Montgomery ISD excited to announce the selections of new head basketball coaches at both Montgomery HS and Lake Creek HS.

Jake McDonald has been selected as the head coach of the Montgomery Bears, coming to Montgomery from Orange Field HS in Orange, Texas.

“Coach McDonald comes to Montgomery with years of experience building successful programs in small communities,” MISD Athletic Director Clint Heard said. “We are very excited to have him bring his passion and drive for success to the court at Montgomery HS and believe his coaching style is exactly what our Bears need to win, both on the court and in the classroom.”

McDonald is a Beaumont native and a Texas A&M graduate with a Master’s Degree from Sam Houston State University. He has nine years of high school coaching experience, eight as a head coach, and has coached Orange Field to five playoff appearances in six seasons, advancing to the third round twice. Before his arrival to Orange Field, the Bobcats had never advanced that far in the State Playoffs.

McDonald was named District 25-2A Coach of the Year in 2015 and District 22-4A Coach of the Year in 2022 and has led Orange Field HS in its three winningest seasons in school history in 2019, 2022 and 2023. He was named the Southeast Texas Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2020 and the Orange Leader Coach of the Year in 2019, 2020 and 2022. Most recently, McDonald led the Bobcats to their highest TABC ranking in school history (11th) during the 2023 season.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to lead the Bears,” McDonald said. “I’ve got the energy and passion to lead young men, not only in basketball, but in life. I’ve found great success in recent years and I’m hoping to carry that success with me to Montgomery.”

During his coaching career, Jake has prioritized increasing community involvement with his players and is excited for the opportunity to move to Montgomery and do the same. He is six years married to his wife Taylor, a school counselor, and they look forward to making Montgomery home.

Across town in Montgomery ISD, Scott Peak has been selected as the head coach of the Lions, after serving as the Assistant Coach for the 2023 season.

“We interviewed several amazing candidates from across the state and Scott continued to be the selection that truly made the most sense for the continued success of Lions Basketball,” MISD Athletic Director Clint Heard said. “He’s passionate about the game and will create a seamless transition for our Lions, leading our young men to be great athletes and strong men of character on and off the court.”

Coach Peak spent twelve years teaching and coaching at both the college and high school level, as the Assistant Coach to his father at Texas A&M Commerce and coaching high school in both Conroe ISD and Spring ISD. With a desire to serve his community, Peak took a break from coaching and became a HPD Police Officer for twelve years, returning to the classroom in the fall of 2022 as Lake Creek’s Assistant Coach. Lake Creek Varsity finished fourth in district play last season with a playoff appearance and Junior Varsity, under the leadership of Coach Peak, were first in district play with a 25-4 record.

“I really missed the kids and the opportunity to work with young athletes again,” Coach Peak said. “I am thankful and grateful for this opportunity, didn’t expect it so soon, but am honored to build on the great foundation from previous coaches. The admin here is fantastic, there’s a real teamwork mentality on this campus and in this district, and I feel truly honored to get to carry on the tradition of success.”

Peak is a second-generation basketball coach with his father, Paul Peak, having coached for five decades. He is honored to have an opportunity to continue his legacy and use his background and passion for the game to influence student-athletes again. Peak looks forward to implementing the mentality of “Great Purpose” and is considering that as their team’s slogan at this time of leadership change.

“Yes, we want to win,” Peak said. “But there’s also great purpose for developing character, how I help prepare kids for their future and how my students will present themselves in the classroom and work hard in all areas of their lives. There is “great purpose” in growing these young men.”

Scott Peak has been married to his wife Joanna for 25 years and is the proud father of two sons, Preston and David. Preston is a recent Biomedical Engineering graduate of Texas A&M and David is currently in college, pursuing his goals of being a third-generation basketball coach. With educators as parents and a combined career in education and law enforcement, Peak is committed to service and training his student-athletes to be service-minded.

“I’m so happy and honored,” Peak said. “I can’t quit smiling!”

Trustees recognize GT Advocates, Librarians, and Volunteers

April 18, 2023 – During the regular monthly meeting of the Montgomery ISD School Board, trustees recognized MISD librarians, as part of National School Library Week, April 24-28.  Counselors and advocates from the MISD Gifted & Talented Education Department were also recognized as part of GT awareness week earlier this month. Finally, volunteers from MISD’s WATCH D.O.G.S. program were recognized for their impactful service across the district, in conjunction with School Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 17-21. 

“Our Board of Trustees always looks forward to celebrating different groups for their unique and valued contributions on our campuses,” Trustee Linda Porten said.  “We are happy to celebrate our librarians, for fostering a love of learning in our students, our GT department for meeting the educational needs of learners, and our WATCH D.O.G.S. volunteers for partnering with our campuses, serving as positive role models and an extra set of eyes and ears in our schools. Each of these groups fulfills an important role on our campuses and we are thankful for their service.”

The WATCH D.O.G.S. program was established in MISD in 2011. It was reinstated in MISD elementary schools this year, after being paused in 2020 due to the pandemic. Over 250 WATCH D.O.G.S. have volunteered in elementary campuses this school year under the leadership and guidance of MISD administrators and staff members.  

Trustees also heard a department update from Denise Miner, MISD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, on progress made toward the Pathway to Premier Goal 4 – Human Capital.

In 2021, Montgomery ISD conducted a third-party review to evaluate the overall performance of the Human Resource department. Under Denise Miner’s leadership, the department has acted on recommendations from the review to improve policies and procedures, define responsibilities, and utilize metrics to manage the workforce more effectively. 

“We are incredibly proud of the milestones achieved by our Human Resources department,” Trustee Mike Hopkins said. “They have done a fantastic job over the past three years to formalize and streamline HR processes for the district and have made remarkable contributions toward bolstering MISD’s traditionally strong workplace environment, via the Culture of Respect initiative.”

The Culture of Respect initiative was introduced during the 2021-22 school year. Founded on the concept of fostering open communication and closing feedback loops, the initiative ensures the culture in Montgomery ISD provides security and affirms that the work employees do, and the way they are made to feel while doing it, is always valuable. 

MISD Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations Kris Lynn shared a progress update on projects funded by the district’s 2022 bond initiative. Expansion of Lake Creek High School’s parking lot is ongoing and nearing completion.  Bidding for the construction of Creekside Elementary and addition to Lake Creek High School will be completed this week, followed by a recommendation to the trustees at the May board workshop. Groundbreaking for both projects is expected mid-May.  Drawings will be released this week for artificial turf installations for the baseball and softball fields at both high schools, and the batting cages at Lake Creek High School. Renovations at Lincoln and Montgomery Elementary schools and Montgomery Junior High are in the permitting stage, with work expected to begin this summer. Four new school buses have been added to the MISD fleet, and land purchase for the Career & Technical Education Center is complete.

“This will be a very busy summer in Montgomery ISD, with significant work being performed on multiple projects over a short period of time,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “We are excited that many bond projects will be underway and our community will soon begin to see the investments that voters made in our school district through the passage our May 2022 bond referendum.”

During the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees workshop last week, the Board approved their nomination of Dr. Heath Morrison for Texas Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Morrison began the role of Montgomery ISD Superintendent in July 2020, just a few months into the pandemic when COVID-19 cases were rising, and education officials were grappling with how to re-open schools for in-person instruction. Under his leadership, Montgomery ISD was one of the first districts in Texas to resume in-person learning with 95% of students back in the classroom by October 2020. Drawing from many years of experience as an educator and leader in the private sector, Morrison enlisted community support to create the district’s Pathway to Premier strategic plan. Adopted in June 2021, the plan supports goals focused on five areas: Academic Achievement, School Safety, Operations and Finance, Human Capital, and Communications & Customer Service. The community’s level of engagement during the development of the bold but realistic Pathway to Premier Strategic Plan was unique for MISD. The collaboration during this process helped build community trust in the school district.

Morrison worked with MISD leadership to form a bond task force in early 2022. The task force evaluated the district budget, enrollment, and needs and desires of the community. In May 2022, the Montgomery, Texas community voted to approve a historic $326M bond initiative to benefit all students in Montgomery ISD, addressing the needs that come from significant growth in student enrollment, providing facility upgrades at campuses districtwide and enhancements to the MISD Career and Technical Education programs and facilities. Montgomery ISD’s bond, with three separate propositions, was one of only seven in the state that was passed in its entirety.

Montgomery ISD faces unique challenges funding challenges, receiving approximately $3,000 less per student than the state average. Additionally, Montgomery ISD is often subject to a law referred to as “Robin Hood” where it is required to send a portion of its local property tax revenues back to the state for redistribution. This disparity in per-student funding puts MISD at a significant disadvantage in terms of staff compensation levels and educational programming for students. Dr. Morrison and MISD trustees have worked to communicate this funding challenge to elected officials and adopted a legislative platform aimed at enacting impactful changes to state funding formulas for public schools. Last fall, Dr. Morrison initiated MISD’s Did You Know campaign, sharing information about public school funding in Texas and its impact on MISD. The campaign includes videos, graphics, and other information that was shared with the community in advance of the state’s January 2023 legislative session. The campaign helped the community understand the challenge, empowering them to stand with the district as it works to balance the budget while optimizing compensation and staffing levels and providing MISD students with the educational programming they deserve. Morrison and the MISD trustees have truly championed this initiative, demonstrating leadership and advocacy for the school district and community.

“Montgomery ISD has benefitted tremendously under Dr. Morrison’s leadership,” Board President Matt Fuller said. “During each of the three years of his tenure, he has tackled a critically important project – developing the Pathway to Premier Strategic Plan in 2021, passing the historic $326M bond in 2022, and addressing MISD’s funding challenges with our lawmakers in the current legislative session. He has met every challenge head-on, driven purely by a sense of doing what is best for our students and staff members.”

Morrison’s career has been marked by numerous accolades throughout his years of service. In 2004, he was selected as the Maryland Principal of the Year, he was named Nevada Superintendent of the Year in 2011 and he was the American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent of the Year in 2012.

“We are happy to nominate Dr. Morrison for this honor because, under his leadership, Montgomery ISD has made incredible strides toward improving the district culture,” Board Vice President Laurie Turner said. “He cultivates a harmonious relationship between district leadership and the school board, encouraging us to always act in the best interests of our students and employees. His dedication to garnering community support has created a valuable alliance of folks willing to help the school district in every way possible. His collaborative, all-hands-on-deck approach is the key to helping our students learn and thrive in a safe environment filled with high-quality educators and the tools they need to succeed in Montgomery ISD and beyond.”

Dr. Morrison was humbled by the nomination.

“I tried to talk to the board into not doing this because I am more interested in pursuing recognition for our teachers, administrators, and support staff,” Morrison said. “I am honored to serve Montgomery ISD, doing this important work alongside our trustees and our employees. I am very grateful for this nomination.”

The 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year will be announced in September.

Trustees recognize state-level accomplishments in athletic and Academic Decathlon competitions

During the March meeting of the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees, the Board approved the purchase of the SMART tag bus monitoring system, designed to increase the safety and security of students who use school bus transportation and add efficiencies to MISD transportation operations. ID cards assigned to students will register when and where students get on and off their bus and provide bus arrival notifications for parents and school administrators.

The student ID cards are read via a passive radio-frequency chip containing a unique identification number. The card is read by the SMART tag on-board tablet as students enter and exit their bus. The latest cloud technology, encryption and security protocols ensure student information is secure.

“We are excited to adopt the SMART tag technology in Montgomery ISD,” Trustee Linda Porten said. “This technology will enhance communication between our transportation department and parents. In addition to providing real-time GPS information about where our buses are and the students on those buses, parents may subscribe to text notifications to know when the bus is preparing for pickup and drop off. This feature will be incredibly helpful for busy families, alerting them with a 10-15 minute window for when the bus will arrive at their child’s stop.”

The SMART tag alert system will go into effect next fall when MISD bus routes have been finalized. More information about the system will be communicated to families in advance of the 2023-24 school year.  

Trustees also recognized Lake Creek student athletes Lauren Matula and Julie Moons. Matula, a junior, captured a gold medal in the 500 freestyle and silver medal in 200 freestyle event at the UIL Class 5A State Swimming and Diving Championships in February.  Matula is the first swimmer from Lake Creek to win a state medal. Moons, a junior, became the second Lake Creek athlete to win a medal at the event, taking silver in the 1-meter diving category.  

Also during the meeting, trustees recognized Montgomery ISD’s Academic Decathlon teams for their recent success at the state tournament.  Individuals named as state champions from Lake Creek include Brett Harrington and Krystal Moons. From Montgomery High, Addison Hedges, Steven Szladewski and Peyton Lawson earned top honors.  Both schools had multiple individual medalists and strong showings in the team competitions.   

“We are very proud of the accomplishments of our Academic Decathlon programs,” Board President Matt Fuller said.  “These bright students began preparing for the state competition at the beginning of the school year, and we are pleased that their efforts were recognized against other individual participants and teams. We are delighted to have Montgomery ISD represented so well at the state level.”

Academic Decathlon challenges students in a multidisciplinary format, with a new theme each year. This year’s theme, the American Revolution and the New Nation, required students to study the era via Art, Economics, Literature, Music, and Social Science of the time. Curriculum is developed according to national content standards, encouraging participants to become both subject-level experts and stronger all-around students. Montgomery ISD is pleased to offer Academic Decathlon courses at both high schools.  

Each Monday at Lake Creek HS, “This Week at Lake Creek” is shared with all students and staff across campus in place of the morning announcements. Senior Lion, Tyler Blyden, a member of the A/V Productions Program that creates the weekly announcements, has been a part of the ManeStream media team since his sophomore year.

During the fall semester of his junior year, Tyler was granted permission to begin an inquiry segment, interviewing students and staff around Lake Creek in October, asking them what they planned to do or be for Halloween. The popularity of this segment continued as he was coined Lake Creek HS’s “Mr. Interview” and has spent time each month asking students and staff to share their plans, thoughts or ideas on the Mr. Interview segment of the weekly news.

As the final semester of his high school days was beginning, Tyler returned from Winter Break with a segment idea he presented to ManeStream teacher and producer, Len Schendel.

“I wanted to share facts of black history with the students on campus,” Tyler said. “I just asked if I could and Mr. Schendel told me to research the facts I wanted to share and I could put the segment together.”

Tyler began in January, using his “Mr. Interview” segment to ask students trivia facts about Martin Luther King, Jr and by February, he had created a series for Black History month to be included in each week’s news.

“He set out on a mission to plan, write, film, edit and produce and publish this series all on his own,” Schendel said. “All from a kid who started in my class as quiet as a church mouse, but is really finding his voice and breaking out of his shell.”

Tyler created each segment of his Black History Month on a different category, including the foundation of black history month, the civil rights movement, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The series was well received around campus and Mr. Interview was now in front of the camera, instead of behind. Tyler plans to attend Voices Carey after high school, an online school for voice acting, though he says that his favorite part of A/V Production that he’s learned at Lake Creek is the editing of video and film.

“These classes with Mr. Schendel have given me a whole different way to see media,” Tyler said. “My perspective in watching film is totally different now, recognizing how shots were captured and edits were made. I’m thankful that I know how to edit film, a skill I can use in my future when working to be a voice actor.”

From a quiet and shy student that was new to Montgomery ISD, to hosting his own segments and having his own news title, it’s clear that Mr. Interview is making the most of his time in A/V Productions.

You can view all Mr. Interview and Tyler’s Black History segments on the Mr. Interview webpage. ManeStream media productions can be found on Lake Creek HS’s website under the News tab. A/V Productions courses are offered at both Montgomery ISD high schools for students beginning in 9th grade.

Students from both Montgomery ISD high school choirs competed in the Region 9 UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest on Saturday, February 4, 2023.  Both schools had a fantastic showing, each boasting a large contingency of singers who will advance to the state Solo & Ensemble contest in May.

Montgomery High School students, directed by Heather Orr and Spencer Tripp, earned a total of 79 first division medals and will advance 32 soloists and five ensembles to the state contest.

MHS Choir – UIL Solo & Ensemble Participants

MHS Soloists – First Division Medalists, State Qualifiers:

Mason Ainsworth (11)

Aiden Anderson (11)

Benjamin Barajas (10)

Saida Bourque (9)

Selena Cuyun-Rios (10)

Mary Hoke (11)

Aniyah Holiday (12)

Kayla Johnson (12)

Jenna Kaaz (12)

Baron Lockridge (11) 

Jacqueline Lucas (11)

Catherine McCorquodale (10)

Jack McCorquodale (11)

Owen McWhirter (12)

Grayson Moore (11)  

Joel Morgan (10)

Emily Morris (12)

Riley Morton (12)

Reagan Mosier (10)

Robin Neill (12)

Tyler Perrine (12)

Adelyn Rabel (11)

Kaitlyn Reeves (12)

Kailey Rooney (11)

Bella Salsbury (10)

Alyssa Schelski (11)

Raegan Sells (11)

Alyssa Sharpe (11)

Sam Siemonsma (9)

Aaliya Torres (10)

Audey Wendele (12)

Kristen Wendele (12) 

MHS Soloists – First Division Medalists:

Selma Alanis (9)

Annemarie Alexander (10)

Hayden Armstrong (9)

Addison Bullinger (9)

Brailee Fuentes (9)    

Sarah Hoke (9)          

Miliena Karakeian (9) 

Ariana Moore (9)

Samantha Noyola (9)

Ella Grace Robertson (9)

Alex Sawyer (10)       

Jax Tweto (10)

Alexandria Wedd (9)  

Jackson Welsh (10)   

MHS Ensembles – First Division Medalists, State Qualifiers:

Tenor/Bass Small Ensemble 

Benjamin Barajas (10)

Baron Lockridge (11)

Jack McCorquodale (11)

Tyler Perrine (12)       

Madrigal Ensemble

Mason Ainsworth (11)

Aniyah Holiday (12)

Kayla Johnson (12)

Joel Morgan (10)

Robin Neill (12)

Kailey Rooney (11)

Sam Siemonsma (9)  

Madrigal Ensemble    

Aiden Anderson (11)

Zoe King (12)

Owen McWhirter (12)

Grayson Moore(11)

Braedyn Ritchie (11)

Raegan Sells (11)

Audrey Wendele (12)

Kristen Wendele (12) 

Madrigal Ensemble    

Saida Bourque (9)

Addison Bullinger (9)

Sarah Hoke (9)

Samantha Noyola (9)

Ella Grace Robertson (9)

Sahely Sanchez (9)   

Madrigal Ensemble    

Mary Hoke

Jacqueline Lucas (11)

Catherine McCorquodale (10)

Emily Morris (12)

Riley Morton (12)

Adelyn Rabel (11)

Kaitlyn Reeves (12)

Alyssa Schelski (11)

Lake Creek Choir students, directed by Cameron Carnley and Debra Moses earned a total of 73 first division medals and will advance 19 soloists and three ensembles to the state contest.

LCHS Choir – UIL Solo & Ensemble Participants

LCHS Soloists –  First Division Medalists, State Qualifiers:

Mariely Amaya (12)

Abby Carswell (11)

Kenneth Chalk (11)

Adrah Eales (11)

Tarian Espinoza (12)

Emma Gober (12)

Paige Keith (12)

Blayn Lusk (11)

Molly Marshall (11)

Calder McDonald (12)

Donovan Miller (10)

Hannah Morrow (11)

Madi Perry (10)

Macey Pool (12)

Zoe Powell (11)

Alexia Romo (10)

Lily Sample-Conley (12)

Jacob Silver (12)

Jennifer Whitlock (11)

LCHS Soloists – First Division Medalists:

Catelyn Allen (10)

Keaton Anderson (10)

Leah Castle (11)

Maria Chapman (9)

Kaylee Crowley (10)

Madeline Dixon (10)

Raegan Eichenberg (9)

Abigail Fabre (11)

Madelyn Fellman (10)

Loren Flood (9)

Juan Flores (9)

Jenna Fruge (9)

Trey Fuhrmann (9)

Logan Grace (10)

Isaac Green (10)

Taylor Hallmark (9)

Trinity Houston (9)

Briley Keith (9)

Walker Littlejohn (9)

Autumn Lue King (12)

Caden McDonald (10)

Payton Nichols (9)

Viana Patio (10)

Mia Pazderny (10)

Carlos Ramos (10)

Kaidence Ramsey (10)

Ivyance Ruiz (10)

Dalton Schany (10)

Madison Spinks (10)

Sarah Temple (9)

Averie Trimble (9)

Levi Turner (10)

Niko Villarde (9)

Jason Waller (10)

LCHS Ensemble – First Division Medalists, State Qualifiers:

Tenor/Bass Small Ensemble 

Keaton Anderson (10)

Caden McDonald (10)

Calder McDonald (12)

Donovan Miller (10)

Tenor/Bass Small Ensemble 

Kenneth Chalk (10)

Logan Grace (10)

Jacob Silver (12)

Levi Turner (10)

Madrigal Ensemble

Abby Carswell (11)

Molly Marshall (11)

Madi Perry (10)

Macey Pool (11)

Zoe Powell (10)

Alexia Romo (10)

LCHS Ensemble – First Division Medalists:

Treble Small Ensemble         

Kaylee Crowley (10)

Tarian Espinoza (10)

Paige Keith (12)

Kaidence Ramsey (11)

Madison Spinks (10)  

Evelyn Villarde (11)

Congratulations to these talented students and best of luck to those advancing to the next level of competition.  

Two girls overcoming adversity and learning the lessons of loss and commitment 

A love of animals and caretaking, a desire to lead, and a family that believes in the life lessons that come from raising and showing animals: the common denominators between Lake Creek HS senior Shelby Winn and Montgomery HS senior Gussie Armatys, two MISD medical pathway students that have found great benefit from their involvement in FFA through high school.  

Gussie is a charming student-leader, serving as President of the Montgomery HS FFA chapter and Area 11 Vice-President. With a true passion for FFA, Gussie believes with full conviction that the experience she has received since starting FFA in third grade has been the most influential factor in the student she is today and what she plans to become. 

“FFA was nothing new to me – it’s a family thing and always has been,” Gussie said. “But I have never learned responsibility and dedication more than I have through FFA, my animals and my projects.”  

Gussie started raising and showing goats in third grade, learning the hard lessons that these animals are not pets. The time and commitment given to raising an animal throughout the year naturally creates a bond, one that brought tears the first time Gussie’s goat made the sale. She says you get used to it and you have to remind yourself that this isn’t a pet and there is a purpose to the work.  

“So many nights I do not want to go to the barn. I want to go home and go to bed,” Gussie said. “But they count on me every day, and I think that prepares me for future life lessons of loss, dedication, giving your heart and soul to something that isn’t going to stick with you for the rest of your life.”  

Lake Creek senior Shelby Winn also comes from an agricultural family, sharing that raising and showing animals isn’t a hobby, but a lifestyle. Shelby is the Secretary of the Lake Creek HS FFA, is a competitive softball player and a member of Lake Creek’s State and National Champion softball team. Participation in FFA and showing steers since third grade has created a work ethic that she believes touches every part of her life, and taking part in both softball and FFA means sometimes the animal comes first, before Shelby gets dinner or even gets changed out of her softball uniform.  

“Raising an animal requires time before school and after school, no matter the weather or whatever else I have going on,” Shelby said. “I’m accountable to these animals. They depend on me and I have to show up!” 

FFA is about more than animals 

Both student leaders participate in FFA beyond showing animals and share the belief that FFA has something to offer every student. Participating in Leadership Development Events (LDEs) and Career Development Events (CDEs) has given both girls the opportunities to develop public speaking and leadership skills through preparation and competition.  

“FFA has taught me how to study!” Gussie said. “I have participated in job interview events that included application, resumes, interviews, and follow up and I was never the kid that stood up in class to talk in front of people, but FFA has changed that!” 

These development events provide opportunities for MISD students to compete in many areas that interest them, including meat science, horticulture, horse judging, public relations, radio broadcasting, ag advocacy, and more. Both girls have participated in LDEs and CDEs and are thankful for the confidence they have developed and the opportunities that have been available to challenge them.  

“There’s something for everyone,” Shelby said.  

“Some people think FFA is cows, plows, and sows,” Gussie said. “But it’s so much more!” 

Life lessons when things don’t go as planned 

The life lessons that come from raising and showing animals has taught both Shelby and Gussie how to overcome adversity, deal with grief and move on when things don’t always go your way. 

Gussie’s freshman year, just two weeks before county fair, her goat began to fall ill, eventually dying of coccidia, a bacterial disease. She fought to use medication and any remedies that were recommended to help him survive, but eventually had to realize that she’d be left without a goat to show for the first time since age 8.  

“We bought out Brookshire Brothers on greek yogurt to do whatever we could to help him,” Gussie said. “I only commit to one goat a year because I want to be able to give all that I have to him, and I was heartbroken.” 

Gussie has won several reserve-champion belt buckles through the years, but says that’s not something she prides herself on.  

“Sometimes you have a great sale and sometimes you don’t,” she said. “But the life lessons make up for any money lost and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.” 

Last year Shelby watched as two steers died in the same season, one snake bit, the other suffering a bloat and dying as they were trying to release it. Knowing then that they were gone and she couldn’t do anything about it, she had to figure out what to do next as she learned the lesson of loss and grief.  

“It took me a minute to overcome,” Shelby said. “It was so hard to watch and it was really emotional because I truly create a bond that’s not like anything else I have in my life. I don’t have a bond like this with friends, I mean, it’s completely different.” 

In eighth grade, Shelby received Grand Champion at San Antonio. However, when her steer weighed-out, she was stripped of her title and disqualified from the show.  

“That was a tough time for me,” Shelby said. “Because I put in all that effort and showed him to the best of my ability, was so proud when I won and then it was just over. But God had other plans and I’ve learned to trust Him through the process each year.” 

Shelby took that same steer to Houston just a few weeks later and won her breed with the steer selling for $140k. Overcoming challenges has created great opportunity for success, as Shelby has won Grand Champion American Steer at Montgomery County six times, with her sister being named Reserve Grand Champion three of those.  

“When the judge slaps my steer (selecting him as the champion), the first thing I do is pet his head,” Shelby said. “It’s a team effort and after the work we’ve put in together, it’s a win for both of us!” 

From showing animals to the CTE Medical Pathway 

Both Gussie and Shelby are CTE students taking Ag Science classes throughout high school, while also taking classes in the CTE Health Science pathway. When asked what they want to be when they grow up, they both believe the experience in FFA and raising and showing animals has given them a deep desire to be a NICU nurse.  

“I love people and I think that came from my experience with animals,” Gussie said. “Bottle feeding baby calves in the freezing cold, knowing that they are counting on me to show up and make no excuses. People have always held a place in my heart and I know the two things are connected.” 

Gussie is completing her CTE coursework through Montgomery ISD’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program. Students that participate in CCMA clinical rotations through local doctors’ offices including physical therapy, assisted living, obstetricians, chiropractic and more, and are tested to receive their Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate, allowing them to go directly into a career post-graduation. Gussie will attend Texas A&M University in the fall, participating in their bridgeway program with West Texas A&M’s Nursing school. 

“For me, the medical assistant certificate will be a bridge of knowledge that makes getting my nursing degree a little easier,” Gussie said. “The preparation that this CTE pathway has provided has given me the confidence I need to start my degree plan in college.” 

Shelby is not able to participate in MISD’s Health Science Practicum program because of her softball commitments, but she is attending The University of Central Arkansas in the fall to play softball and be a student in UCA’s nursing school, the number one ranked nursing school in Arkansas.  

“These health science classes have taught me so much including medical terminology and learning all about diseases in pathophysiology this year,” Shelby said. “Some years my medical classes made me most excited to go to school every day and I absolutely feel prepared for nursing school.” 

Shelby’s plan for being a NICU nurse touches close to home, as her family was touched by the support of NICU nurses when Shelby was a child. At the age of five, Shelby’s mother Alice gave birth to twins at just 27 weeks gestation. After weeks in the NICU, her sister Morgan came home from the hospital without her twin brother. Shelby remembers the impact that the nurses made for her family during that challenging time and feels the desire to do the same for others.  

“My mom still talks about the nurses and the difference they made for her during that terrible time,” Shelby said. “I truly didn’t understand the power of it then, but the nurses made a difference that I hope to be able to make one day.” 

The MISD Health Science and Agricultural Science CTE pathways are available at both Lake Creek and Montgomery HS and students can begin exploring their interest in this study with Principles of Health Science in 8^th grade. Montgomery ISD will be opening the CTE and Ag-Science center in Fall 2025, serving all MISD students and providing barn space and a show arena for all students in FFA across the district.  

Trustees approve purchase of three police vehicles with 2022 bond funds

During the February meeting of the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees, the Board approved the academic calendar for 2023-24, and added an additional student holiday to the current 2022-23 calendar.    

Montgomery ISD sought community input on the 2023-24 calendar through a survey conducted October 2022.  The calendar was developed by a district advisory committee comprised of MISD staff, parents and community members who met several times to study survey feedback and recommend a version of the 2023-24 calendar to submit to the Board of Trustees for their approval.

“I am grateful to the members of our district advisory committee for their development of the 2023-24 academic calendar,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “The process began last September, and the committee members considered many options to reflect the calendar preferences shared by our MISD community along with the calendar requirements from the state of Texas.”

Montgomery ISD’s calendar is set well in advance so that families and staff members can plan their activities according to school schedules. 

“The district advisory committee members created a calendar that was responsive to the feedback we received from the survey and from the groups they represent,” Board Vice-President Laurie Turner said.  “We received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the fall and winter breaks in our current calendar, so we were excited to build those into next year’s calendar. We’re very pleased with the highly collaborative process that the district has initiated and used to develop our academic calendar.”

The first day of school for the 2023-24 school year is August 10, 2023.

Approved 2023-24 academic calendar.

Trustees also approved the administration’s recommendation to add an additional student holiday in the current school year, on Monday, March 20, extending Spring Break for students by one day. March 20 will be a workday for teachers and staff.

Revised 2022-23 academic calendar.

During the meeting, trustees also approved the purchase of three new police vehicles, with funding approved by voters in the district’s May 2022 bond referendum.

“We are excited to move forward with this investment in school safety,” Trustee Shawn Denison said.  “These additional police vehicles will increase the presence and efficiency of the district’s police department. They will also provide our community with improved coverage and quicker response times, in any event where officers are needed across the district. I am grateful for the community’s approval of the 2022 bond, particularly the funding for these valuable upgrades to school safety and security.”