During the October 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:
National Merit Honorees
Nineteen Midway High School students and graduates have earned recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program: five Semifinalists and 14 Commended Students. This represents a 90% increase from last year’s 10 honorees. Commended Students doubled from seven to 14, while Semifinalists increased from three to five.
National Merit Semifinalists: Luke Fineske, Yuri Hatakeyama, Samantha Lewis, Vihaan Sibal and Anthony Zavala.
Commended Students: Eduardo Abad Zavala, Yusuf Altun, Glenn Eshelman, Sarah Freeman, Ethan Fronk (graduate), Hana Hunziker, Kaitlyn Leung, Timothy MacGregor, Elva Qiao, John Rowley, Elias Salibi, Kendall Schaffer, Clark Wash and Noah Yadav.
Waco Trib Reader’s Choice Awards
Midway ISD earned five winning selections and four Favorite selections in the Waco Tribune-Herald Readers’ Choice Awards, recognizing the district as a workplace and honoring its schools and teachers. These community-selected awards reflect the appreciation of readers across the Waco area.
Winners
- Best Place to Work: Midway ISD — represented by Ashley Canuteson
- Best Public Elementary School: Chapel Park Elementary
- Best Middle School: Midway Middle School
- Best High School: Midway High School
Favorites
- Best Public Elementary School: Hewitt Elementary
- Best Public Elementary School: Woodway Elementary
- Best Middle School: River Valley Middle School
Texas Teachers' Day Proclamation
The Board will consider a resolution recognizing October 5, 2026, as Midway ISD Teachers’ Day in conjunction with Texas Teachers’ Day and the statewide #TeachersCan movement.
The resolution honors teachers’ contributions to student achievement and the countless hours they dedicate inside and outside the classroom to supporting students. It encourages community members to personally express appreciation to teachers and display a light blue ribbon outside their homes or businesses as a symbol of support for educators.
National Principals Month
October is National Principals Month, an opportunity to recognize the leadership and dedication of school principals. Midway ISD’s principals guide instruction, support teachers and staff, build relationships with families, and help create safe, welcoming campuses where students can thrive.
- Principal, MHS Alison Smith
- Principal, MMS Kayla Brown
- Principal, RVMS Dr. Heather Metzgar
- Principal, CCE Dr. Clint Glaesmann
- Principal, CPE Kim Hawkins
- Principal, HE Christy Watley
- Principal, PHE Nicole Fanning
- Principal, SBE Mandi Bronstad
- Principal, SVE Kristie Ingram
- Principal, WWE Dr. Nicole Grygar
The Board will honor Midway’s principals for their commitment to student success and the daily work of turning high expectations into meaningful learning experiences. Additionally, local partner, George’s Restaurant, will provide principals with a gift. Their leadership helps shape campus culture and advance the excellence, trust and stability that define the Midway Way.
Apple Distinguished School
Midway High School has been renewed as an Apple Distinguished School, recognizing innovative teaching and learning with technology. A 1:1 iPad district since 2012, Midway first earned the MHS designation in 2019. The recognition will feature a digital showcase and video created with MHS graduates Jude and Aubrey LeBlanc.
