(Irving, Texas) Four IISD students and one teacher were sponsored by Northrop Grumman to attend Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, during the summer. Pictured are (back row, from left) Ann Mulvihill, secondary science coordinator; Dr. Dana T. Bedden, IISD superintendent of schools; Dr. Judy Rudebusch, interim assistant superintendent for teaching and learning; Tom Reese, representative from Northrop Grumman Grant Foundation; Tamera Candelaria, teacher at Houston Middle School attending Space Camp; and Randy Cobb, division director of secondary teaching and learning. Students attending Space Camp are (front row, from left) Mario Meza, Bowie Middle School; Nasya Henderson, Bowie; Bethany Cheyney, Travis Middle school; and Wesley Taylor-Vincent, de Zavala Middle School.

(Irving, Texas) Students involved in the FFA organization at Nimitz High School have won accolades at the state and local level during May. Nimitz FFA traveled to Frisco High School to compete in the Area V Convention May 21. The Talent event team comprised of Jesus Esparza and Kimberley Lopez won against five other schools and will be the Area V representative for Talent at the 83rd Annual Texas State FFA convention at the Texas Tech University United Spirit Arena July 10-15. Esparza and Lopez will have the opportunity to perform their original dance routine in front of more than 10,000 Texas FFA members. Nimitz Junior Katie Holt will also represent Area V. Holt will compete in the Junior Prepared Speaking contest with her original speech about organic foods, and in the Agriculture Science Fair Contest. Holt is also representing Nimitz FFA and Area V as a state finalist in the Star Greenhand Contest at San Angelo State University June 8 and 9. Also from Nimitz, students in the Floral Practicum Class won first place in the Irving YES rain barrel painting competition. Students are Karen Castillo, Tosha Combs, Devin Dixon, Brandi Dunn, Kayla Xanouvong, and Tiffine Martinez, who are also FFA members.

(Irving, Texas) Students at Irving High School, MacArthur High School and Singley Academy were recognized for their outstanding volunteer service during spring awards assemblies at their respective schools. A total of 268 students completed 100 or more hours of volunteer work in the Dallas-Fort Worth community during the school year. All 268 students were awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, which included a letter from President Barack Obama, a certificate from Points of Light Institute, and a bronze-, silver-, or gold-level lapel pin depending upon students’ quantity of service hours. The recognition is made possible each year by IISD Partnerships in Education. Learn more about the Presidential Volunteer Service Award by accessing www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/tg/pvsainfo/dspAboutAwards.cfm.

(Irving, Texas) Students at Barbara Cardwell Career Preparatory Center are in the process of restoring a 25th anniversary 1990 Ford Mustang GT convertible. The complete restoration project, taking place at Ratteree Center, involves students in the automotive and collision repair and refinishing field of study. Automotive Instructor Gary Foote and Collision Repair and Refinishing Instructor Kenny Evans are teaching and supervising the student-led restoration project. Students will implement industry standards through this hands-on experience of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for automotive studies. The project has included mechanical repairs of the engine, with repairs to the body damage and final paint preparation underway. The restoration project is anticipated to be complete during the 2011-2012 fall semester.

(Irving, Texas) Kindergarteners at Hanes Elementary School planted a crepe myrtle tree in the school courtyard in memory of their classmate Camden Hughes. Students also created memorial T-shirts for classmates to wear, a Camden’s Corner section of the school library will be dedicated, and the students’ teacher is in the process of having a stone carved with each class members’ name to be placed at the tree.