Denton ISD started a new initiative geared toward welcoming resident veterans and active-duty service members at district events at no charge.
Zooming in
The Honor Card Program provides complimentary general admission to most district home events, including athletic competitions and fine arts performances, according to a news release.
Those events include:
Regular-season athletic home games on DISD campuses, such as football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball and soccer
Student performances, such as band, choir, orchestra, theater and dance events
Eligible veterans and active-duty service members must live within DISD boundaries or be related to a DISD student, regardless of where they live. There is no cost to obtain an Honor Card, the release states.
“Service is something we talk about in our classrooms, and it lands differently when students can see it in the people around them,” DISD Superintendent Susannah O’Bara said. “These men and women have already given a great deal on behalf of others. We want them in our gyms and our auditoriums cheering for our kids because what our students learn from having them there is truly invaluable.”
One card will be issued per person, and the card must be presented at DISD home events, the release states. Those trying to obtain an Honor Card must present the following:
A valid identification card showing name, date of birth and home address
Proof of military service, such as a military ID, a Texas driver’s license with the veteran designation, a DD-214 or a VA-issued veteran card
What else?
As of Sept. 14, cards can be picked up at DISD’s central offices in the Stephens Building at 1307 N. Locust St. in Denton. Pickup times are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
“We wanted the process to be simple and the welcome to be unmistakable,” said Nick Petito, DISD chief communications and marketing officer. “The card is free, it takes just a few minutes to pick up and it opens the door to hundreds of events across the district all year long.”
The district also launched a similar Gold Card initiative for residents and family members over 60, which gave out more than 500 cards within its first two days, according to previous reporting.
Before you go
Events such as University Interscholastic League playoff games, tournaments, invitationals or events that are sold out will not be included in the Honor Card Program, nor will events not hosted by DISD.
