Vandeventer Student’s Artwork Wins Mavericks Art Contest
Penelope McGarity, an eighth grader at Vandeventer Middle School, won the Dallas Mavericks’ Black History Month Art Contest last month! Social studies teacher Arundhuti Bose-Kar approached art teacher Leanne Rainey with the opportunity, which Rainey brought to students. Penelope entered the contest, which asked, “Through your art, how can you express the power of coming together?” and was one of only five students in North Texas to win. As part of her prize, Penelope received two tickets to a Mavs game, was recognized at the game, earned an educational trip for two to New Orleans, and her artwork will be included in a Dallas African American Museum exhibit in March. Congratulations, Penelope!
FC Dallas and CoServ Recognize Two Frisco ISD Educators
Congratulations to two deserving Frisco ISD educators who were named Teachers of the Month by CoServ and FC Dallas! Mackenzie Nadeu, third grade teacher at Talley Elementary, and Brody McLemore, AP Physics teacher at Heritage High School, were nominated by members of the community for going above and beyond for students. Both teachers have spent their entire careers in Frisco ISD — Nadeau for three years, and McLemore for nine years. McLemore teaches advanced biology and AP Physics 2, and sponsors Science Olympiad and Volleyball Club. They were each surprised with a check presentation, given a personalized FC Dallas jersey and received tickets to an upcoming game. Wow!
FISD Middle Schools Take Part in UIL Theater Pilot
Frisco ISD middle school theater programs recently had the chance to be the only ones in the state to participate in a UIL pilot program. Cade Butler, fine arts coordinator, helped pave the way for the pilot, which assessed whether a new way to run UIL theatrical contests was feasible and more cost-effective. After the competition, Butler sent adjudicators, contest managers, directors and select students each a survey to help UIL gather feedback on the changes. Participation in the pilot program is yet another way Frisco ISD is staying ahead of the curve.
Frisco Hockey Team Wins State Championship
Congratulations to the Frisco Varsity Gold Hockey Team, which in February won the Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA) State Championship. The team, which is unaffiliated with Frisco ISD but includes high school-age players from around the area including students from Frisco ISD schools, won the title with a 2-1 victory over Dallas Jesuit. The victory qualified the Frisco Varsity Gold Team for the 2026 USA Hockey High School National Championship March 18-22 in Plymouth, Minnesota.
Reedy DECA Advisor Earns Spotlight
Elizabeth Martin, DECA advisor at Reedy High School, was highlighted by the organization in a recent “Advisor Best Practice Spotlight of the Week.” Martin earned the spotlight by incorporating DECA’s Corporate Challenges into both her classroom and chapter culture. “Through thoughtful integration and a student-centered approach, Elizabeth Martin is ensuring that Reedy DECA members don’t just learn about business but also experience it,” DECA stated. Congratulations, Ms. Martin! Learn more about how she instructs the Reedy chapter.
Students Named as BigFuture Ambassadors
Nine Frisco ISD students have been named as spring 2026 BigFuture Ambassadors by the College Board. Each semester, thousands of students from across the country apply to join the BigFuture Ambassador program, a national community of volunteers who spread awareness about free college and career planning resources. Taking part in Frisco ISD are Lebanon Trail’s Advaith Sridhar, Arnav Singh, Manha Khan, Sachin Kumar and Varsha Sriram; and Wakeland’s Emily Feng, Aadhya Shanbhag, Chloe Page-Relo and Laasya Kakaraparthi. Congrats!
Also around Frisco ISD …
Frisco High School freshman Sydney Bridgewater, a dancer for over 10 years, has been chosen for the 2026 class of Young Masters by the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Texas Cultural Trust.