Forney ISD’s Keith Bell Opportunity Central Wins Prestigious Caudill Award for Innovative Educational Design

We’re excited to share that Forney ISD’s Keith Bell Opportunity Central (The OC) has been recognized with the Caudill Award, the highest honor in the 2024-2025 Exhibit of School Architecture (EoSA) competition, hosted by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).

This award highlights excellence in school planning and design. The OC stood out for its innovative approach to education, blending career training, college readiness, and community engagement into a dynamic, real-world learning environment.

A Space Built for Hands-On Learning

Created through years of planning, The OC redefines what a high school experience can look like. The building, designed by Texas-based architecture firm Huckabee, is a forward-thinking space which includes:

  • Student-run storefronts that provide real-world business experience.
  • Flexible classrooms designed for higher learning, professional training, and community events.
  • Collaborative zones that foster innovation and career readiness.
  • Expansive community spaces including a central arena and outdoor learning areas, and more.

Bringing the Vision to Life

To help make this project a reality, Exhibit Concepts worked with Forney ISD to design, fabricate, and install immersive learning spaces that bring education to life. Our team contributed by:

  • Developing interactive environments that align with Forney ISD’s hands-on learning goals.
  • Creating real-world inspired spaces to enhance career and technical education programs.
  • Designing engaging visuals and installations that promote creativity, teamwork, and industry exploration.

This award celebrates Forney ISD’s dedication to redefining education, giving students an unmatched opportunity to learn in spaces designed for the future.

Want to learn more about The OC’s impact?

Read the Opportunity Central case study here.

Read The OC Jr. case study here.

See how The OC made national headlines on the TODAY Show.

We congratulate Forney ISD, Huckabee, and all partners involved for creating a groundbreaking educational facility that will inspire students for years to come!

For information on obtaining a tour or project details from Forney, you may contact Kim Morisak, Associate Superintendent Forney ISD, kmmorisak@forneyisd.net.

Explore more about how Exploration Zones by Exhibit Concepts can transform educational spaces and provide immersive learning experiences. Learn more about our work here. 

 

FORNEY ISD'S OPPORTUNITY CENTRAL

HIGH SCHOOL HUB FOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Menu

Exploration ZonesTM by Exhibit Concepts is the leading provider of turnkey solutions for experiential, interactive & fully immersive education solutions. Since 2003, Exhibit Concepts has transformed traditional educational institutions, for early learners and beyond, into museum-quality, interactive learning experiences.