KLEIN, TEXAS – Klein Forest High School has been awarded a $4,950 Educator Grant from the Klein ISD Education Foundation (KEF) for the “Expanding Access to Music Education through Orchestra and Mariachi” initiative, designed to grow the campus mariachi program, increase access to high-quality music instruction, and celebrate the cultural heritage of the Klein Forest community.
In a surprise visit from the KEF Celebration Express, Klein Forest was honored with the grant alongside Foundation directors, community members, and Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown.
Led by grant writer Francis “Cameron” Tesoro and sponsored by Team Reed, the project will provide new orchestra and mariachi instruments so that more students can participate in the program, regardless of financial barriers. By expanding the number and variety of instruments available, the Klein Forest Orchestra Program will be able to welcome additional students, support continued growth of the mariachi ensemble, and create new opportunities for performance and learning.
Through this initiative, students will deepen their musical skills while connecting with traditions that reflect the culture and diversity of Klein Forest. The program aims to build student confidence, foster pride in their heritage, and strengthen the bond between the school and the surrounding community through performances and events.
“What a great time for music education. First, our Klein ISD High Schools included the Jazz Band in their programs. Now, the Klein Forest Orchestra Program is taking it to the community by including Mariachi,” Klein Education Foundation Board President Bill Lakin said. “This is a great new musical learning opportunity for the Orchestra student to learn about their heritage, including the musical instruments necessary to make it happen in real time!”
This grant will benefit current Klein Forest students as well as future Golden Eagles, expanding access to music education for years to come and reinforcing Klein ISD’s commitment to offering rich, well-rounded learning experiences.
This fall, the KEF Celebration Express distributed grants totaling $62,057, enriching educational experiences for our learners. These grants encompass various innovative and engaging projects, from VR labs to STEM builders. The Fall 2025 grant recipients are innovative and serve as a source of inspiration.
We sincerely thank all our sponsors for making these initiatives possible, enhancing the educational experience, and fostering the growth of Klein ISD students. The Klein ISD Education Foundation accepts grant applications biannually and supports creative projects that enrich student learning and drive academic success.