As the district nears the close of the 2024-2025 academic school year, DeSoto ISD continues its tradition of elevating and cementing the legacy of excellence and community service and excitedly announces the 2025 Hall of Honor class! This year’s honorees include four outstanding alumni who will be inducted during the district’s annual Cadence of Celebration event scheduled for May 16.
In 2011-12, the district launched the Hall of Honor to recognize two categories of honorees – the DeSoto High School Alumni Hall of Fame and the DeSoto ISD Distinguished Service Award celebrating alumni and community members who have made significant contributions to education, athletics, leadership, public service, and community impact.
The criteria include special achievements and honors in the individual’s career and community service or contributions to society plus service to education and DeSoto ISD.
The four 2025 Honorees will enter the Alumni Hall of Fame
Meet the Inductees:
Chasiti McKissic, DeSoto High School Class of 2001
Chasiti McKissic’s lifelong connection to DeSoto ISD—as a student, educator, leader, and advocate—has produced a legacy of measurable impact, visionary leadership, and heartfelt service. Her ability to improve systems while empowering people makes her a true exemplar of the Hall of Honor’s values. She is not only a product of DeSoto ISD but a builder of its future.
She is a proud 2001 graduate of DeSoto High School and a distinguished educational leader whose life and career have been defined by her unwavering commitment to student achievement, community service, and transformative leadership. With more than two decades of impact in public education, she has served as a teacher, campus leader, district administrator, and is the President of the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees. Her leadership helped elevate DeSoto ISD’s academic rating from a "D" to a "B" through innovative curriculum design, strategic grant management, and instructional reform.
Ms. McKissic has been recognized as a Campus Teacher of the Year while serving in Lancaster ISD, achieved multiple STAAR academic distinctions, and is a respected voice at local and state education conferences. A passionate community advocate, she co-founded Impact DeSoto, led the Southwest Alliance of Black School Educators, and serves on several civic and educational boards. Her service extends to mentoring youth through school symposiums, church involvement, and local outreach programs. A two-time master's graduate, and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., McKissic embodies the spirit of servant leadership and remains a lifelong champion for equity, education, and excellence in DeSoto.
Summary of Achievements & Contributions:
- Professional Excellence: Over 20 years in education as a teacher, assistant principal, central office leader, and chief operating officer in public charter schools.
- Academic Impact: Helped to lead DeSoto ISD from a “D” to a “B” accountability rating; developed district-wide K–12 curriculum guides in all core content areas.
- Grant Leadership: Closed a $3M grant and launched a $15M grant supporting STEM enrichment including NASA field trips, and academic programs.
- Board Leadership: Currently serving her second term as the DeSoto ISD Board president, bringing deep institutional knowledge and a vision for student-centered governance.
- Community Service: Co-founder of Impact DeSoto, president of SWABSE, board member of Nxt Gen Alliance, volunteer and mentor through schools, church, and civic programs.
- Recognition: 2012 Teacher of the Year, Best Southwest Scholar (2001), Dean’s List honoree, and a frequent speaker at regional and state education conferences.
Patrick Williams, DeSoto High School Class of 2004
Patrick Williams is a graduate of the DeSoto High School Class of 2004. He is a true model of excellence and has achieved greatness both on the field and in his community, exemplifying the values of perseverance, leadership, and service that define the DeSoto Eagle spirit.
As a student at DeSoto High School, Williams was a distinguished scholar-athlete. With a 3.9 GPA, he earned the President’s Award as a freshman and maintained honor roll status throughout his academic career. He was also an active member of the DHS student council and was named to the Texas Legislative Black Caucus in 2003.
On the athletic front, Patrick was a two-time First-Team All-District football player, a team MVP, and captain of the DeSoto Eagles football team. In addition to his football success, Patrick was a lettered track athlete, contributing to three district championships and setting a school record as part of the 4x200 relay team. He was also the 2004 Track & Field State Champion.
Patrick’s athletic career continued at the University of Colorado, where he earned a degree in Sociology and became one of only nine players in school history to accumulate over 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards. As a team captain in his senior year, Patrick received numerous accolades, including the Eddie Crowder Leadership Award and the John Wooten Award for his leadership and work ethic. After college, Patrick played in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Baltimore Ravens.
In 2021, Patrick returned to DeSoto to serve his community as a Firefighter and Paramedic with the DeSoto Fire Department. He has earned several commendations for his service and was named the recipient of the department’s Community Service Award in 2023 and 2024, as well as the Meritorious Award in 2024. He also launched the Teen Explorer Program in 2025, a firefighter readiness course designed to expose high school students to careers in public service.
Patrick remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation. He regularly speaks to students across the country, inspiring them to pursue excellence both in the classroom and in their chosen fields. His ongoing work within the community, particularly in promoting careers in firefighting, reflects his unwavering dedication to shaping young lives and investing in the future.
Notable Honors & Achievements:
- Track & Field State Champion (2004)
- Team Captain, University of Colorado Buffaloes Football (2008-2009)
- Eddie Crowder Leadership Award, John Wooten Award
- NFL Player : Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens
- Pro Scout, Baltimore Ravens (2016–2021)
- DeSoto Fire Department Community Service Award (2023, 2024)
- Meritorious Award (2024)
- Founder of the Teen Explorer Program (2025)
Patrick Williams’ journey from a standout student-athlete at DeSoto High School to a professional football player, and now a dedicated public servant, exemplifies the ideals of excellence, leadership, and service. His legacy continues to inspire the next generation of DeSoto Eagles and beyond.
Yolanda “Yo” Harris, DeSoto High School Class of 1993
Yolanda “Yo” Harris, a dedicated educator, coach, and community leader, is a proud nominee for the DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor. With over 25 years of service to the DeSoto community and beyond, Yolanda’s commitment to education, athletics, and service has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students and families. Known simply as "Yo" to all who cross her path, Yolanda has inspired others with her passion for teaching, her unwavering dedication, and her heart for service.
Yolanda’s educational journey began in DeSoto ISD, where she was a standout student-athlete at both Meadows Middle School and DeSoto High School. As a varsity basketball player, she earned numerous honors, including being named All-State and representing the North in the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State game. She received a full basketball scholarship to Stephen F. Austin University, where she also ran track.
After earning a Bachelor of Human Science in Fashion Merchandising and Art, Yolanda went on to earn two Master’s Degrees — one in Teacher Leadership and another in Educational Leadership and Administration. Her career in education has been vast and varied. She served as an instructor and coach at several schools, including East Middle School, James Madison High School, Duncanville High School, and South Oak Cliff High School. At James Madison, she held multiple leadership roles, including Fine Arts Department Chair, Assistant Testing Coordinator, and head coach for swimming and tennis.
From 2021 to 2024, Yolanda served as the District Assessment Coordinator for the International Leadership Schools of Texas, before returning to DeSoto ISD in 2024 as the District Coordinator of Testing and Accountability. Yolanda’s leadership extends beyond her role in the classroom; she has been integral in shaping the educational landscape through her work with local and national assessments, as well as her tireless efforts to support teachers and students.
In addition to her work in education, Yolanda is deeply committed to community service. A lifetime member of the Stephen F. Austin University Alumni Association and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Yolanda has served the community in a multitude of ways. She has showcased her artistic talents through the Divine Designs Art Experience and has inspired young minds at the Arlington Alumnae STEAM Conference. Yolanda’s leadership extends to the Union Chapel Bible Fellowship Church, where she is a volunteer coordinator and serves on multiple ministry teams.
Yolanda has also made an impact through her initiatives, such as the “Bundles of Joy” and “Senior Smiles Project,” where she and her students created gift bags for the elderly in nursing homes. Additionally, she has hosted team bonding paint parties for local sports teams to improve communication, trust, and team morale. Through these efforts, Yolanda continues to promote unity, empowerment, and service.
Awards and Recognition:
Yolanda has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including:
- All-State Honors in basketball (Texas Girls Coaches Association & Texas Basketball Coaches Association)
- Team Captain and MVP for DeSoto High School Basketball
- Full Athletic Scholarship to Stephen F. Austin University
- Texas Certified in Secondary Art
- Master’s Degrees in Educational Leadership and Teacher Leadership
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Yolanda is a loving mother of three, including her daughter Zarielle Green, an All-American basketball player at the University of Alabama. Yolanda continues to teach her children the value of service through their involvement in community activities. She is also proud of her late father, Nathaniel Harris, who made history as the first African American Postmaster of DeSoto in 1986.
Yolanda Harris’ legacy as an educator, coach, and community advocate is one of profound impact, selfless service, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her life and work reflect the values that DeSoto ISD strives to instill in its students, making her a true embodiment of the DeSoto Eagle spirit.
Sydney Carter, DeSoto High School Class of 2008
DeSoto ISD welcomes Sydney Carter as an inductee into the prestigious DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor Alumni Hall of Fame. Sydney's remarkable achievements in athletics, academics, and community service make her a standout example of the DeSoto spirit, and her story continues to inspire current and future generations of students.
Sydney's journey began in DeSoto, where she quickly distinguished herself as a top academic student. Throughout her time at DeSoto High School, she consistently earned outstanding grades, with only one exception in Honors Biology during her freshman year. Sydney was a dedicated member of the National Junior Honor Society and later the National Honor Society, maintaining an academic excellence that placed her in the top 25 of her class. She was also recognized as a SOAR recipient for her outstanding academic achievements.
Beyond academics, Sydney was a passionate participant in community service. She volunteered with programs that served the homeless, participated in Angel Tree programs, and served as a counselor's aide at her high school. Sydney’s deep sense of community responsibility has stayed with her throughout her life, impacting the lives of others both locally and nationally.
In addition to her academic and community contributions, Sydney is a celebrated athlete. As a high school basketball player, she earned All-State honors and led the Lady Eagles to their first-ever state championship appearance in 2007-2008, finishing with a remarkable season record of 39-2. Sydney’s leadership skills on the court were evident as she served as team captain for two years, winning the Most Valuable Player Award for her leadership and dedication.
Sydney continued to shine at the collegiate level as a member of the Texas A&M Lady Aggies basketball team. In 2012, she helped her team secure the NCAA National Championship, making history as the first graduate of DeSoto High School to win a national team sport championship. Throughout her college career, she earned numerous accolades, including Miss Defense, Team Captain for three years, and multiple All-Big 12 honors. Her athleticism, character, and leadership on the court continue to make her a respected figure in the basketball world.
Following her playing career, Sydney transitioned to coaching, where she currently serves as the Assistant Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Texas. She has also made substantial contributions to several charitable causes, including volunteering for Special Olympics and supporting the Safe Alliance to stop abuse. Sydney's role as a mentor and leader extends beyond the basketball court, as she empowers young girls through her involvement with #SupportHerSole and various fashion initiatives like Olarsgrace.
Sydney’s global recognition continues to grow, with interviews in major media outlets such as Good Morning America, Slam Magazine, Austin Spectrum News, and Jemele Hill’s “Unbothered” podcast. She was also named one of the Most Stylish People of 2022 by the New York Times and honored as a Woman of Impact by Impact Magazine. Sydney has never forgotten her roots in DeSoto and continues to represent the district in all of her endeavors.
DeSoto ISD is honored to induct Sydney Carter into the DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor, recognizing her achievements as a student-athlete, community leader, and role model. Her legacy reflects the excellence, integrity, and commitment to service that define the DeSoto community.
The Winners will be inducted into the DeSoto Hall of Honor on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the DeSoto High School during the annual invitation-only Cadence of Celebration recognition event.
About DeSoto ISD Hall of Honor
The Hall of Honor recognizes and celebrates those who paved the road for student success and those students who have taken flight as the result of their educational foundations in the DeSoto Independent School District. With past inductees including Academy Award winners, Super Bowl MVPs, and civic trailblazers, the Hall of Honor reflects the best of what DeSoto ISD strives to instill in all its students. Learn more at www.DeSotoISD.org/HallofHonor.