Deep East Texas School Spotlight: Diboll High School

Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC) is dedicated to building sustainable rural communities through a focus on place-based education, teacher empowerment, and philanthropy. We believe in the transformative power of teachers, students, and schools to strengthen communities from within. In 2024, through a special partnership with the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, RSC visited East Texas to celebrate the dynamic education scene in Diboll, Texas, with thanks to Partners for Rural Impact for their crucial support.

Diboll High School

At Diboll High School, there’s an unmistakable energy. Although Diboll is known as the home of the lumberjacks, the atmosphere here isn’t the steady hum of sawmills. Instead, it’s the lively hum of engagement—a busy, purposeful buzz as students immerse themselves in hands-on projects and real-world learning. Walking through Diboll’s classrooms, you’ll hear the rhythmic clatter of keyboards, robots coming to life, and the steady beep of EKG machines. Diboll is a town and a school hard at work. Welcome to Diboll, Texas.

Six years ago, Melinda Brasuell joined Diboll High School after a career at multiple Texas schools, bringing with her a deep commitment to Career and Technical Education (CTE). She saw the program’s potential as a “diamond in the rough,” and she and the Diboll CTE team have since transformed it into a leader in career-oriented learning. Through strong regional partnerships and strategic grant acquisition, Diboll’s CTE program has opened new pathways for students, preparing them to enter the workforce or pursue specialized technical training.

Melinda and Diboll High’s Principal, Sheila Stephens, began by assessing the local job market and in-demand fields identified by the Texas Workforce Commission. “We looked at our industries, the top ten jobs, and tied our grants to those high-demand careers,” Sheila explains. High-demand fields in their region included industrial engineering, healthcare, HVAC, and education. With students’ future success in mind, they approached the challenge with determination. “We just went for it,” Sheila recalls. “Failure wasn’t an option.”

In 2023, Diboll received a pivotal JET (Jobs and Education for Texas) grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. In collaboration with Angelina College, the JET grant allocated $1.2 million to support career pathways in engineering, manufacturing, and medicine—industries well-suited to Diboll graduates. The funds transformed unused school spaces into high-tech labs, including a 3D printing lab, an AC/DC electrical engineering lab, a robotics center, and more. Now, Diboll students learn through an industry-based curriculum facilitated by their teachers, allowing them to progress at their own pace. When the RSC team visited in October, students were immersed in electric circuit modules, even in the absence of their teacher, Clint Walker. They worked independently, navigating a complex AC/DC circuit board as part of a hands-on learning experience.

In another wing, students in the medical program trained in a mock hospital environment, with EKG machines and phlebotomy equipment. New programs in medical administration and patient care technician training were recently introduced to cater to students interested in healthcare beyond nursing. “Some kids know they want healthcare careers but aren’t set on a specific path until they get hands-on experience here,” Melinda shares.

CTE opportunities extend beyond medicine. In Diboll’s auto mechanics program, new robotic welding stations and booths funded by the JET grant have allowed more students to explore agricultural mechanics. Recently, a team of four students built a full-sized flatbed trailer, placing fourth in a statewide competition. Virtual painting technology in the auto shop gives students invaluable experience without the cost of supplies.

With approximately 36 students participating in the medical CTE program out of Diboll’s 480 students, the program’s impact is clear. Last year, it achieved a 100% pass rate, with many graduates reporting back that their CTE training enabled them to secure immediate employment. One former student now thrives in an auto body shop in Virginia.

Collaboration has been central to the success of Diboll’s CTE program. Angelina College offers certifications that allow Diboll students to graduate with industry-recognized credentials. The CTE team also maintains strong connections with local employers like Lockheed Martin and RoyOMartin, helping graduates’ step directly into related careers. Recently, a Diboll graduate outperformed 30 other candidates—many with advanced degrees—on an industry placement exam, reflecting the CTE program’s effectiveness.

In addition to CTE, Diboll’s growing robotics program is cultivating essential engineering skills. A local engineer volunteers weekly to offer students real-world insights, and this year saw the launch of Diboll’s first all-girls robotics team. Partners for Rural Impact has been a valuable contributor, supporting both the robotics and CTE initiatives at Diboll.

Diboll High School exemplifies the transformative potential of career-connected learning. Guided by dedicated leaders like Melinda and Sheila, Diboll’s students now have unparalleled access to new careers and futures. The campus culture has improved significantly, with students sharing a renewed pride in their school and hope for their futures. During the RSC team’s visit, the library bustled with students creating homecoming swag, expressing their creativity, and celebrating their school spirit.

Diboll’s story reflects key principles in rural education: the power of committed educators, the value of partnerships, and the impact of investing in students. As Melinda puts it, “If the kids can think it and dream it, they can make it happen.”

Rural Schools Collaborative extends its heartfelt gratitude to Sheila Stephens and Melinda Brasuell for hosting our visit and sharing their journey, as well as to Partners for Rural Impact for their ongoing support. Special thanks also to Drs. Sylvia Leal and Betsy Mijares from T.L.L Temple Foundation for their support of our storytelling in East Texas.