Chaparral High and other KISD school honored for the performing arts

July 5, 2026 - 02:22

A handful of Killeen Independent School District theatre departments are getting a well-deserved standing ovation this week. The Texas Educational Theatre Association has awarded its Campus of Distinction honor to seven KISD schools, including Chaparral High School, for their outstanding performing arts programs.

The recognition highlights schools that demonstrate excellence in all areas of theatre education, from on-stage performance to technical production and classroom instruction. For the KISD programs, the award reflects years of hard work by students, directors, and support staff who have built strong, competitive theatre programs despite the challenges of limited resources and large student populations.

Chaparral High School's theatre department, along with the other honored campuses, met strict criteria set by the state association. These include maintaining a robust curriculum, offering multiple production opportunities each year, and showing consistent growth in student participation and skill development. The award also considers how well programs serve their local communities through outreach and public performances.

For the students involved, the recognition is more than just a trophy. It validates the countless hours spent rehearsing lines, building sets, and perfecting lighting cues. Theatre directors across the district say the honor boosts morale and helps attract new students who might not have considered joining the program.

The Texas Educational Theatre Association's Campus of Distinction program is designed to spotlight schools that go above and beyond standard requirements. With seven KISD schools now holding the designation, the district has firmly established itself as a hub for quality performing arts education in Central Texas.