From developing confidence in the classroom to instilling it in children through life-saving swim instruction, Plano West Senior High School alumna Madison Gray has built her career around empowerment, safety and community.
A 2015 graduate, Madison now owns and operates ISR Plano, where she serves as a Certified Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) Instructor. Her work combines professional expertise and personal passion as she teaches infants and young children survival swim skills, with techniques such as rolling to float and swimming to safety.
“I work with families across the Plano area, helping their children build not only skills, but confidence,” Madison said. “Beyond the pool, I also mentor parents and caregivers on water safety strategies so that entire families feel prepared.”
Since launching ISR Plano, Madison has established herself as both a dedicated educator and entrepreneur. Through her business, she has:
Taught hundreds of children essential survival swim skills
Partnered with multiple nonprofit scholarship funds to ensure lessons are accessible for all families
Built a thriving small business focused on drowning prevention and community education
Found daily inspiration from her daughter, Rilynn, who motivates her passion for teaching and safety
Madison credits her time in Plano ISD with equipping her for the demands of business ownership and leadership.
“Plano ISD fostered both academic rigor and creativity, giving me the ability to think critically while also pursuing my passions,” she said. “From Advanced Placement courses that challenged me to teachers who encouraged curiosity and problem-solving, I learned how to balance hard work with joy in learning.”
One of her favorite memories from school is a particularly magical senior-year project.
“After AP testing, my AP English class studied the Harry Potter series,” Madison recalled. “We were sorted into houses, decorated our classroom and even played a version of quidditch (dodgeball) in the gym on Fridays. It was such a fun, memorable way to celebrate both learning and community.”
Looking back, Madison would tell her high school self to embrace life’s unexpected turns and stay driven by purpose.
“Don’t be afraid to take up space and chase big goals,” she advises. “The path might look different than you expect, but every experience—both the challenges and the victories—will prepare you for something greater. Trust your instincts, work hard and remember that passion and perseverance will take you further than perfection ever could.”