Springing into Excellence: March Board Meeting Recap
The March Mesquite ISD Board Meeting brought a season of celebration as the district recognized outstanding educators, staff members, students, and community partners whose contributions continue to help Mesquite ISD thrive.
Two exceptional educators were honored as Apple Corps inductees, an award made possible through the partnership between the Mesquite Education Foundation and Clay Cooley of Mesquite. The district proudly recognized Joseline Pita, a 10th-12th grade social studies teacher at Vroonland Vanguard High School, and Jennifer Miller, a 7th grade science and 8th grade AVID teacher at Kimbrough Middle School. Both educators were celebrated for their commitment to student success and the lasting impact they make in their classrooms each day.
Mesquite ISD also recognized Cynthia Fuentes as the March STAR Para Award recipient. Sponsored by First Financial Group of America (FFGA), the award honors paraprofessionals who go above and beyond to support students and staff. Fuentes was recognized for her dedication and service at The Learning Center, where her work helps ensure students receive the support they need to succeed.
Community partnerships were also highlighted during the meeting as Mesquite ISD recognized DD’s Discounts and PetSmart for their generous support of students at Tosch Elementary School. The businesses partnered with the campus to support a Reading Buddy event in December, helping create a meaningful literacy experience for students.
The Board also welcomed members of Leadership Mesquite, recognizing their continued partnership and commitment to supporting the Mesquite community.
Outstanding campus leadership was celebrated as Jeff Johnson, principal of Mesquite High School, was named the 2026 Secondary Principal of the Year, and Renea Kern, principal of Seabourn Elementary School, was named the 2026 Elementary Principal of the Year. Additionally, two educators were also recognized as the 2026 District Teachers of the Year. Kaley Palmer of Achziger Elementary School was named Elementary District Teacher of the Year, and Jeffrey Blackwell of Poteet High School was named Secondary District Teacher of the Year. Selected from the district’s campus Teachers of the Year, these educators will represent Mesquite ISD at the Region 10 Teacher of the Year competition. Both Principals of the Year and District Teachers of the Year were also honored at the Mesquite Education Foundation Gala, held on March 7.
Student recognitions followed, highlighting the hard work and accomplishments of Mesquite ISD students across the district:
Fine Arts
District 125th Anniversary Art Competition
- Valerie Holmes and Elizabeth Rodriguez, Tosch Elementary School – 1st Place
Mesquite High School
- Jack Garrison - TMEA All-State Choir
- Noah Vasquez – TMEA All-State Choir
North Mesquite High School
- Jacob Constanza - TMEA All-State Band
- Fabian Perez - TMEA All-State Band
- Leonardo Perea - TMEA All-State Choir
- Kirsten Brumfield – State VASE Qualifier
West Mesquite High School
- Lynette Andrade – State VASE Qualifier
John Horn High School
- Samantha Alayon – TMEA All-State Choir
- Braysiah Murphy – TMEA All-State Choir
Vroonland Vanguard High School
- Kurtney Sandel - State VASE Qualifier
- Tallulah Thompson – State VASE Qualifier
Academics
National Merit Finalist
- Jessica Agbadiba, Mesquite High School
UIL 5A District 14 Cross Examination Speech and Debate Contest
- Camila Salas and Lynette Estrada, North Mesquite High School – 1st Place, Advancing to State
- Camilla Ramirez and Nuvia Ramirez, North Mesquite High School – 2nd Place, Advancing to State
Athletics
Mesquite High School
- Troy Slater – Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- Paeton Williams – Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- Anna Bergeron – Varsity Wrestling Regional Qualifier
- Hugo Estrada - Varsity Wrestling Regional Qualifier
- Elias Nunez - Varsity Wrestling Regional Qualifier
- Cesar Rodriguez - Varsity Wrestling Regional Qualifier
North Mesquite High School
- Harmony Fisher – Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- Giovanni Jimenez Garcia - Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- Makhai Hopkins - Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- Marlen Martinez - Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- Rebecca Martinez - Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- Alyssa Yip - Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- Girls 200 Free Relay Team – Qualified for Regionals
- Girls 200 Medley Relay Team - Qualified for Regionals
- Kingston Barker – Varsity Wrestling State Qualifier
- Leo Lopez - Varsity Wrestling State Qualifier, 4th place finisher
- Neomi Enriquez - Varsity Wrestling Regional Qualifier
- Imanuel Horta - Varsity Wrestling Regional Qualifier
West Mesquite High School
- Julianne Carden – Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- Diana Oviedo – Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- Karen Monce Parada – Varsity Wrestling Regional Qualifier
- Boys Basketball Team - 14-5A District Champion
Poteet High School
- Karalynn Van Heyst – Varsity Diving State Qualifier
- Sophia Collins – Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- William Keltner - Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- Krisangel Mendiola - Varsity Swim Regional Qualifier
- Jaylyn Salazar – Varsity Wrestling State Qualifier, 2nd place finisher
- Jamie Canady – Varsity Wrestling State Alternate
- Dyana Davila – Varsity Wrestling Regional Qualifier
- Dylan Lopez - Varsity Wrestling Regional Qualifier
- Trent Villareal - Varsity Wrestling Regional Qualifier
- Girls Basketball Team - 14-5A District Champion & Bi-District Champion
- Boys Basketball Team - Bi-District Qualifier
Horn High School
- Darius Grignion – Varsity Wrestling State Qualifier
- Chaska Martin - Varsity Wrestling Regional Qualifier
- Boys Basketball Team - Bi-District Qualifier
Congratulations to all who were honored during the March Board Meeting. Their dedication, leadership, and achievements continue to make Mesquite ISD a place where students, educators, and the community flourish together.