August 8, 2025, Lancaster ISD/Lancaster, TX -- Lancaster ISD kicked off back-to-school season with its annual convocation event to energize and unite educators as they gear up for the new school year.
As a proud member of the Best Southwest, alongside DeSoto, Duncanville, and Cedar Hill ISD, Lancaster ISD’s spirited western-themed event celebrated “How the Best Southwest Was Won” by showcasing the many ways the district has exemplified student success.
“We do it for our community’s most precious resource, our young scholars,” said Lancaster ISD Superintendent, Dr. A. K. Perera. “When people ask, “How was the Best Southwest won?” The answer is simple, through heart-work, hustle, determination and true grit to get the job done no matter the challenges.”
The program featured moving speeches from the Dr. Perera, Secondary Teacher of the Year, Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Principal of the Year. In keeping with the western convocation theme, Dr. Perera made a memorable grand entrance on a live horse before delivering her remarks.
“Each year, the communications department’s goal is to create a memorable convocation experience as we welcome our staff members back for the school year. We always aim to include an element of surprise, and this year that surprise was our superintendent's grand entrance on a horse before her speech. It was such a great moment,” Lancaster ISD Chief of Communications, Kimberly Simpson said. “My team and I work hard to execute a full theme and incorporate live show elements for an engaging program. In the end, we felt the entire district embraced our theme, connected with our message, and enjoyed a strong start to the new school year.”
The event also spotlighted Lancaster ISD’s continued academic success, including its 100% graduation rate and behind the scenes efforts to ensure all students have the resources they need to graduate and be successful.
“We are in this job to ensure that our students are successful,” said Lancaster ISD Chief of Student Services, Dr. Marcus Jackson. “We can’t be successful if 100% of our students don’t cross that stage. Not only cross the stage, but ensure they go to college, or the military, or they have a place to go if they choose to enter the workforce”
One of the most moving moments came during a segment honoring 
a student who overcame homelessness and is now headed to the University of North Texas. His story not only highlighted the hard work it takes for a school district to achieve a 100% graduation rate, especially with so many students facing major hardships, but also showcased the passion and heart-work Lancaster ISD educators pour into ensuring student success.
The celebration wrapped up with a surprise presentation of college essentials donated by a few community partners, and a $1,500 scholarship from the district’s Dollars for College program, made possible through UnitedWay.
View Convocation 2025 photos, here.