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From high-tech animation studios to mobile electronics labs, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD students proved once again that their career and technical education (CTE) programs are among the best in the nation.

Two students from the Hollenstein Career and Technology Center (HCTC) earned national recognition at the 2025 SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta. Daniel Dreese, a recent Boswell High School graduate, was named national champion in Internetworking, while Saginaw High School graduate Gaige Pennington finished second in the nation in Mobile Electronics Installation.

Dreese, who studied Information Technology at HCTC under teacher Mike Richey, competed in a rigorous technical event that tested advanced network configuration and troubleshooting skills. His first-place finish represents the highest national placement for EMS ISD in the Internetworking category to date.

Pennington, a graduate of the Automotive Technology program under teacher Ernie Cruz, impressed judges at every level of the Mobile

Electronics competition. His journey began with encouragement from Cruz to pivot from power equipment to electronics, where his natural abilities quickly emerged.

“I like electrical,” Pennington said. “It’s not the easiest to understand, but once you get it, it can be fun. This class changed my life. I came in knowing nothing about cars, and now I want to open my own shop and work on high-end vehicles.”

Pennington’s preparation included certifications, hands-on practice and self-directed study. He became certified in Snap-on diagnostics and earned multiple Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) credentials, which he said gave him an edge at state and nationals.

“I was shocked to place second at nationals,” he said. “But I’m proud of what I accomplished. I owe it all to Mr. Cruz.”

Automotive Technology teacher Ernie Cruz said Pennington’s success reflects both individual drive and the strength of EMS ISD’s CTE programs.

“I think the placement at nationals shows the dedication that Gaige had in preparing for the competition,” Cruz said. “He always went above and beyond to get ready for contests. It simply says that our student body is capable of anything they want to do. With determination and effort come rewards and accomplishments.”

Cruz added that consistent success at the national level shows students are being equipped for more than just competition.

“At HCTC, we’re showing students how to be successful not only in SkillsUSA, but in their chosen career paths,” he said.

Also representing EMS ISD at the national competition were Garrett Reeves and Peter Nguyen, now seniors at Chisholm Trail High

School and Saginaw High School respectively, and the 3D Visualization and Animation team of Jonathan Tuxpan and Andrew Kapavik, recent graduates of the HCTC program. Each advanced to nationals by earning first-place finishes at the SkillsUSA Texas State Conference in spring.

Kapavik and Tuxpan said their animation event tested their creativity and speed under pressure.

“We had seven and a half hours to create an animation from scratch,” Kapavik said. “It was intense, but we used our strengths as a team to get it done. Our skills balanced each other out.”

Tuxpan added, “Bringing characters to life has always been a dream of mine. This program gave me the chance to pursue it.”

Across all events, 26 EMS ISD students advanced to the SkillsUSA state competition, representing seven different CTE programs: Animation, Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Information Technology, Marine Service, Power Equipment, and Telecommunications. These programs are housed at the HCTC and offer hands-on, industry-aligned experiences.

Among the standout results at state:

• Daniel Dreese, 1st place, Internetworking – Boswell High School

• Gaige Pennington, 1st place, Mobile Electronics – Saginaw High School

• Andrew Kapavik and Jonathan Tuxpan, 1st place, 3D Visualization and Animation – HCTC

• Josy Badawy, 1st place, Telecommunications – Saginaw High School

• Peter Nguyen, 1st place, Power Equipment – Saginaw High School

• Garrett Reeves, 1st place, Marine Service – Chisholm Trail High School

• Kasaiya Parker, 1st place, Natural Haircare – Saginaw High School

• Elijah Lugo, 2nd place, Power Equipment – Chisholm Trail High School

• Presley Dowell, 3rd place, Telecommunications – Saginaw High School

• Anthony Jimenez, 3rd place, Mobile Electronics – Chisholm Trail High School

• Joseph Caldone, 3rd place, Motorcycle – Chisholm Trail High School

Reeves, who competed in Marine Service, said growing up around boats prepared him for the event. He spent months studying electrical systems and engine components, often with Pennington, a friend since elementary school.

“We’re really close,” Reeves said. “We help each other study and learn. I’m proud to represent our district and all the opportunities it gives us.”

Kapavik echoed that sentiment, crediting the district’s support and the HCTC for making industry-level training accessible to students.

“I’ve always loved visual effects,” Kapavik said. “At HCTC, I’ve had the tools and mentorship to turn that passion into real skills.”

EMS ISD CTE programs continue to open doors for students by preparing them for college, careers and certifications in high-demand industries. For Dreese and Pennington, the road led all the way to Atlanta, and the national podium.

Students in EMS ISD are building rockets designed to soar past 100,000 feet, all before they graduate high school. Behind these high-flying achievements is an educator whose dedication and vision are helping launch the next generation of aerospace professionals.

Rick Griffith, aerospace and aviation instructor at the Hollenstein Career and Technology Center (HCTC), was recently recognized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) North Texas Section. The organization honored him at its annual awards ceremony at the University of Texas at Arlington, highlighting his exceptional commitment to preparing students for careers in the aerospace industry.

Griffith developed the Aerospace Engineering and Aviation courses at HCTC, where students explore flight fundamentals, aircraft and rocket design, and earn real-world certifications. His classes offer hands-on experience and the opportunity to pursue Federal Aviation Administration licenses, such as commercial drone operation or a basic ground school certification. Many of his students go on to study aerospace engineering or aviation in college and pursue careers as engineers, pilots, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics and technicians.

“AIAA’s mission is to help aerospace professionals and their organizations succeed,” the organization shared. “Recognizing teachers like Mr. Griffith, who are shaping the future of aerospace by investing in students, is an essential part of that mission.”

In Aerospace 1, students learn the basics of flight and build hobby class rockets to test their designs. From there, they choose to specialize in either aviation or rocketry.

In Aerospace 2, students take on advanced projects, designing experimental class rockets intended to exceed 100,000 feet in altitude, with long-term goals of reaching 328,000 feet. These rockets are launched at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and require students to work beyond the classroom, often on nights, weekends and during the summer.

With nearly 1,000 professional and student members, the AIAA North Texas Section supports programs that encourage innovation, technical excellence and leadership in the aerospace field. Recognizing educators like Griffith is part of its mission to inspire future generations.

The Fort Worth area is home to major industry leaders including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Bell, along with robust aviation and military operations. With dynamic outreach programs, AIAA continues to strengthen connections between industry professionals and young learners, thanks in large part to passionate educators like Rick Griffith.

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EMS ISD will launch a completely redesigned website for the district and all campuses on Tuesday, June 24. 

The website transition was required following a provider change, but EMS ISD used this opportunity to improve digital access and enhance online safety. 

“We wanted the new website to feel easier, safer, and more helpful for all users,” said Megan Overman, Executive Director of Communications. “It’s more than a facelift; it’s a redesign with our community in mind, with streamlined navigation and specific elements designed for our various customers to enhance their online experiences.” 

Key updates include: 

• A slimmer menu structure for cleaner navigation. 

• A top-of-page “Find It Fast” feature for frequently accessed content. 

• Quick-link buttons for the most-accessed tools including Skyward, Canvas Observer, SchooLinks, and Let’s Talk! 

• Improved security: Many pieces of student and staff specific information now live in login-required platforms for added layers of protection for students, staff, and schools. 

• A district events calendar that users can customize to specific schools, athletic and/or fine arts programs, and district events, and that can be downloaded via iCal functions to your personal devices – it's your calendar, your way. 

The new platform also places a spotlight on what makes EMS ISD special: world-class educators, personalized student opportunities, and a supportive family culture.  

Visitors are encouraged to explore the site and submit any questions through the Let’s Talk! system. 

Visit emsisd.com beginning Tuesday, June 24, to explore the new EMS ISD online experience! 

Incoming middle school students across Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD are spending the beginning of summer break building, inventing, testing and collaborating at the district’s 2025 Middle School Discover STEM Camp, held June 2–5.

Open to EMS ISD students entering grades 6–8, the four-day camp offers a fast-paced lineup of hands-on labs, engineering challenges, design activities, and real-world science investigations. 

"STEM camp for middle school students this year is all about energy," said Theresa Parisi, the secondary science coordinator in EMS ISD. "Each day they participate in mini lesson about types of energy, how to transfer energy, and how to conserve it. Then the students are challenged to complete a Rube Goldberg machine using the skills and observations that were discovered during the mini lesson. The final transfer of energy must close a circuit to light a lightbulb. All of this must be built within the constraints of a budget. Students earn “Discovery Dollars” and purchase their supplies with those dollars to help them understand the concept of a budget. STEM camp participants work with students from different grade levels and schools to build collaboration skills." 

One highlight was the inclined plane waterslide challenge, where students explored how simple designs affect speed and motion. They tested their designs, then adjusted angles, folds, and friction to improve performance.

“We needed to give it friction so it would slow down and make the turn towards the end of the slide,” explained Adrian Fantana, a rising seventh grader at Prairie Vista Middle School, describing how his team engineered a paper slide system.

Lisa Craft, one of the STEM camp instructors, said the challenges are designed to promote critical thinking and creative teamwork.

“It makes the kids think and problem solve and have cooperation with other kids they don’t know from other schools,” she said. “These are foundational skills they can carry into high school competitions, can use to obtain scholarships and eventually careers. We want them to like science more, because we want them to be successful in life.”

Campers also constructed pulleys for flagpoles, launched mini catapults during a five-minute challenge, and designed roller coasters using basic physics principles. One of the most complex and entertaining challenges is building a working Rube Goldberg machine that will successfully light a bulb.

“Basically, we figured out if we can balance the spoon on the clothespin and roll the marble, the spoon will hit the dominoes, which will hit our turbine, which hits a paper ball down a ramp, and that hits another domino that flips a switch to light up the light,” said Isabelle Winter, a rising sixth grader at Marine Creek Middle School.

By the end of the week, these young scientists will have a toolbox full of STEM experiences, and perhaps a spark that will light up their futures.

Find out about more EMS ISD summer camp opportunities at www.emsisd.com/summercamps.

Elementary-age students are diving into adventure, imagination and learning this June through the EMS ISD Summer Reading Camp, a free, come-and-go experience that turns reading into a summer celebration.

Held on Tuesday mornings at Hatley Elementary School and Thursday mornings at Lake Country Elementary School, the camp is open to all children entering Pre-K through 5th grade in Fall 2025. Each session runs from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., and no registration is required.

The goal? Keep reading fun, accessible and engaging all summer long.

“This gives them something to do so they’re not just staying home. They’re around other kids and socializing,” said Maria Juarez, whose daughter will be a second-grader this fall.

Each week, students take a new literary journey through “Reading Across the USA.” Every session includes a read-aloud story that transports children to a new place in the country, paired with a hands-on activity that brings the story to life. Whether it’s art, crafts or themed projects, the activities help students connect reading with creativity and exploration.

“We’re bringing the vacation to us,” said Cathy Fassett, the librarian at High Country Elementary School. “It’s fun, relaxed and focused on giving kids positive, meaningful experiences with books.”

Justus Cole, a camp participant, especially enjoyed the book Mae Among the Stars, about Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space.

“It was a good story,” he said. “Her teacher didn’t believe she could go to space, but she proved her wrong.”

For many families, the camp offers more than just learning, it offers support.

“Reading is a challenge for him,” said Latoya Walker, Cole's mom. "I want him to stay focused over the summer and keep improving. The fact that it’s free is even better, it’s a blessing that the district offers this.”

Other parents echoed similar sentiments.

“I only have so many ideas for summer,” said Mason Blakely, whose daughter attended the Hatley location. “We try to read at night, but this makes sure she’s getting reading in, all throughout the summer.”

And, while they're just getting started, so far this year they've seen record engagement and energy.

“I’ve done the camp the last three years, and this is the most interactive it’s ever been,” said Christine Lewis, the librarian at Gililland Elementary School. “We had a great turnout, and the kids are really connecting with the stories and each other.”

 

EMS ISD Summer Reading Camp continues through June 2025:
📍 Tuesdays at Hatley Elementary: June 3, 10, 17, 24
📍 Thursdays at Lake Country Elementary: June 5, 12, 19, 26
⏰ 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
👧🏽 For EMS ISD students entering Pre-K – 5th grade
📚 No registration needed – just show up and read!

Find out about more EMS ISD summer camp opportunities at www.emsisd.com/summercamps.