The Azle Education Foundation presented awards to a Distinguished Alum and Citizen for 2025-2026 at its 14th annual Red Solo Cup BBQ Fundraiser event on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
John Lisle was presented with the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award. Lisle grew up in Azle. He is a 2010 graduate of Azle High School, and was a notable track and field athlete. After graduation, he attended Texas A&M University to study history.
Lisle earned his Ph.D. in the history of science from the University of Texas. After a brief stint teaching at Louisiana Tech University, John became a professor at the University of Texas, where he now teaches courses on the history of science.
His first book, The Dirty Tricks Department, came out in 2023. It tells the story of the scientists who developed secret weapons, gadgets, and disguises for undercover agents during World War II. His second book, Project Mind Control, came out in 2025. It tells the story of the CIA's secret project to develop methods of mind control by subjecting unwitting victims to hypnotism, electric shocks, sensory deprivation, and hallucinogenic drugs. David Chase, creator of The Sopranos, is turning it into a series for HBO.
Lisle has received awards from the National Academy of Sciences, the American Institute of Physics, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. He has discussed his work on some of the biggest platforms in the country, including The Joe Rogan Experience. He lives in Pflugerville, Texas, with his wife and son.
Kristie Cooper was presented with the 2026 Distinguished Citizen Award. Kristie is a proud Azle native who graduated from Azle High School in 2001. During her high school years, she was actively involved in cheerleading and soccer and served as President of the National Honor Society her senior year.
Cooper earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Texas A&M University in 2004, where she discovered a passion for public health, community nutrition, and improving access to healthy food for families in need. She began her career as a Nutritionist with the Tarrant County WIC Program and was assigned to the Azle WIC Clinic—an opportunity that allowed her to return home and serve the community that helped shape her. While at WIC, Cooper pursued an internship to become a Registered Dietitian, further deepening her interest in community nutrition.
In 2019, Cooper became the Assistant Director of the Community Caring Center, where she played a key role in reshaping operations during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and helped plan and develop The Porch Resale Shoppe, CCC’s year-round fundraising initiative. After becoming Executive Director in 2022, she has continued to guide the organization through significant growth, stewarding major community investments—including the gift of a new cooler and freezer—and leading fundraising efforts to renovate the organization’s 20-year-old facility.
In her leadership role with CCC, Cooper has valued the opportunity to serve on the Let’s Talk Azle Steering Committee and the Vision Committee for the City of Azle’s Comprehensive Master Plan. She looks forward to continuing to expand her involvement and impact within the Azle community.
Congratulations to both of these former Hornets who make Azle proud!
The Azle Education Foundation's annual Red Solo Cup event features an evening of dining, dancing, and a unique live auction that raises funds for AEF to provide student scholarships, teacher and campus grants, new teacher gift cards, and more. Learn more about AEF by visiting the AEF webpage or following AEF on Facebook.