Region 9 Education Service Center

On January 21, Region 9 Education Service Center hosted SparkEd: Future Educators Conference, welcoming high school juniors and seniors from across the region who are exploring a future in education. The event was planned in collaboration with Vernon College, Midwestern State University, and Workforce Solutions North Texas, whose partnership helped shape a meaningful and engaging experience for students.

Designed to inspire, encourage, and inform, SparkEd provided students with opportunities to learn more about careers in education, connect with educators and peers, and reflect on the impact teachers have in schools and communities.

A highlight of the day was the keynote address by Taliyah Brooks, Olympian and Wichita Falls native. Brooks shared how teachers, coaches, and mentors influenced her journey, emphasizing the lasting impact educators have beyond the classroom. She also challenged students to consider the influence they will one day have on their own students and communities. The message resonated with students as they reflected on their own paths toward teaching and service.

In addition to learning and networking opportunities, SparkEd also celebrated students’ commitment to education through the awarding of seven scholarships. These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated a passion for teaching and a desire to pursue a career in education. Scholarship recipients were honored during the conference as their next steps toward becoming educators were celebrated. The 2025 SparkEd Scholarship recipients include:

• Chloe Hibbs, Archer City ISD

• Abigail Rennhack, Burkburnett ISD

• Wyatt Mayfield, Henrietta ISD

• Madelynn Logan, Henrietta ISD

• Gabriella Martinez, Knox City-O'Brien CISD

• Elizabeth McQuerry, Midway ISD

• Malory Watson, Windthorst ISD

The conference also featured a panel discussion that gave students the opportunity to hear directly from educators and higher education representatives about their paths into education and the impact of the profession. Panel participants included:

• Cherron Johnson, Burkburnett ISD, IC Evans Elementary, Region 9 Elementary Teacher of the Year

• Josh Tiller, Midway ISD, Region 9 Secondary Teacher of the Year

• Jenna Buckley, Vernon College, Associate of Arts in Teaching Program

• Landin Leija, Midwestern State University

SparkEd would not be possible without the generous support of community partners and sponsors. Their investment, along with the collaborative planning efforts of Vernon College, Midwestern State University, and Workforce Solutions North Texas, helped create a meaningful experience for students and provided direct support through scholarships that will assist recipients as they continue their educational journeys. American National Bank provided lunch for students and campus representatives, and BroCro Creative provided t-shirts for all participants. Door prizes were also provided by Chick-Fil-A, Midwestern State University, Nothing Bundt Cake, Raising Cane’s, Texas Roadhouse, Vernon College and Workforce Solutions North Texas. 

Region 9 Education Service Center is proud to partner with higher education institutions and community organizations to support future educators by providing opportunities that encourage growth, connection, and purpose. Events like SparkEd reflect Region 9’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of teachers who will serve schools and communities across Texas.