One upon a time, in a land known as Mount Pleasant ISD, some very kind folks set out on a quest to to create a magical day for some very special Tigers. Thursday, October 30 was “Fairytale Day” across MPISD and the Mt. Pleasant ISD Foundation made 60 staff members dreams come true as they handed out grants at seven campuses.

“The MPISD Education Foundation has funded 60 grant applications this fall, totaling $74,959.54,” said Executive Director, Mariela Crockett. “This marks a record-breaking season, with more grants being awarded in one cycle than ever before. Since its inception in 2014, the Foundation is now approaching a significant milestone—nearly $800,000 in total funds awarded to support educational initiatives across the district. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of MPISD staff, teachers, and the broader Mount Pleasant community.”

Fall 2025 grant recipients and their funded projects are:

Annie Sims Elementary School ($5735.76)

Kelly Silman, Lori McBride, Maria Gonzalez, Raechel Fulcher, Marisa Banda, Crissie Blackstone—laptops

E.C. Brice Elementary School ($10,484.29)

Jaycee Eubanks and Amber Ring—Smart Boards

Kayla Molina, Sonia Garcia, and Ruth Sustaita—dry-erase tables

Claudia Hernandez—Science materials

Harlie Mcbride—items to create imagination stations

Frances Corprew Elementary School ($6067.52)

Jamie King and Bianca Mercado—Smart Boards

Amanda Phillips—supplies to create escape room activities

Rica Garcia—Bretford Cube Transport cart and educational area rug

Vivian Fowler Elementary School ($5,652.95)

Manuela Ramirez-Sarabia—dry-erase tables

Patsie Desantiago—materials for fine/gross motor & vocabulary skills and books

Christi Moss, Patty Moreno, Cendy Zuniga, Shanina Sheridan—flexible seating

Edith Moreno—LEGO education science kits

P.E. Wallace Middle School ($17,840.51)

Linda Traughber—instant camera

Magdalena Martinez—smart board

Matthew Armstrong—flexible seating

Nathan Rider—multiple material unit for 3D printer

Elda Hernandez—laptop chargers, extension cord, cable management

Jason Barfield—laptop chargers, flexible seating, standing desk

Mikala Zuniga—laptop chargers, power strip, cable mgmt. box

Dana Armstrong—flexible seating, standing desks

Diane Swiger—wireless dual-channel microphones for theater

Sonia Ibanez—computer headphones, podium desk

Summer Henigan—standing desks, flexible seating, digital timer, puzzles, posters

Tara Flores—drone maker kit

Emilee Traughber—computer hardware to teach students how to build a pc from scratch

Paige Baber—headphones

Jared Elliott—water transport equipment

Stefen Harmon—iPads, cases, screen protectors

Larry Lashley—a euphonium

Mt. Pleasant Junior High ($17,229.98)

Tonya Schultz—noise cancelling headphones and flexible seating

Tina Terrell—portable charging tower

Marissa Marr—magnetic white board, flexible seating, fidget puzzles

Chris Richard—trumpets

Karen Luckett—flutes

Peyton Mcclendon—wall mirrors and indoor fans for colorguard facility

Will Hallonquist—football helmets

Brenda Padin, Karina Cruz, Jennifer Rivera—iPads and cases

Ernestina Amador, Margo Salnave—smart boards

Mt. Pleasant High School ($11,948.53)

Raquel Yanez—360 photo booth

Joey Cluley—footballs

Brian Bass—music stands

Theodus Luckett III—contact microphones for chromatic tuners

Marty Newman—sound system

Agustin Garcia—clarinets

Celina Burris—games, indoor tennis nets, tennis balls and rackets

“A particularly successful fundraising year, highlighted by a sold-out Crawfish Boil fundraiser in March, has enabled the Foundation to expand its impact and reach more students than ever before,” said Crockett. “The MPISD Education Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to all who have contributed to this success. Your continued support plays a vital role in enhancing educational opportunities for students throughout the district.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with the MPISD Foundation should contact Crockett at 903-575-2000.

Photos:

1: One of the Three Little Bears, a.k.a. Claudia Hernandez, receives a grant from Jose Rodriguez at E.C. Brice Elementary

2: Martin Acuna presents a grant to Rica Garcia at Frances Corprew

3: Deb Malone presents a grant to Maleficent, a.k.a. Christy Moss, at Vivian Fowler

4: The Big Bad Wolf, a.k.a. Patsie DeSantiago, took time away from Little Red Riding Hood to accept a grant from Eva Beles

5: The 2025 Fall MPISD Grant Patrol

6: MPISD Fine Arts Director, Theodus Luckett III, accepts a grant for the band program from Deb Malone

7: Tonya Murray (left) presents a grant to Karen Luckett, MPJH Director of Bands, for some additional flutes

8: Kelly Silman (center) receives a grant for classroom laptops from (L to R) MJ Cluley, Courtney Cluley, and Tonya Murray

9:Tiny Cheer: Members of Corprew Tiny Cheer help hype up the crowd

10: Wallace teacher Jason Barfield (right) celebrates receiving a grant from Dr. Kenny Thompson