It didn’t start in a boardroom or through a formal proposal. There was no strategic plan, no long-term roadmap, just a conversation on the sidelines between a coach and a soldier assigned to recruiting duty. Nearly a decade later, that moment has grown into a full-scale, immersive U.S. Army Experience that includes a basic training challenge and a Career Expo, impacting hundreds of student-athletes each year.

Back in March 2017, at Harker Heights High School in Killeen ISD, what began as a small initiative serving just 100 students quickly revealed its potential. Built around discipline, teamwork, effective communication, cohesion, and exposure to military careers, the program resonated deeply with student-athletes. By 2020, the effort had scaled across the district, reaching four high schools and roughly 600 students annually. Then, like many in-person programs, it came to an abrupt halt in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What could have been the end turned into a reset. In March 2025, the program relaunched. It came back stronger, more intentional, and thriving. What makes this initiative stand out is its authenticity. This isn’t a classroom presentation or a one-day event. It’s a multi-day, boots-on-the-ground College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) experience where student-athletes step into the rhythm and rigor of Army life.

Participants engage in team-building exercises, leadership challenges, and real-world simulations that mirror the demands of military service. For many, it’s their first exposure to a structured environment that pushes both physical and mental limits. The experience meets them where they already are: on teams, under pressure, and striving for something bigger than themselves.

The program’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed. Coach Garson Wayne Skelton, one of the initiative's original champions, currently at Clark Elementary in Goose Creek CISD, received rare recognition from senior Army leadership. Both the Lieutenant General, Kevin D. Admiral, III, Armored Corps and Fort Hood commanding general, and the commander of the U.S. Army 5th Recruiting Brigade, Colonel Julian Perez, honored Coach Skelton’s contributions with official challenge coins, symbols of respect typically reserved for exceptional service. Those recognitions underscore something important: this isn’t just a school program with military support. It’s a true partnership.

Now, the next chapter is taking shape. Plans are underway to expand for the 2026-2027 school year to districts whose priorities align with emphasis on STEM pathways and CCMR. For district leaders, the program offers a rare opportunity: a proven model that blends physical development, leadership training, and career exposure into one cohesive experience.

To ensure alignment from the start, Sergeant First Class Leroy Betts III, 3rd Armored Corps and Fort Hood Public Affairs Office, emphasizes the importance of building relationships and shared ownership with district leadership. The proposed dates for the 2027 session are set for March 23rd-25th. The scheduling is intentional, avoiding conflicts with April testing windows and maximizing student participation. It’s a small detail that reflects a larger truth: this program works because it respects both worlds, education and military training, without compromising either.

In the short term, efforts to expand focus on communication and coordination. Introductions are being made to key district leaders, including Goose Creek CISD, to lock in a potential expansion. What started as a sideline conversation has evolved into a scalable model for student engagement, one that builds resilience, exposes career pathways, and strengthens connections between schools and the military.

The GCCISD Board of Trustees has approved a 2% general pay increase for all staff, continuing the district’s strong commitment to taking care of its people. This didn’t happen by chance. Over the past several years, the district has been intentional about increasing staff pay across the board, making adjustments for experienced teachers, and staying competitive. Today, GCCISD is proud to be at or above the local market median for teacher salaries.

There is even more to celebrate. The district will be opting back into TRS insurance. While this comes with more than 6 million dollars in penalties, the Board made it clear that our employees will not carry that burden. Staying with our current insurance provider would cost over 10 million dollars, making TRS the more responsible choice for the district.

The momentum continues with the 2026-2027 budget. The district presented a proposal to the Board that will be considered for adoption in June. For the first time since 2023, GCCISD is bringing forward a completely balanced budget.

This is what progress looks like. Investing in people, protecting salaries, and building a financially strong future for GCCISD.

Goose Creek CISD Receives First-Time National Recognition for Championing Music Education Goose Creek CISD (GCCISD) has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 27th year, the program continues to spotlight and celebrate school districts and individual schools across the United States for their exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education.

The award reaches K-12 communities nationwide, offering both recognition and momentum to strengthen and expand music education programs. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools—including public, private, charter, and parochial institutions—have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.

“Music education is not an extra in Goose Creek CISD; it is an essential part of how we develop disciplined, confident, and collaborative students. This recognition reflects the commitment of our educators, the support of our community, and the dedication of our students who show up every day ready to grow through the arts. Being named a Best Community for Music Education reinforces that we are on the right path, but more importantly, it challenges us to continue expanding access and raising the standard for what our programs can be. We are proud of this honor, and even more focused on the work ahead.” - Dr. Ray Lavan, GCCISD Director of Fine Arts

Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities, and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.