For outstanding achievement in leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community, Lake Creek and Montgomery High Schools have been recognized by the Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC) as Sweepstakes Councils.
Sweepstakes councils must be recognized as an Outstanding Student Council and receive outstanding recognition in Drugs, Alcohol, Safety and Health (DASH); Pride and Patriotism; and Energy and Environment as well as submitting a Community Service Report. TASC has 1,166 member schools. Of those, Lake Creek and Montgomery High School are two of only 171 student councils statewide to receive this highly-esteemed honor.
Student Council members develop proven skills in team building, problem solving, project planning and decision making. Through their co-curricular activities, student council members serve their communities while strengthening their academic and civic skills.
TASC is a non-profit serving high school and middle level student councils in Texas. Sponsored by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, its purposes are to develop leadership abilities in students, promote democracy as a way of life, and uphold high standards for local councils. TASC members work every day to make schools a place where students and staff want to be and to leave our world better than they found it. With almost 1200 member schools, it is the largest state student council organization in the US.
Montgomery ISD is very proud of these student organizations and the collaboration that is done between each campus’ sponsor to support the MISD community. Congratulations to these students and the teachers and administrators that support their success.
Graduation is just two weeks away and these students have bright futures ahead of them after Montgomery ISD.
Asia Kennett: Lake Creek HS Valedictorian
Asia Kennett is the oldest of three children and has spent her childhood “following the oil” with her father’s work. She moved to Montgomery in 8th grade from Kazakhstan and with confusion on whether she needed to be in 7th or 8th grade. She asked for the challenge to go ahead and go to 8th. She is thankful for Mrs. Hoffart at Oak Hills JH for helping her get on track and caught up in math so she could be prepared for high school.
Asia is headed to Arizona State University as a student at The Barrett Honors College, with plans to major in Medical Microbiology and Pre-Law, hoping to pursue a career as a Bio-ethicist. She has been a four-year tennis player for the Lions, served as Student Council officer and is or has been a member of Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Chess Club, UIL Academics, Club ROAR, Mu Alpha Theta and even the Hacky Sack Club. Outside of school, she is a member of Cotillion, National Charity League, Young Life and is very active in her church activities.
Asia says she worked hard in every class she took, but always made sure she was taking classes that interested her and would challenge her. She thanks Mrs. Lorrance, her sophomore English teacher, for being so wise and always motivating her, as well as Mr. Edwards and Mrs. Boyles for encouraging her and always making her feel like there was a teacher looking out for students and teaching life lessons. Asia is excited to move to the dynamic city of Phoenix and see what God has in store for her next.
Claire Groner: Montgomery HS Valedictorian
Along with being Valedictorian, Claire Groner is also the 2022 Academic Decathlon State Champion. She will be attending Texas A&M University this fall to study Business Honors with plans to go to law school and pursue a career as a Business Attorney.
Claire has served on Student Council since her freshman year and is also an officer for National Honor Society, President of the Young Republicans and is a former member of the Bears swim team. Outside of school she participates in National Charity League.
Claire would like to thank Mr. Barnes, her 9th grade Geometry teacher who pushed her from the beginning to always be her best. She also really appreciates the support of Mr. Villamez and Mr. Williams, her Academic Decathlon coaches who she considers to be teachers that motivate and challenge her to always do a little bit more, helping her to secure the State Championship title.
Jacob Whitaker: Lake Creek HS Salutatorian
Jacob Whitaker is headed to The University of Texas in Austin to major in Journalism and hopes to attend Law School when he completes his undergraduate work.
Jacob is an All-State swimmer for the Lions and has advanced to the state meet in Butterfly three of his four years, placing 4th both his junior and senior years. In addition to swimming, Jacob also participates in Speech and Debate and is the Co-founder of the LCHS Chess Club. Outside of school, Jacob is very competitive in Jui Jitsu.
Jacob remembers his 6th grade ELA teacher, Mrs. Scanlon and his 6th and 8th grade Science teacher Mrs. McFadden as being amazing teachers. He shares that Mrs. Scanlon setup her classroom in a way that allowed for freedom of choice when choosing what to study and he says that was the best class he’s ever taken. He also wants to thank his swim coaches in and out of school, Coach James, Coach Villamez and Coach Kagel for always keeping him disciplined and helping him become a better swimmer and person, and he says that Mrs. Cox and Mrs. Hannel have been his favorite teachers in high school as they are both really understanding and ‘just really great teachers’.
Alex Underwood: Montgomery HS Salutatorian
Alex Underwood has dreams of being a trauma doctor in the Army and is attending UNC Chapel Hill to major in Pre-Med on an Army scholarship.
Alex is very active on her campus as a student and an athlete. She served as the Captain of the Bears Cross Country team and also runs track and field. She is the current President of both UIL Academics and Mu Alpha Beta, the Math Honors Society, and is an active service member in National Honor Society.
Alex would like to recognize Mrs. Strickland, her 8th grade Health Teacher and Mrs. Lawson, her Advanced and AP Chemistry teacher, for inspiring her to follow the science path and being such wonderful teachers. She also says that Mr. Williams always provides a space in which all students feel safe to explore and not feel the pressure that grades are everything.
Montgomery ISD is very proud to recognize these students and the work they have put into their academic endeavors through high school. If the way in which they represent their campus and serve their graduating class as leaders and committed students is any indication of what’s to come, their futures look very bright.
Winningest coach in Montgomery HS football history calls it a career after 34 years in education
Following the Montgomery Bears successful 11-1 season that included an undefeated regular season and district title, longtime Montgomery HS Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator John Bolfing has announced his retirement. Bolfing has coached at Montgomery HS since 2003, serving two years as the Defensive Coordinator before being named Head Coach in 2005.
Bolfing holds a record of 114-71 as the head coach of the Bears, having earned District Coach of the Year five times, including the 2021 season in which the Bears were undefeated and named District Champions.
Bolfing received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas in 1987 and began his career as Head Football and Baseball Coach at Waco Christian in 1988. In 1990, he made the move to Reicher HS as the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at his alma mater. From there, he spent three seasons at Midlothian HS and four at China Springs HS, both as Offensive Coordinator, before coming to Montgomery HS as the Defensive Coordinator in 2003.
“In the summer of 2005, Dr. Bob Smith, Bobby Morris and Athletic Director Leonard George took a chance on hiring me from a staff that hadn’t been very successful,” Bolfing said. “Clint Heard and Lori Polan have been with me since I arrived and I will forever be grateful to the individuals who have had such a great influence on my career.”
In his 17 years as Head Coach, the Bears have made the playoffs 11 times, advancing as far as Regional Finals in 2010, with a season ending loss to Friendswood at Rice Stadium. He holds the longest tenure for a football coach in Montgomery HS history, has the most wins by a head coach with 114 and has the third highest win percentage behind Jack Snipes (1969, one season, 12-0) and Howell Ferguson (1979-80, two seasons, 15-3). Over the last 17 seasons, the Montgomery Bears are the second winningest football program in Montgomery County.
“I have been truly blessed to work with some incredible coaches, but more importantly, outstanding men,” Bolfing said. “They have made my job easy and we have been given some amazing young men to coach over the years, who bought into what we were doing and showed that Montgomery football could compete with anyone.”
During his tenure in Montgomery, Bolfing has coached all three of his sons, Tyler, Josh and Brock, in the quarterback position, with his youngest son Brock set to graduate in May.
“My wife has been a huge blessing in my career,” Bolfing said. “Allowing me to do my job to the best of my ability while she took care of the day-to-day responsibilities of our four kids, often working herself and always being in attendance at Friday Night Lights. She and the kids, especially Brooke, have always been my biggest fans and spending 10 seasons with my sons on the field with me is something I never dreamed of.”
Bolfing has coached in every Montgomery HS game ever played at MISD Stadium and his wife, Gailey, has been in attendance at each one as well.
“It’s hard to imagine a Bears game that won’t have John on the sidelines,” MISD Athletic Director Clint Heard said. “His family is a staple of Montgomery and he has been instrumental to the success of our Bears and in growing young men to be outstanding student-athletes that represent our community well.”
Bolfing’s overall record as a Head Football Coach in the State of Texas is 162-111-1. He led Waco Christian to win the State Championship in TAPPS 2A in just his second year of coaching and has continued to carry teams to success. In only his second season as Head Coach of the Bears, Montgomery advanced to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.
Bolfing believes that his family has been very fortunate to work and live in community with some amazing people through his 34-year career. Fred McNeil hired him at just 24 years old to be the Head Football Coach at Waco Christian and the late Father Leo Baysinger trusted him to lead the Athletic Department at Reicher. He also credits head coaches at Midlothian and China Spring, Danny Stout and Mark Bell, for teaching him more about the game of football than anyone else and preparing him for the success he has had in Montgomery.
“It is difficult to pick a most memorable season, but if I had to it would be 2014,” Bolfing said. “It was our first year in 6A and most people believed that would be the demise of our program. We were the smallest school in the state playing at the 6A level and achieved a winning season in what I believe was the toughest 6A district in the state. I’ve never been more proud of a group of players!”
Bolfing plans to spend next football season on the road, cheering from the stands as he supports his children who have supported him and his team all these years. Tyler, 2011 graduate of Montgomery HS, is currently a coach at Baylor while Josh, 2015 graduate of Montgomery HS, is coaching at The University of Louisiana. Brooke, a 2013 Montgomery HS graduate is engaged to a member of Texas Tech football team’s administrative staff and Brock will be beginning his college career playing at Blinn College.
“Gailey and I will be at a college football game every Saturday next fall,” Bolfing said. “Spending time with our kids and their growing families.”
Bolfing has experienced Montgomery through times of rapid growth and the addition of another high school and is truly thankful for the time spent with “some of the best people on the planet” at Montgomery HS. From teachers, cafeteria workers, to administrators, and he especially wants to thank the custodians, Carlton White, Jesse Alfred and the late Arthur Ford, believing that no one makes your job easier than good custodians.
“I’ve known John for 20 years now and there is no doubt that he is an incredible football coach with an amazing ability to inspire athletes,” Heard said. “His career here has been great for our community and the success of our football program and we wish him nothing but the best in his next journey.”
Congratulations to the MISD Fishing Team on claiming their 7th Conference Title in 8 years! The Houston Division consists of 28 different high schools, so this is no small achievement.
Of the 46 teams that qualified for the Regional Championship, 29 of them are students from Montgomery ISD. This year’s Championship will be held on Lake Travis on April 8th and 9th.
The following update was contributed by MISD Fishing Team sponsor, Mark Hooker.
At the beginning of the Season back in September this Senior Laden Team put forth some strong, yet achievable goals. Repeat as the Texas High School Bass Association Conference Champions, have another Angler of the Year, qualify the most individual teams to regionals than any other program, repeat as the THSBA Regional Champions, qualify the most individual teams to State, and to win an elusive Second State Championship.
All of these goals are very difficult to obtain, but as mentioned above, this combined squad from both Lake Creek & Montgomery High Schools is deep with Senior Leadership. Students that know what it’s like to set goals, and work towards accomplishing them.
Three of our six goals were met last Saturday March the 12th. The Team won their 7th Conference Title in 8 years of competing. Cade Lipham repeated as the Angler of the Year for the Houston Division, and we qualified a record number of Individual Teams to Regionals, with 29 Teams earning the right to compete at the Regional Championship. By winning the THSBA Lake Conroe Event, the Team won its’ 4th Conference Tournament out of 5, coming in 2nd last month at Toledo Bend. This put the Team’s point total at 499 out of a possible 500 points, easily outdistancing our closest competitor in the 28 High School Houston Division Conference by 7 points.
This Conference win was led by Colton Hatzold and Karson Rabern, who had a strong tournament, ending up in 7th Place out of 151 Individual Teams that braved the harsh winter like conditions on Saturday morning. Colton & Karson had a nice limit that weighed 11.59 pounds, which is even more impressive due to the fact that over half the field did not catch a keeper.
Following close behind in 8th place were Wyatt Lanier and Beau Massey, who brought 11.71 pounds of fish to the scales. Just a little more than a pound behind Lanier & Massey were Montgomery Seniors Jake Hird and Leslie Williams, who brought in 4 nice fish that weighed 10.63 pounds, landing them in 10th place. This put our total weight for our top 3 Teams, which is how the School Champion is determined at 33.93 pounds, securing the victory by over 5 pounds. The 29 Teams that will move on to Regionals, will compete on Lake Travis on April the 9th. It will be there, that we will look forward to the opportunity to accomplish two more of our goals, win the Regional Championship for the 4th time in our 8 year history, and to qualify a record number of individual teams to the State Tournament.
The Team would like to thank all of the supporters in the community that came out to the weigh-in. Also high on our gratitude list would be to all of the Parents, Captains, & Sponsors, that give so much in order for these young men and women to accomplish many goals, and represent the community of Montgomery in such a positive manner.
The Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) released its All-State teams this week, recognizing the athletic success of seven students from Montgomery County, three of whom are Montgomery ISD student-athletes.
Lake Creek sophomore Sam Lee was the only first-team selection from Montgomery County schools, being recognized for his outstanding performance as a kick returner. Lee earned 297 kick return yards, 297 punt return yards and four touchdowns, also being named Montgomery County Special Teams MVP.
From Montgomery HS, senior running back Jalen Washington earned second team offense. Washington led Montgomery County as Player of the Year with 2,281 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns and will be playing collegiate football at Sam Houston State University.
Montgomery HS senior linebacker, Leslie Williams, was named to second team defense for recording 200 tackles, two sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception. Williams will be playing collegiate football at Williams College in Massachusetts.
“Of the seven Montgomery County players named to the All-State teams, we are so very proud to have three of those boys here in Montgomery ISD,” MISD Athletic Director Coach Heard said. “The two seniors, Jalen and Leslie, have bright futures ahead of them and I look forward to watching Sam in the seasons ahead. These young men are absolutely talented on the field, but they are students that succeed academically and represent their team in the classroom and around our community as well.”
All-State honor reflects students’ extraordinary commitment to musical excellence
Four Montgomery HS choir students and three Lake Creek HS choir students have each earned the prestigious honor of being named to the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Choir for 2022.
“The choir departments at both Montgomery and Lake Creek high schools are phenomenal programs full of extremely talented individuals,” Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison said. “Receiving such high praise at the state level is highly commendable and Montgomery ISD is very proud of these students, their directors and the work they have put in to represent not only themselves, but all of Montgomery.”
Seniors Anna McKaughan, Landon Pate and Cassidy Ruda, and Junior Kaitlyn Reeves are members of the Montgomery HS Varsity Choir and the Montgomery Madrigals, under the direction of Heather Orr. This is the first time for Cassidy and Kaitlyn to perform as members of the TMEA All-State Choir, as Anna will be performing for her second time and Landon, his third.
“These students have shown so much dedication, focus and resilience in this competitive process and I am so proud of their work ethic,” Orr said. “Making the Texas All-State Choir is an individual honor that also brings honor and acclaim to the Fine Arts and Choir programs at Montgomery High School.”
Seniors Madison Berg, Patrick Hermes and Mary McCreary are members of the Lake Creek HS Choir Department, under the direction of Cameron Carnley. This is Madison and Patrick’s first time to perform as a member of a TMEA All-State organization and Mary’s second time.
“Making an All State Choir is the highest honor an individual choir student can achieve in the state of Texas,” Carnley said. “Mary, Madison, and Patrick have all grown into fine musicians over the past four years and I am beyond proud of their determination and pursuit of excellence. Our theme at Lake Creek High School this year is “Premier is Here,” and these students have proved that true.”
All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. These students were chosen for this prestigious honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at District, Region, Pre-Area, and Area levels. TMEA sponsors the Texas All-State audition process to promote students’ dedication to their musical knowledge and skill and to encourage educators to support their students in this development.
This competitive process begins throughout the state in auditions hosted by 33 TMEA Regions. Over 70,000 individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. From this ranking, a select group of musicians advances from their Region to compete against musicians from other areas in eight TMEA Area competitions. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to a TMEA All-State music group.
Texas Music Educators Association sponsors the Texas All-State competition. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in a TMEA All-State music group. Only the top 2.6% of musicians who initially audition become All-State musicians; 1,875 students selected to perform in one of 18 ensembles.
These All-State students participate in three days of rehearsals directed by nationally recognized conductors during the TMEA Clinic/Convention and will perform with the Texas All-State Choir in San Antonio, Saturday, February 12, 2022 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Their performances for thousands of attendees will bring this extraordinary process to a close.
For the All-State concert schedule and conductor information, go to the Performances section of http://www.tmea.org/convention.
The future is bright for six student athletes who signed to continue their education at various colleges on Wednesday, Nov. 10.
Kendall Sadler signed to play volleyball at Southern Arkansas University and plans to become a Pediatric Dentist. Sadler’s coach, Kayli Cane also attended SAU. SAU is in Magnolia, Arkansas, has less than 12,000 people, and the university has less than 3,500 students.
“I chose SAU because it is similar to Texas,” Sadler said. “It looks like Montgomery, and the people there are super nice.”
Also signing to play volleyball is Madison Chandler, who is attending LeTourneau University, where she will be a yellow jacket wearing blue and gold. LeTourneau is located in Longview, in east Texas.
Photos Courtesy of Mrs. Dayna Lawson
“I picked the college because I liked the coaches and the people,” Chandler said. “They seem like really great people and someone I would want to play for.”
Both Chandler and Sadler have been varsity players all four years of high school; Chandler was moved up to varsity for the playoffs her freshman year. Chander is an outside hitter and Sadler is a libero.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to have helped coach both Madi and Kyndall,” assistant volleyball coach Jessica Mitchell said. “I am so proud of both of these young ladies, and I love getting to watch their hard work pay off as they head to play at the next level. These ladies are phenomenal students, leaders, and athletes; I have no doubt that they will continue to excel in each of these roles as they embark on this new and exciting chapter.”
Trey Acreman has been on varsity since his sophomore year. He plays shortstop and has almost a .300 batting average. Acreman is signing to play baseball at Sam Houston State University. The Bearkats placed second in the Southland Conference in 2021.
“I picked this college because it’s the best fit for me and my family,” Acreman said. “I attribute my success to my parents because they put forth a lot of money for me.”
Also signing to play baseball is Connor Benge, who is a right-hand pitcher. He will attend LSU- Eunice. He wants to be a professional baseball player. Benge has been on varsity since he was a freshman.
“I attribute my success to my parents and my friends for keeping my accountable,” Benge said. “I am looking forward to getting to know life-long friends and playing the sport.”
Makenzie Griffith is signing to play soccer at Tarleton University. Next year will be Tarleton’s first year with a soccer team. Griffith is planning on studying Sports Medicine to be a Physical Therapist.
“I attribute my success to my dad because he’s kept me playing when I didn’t want to,” Griffith said. “Also, my club because I wouldn’t be able to play on a college level without them.”
A four year varsity player, Griffith received the District 20-5A Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 and the District 20-5A Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Kenzie since she was about 6 years old,” soccer coach Brandi Wilkinson said. “I have enjoyed watching her grow as a soccer player. Kenzie is unlike many players. She is a very versatile player and will do great things for the Tarleton State University Soccer team.”
Swimming at the State meet for the past three years, Kaitlyn Weightman signed with Incarnate Word in San Antonio. As a freshman, she was a member of the gold medal 400 relay team. The swim team also won the 5A State Championship that year. As a sophomore, Weightman placed 5th in the 500 yard freestyle and 7th in the 200 yard freestyle. As a junior, she placed 6th in the 200 yard freestyle.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the team as well as improve my speed individually,” Weightman said. “I love the coaches and the family-like atmosphere that the team has. I can’t wait for all of the travel meets. The second I stepped onto the campus, I fell in love with everything.”
Note: MHS Journalism students contributed this story for the MISD Premier Blog.
The Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees met for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 19. You can view the full video here and read the recap below
At the beginning of the meeting, trustees gave a special recognition to the Montgomery High School Madrigal Choir for their recent award, being named a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Choral Honors Project. The MHS Choir, led by Director Heather Orr, competed against 236 of the finest musical ensembles in the nation, from 38 different states. The board recognized this remarkable achievement and thanked Mrs. Orr for the continued level of excellence she brings to the district’s music program. The Madrigals performed for the board members and those in attendance at the meeting.
During each monthly regular board meeting for the 2021-22 school year, department directors will present an update to the board on the work happening in their department and share the progress of their objectives and strategies listed in the district’s Pathway to Premier Strategic Plan. For the October meeting, the department on the agenda was the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department.
CTE Director Amy Vance explained the levels of student CTE participation and then shared data for CTE District “Completers” for the 2020-21 school year. Montgomery ISD currently offers 16 complete programs of studies. Students in Montgomery ISD first select their endorsement path, then their career cluster and finally select their program of study and course selection. The career clusters include Agriculture, Architecture & Construction, Technology & Communications, Business, Marketing & Finance, Education & Training, Health Science, Hospitality, Human Services, Manufacturing, STEM and Law & Public Service. Vance also shared the findings and recommendations of a third-party external review of the district’s CTE programs. The report, which can be found on the district’s website in the “Transparency” tab, can be read here.
The CTE department has a department goal in place to increase CTE student enrollment and is adding seven certification opportunities this year. District leadership is evaluating current program offerings to determine which align with district goals and to identify areas of need. District leaders are also working to evaluate the growth of the CTW program and how that will fit into possible bond needs for updating CTE facilities. The CTE department has been a large part of the discussion at bond planning meetings as Montgomery ISD makes plans to grow CTE program offerings.
The Board of Trustees also took action to approve a new service provider for the district’s copy and printing services. The new contract with Funtion4 will provide more flexibility for teachers and district staff in creating copies, as well as a cost savings to the district. New equipment will be installed over the winter break and Function4 will provide training to all district employees.
Trustees also approved a contract with Gibson Consulting to complete an external evaluation of the district’s Specialized Learning Department. The firm will evaluate staffing, procedures and effectiveness and make recommendations to ensure best practices are in place to serve the students that benefit from our special education programs.
To wrap up the meeting, district administration provided an update on the district’s process for developing the district’s academic calendar for the 2022-2023 school year. The calendar development process begins with the assistance of the District Advisory Committee (DAC) and the district is offering the opportunity for staff, parent and secondary students to respond to a districtwide survey, indicating their preferred characteristics of an annual academic calendar. District administration will develop draft calendars based on input received from the DAC and through the districtwide survey. DAC members will then solicit feedback on the calendar options from their respective departments and campuses. District administration will present a final draft calendar to the Board of Trustees for approval during the February 2022 board meeting.
Montgomery HS named a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Choral Honors Project
Montgomery High School Madrigals Choir Program students and Director Heather Orr have once again been recognized on a national level. The Foundation for Music Education announced the results of its Mark of Excellence National Choral Honors Project last week and the Montgomery Madrigals were selected as a National Winner.
Montgomery ISD Superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison visited the Madrigals during their practice on Friday, Sept. 17 to inform them of their award, congratulating them on this remarkable achievement.
“I am humbled and honored that our Montgomery HS Madrigal choir students have earned this National honor,” MHS Choir Director Heather Orr said. “I am beyond proud of their grit and passion. They gave a stunning performance and one that they will remember for a lifetime.”
The Mark of Excellence is a competition, entered by recordings, in which the top quarter are selected as National Winners and the second quarter receive Commended Honors. This year 236 of the finest musical ensembles in the nation entered the competition, with entries coming from 38 different states.
“Despite the many COVID-19 restrictions, so many musical ensembles still made amazing musical performances,” Managing Director of the Foundation for Music Education Rick Yancey said. “These directors and their communities should be very proud of their outstanding accomplishment!”
This is Heather Orr’s 21st year as choir director at Montgomery HS. Choirs under Orr’s direction consistently earn Sweepstakes at UIL Competitions and have been recognized with First Divisions and Best in Class awards at several festivals. MHS choirs have been selected for seven Convention performances and the Texas Music Educators Association Convention has featured the Chorale Women in 2018, 2010, and 2005. In addition, they have performed at the National ACDA Conferences in 2021 and in 2011, as well as the SWACDA Divisional Conference in 2018. In 2022, the Madrigals will present their first Convention invited choir performance in Little Rock, AR.
“We share this recognition with our amazing elementary music teachers, first class junior high choir directors, and our incredible administrative support,” Orr said. “Our kids can reach amazing heights due to their musical foundation and the encouragement and support of the arts from our district.”
As the 2020-2021 school year comes to a close, Montgomery ISD proudly introduces the Valedictorians and Salutatorians for Montgomery and Lake Creek High Schools. These students have accomplished so much in their K through 12 educational career, ultimately earning the top two spots in their graduating classes. We are incredibly proud of them along with the entire MISD class of 2021!
Montgomery High School
Valedictorian, Nicholas Ensey
In addition to excelling in the classroom, Nicholas was involved in many organizations throughout his high school career. Some of his extracurricular accomplishments include National Honor Society President, Student Council Treasurer and playing on the MHS Bears football team. He was also named Mr. Montgomery High School and represented the bears at Texas Boys State. After graduation, Nicholas plans to attend The University of Texas in Austin, majoring in Computer Science. His career goals include software development and establishing a company.
“It’s truly an honor to be named the Montgomery High School 2021 valedictorian,” Nicholas said. “There have been some amazing teachers in my life who have shaped me into the person I am today.”
Salutatorian, Dustin Dillon
Although Dustin’s dream for his future has him looking to the stars, his history at Montgomery also had him looking skyward. He served on the team that built Purple Bearon, an RV-12 FAA certified airplane. He also served as the MHS Choir President and was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and National Honor Society and VEX Robotics Team. Dustin plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue an Aerospace Engineering degree. His career goal is to become a Flight Dynamics Officer for NASA.
“I’ve grown up in MISD and it is sad to say goodbye, but endings are just the start of something new,” Dustin said. “The most beautiful things come from new beginnings.”
Lake Creek High School
Valedictorian, Lyle Tobin
Lyle has a unique bragging right when it comes to his high school career, multiple state champion titles! In his senior year, he earned State Championship titles in Social Studies and Current Issues and Events as part of multiple University Interscholastic League academic teams. Lyle’s post-high school plans include attending the University of Mississippi in the pursuit of becoming an Oncologist.
Salutatorian, Isabel Harwood
Isabel’s high school career is an interesting mix of journalism and science. As part of the Lake Creek Journalism team, Isabel served as yearbook editor. She also competed on the UIL Science team, which may serve her well after graduation. She plans to attend The University of Texas as a Nursing major, with a career goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
“Something I have learned throughout high school is that there is not one true definition of success,” Isabel said. “It is a measurement of how much work you are willing to put in to achieve your dreams, whatever they may be. Everyone is successful in their own unique way.”
The MISD Premier Blog 