Wednesday, April 1st was no joking matter inside seven MPISD campuses. Members of the Goin’ Gold Band, the Tiger Doll officers, Tiger Cheer, and members of the MPISD Education Foundation were not there to pull April Fools pranks, but to award $60,620.06 in educator grants to 51 teachers.

“During the 2025–2026 school year, the Foundation was proud to award a record $135,579 in grants,” said Foundation Executive Director, Mariela Crockett. “As we wrap up our 11th year, we are honored to share that the Foundation has awarded more than $843,000 in grants to support innovation, enrichment, and excellence across MPISD.”

Spring grant recipients and their funded projects are:

E.C. Brice Elementary School ($13,660.59): Claudia Hernandez (Smart Board and stand), Kayla Molina (document cameras for 5 classrooms), Ruth Sustaita (document camera and flexible seating), Carmelita Perez (Smart Board), Maria Flores (projector and bluetooth sound bar), Mayra Muñoz (flexible seating), Jamie King (laptop computer), Rosa Wario (charging stations and charging blocks for 3 classrooms), and Frances Hooks (student iPads).

Frances Corprew Elementary School ($13,370.68): Sarai Ramirez (Smart Board and stand), Mariana Barboza (Smart Board and stand), Katlynn Clinkinbeard (headphones), Julina Purl (bathroom storage cabinet, towels and shower mat for nurse’s station), Ashton Easley (student iPads and cases), Jessica Simmons (2 Virtual Reality sets and hand controllers), Amanda Phillips (2 Virtual Reality sets and hand controllers), Rica Garcia (bluetooth keyboards and rechargeable batteries), Emily Silva (student iPads and cases), Kirby Merritt (materials for music class), and Ke’Aja Rockwell (flexible seating).

Vivian Fowler Elementary School ($11,745.87): Bre Asia Hargrave (Smart Board and stand), Shanina Sheridan (Smart Board and stand), Patsie De Santiago: (dry-erase tables), Patty Moreno (dry-erase tables), Cendy Zuniga (flexible seating), Gloria Rodriguez (dry-erase tables), Gabriela Vargas (flexible seating), Daniela Robles (flexible seating), and Itzel Vargas (dry-erase tables).

Annie Sims Elementary ($750.00): Adriana Sanchez (literacy audio player and books), and Maria Cates (chapter books for classroom library).

P.E. Wallace Middle School ($7,854.59) Magdalena Martinez (mobile standing desk, charging station, and power tower), Nathaly Flores (headsets), Lindsey Jennings (power towers and laptop chargers), Sonia Ibanez (laptop chargers, desk dividers, and flexible seating), Raquel Garcia (laptop charging station and headphones), Jeannie Sawyer (student iPads), Tara Flores (VEX robotics equipment), Tina Smith (power strip, cable management system, laptop chargers, and headphones), Bryan Keith Shelton (headphones and chargers), Barbara Sims (puzzles and headphones), and Kristy McCollum (headsets, charging tower, and storage bags).

Mount Pleasant Junior High School ($2,222.80) Taylor Johnson (portable speaker for the Junior High weight room) and Genesis Alvarez (3 Canon cameras for marketing class).

Mount Pleasant High School ($11,015.51) Margaret Bradley (light tracing pads, and charging station), Joey Cluley (football helmets), Byron Sanders (REP push/pull sled), Keith Thompson (hurdles, resistance band trainer, exercise band pad, and rogue collars), Crystal Jackson James (basketballs and rack), Hugo Uribe (flexible seating, TV, storage, shelving, and lockers), and Rhiannon Vose (food processors, practice board set, and master cake decorating piping tip sets).

“The Mount Pleasant ISD Foundation extends our sincere gratitude to the dedicated MPISD teachers and staff who took the time and initiative to write grants during this spring cycle,” said Crockett. “Your creativity, commitment, and passion for enhancing learning opportunities continue to make a meaningful difference for our students. We are also deeply thankful for the generous donors who support the Foundation and make this grants program possible. Your investment in education is an investment in the

future of our community, and we could not do this work without you. Thank you for believing in our teachers, supporting our students, and strengthening our schools. Together, we are making a lasting impact.”

Anyone interested in donating funds to the MPISD Foundation should contact Crockett at 903-575-2000. Additionally, the Foundation will be participating in East Texas Giving day on April 28. Donations can be made at https://www.easttexasgivingday.org/organization/mpisdfoundation anytime from now until midnight on that day.

Photos:

1: Members of the Goin’ Gold Band, Cheerleaders, Tiger Dolls, and the MPISD Foundation visited seven MPISD campuses to surprise teachers with classroom grants

2: (left to right) Coach Byron Sanders, Clint Davis, and MPHS sophomore Kennedy Jones accept a grant for Crystal Jackson for basketballs and a rack

3: Vivian Fowler teacher Itzel Vargas (left) accepts a grant for dry erase tables from Deb Malone

4: Chaz Curtis (left) presents a grant to MPJH teacher Genesis Alvarez for cameras for her Marketing class

5: MPISD Foundation Executive Director Mariela Crockett (left) awards a grant to Wallace teacher Tara Flores

6: Frances Corprew teacher Mariana Barboza (left) receives a grant for a Smart Board from Becca Bell