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EMS ISD Celebrates Gold Card Members at Annual Appreciation Luncheon

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD celebrated its Gold Card members with an appreciation luncheon on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Hollenstein Career and Technology Center (HCTC). The event recognized community members aged 55 and older who participate in the program.

Guests enjoyed a meal prepared and served by students from the HCTC Culinary Arts program under the direction of Chef Katie Natale and Taylor Trog. Entertainment was provided by the Saginaw High School Jazz Band, directed by Jesse Rajabi.

Education Foundation Executive Director Ally Surface shared a brief overview of how the Foundation supports students, staff, and the community through grants, scholarships, and partnerships, and encouraged guests to get involved.

Superintendent Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth served as the keynote speaker, providing a district update and sharing how EMS ISD continues to be the district where families want to come and stay. He also highlighted the district’s many academic, career, and extracurricular choices that offer students opportunities unlike anywhere else.

The annual luncheon celebrates the district’s partnership with its senior community and expresses appreciation for their continued support of EMS ISD.

The Gold Card program offers several benefits, including free admission to home athletic and fine arts events, the annual luncheon, and a mailed copy of the EMS ISD magazine, EMS Proud, published in the fall and spring in partnership with 287 North Living. Community members 55 and older interested in joining can sign up by completing this form.

 

Surrounded by more than 3,000 aspiring educators from across the country, seven Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD students stepped into the national spotlight at the Educators Rising Conference in Orlando, Florida. Representing their schools, their district, and their passion for teaching, these students brought home multiple top awards and unforgettable experiences that will shape their future careers in education.

The students, all members of Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) and Educators Rising through the Hollenstein Career and Technology Center (HCTC), competed in five events and earned national recognition for their work. Boswell High School student Destiny Corner earned a Blue Ribbon and 1st Place in the Varsity Project Visualize: Service category. 2025 Boswell graduate Amelia Stanley and 2025 Chisholm Trail graduate Molly Muldowney received Red Ribbons and 2nd Place in the Varsity Interactive Bulletin Board – Elementary category. Fellow 2025 CTHS graduate Ra’Myla Boyd earned a White Ribbon and 3rd Place in the same event.

“Competing at the Educators Rising National Conference was such an amazing experience,” Muldowney said. “Being part of TAFE and

Educators Rising through HCTC helped me step out of my comfort zone, build my confidence, and connect with others who share the same passion for education.”

The conference offered a unique opportunity for students to present their work, collaborate with peers, and gain real-world insight into the field of education.

“Being surrounded by so many passionate future educators from across the country was incredibly inspiring,” Stanley said. “HCTC helped me feel confident and capable of walking into that competition. We worked hard to bring our vision to life, and our teacher leader, Mrs. Metz, supported us every step of the way.”

The national setting brought a high level of energy and excitement, creating a memorable experience for students as they shared their passion for education.

“The energy was high, and it was inspiring to witness such dedication and creativity,” Corner said. “The comprehensive training and support I received at HCTC helped me feel prepared and confident in my abilities.”

HCTC instructor Lindsey Metz said the national conference provides invaluable growth opportunities for students both personally and professionally.

“Attending the Educators Rising National Conference is such an eye-opening and exciting experience for our students,” Metz said. “They get to showcase their projects on a national stage, network with like-minded peers, and learn in a professional environment. I am incredibly proud of the work they did this year, especially their professionalism, communication skills, and growth in understanding the teaching field.”

In addition to competing, students attended breakout and general sessions on topics such as social-emotional wellness, theories of learning, classroom management strategies, and using creativity and flexibility in the classroom, they also heard from 2024 National Teacher of the Year Missy Testerman.

The lessons learned and connections made will serve these future educators well as they continue to pursue their goals. Through experiences like this, EMS ISD students are not only dreaming about the future, they’re preparing to lead it.

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!