Academic Rodeo began at the East Texas State Fair in 1991 with two contests, Art and Writing, for schools in the Tyler Independent School District. It soon enlarged to include all schools - public, private, and home schools - in the East Texas area and contests were added over the years. expanding the opportunities for students at all grade levels.
In 2007, Academic Rodeo became a stand-alone spring event. The current format is preliminary rounds of two contests and submission of some entries in November or December with the conclusion of contests in late January and early February. Currently there are 14 competitive events and a teacher recognition program. All winners in the contests, Outstanding Educator honorees, and Academic Rodeo Scholarship recipients are recognized at an Awards Celebration in late February.
Our multi-campus GT Coordinator and UIL Director, Mrs. Eberhart, received the honor of "Outstanding Elementary Educator" in the 2022-2023 school year at the Academic Rodeo Awards.
