Hard Work, Heart, and Hustle: Jasper ISD Students Shine Across the Board

From music to athletics and everything in between, Jasper ISD students are proving that hard work, heart, and hustle lead to success. From the soaring sounds of concert band performances to high-flying track and field feats, dazzling dance moves, and livestock showmanship, our youth are achieving big things and making their community proud.

The Jasper High School Band traveled to Nederland High School on April 3 to compete in the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluation, a major milestone that marks the culmination of their spring semester efforts. Under the leadership of Band Director Russell Hopkins, the students performed three challenging prepared pieces, earning an overall “Excellent” rating from a panel of three judges (2-1-2).

"These students have worked incredibly hard toward this challenging program, and we are so proud of their efforts and the results they achieved," said Band Director Russell Hopkins. "We’re thankful for the support from Jasper ISD administration and the community."

In the Sight Reading component—where students are given a completely unfamiliar piece of music and only eight minutes to prepare before performing—the band rose to the challenge and received a top-tier “Superior” rating (2-1-1).

Photo by: Jasper High School Facebook Page

Meanwhile, the JHS Crimson Dazzlers lit up the stage at the Crowd Pleasers National Showcase in Galveston, bringing home the title of Double National Champions in their division.

The team also earned:

Best in Class – Officer Line
National Team GPA Award
Best in Class – Officer Line

Three soloists were recognized with Platinum Awards for their standout performances:

Tacyanna Franklin – "Never Could Have Made It"
Kaley Garcia – "Fantasmas"
Cameryn Brock – "Fabulous"

Jasper ISD students proudly represented their campuses at the Jasper County Junior Livestock Show, earning top placements across a variety of categories:

Miley Seybold – 1st Place Goat
Scarlett Fuller – 6th Place Goat
Mary Vasquez – 2nd & 3rd Place Overall Goat, 3rd Place Lamb, 3rd Place Pig
Keagan Taff – 5th Place Lamb
Tatum Sherer – 6th Place Pig
Payton Kelley – 3rd Place Heifer
Hilary Lewis – 3rd Place Heifer
Darby Herrington – Grand Champion Heifer and Reserve Champion Supreme Breeding Heifer
Mason Woolems – 4th Place Steer
Lauren Hudson – 6th Place Steer
Hunter Smith, Jackson Parker, Madysen Smith, and Nyla Johnson – Top placements in the Chickens category

Additionally, Mason Woolems placed 3rd in the Heavyweight Exotic Steers division and made the sale at the YMBL Fair in Beaumont—a major accomplishment for any exhibitor.

Miley Seybold also made headlines in District Golf, placing 3rd overall and earning a spot in the Regional Golf Tournament set for April 14–15 in Huntsville. The JHS Girls Golf Team finished 3rd overall in district play.

In track and field, Jasper athletes qualified for the Area Meet to be held at West Orange-Stark on April 10, following outstanding District Meet results:

Girls Track Team Highlights

Bre Brooks, Kennedy Bryant, McKenzie Williams, and Labrayia Waalee – 4x100m Relay
Bre Brooks, Kennedy Bryant, Rocsan Hadnot, and Labrayia Waalee – 4x200m Relay
Labrayia Waalee – District Champion (100m Dash), Runner-Up (Long Jump)
Rocsan Hadnot – District Champion (High Jump)

Boys Track Team Highlights

Demetries Dean II – District Champion (Shot Put and Discus)
Moustapha Aghmari – 4th Place (800m & 1600m Runs)
Davion Hunter – 3rd Place (Triple Jump)
Major Armstrong – 4th Place (100m Dash)

Superintendent John Seybold and the Jasper ISD Board of Trustees extend their congratulations to all students, coaches, and staff whose hard work, talent, and school spirit continue to elevate Jasper’s reputation for excellence.

From the classroom to the concert hall, from the show ring to the track, our students are proving that success isn’t given—it’s earned. And in Jasper ISD, it’s earned with pride.