Royal ISD is excited to announce the 2026–2027 Royal ISD Education Foundation Grant Recipients!
On Monday, October 26, 2026, Royal ISD Education Foundation President Cori Vahalik and Secretary Sarah Stevens visited grant recipients across the district to personally deliver the exciting news and celebrate their innovative ideas and dedication to student success.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Royal ISD Education Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact by supporting educators and providing resources that enhance learning experiences for students. With an ambitious goal of awarding $100,000 in grants this year, the Foundation is helping turn creative ideas into reality in classrooms throughout the district. This year's grants will support a wide variety of projects, including hands-on STEM learning, literacy development, fine arts, career and technical education, athletics, and innovative instructional experiences.
2026–2027 Grant Recipients:
Royal Early Childhood Center
Diana Johnston — Fun in the Gym
Mabely Lituma — Little Learners, Big Writers
Patricia McBride — Investing in Our Tomorrow
Ilein Pellot — Little Artists Creating with Different Medium
Royal Elementary School
Jessica Ball — Building Mathematical Understanding Through Hands-On Learning
Ashley Cook — Falcon Engineers: Building, Coding, Creating Our Future
Irene Falcon — Building Independence Through Hands-On Life Skills Learning
Patricia McBride — Investing in Our Tomorrow Today
Royal Prairie Elementary
Cory Burton — Taking Art to the Next Dimension
Mackenzie Cooke — It's Chime to Shine: Empowering Young Musicians Through Tone Chimes
Maria Esteban — Eagle Readers
Rafael Esteban — Integral Instruction
Alexis Flores — 26-27 REF Grant
Lindsey Gleason — Every Child, Every Book
Porcha Jones — Small Groups, Big Growth: Empowering Grades 3–5 RLA Readers
Marisol Juarez — Equipping Eagles for Success: Building Movement Skills Through CATCH PE
Frances Kmiec-Macedo — Growing Scientists: A 5th Grade STEM Garden
Carrie Lentz — Code, Create & Innovate: Helping Eagles Soar
Thelma McClellan — Little Learners: Read, Write, Explore, and Grow
Sandra Padilla — 5th Grade Math Manipulatives
Candice Rutland — Close Our Gap
Royal STEM Academy
Sherlyn Baxley — Skill Quiz Bowl Team Supplies
Sherlyn Baxley — Manipulatives Matter: Turning Math into Meaning
Kristin Dry — Museum of Illusion Houston
Ana Lopez — Coding in Motion: Building Computational Thinkers with Ozobots
Noel Medina — Expanding the Minds of Theater
Amanda Neuendorf — 7th and 8th Grade Science Dissection
Amanda Neuendorf — Crochet Club
Vanessa Ortega — From Clay to Creation: A Hands-On Pottery Experience
Skyler Webb — Royal STEM Propulsion Club: From Propulsion to Possibility
Royal Junior High School
Colby Glover — Hands-On Earth Science: Exploring Rocks, Minerals, Soil, Weather, and Our Environment
Alexis Harrison — Creator Lab: Expanding Hands-On Digital Media Production
Alexis Harrison — Investing in Our Girls: Building the Future of Royal Junior High Girls Athletics
Jayla LaDay — RJH Vertical Aeroponic Classroom Hydro-Farm
Seth Stokes — 2026-27 Academic Planner
Royal High School
Remona Clark — Falcon Nest: Investing in Our Future
Frank J. Cobio — Haas Control Simulator, Standard
Alyssa Garcia — PE
Brandon Hein — RHS Hydroponics Lab
Jennifer Ibarra Leon — Arts AV Podcast Studio
Bobbie Karns-Novicke — Restock the Shelves
Matthias Kent — OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Course
Alexia Leon-Robnett — Building a Stronger Dance Program
Roldan Salais — Welding Renovation Consumables
Multi-Campus Initiative
Alicia Murrell — PLAY TENNIS (Royal High School and Royal Junior High School)
Investing in Our Tomorrow
Behind every grant is an educator with a vision to make learning more engaging, meaningful, and memorable for students. These projects reflect the passion, creativity, and commitment of Royal ISD staff members who continually seek new ways to help students learn, grow, and succeed. Royal ISD extends its sincere appreciation to the Royal ISD Education Foundation Board of Directors, donors, and community partners whose generosity makes these opportunities possible. Their continued investment in our schools is an investment in the future of our students and community.
Congratulations to our 2026–2027 grant recipients! We look forward to seeing these projects come to life and celebrating the positive impact they will have across Royal ISD.
Together, we are Investing in Our Tomorrow!