Killeen ISD Paraprofessional Graduates with Bachelor’s Degree Before 70th Birthday

Killeen Independent School District (KISD) celebrated the remarkable achievement of Darien Partee, a paraprofessional at Liberty Hill Middle School, who recently earned her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University just days before her 70th birthday.

A Celebration of Perseverance

Students and staff at Liberty Hill Middle School organized a special graduation ceremony for Partee on Friday, March 13, 2026, as she was unable to attend a traditional commencement. The school community lined the hallways, showering her with cheers, confetti, handshakes, hugs, flowers, and balloons as she walked through in her graduation regalia. KWTX and KCENTV both reported on the event.

A Lifelong Pursuit of Education

Partee began her college journey in 1975, but life circumstances delayed the completion of her degree for over five decades. She retired from a previous career but found a new calling within the Killeen ISD school system. Inspired by her passion for education, she decided to finish what she started.

Inspiring Students and Colleagues

Dr. Amber Loubiere, the principal of Liberty Hill Middle School, praised Partee’s dedication, stating that the school rallied around her when she shared her dream of becoming a teacher. Loubiere noted the powerful impact of the students’ enthusiastic celebration, saying it demonstrated the strong sense of family within the school. KWTX reported on Loubiere’s comments.

Future Plans

Partee will now collaborate with the school to transition into a full-time special education teaching position. She hopes her story will inspire students to pursue their goals relentlessly, emphasizing that dreams have no expiration date and learning is a lifelong process. “Perseverance, grit, just stick with something and never give up because I didn’t,” she said, according to KWTX.

Darien Partee’s Contact Information

Darien Partee can be reached at Darien.Partee@killeenisd.org. Killeen ISD Staff Directory