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—chosen from among 237 graduating seniors. Emma has distinguished herself as an intellectually curious scholar, 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.”

Jessica Martin, Special Education teacher at Marble Falls High School, 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, she has also enhanced collaboration between inclusion and general education through innovative leadership.

During Autism Awareness Month, MFISD proudly recognized not one, but two teachers for the April Spotlight on Excellence: Ms. Randi Dalton and Mr. Joshua Kull of Colt Elementary. 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,” Sandy shared. “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 humbly pointed to their students. “They make me want to show up and be a better teacher every day,” said Ms. Dalton. Mr. Kull echoed the sentiment: “Getting to know my students and finding what drives them—that’s what motivates me.”

Their passion, preparation, and personal investment serve as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact educators can make, not just on student achievement, but in students’ lives.

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Gasaway emphasized, “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.”

Mr. Gip Keeton, math teacher at Marble Falls Middle School, was honored with the Spotlight on Engagement award. Mr. Keeton is celebrated 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, instructional coach at MFMS, shared that observing Mr. Keeton’s class is “a master class in classroom management and engagement.” She added, “He brings humor, patience, and deep care to every student interaction.”

From differentiating instruction with visuals for English language learners to ensuring every student feels seen, Mr. Keeton embodies what it means to truly engage every learner. His impact echoes through the hallways and hearts of Marble Falls Middle School.

Led by advisors Ms. ElizaBeth Jones and Ms. Alex Dupre, the MFHS 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

Advisors Mr. Trey Hartsock and Mr. Leonard Venghaus led the largest contingent of Skills USA students in school history to the state competition in Corpus Christi, showcasing excellence in welding, fabrication, and craftsmanship. Notable projects included:

Notable Performance:

Colton Milam earned an impressive score of 390 out of 400 on his welding exam.

Colton Milam - tall fire pit, blue ribbon winner

Lucas Lout - charcuterie board, blue ribbon winner

Tim Fogle - welding art, blue ribbon winner

Esther Baker - Pecan wood epoxy table, blue ribbon winner

L T Gurganus - Koa wood guitar, blue ribbon winner

Paityn Garcia - Quilted Maple guitar, blue ribbon winner

These students were recognized for their high-quality craftsmanship, competitive spirit, and dedication to excellence in their trades.

Under the guidance of Ms. Lindsey Todesco, MFHS 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

These students demonstrated remarkable creativity and teamwork, pushing the boundaries of STEM innovation.

Ms. Michelle Jett, Mr. Cory Williamson, and Mr. 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 place events in the Unique to Texas category.

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 at State

David Dominguez – 9th place

Arnulfo “Nufo” Salazar – Set a regional bench press record of 390 lbs in the 181 lb weight class; Ranked #10 in the state

Coach Bielfeldt praised the athletes not only for their physical accomplishments but for their sportsmanship and support of teammates throughout the competition.