ARLINGTON, Texas – The Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language celebrated the completion of its building and the new outdoor performance area with a community event. The outdoor performance area was generously funded through Texas Trust Credit Union’s Spirit Debit Reward Program.
The Arlington ISD joined the popular program in December 2015. The district earns 10 cents each time a cardholder uses an Arlington ISD Spirit Debit Reward card. Initial proceeds from the program were designated to the Jones Academy.
The outdoor performance area is nestled among trees and bushes in a park-like setting. The raised stage is surrounded by a stone wall and topped by a trio of large canopies. The seating area offers tiered stone benches that can accommodate hundreds of guests.
The outdoor performance area was designed to serve all students at the Jones Academy and throughout the district, offering another avenue to provide creative, arts-integrated learning opportunities for students. It will be used to bring learning to life through art, music, dance and theater. This is the first outdoor performance area within the Arlington Independent School District.
“We are pleased to partner with Texas Trust for this unique facility,” AISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos said. “The outdoor performance area will increase fine arts opportunities for students and families.”
The Arlington ISD Spirit Debit Reward program includes six different Spirit cards, which are available to any current member of Texas Trust, or new members who open a checking account with the credit union. There is no fee for the Spirit Debit Reward card, and it can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
“The Spirit Debit Reward card allows members to support the AISD every time they use the card to buy something,” said Jim Minge, president and CEO of Texas Trust Credit Union. “The Jones Academy outdoor performance area is a prime example of how the AISD is benefiting from the Spirit Debit Reward program.”
The new outdoor performance area was dedicated in honor of Jimmy and Laura Jones, the school’s namesakes.
Separately, Texas Trust Credit Union has awarded $8,000 in college scholarships to two Mansfield ISD graduating seniors, one from Mansfield High School and the other from Lake Ridge High School. The Texas Trust MISD Fine Arts and Engineering Scholarships provide $1,000 per year for the next four years.
Jaelyn Bethea of Lake Ridge High School received the annual Rita Hamner Scholarship. Jaelyn plans to major in computer engineering at UT Austin. She attained a GPA of 101 and ranked 10th in her class. Bethea served as National Honor Society historian and was the head programmer of the Ben Barber Robotics Team. She received an Award of Excellence from the National Academy of Future Scientists, an annual program devoted to training future technology leaders.
The Bill Hallmark scholarship was awarded to Mansfield High School’s Seth Michael Moran, who achieved a GPA of 100 and ranked 40th in his class. Moran will attend Dallas Baptist University, where he plans to major in music and business. Moran was active in music and theater throughout high school and served as the choir student director his senior year. He participated in various UIL competitions and received the First Division UIL State Solo and Ensemblist award in 2016. He also attained the highest ranking award – the Gold Medal Achievement – in the international Royal Rangers.
“Jaelyn and Seth are outstanding students. Our hope is that this scholarship will help them achieve their educational goals, so that they may have a bright future,” said Shelley Carlson, vice president of marketing for Texas Trust. “We hope they will continue to pursue their passions and dreams.”
The Rita Hamner and Bill Hallmark scholarships are named in honor of former Texas Trust board members. The Rita Hamner award is for students pursuing a degree in science and technology. The Bill Hallmark scholarship goes to students pursuing a degree in fine arts.