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The stage was set, the lights were bright, and the energy was electric as the Vincent Vibe’s Dance Company made history with its first-ever Spring Dance Show, Vivacious! 2025: Hit The Floor.

Celebrating iconic musical hits across the decades, the May 2, 2025 showcase brought together more than 65 students and 12 adult volunteers for a dazzling evening of dance and school spirit. 14 routines filled the stage, featuring a wide range of styles including jazz, hip hop, modern, and pom.

The show wasn’t just about movement, it was about momentum. Alongside the Vincent Vibe’s, the performance included the VMS Dance Department, Amelia Cheer, the 2025 Mini VV’s, Vincent Cheer, and a sneak peek at the 2025–2026 Vincent Vibe’s lineup.

“This show has really raised the bar for not only Vincent Vibe’s but for middle school dance in Southeast Texas,” said Vincent Vibe’s director, David Bacon. “I am so excited to see what year five has in store for the VV’s!”

For students, the show was more than a performance; it was a proud moment to shine.“ As a VV, I really enjoyed our first ever spring show,” said 8th grader and rookie dancer Keirstin Moore. “We were able to showcase our skills and hard work to others, and it’s all thanks to our coaches.”

The night was a celebration of creativity, dedication, and teamwork, proving that when students are given a platform, they don’t just step up—they hit the floor.

In a magical twist worthy of a fairytale ending, Carla Berotte of Dishman Elementary and Joshua Windham of Odom Academy were named Beaumont ISD’s 2025–26 Teachers of the Year during a storybook-themed gala that celebrated the enchantment and impact of great teaching.

Held at the Beaumont Civic Center on May 2, 2025, the annual Teacher of the Year Gala featured the theme “A Tale as Old as Time: The Magic of Teaching,” celebrating the dedication, creativity and heart BISD educators bring to their work. The surprise announcement of the two district winners was the highlight of an evening filled with music, tributes and heartfelt stories.

Berotte, a prekindergarten through fourth grade teacher and BISD graduate, was recognized for her nurturing, play-based instructional approach that supports social-emotional development and helps young students feel seen and supported.

“After 26 years in the classroom, being named Teacher of the Year is an honor that touches me deeply,” Berotte said. “I’ve poured my heart into this work, day after day, not for recognition, but because I believe in the power of education to change lives. To be recognized in this way is both humbling and incredibly meaningful.”

Windham, who teaches seventh and eighth grade social studies, was honored for his dynamic, student-centered classroom and empowering teaching philosophy.

“It is a humbling experience to be acknowledged this way, in a district full of educators who are committed and passionate about the work we’re doing in Beaumont ISD,” Windham said. “I think numerous people could have received this title, and we would have all thought, ‘That makes sense.’ And that’s because of the countless teachers who are dedicating their love and energy into the students of Beaumont. I am just really excited to be a small part of that journey for these students.”

“These remarkable educators represent the very best of BISD,” Superintendent Shannon Allen said in her closing remarks. “They pour their hearts into their classrooms every single day, and their impact will ripple through generations.”

The district’s campus-level Teachers of the Year were also recognized, each receiving more than $600 in cash and prizes. The two district winners received prize packages valued at more than $2,400, thanks to contributions from sponsors including ExxonMobil, Entergy Texas and philanthropist Regina Rogers.

BISD Human Resources Manager Brandon Basinger served as the “storytelling emcee,” leading gala guests through an evening that included live music from Jarvis Jacob and the Gents, storytelling segments, video tributes and sponsor presentations.

The selection committee was led by Dr. Freddie Titus, vice president for student affairs and strategic initiatives at Lamar University, and Edward Taylor Jr., a senior at Beaumont United. Titus and Taylor had the honor of announcing the night’s biggest winners, the district Teachers of the Year.

As District Teachers of the Year, Berotte and Windham will advance to the regional level of the 2026 Texas Teacher of the Year program. All district nominees move forward to the regional competition coordinated by their Education Service Center, or ESC. Forty regional winners — one elementary and one secondary teacher per region — will be selected as semifinalists. From there, six finalists will be named, and two will be chosen as the Texas Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year. One of those will go on to represent Texas in the National Teacher of the Year program.

In 2023, Dishman Elementary fifth grade science teacher Cheryl Spangler was named Region 5 Teacher of the Year. BISD wishes Berotte and Windham the best of luck as they continue to represent the district with distinction.

After a year of listening, planning, and leading, the Beaumont ISD Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council (SSLC) Mental Health and Wellness Committee has officially launched its much-anticipated campus initiative—and it’s already making a powerful impact.

The initiative, which kicked off on May 1, 2025, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, is being rolled out across BISD high schools to promote mental wellness through peer-led events, stress-relief activities, and engaging campus-wide outreach. Every Thursday in May, students are invited to take part in fun, stress-reducing activities and receive wellness-themed giveaways, such as stress balls, while being encouraged to seek help when needed.

The project is the culmination of a yearlong effort by the committee, which surveyed students, collaborated with campus counselors and district wellness staff, and developed creative, student-driven strategies to help break the stigma surrounding mental health.

“We are so grateful that BISD gave us the opportunity to actually achieve change in our high schools,” said SSLC member Lynzsiho Bass. “We hope to implement this at the lower grade levels in the future.”

Superintendent Dr. Shannon Allen praised the committee’s work, stating, “Excellent work! Their team has done an outstanding job completing this project!”

Anetra Cheatham, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Administration, also commended the group’s dedication: “Beautiful job! So very proud of this team.”

The Mental Health and Wellness Committee was supported by Lydia Sylvester, BISD Director of Guidance and Counseling; Dr. Coya Garrett, Beaumont United High School Wellness Coordinator; along with campus counselors and BISD wellness coordinators. Students emphasized that the guidance and encouragement of these leaders helped turn their ideas into meaningful action.

“I believe with this, students will understand the severity of mental health as well as seek help while enjoying a fun, stress-free activity,” added Bass. “We really appreciate you pushing us to achieve this goal.”

By centering student voice and leadership, the SSLC Wellness Committee is not only sparking vital conversations about mental wellness but also creating a legacy of support and awareness across BISD campuses.

The memory of a Regina-Howell Elementary School student will remain a visible and meaningful part of campus life following the rededication of a memorial to Daylen Jones, whose legacy continues to uplift students and staff seven years after his passing.

Held in the school’s courtyard on May 5, 2025, the Memorial Kindness Rock Garden Rededication Ceremony marked what would have been Daylen’s 9th birthday — lovingly referred to by family and friends as his “Heavenly Birthday.” The event brought together student council officers, class representatives from kindergarten through fifth grade, the Regina-Howell basketball team, several of Daylen’s former teachers, PTA members, and his family and friends.

Daylen Jones attended Regina-Howell from kindergarten through fourth grade. During the 2018 Christmas break, an accident during a family outing claimed his life. As a tribute to Daylen’s life, the Regina-Howell community established a Kindness Rock Garden on campus in January 2019, with support from the PTA. The garden quickly became a symbol of hope and compassion, inviting students to contribute messages of kindness painted on individual rocks. In the years since its creation, the garden has served as both a teaching tool and a tribute to Daylen’s generous spirit.

This year, under the leadership of PTA President Sara Brumbaugh, the organization purchased new rocks for every student to decorate, renewing the garden and reigniting the message of kindness. The rededication ceremony was the culmination of a three-year effort led by Brumbaugh, campus principal Angela Lund, and faculty members who remained close with the Jones family.

“I connected with Mr. and Mrs. Jones the minute I met them in September 2022,” said Lund. “Mrs. Jones and I have stayed connected, and we’ve been working on this project ever since. It means so much to finally see it come to fruition.”

Reflecting on the ceremony, Daylen’s mother, Dimples Jones, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the continued remembrance of her son. “It’s a great honor to know that Daylen lives on within the BISD community and especially the halls of Regina-Howell,” she said. “Principal Lund has allowed Daylen to continue to live and we are grateful. I can only imagine him looking down from heaven saying ‘job well done.’”

The rededication featured reflections from students and staff, with many sharing memories of Daylen’s joyful presence in the classroom and on the playground. Teachers who had the privilege of instructing him described him as kind-hearted, energetic, and a true friend to his peers.

Thanks to the dedication of the PTA and school staff, the rock garden now includes hundreds of hand-painted stones, each a testament to the enduring impact of Daylen’s life.

“Daylen’s story, and the grace and strength shown by Mr. and Mrs. Jones, continue to be a light to us all,” Brumbaugh said. “His legacy will live on through the kindness of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the love shared throughout this community.”

As the morning sun filtered through the courtyard trees, students placed their newly decorated rocks among the originals, ensuring Daylen’s spirit remains at the heart of Regina-Howell Elementary for years to come.