Students and community partners recognized: CHISD highlights drone certifications, chaplaincy cohort, Rotary coat drive and Boys & Divas leadership launch

Cedar Hill ISD Board of Trustees · December 15, 2025

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Summary

The board recognized Cedar Hill students for FAA-related drone coursework, celebrated graduates of a new chaplaincy cohort, thanked the Rotary Club for a six-figure coats donation, and heard from the newly launched Boys & Divas youth leadership organization with 94 active members.

The board meeting included multiple recognitions and community-program spotlights celebrating student achievement and community partnerships.

District staff recognized students from the CTE engineering and robotics program who completed FAA Part 107-related drone coursework that the ISD provided in partnership with Aviator Academy of Texas. John Mayes, president of Cedar Hill Dads Aviation, and Colin Owen, the program COO and a certified flight instructor, described hands-on flight opportunities and curriculum built to align with aviation fundamentals.

The board also honored the first Cedar Hill ISD Chaplaincy Cohort graduates and their instructors; program liaison Pastor Steve Boyer explained that cohort members completed a 30-hour certification and are working toward commissioning. The district said chaplains are now serving across campuses and district offices.

Community partners were highlighted: the Rotary Club of Cedar Hill donated more than 300 coats through the annual Coats for Kids initiative, and that contribution was noted as part of a multi-year effort that has pushed the program past $100,000 in total giving.

District and community presenters introduced the Boys & Divas youth leadership organization, a student-led social-emotional and leadership program started this year. William Holmes and student ambassadors described 94 active members, recent family-engagement events, community-service projects and plans for growth across secondary schools.

Quotes and context: "This is a seed," John Mayes said of the aviation program, urging continued partnership to expand career pathways. Student ambassadors described family-focused events and community service as central to the group's early success.

The recognitions underscored the district's partnerships with local organizations and a focus on both career pathways and student social-emotional supports.