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Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD is proud to celebrate the valedictorians and salutatorians from each of its four comprehensive high schools as the Class of 2026 prepares to graduate.

Through rigorous academics, fine arts, athletics, career and technical education, UIL competitions, student leadership opportunities and extracurricular involvement, EMS ISD students are empowered to discover their passions and prepare for their futures.

Our dedicated educators and staff have helped guide, challenge and inspire these students both inside and outside the classroom.

From future engineers and physicians to filmmakers and business leaders, the district’s top graduates represent the dedication, perseverance and excellence found throughout Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD.

 

Boswell High School

Valedictorian | Berkeley Barber

Berkeley Barber attended EMS ISD beginning in seventh grade at Wayside Middle School before continuing to Boswell High School. During her time at Boswell, she was involved in Book Club, Philosophy Club and National Honor Society while also serving as a roving naturalist volunteer with the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge.

Recognitions while at Boswell include the Hands and Hearts Volunteer Award from the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, the Pioneer Excellence Award for AP Art 4 Studio, the Principal’s Award, AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction and the College Board National Recognition Award.

“My favorite memories are all with my amazing friends,” Barber said. “In 11th grade, when I missed a top 10% celebration, my English teacher, Mrs. Nash, and class surprised me with a party the next day. I’m so honored to know so many great people and teachers.”

Barber said Mr. Gause had the greatest impact on her during high school.

“He is an amazing educator who puts so much work into his instruction,” Barber said. “His classes are extremely productive and fun. Students lead the discussion and he gives great feedback.”

“I am incredibly honored,” Barber said of being named valedictorian. “I wouldn’t have this if not for the love and support of so many incredible family members, teachers and friends. I hope I can repay the kindness they’ve given me.”

Barber will attend the University of Texas at Austin to major in radio-television-film and plans to apply for a double major in biology. She hopes to pursue a career as a filmmaker focused on helping others connect with and appreciate the natural world.

 

Salutatorian | Terry Vongphakdy

Terry Vongphakdy is an EMS Original, attending Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD schools from prekindergarten through 12th grade at Hafley Development Center, Lake Pointe Elementary School, Wayside Middle School and Boswell High School.

During his time at Boswell, Vongphakdy participated in choir, student council, cheerleading and Calculus Club.

Recognitions while at Boswell include becoming the first male in Boswell cheerleading, helping lead the first cheer team in school history to reach the UIL State Finals, receiving Pioneer Excellence honors in AP U.S. History, OnRamps Chemistry 2, AP Calculus BC and AP Physics 2, and being named an AP Scholar with Distinction.

“Elementary field trips like Camp El Tesoro in fifth grade, bonding with friends during COVID in seventh grade, Friday night lights and making new friendships through cheer are memories I’ll always hold onto,” Vongphakdy said.

Vongphakdy said Tammy Thomas had the greatest impact on him.

“Her humor and enthusiasm made OnRamps Chemistry such an enjoyable course,” he said. “She showed me that you can still have fun when dealing with complex topics such as thermodynamics and atomic bonds.”

“Being salutatorian means that I accomplished my goal of having self-discipline,” Vongphakdy said. “Being in the top two of my class did not come from luck or talent. It came from hard work and determination.”

Vongphakdy plans to attend Texas Tech University to major in mechanical engineering with the goal of working in the aerospace engineering field, specifically in commercial aircraft design.

 

Chisholm Trail High School

Valedictorian | Vivienne Lieu

Vivienne Lieu attended EMS ISD schools for 14 years, beginning at Weldon Hafley Development Center before attending Parkview Elementary School, Dozier Elementary School, Ed Willkie Middle School and Chisholm Trail High School.

During her time at Chisholm Trail, she participated in National Honor Society, Student Council, Science UIL, Multicultural Club and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

Recognitions while at Chisholm Trail include AP Scholar with Distinction, fourth place in HOSA Bowl, second place in HOSA Bowl and state qualification, the Mayor’s Achievement Award, PCT MVP and first place in SkillsUSA Medical Terminology with a state qualification.

“One of my favorite memories of my time in EMS ISD is the football games every Friday night, especially being in the student section around my peers and going out to eat with friends afterward,” Lieu said. “Another favorite memory is HOSA competition days where we shared lots of laughter and met many new people.”

Lieu said Mrs. Dutton had the greatest impact on her throughout high school.

“She was always there to ground me and remind me to slow down when I was stressed out,” Lieu said. “She showed me the importance of compassion and kindness and taught me to become a better version of myself.”

“Being the valedictorian is a great honor and testament to how much effort I’ve put in over the past four years,” Lieu said. “It reflects not only my dedication and resilience, but also the people who helped me become who I am.”

Lieu plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin as a biology major on the pre-med track before pursuing medical school and a career as an obstetrician.

 

Salutatorian | Ojal Chand

Ojal Chand attended EMS ISD schools for 13 years at Elkins Elementary School, Dozier Elementary School, Marine Creek Middle School, Ed Willkie Middle School and Chisholm Trail High School.

During high school, Chand participated in National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America, Multicultural Club, Student Council and SkillsUSA.

Recognitions while at Chisholm Trail include AP Scholar with Distinction, second place HOSA Bowl state qualifier, Healthcare Issues Exam state and international qualifier, and the Mayor’s Achievement Award.

“My favorite memories of my time in EMS ISD are the moments with my friends,” Chand said. “Whether it was traveling for HOSA or building strong bonds with my peers in the classroom, those connections made learning more meaningful and enjoyable.”

Chand said freshman English teacher Ruben Brown had the greatest impact on her.

“He inspired me to work hard for what I believe in and served as a role model of a teacher who not only imparts knowledge but also demonstrates commitment to students both academically and personally,” Chand said.

“Being salutatorian is very meaningful to me because it reflects my dedication to academic excellence through the challenges and integrity I’ve maintained over the past four years,” Chand said.

Chand plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to major in biochemistry before attending medical school and pursuing a career as a cardiologist.

 

Eagle Mountain High School

Valedictorian | Grier Palmer

Grier Palmer has attended EMS ISD schools since second grade at Comanche Springs Elementary School, Wayside Middle School, Boswell High School and Eagle Mountain High School.

During high school, Palmer participated in UIL Computer Science, UIL Mathematics, National Honor Society, Student Council as treasurer and EMHS Robotics.

Recognitions while at Eagle Mountain include AP Scholar with Distinction and Academic Excellence honors in AP Human Geography, AP U.S. History and AP Statistics.

“My favorite memory was taking AP Calculus BC with my best friend, Isabella,” Palmer said.

Palmer said Katherine Harnish had the greatest impact on her.

“She encouraged me to share my ideas and showed me what it means to be a kindhearted and strong woman,” Palmer said.

“To be valedictorian is a testament to the support and love I had growing up,” Palmer said. “I am grateful that I’ve had the opportunities to reflect my mother’s passion, my father’s patience and my brothers’ discipline through my achievements.”

Palmer plans to attend the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin to major in business with the goal of becoming a chief financial officer for a nonprofit organization.

 

Salutatorian | Isabella Prefontaine

Isabella Prefontaine attended EMS ISD schools for 10 years, beginning at Eagle Mountain Elementary School before attending Wayside Middle School, Boswell High School and Eagle Mountain High School.

During her time at Eagle Mountain, Prefontaine participated in Student Council, varsity gymnastics, Computer Science UIL, Robotics and National Honor Society.

Recognitions while at Eagle Mountain include being named an AP Scholar with Distinction and receiving the Armor Up Helmet Award for Critical Thinking and Innovation.

“My favorite memory at EMS ISD was getting to watch my team’s transonic rocket, Chuck, launch successfully after all of the hours we spent working toward the design and construction of the rocket,” Prefontaine said.

Prefontaine said HCTC aerospace engineering teacher Mr. Heersma had the greatest impact on her.

“He was the first teacher who ever told me that it was okay to fail,” Prefontaine said. “As someone who expects nothing but the best from themselves, he showed me that perfection was not what defined a leader.”

“To me, being salutatorian is a reflection of the constant discipline and determination that I held throughout high school,” Prefontaine said. “More than a number or a title, it’s a representation of the high expectations I have for myself and my desire to keep learning.”

Prefontaine plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to major in mechanical engineering and hopes to pursue a career in automotive racing or the aerospace industry.

 

Saginaw High School

Valedictorian | Sophianne Cortes

Sophianne Cortes attended EMS ISD schools for five years at Prairie Vista Middle School and Saginaw High School.

During her time at Saginaw, Cortes participated in the Saginaw High School swim team, National Honor Society, the class officers committee, the Japanese School of Dallas and Lakeside Aquatic Club.

Recognitions while at Saginaw include a silver medal at the 2026 UIL Swimming State Meet, a bronze medal at the 2025 UIL Swimming State Meet and the SHS Math Excellence Award.

“My favorite memories are the classes I had with my friends,” Cortes said. “There were many times where we played card games, worked on projects or just had fun conversations together. I will never forget the laughs and jokes we shared.”

Cortes said AP Capstone teacher Mr. Spurgeon had the greatest impact on her.

“Through Seminar and Research, he helped build a family-like community in the classes and helped me learn things I wouldn’t typically learn in my other classes,” Cortes said. “His guidance throughout college application season and lessons on data science meant the world to me.”

“To me, valedictorian isn’t an individual award,” Cortes said. “The constant support from my teachers, friends and family made this achievement possible, and I am incredibly honored to represent this class.”

Cortes plans to attend the University of Chicago to study statistics or data science.

 

Salutatorian | Seng Hton

Seng Hton attended Prairie Vista Middle School and Saginaw High School during his five years in EMS ISD.

During high school, Hton participated in indoor drumline and percussion, UIL Math and Science, National Honor Society, HOSA and Tri-M.

Recognitions while at Saginaw include being a UIL Math, Number Sense and Calculator Applications regional qualifier, a WGI finalist, NTCA third-place finisher, two-time region band member for drumline and QuestBridge Match recipient.

“I will always remember competing with indoor drumline, traveling to competitions and seeing our hard work come together during performances,” Hton said. “I also enjoyed competing in UIL Math and Science because it challenged me academically and gave me the opportunity to represent my school.”

Hton said Mr. Spurgeon had the greatest impact on him.

“Through his Seminar and Research classes, I learned lessons that went far beyond academics,” Hton said. “He taught me how to think critically, communicate clearly and approach challenges with more confidence.”

“Being named salutatorian means a lot to me because it represents years of hard work, discipline and consistency,” Hton said. “I am proud to represent my school and grateful for everyone who helped me reach this moment.”

Hton plans to attend Yale University to major in mechanical engineering and hopes to pursue a career in engineering.

The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD graduating Class of 2026 will take center stage May 29 and 30 as family, friends, staff and community members gather to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s seniors and their transition from students to alumni.

Watson Graduation

Watson High School’s graduation ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Chisholm Trail High School’s Jared Hardy Performing Arts Center. Watch the Watson ceremony streamed live at www.emsisd.com/WatsonGraduationLive2026. 

Graduation Ceremonies

Graduation ceremonies for Chisholm Trail, Boswell, Saginaw and Eagle Mountain High School will take place Saturday, May 30, at Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth, TX 76107.

Saturday’s graduation schedule is as follows:

• 9 a.m. – Chisholm Trail High School
• 12:30 p.m. – Boswell High School
• 4:00 p.m. – Saginaw High School
• 7:30 p.m. – Eagle Mountain High School

All ceremonies on Saturday will be streamed live. Watch the live streams at www.emsisd.com/GraduationLive2026.

Across Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, graduates from the Class of 2026 are preparing for bright futures through college, military service, workforce opportunities and continued career training. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and all they have accomplished.

It is Teacher Appreciation Week in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD! From May 4-8, the district is recognizing the educators who make a lasting impact on students each day.

Across EMS ISD, teachers create engaging learning environments, build meaningful relationships and support students as they grow academically and personally. Their dedication reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.

Families and students are encouraged to join in celebrating the difference teachers make.

How to Show Your Appreciation:
Whether your child wants to write a personal message, draw a special picture or share a favorite memory, a downloadable appreciation card is available to make it easy. The card can be accessed through the hyperlink or by clicking the graphic included in this story.

Want to send your gratitude directly to your campus? Use our Let’s Talk tool to shout out a teacher. Simply click the "My School is Great Because..." button under the General Topics section, and your message will be sent straight to your campus principal.

 

Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the commitment and care educators bring to their work, as well as the positive impact they have on the EMS ISD community throughout the year.

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD was proud to celebrate the 2025-2026 Employees of the Year at a districtwide ceremony and brunch on Tuesday, April 28 at the Dr. Jim F. Chadwell Administration Building.

All employee of the year winners from EMS ISD schools and buildings were invited to the event, where they were recognized, before the District level winners were announced. 

Congratulations to all of these amazing employees who make Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD a great school district.

2025-2026 Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD Employees of the Year

Secondary Teacher of the Year

Lakeita Richardson
PATHS/Girls Athletics
Ed Willkie Middle School

 

Elementary Teacher of the Year

Arnelys Melon
First Grade Bilingual
Gililland Elementary School

 

Professional Employee of the Year

Danielle Serrano
Assistant Principal
Willow Creek Elementary School

 

Paraprofessional Employee of the Year

Barbara Weiler
Instructional Aide
Parkview Elementary School

 

Auxiliary Employee of the Year

Elena Sanchez
Lead Custodian
Prairie Vista Middle School

 

2025-2026 Elementary School Employees of the Year

Bryson Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Patricia Miller 
Professional of the Year – Caitlin Moore 
Paraprofessional of the Year - Elaine Moreno 
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Maria Garcia Ornelas 

Chisholm Ridge Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Lara Newton
Professional of the Year – Amanda Bruner
Paraprofessional of the Year - Danika Olson
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Veronica Flores

Comanche Springs Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Samantha Anthony
Professional of the Year – Chelsea Whitt
Paraprofessional of the Year - Caitlynn King
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Maria Rodriguez

Copper Creek Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - JoAnne Miller 
Professional of the Year – Kristen Davis
Paraprofessional of the Year - Mary Molano
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Samantha Reeves

Dozier Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Tracy Lang
Professional of the Year – Priscilla Chazarreta 
Paraprofessional of the Year - Anna Nance
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Cecilia Yaw

Eagle Mountain Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Jennifer DeCorte
Professional of the Year – Randi Garcia 
Paraprofessional of the Year - Becky Hogue
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Maria Garcia

Elkins Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Stefanie Cortez 
Professional of the Year – Joni Lindbloom 
Paraprofessional of the Year - Kaycee Newsom 
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Mallory Barnes

Gililland Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Arnelys Melon
Professional of the Year – Christine Lewis
Paraprofessional of the Year - Jasmine Zaldana
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Javier Carranza

Greenfield Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Jeannie Cook
Professional of the Year – Shelbie Parsons
Paraprofessional of the Year - Katie Cortier
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Martha Beltran Quintana

Hafley Development Center: 
Teacher of the Year - Eliazabeth Ayala
Professional of the Year – Stacey DeHoyos
Paraprofessional of the Year - Vanessa Flores
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Lorenza Romero

Hatley Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Ashton Spillers
Professional of the Year – Tara Mancino
Paraprofessional of the Year - Amber Crozier
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Nicole Lutula

High Country Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Laura Musgrove
Professional of the Year – Robin Hess
Paraprofessional of the Year - Susan Ballantyne
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Olga Hinojosa

Lake Country Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Traci Pockrus
Professional of the Year – Kimberli Fournier
Paraprofessional of the Year - Lindsey Autrey
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Elva Rodriguez Campa

Lake Pointe Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Autumn Wood
Professional of the Year – Brent Caldwell
Paraprofessional of the Year - Megan Reyes
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Robin Brummett

Northbrook Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Jennifer Le Guen
Professional of the Year – Elissa Villarreal
Paraprofessional of the Year - Erin Wilson
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Baltasar Garcia

Parkview Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Tisha Orth
Professional of the Year – Kisha Hill
Paraprofessional of the Year - Barbara Weiler
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Leticia De La Hoya

Remington Point Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Carly Lambert
Professional of the Year – Vatana Alcantar
Paraprofessional of the Year - Yovana Moreno
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Cynthia Gomez

Saginaw Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Corey Steinberg
Professional of the Year – Molly Cox
Paraprofessional of the Year - Sanela O'Sullivan
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Cecilia Guerrero

Willow Creek Elementary School: 
Teacher of the Year - Shelby Densmore
Professional of the Year – Danielle Serrano
Paraprofessional of the Year - Kassandra Contreras
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Cinthia Rosas

2025-2026 Middle School Employees of the Year

Creekview Middle School: 
Teacher of the Year - Amber Weaver
Professional of the Year – Ashley Cole
Paraprofessional of the Year - Beverly Lehman
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Juan De La Hoya

Ed Willkie Middle School: 
Teacher of the Year - Lakeita Richardson
Professional of the Year – Cindy Moilan
Paraprofessional of the Year - Grace Palos
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Norma Lopez

Highland Middle School: 
Teacher of the Year - Rashan Blakley
Professional of the Year – Cree Magill
Paraprofessional of the Year - Sarah Clower
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Sheila Henson

Marine Creek Middle School: 
Teacher of the Year - Emily Kasper
Professional of the Year – Andrea smith
Paraprofessional of the Year - Erica Briones
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Cecilia Minero-Moscote

Prairie Vista Middle School: 
Teacher of the Year - Abby LaSalle
Professional of the Year – Denise Ingram
Paraprofessional of the Year - Sherry Rota
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Elena Sanchez

Wayside Middle School: 
Teacher of the Year - Misty Cheslock
Professional of the Year – Cristian Espinal
Paraprofessional of the Year - Leticia Pina
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Hope Vallejo

2025-2026 High School Employees of the Year

Boswell High School: 
Teacher of the Year - Shannon Conners-Casillo
Professional of the Year – Staci Wilson
Paraprofessional of the Year - Mary Santiago
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Valentin Valdez

Chisholm Trail High School: 
Teacher of the Year - Jonah Hanft
Professional of the Year – Jennifer Sanchez
Paraprofessional of the Year - Violet Benge
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Jesus Ramirez-Macias

Eagle Mountain High School: 
Teacher of the Year - Scott Tilley
Professional of the Year – Renata Schlotzhauer
Paraprofessional of the Year - Maribel Miller
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Maria Salazar Reyna

Saginaw High School: 
Teacher of the Year - Courtney Parker
Professional of the Year – Jennifer Thomas
Paraprofessional of the Year - Blair Wilson
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Silvia Rodriguez

Watson High School and ADC: 
Teacher of the Year - Corey Brown
Professional of the Year – Katie Munk
Paraprofessional of the Year - Yara Nava
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Maria Rivas Garcia

Hollenstein Career & Technology Center: 
Teacher of the Year - Rick Griffith
Paraprofessional of the Year - Hannah Puzyr
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Sou Souvannalath

 

Maintenance Department: 
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Richard Wiese
Professional of the Year – Jared Bryant
Paraprofessional of the Year - Theresa Vondra

Central Administration:
Professional of the Year – Allena Waters
Paraprofessional of the Year - Tracy Hathaway
Auxiliary Employee of the Year - Zenaida Martinez

 

We want to extend a special thank you to EECU, represented by Maydaly Junez, for joining the celebration and presenting a monetary award to all of the winners.

We also couldn't have done this without the EMS ISD PTO. The provided a wonderful brunch and decorations to make all of the honored employees feel special. Learn more about the EMS ISD PTO and join here.

Click here to look at all the pictures of the winners from each school/building.