During the June meeting of the Midway ISD Board of Trustees, students and staff were honored for their exceptional achievements and meaningful contributions that have positively impacted the district and its community.
Recognitions included:
Midway High School One-Act Play – UIL 6A State Meet Third Place
For only the second time in school history, the Midway High School One-Act Play company advanced to the UIL 6A State One-Act Play Meet and earned a third-place finish in the state of Texas. Schools must advance through district, bi-district, area, and regional competition before earning one of the coveted spots at the state meet. Reaching the state stage places a theatre program among Texas' elite, and a third-place finish is a remarkable accomplishment.
The production showcased exceptional acting, technical theatre, stage management, design, and collaboration. This achievement reflects countless hours of rehearsal, creativity, dedication, and teamwork from students, directors, technicians, and support staff throughout the season.
Directors
- Jill Wilkinson, MHS Director of Theatre & Fine Arts Department Chair
- David Wellbaum, MHS Technical Theatre Director
- AJ Danforth, MISD Fine Arts Facilities Manager
- Alicia Danforth, RVMS Theatre Teacher
Cast
Peyton Alexander, Isabelle Braswell, Aubree Denton, Val Cortes Diaz, Jude Garcia, Avery Higgins, August Latendresse, Jude LeBlanc, Miller Nance, LeAngel Rodriguez, Jeremiah Key, Ashlyn LaStrape, Faisal Tell, William Watwood, KJ Adams, Cora Gainor, Gavin Link, Gage McGowan, Jayden Tellado, Brooklynne Wellbaum, Jack Wilkinson, Stella Wolf, and Delilah Hellam.
UIL Academics
Midway High School students are being recognized for their success in UIL Academics. Students advanced through district, regional, and state-level competition while demonstrating excellence in critical thinking, research, communication, and academic knowledge. State qualifiers included:
- Jacob Cunha and Cora Gainor in Congress;
- Sydney Bedford, Alenka Seith, Gabriela Agado, and Katie Tacheira in CX Debate;
- Tevin Giang, Dillon Doss, Ian Song, and Anthony Zavala in Science, where the team earned a third-place finish at the UIL State Academic Meet.
Midway ISD congratulates these students and their advisor, Susan Jones, for their outstanding academic achievements and representation of the district at the state level.
Skills USA
Midway High School students are being recognized for advancing to the Texas SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, held April 8-11. Led by advisor Ann Darby, the following students are being recognized:
Applied Engineering
District Silver Medalists – State Qualifiers
- Jack Rowley
- Luke Fineske
- Teagan Kindred
- Eddie Marzan
Additive Manufacturing Team
District Gold Medalists – State Qualifiers
- Taylor Boyd
- Price Boyd
Engineering Technology
State Qualifier
- Riley Cameron
SkillsUSA is a national career and technical student organization that empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. Through competitive events, students demonstrate technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and workplace readiness in their chosen career fields.
Woodway Elementary - Apple Distinguished School
Woodway Elementary has been named an Apple Distinguished School, a prestigious designation awarded to schools that demonstrate innovative teaching and learning through the effective use of technology.
Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized worldwide for creating learning environments where technology supports student achievement, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. The designation highlights campuses that serve as models for educational innovation and demonstrate a clear vision for using technology to enhance teaching and learning.
Woodway Elementary, led by Principal Nicole Grygar and Assistant Principal Lauren Phipps, joins a select group of schools recognized by Apple for fostering student-centered learning experiences and preparing students with the skills needed for success in an increasingly digital world.
UIL State Track
Midway High School student-athletes junior Keaton Washington and sophomore Madalann Viloria represented Midway ISD at the UIL State Track & Field Championships, competing against the top athletes in Texas Class 6A competition. Washington qualified in the 400 Meter Dash, while Viloria earned a state berth in the High Jump. Advancing to the state meet requires athletes to successfully progress through district, area, and regional competition, making state qualification one of the highest honors in Texas high school athletics. Midway ISD congratulates both athletes on their outstanding accomplishments and representation of the district on the state's biggest stage.
MHS Softball UIL State Champion Finalist
The Midway High School softball team is being recognized for another historic season, advancing to the UIL Class 6A State Championship game for the third consecutive year. The Panthers finished the season with an outstanding 35-5-1 record, captured the District 12-6A Championship with a 20-1 district mark, and earned the program's 13th state tournament appearance. Along the way, Midway won four playoff series against some of Texas' top programs and continued one of the state's most successful softball traditions. The team was led by Head Coach Jordan Williams and a dedicated coaching staff, while standout individual performances included junior pitcher Peyton Phillip's 27 wins and .444 batting average, senior Camryn Carter's team-leading .480 batting average, and sophomore Taylor Kasten's .429 batting average. Midway ISD congratulates the players, coaches, and support staff on an exceptional season and another appearance on Texas high school softball's biggest stage.
Coaches
- Jordan Williams, Head Coach
- Taylor Ellis, Assistant Coach
- Maritza Martinez, Assistant Coach
- Alexis Smith, Assistant Coach
- Ana Watson, Assistant Coach
Athletic Trainers
- Chad McCune
- Chen-Wen Lee
Players
Ambri Ramos, Rylie Little, Kallei Alvarado, Peyton Phillip, Raeylin Degreer, Taylor Kasten, Kaitlyn Lowe, Emma Haferkamp, Tierra Ramos, Amaya Locke, Lilly Davis, Lili Biddy, Camryn Carter, Addie Gloor, and Olivia Czimskey.
Extra Mile Award
Castleman Creek Elementary teacher GayAnna Wagner is being recognized with the Extra Mile Award for her exceptional service to students and staff throughout her 29-year career in special education. Known for her compassion, patience, and student-centered approach, GayAnna has made a lasting impact on countless students in self-contained classrooms. Beyond her work with students, she has mentored numerous Baylor clinical teachers and residents, helping develop the next generation of special education educators, several of whom now serve Midway ISD students. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to others make her exceptionally deserving of this recognition.
Friend of Midway
James Castellano is being recognized as a Friend of Midway for his outstanding partnership and support of Midway ISD through Horace Mann. Throughout the school year, he has consistently gone above and beyond to support district initiatives, staff appreciation efforts, campus events, and employee programs. More than a sponsor, James has been a trusted community partner who has built meaningful relationships across the district and continually looked for ways to add value to the Midway experience. His generosity, responsiveness, and commitment to serving others have made a positive impact on Midway students and staff.
