News & Media

Crandall ISD proudly celebrates the Top 10 graduates of Crandall High School’s Class of 2025. These exceptional seniors have excelled academically and demonstrated leadership, dedication, and school spirit throughout their high school years. We are excited to highlight their future plans and fields of study as they embark on the next chapter of their educational journey.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 Top 10:

1. Shelton Gibbs V – Valedictorian
   College: Abilene Christian University
   Major: Finance

2. Samuel Mitchell – Salutatorian
   College: Texas A&M University
   Major: Political Science

3. Jonathan Zelkovich
   College: Missouri University of Science and Technology
   Major: Biomedical Engineering

4. Luke Abraham
   College: Abilene Christian University
   Major: Finance

5. Pearl Uguru
   College: University of Texas at Austin
   Major: Neuroscience

6. Chiazotam Nnadozie
   College: University of Houston
   Major: Biochemistry

7. Peyton Bryant
   College: Texas A&M University
   Major: Biomedical Engineering

8. Jacqueline Campos
   College: Texas State University
   Major: Nursing

9. Will Tipton
   College: Texas A&M University
   Major: Mechanical Engineering

10. Edison Umeh
    College: University of North Texas
    Major: Biology

These scholars have earned their place among Pirate Nation’s finest, and we commend their resilience, hard work, and commitment to excellence. Their legacy will continue to inspire future graduates.

Crandall ISD congratulates each of these students and their families. We look forward to all the incredible things they will accomplish!

 

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Crandall ISD Bilingual/ESL Department proudly hosted its 3rd annual Community and Heritage Event—a celebration of culture, family, and unity.

Families from around the world, including El Salvador, Honduras, Jordan, Kenya, Israel, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Nigeria, Palestine, Pakistan, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Ukraine, United States and Venezuela, came together to share delicious traditional dishes and showcase the richness of their heritage.

The event featured spectacular student performances from several CISD campuses. Crandall High School, Martin Elementary, Noble-Reed Elementary, and Walker Elementary delighted attendees with music, singing, and traditional dances, all led by their dedicated teachers. Crandall Middle School, Martin Elementary, and Opal Smith Elementary students also contributed to a beautiful cultural poster gallery, while families across the district wowed the crowd in a colorful fashion show representing traditional attire from around the world.

We were honored to welcome our community partners, whose presence and support made the event even more meaningful. Special thanks to: Carter BloodCare, Crandall Library, Crandall ISD Special Education Department, FBC Kaufman en Español, Kaufman County Comunidad Unida, Kaufman County Health Services, North Texas Behavioral Health Authority, The Center, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our local vendors who helped sponsor the event and brought extra joy to the day: Abuelito’s Panaderia-Crandall, Alejandra’s Gift Shop, Balen’s Scrap, Encanto Bounce House and Party Supplies, Heavenly Grace Bread and More, Lala’s Beauty Room, La Mexicana Design, Undugo Candles, and Zoe & Emma’s Cafe.

A special shout-out to Crandall Middle School for graciously hosting this event. We are incredibly thankful for all the families, students, and CISD staff who attended and made this day one to remember.

​Crandall Independent School District (CISD) has announced that its upcoming seventh elementary campus will be named Danny R. Baker Elementary, honoring a lifelong Pirate and dedicated community leader.​

The decision to name Elementary #7 after Danny R. Baker was shared during a recent CISD board meeting, where the district celebrated his enduring impact on the Crandall community .​

Danny R. Baker's connection to Crandall ISD spans decades. He began his educational journey in the district as a kindergartener and graduated from Crandall High School in 1967. His commitment to education continued as he served on the CISD School Board, contributing to the district's growth and success.​

The naming of the new elementary school is part of the district's expansion plans funded by the 2022 bond package. According to CISD's project proposal documents, Danny R. Baker Elementary is slated to open in the coming years, further accommodating the district's growing student population.

By dedicating Elementary #7 to Danny R. Baker, CISD honors his lifelong dedication to the district and ensures his legacy will inspire future generations of students.​

 

40 Educators Recognized for Excellence in Instruction and Student Growth

Crandall ISD is proud to announce its first-ever group of recipients for the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), a honored recognition awarded to 40 outstanding educators for the 2024–2025 school year. These teachers have demonstrated exceptional dedication to student achievement and excellence in classroom instruction.

The recipients were selected based on two key criteria from the 2023–2024 academic year: measurable student academic growth and outstanding performance on the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS). Their efforts have significantly impacted both student outcomes and the broader Crandall ISD community.

Distinguished Designations

Among the 40 honorees, six teachers earned the highest possible designation—Master—based on their exceptional impact on student learning:

• Sally Brock

• Casey Daugherty

• Victoria Hartley

• Serena Mathies

• Amalia Meza

• Bobbi Cheney

The following educators received the second-highest distinction of Exemplary:

• Sarah Blackmon

• Clarissa Gordon

• Stephanie Henderson

• Carri Honeycutt

• Yorelys Jordan Santos

• Kortne Maxwell

• Lisa Mize

• Charvin Moore

• Shanon Murchison

• Cassidy Patterson

• Maria Payton

• Ellen Proctor

• Kacey Schneider

• Cheyenne Simpson

• Jennifer Smith

• Melissa Swartz

• Debra Tanner

• Macie Taylor

• Katherine Thompson

• Jo Anne Walters

The following recipients were awarded the first-level designation of Recognized:

• Tara Conroy

• Ines Esquivel

• Gretchen Everett

• Courtnie LaFlower

• Ryann Law

• Brooke Martin

• Jessica Meeks

• Lindsey Moses

• Courtney Phelps

• Celene Resendez

• Tia Trevino

• Sofia Villarreal

• Karisa Walker

• Andrew Wendorff

Most notably, TIA recipients will receive an annual stipend of at least $3,000 for the next five years. The final award amount will depend on their individual designation level and teaching campus. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is expected to release finalized allotment amounts in the coming weeks, and Crandall ISD leadership will communicate updates as they become available.

“This is a proud moment for our district,” said Dr. Murry, Superintendent of Crandall ISD. “These educators exemplify the heart of our mission—providing every student with exceptional instruction and unwavering support. We are thrilled to honor their accomplishments and look forward to their continued success.”

Friday, April 4 — The Crandall High School UIL Speech team competed in the District 15-5A Academic Contest today, and we’re thrilled to announce that three students are advancing to Regionals.

Congratulations to:

• Shelton Gibbs – 3rd Place, Informative Speaking (coached by Ms. Bullard)

• Brianna Sowels – 1st Place, Prose Interpretation (coached by Mr. Juarez)

• Arianna Jeter – 1st Place, Poetry Interpretation (coached by Mr. Juarez)

These outstanding performers will move on to the UIL Regional Meet, set for April 25–26 at Walnut Grove High School in Prosper.

We also celebrate Ahmad Bahsoon, who placed 5th in Persuasive Speaking, showcasing strong skills and preparation under Ms. Bullard’s guidance.

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What is UIL Academics?
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) offers students across Texas the chance to compete in academic contests that develop communication, critical thinking, and performance skills. Events range from Speech and Debate to Math, Science, Journalism, Literary Criticism, and more. UIL Academics allows students to grow their confidence, explore future career interests, and connect with peers who share their passions.

At CHS, we’re proud to support a thriving UIL Academic program. Through coaching, encouragement, and exposure to real-world skills, we invite students from all backgrounds and grade levels to get involved. Whether you’re passionate about public speaking, writing, analysis, or just love a good challenge—there’s a UIL event for you.

Encourage your student to explore UIL opportunities by speaking with a coach or counselor. We believe every student has something to contribute and a voice worth sharing.

Let’s give a big congratulations to our CHS UIL Speech team and their coaches. Your hard work, dedication, and Pirate pride continue to inspire us all.