For the first time, Copperas Cove ISD has earned one of Texas’ highest honors in fine arts education.

Monday, Copperas Cove ISD announced it has received its first District of Distinction designation from the Texas Art Education Association.

CCISD is one of just 109 out of 1,200 eligible districts across Texas to receive the honor for the 2025-26 school year.

“I am beyond proud of our art team for earning this prestigious honor,” said CCISD Director of Fine Arts Megan Kenobbie. “We began the year with this recognition as a goal, and our educators worked tirelessly to make that goal a reality. This award is a testament to their dedication, creativity and unwavering commitment to promoting visual arts throughout our schools and community.”

The TAEA District of Distinction designation recognizes districts and schools that have a proven track record of leadership in promoting the arts both inside and outside of the classroom.

As part of their work, CCISD visual art students regularly participate in a list of public initiatives. Outside of the classroom, CCISD art students volunteer all across the city to paint murals throughout Copperas Cove for a multitude of community organizations and causes.

“This incredible award is a testament to the enormously passionate staff and students we have in our art programs, and I could not be more proud of them,” said CCISD Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “Our arts educators have made an enormous impact on the students they serve for years and to finally see them receive the recognition they truly deserve is incredibly rewarding. I look forward to seeing how these outstanding educators continue to build on their long track record of success and improve our arts programs moving forward.”

In addition to visual arts, Copperas Cove ISD offers band, choir, theatre arts and dance for students at both junior high campuses, as well as at Copperas Cove High School. All of these programs routinely advance in UIL and other relevant competitions, winning numerous awards along the way.

Additionally, the district offers music for all students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

In June 2025, the CCISD Board of Trustees codified its support for growing the arts in the district by approving the hiring of Kenobbie as the district’s inaugural Director of Fine Arts.

“It is truly wonderful to see all of our hard work recognized,” Kenobbie said. “This achievement is one that every arts educator in the district should be incredibly proud of.”