Valedictorians, Salutatorians, and More Honored at May Board Meeting
The May Board Meeting was a celebration of achievement, leadership and the dedicated individuals who help students thrive across Mesquite ISD.
The evening began by honoring the Valedictorians and Salutatorians from each of the district’s six high schools. Campus principals proudly introduced the top graduates from the Class of 2026, recognizing the hard work, perseverance and commitment that led these students to the highest academic honors at their campuses. Together, these students represent the very best of Mesquite ISD.
Mesquite High School
- Valedictorian: Mike Aidyn Borjas
- Salutatorian: Jessica Akunjeri Agbadiba
North Mesquite High School
- Valedictorian: Antonio Edward Charles
- Salutatorian: Kathy Avila
West Mesquite High School
- Valedictorian: Nathan James Goodwin
- Salutatorian: Maria Fernanda Say
Poteet High School
- Valedictorian: Dayana Abigail Rangel
- Salutatorian: Karalynn Elizabeth van Heyst
John Horn High School
- Valedictorian: Glory Ihuoma Uchendu
- Salutatorian: Qing Gao
Dr. Vroonland Vanguard High School
- Valedictorian: Alvaro Ivan Castaneda
- Salutatorian: Tiffany Chioma Nwoke
Several prestigious statewide recognitions from the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards were also celebrated. The Mesquite ISD Board of Trustees were one of only five school districts in Texas selected as a Top 5 School Board finalist, recognizing the Board of Trustees’ outstanding leadership, dedication to students and commitment to the Mesquite community. As a finalist, Mesquite ISD also earned a $5,000 award.
Tosch Elementary Principal Mahlee Johnson was named a finalist in the Elementary Principal category for her impact, exceptional leadership, and commitment to student success at Tosch, earning a $1,000 award. Additionally, the district proudly recognized Tosch Elementary Counselor Amanda Still, who was named Elementary Counselor of the Year for the state of Texas. Through her unwavering support of students, staff and families, Still continues to make a lasting impact on the Tosch community and beyond. In addition to the $1,000 she received as a finalist, she also received $10,000 cash for herself and a $15,000 grant for her campus.
Mesquite ISD also recognized several outstanding health services professionals as the district’s 2025-26 Nurses of the Year. These individuals were celebrated for the compassion, care and support they provide students and staff each day:
- Secondary Nurse of the Year: Roxana Mayorga, West Mesquite High School
- Elementary Nurse of the Year: Monique Barnes, Cross Elementary School
- Rookie Nurse of the Year: Tabohra Ler, Berry Middle School
The recognitions continued with honoring some of Mesquite ISD’s exceptional counseling programs and staff. Ten campuses earned the prestigious CREST (Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas) Award for their commitment to comprehensive counseling programs that support student growth and success:
- Beasley Elementary School*
- Floyd Elementary School
- Galloway Elementary School*
- Gray Elementary School*
- Horn High School*
- Kimbrough Middle School*
- McDonald Middle School*
- Smith Elementary School
- Tosch Elementary School*
- Woolley Middle School
*Campuses that also received the CREST Leadership Award for maintaining the distinction for at least three consecutive years.
In addition, the district proudly honored its 2025-26 Counselors of the Year:
- Elementary Counselor of the Year: Melina Ontiveros, Porter Elementary School
- Secondary Counselor of the Year: Dawn Gardner, Frasier Middle School
Guests also had the opportunity to hear engaging presentations and case studies on feeder patterns led by the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, a group of student leaders representing high schools across the district. Audience members had the opportunity to hear firsthand the students’ research, insights, and discoveries as they explored how feeder patterns shape the student experience in Mesquite ISD.
The meeting also marked an important moment of reflection and gratitude as Mesquite ISD recognized the service of longtime Board Trustees Elaine Hornsby and Gary Bingham during their final board meeting. Hornsby, who was elected to the Board in May 2015, dedicated 38 years to education before retiring in 2011 and continued serving students and families through her leadership on the Board. Bingham, a 1975 graduate of Mesquite High School, has faithfully served the Mesquite ISD Board of Trustees since 1996. Together, their decades of service and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact on the district, its students, staff and community.
Additionally, longtime Mesquite ISD educator Diane Nix was honored with a lasting legacy of her own as the district announced the future Mesquite ISD Pre-K Center will be named in her honor. With more than 53 years of dedicated service to Mesquite ISD and the community, Nix’s impact on generations of students and families continues to shape the district.
These recognitions served as a powerful reminder of the incredible students, educators, leaders and staff who continue to make Mesquite ISD a place where excellence is celebrated and every student is encouraged to thrive.