This story was originally posted on May 5, 2025.

Elementary PACE (gifted and talented) students in EMS ISD took center stage during the district’s annual Evening with the Experts, a signature event designed to highlight independent research, creativity, and presentation skills. Held over two nights this year, April 29 at Chisholm Trail High School and May 1 at Eagle Mountain High School, the event drew hundreds of families, staff and community members to experience the depth and diversity of student learning.

Each student selected a topic of interest and spent weeks preparing research displays to share with guests. The high school cafeterias were transformed into exhibition halls, filled with student-made visuals and animated conversations as young learners explained their work to curious visitors.

“Table after table, I saw students explaining their learning, answering great questions, and living out our mission that calls us to spark a ‘...passion for a lifetime…’” Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth, EMS ISD Superintendent, said. “In short, it was a beautiful thing to behold.”

Among the many impressive presenters, Dr. Hollingsworth was greeted by a student from High Country Elementary who had personally invited him to attend. The student shared research on Duolingo, confidently discussing how the language-learning app helps people sharpen communication skills around the world.

“He looked me in the eyes and was confident in his presentation,” Hollingsworth said. “He was obviously proud to share all that he had learned.”

The final project he visited made a lasting impression. A fifth-grade student from Parkview Elementary, who arrived in the United States from Afghanistan just five years ago, spoke about her journey learning English and adjusting to life in a new country. Dressed in traditional clothing, she shared reflections on the challenges women face in Afghanistan and expressed deep appreciation for the opportunities she now has as a student in EMS ISD.

“The impact that Parkview Elementary has had in the life of this student and her family is one that would be nearly impossible to objectively measure,” Hollingsworth said. “It was a tangible display of what great communities, coupled with great schools, can have in the lives of young people.”

Gifted and Talented Social Studies Coordinator Lori Mabry said the expanded two-night format allowed for even more students to shine and more families to participate.

“You see everything from ancient history to modern science,” Mabry said. “It’s all about student choice, and they take so much pride in what they’ve learned.”

As guests made their way through rows of projects, it was clear that Evening with the Experts is more than presentations; it’s a celebration of learning, growth and community. We are #EMSproud.

Click on the Facebook post below to see the entire picture gallery.