The Plano ISD Board of Trustees proudly recognized an inspiring group of students and staff members during its regularly scheduled board meeting in May 2025. The evening began with a special honor as award-winning Audio Visual (A/V) students from Plano West Senior High School led attendees in the Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags. These students recently earned the UIL Film Festival 6A State Championship, a significant achievement that showcases their creativity, technical skills and excellence in digital storytelling.
Following the pledges, Board President Nancy Humphrey welcomed attendees and introduced Dr. Selenda Freeman, Deputy Superintendent for Leadership & Operations, to begin the evening's recognitions. Dr. Freeman then invited Plano ISD Council of PTAs President Jeri Duncan to the podium to recognize Sean Jennings, a third grade student from Stinson Elementary.
Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra, Sean Jennings and Plano ISD Council of PTAs President Jeri Duncan
Sean received the Overall Award of Excellence at both the Plano ISD Council of PTAs level and the Texas PTA state level in the Intermediate Literature category for his original poetry piece, “My Secret Superpower.” This heartfelt and creative work elevated him to the top in a competitive pool of student authors. Sean was presented with a certificate of recognition from Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra, followed by a commemorative photo with district leaders.
The evening continued with several student recognitions led by Lisa Wilson, Deputy Superintendent for Teaching, Learning & Life Readiness. Ms. Wilson welcomed Elaine Anaya, Coordinator for Career and Technical Education (CTE), who introduced Landon Price, an 11th grade student from Plano East Senior High School. Landon achieved 10th place and earned a $13,500 prize for his prize steer project at the prestigious Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
Next, Trey O’Bar, CTE Coordinator, returned to the podium to introduce the Plano West A/V students, who had earlier led the pledges. These students were honored again for their first-place finish at the 2025 UIL Young Filmmakers Festival, where they competed in the 6A Division and took home the state championship for their outstanding short film production. They were awarded certificates and recognized for their professionalism, collaboration and artistic expression.
Plano West AV Production Team with Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra
The Board then shifted to staff recognitions. Dr. Freeman returned to introduce Zoheb Hassanali, Assistant Director for Communications, who recognized Plano ISD’s School Public Relations Liaisons in celebration of National School Communicators Day on May 9. These campus-based liaisons serve as vital connectors between schools and the community by helping share stories of student success and facilitating timely, effective communication. A tribute video highlighted their impact and representatives were presented with certificates to honor their contributions.
Board Vice President Dr. Lauren Tyra with members of the Plano ISD School PR Liaison Program
The next recognition was presented by Brittnea Ussery, Senior Executive Director of the Plano ISD Education Foundation. Ms. Ussery introduced the 2025 Texas Instruments (TI) STEM Award Finalists and Winners, a distinguished group of educators who demonstrate innovation and excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics instruction. Two short videos spotlighted their outstanding classroom practices before they were presented with certificates from Board Vice President Dr. Tyra, along with awards from Texas Instruments representative Harshal Chhaya.
TI Stem Innovations in Teaching Awardees at the May 6 board meeting
To close the evening, Dr. Freeman invited Dr. Joy Lovell, Executive Director for School Leadership and Innovation, to introduce Plano ISD’s newest campus and district leaders. The district formally welcomed the newly appointed principals at Aldridge Elementary, Barron Elementary and Jackson Elementary Schools. Each principal stood to be recognized by the board and audience as their names were called. Read more on this month's staff appointments here.
Noline Martin, Antreshawn Buhl, Karma Cunningham and Dr. Joy Lovell at the May 6 board meeting
