2025 Educator Grants: Bringing Ideas to Life in Lago Vista Classrooms

Meeting Students Where They Are

Helen Wilson, Lago Vista Middle School (Life Skills / Special Education, grades 6–8)

This grant funded a range of flexible seating options, including wobble stools, balance ball chairs, saucer chairs, and sensory cushions. These tools allow students to choose seating that supports their individual sensory and mobility needs. By giving students more control over how they sit and learn, the classroom becomes more engaging, reduces behavioral barriers, and encourages greater participation and independence.

Angle Lofton, Lago Vista Elementary School (Special Education, K–3)

Funding was used to purchase specialized semi-private workstations designed to minimize distractions and create structured learning environments. These workstations give students a dedicated space to focus, making it easier for teachers to provide individualized instruction and helping students build confidence and consistency in their learning routines.

Kalie Byrd, Lago Vista Elementary School (Behavior Support, K–3)

This grant supports a professional certification program in behavior coaching. The funding allows for extensive training hours focused on behavior management strategies, equipping staff with tools to better support students both academically and socially. The impact extends beyond a single classroom, strengthening how behavior support is implemented across the school.

Expanding Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Elizabeth Janson, Lago Vista High School (Culinary Arts / BBQ Program)

This grant funded essential equipment, including a generator and tool storage, to support the expansion of the school’s competitive BBQ program. With these resources, the program can now support a second student team, increasing access and participation. Students gain hands-on experience in cooking, teamwork, and competition, while also building skills that translate directly into career pathways in culinary arts and hospitality.

Investing in Creativity and the Arts

Benjamin Russell, Lago Vista High School & Middle School (Band / Percussion)

Funding was used to purchase a professional-grade vibraphone for the high school band program. This instrument expands performance capabilities across multiple ensembles, including marching band, jazz band, and symphonic performances. At the same time, the existing instrument will be relocated to the middle school, allowing younger students to begin learning and developing percussion skills earlier.

Building the Classrooms of Tomorrow

Jerrod Ackley, Lago Vista High School (Geography / Social Studies)

This grant funded an interactive ViewBoard and mobile mounting system, transforming the classroom into a more dynamic, technology-driven learning environment. The system allows for multimedia instruction, real-time collaboration, and seamless integration with student devices. Lessons become more interactive and engaging, helping students connect with material in a more meaningful way while preparing them for a digitally connected world.

A Community Impact

Each of these grants reflects a shared commitment to student success across Lago Vista ISD. Together, they:

• Support diverse learning needs

• Expand career and technical education opportunities

• Strengthen arts and extracurricular programs

• Equip classrooms with modern tools

• Invest in both students and educators

This is what happens when a community shows up for its schools.

Be Part of the Impact

When you support the Lago Vista ISD Education Foundation, you help turn ideas into reality for classrooms across the district. Every gift fuels the next opportunity, the next innovation, and the next success story.

Support local classrooms. Get involved. Help us continue building opportunities for every student.