Once upon a time, in a land known as Mount Pleasant ISD, some very kind folks set out on a quest to create a magical day for some very special Tigers. Thursday, October 30 was already “Fairytale Day” across MPISD and the Mt. Pleasant ISD Foundation made 60 staff members dreams come true as they handed out grants at seven campuses.
“The MPISD Education Foundation has funded 60 grant applications this fall, totaling $74,959.54,” said Executive Director, Mariela Crockett. “This marks a record-breaking season, with more grants being awarded in one cycle than ever before. Since its inception in 2014, the Foundation is now approaching a significant milestone—nearly $800,000 in total funds awarded to support educational initiatives across the district. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of MPISD staff, teachers, and the broader Mount Pleasant community.”
Fall 2025 grant recipients and their funded projects are:
Annie Sims Elementary ($5,735.76): Kelly Silman, Lori McBride, Maria Gonzalez, Raechel Fulcher, Marisa Banda, Crissie Blackstone—laptops
E.C. Brice Elementary ($10,484.29): Jaycee Eubanks and Amber Ring—Smart Boards; Kayla Molina, Sonia Garcia, and Ruth Sustaita—dry-erase tables; Claudia Hernandez—Science materials and Harlie Mcbride—items to create imagination stations.
Frances Corprew Elementary School ($6,067.52): Jamie King and Bianca Mercado—Smart Boards; Amanda Phillips—supplies to create escape room activities and Rica Garcia—Bretford Cube Transport cart and educational area rug.
Vivian Fowler Elementary School ($5,652.95): Manuela Ramirez-Sarabia—dry-erase tables; Patsie Desantiago—materials for fine/gross motor & vocabulary skills and books; Christi Moss, Patty Moreno, Cendy Zuniga, Shanina Sheridan—flexible seating and Edith Moreno—LEGO education science kits.
Wallace Middle School ($17,840.51): Linda Traughber—instant camera; Magdalena Martinez—smart board; Matthew Armstrong—flexible seating; Nathan Rider—multiple material unit for 3D printer; Elda Hernandez—laptop chargers, extension cord, cable management; Jason Barfield—laptop chargers, flexible seating, standing desk; Mikala Zuniga—laptop chargers, power strip, cable mgmt. box; Dana Armstrong—flexible seating, standing desks; Diane Swiger—wireless dual-channel microphones for theater; Sonia Ibanez—computer headphones, podium desk; Summer Henigan—standing desks, flexible seating, digital timer, puzzles, posters; Tara Flores—drone maker kit; Emilee Traughber—computer hardware to teach students how to build a pc from scratch; Paige Baber—headphones; Jared Elliott—water transport equipment; Stefen Harmon—iPads, cases, screen protectors and Larry Lashley— euphonium.
Mt. Pleasant Junior High ($17,229.98): Tonya Schultz—noise cancelling headphones and flexible seating; Tina Terrell—portable charging tower; Marissa Marr—magnetic white board, flexible seating, fidget puzzles; Chris Richard—trumpets; Karen Luckett—flutes; Peyton Mcclendon—wall mirrors and indoor fans for colorguard facility; Will Hallonquist—football helmets; Brenda Padin, Karina Cruz, Jennifer Rivera—iPads and cases and Ernestina Amador, Margo Salnave—smart boards.
Mount Pleasant High School-Texas ($11,948.53): Raquel Yanez—360 photo booth; Joey Cluley—footballs; Brian Bass—music stands; Theodus Luckett III—contact microphones for chromatic tuners; Marty Newman—sound system for colorguard; Agustin Garcia—clarinets and Celina Burris—games, indoor tennis nets, tennis balls and rackets for PE.
“A particularly successful fundraising year, highlighted by a sold-out Crawfish Boil fundraiser in March, has enabled the Foundation to expand its impact and reach more students than ever before,” said Crockett. “The MPISD Education Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to all who have contributed to this success. Your continued support plays a vital role in enhancing educational opportunities for students throughout the district.”
Anyone interested in getting involved with the MPISD Foundation should contact Crockett at 903-575-2000.
