MISD Celebrates Students and Staff
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).