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With sharp minds and teamwork on full display, a group of fifth-grade students from Regina-Howell Elementary proudly represented Beaumont ISD at the Future Problem Solvers (FPS) State Bowl in Waco, Texas. Held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, it showcased the power of strategic thinking, collaboration, and dedication.

This marks the second consecutive year the campus has participated in the state-level competition since the program was relaunched under the leadership of coach Chasetie Maloy. After stepping in last year to revive the FPS program, Maloy introduced a more strategic approach to team formation and preparation, and the results are already paying off.

“Last year, I let students choose their own teammates, usually their friends,” Maloy said. “This year, I grouped them based on ability, which wasn’t popular at first. But once they accepted it, I saw them grow tremendously, highlighting each other’s strengths, adjusting to different personalities, and really learning what it means to be a team.”

Preparation for the rigorous state competition began in September. Students committed more than three hours a week outside of the school day to master FPS’s six-step problem-solving process, diving into research, writing, and analysis of real-world issues, like this year’s theme, The Future of Nanotechnology.

Teams received practice scenarios throughout the year, completed booklets for evaluation, and used the feedback to fine-tune their skills. Maloy described the process as both demanding and rewarding, noting how her students rose to the challenge with maturity beyond their years.

For the students, the experience has been equally transformative. “When completing our state competition packet, I was excited when my teammates picked my underlying problem out of the other 15 problems that were written,” said fifth grader Sean Katoh-Jones. “We practiced a lot and watched videos to prepare.” Classmate Aaradhya Singh said FPS helped him become a more advanced thinker. “It helped me think about solving future problems that may present themselves. It also created a sense of team with others I may not have known before.”

Parents and community members were just as inspired. Regina-Howell parent Naomi Doyle shared her pride on social media, writing: “Beaumont ISD was well represented in Waco with these bright students. I encourage you to get your kids involved. These students are learning to find solutions to problems from the community level to the global level. It is truly inspiring to see.”

With strong support from teachers, families, and the district, the Regina-Howell FPS program continues to grow, preparing the next generation of thinkers and leaders who are ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

For students at Pietzsch-MacArthur PreK-8th Grade Center (PMAC), science recently became more than just a subject—it became an unforgettable experience. Through the 100 Black Men of Greater Beaumont/ExxonMobil LIFT (Leaders Inspiring Faces of Tomorrow) program, these young students-turned-amateur-scientists stepped outside the classroom and into the wonder-filled world of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

As part of their ongoing biology lessons, students took a field trip to the Houston Museum on April 15, 2025. There, they took part in a hands-on frog dissection class — a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of a living organism. For many, it was their first experience with this kind of scientific exploration.

“The best part of my day was dissecting,” seventh-grader Jhaidyn Ford excitedly said. His classmate, Genesis Escobedo, found wonder in a different part of the museum. “I liked looking at all the natural gemstones that were on display,” she shared, her eyes lighting up at the memory.

The field trip was a natural extension of the LIFT program’s Tuesday classroom sessions, in which students recently studied plant and animal cells using microscopes. The museum experience took their learning to new heights, giving them the chance to examine a multicellular organism in a real-world setting. Next, they’ll continue their scientific journey by exploring microscopic, unicellular life.

“These students are genuinely curious and eager to learn,” said Lachandra Cobb-Eaglin, BISD STEM Coordinator. “They’ve told us how much they enjoy the balance of classroom STEM lessons and hands-on field experiences like this one.”

With every new adventure, the LIFT program is helping students see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and thinkers—one engaging lesson at a time.

West Brook’s remarkable state championship run was powered by a dynamic trio — junior guard Elijah Garrett, senior leader Terry Satcher Jr., and first-year head coach Michael Thomas — whose standout seasons have earned them top postseason honors and solidified their places in program history. Garrett has been named the Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Satcher has earned a prestigious invitation to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Star Game, and Thomas has been honored as both the Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold Boys Basketball Coach of the Year and the Class 5A-I Coach of the Year by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.

Garrett, the Bruins’ go-to playmaker, is known for his ability to take over games on both ends of the floor. He averaged 19.5 points, 4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 3 steals per game while leading West Brook to a 38-2 record and its first-ever boys basketball state championship.

“Being Super Gold Player of the Year means a lot to me because my dedication is being rewarded, and that means everything,” Garrett said. “Success is where preparation meets opportunity.”

While Garrett will return to the court for the Bruins next season, West Brook is saying goodbye to several key seniors — including Terry Satcher Jr. A vocal leader and steady presence throughout the season, Satcher’s experience and composure proved critical during high-pressure moments, especially in the Bruins’ dramatic overtime win against Birdville High School in the state championship.

"Being selected [to the TABC All Star Invitation] is a huge accomplishment. I’m proud of myself and blessed with this opportunity to showcase my skills amongst the best in Texas," Satcher said. "I get to represent my school and community and I hope I’ve made everyone proud!"

First-year head coach Michael Thomas, who took over following the retirement of legendary coach Andre Boutte, praised both Garrett and Satcher for making his transition seamless and expressed gratitude for the accolades he continues to receive. “I am grateful to be named the Beaumont Enterprise 2025 Super Gold Boys Basketball Coach of the Year,” Thomas said. “God has truly blessed me to be in this position. I do not take this for granted. I would like to thank my players for believing in me and the coaching staff for trusting me to lead them.”

With Garrett set to return, the legacy of leaders like Satcher paving the way, and Thomas bringing stability and vision in his award-winning debut season, West Brook is poised to remain a dominant force in Texas high school basketball — a program no longer chasing history, but confidently building on it.

More than 250 Beaumont ISD Career & Technical Education (CTE) students stepped into the professional world as they participated in the annual CTE Mock Interviews event, Preparing Students to Make an Industry Connection, held at the BISD CTE Center.

The daylong event held on April 8, 2025 provided 11th grade students with a unique opportunity to engage in practice job interviews with business and industry professionals from across Southeast Texas.

Organized by Beaumont ISD’s CTE Department, the mock interviews were designed to help students gain confidence and experience in the job application process. Students practiced real-world interview techniques and received constructive feedback from professionals, allowing them to sharpen their communication skills and improve their readiness for future careers.

"This event gives our students an invaluable chance to connect with professionals and experience what it’s like to present themselves in a professional setting," said Eva Leblanc, BISD Business and Industry Coordinator. "It bridges the gap between classroom learning and the real-world expectations of the workforce."

Participants included representatives from a diverse range of organizations and industries, including:

• 100 Black Men of Greater Beaumont
• Beaumont ISD (various departments)
• Bechtel
• CASA of Southeast Texas
• Chick-fil-A
• City of Beaumont – 911 Dispatch and Economic Development
• Doggett Auto Group
• Genesis Beauty Salon
• Grand Canyon University
• Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce
• Houston Circle of Hope
• Lamar Institute of Technology
• Lamar State College Orange
• Port of Beaumont
• Raising Cane’s
• Region 5 Education Service Center
• Shawn Sold It Real Estate Team
• Take My Hand Girl
• Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas
   

For many students, the experience was both eye-opening and empowering.

"I was nervous at first, but once I started talking, it felt really natural," said Sabien Foster, CTE student/West Brook junior. "The interviewer gave me great advice about how to be more confident and prepared. I feel like I can walk into a real interview now and know what to expect."

The event is part of BISD’s broader effort to equip students with practical skills that extend beyond the classroom. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, the district aims to prepare students for successful futures in both higher education and the workforce.

As the event concluded, students walked away not only with professional insights, but also with the confidence that comes from meaningful, hands-on experience.