Crossroads High School has once again been recognized as a model campus for building strong relationships and a positive learning environment. For the second consecutive year, Capturing Kids’ Hearts has named Crossroads a National Showcase School, placing it among an elite group of campuses nationwide that demonstrate exceptional commitment to student‑centered culture.

The honor highlights the work of school administrators, teachers, and staff who have embraced the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process—an approach focused on building meaningful connections, strengthening communication, and creating classrooms where students feel valued and supported.

Principal Pat Crawley said the recognition reflects what the Crossroads community sees every day.

“Earning this recognition for the second year in a row confirms what we see every day at Crossroads—that when relationships come first, success follows,” Crawley said. “This honor really reflects the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the way they invest in our students every single day through the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process.”

The 2025–26 school year marks CCISD’s third year participating in Capturing Kids’ Hearts across all four junior high and high school campuses. Last year, Copperas Cove Junior High School joined Crossroads in earning the National Showcase distinction, giving the district three such awards in just two years.

Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins said the recognition underscores the intentional work happening at Crossroads.

“This award represents intentional work by Mr. Crawley and his remarkable staff at Crossroads,” Hawkins said. “Crossroads High School has always had a tremendous impact on the students in our district, but through the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process, students are winning both in and out of the classroom as a direct result of the improved relationships which have been built. I know that impact has only grown and it will continue to do so in the future.”

Since implementing the program, Crossroads has seen significant decreases in behavior issues, strong improvements in attendance, and is on pace this year to graduate more than 100 students—a school record.

CCISD tracks student‑staff relationship quality through surveys included in the district’s long‑range strategic plan, Vision 2029, reinforcing the district’s commitment to relational teaching and positive campus culture.

“Our district is committed to following the processes in Capturing Kids’ Hearts to improve the climates in our schools,” Hawkins said. “We look forward to all four of our participating campuses soon joining the best of the best in the nationwide program, as our wonderful teachers and staff continue to implement these principles and work to not only educate their students on class material, but to forge lasting relationships that will encourage students for the rest of their lives.”

With its second consecutive national honor, Crossroads High School continues to set the standard for what a relationship‑driven campus can achieve—proving once again that when students feel connected, they thrive.