District News

Waco High School has officially announced its top two graduating students for the Class of 2026. This year’s honors celebrate two remarkable young women whose journeys reflect academic brilliance, robust civic leadership, and an enduring commitment to community growth. Valedictorian Eisley Lawson and Salutatorian Daniella Mercado have set a profound example of excellence, paving their respective paths to some of the nation's most prestigious higher education institutions.

Valedictorian Eisley Lawson: A Passion for Justice and Learning

Securing the highest academic rank in the graduating class, Eisley Lawson has been named the 2026 Waco High School Valedictorian. Eisley achieved an extraordinary final grade point average (GPA) of 113.6595, a testament to her rigorous academic dedication. Eisley shares that she possesses a deep love for learning and has thoroughly enjoyed her school years. For her, the valedictorian distinction serves as tangible evidence of the relentless hard work she invested throughout her high school tenure.

Following graduation, Eisley will move to Middletown, Connecticut, to attend Wesleyan University. Guided by her interest in policy and public service, she plans to double major in Government and Spanish. Eisley’s long-term career goal is to protect and shape civil liberties, through practicing constitutional law and serving in elected office.

Eisley's presence at Waco High School extended far beyond her exceptional report cards. She was active in many extracurricular programs, including theatre, the International Thespian Society, Teen Leadership Waco, the National Honor Society, and with her local congregation, Hope Fellowship. Yet, when looking back at her high school career, she notes that her proudest accomplishment was founding a local chapter of Students Demand Action. Through this gun safety advocacy organization, she spearheaded local awareness and actively lobbied lawmakers at the Texas State Capitol.
 

Eisley attributes much of her resilience and drive to her mom, Kelly Lawson, whom she names as her single biggest inspiration during high school. When asked what advice she would pass down to underclassmen navigating their school years, Eisley emphasized the human element of education:

"Find your people. Invest in relationships with your peers, teachers, and administrators. You will need the support of others throughout your schooling and the rest of your life."
 

Salutatorian Daniella Mercado: Leaving a Lasting Community Legacy

Earning the distinction of 2026 Waco High School Salutatorian is Daniella Mercado. Her exceptional classroom performance is highlighted by an outstanding final GPA of 112.7609, underscoring years of hard work and academic consistency. For Daniella, this milestone carries a deep, emotional significance that reaches well beyond a high class ranking. As a first-generation Hispanic student in Waco, becoming salutatorian represents years of collective sacrifice, resilience, and perseverance from both herself and her family. 

"This honor belongs to my mom, my sister, and everyone who supported me through difficult moments," Daniella expressed, describing her success as living proof that a student's background does not dictate or limit their future.

Daniella’s stellar academic and extracurricular profile has opened the doors to the Ivy League; she is set to attend Harvard University this fall. She intends to study economics and government on a pre-law track, with long-term aspirations of forging a career in law and public policy. Her ultimate objective is to utilize her education to champion underrepresented communities and enact tangible, meaningful systemic change through dedicated leadership and public service.

During her four years at Waco High School, Daniella maintained a packed schedule of leadership and community involvement. She served as the Senior Class President, a Marching Band Drum Major, and the Founder and President of the Recycling Club. Her extensive resume also includes serving as President of Upward Bound, Treasurer for the Interact Club, a varsity cheerleader, a legal intern at a local law firm, and an active participant in Student Council, competitive debate, Spanish Club, National Honor Society (NHS), soccer, and powerlifting. Committed to lifting others as she climbed, she also engaged with LEAD, the Waco Hanan Foundation, and volunteered as an English and Spanish tutor.
 

Daniella is proudest of the enduring local footprint she leaves behind. By founding the Recycling Club, which she grew from scratch to an organization of over 40 active students, and guiding her peers as class president, she poured her entire heart into making an impact at Waco High School.

Watching her sister navigate the challenges of being the oldest sibling and a first-generation student taught Daniella how to push through hardship with poise and grit. Drawing from that well of inspirational resilience, Daniella delivers a poignant, powerful message to the students of Waco High School and the broader Waco community regarding institutional perceptions:
 

"Too often, schools like ours are underestimated because we are a Title I school in a lower-income area, but people do not see the resilience, talent, and determination that exists inside our classrooms every day. Do not let stereotypes or people's opinions about where you come from limit what you believe you can achieve. Be proud of where you come from, because Waco High is filled with students capable of accomplishing far more than the world expects from them."

A Bright Future for the Waco Community

The parallel journeys of Eisley Lawson and Daniella Mercado illuminate the power of public education, community support, and personal resolve. As one departs for Wesleyan University and the other for Harvard University, they carry with them the pride of a community that they have spent years building, organizing, and improving. As the Waco High motto says, Lion Pride Runs Deep and each of these exceptional top scholars exemplify that. 

 

WACO, Texas – Due to a high probability of rain in the weekend forecast, Waco ISD announced today that it is proactively relocating its upcoming graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2026. To ensure that graduates and their families can enjoy this milestone moment comfortably and without weather disruptions, both ceremonies will now take place indoors at the Baylor University Ferrell Center.

 

The venue change impacts both University High School and Waco High School, which were originally scheduled to utilize outdoor facilities. Because the district's initial outdoor contingency plans face inclement weather risks, district leadership opted to move the celebrations inside to keep the focus exactly where it belongs: on the students.

 

"Graduation is a milestone moment, and the Class of 2026 has earned a day that is memorable for all the right reasons," Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer said. "Our families deserve to fully enjoy every second of this celebration, focusing entirely on their graduates rather than constantly checking the weather radar. This beautiful indoor venue guarantees a bright, dry, and joyful atmosphere for everyone."
 

The updated ceremony schedule for Saturday, May 23, 2026, is as follows:

• Location: Baylor University Ferrell Center (1900 S. University Parks, Waco, TX 76706)
• University High School Ceremony: 2:30 PM 
• Waco High School Ceremony: 7:30 PM 

 

Waco ISD advises that attendees can arrive up to an hour before the ceremony. The district is currently finalizing remaining logistics with the Ferrell Center staff. Families are encouraged to monitor district communication channels for more details regarding parking, entry procedures, and general guest information.
 

"We are immensely proud of our graduates and deeply grateful for the families, teachers, and community members who have supported them every step of the way," Dr. Spicer added. "We cannot wait to celebrate this incredible milestone together, completely rain-free."

 

WACO, TX — With more than 10 years of experience in traditional ISD and public school settings, Dr. Barbara Page has been selected as the new principal of Kendrick Elementary. Page most recently served as the Assistant Principal and former Dean of Students at Rapoport Academy Public School in Waco.

Prior to her leadership at Rapoport Academy, Page served as a classroom teacher at Midway ISD, where she mentored student teachers and navigated hybrid learning environments. She also brings valuable experience from within Waco ISD, having served as a member of a campus turnaround team that successfully supported a school in exiting Improvement Required (IR) status through strong STAAR performance.

In selecting the new leader for Kendrick, the district prioritized feedback gathered from the Kendrick community through a Thought Exchange survey. The key themes from the community emphasized finding a leader who could thrive in a bilingual community, someone who would advocate for and foster a caring work environment for staff, and an educator with a genuine heart for students and the neighborhood. 

"Dr. Page is a proven instructional leader who leads from the heart with a deep commitment to improving student outcomes and strengthening teacher effectiveness," said Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent of Waco ISD. "Her extensive experience in leading staff, guiding a positive campus culture, and using data-driven decision-making to advance bilingual education makes her the ideal fit to lead Kendrick Elementary as a devoted advocate for our students, our staff, and our community."

While serving as assistant principal, Page led campus-wide systems that resulted in a reduction of discipline referrals, increased student attendance, and opportunities leading to increased stakeholder involvement. In addition to the fiscal responsibility during her tenure, teacher attrition on campus points to a stable learning environment and positive climate. 

Beyond the campus level, Page has contributed to statewide education as a Texas Education Agency (TEA) High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) Reviewer, evaluating K-12 math materials for rigor and usability, and as a Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow. This combination of systems-level expertise and a results-oriented approach forms the foundation of Page’s vision for her new role. 

"I am incredibly excited to lead Kendrick Elementary and to focus on fostering a campus culture where every student and staff member continues to feel a deep sense of belonging and empowerment,” Dr. Page said. “My goal is to lead systems that are deeply aligned to student needs and campus improvement goals, while partnering with families and community stakeholders to strengthen trust and ensure a safe, supportive learning environment where every child can excel."

Page earned her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in K-12 Educational Leadership from Baylor University. She also holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Dr. Page will officially begin her new role as principal of Kendrick Elementary this summer.

 

When Waco ISD voters approved the 2021 Bond, the goal was to modernize the district’s infrastructure to match the potential of its students, with a specific focus on secondary schools. Today, that investment is paying dividends beyond the original scope. Thanks to the meticulous oversight of the district’s finance and construction departments, along with good investment earnings, the 2021 bond projects have been completed under budget, leaving an estimated surplus of $7.5 million that the Board of Trustees has now strategically allocated toward a new wave of campus enhancements.

Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent of Waco ISD, expressed her gratitude for the discipline that led to this opportunity.

"I am incredibly proud of our finance and operational teams, who have been such diligent stewards of the funds granted to us by the Waco ISD voters," Spicer said. "Their hard work and careful management have allowed us to maximize every dollar, ensuring we can provide even more high-quality facilities and safety improvements for our students and staff."

This bonus phase of construction isn't just about spending remaining funds; it’s about parity, safety, and operational excellence across the entire district.

Board of Trustees member Jose Vidaña, who has served on the Waco ISD school board since 2019 and was instrumental in the 2021 bond program, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the Board's commitment to the community's trust.

"Our taxpayers entrusted us with these funds to improve the lives of our students, and seeing these projects come in under budget is a testament to the district's integrity," said Vidaña. "By reinvesting these savings into projects like our athletic facilities and campus security, we are honoring our commitment to provide equitable, top-tier environments for every child in Waco ISD."

Bridging the Gap: Athletic Modernization and Parity for the “Coaches Classrooms”

A major pillar of the new plan is ensuring that every student-athlete in Waco ISD has access to high-caliber facilities, regardless of which campus they call home. The district is moving forward with projects focused on University High School and CC Middle School, with a cost estimate of $6.2 million.

• University High School: To mirror the facilities at Waco High, University High will see a renovation of its existing tennis courts, along with the addition of new courts. This expansion ensures the campus can host UIL competitions.
   
• CC Middle School: The focus here shifts to the natural grass field and track. The district will refurbish the track and replace the natural grass field. Crucially, the project includes a total overhaul of the irrigation and stabilization systems. CC Middle School will also receive upgrades to bleachers putting the school in line with the district’s other two middle schools. 

The goal is to finish these athletic projects by early summer 2027, ensuring everything is ready for the 2027-2028 school year.

Additional projects to include: 

 

• Dedicated Weather Resistant Canopies: These will be added at Lake Air Montessori, Mountainview Elementary, Brook Avenue Elementary, Provident Heights Elementary, Kendrick Elementary, South Waco Elementary, and Waco High School.
   
• Energy Management: The district will bring Kendrick and South Waco campuses up to the latest TEA compliance standards and install advanced HVAC controls.
   
• Safety and Security: Waco High School will receive additional security cameras, card access, fencing, exterior furniture, and safety window treatments; Kendrick and South Waco Elementaries will also receive safety window treatments. 

Because the district is utilizing existing purchasing co-ops, these projects are expected to be completed by January 2027.

Stewardship and Strategic Plan Alignment

The district is proud to be able to make additional improvements to several campuses staying within the original bond allotment. From improving the comfort, safety and security of students and staff, to showcasing financial efficiency, the district is also in alignment with its Strategic Plan 2030.

"It’s more than just saving money; it’s about reinvesting those savings back into our students and families to give them the best we can,” said Jerry Allen, Chief Operations Officer for Waco ISD.

With construction bids expected this summer and work beginning shortly thereafter, Waco ISD continues to set the gold standard for how a school district can turn a bond promise into a district-wide reality.

Waco ISD is thrilled to announce that the Texas Mobile STEM Lab is visiting our students this week, May 12–14, 2026! Operated by the nonprofit organization Learning Undefeated in partnership with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), this custom-outfitted, immersive laboratory is a traveling hub of innovation. It offers high-energy, hands-on experiences designed to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills in a way that truly brings the curriculum to life.

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Join Us for STEM Family Night!

While the lab will be busy during the school day, we are opening the doors to our entire community for a special event:

• When: Wednesday, May 13, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Who: All Waco ISD students and their families are invited!
• What: Come explore the mobile STEM lab and try out the high-tech equipment for yourself.
• Bonus: Students who attend will be treated to a free pizza dinner!

 

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A Laboratory on Wheels

The mobile lab provides a unique environment where students from Kindergarten through Grade 5 can step out of the classroom and into the shoes of professional engineers. Throughout the three-day visit, our students will engage in the engineering design process: a cycle of brainstorming, designing, and testing solutions to real-world problems. Learning Undefeated provides all the specialized materials needed for these challenges, ensuring every student can collaborate and explore the content fully.

Engineering Challenges for Every Grade

Our students are "putting on their engineering hats" to tackle a variety of exciting tasks:

• Grades K-2: Storybook STEM
  • Students are solving problems from Jack and the Beanstalk by building structures tall enough to reach the "castle in the sky".
  • They are helping the Three Little Pigs by engineering homes that can withstand a "sneezing wind disaster".
  • Teams are designing sturdy chairs for the Bear family’s guests in a challenge inspired by Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
  • Young learners are exploring acoustics by building musical instruments that can be heard from a distance of six meters.
     
• Grades 3-5: Sustainability & Structural Integrity
  • Students are designing artificial pollinators or bee-friendly environments to protect local crops.
  • They are using geometry and physics to design "dream barns" for livestock that can survive windstorms.
  • Teams are exploring ecosystem balance by designing tools to remove invasive species.
  • Using an AR sandbox, students are engineering flood barriers made from earth materials to protect property. 

Building Bridges to the Future

While the lab is packed with excitement, every activity is meticulously aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Science, Math, Social Studies, and even Music. For instance, students exploring westward expansion by building bridges are meeting both Science and Social Studies standards.

We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and for the opportunity to provide our students with the immersive experiences they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Let’s get ready to build, test, and innovate, Waco!