Irving ISD Earns Texas Way District of Distinction for Second Straight Year, Cuts Athletic Ejections by 50%

IRVING, Texas - Irving Independent School District has earned the Texas Way District of Distinction designation for the second consecutive year, becoming one of just 39 school districts across Texas recognized for promoting sportsmanship, character development and community service through athletics.

The recognition, established by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association (THSADA), highlights school districts that encourage positive behavior among student-athletes, coaches, officials and spectators.

For Irving ISD, the honor comes after another year of improvements in sportsmanship, including a 50% reduction in athletic ejections during the 2025-2026 school year across its middle and high school programs.

That improvement followed a 65% reduction in ejections the previous year.

"It's an honor to know our coaches and student athletes have embraced the Texas Way initiative and continue to do the work necessary to stand out as a model district across the state," said Irving ISD Director of Athletics Natasha Stewart. "To achieve District of Distinction status once is commendable but to do it for two consecutive years is our demonstration of Excellence in Action!"

Athletic Ejections Drop for Second Consecutive Year

The Texas Way initiative focuses on three principles: Respect, Control of Self and Spirit of Competition.

The program encourages athletes and coaches to treat opponents and officials with respect, maintain self-discipline during competition and demonstrate good sportsmanship regardless of the outcome.

Irving ISD Athletics exceeded the initiative's established criteria through its efforts to improve behavior, strengthen character development and increase community involvement.

Stewart credited the district's progress to clear expectations, accountability and coaches who model appropriate conduct.

"Effectively engaging in this initiative requires teamwork," Stewart said. "Adult roles differ from student roles, but when everyone does their part, the results show up in the data."

Irving High, MacArthur and Nimitz Athletes Give Back to Community

Beyond the playing field, Irving ISD athletes and coaches participated in volunteer activities throughout the 2025-2026 school year.

One of the largest efforts took place March 28 and 29, when approximately 250 athletic department participants from Irving, MacArthur and Nimitz high schools volunteered at the Irving Marathon.

Student-athletes and coaches staffed water stations along the race route and distributed medals to runners as they crossed the finish line.

Athletic programs also supported local families and students through other community service projects.

Those activities included welcoming elementary students to school, preparing food bags through the Irving Schools Foundation and working with local organizations on service initiatives.

Stewart said the partnerships have helped strengthen connections between the district's athletic programs and the Irving community.

"I am most proud of the positive, symbiotic relationships that have developed between our athletics department and the Irving community through ongoing acts of service," Stewart said. "Our athletic department administrators, coaches and student athletes are eagerly co-laboring to help build and sustain bonds for a stronger Irving community."

The Texas Way District of Distinction recognition acknowledges districts that demonstrate the initiative's values through measurable improvements in sportsmanship and continued service to their communities.

More information about the program and its recognized districts is available on the Texas Way District Awards website.