Montague ISD recently celebrated the achievements and accomplishments of its junior high students during the district’s annual Awards Banquet. The evening highlighted academic excellence, leadership, character, and the many talents of students. Students played an active role in the event by helping set up, dressing nice, practicing proper dining etiquette, and delivering speeches throughout the evening, giving them valuable real-world experiences in leadership and public speaking. Following the banquet, students enjoyed the annual end-of-year dance as a celebration of a successful school year.
One of the most special moments of the evening was the induction of former Montague ISD educator Mrs. Claudette Gray into the Montague ISD Wall of Honor. Mrs. Gray’s remarkable career in education spans more than four decades. After graduating from Commerce High School in 1961, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from East Texas State University in 1971 and later her Master of Education from Texas Woman’s University in 1996. She also earned certifications in elementary education, early childhood education, and mid-management administration. Mrs. Gray dedicated 20 years of service to Montague ISD, teaching first, second, and kindergarten students from 1971 to 1986 before returning years later to finish her career at MISD from 2016 to 2021 as a junior high English Language Arts teacher. Throughout her career, she built confidence in students, created a sense of belonging, and made every child feel valued. In addition to her classroom impact, Mrs. Gray served in numerous leadership roles, including 11 years as a principal, and consistently stepped in wherever she was needed. Her excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including Montague ISD Teacher of the Year in 2021, Bowie Primary Teacher of the Year, recognition in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and leadership within the Delta Kappa Gamma Honor Society.
The banquet also recognized this year’s Montague ISD Teachers of the Year. Amanda Rhoades, pre-kindergarten teacher, was honored as Elementary Teacher of the Year, while dyslexia teacher Lila Keck was honored as Secondary Teacher of the Year. Students were also recognized for outstanding academic achievements, including 8th grade Valedictorian Brazos Jones and Salutatorian Levi Newland. Numerous other students were honored throughout the evening for their hard work, leadership, academic accomplishments, and contributions to Montague ISD.
The annual banquet continues to be a treasured tradition at Montague ISD, celebrating the school’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, leadership, and the lasting impact of Eagle Magic (manners, ambition, grit, integrity, confidence).
Montague ISD has officially announced the top academic honorees for the 8th Grade Class of 2026.
Earning the distinction of Valedictorian is Brazos Jones, son of Brad and Polly Jones of Bowie. Brazos has demonstrated exceptional academic performance and commitment, securing the highest rank in his class. He will continue his education at Bowie High School this fall.
Named Salutatorian is Levi Newland, son of William and Christina Newland of Nocona. Levi’s strong academic record and hard work have earned him the second-highest honor in the class. He plans to attend Nocona High School.
Montague ISD congratulates both students on their accomplishments and looks forward to their continued success in high school and beyond.
The Montague 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony will be held on May 21 at 6:00 PM. Family, friends, and community members are invited to attend and celebrate the Class of 2026.
Today, Montague ISD proudly celebrates something truly special—the heart of our school: educators who shape futures, inspire curiosity, and quietly change lives every single day.
This year, two educators stand out not just for what they do, but for how they do it.
Elementary Teacher of the Year is pre-kindergarten teacher Amanda Rhoades who has spent nearly two decades—19 years—serving students right here in Montague. She pours her heart into her students and is known for her kindness, compassion, and willingness to help anyone at any time. A lifelong learner, she leads by example, and her excellence has been recognized before, including being named Teacher of the Year in 2014–2015. As a TIA-designated teacher, she reflects the powerful impact a dedicated educator can make in the classroom every single day.
Secondary Teacher of the Year is dyslexia teacher and coordinator Lila Keck who brings 26 years of experience in education, with 13 of those years dedicated to Montague ISD. She is also a TIA-designated teacher and a former Teacher of the Year, recognized in 2018–2019. What truly sets her apart is her ability to build strong, meaningful relationships with her students. Her compassion creates a classroom environment where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to succeed.
These two remarkable educators represent the very best of Montague ISD. They embody commitment, care, and the belief that every student matters.
The Montague Eagles and Lady Eagles closed out their season in dominant fashion at the district track meet held at Forestburg High School, highlighted by a district championship performance from the Eagles, who totaled an impressive 153 points to secure 1st place overall.
The Montague boys delivered outstanding performances across the board, combining speed, strength, and depth to bring home the team title.
Leading the way was Cason Harris, who earned two district championships, winning the long jump (16’7.25”) and the 110m hurdles (20.06). Harris also added a 2nd-place finish in the 300m hurdles (49.17), contributing valuable points to the team total.
Caiden Young had a phenomenal meet, claiming 1st in the 100m dash (12.91), 2nd in the 200m (26.02), 2nd in long jump (16’2.75”), and 5th in discus (69’3”).
Distance standout Levi Newland continued his dominant season, winning both the 2400m (8:34.67) and 1600m (5:24.37). He also set a new personal record and school record in the 800m (2:22.68) to finish 2nd, and added another PR and school record in the triple jump (33’5”), also finishing 2nd.
In the throwing events, Brazos Jones delivered a standout performance, earning district titles in both discus (101’10”)—a new PR and school record—and shot put (37’9”). He also placed 4th in the 100m (14.34) and 5th in the 200m (29.44).
Aiden Chavez added to the Eagles’ success with a 2nd-place finish in shot put (30’6.5”), along with 6th in discus (68’5”) and 6th in the 800m (2:43.86). Teammate Hayden Hennessy placed 6th in shot put (26’4”).
The Eagles’ relay teams also made their mark. The 4x100m relay team—Cutter Garrett, Cason Harris, Brazos Jones, and Caiden Young—broke their own school record with a time of 51.24.
The 4x200m relay team—Alex Chavez, Jerry Bonilla, Aiden Chavez, and Colt Garrett—placed 5th overall (2:11.43).
The Montague Lady Eagles wrapped up their season with a 4th-place team finish, scoring 97 total points and delivering several standout individual performances.
Distance star Sage Keck capped off an incredible season with three district titles, winning the 2400m (8:33.49), 800m (2:33.36), and the 1600m (5:27.96), where she set a new personal record and school record.
Kenzi McEwen also had a strong meet, placing 2nd in the 2400m (10:23.48) and 2nd in the 1600m (6:40.87), setting a new personal record in the 1600m.
Sprinter Jalena Rodriguez delivered a standout performance, winning the 200m (30.36) with a new PR, and the 400m (1:08.21), where she set a new PR and school record. She also added a 2nd-place finish in the 100m (14.76).
In the hurdles, Joanna Parr placed 4th in the 100m hurdles (22.23) and 5th in the 300m hurdles (1:04.91).
Field event contributors included Cayde Harris, who placed 4th in discus (55’2”) and 6th in shot put (24’8.5”), and Madison Fomby, who earned 5th in shot put (25’7”) and 5th in the 100m (16.26).
The Lady Eagles’ 4x100m relay team—Kynzlea Rios, Madison Fomby, Cayde Harris, and Kenzi McEwen—placed 4th overall with a time of 1:02.19.
