No surprises here.
Nacogdoches ISD has again been recognized as a Texas Art Education Association District of Distinction, placing NISD’s visual arts program among 109 schools recognized across the state. It’s the third time the district has been honored with the award.
Art students in Nacogdoches ISD put on another strong performance during the 2025-26 academic year.
In February, then Raguet Elementary fifth-grader Hazel Hairston’s “Leopard Me Cake” was selected for display at the TAEA’s State Art Exhibit in the Bullock Texas State History Museum during the month of March.
Also in February four NHS students scored 4 out of 4 at the Texas Art Educators Association contest held Feb. 14 at Pine Tree High School. The students earned medals for their submissions to the regional competition.
And in April, Luigy Garcia – now a senior at NHS – was named the winner of the 2026 Art Contest for Texas Congressional District 17. Luigy, whose work is titled “Cowboy,” was honored by Congressman Pete Sessions during a reception at Stephen F. Austin State University. In June, Luigy and his father were in Washington, D.C., for a special reception for winners of the congressional contests.
“I repeat this all the time, but I never cease to be amazed at the number of talented students in our school district,” Superintendent Grey Burton said. “Our students can do anything. And we’re fortunate to have outstanding teachers in our visual arts program providing guidance and motivation.”
To earn the award, NISD’s visual arts program met or exceeded a 14-point rubric administered by TAEA. The rubric closely examines the district's visual art program, from participation in TAEA through membership, exhibitions, contests and community engagement in the visual arts through field experiences, community service, and collaboration with other content areas.
“The designation really reflects what our art teachers are already doing every day,” said Deshmond Johnson, NISD’s Director of Fine Arts. “They are ensuring that our students aren't just making art but they are exhibiting, competing, collaborating, connecting across disciplines, experiencing other cultures, and contributing to their community.”
Some examples of NISD’s commitment to the arts include the art mural collaboration with Brown Family Health Center. The Nacogdoches High School choir also performed at the garden-themed grand opening.
At Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary, Japanese exchange students visited the art classroom and worked with students in origami.
Students in the district also participate in high school, middle school and elementary art competitions while also experiencing art beyond the classroom through opportunities such as Stephen F. Austin State University Art Day and visits to the Cole Art Gallery (including an end-of-year tour of the gallery by Thomas J. Rusk Elementary students).
Outreach such as the Hope Bowls project that raises money for HOPE (Helping Other People Eat) and NISD Fine Arts Showcase allow students to use their art to serve, engage and connect with the community.
Additionally, all NISD art teachers are members of TAEA, Johnson said, demonstrating their commitment to professional growth and a willingness to stay connected to the larger visual arts education community.
Johnson said research demonstrates the importance of exposure to and participation in the arts, such as an arts-based museum experience, which results in significantly stronger critical-thinking skills when examining unfamiliar artwork, reinforcing the value of providing students opportunities to experience, analyze and create art.
NISD will be honored in November at the TAEA District of Distinction Awards Ceremony in Galveston.