FriscoParents Blog » Ceremony

Finally – Local Frisco ISD Graduations

rbeaver — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:28:36 +0000

For at least the last decade, Frisco ISD has wandered the metroplex for an indoor facility large enough to accommodate our graduations. As a rule of thumb, count on ten guests for every graduating senior. So for a class of 400, you had better count on 4000 guests. Once you find a facility large enough, you have to get in line with all the other schools in our area for desirable dates. For the last several years we have utilized the Garland Special Events center which is approximately 25 miles from Frisco.

On a Wednesday evening, September 26, 2007, that began to change. At a joint meeting of the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees and the Frisco City Council, both entities voted to proceed with negotiations regarding a public-private project with the Dallas Stars to expand the Dr. Pepper Star Center. Jim Lites, president of the Dallas Stars, presented the concept plans to the leaders with assistance from representatives from HKS Partners architects.

Under the plan, the entire facility would be reworked, along with adding a 1,000 car parking garage. The conceptual plan showed everything being upgraded – lighting, acoustics, video capability, and mechanics. Capacity would increase to 6,000 seats, including floor space. Jim Lites stated that the timeline for completion was May 2009.

On May 5, 2009 Frisco High School held their graduation as the first event in the updated facility. Centennial, Liberty, and Wakeland held their graduations the next day.

I wish that all of you could have been there to witness the sense of gratitude and pride so evident in our students, parents, and educators as four senior classes graduated in style and with dignity. So many attendees remarked as to how pleased they were to have access to such an awesome facility in such close proximity. Each ceremony was an unqualified success and our students will enjoy the benefits for many years to come.

Baccalaureate – A tradition since 1948 and 2009

rbeaver — Sun, 31 May 2009 16:55:08 +0000

This past Sunday, parent organizations from all four Frisco High Schools hosted the traditional Baccalaureate Services. These services are parent sponsored events, funded and hosted by senior parents and are not affiliated with any High School or Frisco ISD. This has been a parent tradition at Frisco High School since 1948 and the Charter Class of Liberty High School started their new tradition this year.

These services are held the Sunday before commencement services. Thus all four Frisco High Schools held their services on May 31st at locations graciously donated by area churches.

Frisco High School: Stonebriar Community Church
Centennial High School: Stonebriar Community Church
Wakeland High School: Preston Trails Community Church
Liberty High School: First Baptist Church

The origin of the Baccalaureate dates back to the middle ages when meaningful symbols were associated with the attainment of an achievement. Each student participating is given a rose, a symbol of their life. We tie a continuous ribbon to each rose. This ribbon represents the unity of the class as they traveled down the same path in education. As each student cuts this ribbon, it symbolizes that they are moving on from their childhood friends and their readiness to follow their own personal dreams.

The Frisco events were well attended and the students certainly made their parents proud. And yes, it is an emotional time for both students and parents.

Frisco Education Foundation Scholarship Night

rbeaver — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:56:11 +0000

This is one of the most enjoyable times of the year as we watch our seniors begin the next step in their journey. Last night was our annual Frisco Education Foundation Scholarship Night. If I remember the numbers correctly, 275 students received scholarships totaling $365,000. Since the foundation started in May 2000, the numbers will exceed 1,200 students and over $1.8M.

Scholarships are awarded based on specific criteria established by donor(s). Some donors look to recognize a student who has excelled academically or is an active community citizen, others look for students that have worked hard to achieve success without being at the top of their class. Still others are awarded for specific career goals and/or financial need. Scholarships range from $500 to $8000.

The FEF Scholarships are sponsored through donations from community organizations, businesses, caring individuals and fundraisers such as the Gary Burns Frisco Fun Run, Annual Chili Challenge, and various other events in the community.

It was an honor for me to help hand out the payroll deduction scholarships which went to 51 students this year. I would like to thank the Frisco ISD staff for their generosity on behalf of our students.

See the Frisco ISD Web Site for more information.

Annual Employee Pin Ceremony

rbeaver — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:45:02 +0000

Monday was a very joyous occasion as we recognized our Frisco ISD staff that received 5, 10, 15, 25, 30, and 35 year service pins. It was scheduled to coincide with a teacher work day, so we had almost our entire staff (4900+) fill the home side of Memorial Stadium. Thankfully the weather cooperated.

As a board member, this is one of the most enjoyable events of the year. It was especially meaningful for me this year as my daughters are now seniors. This means that there were quite a few teachers receiving 10 year pins that we had as teachers. Each and every one of them had a lasting impact on my children. I hope that all of our teachers realize the huge impact that they have on our world by touching so many lives.

That night we had a dinner to recognize the service recipients with 10 year or more of service. I would like to offer a special congratulation to Charlie Mooneyham for his 35 years of service to Frisco ISD. You can see all the honorees on the Frisco Web site.