Volume 2, Issue 16: 4/17/25
by Bulldog Bulletin - Superintendent's Blog
Posted on April 17, 2025
Volume 2, Issue 16: 4/17/25
Greetings Bulldogs! Happy Thursday.
TISD High School Bond Ground Breaking Event!
Friday, April 11th, 2025 was a great day for Thorndale ISD and all of the Thorndale community! I think the groundbreak event at 2pm was a huge success and I am so proud that we were able to share this symbolic moment with the community and all of our students!
If you were not able to make it to the event, we would love for your to stop by the central office building at 300 N. Main street to pick up a free commemorative groundbreaking bottle of soil.
The team has been busy at work in just a few short days since the groundbreaking, and the ground is MOVING! If you haven't driven by, I encourage you to do so. It is exciting. Stay tuned for more updates.
The image below shows the space just before groundbreaking, and the bottom is as of noon on 4/16/25.
STAAR/EOC Testing Dates:
Alumni Spotlight - Patricia Rich:
April Alumni Spotlight: Patricia Rich, Thorndale Class of 2006
This month, we’re excited to feature Patricia Rich, a proud member of the Thorndale High School Class of 2006, whose journey is a shining example of resilience, leadership, and the power of staying connected to your roots.
During her time at Thorndale High School, Patricia was a true standout—both in the classroom and in extracurriculars. She earned the title of Softball MVP her senior year, went to state in Cross Country three years in a row, and held the school record in the 100-meter hurdles for over a decade! She also brought her competitive spirit and leadership to Volleyball, Track, One Act Play, and Student Council, where she served as an officer.
After graduating from Thorndale, Patricia continued her education at Texas Tech University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2011. While in Lubbock, she began working at Raising Cane’s in 2010—and it was there she met her future husband, Bryant Rich. The couple married in December 2012 and have now been happily married for 12 years.
Patricia’s professional journey took her to several cities across Texas—including Euless, San Antonio, and Leander—as she helped manage and support Raising Cane’s locations in need of strong leadership. She rose through the ranks to become General Manager, a role she held for more than 12 years.
In July 2022, Patricia accepted a new challenge and joined Starbucks as the Store Manager of the Taylor location, officially opening the store in December 2022. The opening day held special meaning, coinciding with the funeral of her beloved mother. Patricia began her new role just a few days later and has been serving the community with heart and purpose ever since.
Now back in Thorndale, Patricia and her husband are raising their two sons—Zachary (10) and Oliver (4)—both of whom attend Thorndale Elementary. Being home has been a full-circle moment for Patricia. “I absolutely love being back in my local community after spending 10 years away,” she shared. “One of my favorite things is getting to see my kids grow up alongside my friends’ kids. I graduated high school with many of the kids I started kindergarten with, and now to still have those same friends and watch our kids grow up together is amazing!”
Patricia continues to give back in countless ways. She is the Worship Leader at San Gabriel Evangelic Christian Church and an officer of the church’s women’s group, which just hosted its third annual conference with over 375 women in attendance. She also dedicates her time to community causes like Thorndale Cares, the Bill Pickett Foundation, and serves as an officer of the Thorndale Boosters.
When asked about her favorite high school memories, Patricia doesn’t hesitate: “Definitely playing sports—always so much fun! It helps explain why I’m still so competitive to this day!”
Patricia Rich is a true Bulldog through and through, and we’re proud to celebrate her as an alum who continues to lead, inspire, and uplift the Thorndale community.
Nominate a TISD alumni for an upcoming highlight by scanning the QR code or visiting https://forms.gle/fxupqaC6yLNd1M6n8.
Congrats - Signing Days!
Congratulations to Aiyanna on signing her intent to play college softball at Ranger College!
Congratulations to Jayden Clawson on his signing to play at Schreiner
District Tennis Update:
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Girls Singles
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Katelynn Zrubek 1st
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Hestin Ellington 2nd
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Boys Singles
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Kolton Zrubek 1st
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Isaac Biar 2nd
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Girls Doubles
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Boys Doubles
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Mixed Doubles
Junior Varsity
Track & Field:
Track finished up at Area and is moving on to Regionals this weekend.
Area Track Results:
Congratulations to the following athletes who qualified for Regionals!
Lady Dogs
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Bethany Preusse: Discus - Area Champ (New School Record - 155-10) , Shot Put - Area Champ
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Riley Shock: Discus - 3rd place
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Nadia Gonzalez: 3200 - 4th place, 1600 - 4th place
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Skielee Bear: 3200 - 2nd place, 1600 - 2nd place
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Raven Sandoval: 3200 - Area Champ, 800 - 3rd place, 1600 - Area Champ
Bulldogs
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Case McDaniel: High Jump - 4th place, 800 - 3rd place, 1600 - Area Champ
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Jamie Llanas: 3200 - Area Champ, 1600 - 2nd place
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Jayden Clawson: 100 - 2nd place
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Luciano Legon: Pole Vault - Area Champ
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Ethan Schramm: Triple Jump - 3rd place
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Braden Pickel: Discus - 2nd place
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Will Cloud: 300 Hurdles - 4th place
Golf Update:
The girls competed yesterday (4/16 and today 4/17)!
Our HS Boys Golf team competed hard over two days and placed 13th overall! Great job to these athletes for their effort and determination on the course: Cooper, Case, Jacob, Hunter, and Wyatt.
Baseball Updates:
Baseball continues their undefeated in district roll! On April 11th, the night was extra special as they celebrated the anniversary of the 2005 TISD State Champion baseball team. Thanks for all those who came out! Once a bulldog, always a bulldog.
The boys have now clinched a playoff birth and are in control of their own destiny to win the coveted district championship.
Softball Updates:
Softball also remains undefeated and finish out district tonight in Bremond! The Lady Dogs will take on Harper for a double header on Friday, April 25th at Marion High School. Come join us!
FCCLA Updates:
2025 State FCCLA Conference Recap:
Thorndale FCCLA had a successful weekend in Dallas for the 2025 State FCCLA Conference. Our THS students never cease to amaze when it comes to their hard work and dedication! They battle it out against 1A - 6A schools & are always fierce competitors!
Here’s the results:
18 THS FCCLA members in attendance
8 STAR Event Teams:
Chapter in Review: Level 3
- Jayden Gonzales
- Grace Vickers
Food Innovations: Level 3
- Morgan Rabel
- Marisol Schaller
Hospitality & Tourism: Level 3
- Hanna Delacerda
Hospitlairy & Tourism: Level 2
- Rileigh Schaller
Interior Design: Level 3
- Jordyn Stutts
Interior Design: Level 2
- Brilee Mulligan
- Lyla Patin
- Kennedy Robinson
Sustainability Challenge: Level 3
- Kenedi Moore ( 
5th Place in STATE)
Teach or Train: Level 3
- Emma Hohertz
2 Proficiency Event Competitors:
Serving Up Success: Level 2
- Logan Ferguson: (
1st Place in STATE)
- Wyatt Betak: (
2nd Place in STATE)
2 FCSA Testers:
- Brooklyn Gamble: Gold
- Gunner Ferguson: Silver
2 Power of One Recipients:
- Brooklyn Gamble
- Gunner Ferguson
2 Talent Show Contestants:
- Jayden Gonzales
- Grace Vickers
1 Connection Team member:
- Brooklyn Gamble
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Most sincerely,
Zack Kleypas
Superintendent
Thorndale ISD
#TISDStrivingForExcellence
“Keep improving, always, in all ways.”
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