DeSoto ISD recognizes staff for achievements
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(DESOTO, TX) — And the winner is …
Deidre Hannible, Ruby Young ES – DeSoto ISD Elementary Teacher of the YearAmy Aris, DeSotoHigh School – DeSoto ISD Secondary Teacher of the YearSherry Lopez, Purchasing Department - DeSoto ISD Employee of the Year
DeSoto ISD held its annual Employee Appreciation Banquet on Tuesday, May 6 at McCowanMiddle School - a Night of the Stars! The event, hosted by Larry Davis, executive director for human resources, and Superintendent Lloyd Treadwell, honored over 160 employees and their guests!
The evening started on a more somber note. The longtime contributions of DeSoto ISD educators who passed away this year were recognized through the Golden Eagle Memorial. Selected for the memorial this year was former director of plant services Hulen Hanson and DAEP special education teacher Nell Preston.
Hanson was remembered for his watchful eye during the numerous construction projects over the past 15 years and his strong Christian and cowboy ethics. Wife Mae Hanson and family accepted the Memorial Award from the district.
Nell “Mama” Preston truly loved every student and dared them to achieve what she knew they could. Preston was remembered for her motherly way of providing for her students the things they needed including lunches and even winter coats – never for the recognition, just out of love. Husband Cliff and son Jerod, with his twin daughters, were on hand to accept the award.
Next up were the service award recipients in five year increments. Over 100 employees received service awards of five, ten, fifteen or twenty years.
Vicky Waits, Moates Elementary, and Karen DeWall, McCowan MS, received awards for 25 years of service. Diane Sharp, Cockrell Hill Elementary, and Teresa Cole, DeSotoHigh School, received 30 year awards. And for 35 years of service to the DeSoto ISD – Deborah Robinson of Ruby Young Elementary danced across the stage to the applause of the audience! Sharp Cole and Robinson are all three DeSotoHigh School graduates and have spent their entire teaching careers in the DeSoto ISD!
Retirees were the next group of honorees. DeSoto ISD will be losing seven of its finest educators this year including four plant services employees, two teachers and DHS JROTC Colonel Dennis Cross. They have a combined 86 years of service to the DeSoto ISD and 103 total years in education! The 2007-08 retirees are:Barbara Scott, Woodridge ElementaryTeresa Cole, DeSoto High SchoolColonel Dennis Cross, DeSoto High SchoolFreddie Branch, Plant ServicesSherman Dickens, Plant ServicesCalvie Myers, Plant ServicesCarrol D. Robison, Plant Services
Next, the Rookies of the Year for each campus stepped into the spotlight. These 12 individuals stood out among the new teachers across the district for their efforts in their first year on the job in DeSoto ISD!
The Employees of the Year were next called to the stage – each campus winner along with the child nutrition services, plant services and instructional support center winners – awaited the announcement of district winner. Described by her boss as “very simply – an outstanding and valuable employee” and as an unsung hero of the district – the winner is purchasing secretary Sherry Lopez.
And for the grand finale – the campus Teachers of the Year were announced and brought up on stage to announce the elementary and secondary winners for the district.
The DeSoto ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year is Deidre Hannible of Ruby Young Elementary. Touched at a young age by the kindness of her teachers, Hannible believes teaching is a significant, challenging and rewarding profession centered on relationships that promote life-ling learning. Involved in many aspects of her students lives including sports and outside programs, Hannible wonders each year of the seeds she has planted in her students will blossom into wonderful adults.
The DeSoto ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year is Amy Aris of DeSotoHigh School. Playing school as a child with her younger brother was just one was Aris prepared for her future career. From experience, she has learned to keep students interested by relating the subject to real-life connections and building a learning environment of mutual respect. Allowing students to share ideas, discuss various points of view and personal experiences help students better understand how ideas originated throughout history.
These two teachers of the year will now compete in the regional teacher of the year competition in the State of Texas program.
Special thanks to AXA Financial Advisors for event sponsorship. Additional assistance was provided by McCowan Junior Corp Cadets (JCC) under SGT Johnson, the DHS JROTC under COL Dennis Cross, Sagebrush Nursery and Mrs. Debby Baugh.
