DeSoto ISD

DeSoto ISD is proud to announce the 2026 Hall of Honor Induction Class, continuing a longstanding district tradition that recognizes individuals whose achievements, service, and leadership have brought distinction to DeSoto ISD and the broader community.

Each year, the DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor celebrates outstanding honorees whose contributions reflect the district’s mission and values of excellence, integrity, leadership, and service. The recognition remains one of the district’s most meaningful honors, highlighting individuals who have made a lasting and transformative impact on students, schools, and the community.

About the Hall of Honor

The Hall of Honor includes two categories of recognition:

• Alumni Hall of Fame – honors graduates of DeSoto ISD who have achieved exceptional distinction in their professional, civic, or personal endeavors.
• Distinguished Service Award – recognizes individuals who have provided extraordinary service and meaningful contributions to DeSoto ISD and its mission.

Following the scoring and tabulation meeting of the 2026 DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor Selection Committee, the following individuals have been identified as the top candidates and are being presented for superintendent review and approval in accordance with established district procedures.

2026 Hall of Honor Induction Class

Distinguished Service Award

Deidre Hannible
Deidre Hannible is recognized for her decades of exemplary service and leadership within DeSoto ISD. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to students, staff, and families, serving as a trusted leader and mentor across multiple roles. Her legacy is defined by her dedication to strengthening campus culture, supporting educators, and advancing student success while consistently modeling professionalism, integrity, and service to the district’s mission.

Alumni Hall of Fame

Dr. MaShundra Gray
Dr. MaShundra Gray, DeSoto High School Class of 1999, is a trailblazer in fine arts education and student leadership. As the district’s first African American Miss High Kick (Poster Girl), she later returned to DeSoto ISD and served more than 13.5 years as Director of Dance and the longest-serving Eaglette Director in program history. Under her leadership, the Eaglette program achieved multiple state championships and a National Championship in 2017, elevating the district’s fine arts reputation statewide and nationally. Her honors include National Dance Association Dance Teacher of the Year (2018), National Director of the Year (2020), DeSoto ISD Teacher of the Year (2006), and the Doctoral Excellence in Educational Leadership Award (2019). She currently serves as a Graduation Specialist in Duncanville ISD and Director of Membership for the Lone Star State School Counselors Association.

Dr. Michela Herndon
Dr. Michela Herndon is a proud graduate of DeSoto High School whose life and career reflect perseverance, leadership, and service. Rising from a single-parent household, she graduated in the top ten percent of her class and went on to earn degrees from Southern Methodist University, the University of Texas at Arlington, and Texas Woman’s University, ultimately completing her doctorate in education. Throughout her career, she has served as a transformational educator, leader, and advocate, impacting countless students, educators, and families through her commitment to educational equity, mentorship, and community empowerment.

Courtney Jackson
Courtney Jackson is a distinguished alumna of DeSoto ISD whose accomplishments span athletics, education, and leadership. A multi-sport standout at DeSoto High School, she earned recognition for both academic and athletic excellence before advancing to collegiate and professional athletics, including international competition. Following her athletic career, she transitioned into education, serving as a teacher, coach, and campus leader dedicated to student growth, academic success, and youth mentorship.

Upcoming Celebration

The 2026 Hall of Honor inductees will be formally recognized at DeSoto ISD’s annual employee recognition gala, the Cadence of Celebration, scheduled for mid-May. The event will bring together district leaders, staff, and community members to honor this year’s distinguished class and celebrate their lasting contributions to DeSoto ISD.

DeSoto ISD congratulates the 2026 Hall of Honor inductees and extends appreciation for their continued impact, leadership, and commitment to excellence.