Region 9 hosted its highly anticipated SparkEd Future Educators Conference yesterday, welcoming 90 juniors and seniors along with 26 educators from 15 districts across the region. The event provided a day packed with inspiration, learning, and celebration of the teaching profession.

The conference began with an electrifying keynote speech by Aric Bostick, who motivated attendees to dream big and embrace the rewarding journey of becoming educators. His powerful message set the tone for a day filled with opportunities to learn and grow.

Throughout the event, participants engaged in breakout sessions, gaining insights into the field of education, and took part in a dynamic Q&A session with an educator panel during lunch. Students and teachers shared stories, asked questions, and left feeling inspired by the wisdom of experienced professionals.

The day concluded with a highlight of the event: the awarding of five scholarships to outstanding future educators. Congratulations to these recipients:

• $500 Scholarships:
  • Breanna Harnden, WFISD CEC
  • Zoey Parker, Burkburnett
  • Parker Rosenberger, Henrietta
• $1,500 Scholarships:
  • Sadie Longley, Henrietta
  • Natalie Romines, Henrietta

This incredible day wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and donors:

• American National Bank
• BroCroCreative
• Chick-Fil-A
• Crumbl
• Midwestern State University
• Nothing Bundt Cakes
• Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott
• Raising Cane's
• Starbucks
• The Backyard Barber
• The Rural Schools Future Educator Fund
• The Sweet Batch
• Vernon College
• Village Bowl
• Workforce Solutions North Texas

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of SparkEd 2025. Together, we are nurturing the next generation of educators and ensuring a bright future for our schools and communities.