Rooted in Community. Powered by Opportunity: 2026 Prize Patrol Recap

The Lago Vista ISD Education Foundation Prize Patrol was back on campus this month, bringing surprises, smiles, and more than $18,000 in classroom grants to educators across Lago Vista ISD!

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Education Foundation board members visited the high school, middle school, and intermediate school to personally surprise six teachers whose innovative grant proposals were selected for funding. From hands-on science tools to expanded technology access and classroom libraries, each project was designed to create meaningful learning experiences for LVISD students.

These grants are made possible through the generosity of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters. Every dollar raised helps bring creative ideas to life in classrooms across the district.

2026 Prize Patrol Grant Recipients

Lago Vista Intermediate School

Joann Grace – Mobile Science Cart
This grant will fund a mobile science cart designed to transform fifth-grade classrooms into functional lab environments. Because the intermediate school does not currently have a dedicated science lab, students will now have greater access to daily investigative science experiences directly in their classrooms.

Lago Vista Middle School

Lisa Whitted – Industrial Sewing Machine

Students in Theater Performance and Technical Theater classes will benefit from a new sewing machine to support costume design and larger-scale student projects. This equipment will help students continue developing hands-on technical theater skills while expanding the program’s creative capabilities.

Rusty Maynard – Mobile Chromebook Lab
Funding was awarded for a mobile Chromebook lab to replace outdated iPads that are no longer supported or updated by Apple. The upgraded technology will provide students with improved access to digital learning tools and classroom resources.

Angela Drake – Science Force & Motion Kits
Middle school science students will receive Carolina Force and Motion Kits with support stands that allow them to actively investigate concepts such as Newton’s Laws of Motion, acceleration, velocity, force, and friction through hands-on experimentation.

Lago Vista High School

Robyn Statham – UIL Academic Camp Scholarships
The high school UIL math program received scholarship funding to support students and teachers attending a week-long summer academic camp. Participants will work with former state medalists and contest directors in UIL math, number sense, calculator, and science competitions.

Cassandra Hagler – Contemporary Nonfiction Classroom Library
Funding was awarded for a classroom library featuring 40 contemporary nonfiction books representing eight high-interest titles. The collection will be housed in a bookcase built by the LVHS workshop program. Because LVHS does not currently have a school library, this project will expand student access to contemporary memoirs and nonfiction while encouraging broader perspectives and critical thinking skills that prepare students for life beyond graduation.

Rooted in Community. Powered by Opportunity.

Since its founding, the Lago Vista ISD Education Foundation has awarded more than $200,000 in classroom grants and educational initiatives that fall outside the district’s standard operating budget. These projects are funded entirely through community support and are focused exclusively on enriching student learning experiences across LVISD.

Prize Patrol is one of the Foundation’s favorite traditions because it gives the community a chance to see its impact in real time. Every fundraiser attended, sponsorship given, volunteer hour served, and donation made helps create new opportunities for students and teachers throughout the district.

Whether it’s funding hands-on science exploration, supporting academic competition teams, improving classroom technology, or expanding access to books and learning resources, every contribution helps strengthen educational opportunities for Lago Vista students.

Want to help power the next round of classroom innovation? Consider supporting the Education Foundation with your donation and help us continue building opportunities for students across our community.