The 2025-26 school year is a historic one in Plano ISD.
The district recently celebrated the 50th anniversaries of Plano Senior High School, Jackson Elementary and Hughston Elementary as well as the 10th anniversary of Academy High School’s first graduating class.
To recognize the 50th anniversary of Plano Senior High, a special ceremony was held at the school on Monday, December 9, 2025. Featuring student performances, remarks from former and current principals and plenty of stories from alumni, the event provided memorable reflections from past and present leaders, highlighting the academic and extracurricular excellence that has long defined Plano Senior High. Guests included former Wildcat Head Football Coach and Texas High School Football Hall of Famer Tom Kimbrough, city leaders, former and current administrators, staff and alumni.
“Our school has been shaped by so many people who truly love our community, and it was evident through our student performances and reflective speakers who shared stories and cherished memories,” said Plano Senior High School Principal Kennitra Robertson. “I am so humbled and thankful for everyone who celebrated with us and look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that exemplifies Wildcat Nation.”
Since 2013, Academy High School has provided students with an innovative, project-based learning community to solve real-world Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math problems. Plano Senior High also holds a special place in Academy’s story, serving as the host site for the Academy’s very first commencement ceremony ten years ago—a meaningful connection between one of Plano ISD’s most established campuses and one of its youngest schools.
Academy High School celebrated 10 years of graduating classes on Saturday, December 13, 2025, with a special reunion event. More than 200 guests attended the ceremony, including alumni and current students as well as former and current staff.
“We are so proud of our graduates and all of their accomplishments,” said Academy High School Principal Dr. Josh Howard. “Our alumni provide valuable feedback that helps us continuously improve the offerings and experiences we provide at Academy High School. The innovative culture they experienced here continues to shape their lives after graduation, as they apply the creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills to thrive in college, industry and community leadership roles.”
In addition to these secondary schools, Plano ISD’s Jackson Elementary and Hughston Elementary also celebrated their 50th Anniversaries. Jackson Elementary held a reunion event in October 2025 featuring hundreds of members of the Jaguar family.
“For 50 years, Jackson has been more than a school—it has been an investment in children, families and futures,” said Jackson Elementary Principal Antreshawn Buhl. “Built on heart and strengthened by a shared belief, our legacy lives in every student who walks through these doors. We honor the past, celebrate the present and recommit to a legacy of hope, growth and excellence for generations to come.”
Opened in 1975, Hughston Elementary celebrated the milestone with the Mustang community on January 15, 2026. The event featured current and former students and staff, administrators, and city officials. Plano City Councilman Bob Kehr presented Principal Jennifer Caplinger with a proclamation from Mayor John Muns declaring January 15, 2026 as Hughston Elementary School Day in Plano.
“It is evident that the Hughston community is truly unique,” said Caplinger. “We are a small school by design, and that closeness matters. Here, parents still walk their children up to the school each morning and even bring coffee in their thermos to share with others. In the afternoon, you will find students playing on the playground while parents socialize. Relationships are meaningful, names are known and students are truly seen. That sense of family has always been one of Hughston’s greatest strengths.”