Killeen, TX, 2021: A week before Thanksgiving, the Killeen ISD Education Foundation recognized nine business partners for standing up for Texas public schools.

“We are especially grateful,” Superintendent John Craft said to the assembled group of honorees. “The past 20 months have been extremely challenging and you have continued to answer the call.”

Education Foundation Director Joyce Hodson introduced each business partner and summarized their contribution to the foundation and the school system.

After receiving the honor, representatives of each group responded to the recognition.

Many of the business leaders praised educators for continuing to contribute to the lives of students, particularly over the period of virus mitigation, virtual learning and other stresses related to COVID-19.

Business representatives also thanked the foundation and KISD for providing opportunities to invest in the school system, pointing out their investment builds the communities they serve.

Recipients of Stand Up awards include the following:

American Constructors embedded themselves within the campus staff at Killeen High School, coordinating closely with Principal Kara Trevino and her team during major construction renovation projects.

Bartlett Cocke worked diligently at the new Pat Carney Elementary School through the pandemic to make sure the new school construction remained on schedule and delivered the project in record time.

BKCW and the Kliewer family have been part of the foundation since its inception in 2000, helped maintain health and financial benefits for employees and chaired the Starmakers event and provided the Kliewer Leadership Award 11 years.

Cloud Construction worked with KISD 40 years, delivering numerous facilities, has advised Career Center construction students, is a Gold sponsor of the foundation and supports foundation grants.

Huckabee architects has worked with KISD for more than 10 years, designing a high level of design for numerous projects small and large and supports many foundation functions.

Modern Appliance (Cullen and Erin Mills) served on Education Foundation board, opened their home for end-of-year celebration, assists in annual clay shoot and provides for grants and Starmakers ads.

PBK is the architect for Chaparral High School and the Killeen High School renovation and works closely with district staff, assisted with turf installation at the high schools and sponsors Starmakers and sporting clays tournament.

Subhani Foundation helped establish the foundation’s website, sponsored Starmakers ads and scholarships and funded an endowed scholarship.

Toyota of Killeen is a longtime Gold sponsor of the Starmakers banquet, purchases poinsettias in the foundation’s annual fundraiser and Paula Lohse is a distinguished alumni of KISD.

The list of KISD’s honorees is included on the Texas Association of School Boards online listing of Stand Up for Texas Public Schools Award recipients.