson. Both educators were celebrated for their commitment to excellence in teaching.

The district also recognized Liane Randle from Kimball Elementary School as the December STAR Para. Sponsored by First Financial Group of America (FFGA), the STAR Para Award highlights the invaluable contributions of paraprofessionals who go above and beyond to support student success.

This month’s Community Partner recognition was awarded to Seasons of Change for their ongoing support of MISD families, specifically those with young children. Their team continues to provide essential resources through community events like their free monthly diaper and wipes distribution and annual Christmas Collaboganza.

The special recognitions concluded with a celebration of students who demonstrated outstanding creativity and leadership the past month. First, the top 3 winners of the annual District Holiday Design Art Contest were honored. Their artwork is featured on this year’s MISD Christmas Card, and each winner received a set of two custom-made ornaments with their winning design. New this year, their artwork is also displayed on ornaments adorning the Christmas tree in the foyer outside of the Board Room:

District Holiday Design Art Contest Winners

• 1st Place: Leilani Rivera - 5th grade, Shands Elementary School
• 2nd Place: Isabella Malek - 5th grade, Shands Elementary School
• 3rd Place: Julissa Coheto - 5th grade, Tosch Elementary School

The meeting concluded with a recognition of our high school Student Council and National Honor Society presidents for their leadership and service to their campuses: 

Student Council Presidents 

• John Horn High School: Jessly Gil-Lemus & CeKyra Kinds (Co-Presidents)
• Mesquite High School: Amaya Lang & Mireya Villagrana (Co-Presidents)
• North Mesquite High School: Myranda Licea - Elected to serve as the TASC (Texas Association of Student Councils) District 3 Recording Secretary
• Poteet High School: Diana Roberts
• West Mesquite High School: Skylar Lindsey Green
• Vanguard High School:  Emmanuella Izukamma

National Honor Society Presidents 

• John Horn High School: Faith Apodaca
• Mesquite High School: Ariana Zamora Aguilera
• North Mesquite High School: Kathy Avila
• Poteet High School: Giselle Ochoa
• West Mesquite High School: Jordan Hernandez
• Vanguard High School: Nhung Duong

Congratulations to all who were honored for their excellence in and out of the classroom! Click here to view photos from the meeting.