Submitted by Student Activities Department
With an assortment of extracurricular programs ranging from academic competitions to performance-based opportunities, the Student Activities Department’s theme for the school year is Enjoy the Experience.
This theme embodies the department’s goal for students to immerse themselves in opportunities for the exploration of new knowledge, the thrill of travel, and the benefit of earning academic scholarships.
At Dallas ISD, student learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. Instead, it expands to enrich minds beyond the traditional classroom. The Student Activities Department oversees extracurricular programs designed to engage students in ways that introduce them to new knowledge.
This year, debaters will research ways to explore the Arctic, while students in Lone Star Challenge will learn the geography of Africa and early civilization. Decathletes and pentathletes will dive deep into the roaring 20s and the jazz age. UIL Academic students will become experts by studying the literary masterpieces of William Shakespeare, Eugene O’Neill, and Harper Lee.
The extracurricular programs offered by the department create opportunities for students to deepen content mastery, develop soft skills, and discover personal passions, said Lennon Formaggini, Student Activities coordinator.
“Each experience is intentionally structured to complement classroom instruction vital to growth of our students into thinkers, leaders, and learners for life,” he said.
This growth continues as students take their knowledge on the road through travel experiences that expand their horizons. Imagine boarding a plane for the first time, debating with the nation’s top minds, or standing on the same university grounds attended by eight U.S. presidents.
Competitive activities offered by Dallas ISD allow students to travel beyond Dallas and even outside Texas, said Michelle Read, Student Activities coordinator.
“Students get to explore new cities, try unique restaurants, and enjoy excursions to amusement parks or prestigious universities they might not have otherwise visited,” she said.
Middle and high school students who advance to the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association state competition travel to San Antonio in the spring, while academic UILhigh school participants travel to Austin. Beyond the statewide competitions, Dallas ISD debate teams are set to journey to exciting locations across the country.
While travel adventures in extracurricular activities present a unique way to grow personally, students can further enjoy the experience by seeking financial rewards and opportunities for higher learning through programs sponsored by Student Activities.
The Academic Decathlon State competition offers more than $150,000 in scholarships to participating students. The Texas Interscholastic League Foundation offers dozens of scholarships to qualifying UIL students. Any student who advances to the state competition is eligible to apply for these scholarships.
The Roland G. Parrish Charitable Foundation continues to be a generous partner, providing over $100,000 in scholarship awards to Dallas ISD debate students. Top performing seniors can win thousands of dollars at the TMSCA High School State Meet.
These scholarships and opportunities are just one part of how Student Activities supports students in making the most of their extracurricular experiences.
As a former school principal and now the new director of the Student Activities Department, Antonio Verduzco understands firsthand the importance of extracurriculars in a student’s overall experience. He believes these diverse programs offer vital opportunities to apply classroom learning in enjoyable ways and develop essential skills beyond traditional academics.
“Student Activities allows students to not only focus on test scores, but to enjoy the experience of programs that are vital for real-world application,” he said. “Our department creates unique opportunities for students to have fun while enjoying the many benefits of participating in extracurricular activities.”
For more information about Student Activities, please visit our website at www.dallasisd.org/studentactivities.
