Mission Statement
Mission Statement
Texas ACE empowers students to realize their potential and change the world.
Embedded Files
2025-2026 Afterschool Program Application
21 st Century Texas ACE- Lufkin ISD Program Features
21 st Century Texas ACE- Lufkin ISD Program Features
No-cost before school, after school, and summer activities for students who attend a participating schools
Interactive, hands-on learning disguised as fun and aligned to the school day curriculum, enrichment activities, including sports and clubs
Homework help, tutoring, and other targeted, needs-based academic assistance. Child development and project-based activities that build character, confidence, and team-building skills
Snacks provided
Tamara Anguiano
Tamara Anguiano
Project Director 21st Century- Texas ACE
District Education Center
701 N. First St.
Lufkin, TX 75904
taanguiano@lufkinisd.org
936-630-4326
“Nurturing circles of connection where students, families, schools, and communities grow together.”
I believe that education, when rooted in strong family and community connections, has the power to transform students’ lives and shape stronger futures.
As a first-generation U.S. citizen, I was born in this country but raised outside the U.S., returning on my own, as a young adult, to pursue my education and build a new life from the ground up. That journey shaped my values of resilience, empathy, and service and deepened my lifelong commitment to helping families build the same paths I worked hard to create for myself.
My career in education began as a teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL) and world languages. Over the years, I’ve served as a journalist, language and science teacher, AVID Coordinator, nonprofit leader, and Director of the BCFS Family Resource Center, where I strengthened family education and early learning programs across East Texas.
I also served as a Family Engagement Specialist for the Texas ACE Lufkin ISD program, an experience that showed me the life-changing impact of afterschool learning. Returning now as Program Director for Texas ACE at Lufkin ISD is deeply meaningful—it feels like coming full circle, leading a program that nurtures connections between schools, families, and communities so every child can thrive.
My goal is to strengthen our programs by engaging students, families, and staff as true partners in learning and growth. I’m committed to working alongside our extraordinary site coordinators and team members who uplift students, build relationships, and create spaces where learning extends beyond the school day.
I’m proud to call Lufkin home, where I live with my husband and our dog, Coco, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this inspiring community.
Vicki Hardaway
Vicki Hardaway
Family Engagement Specialist 21st Century- Texas ACE
District Education Center
701 N. First St.
Lufkin, TX 75904
vchardaway@lufkinisd.org
936-634-0085
Hello! I’m a woman of faith, a wife, and a mother, thrilled to serve as a Family Engagement Specialist with the 21st Century Texas ACE Program. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Keith Hardaway, for 9 ½ years, and together we have five amazing young men in our blended family. We treasure every moment with our family and friends. Now, we’re embracing life in our empty nest and the new adventures it brings.
Life has presented its challenges, but each one has strengthened my faith, resilience, and commitment to helping others. I believe communities grow stronger when families are supported and empowered. I strive to create opportunities for children to thrive and for families to flourish together.
“For the past four years, I’ve proudly served as a Site Coordinator with Lufkin Independent School District, connecting with students, families, and staff in meaningful ways. I earned my Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Rehabilitation in 2007 and a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2013. These experiences have fueled my love for education, encouragement, and community impact.
At my core, I am an encourager who loves people, celebrates growth, and believes in the power of connection. I am truly grateful for every challenge, every opportunity, and every life God allows me to touch.
Guiding belief: “With God, all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26
Leslie Brimmage is married to Jerome Brimmage. They have two sons, 2 daughter-in-laws and 2 Fabulous granddaughters. Leslie has worked for Lufkin ISD since 2018. She began as the Administrative Assistant to the Associate Principal/Director of Curriculum at LHS. She moved to the District Education Center in 2020 and worked for the Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning PK-5, the Executive Director of Student Services and Federal Programs and the 21st Century ACE Program. Leslie is now working for the 21st ACE Program remotely as she and her husband moved to Missouri City, TX in June of 2023. She loves putting her organization skills to work to help those who make a difference in the lives of children daily.
When the last bell rings, ACE is just getting started. The Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program provides no-cost activities before and after school and during summer for K–12 students . Funded through the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers program and administered by Texas Education Agency (TEA), Texas ACE helps students prepare for college, career, or military service. Texas ACE operates more than 700 learning centers in 142 school districts and has a proven track record for boosting attendance and achievement .
Community Partners
Community Partners
“Funded by a grant from the US Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers program”
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