VISD and campuses awarded multiple fine arts distinctions

VISD and campuses awarded multiple fine arts distinctions

Published 6:15 am Sunday, August 24, 2025

Fine arts programs provide students a unique way to express themselves and learn a number of skills that can be utilized once they graduate. Multiple campuses at Victoria Independent School District (VISD) were honored with a Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA) Campus Award.

VISD was similarly honored with a District Distinction. Cade Middle School, STEM Middle School, Victoria East and Victoria West earned an outstanding distinction. Howell Middle School earned an exemplary distinction. VISD as a district earned a commendable distinction.

Theatre at VISD utilizes project-based learning to teach students collaboration, creativity, time management, innovation and communication. Students learn business principles through research on the production of plays, musicals and films. By constructing set pieces and utilizing auditorium fly systems, students learn physics, architecture and engineering.

“The most obvious thing people see is the communication aspect of speaking and acting in a production,” David Edge, VISD Director of Fine Arts, said. “If we can give a child the self confidence to speak in front of people, direct or teach people in a purposeful way, they’ve learned not to be a follower, but to be a leader. Our theater teachers do all of that at all six secondary campuses with relationships, opportunities and high expectations.”

TxETA determines what district and campuses receive distinction awards through an extensive rubric grading course offerings, facilities, performances, curriculum, requirements, leadership, mentorship, advocacy, resources, technology, budget and district support.

“The importance of a child’s education is an absolute constant and the way to our future, and as the decades have passed, I’ve seen it to be absolutely true as I interact with my own students,” Edge said. “Another constant is the saying, failing to plan is planning to fail, and in fine arts, planning is a way of life.”

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VISD was awarded a 2025 District of Distinction Award from The Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) as well. The district has earned this award for seven straight years, since the TAEA has begun recognizing districts.

Only 16 districts across the state have received the honor all seven years, placing VISD’s visual art programs in the top 1.3 percent of Texas school districts. VISD is one of 109 school districts to receive the award in 2025.

TAEA honors districts that provide students well-rounded visual arts education with the distinction. Over 1,200 districts in the state were eligible to apply for the distinction in 2025. Applying districts were required to submit documentation showing adequate achievement across a 14-point rubric.

VISD, along with the other 108 districts that received the distinction, will be recognized at the TAEA District of Distinction Awards Ceremony during the TAEA Fall Conference on Friday, November 21, 2025 in Round Rock.

Michael Milliorn is a news reporter for the Victoria Advocate. He can be reached at michael.milliorn@vicad.com.