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EMS ISD Recognized as One of the Nation's Best Communities for Music Education for 13th Consecutive Year

For Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, music education is about more than performances and awards. It is about creating opportunities for every student to discover their talents, build confidence and develop skills that last a lifetime.

That commitment has once again earned national recognition.

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD has been named one of the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation, marking the 13th consecutive year the district has received the prestigious honor.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation recognizes school districts across the nation that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. To earn the recognition, districts complete a comprehensive application detailing funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instructional time, facilities, support for music programs and community music-making opportunities.

"This recognition reflects what we believe at EMS ISD, that every student deserves the opportunity to experience the power of music as part of a well-rounded education," said Carla Hardy, EMS ISD director of fine arts. "Receiving this honor for the 13th consecutive year is a testament to our dedicated teachers, supportive leadership, families and community members who continue to invest in meaningful opportunities for our students."

The NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education program celebrates school districts that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to ensuring all students have access to high-quality music education.

"Our community understands that fine arts are an essential part of preparing students for success," Hardy said. "We are grateful for the continued support of our music programs and look forward to creating even more opportunities for students to learn, grow and shine."

Receiving this recognition for the 13th straight year reflects EMS ISD's long-standing commitment to providing students with enriching educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom. From elementary music programs to award-winning middle and high school ensembles, students have opportunities to develop creativity, collaboration and confidence through music at every stage of their educational journey.

We are #EMSProud to once again be recognized as one of the nation's Best Communities for Music Education.

EMS ISD celebrated an exciting milestone this summer with the launch of its inaugural TeachFest, a dynamic new professional learning experience designed to energize, empower, and elevate educators as they prepare for the year ahead.

TeachFest 2026 took place June 15-17 at Eagle Mountain High School and welcomed approximately 450 EMS ISD educators over the course of three days. The multi-day event marked a bold step forward in how EMS ISD approaches professional learning by offering educators a flexible, engaging and impactful experience tailored to their individual needs and goals.

Participants had the opportunity to attend one, two, or all three days, building their own personalized professional learning journey. Modeled as an “all-star training camp” for educators, TeachFest encouraged participants to “build their own playbook” by selecting sessions that aligned with their interests, campus needs, content areas and professional goals.

“TeachFest represents more than a single event. It signals a shift in culture,” said Dr. Walter Berringer, Deputy Superintendent. “This experience reflects our commitment to empowering teacher voice and leadership, promoting collaboration across campuses and content areas, and delivering professional learning that is relevant, differentiated and meaningful for our educators.”

What makes TeachFest especially meaningful is its foundation. The event it was built by educators, for educators. The event brought together EMS ISD teachers and leaders, along with experienced professionals and partners, to facilitate sessions that were both practical and inspiring.

Throughout the three days, educators participated in a wide variety of sessions focused on research-based instructional strategies, differentiation and scaffolding practices to support diverse learner needs, innovative technology tools that enhance teaching and learning and specialized sessions supporting areas such as special education, gifted and talented education, and more.

Beyond the session content, TeachFest was designed to be a true professional learning experience. The event created space for collaboration, connection and celebration, allowing educators to learn from one another, share best practices and build momentum heading into the new school year.

“The energy around TeachFest was remarkable,” Berringer said. “This was not just about attending sessions. It was about igniting passion, sparking innovation, and strengthening the collective efficacy of our teaching community. When educators have opportunities to learn from one another and take ownership of their growth, our students ultimately benefit.”

TeachFest also reinforced EMS ISD’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and investing in the growth and success of staff. By celebrating the expertise within the district and creating opportunities for educators to lead and learn together, EMS ISD continues to strengthen a culture of collaboration and excellence.

As TeachFest grows in the years ahead, district leaders hope it will continue to serve as a meaningful professional learning experience that inspires educators, supports strong instruction, and helps prepare every classroom for a successful school year.

Elementary PACE (gifted and talented) students across Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD once again took center stage during this year’s Evening with the Experts, sharing weeks of independent research, creativity and learning with families, staff and community members.

This year’s Evening with the Experts included district showcase events at Chisholm Trail High School for Chisholm Trail and Saginaw feeder campuses, along with campus-based presentations for Boswell and Eagle Mountain feeder campuses. These exciting events gave students across EMS ISD the opportunity to proudly present their work and engage with visitors.

From science and technology to history, culture and personal passions, students explored a wide range of topics through detailed displays, visuals and interactive conversations. Cafeterias, libraries and hallways were transformed into exhibition spaces as students confidently explained their learning and answered questions from guests.

“Table after table, I saw students explaining their learning, answering great questions, and living out our mission that calls us to spark a ‘...passion for a lifetime…’” Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth, EMS ISD Superintendent, said. “In short, it was a beautiful thing to behold.”

The event is a hallmark of the district’s PACE program, encouraging students to pursue topics they are passionate about while strengthening research, communication and presentation skills. Throughout the showcases, students demonstrated not only academic growth, but also confidence, curiosity and pride in their work.

As guests moved from project to project, the energy throughout each event reflected the meaningful learning experiences happening across Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. Evening with the Experts continues to celebrate student voice, creativity and the passion for learning that extends far beyond the classroom.

 

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.