Dragon Nation Ignites the 2025–2026 School Year at Annual CISD Convocation Event

Carroll ISD officially ignited the 2025–26 school year on Monday, August 4, as Dragon Nation gathered at Carroll Senior High School Auditorium for the annual all-staff Convocation. This year’s theme—“Ignite the Dragon Within”—set the tone for a morning full of celebration, inspiration, and Dragon pride. First, a huge THANK YOU goes out to our Child Nutrition staff for making a delicious breakfast for all!

The energy in the room was high as the Dragon Band kicked off the event with a powerful pep set, while Board members tossed swag into the crowd. Executive Director of Communications Jeff Brady served as this year’s emcee, welcoming the staff with enthusiasm for the coming year.

Brady reflected on a remarkable 2024–25 school year, highlighting Carroll ISD’s #2 finish in the UIL Lone Star Cup rankings, an honor that recognizes overall excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. From UIL STATE titles in Robotics, Unified Cheer, and Wrestling, to a record-setting sixth straight STATE Championship for Boys XC, and a State Runner-Up finish for Girls Swim & Dive, along with a 3rd place STATE finish for Girls Water Polo – our Dragons excelled across every arena.

Brady also celebrated other standout moments, including:

• A Reserve Grand Champion finish by the Dragon BBQ team
• The Dragon Band’s return to State and UIL Sweepstakes Award
• Odyssey of the Mind teams advancing to World Finals
• UIL Academic District Champions
• An undefeated season and State Championship appearance by Dragon Football
• And many more

"Last year, we set a high bar," said Brady. "This year, we’re ready to raise it even higher."

Convocation also included Dragon Shoutouts to welcome new hires, recognize Teachers and Employees of the Year—including Barbara Yelton as Dragon of the Year—and celebrate veteran staff members for their years of service. The crowd celebrated Doug Edwards, a longtime teacher, coach, and current transportation specialist, who was honored on stage for 46 years of dedicated service to Carroll ISD.

CISD Cabinet members—Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Glenn, Deputy Superintendent of Business & Finance Chase Park, and Assistant Superintendent of Administration Brian Nickel—were introduced before Board President Cam Bryan addressed the crowd with welcome remarks on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

The Principal Roll Call and Admin Roll Call brought friendly competition and school spirit to the stage. This was followed by a rousing musical chairs challenge led by Dr. Glenn, where pizza, coffee, and sno cone trucks were on the line for each campus.

Convocation also spotlighted two outstanding Dragon students:
• Thomas Paskvan, a champion competition fiddler and CSHS Jazz Ensemble member, who wowed the crowd with a live performance.
• Natalie Wang, CSHS Speech & Debate President, who delivered an inspiring address celebrating our district’s theme.

The event also recognized the generous support of community sponsors and partners. Representatives from EECU, our platinum WeCare Sponsor, and Alex Martin from the Carroll Education Foundation, both shared brief remarks and promoted staff giveaways. The grand prize giveaway this year was a Blackstone grill, presented as part of CISD’s WeCare Employee Appreciation Program. Congratulations to Rockenbaugh Elementary’s ECSE Teacher Savanna Close on her win! And we offer a big THANK YOU to our representatives from Dragons Care, who were onsite to share their support with our staff. 

The celebration wrapped with this year’s high-energy hype video showcasing Dragon achievements and spirit across our campuses. Dr. Glenn then closed the event with a message of gratitude, encouragement, and unity.

“As we head into a new school year, our shared purpose is clear,” said Dr. Glenn. “Let’s continue to ignite passion in our students, excellence in our classrooms, and pride in our community. The fire is already within us—let’s make this our best year yet.”