2026 Prize Patrol: six teachers, more than $16,000 in classroom grants

The Lago Vista ISD Education Foundation surprised six Lago Vista ISD educators across three campuses. The Foundation awarded more than $16,000 in classroom grants supporting STEM, literature, technology, and fine arts initiatives.

Prize Patrol was back in classrooms this past May, bringing surprises, smiles, and more than $16,000 in 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 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 Education Foundation Teacher Grant Recipients

Joann Grace – Mobile Science Carts

Lago Vista Intermediate School

Currently, fifth-grade teachers spend a significant amount of time gathering materials from various locations to set up science labs for students. This is because Lago Vista Intermediate School doesn't have a dedicated science lab. This grant will fund three mobile science carts, stocked with reusable lab equipment, designed to transform fifth-grade classrooms into functional lab environments. Students will now have greater access to daily science experiences, and teachers can spend more time in the classroom.

Lisa Whitted – Costume Design and Construction Studio

Lago Vista Middle School

Students in Theater Performance and Technical Theater classes will benefit from two new, heavy-duty sewing machines, a serger, an iron and ironing board, and a standing steamer. This grant will give students the opportunity to learn how to design and construct costumes, effectively maintain a sewing machine, and contribute to physical projects that may be used in future UIL Theatrical Design Competitions.

Rusty Maynard – Mobile Chromebook Lab

Lago Vista Middle School

Lago Vista Middle Schoolers will receive 30 new Chromebooks that will be used for research, data analysis, and projects relying on digital collaboration. This new technology will replace outdated iPads that are unable to be updated and are largely incompatible with current educational applications. The Chromebook lab will be available for teachers to check out, rotated among different classes, allowing hundreds of students to benefit from the modern technology.

Angela Drake – Investigating Force and Motion Through Hands-On Physics Labs

Lago Vista Middle School

The Lago Vista Middle School science department just got an upgrade with the addition of two Carolina Force and Motion Kits and six support stands with rings. After results from the previous year's State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) indicated that force and motion was one of the lowest-performing subject areas for Lago Vista students, science teacher Angela Drake decided to introduce a new way of learning. This equipment will allow students to conduct hands-on investigations on concepts like Newton's laws of motion, acceleration, and more.

Robyn Statham – Summer Prime Math Camp 2026

Lago Vista High School

This summer, Lago Vista High School students who compete in UIL Math, Number Sense, Calculator, or Science will be encouraged to attend the Second Annual Cedar Ridge High School Mu Alpha Theta Summer Prime Math Camp. This experience will benefit students both in competition and in the classroom. The grant will fund the full amount for one teacher and at least five students, giving them the opportunity to learn from former UIL state medalists and contest directors.

Cassandra Hagler – The Senior Bridge: A Legacy Library for Life Beyond LVISD

Lago Vista High School

Funding was awarded for an English IV classroom library featuring eight high-interest contemporary nonfiction titles. In addition to the books, the grant will cover fees needed to build the necessary shelving, which will be constructed by the LVHS Woodwork class. 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.

Community-Led, Community-Funded

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, sponsorship, and donation helps create new opportunities for students and teachers throughout the district.

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.