CHAN'CELLORE MAKANJUOLA

RICHARDSON, Texas–ILTexas celebrated its 10th birthday on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. The day marks the anniversary of when the Texas State Board of Education approved ILTexas to become a charter back in 2012. Principals, students, and staff from all 24 campuses tuned in to a livestream to celebrate the occasion which featured various renditions of ‘Happy Birthday’ sung by ILTexas students in English, Spanish, and Chinese.  

ILTexas Founder and Superintendent Eddie Conger was joined by ILTexas members: Co-Founder Jerry McCreight, Deputy Superintendent of Academics and Student Services Dr. Laura Carrasco, Deputy Superintendent of School Leadership Dr. Thomas Seaberry, Colonel Michael Brown, Manny Banks, one of the first students to enroll, and Kindergartener Mia Gutierrez for a special cutting of the cake. The cake was cut with a sword Conger was given during his time in the Marine Corps.

ILTexas also held a time capsule burial on November 8th at ILTexas Garland K-8 which included memorabilia sent from several campuses including ILTexas t-shirts, lanyards, posters, and stuffed animals from the past decade. The capsule will be opened in 2032. 

From its humble beginning in church buildings and mobile classrooms, the charter has since grown to over 2,500 employees, 22,000 students, and 24 campuses across the state of Texas, all within one decade. 

“I am confident and so thankful,” said Conger in his closing remarks. “I know that [the ILTexas community] will go forward and you will change the world.”  

Visit ILTexas.org for more campus news and events.