MFISD celebrates exceptional staff and students in April
Marble Falls High School Principal Patrick Hinson, MFISD board trustees Larry Berkman, Mandy McCary, and Gary Boshears, Superintendent’s Award recipient Isaiah Lazos, Trustee Kevin Virdell, Superintendent’s Award recipient Emma Cayce, trustees Alex Payson and Crystal Tubig, board President Kevin Naumann, and MFISD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Gasaway. Courtesy photos
The Marble Falls Independent School District recognized a long list of students and staff members for their outstanding achievements during the Board of Trustees meeting in April.
The following were honored:
Superintendent’s Award
Emma Cayce and Isaiah Lazos (photo at top)
MFISD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Gasaway presented the April 2025 Superintendent’s Award to two standout Marble Falls High School seniors: 2025 valedictorian Emma Cayce and Student Council President Isaiah Lazos. They were chosen from among 237 graduating seniors.
Emma has distinguished herself as an intellectually curious scholar, University Interscholastic League (UIL) competitor, and dedicated Lady Mustangs softball player, earning praise for her work ethic, empathy, and authentic leadership.
Isaiah, renowned for his charisma and growth mindset, has excelled academically, led his peers as Student Council president, and made significant contributions in media production and community service.
“These two students represent the very best of Marble Falls ISD,” said Dr. Gasaway. “Their perseverance, empathy, and quiet leadership set them apart.”
GEM Award
Jessica Martin
Marble Falls High School Special Education teacher Jessica Martin received the district’s GEM Award for her unwavering commitment and service. Beginning as an aide in 2019 and soon becoming a teacher, she has made a lasting impact on students and staff through her heart-forward approach, tireless advocacy, and belief in every learner’s potential.
Colleagues describe her as “a breath of fresh air” and “one of the hardest working people on campus,” while students praise her for making math understandable and creating a classroom where they feel seen and capable.
As campus team lead for Special Education, Martin has also enhanced collaboration between inclusion and general education through innovative leadership.
Spotlight on Excellence
Randi Dalton and Joshua Kull
During Autism Awareness Month, MFISD recognized not one but two teachers for the April Spotlight on Excellence: Colt Elementary School’s Randi Dalton and Joshua Kull.
The dual nomination came from a heartfelt recommendation by volunteer Sandy Ruiz, who credited both educators with transforming the life of her grandson, Marcus, a student with autism who had struggled in the school setting.
“This is beyond education,” Ruiz shared in her nomination of the two instructors. “This comes from the heart. They’ve gone above and beyond what any teacher is asked to do.”
When asked about their inspiration, both teachers pointed to their students.
“They make me want to show up and be a better teacher every day,” Dalton said. “Getting to know my students and finding what drives them—that’s what motivates me,” Kull said.
Superintendent Dr. Jeff Gasaway emphasized that “It’s one thing to love what you do. It’s another to show up every single day and do it with purpose, passion, and heart. Jessica Martin, Randi Dalton, and Joshua Kull represent the very best of Marble Falls ISD. We are thrilled to celebrate them.”
Spotlight on Engagement
Gip Keeton
Marble Falls Middle School math teacher Gip Keeton was honored with the Spotlight on Engagement award for creating a learning environment that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply relational. His classroom buzzes with student energy and laughter as he weaves content mastery with humor, encouragement, and innovative strategies.
Kristi Gratehouse, MFMS instructional coach, shared that observing Keeton at work is “a master class in classroom management and engagement.”
“He brings humor, patience, and deep care to every student interaction,” she added.
From differentiating instruction with visuals for English language learners to ensuring every student feels seen, Keeton embodies what it means to truly engage every learner. His impact echoes through the hallways and hearts of Marble Falls Middle School.
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
Led by advisors ElizaBeth Jones and Alex Dupre, the Marble Falls High School BPA chapter sent seven students to the BPA State Leadership Conference in Dallas. Students earned this opportunity by placing in the top two at regionals or by being designated as state alternates.
State competitors:
- Brazos White—Digital Media Production
- Jared Smith—Entrepreneurship; also placed 11th out of 130 in Digital Marketing
Open event standouts:
- Madison Hardaway—15th out of 150 in Digital Communications
- Katie Terrell—17th out of 127 in Parliamentary Procedures
Skills USA
Advisors Trey Hartsock and Leonard Venghaus led the largest contingent of Skills USA students in school history to the state competition in Corpus Christi. The competitors showcased excellence in welding, fabrication, and craftsmanship.
Notable projects and performances:
- Colton Milam—tall fire pit, blue ribbon; earned an impressive score of 390 out of 400 on his welding exam
- Lucas Lout—charcuterie board, blue ribbon
- Tim Fogle—welding art, blue ribbon
- Esther Baker—pecan wood epoxy table, blue ribbon
- L.T. Gurganus—koa wood guitar, blue ribbon
- Paityn Garcia—quilted maple guitar, blue ribbon
Technology Student Association (TSA), MFHS
Under the guidance of Lindsey Todesco, Marble Falls High School’s TSA sent a record 30 students to state, where they achieved the school’s highest-ever collective performance. Events ranged from robotics and engineering design to photography and video game development.
Highlighted events and participants:
- Jonathan Leflet—Architectural and Animal Photography
- Landon Griffith—Forensic Science
- Evan Puga—Engineering Design
- Landon Fletcher—Engineering Design
- Max Carpenter—Engineering Design
- Sam Kasper—Engineering Design
- Max Melendez—Engineering Design, Technology Problem Solving
- Cruz Narvaez—Engineering Design
- Brooke Mecham—Debating Technology Issues, Webmaster, STEM Mass Media, Video Game Design
- Cassie Stence—Sticker Decal, Architectural Photography
- Cayleigh Garay—Screen Print Communication, Children’s Stories
- Abbey Kinzel—VEX Robotics, VEX Robotics
- Cayleigh Copus—Audio Podcasting, Fashion Design & Technology
- Madison Green—Children’s Stories, Fashion Design & Technology
- Noe Hall—Debating Technological Issues
- Daniel Edwards—Digital Video Production
- Judah Neve—Digital Video Production
- Alexis Mueller—Fashion Design & Technology
- Hudson Brantley—On Demand Video
- John Ortis—On Demand Video
- Sean Smith—On Demand Video, VEX Robotics
- Brazos White—On Demand Video
- Landon Farris—VEX Robotics
- Dylan Griffin—VEX Robotics
- Nicolas Smith—VEX Robotics
- Sophie Adam—Webmaster, STEM Mass Media, Video Game Design
- Owen Martin—Structural Design & Engineering
- Connor Yaklin—Structural Design & Engineering
- Brighton Bernard—Technology Problem Solving
Technology Student Association (TSA), MFMS
Advisors Michelle Jett, Cory Williamson, and Nathan Bush brought 33 students from Marble Falls Middle School to compete at the state level in Fort Worth.
Notable placements:
- Claire Faleiro and Lillian Clark—Manufacturing wood, 1st place
- Travis Lutz—Manufacturing metal, 1st place
- Travis Lutz—Leather, 1st place
- Finleigh Eledge—Screen print design (T-shirt), 1st place
- Tyler Redman—Astrophotography, 1st place
- Tyler Redman—Photography Flowers, 1st place
- Nevaeh Contreras—Macro Photography, 1st place
- Digital Photography—Lillian Clark, 1st place
- Liam Benton, Henry Edwards, Jaxson Sanchez, and Jake Welch—Community Service Video, 2nd place
- Farrah Thomblom—Prepared Speech, 3rd place
The team won Division State Champion for Middle Schools for the events that are Unique to Texas (not national events). Marble Falls Middle School students earned seven first places in events in the Unique to Texas category.
Powerlifting
Coach Karl Bielfeldt celebrated the strength, focus, and resilience of three MFHS powerlifters who qualified for the Texas High School Powerlifting Association State Meet in Abilene.
State competitors:
- Daniel Dominguez—6th place
- David Dominguez—9th place
- Arnulfo “Nufo” Salazar—Set a regional bench press record of 390 pounds in the 181-pound weight class; ranked No. 10 in the state
Bielfeldt praised the athletes not only for their physical accomplishments but for their sportsmanship and support of teammates throughout the competition.