Maverick Monthly: May 2026
Welcome from Superintendent Jeremy Williams
At each of our campuses, we saw the culmination of the year's efforts in the various campus walks and graduations. At Siebert, we watched Kindergarteners hug their teachers and scan the crowd for their parents as they make their way across the stage. Later, we watched 5th graders, now much more sure of themselves, walk across that same stage with pride. At Middle School, students were given honors by their teachers for their hard work at the Awards Ceremony, and 8th Graders waved goodbye to their Middle School friends and teachers one last time. Then, at the High School Graduation Ceremony, our Seniors' years of hard work were recognized.
As the Seniors walk before their parents and peers to receive their diploma, I reflect on how much these students have grown and how much they have learned. Some have been here since Pre-K, while others found their way to Eastland ISD later in their educational journey. No matter when they arrived, it's always amazing to see how far each of them have come. I feel blessed to have been there for the process, and I know our staff feels the same way. As educators, it is a special privilege to be there for these formative stages of our students' lives, and we are honored for our part in preparing them for whatever path they choose to take next.
To the Class of 2026, allow me to speak for all of Eastland ISD when I say "Congratulations!" We are all proud of your efforts, of every moment you persevered and overcame obstacles, and of every triumph. We pray that you continue to embody the Maverick spirit, no matter where life takes you. You have left your mark on Eastland, and through your lifetime, you will only continue to grow your legacy. Keep striving for greatness each day, and never stop learning.
To our families, returning students, and staff: I hope that each and every one of you have a restful and fulfilling summer break. Use this time to continue building memories you will cherish for a lifetime. Have fun, rest, and recharge. We are already looking forward to your return next semester!
Have a great summer!
Jeremy Williams
Superintendent
Eastland ISD
3rd Grade Students Lead the Pledge at May School Board Meeting!
At the School Board meeting on May 18th, Eleanor, Isabella, Ember, and Max were selected by 3rd Grade teachers to represent Siebert Elementary and lead the pledge!
These students represent some of the top students of the 3rd Grade class, based off of grades, as well as their character!
Congratulations to our 3rd Grade students of the month!
EMS March Students of the Month!
At the School Board meeting on May 18th, Rylee Thomason and Jesse Ramirez were named as Students of the Month for April!
Rylee Thomason is a student athlete competing in all four middle school sports, as well as being a member of the Eastland Middle School Band. Her teachers say that she is very respectful, very energetic, and has a positive attitude. Her favorite teacher is Mr. Perry, and her favorite subject is math. When she graduates High School, she would like to go to the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services to become a Mortician.
Jesse Ramirez is a very thoughtful, mature student. He takes his time in his work and answers questions thoroughly. His teachers appreciate his attention to detail, as well as his focus and critical thinking skills. His favorite teacher is Mr. Perry, and his favorite subject is history. When he graduates High School, Jesse would like to go to Texas A&M University to become a Game Warden.
Congratulations to both of these outstanding students!
EHS March Students of the Month!
At the School Board meeting on May 18th, Alexis Ojeda and Landon Riffle were named as Students of the Month for April!
Alexis Ojeda has been a member of the Beta Club for all three years, a member of the Lady Mavs Softball Team for all four years and played for Varsity this year, participated in Ag Advocacy her freshman year, and has been in the Ag Mech program for three years. She is known for always having a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She plans to attend Weatherford College to pursue a degree in Radiology. Her favorite teachers are Mr. Michael Rainey and Mrs. Pennington.
Mrs. Pennington noted that "Alexis is a Treasure of a student, radiating kindness, compassion, and respect, showing an unwavering determination that makes her a truly exceptional student. She will be missed next year!" Mrs. Pennington went on to give some words of encouragement: "
Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. If you don’t, no one will. Don’t allow yourself to be a follower, be the leader. Keep your Faith. Never forget where you came from."
Landon Riffle has been a member of the FFA Public Relations team his senior year, and was a theater tech for One-Act Play his junior year. Outside of school, Landon played soccer for five years. He is noted as being a driven, adaptable student who inspires others around him. He plans to attend Ranger College to get an Associate's Degree. After that, he plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington to pursue an Aeronautics Engineering Degree. His favorite teacher is Ms. Flory.
"Landon is an absolute joy to be around and has a heart of gold," Ms. Flory said. "When I met him last year, I knew I wanted him to be a part of my teams. This year, I suggested he join my Public Relations team. While he was unsure at first about having to memorize an 8-minute speaking event, he did it with ease and impressed all of us. Landon is a motivator and I'm sad I was only able to know him for a few short years. I have no doubt in my mind he will accomplish many great things in his next endeavors. I am proud to have been his teacher."
Congratulations to both of these outstanding students!
Class of 2026: Valedictorian and Salutatorian!
At the School Board meeting on May 18th, Jessica King was introduced to the School Board as the Salutatorian for the Class of 2026, and Antonio Alaniz Alegria was introduced to the School Board as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2026!
Congratulations, and good luck in your future endeavors!
At the School Board meeting on May 18th, Victoria Cunningham was selected as Teacher of the Month, and Bill Moore was selected as Employee of the Month! Congratulations!
Mrs. Cunningham teaches science at Eastland Middle School, as well as being the Cheerleading coach for EMS. She is one of the three highest performing teachers at the middle school, and is a TIA qualified teacher. She is unafraid of facing challenging tasks. For her outstanding work as a teacher, and for her dedication to making Eastland Middle School even better, she was named as Teacher of the Month!
Mr. Bill Moore is the Director of Technology at Eastland ISD. He goes above and beyond every day to make sure that all of the technology needs across all three campuses are met, from networking to devices, as well as handling security systems necessary for maintaining safety. This year, on top of those duties, Mr. Moore took on an exceptionally daunting task of adding additional security systems to the campuses. This meant long days, late nights, and repeated testing of systems, all to ensure that our students and staff have the best security possible. For his dedication to providing EISD students and staff a safe place to learn with minimal technological issues, Mr. Bill Moore was named as Employee of the Month!
Congratulations to both of these outstanding members of EISD staff on your well earned award!
2025-2026 Athletic Banquet
The head coach for each sport discussed the outcomes of the year and plans moving into the future before presenting each student with a certificate. Students posed for pictures before shaking hands with their coaches and then standing together for a group photo. Head coaches also presented additional awards to students for outstanding performance, leadership, and Maverick Spirit. Cheer Coach Alaina Thompson also presented the EHS Cheerleaders and praised them for a great year.
Photos from the event can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YFz1JfK69S9bBrWw6
2025-2026 Band Banquet
Dr. Knott gave a heartfelt speech to the band before distributing awards to students. The banquet ended with the reveal of the theme for next year's marching season performance.
Photos of the event can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rPkrdjU7afrpqtVb8
2025-2026 Academic Banquet
On May 11th, Eastland High School students gathered to celebrate a highly successful year!
Students were awarded Silver or Gold Team honors based on their grades. To be awarded Silver Team honors, a student's grades must be 87 or above across all courses. To be awarded Gold Team honors, a student's grades must be 93 or above across all courses.
Congratulations to all of our students who received honors!
More photos from the event can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ACwHvStwNg83aRdR9
2025-2026 FFA Banquet
The banquet celebrated a year full of hard work and victories. Students were recognized for their activities throughout the year. The FFA Officers for the 2026-2027 semester were introduced and took their places. Seniors were honored for their years of dedication.
Photos and video from the event can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/38ESQ3HMk2QoFGPt6
Photos from Field Days can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YfZcDXppNw7iLdFLA
EMS Awards Ceremony!
Students were presented honors for their conduct, participation in class, character, and their academic performance, as well as being recognized for their participation in UIL Academic events.
Congratulations to all of our students on your achievements and recognition!
Photos from the event can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/bzmNdYzBL75b14eD6
EHS Scholarship Ceremony
On May 13th, Eastland High School held their Scholarship Ceremony. At this event, seniors are presented with the scholarships they were awarded.
2026 Special Recognition
Tarleton Trio: Bandy Johnson, Jessica King, Ben Ware, Cameron Wilson
Bandy Johnson–$25,000 West Virginia Track & Field Scholarship
Jessica King–Tarleton State University $18,000 Presidential Honors Program Scholarship Spirit of Tarleton Scholarship, Honors Degree Program Scholarship
Antonio Alaniz Alegria- Texas A&M $11,000 Regent’s Scholarship Texas Grant
2026 Military Commitments
Juan Hernandez - Army
Nathan Salinas - Army
Jayden Ramsey - Airforce
Evelyn Williams - Airforce
2026 EHS Scholarships
Farmers & Merchants Bank $2,000
Presenter: Trey Haggard & Shauna Schiermeyer
Recipient: Senior Class
Aaron Bowles Memorial Scholarship $850
Presenter: Melissa Wilson
Recipient: Kye Herrington
Association of Texas Professional Educators Scholarship $500
Presenter: Angela Cumba
Recipient: Jessica King
Ben R. Little Memorial Scholarship $1,000
Presenter: Melissa Wilson
Recipient: Jessica King
Cheri Smith Memorial Scholarship $1,000
Presenter: Angela Cumba
Recipient: Jessica King
Dana Sadler Mills Memorial Scholarship $500
Presenter: Melissa Wilson
Recipient: Kye Herrington
Eastland Ag Boosters Scholarship $500
Presenter: Candi Kanady
Recipient: Kye Herrington
Eastland Athletic Booster Club, $2,500
Presenter: Bryan Wilson
Recipients: Kye Herrington & Miguel Hernandez
Eastland Civic League & Garden Club Scholarship $1,000
Presenter: Traci Hernandez
Recipient: Allison Herrera & Vanesa Herrera-Rojas
The Doss Legacy Scholarship:
A Texas Bank Community Award $1,000
Presenter: Hilda Thiem
Recipients: Kye Herrington, Jessica King, Landon Riffle
Tracy Maynard Memorial Scholarship $500
Presenter: Nakita McBride
Recipient: Jessica King
Kenneth Chapman Memorial Scholarship $500
Presenter: Jon Glenn
Recipient: Landon Riffle
Travis Hilliard Memorial Scholarship $500
Presenter: Melissa Wilson
Recipient: Vanesa Herrera-Rojas
Wendell T. Siebert Scholarship $1,000
Presenter: Angela Cumba
Recipient: Jessica King
Earl C. Bradley Jr. Memorial Scholarships $2,000
Presenter: E. T. Bradley
Recipients: Antonio Alaniz Alegria, Jessica King,
Kye Herrington, Alexis Ojeda, Miguel Hernandez,
Vanesa Herrera-Rojas, Alex Murdock,
Tristen Rojas, Audrina Williams
Cook Canyon Ranch Scholarship $20,000
Presenter: Marc Bartoskewitz
Recipient: Antonio Alaniz Alegria
Eastland County Retired Teachers Association $500
Presenter: Angela Cumba
Recipient: Greenly Johnson
Eastland FCCLA Outstanding Member $500
Presenter: Melissa Wilson
Recipients: Antonio Alaniz Alegria & Allison Herrera
Eastland High School FFA Scholarship
Presenter: Laurah Williams
Recipients: $1,000 Kye Herrington
$750 Antonio Alaniz Alegria $250 Audrina Williams
Eastland Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship $750
Presenter: Rick Wende
Recipients: Vanesa Herrera-Rojas
Firefighter Greg Simmons Band Scholarship $500
Presenter: Rick Wende
Recipients: Tristen Rojas
First Financial Bank Future Leader of America Scholarship $500
Presenter: Candi Kanady
Recipient: Tavyn Huffman
KATX Radio Scholarship $250
Presenter: Terry Slavens
Recipients: Kye Herrington, Greenly Johnson, Alexis Ojeda,
Rileigh Whitlock
James T. Wright Memorial Scholarship
Presenter: Julie Elrod & Leaha Flowers
Recipients: $500 Antonio Alaniz Alegria, Miguel Hernandez,
Vanesa Herrera-Rojas, Bandy Johnson, Alexis Ojeda, Ben Ware
Evelyn Williams, Cameron Wilson,
$250 Kevin Beasley, Maci Bradford, Kye Herrington,
Tavyn Huffman, Audrina Williams
Jana Cogburn Memorial Scholarship $1,000
Presenter: Julie Elrod
Recipient: Vanesa Herrera-Rojas
Jeannie Plowman Memorial Scholarship $800
Presenter: Angela Cumba
Recipients: Allison Herrera, Vanesa Herrera-Rojas
Kase Kirkland Memorial Scholarship $500
Presenter: Brent Kirkland
Recipients: Miguel Hernandez & Rileigh Whitlock
Kayde Breann Hallmark Memorial Scholarship $1,000
Presenter: Angela Cumba
Recipient: Rileigh Whitlock
Kennedy Financial Services Servant Heart Scholarship $1,000
Presenter: Melissa Wilson
Recipient: Antonio Alaniz Alegria
Lora Schafer Memorial Scholarship $500
Presenter: Angela Cumba
Recipient: Allison Herrera
Mirabeau B Lamar Award $1,000
Keith Watkins Memorial Masonic Lodge #467 Scholarship
Order of the Eastern Star #280 Scholarship $1,000
Presenter: Jo Williamson
Masonic Lodge #467 Recipient: Miguel Hernandez
Order of the Eastern Star #280 Recipient: Emily Alexander
Thank you to all who came out to support our students, as well as to generous individuals, organizations, and members of our community who presented these scholarships to our students. Congratulations to our seniors on your scholarships, we look forward to your continued growth as you move into the next phase of your life!
Photos from the EHS Scholarship Ceremony can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/iU1KGzpctnGoCVDc9
Class of 2026: Senior Breakfast and Baccalaureate
On May 15th, Seniors were invited to a breakfast at the First Methodist Church. Students had a wonderful meal and members of the church prayed over the students for guidance as they begin to move into the next stage of their lives.
On May 17th, students donned their graduation robes and caps and attended Baccalaureate at First Baptist Church. A motivational message was given to the students, and a prayer was offered up for their protection and guidance.
More photos and video from these events can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vtqA8Tqf9qDK8cbN8
Kindergarten & 5th Grade Graduation!
On May 20th, Siebert held the Graduation Ceremony for Kindergarten. Students began the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance before singing for their parents as a class. Students were then presented awards for perfect attendance before each student crossed the stage to take their diploma.
Photos from the Kindergarten Graduation can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/H71R8Z6d3AbrLcVp9
On May 21st, Siebert held the 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony. After saying the Pledge, students were honored for their attendance and academic achievements, including a Presidential award. Students then took the stage to claim their 5th Grade diploma!
Photos from the 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/UzHnsQHzRVx3fw2QA
Senior & 5th Grade Walk Siebert!
Before school began on May 21st, the Class of 2026 and the graduating 5th grade class walked the halls of Siebert Elementary one last time, cheered on by parents, friends, and Siebert students. After the event, seniors returned to the high school for their last day of school, and 5th grade students made their way to the cafeteria for their graduation ceremony.
Photos and videos of the event can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rh3CwbqrY9kQLjbr8
8th Grade Final Walkthrough!
At the end of the school day on May 21st, 8th Grade students gathered and walked through the halls of the middle school, waving goodbye to teachers and peers. After the walkthrough, students gathered for a group photo before leaving the middle school behind, ready to return next year as Freshman.
Photos from the final walkthrough can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/BPpS8HjLALmP7TFt9
Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony!
On May 22nd, Eastland High School held the Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026! Seniors gathered, prepared themselves, then made their way onto the floor of the 64 Gym as the High School Band played entrance music. After being honored for their achievements throughout their educational career, students received their well-earned diplomas.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! We pray for your continued growth and success, and know that each and every one of you will achieve great things!
Photos from the Graduation Ceremony can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eGKNhypbzVabHuAE8
EISD Calendar, 2026-2027!
Have a great summer break!
School resumes on August 12th, 2026!