MISD Students Gain National
Recognition for Documentary
A Day With the Dads at Perry Elementary
A
call for politicians to make serious changes to the
country’s foster care system is what earned two
Mansfield ISD high school students national attention.
Makenna Hennegan and Kristen Laurie, from Lake
Ridge High School, received an honorable mention
by C-SPAN for their documentary “To a Good
Home.” The film highlighted victims of a flawed
foster system and was one of 2,500 that was received
for the cable network’s StudentCam contest.
The junior and sophomore duo entered the contest
through a project in their Ben Barber Career
and Technology Academy (BBCTA) film class.
Hennegan said the topic has been dear to her for a
long time.
“I always cared about the foster care system,” said
the 11th grader. “Some of these children live in
deplorable conditions. I’ve heard stories where
children are locked away without food.”
The two filmmakers received their award at a
ceremony at BBCTA on March 22. A representative
from U.S. Congressman Joe Barton’s office
presented them with a personal congratulatory letter.
Hennegan and Laurie won $250 for their
documentary. They said they will use the winnings
to start their next creative film project.
Brent Beale (left) and his daughter Ella attended the
All Pro Dad’s Day with Principal Willie Wimbrey.
T
o outsiders looking in, a group of dads were
meeting inside of Annette Perry Elementary
School’s cafeteria. However, for the children of
the fathers who attended, it was a gathering of
superheroes.
All Pro Dad’s Day is a monthly school program
where dads and kids meet to have breakfast and
enjoy meaningful conversation that strengthens
their relationship. The program is part of All Pro
Dad, a national organization with a mission to help
fathers love and lead their family well through
various tips and activities.
Perry Elementary’s group was started by Brent
Beale, a parent who is also the regional captain. He
said he felt the need to start a chapter because he
knows the effects of growing up without a father.
“My dad wasn’t present in my life,” Beale
explained. “Then, I had my daughter and I said to
myself that I wasn’t going to do the same to her. I
might make mistakes, but she knows I’m there.”
Fathers at the April meeting received a special treat
because the president of the national organization,
Mark Merrill, came out to personally visit and
inspire them.
Laurie (left) and Hennegan (right) said they plan to work together
on many future video projects.
32 Mansfield School & Family
“Annette Perry Elementary School has a tremendous
All Pro Dad program,” said Merrill. “We wanted
to make sure to be here and support it. I think it’s
important to speak into the lives of parents.”
All Pro Dad’s Day started with fathers, but it’s
open for moms to attend too.