College Station ISD Education Foundation

Board Members Carol Barrett Parent Representative Tap Bentz Outback Steakhouse Nancy Berry Community Representative Mary Broussard CSISD School Board Representative Brad Corrier Ashford Square Realty Eddie Coulson CSISD Superintendent Nancy Dickey Texas A&M Health Science Center Jerry Fox THE BANK & TRUST Katie Fox Fox Marketing Designs Jeff Harris Ellison Law Firm James Haverland Community Representative Chrissy Hester College Station ISD Tom Jackson College Station Medical Center Tim Jones First Victoria Bank Gene Joyce Audio Video Christopher Lampo Christopher’s World Grille Curt Mackey Curt Mackey, CPA Cal McNeill The Bank and Trust Kiki O’Shea PTO Representative Randall Pitcock Pitcock & Croix Custom Homes Clay Riebe American Momentum Bank Julie Schultz B/CS Chamber of Commerce Al Scott Wells Fargo Bank Greg Smith Wal-mart John Webb West, Webb, Allbritton, & Gentry PC Ben Welch Mays Business School at Texas A&M Sydney Welsh Cheddars & Fish Daddy’s Stephen Wright William R. Birdwell, DDS Inc. Ann Ganter Director

Advisory Board George Lea American Momentum Bank Britt Rice Britt Rice Electric Robert Waltman Waltman & Grisham, Attorneys at Law

Board of Trustees Charlotte Slack, President

Marc Chaloupka, Vice President Randall Pitcock, Secretary

Valerie Jochen, Trustee Garland Watson, Trustee

Tim Jones, Trustee Mary Broussard, Trustee

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Tonight’s event is graciously underwritten by:

College Station Medical Center

Flowers provided by:

AMCHS Advanced Floral Design Classes

Program cover Created by:

Henry Inovejas AMCHS Computer Maintenance Independent Study

Community Service Work: Health for All, Lincoln Center Kids’ Day Event, Thanksgiving Epicures Cafe Leadership Position: Young Life student leader, Head guard College Station Aquatics, Cheerleading representative Extra-Curricular Activities: Young Life, Cheerlead-ing, NHS, Grace Bible Youth Group, FCCLA Plans after High school: Attend The Fashion Insti-tute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, California.

Kayla Poe At the beginning of sophomore year, I was completely set on attending the

University of Texas to become a Registered Nurse. Now, in six months, I will be moving to Los Angeles, California, to attend one of the most prestigious fashion de-sign schools in the country. It's everything I have ever dreamed of happening and more. It all began when I signed up to take Apparel. I thought it was just going to be a class where I could learn how to thread a sewing machine. Little did I know, this class would be the basis of my hopes and dreams, and now my future career. Mrs. Poe was always very tough and constantly challenged her students to strive for per-fection. If it weren't for this strong-willed, opinionated woman, I would not be the same person I am today. She has taught me every sewing technique I know, and continues to teach me new things everyday with the same charismatic personality. I'm proud to learn from the best! She pushes me to reach new heights and expects the absolute best out of every project I attempt. She will always give me a blunt and honest opinion about my work and is continuously trying to help me achieve my goals. Toward the end of my sophomore year, Mrs. Poe awarded me the Outstanding Achievement award for her class. This was a major turning point in my high school career. This award allowed me to discover a new hidden talent, which I have real-ized I have a true passion for! It is a true blessing to have met you, Mrs. Poe. I will never forget all of your advice and life lessons. Thank you for being such a great mentor to me by helping me achieve my goals and dreams. Also, thank you for car-ing for me as if I were one of your close friend, always being there when I needed you. I appreciate all the time you took out of your life, from writing recommendation letters, to giving me the chance to start an Independent Study, to even helping me decide whether to do pleats or gathers! It's going to be a tough move coming from a small sewing room upstairs at Consol, (which has grown to be my second home over the past year) but I have big dreams to fill and won't stop until I achieve them. If it weren't for you, Mrs. Poe, I don't know what I would be doing with my life right now. I'm not sure which directions I'm headed toward in the fashion industry, but I do know that whatever it may be, I will always attribute my achievements to you! Many thanks, Mrs. Poe!

Dana Arnold

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Volunteer at St. Jo-seph, Volunteer for College Hills Veterinary Clinic Leadership Position: Swim Team Captain Extra-Curricular Activities:Swimming and NHS Plans after High school: Attend Texas A&M Honors Program then Veterinary School

Ryan Goodwyn I began swimming at age 11 and swam for about a year under one coach. Then he was moved to a faster group and I had a new coach; Coach Ryan Goodwyn. Since that time he has been in my life through the good and the not so good. There were many times when I was having a really bad day and just did not want to get in the water and swim fast. But, as much anger as I had toward him while he was lecturing the group, what he said to us all made a huge impact on my life and my mindset. Through him I have learned to use swim-ming as an outlet for anger or stress or just any gross feeling I could ever possess. Now, if I go too long out of the water, I start to get a little grumpy. Goodwyn has been there through the many deployments of my father and of course all of the stress involved in an ever grow-ing pile of school work, not to mention every one of my medical mishaps. While many of these cause my life to become even more crammed with work and attempts at staying sane, swimming has always been that crucial constant in my life that allows me to function under such pressures. Goodwyn has always understood that I am not the best athlete and never will be. He knows that for me school and homework have always come first and I will not hesitate to lose some much needed sleep, even if that is the day before a big meet, just so I can get in a little more studying. If I am unable to swim for one of many medical reasons, Goodwyn always understands and often teases me because I am never without a book or study materials to read in my spare time, even at the pool at six o’clock in the morning. Yet as much as he jokes with me about working too hard and being too serious about my grades, he has always supported my study habits and never attempted to change them. He simply tries to convince me to have more fun on the weekends and not to kill myself by working too hard. Throughout my high school journey I have had a few bumps and many meltdowns along the way, but I have always been able to count on Goodwyn’s sarcasm and strenuous workouts to bring me back to reality and realize that I was freaking out over something small and truly insignificant. He is always able to make me laugh and smile after a particularly gru-eling night of homework and has given me multiple opportunities that I would not have gotten the chance to experience without him. Now that my swimming career is coming to an end, and I will be graduating high school and beginning college, I will forever remember the many lessons that Goodwyn has taught me and try to have some fun with my life. Swimming will continue to be a part of my life as my outlet from reality and stress and I will never forget those early morning practices when Goodwyn was yelling at us to kick harder. I hope to stay with the sport by becoming a coach as well, whenever I can find the time to fit it into my busy schedule. I can only hope to have the same impact on others that Goodwyn has had on me.

Elizabeth Bourne

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Upward Basketball Refe-ree, Sports Camp Counselor in Seattle, WA, AAU Track & Field Camp Leader Leadership Position: Church Youth Group Worship Leader, Business Professionals of America Secretary ‘06-’07 Extra-Curricular Activities: NHS, Business Profes-sionals of America, Varsity Cross Country (4 yrs.), Var-sity Track & Field (4 yrs.) Plans after High school: Attend college and run track

Rodney Wellmann The Hall of Fame seeks to honor educators by recognizing their impact on the lives of the

students they teach. In describing my relationship with Coach Wellmann, I’m afraid Charles Dickens has already beaten me to the punch (or the finish line rather): “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” Times are everything to a track coach and a runner. Meets are won or lost based on time. Personal Records are broken by time. District standings, peer reputations, futures are all held in the hands of the clock. Securing the best of times is always the primary objective and creates the atmos-phere for a special relationship between the athlete and coach. The resulting bond between the two is unique among student-educators. I dare to say there are few traditional classrooms where an educator can aspire to bring out the best in their pupil by alter-nately offering strong directives and stinging criticism and occasionally, dreaded silence, during the worst of times. Yet this same educator-coach, in the same breath, will defend you, praise you, believe in you and provide you with ample opportunity for success. Coach Wellmann has been this educator, helping me create a “Personal Record” of trial, perseverance and confidence. I will treasure these, the best of times. By the same token, there are very few classrooms where the student can freely return the challenge to the educator by providing eye-rolling, heavy-sighing, responses to the day’s plans; plans where the homework includes plunging legs tired from miles of running into often sub 50 degree ice water as the educator responds “TEKS accomplished!” Thank you, Coach Wellmann, for allowing me this freedom. Speaking of accomplishments, today’s most popular shows are not just titles to Coach Well-mann, but in fact, represent the reality show of his life. “Lost” are the girls who go on long runs and can’t find their way back to the school. Not many educators have to worry about losing a student, although there are many who might like to. “24” represents the number of field trips he must take each year be-tween cross-country and track meets, with a bus full of, yes, teenage girls, and he makes many of these trips on back-to-back nights, often without a “thank-you” from anyone (student, parent or administrator). Of course, “He’s Just Not That Into You” would aptly describe the coach driving a bus full of teenage girls week after week, and yes, he is undoubtedly a “Survivor”, having repeated this show for over 15 years and all in the hopes of that one “Amazing Race”! Yes, times are everything to a track coach and a runner. Yet, for me, Coach Wellmann is someone who has given me more than time, although, at 12 hours a week, 36 weeks a year for four years, that’s somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,728 hours, minimum! He has given me a chance to believe in myself and to believe in what I can accomplish. When he said to me before I ran my first mile race, “You can win this”, I was skeptical, but then I did! And when he said to me “You will run a mile under 5 minutes”, I laughed, but then I did! He has motivated me to work harder and to push myself beyond my limitations, to always reach for something greater and to be willing to take risks, even if they are measured by milliseconds. I am grateful for his impact and hopeful that I have given him, measure-for-measure, time after time, someone he can be proud to call his student.

Keri Wood

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: United Way, Relay for Life, AMCHS Tiger Friends, UMArmy and church youth garage sales Leadership Position: AMCHS Choir Class Rep., Stu-dent Council, AMCHS News Anchor, NHS Extra-Curricular Activities: UIL Solo & Ensemble: State & Region, TX All State Choir, TX All Region Choir, TX All Area Choir, NHS, Media Technology—KTGR News, Tiger Theatre Thespian Society Plans after High school: Attend University of Texas and study vocal performance

Mary Selcer “When am I ever going to use this?” seems to be the predominant question in most math classes. Even on the rare occasion that I understood a topic, I’ve never been too fond of math. Fortunately, Ms. Selcer freed me from this negative mindset. Her ex-ample has provided me with the knowledge to make the best of any situation. She shares hilarious stories that are sure to bring a joyous and zany air to the classroom. Once, she told the class about how she used to play in DDT as a child. She then attributed her tall stature and an above average IQ level to this toxic childhood pas-time. Thanks to DDT, she also has a large reserve of random knowledge. For example, Ms. Selcer informed me that redheads will become extinct long before any of the other hair colors. Even though she constantly reminded me that I was a dying breed, the class was upbeat; therefore, math didn’t seem so bad. Ms. Selcer has a way of bringing light to even the most monotonous routines. One day, while checking our homework on the overhead, a student commented on how close he was to getting the correct answer on a problem. Ms. Selcer wittily replied, “Close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades and nuclear war.” While any other teacher would simply say that the answer is wrong, Ms. Selcer’s clever and positive spin makes a school day less mundane. Effortlessly, she can accept, befriend, and effectively communicate with all walks of life. That’s probably how we managed to get along so well. She is an excellent problem solver, not only in reference to math. Somehow, she got me to stop talking dur-ing class. Ms. Selcer made a special desk for me right next to hers. It was equipped with supplies that her “assistant” may need like staplers, stamps and grading pens. Most notably, however, the desk was furnished with a nameplate that read: “Michael Wolfe: Assistant to the Chief Executive.” Though now I realize that my promotion to personal assistant was probably Ms. Selcer’s creative attempt to keep me from talking, I must admit, she had me fooled. Her enthusiasm and positive attitude have wrought long-term influence. When our class used to grumble and complain, she invariably told us to “choose joy!” She would offer us prunes too, but, if already regular, this simple yet profound phrase proves most helpful. Happiness, despite unfavorable circumstance, can always be attained through a conscience effort. Ms. Selcer exemplifies this phrase and radiates the quali-ties of personality for which we all strive. Maybe playing in DDT really does do a person good…

Michael Wolfe

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Interact Leadership Position:Team Captain of the Varsity Tennis Team Extra-Curricular Activities: Varsity Tennis Team 4 years in singles and doubles, National Hispanic Recognition for the PSAT Plans after High school: Attend the College of Wil-liam and Mary and play on the tennis team

Ed Davis As I entered Mr. Davis’ 2nd period TX History class on the first day of 7th grade, I was aware of 4 things: Mr. Davis, his ponytail, sixteen Macintosh computers that looked to have lived past their glory years, and a giant brown seat with armrests I will hereby dub, “The Chair.” On that first day of school Mr. Davis had me hooked on history like never before. We began class by taking a pop quiz to determine who would sit in the “The Chair” for the first three weeks of school. The tiebreaker question? “What is the capital of Spain?” Mr. Davis called out. I couldn’t believe my luck. (I’m half Spanish!) After that I figured Mr. Davis and I would get along pretty well. As 2nd period TX History Pop Quiz class Champion, I settled into my exquisitely comfort-able brown arm chaired seat. Mr. Davis kindly informed the class that the student with the highest grade at the end of every three weeks would receive the honor of sitting in “The Chair.” Nothing like a good competition to make us study. On second thought, the word “study” doesn’t appropriately capture the coolness that went down in Mr. Davis’ classroom. During Mr. Davis’ stories a “driver” was always se-lected to sit in “The Chair” and advance the PowerPoint to a new slide every time Mr. Davis snapped his fingers. Then, on those sixteen hunky computers we would recreate history through slideshows, maps, and charts using the information we gleaned from his lessons and our own imagination. As a refresher, Mr. Davis tediously prepared Jeopardy games for us to play the day before the exam. We competed, we had fun, and I excelled in this environment. Studying, to use the term loosely, was not difficult for me that year. Luckily, I struck gold a second year in a row and had the privilege to be Mr. Davis’ stu-dent once again come 8th grade. I had shivered at the thought of going back to overhead transparencies and regular seats. Seeing as we were three months more mature than our previous 7th grade selves, Mr. Davis took our learning experience to new levels of coolness. We were told to make a movie about checks and balances, showing what would happen were it mandated that every citizen own a Chihuahua.

Anik Cepeda

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: AMCHS tennis camp counselor, Hurricane Rita Evacuation Center volun-teer, Vacation Bible School , church usher Leadership Position: Played #1 spot on AMCHS tennis team in 11th & 12th grade, church youth group leadership team Extra-Curricular Activities: Varsity Tennis 4 years, 7 years USTA tennis and state ranking, NHS, Key Club, Chess Club Plans after High school: Attend the Mays Business School at Texas A&M

Debe Shafer It's not often that you meet someone who has a profound impact on your life. To be af-fected that much by one person suggests that you both know them well and admire them very much. Out of the many educators who have shaped my life, I have chosen to honor Mrs. Debe Shafer as the one who has had the most positive effect on my life as a whole. I first met Coach Shafer my freshman year when I joined the varsity tennis team. I could tell right away that she was both a happy and upbeat person who would be both friendly and helpful to me as I tried to get to know my teammates, teachers, and a brand-new school. Coach Shafer's pleasant and helpful attitude is always appreciated by everyone around her, and I was no exception. She can always find the bright side in any situation, which makes her a fun person to be around. She also is constantly able to see the good side of people and focus on their positive attributes to both encourage them and lift their spirits. This gift for encouragement is one of her finest qualities, and she has encouraged me through many events throughout the four years that I have been her student. Whether it be finishing a workout strong or closing out a tough match on the court, when I see Coach Shafer coming I know that she brings an optimistic viewpoint and encouraging words that will help me to get the job done. Besides encouraging others, her unceasingly positive outlook on life and her willingness to put others before herself have served as great examples for me on how to deal with events in my own life when they come along. Another one of Coach Shafer's outstanding traits is her strong work ethic, which she backs up with a seemingly endless flow of cheerful energy. Coach Shafer works us hard when we go to the track to run or do fitness work, but she often keeps us going by joining in herself. Apart from workouts, she also shows her work ethic by the amount of effort and excitement she puts in to being our coach. It's easy to see how much she puts into her job and how much she considers what is best for us when making decisions. I sometimes wonder how she can keep up with three different tennis teams going on many different trips and practicing after school almost everyday during the school year, but Coach Shafer never seems tired or negative. She always has the same cheerful smile on her face. I've gotten to know Coach Shafer well over the years, and we joke and laugh all the time. She really creates a fun environment to both learn and grow in, and it's easy to feel at ease because we can all tell that she cares very much about us as people, as well as our safety and well-being. Coach Shafer definitely qualifies as someone who has made a wonderful impact on my life, and someone who I can continue to look up to as I enter college and face my future. Her polite attitude, positive spirit, caring heart, tireless work ethic, and constant encouragement are examples of qualities that I should strive to achieve. I know that my life would be very different if I had never met her, and I am extremely grateful to Coach Shafer for all that she has done for me as well as for the example she has set for me on how to approach life in such a wonderfully upbeat and cheerful way.

Nathan Cooner

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: NHS, Young Life Leadership Position: Varsity Soccer Co-Captain, Yearbook Editor Extra-Curricular Activities: NHS, Varsity Soccer (3 years), Lone Star Soccer Team, Work at Aggieland Fitness Dome Plans after High school: Attend University of Oregon and play soccer there

Jimmy Pollard Our hearts pounded and sweat poured down our faces as we raced back and forth in the old gym of the high school. It was the final game of indoor soccer for the day, and it was on. Coach Pryor and Pollard (aka Polly) banded together on the yellow team and battled it out against the players on the white team. With the white team leading by one with thirteen seconds left in the game, all 5’3” of Polly began a beautiful run down the center or the court. Pryor dribbles up the outside, and with the game on the line he plays the perfect ball right to Pollard, and with a swift whiff the ball sails right past the foot of Polly and the game is over. “JIMMMMY!” echoes through the gym as Coach Pryor falls to his knees in disbelief at the loss. Although Coach Pollard may not be a superstar on the indoor court, he is by far one of the best coaches, and friend, a player could ever have. Pollard has inspired every player on the team and touched all of our hearts, especially mine. He has been there from day one freshman year at tryouts warming up the goalkeepers and giving us a scouting report on the opponent. Every night during pre-game or before every practice, Polly is out with us stuck in a corner somewhere warming up us goalkeep-ers. On senior night he gave me a note that commented on how hard I work, but without him our team would not be the hard working and successful team we are.

He also has a great sense of humor that seems to come out at the best and worst times. He was the first one to tell me that I would find a very embarrassing mishap during the Bryan game on the internet. Whenever everyone on the bus wants to go to McDonalds, except the freshmen, who decide to voice their opionon, Pryor gets very angry. “I’ll take all your happy butts straight home!” we hear Pryor bellow from the driver’s seat. Polly turns around and with a smug smile on his face “He said happy butts..hehe.” Out of all his great quotes the one I will never forget this phrase Pollard uses all the time. “No one saw the handball,” “Keep playing, nobody saw the foul,” and the game continues on.

This season has been filled with every emotion, but lately I have hit a rough patch due to an injury. Before every game my hip was hurting just from walking, but Coach Pollard would be out on the field with my seventh period warming me up, although he already knew it was most likely a no go. He wants to see me succeed as much or more than I do. I would hit the ground and grunt with pain and I could tell he was just as upset as I was. But nevertheless, two days later we would start the routine all over again, only to be disappointed in myself. Each time I would push myself off the ground Polly was right there telling me he thought next game would be it and he knew I would be fine. He has always be-lieved in me and has always supported me. The first practice after I had hurt my hip, I did not want to admit I was hurt and tried to play through it. As a hobbled into the goal I hear, “Wilhelm, looks like you need a new leg. Go to the trainer.” I was so mad at the time, but to the trainer I went, following Pollard’s orders.

Lady Tiger Soccer is something special I treasure, and will always treasure as I continue my soccer career. Through the excruciating turnovers, the miserable two rounds of the Creighton workout, my injuries, and some of the heartbreaking moments we have had this year and the past three, Coach Pollard has always been on my side. I will keep him in my heart and never forget the amazing, terrible, side splitting moments I have had with Coach Pollard.

Casey Wilhelm

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Girl Scouts: member since 1999, Silver Award 2007, Day Camp Aide since 2004 Leadership Position: Latin Club Vice President Extra-Curricular Activities: Golf Team (2 yrs.), Robotics Team (2 yrs.), Skills USA: District Winner in Flash Video & Photography, Philharmonic Orches-tra, Latin Club Plans after High school: Attend University of North Texas and major in photography

Grace Stanford After nearly twelve years of school, each student goes through several different

teachers. These teachers have the opportunity to drastically affect many lives, or to just be another name in the grey that may or may not get pulled back to memory while talking with old friends down the line. I can only pull a small handful of names from the back of my brain that can actually be put to faces. Those teachers were generally the ones who shaped the clay of my future. However, from the moment I knew I had to write about the person who has impacted me the most, Mrs. Grace Stanford came immediately to mind for so many reasons. Choosing any single reason is a very difficult task to begin with, and putting that reason into words diminishes the intensity of just how much my life has been changed by this amazing woman.

I was lucky enough to be in Mrs. Stanford’s fourth period class. This meant I had advocate to get to know her better. I have always loved getting to know my teachers on a much more personal level. It is easier for me to learn from someone when I am on the same page thought-wise as they are. I was able to talk with her about many topics that did not necessarily have to do with English. One of these topics was her daughter.

The biggest reason that Mrs. Stanford has made such an impact on my life is that her daughter is adopted. I too am adopted. She and I had many conversations about adoption. I was very unsure if I wanted to find my birth parents to begin with. My feelings were so conflicted that I had no direction to follow. I was both worried about my parent’s feelings on the decision as well as to how my birth parents would react. I needed the perspective of an adoptive mom because, I couldn’t be one-hundred percent sure that my own mom was really ok with me searching for the woman who gave birth to me. Mrs. Stanford gave me this perspective. As an adoptive mom, she told me that if my birth par-ents loved me enough to give me up for adoption, they would love me enough to at least want to hear from me once. I took her advice, and found my birth parents. This one event has changed the way I look at life. I have a new perspective on what unconditional love is. I am so thankful for the chance I had to get to know Mrs. Stanford, and for the advice that she gave me. That advice gave me the conviction to go forward and find my birth parents. Mrs. Stanford helped give me the opportunity to learn the meaning of “unconditional love”.

Caroline Vance

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Involved with Grace Bible Church Youth group, help plans and run events Leadership Position: Heart & Hustle Basketball Award recipient, Highest GPA basketball award re-cipient, Sportsmanship Basketball Award Recipient Extra-Curricular Activities: Football 4 years, Bas-ketball 4 Years Plans after High school: Attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO

When I was on the middle school basketball team, the coaches decided that we should get to take a trip to the high school one afternoon to watch the junior varsity and varsity basketball teams practice. We were all excited to go because not only would we get to skip a day of practice, but we would also get to watch the super old and mature high schoolers do a bunch of cool dunks with their beards and defined muscles. So we loaded in the bus and made the short drive over to Tiger Gym. When we walked in, the coaches weren’t even on the floor yet, so the team was just shooting around and warming up. After a few minutes, the gym doors opened and one of the larg-est most intimidating men I’ve ever seen walked in the door. I don’t remember what he was wear-ing, but I’m willing to bet that it was a Tiger Basketball shirt tucked into matching sweat pants, be-cause I don’t think I’ve ever seen him wear anything else. The players did exactly what he asked them to do as soon as he asked it, and I could tell that he was the kind of man that you didn’t want to mess with. We watched the entire two hour practice, and I had never before seen a man yell so much in such a short amount of time. This was my first experience ever with Coach Rusty Segler. Despite the scary first impression that I got from him, Coach Segler turned out to be much better than I first expected. It’s true that he does yell a lot, and he isn’t the type of guy you want to mess with, but it is all for the good of the young men that, he would say, he has the honor to coach. I have never met a man more dedicated to building good character in the people that he comes into contact with, and I know that my own character has been refined due to playing for his team. I re-member one practice this year all of the varsity players were having a hard time going full speed, and Coach Segler made us get on the base line and run horses without telling us when we were going to stop. I was so mad at him, because I could not see the point in doing any of it. However, he talked to us after practice and explained the reasoning behind the difficult things that he made us do. He told us that in overcoming obstacles in basketball practice, we were building good habits that will help us overcome obstacles later in life when we are husbands and fathers. I have never had a more rewarding experience than being on the varsity basketball team this year, because I know I am a more hard-working and dedicated person than I would be had I not gone through it. It is always easy to dislike the people who have power over you, and I must admit there have been times after long, hard practices that I couldn’t even imagine myself liking Coach Segler. However, now that I understand the method behind his madness, I realize that coach Segler uses his position not only to teach boys how to play basketball, but also to teach boys how to grow up and become respectable men. He was the first to correct me when I made a mistake and the first to pat me on the back after I did something right. He always told us that after playing for him, we can come to him at any point in our lives for help and that he will do what he can to provide that help. After seeing the kind of man that he is, I know this to be true. He may not have taught me math, or English, or science, but the effects that he had on my character make Coach Rusty Segler the most important educator in my entire schooling experience.

Scott Coulson

Honored Educator Rusty Segler

Community Service Work: Voluntary church pi-anist, Youth group leader, Merit badge counselor Leadership Position: Robotics president (2008), Tigerland Director, Media Technology secretary Extra-Curricular Activities: Media Technology, Skills USA, Photography Club, NHS Plans after High school: Attend Brigham Young University and major in media arts

Katheryn Cunha

Kristen Jones The first day of my sophomore year began like any other: upon finding my first period class, I was promptly shown to my seat, given a syllabus, and then instructed as far as what supplies I would need for the rest of the year. After forcing my way through the mob of people all trying to get to their second period, I expected the same kind of introduction. Consequently, I was pleasantly surprised when Ms Jones began a demonstration including making the “Chemistry Genie” come out of its bottle and lighting both the school’s water and columns of bubbles on fire. Ms Jones helped me to gain a greater appreciation of the world around me in the years that I was privileged to be in first her pre-AP then AP Chemistry class. It was truly amazing to go into a lab with bottles of white and color-less powders and liquids and to end up with brilliantly colored solutions or flames. Whether it was removing the zinc from the inside of a penny, turning a test tube into a mirror, or making ice-cream, the labs were always well-planned, instructive, and eye-opening. Her enthusiasm as she assisted us was contagious, making even the simplest lab an adventure. Ms Jones is also calm in the face of danger. Whether the problem was broken glass, spilled acid, or fire coming out of the wrong end of a Bunsen burner, Ms Jones, unfazed, was always there, helping us cope before we had time to panic. Ms Jones’ instruction, however, reaches far beyond her own classroom. Often unbe-knownst to her, she has vicariously taught hundreds of students. Many of these are from the school’s tutoring program, through which her AP students may tutor the chemistry I students. While I rarely tutored through this program because of time constraints, I often tutored my mother in chem-istry. She would then take these second-hand lessons and use them to help students in Venture Center, Timber Academy, and the Sophomore Learning Lab. Many of these students would not have been able to pass without assistance. Because of Ms Jones’ thorough teaching and clever memory aids, I am still able to help students even though it has been a year since I was enrolled in her class. Ms Jones also helps to prepare her students for the future. She was able to answer all of our questions about science AP classes, how the credits transfer, and when to get letters of recom-mendation. The chemistry AP test turned out to be my easiest AP test my Junior year. By no means does this mean that the subject matter was simple. Rather, Ms Jones did an excellent job preparing us for the AP test. She sacrificed a Saturday to allow us to take a practice test with the same time parameters as the actual test. We spent weeks going through additional review books and correcting practice tests. On the day of the AP test, which happened to be her birthday, Ms Jones was there, waiting with us before the test and waiting for us after. She brought mints for us and made sure that we had everything that we needed before they made her leave the room. While seemingly trivial, the mints further emphasized that we had a teacher who cared for us and wanted us to succeed.

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Amnesty International, Website Manager of “Waste of Paint Production”, Volunteer for: Keep Brazos Beautiful, SHARE, Sheridan Nursing Home, and Spe-cial Olympics, TAMU Psychology Research Assistant Leadership Position: President of Interact and Model Organi-zation of United States, Editor-in-Chief of Literary Magazine, Student Council Historian Extra-Curricular Activities: Interact, Model Organization of American States, Literary Magazine, Student Council, Business Professionals of America, Varsity Orchestra, Interfaith Club Plans after High school: Attend College and major in psy-chology and philosophy

Zandy Pustay I have always thought that Mrs. Zandy Pustay is quite remarkable. In my freshman year I learned that her first name (and all her siblings’ names) began with the letter “Z.” This was refreshingly rebellious – a striking anomaly in the sea of “Nancys,” “Saras,” and “Kristens” that had frequented the chalkboards of my public school education. My initial impression of her has only been reinforced over the time I have known her.

As the faculty sponsor for Interact Community Service Club, Mrs. Pustay has taught me as much if not more than any other teacher has. Grades, SMART boards, class periods, and all other conven-tional forms of education never intruded on our relationship. Rather than attending her class, I decided when I visited. Her room (G-1288) became my unofficial office – I would often arrive in the morning before her, drop by several times in the day, and host as many as six meetings a week there. Indeed, I’ve often been mistaken as her student teacher (though I suspect that my facial hair has also been a factor in that). I learned from Mrs. Pustay not through conventional lesson plans but through our regular and frequent interactions, activities, and after- school conversations where I made use of her scissors, tape, glue, and - most of all – her ideas. It was through these interactions that I learned the importance of exploration and self-governance. Mrs. Pustay allowed me to carry through almost every project I thought of and choose the issues I wanted the club to focus on. By allowing me the freedom to discover my passions she enabled me to identify causes I wanted to commit to, such as combating global injustice. She treated me not as a stu-dent but as an adult. Our conversations were completely honest: we discussed politics, school policy, teaching styles; no subjects were off limits. Through our interactions, Mrs. Pustay taught me to question and think audaciously.

Ultimately, Mrs. Pustay’s unique personality is what makes her so remarkable. With a mixture of tenacity, optimism, tranquility, and pragmatism, Mrs. Pustay is able to confront any number of challenges that present themselves. Whether it is a skirmish in the hallway, or a lesson in the classroom, Mrs. Pustay commands respect by her very presence. This stems from her ability to relate to students. With Sponge-bob as her champion of arms, Mrs. Pustay makes a concerted effort to get to know everyone. She genu-inely cares about her students. This was especially evident in my college admissions process. Mrs. Pustay provided me with constant encouragement - she was invested and engaged in every college decision. In fact, she even went so far as to invite me to contact her late in the night to share my college news – whether it be good or bad. Mrs. Pustay’s optimism is inspirational. She makes everything seem as if it is within reach (which was certainly a comforting thought after I succumbed to senioritis). Over this past year, I’ve come to realize that Mrs. Pustay’s commitment to her students does not end when we graduate. She is invested in our future.

I don’t think I’ll ever truly forget Mrs. Zandy Pustay. Like her unique name, her personality will remain imprinted in my mind forever. Over the past four years I’ve learned to appreciate Mrs. Pustay not just as a mentor, but as a friend. Her compassion, civic responsibility, and distinctive perspective have helped me shape the way that I live my life. Mrs. Pustay has truly been instrumental in my development as a student, leader, and human being; and I think that’s pretty remarkable.

Alok Vaid-Menon

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer at Elementary School Carnivals, Relay for Life, Various STUCO Projects Leadership Position: A&M United Methodist Youth Council President Extra-Curricular Activities: Student Council, FFA, Golf, NHS Plans after High school: Attend Texas A&M fo-cusing on biomedical sciences

Jane Bornstein I never understood why the teacher in children’s books is always portrayed as an inconsiderate,

strict old hag—the classic villain. In truth, they should be uplifted as saviors, as heroes and heroines. Education is a precious and teachers choose to dedicate their lives to bestow the precious gift of knowl-edge to their students. And what do they receive in return? –they are under paid, unappreciated, and taken for granted. I know the difference education has made in my life and I am forever thankful to teach-ers.

One of my most beloved heroines is Mrs. Jane Bornstein. I first met Mrs. Bornstein when she was my first grade teacher. I walked into my first grade classroom much like Dorothy walked into Oz, I knew I was not in kindergarten anymore. As it turns out, my experience in that small little classroom was even more magical than Dorothy’s Oz. I learned so much more than reading and counting, I learned the beginnings of life lessons. I was instructed to raise my hand before speaking (repect and common cour-tesy), and I realized if I talked back, I had to pull my pin from green to red ( actions have consequences ).

At the end of the year, South Knoll introduced a new program called “looping” in which the teacher graduates with the students and remains their teacher for the next grade. I remember my mom inquiring whether or not I wanted to participate and have Mrs. Bornstein as a teacher again and my reac-tion-jumping up and down with excitement exclaiming , “Yes, Yes, Yes!” First grade melted into second grade and the lessons continued on.

Third grade was another adventure with Mrs. Bornstein. I traveled through time, from the days of the cave man to the Middle ages and the Renaissance, to the study of countries. Mrs. Bornstein shared her tales of her voyage to Italy over the summer. Mr. Bornstein worked with the Texas A&M history de-partment and every summer they spent a few weeks in Italy for a working vacation. Her stories were bril-liant, insightful and inspiring, a reminder that the world is much bigger than a third grade classroom.

Over the years, Mrs. Bornstein and I have remained in touch. She inspired and incited one of my greatest adventures. Two of the girls from my third grade class and I were graciously invited to spend a week in Cortona, Italy with the Bornsteins. It was the best summer I have experienced. I was immersed in a new and exciting culture and all the while I was surrounded by my compassionate hosts, caring travel companions, and my best friends. Mrs. Bornstein taught me lessons that summer that could never be a taught in a mere classroom: real, eye-opening experiences in history, sociology, relaxation and peace, and the art of truly enjoying life.

Today, Mrs. Bornstein and I have reached the point where, on several occasions, she has in-sists on me referring to her as Jane. This is quite a milestone and one I’m not sure I am ready to cross. Mrs. Bornstein will always be my teacher because she has never stopped being my mentor, my educator, and she never ceases to teach me new lessons. In the same way, Jane will always be my friend, some-one who cares about me and someone I can always look to for advice. I guess I could combine the two. Mrs. Jane Bornstein – So much more than a Teacher! An amazing Mentor,a Friend forever and one heck of a Superhero. Jane Bornstein would never appear as the villian is a child’s story for she truly is an Edu-cation Heroine both in the classroom and in life.

Kirsten Tesh

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Unity Club 3 Years Leadership Position: Homecoming King 2008, All District Football Def. Back. 2008, Most Valuable Def. Back 2008, All Brazos Valley Def. Back 2008 Extra-Curricular Activities: Football Plans after High school: Attend Blinn on football scholarship

Bob DeBesse My senior year is when I first met Coach Debesse. It was difficult for me at the begin-

ning of the season because I had the notion in my head that because I was a senior, I could be in charge of the defensive backs. During the first week of two-a-days Coach Debesse and I fi-nally got the chance to become better acquainted. He scheduled a meeting before our second practice of the day. With no regard to what Coach Debesse had said, the starting free safety and I took our time getting to the meeting. Since he was new to the system, we thought that it would be no big deal. When we finally showed up he re-introduced himself as Crazy Coach Debesse and went off on us in front of the entire defensive line. This was the first time of thousands that he turned into crazy Coach Debesse. After that I didn’t like Coach Debesse I had to adjust to him. He came from a college level which showed in his coaching. He was more straight forward and held us to a higher standard. Coach Debesse also pushed me harder than any other coach I’ve ever had and never let up. He once told me that I was playing like a freshmen, made us to up-downs, then made us run man coverage. Anytime I made a mistake he would remind me about it until I fixed it. His nagging got me to the point where I didn’t care if I made a good play as long as I didn’t make a bad one. Coach Debesse recognized this and told me not to play so reserved.

During the fourth week of the season, I separated my shoulder and became a backup defensive end coach. While viewing the game from that prospective, I noticed how goofing off during warm up or not stretching properly was effecting certain players game. A lesson that Coach Debesse never failed to teach us. From that moment on I started to view coach Debesse as a different person. My return to the defensive line was the Harker Heights game. Knowing that I wasn’t 100% coach Debesse put me opposite of their leading receiver. During that game Coach Debesse forced me to gut check myself. I had to dig deep and figure the type of player that I needed to be. That was a tuff game for me, but after that coach Debesse and I had a different relationship. From that game on he pushed me even harder at practice and reminded me that I was a leader and that I needed to play my role. Those words stuck with me, and I really started to excel. Before the next game, Coach Debesse sat us down and gave us the definition of con-sistency. He said any player can be lucky but a true impact player is the player you can count on every game to play his role. From that moment on I had a goal to be that player.

Coach Debesse helped me discover the type of player and person that I wanted to be. Without him I would not be the same. I will never forget everything he has said and taught me. Coach Debesse is one of those people that impacts every person that he meets. I will always carry with me everything he has taught me.

Archippus (Kip) Daily

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Habitat for Humanity, Sheridan Nursing Home, Interact Leadership Position: Student body treasurer, In-terfaith President, Chess Club VP, Interact treasurer Extra-Curricular Activities: Math UIL, Soccer Plans after High school: Attend college and be-come a professor Plans after High School: Attend college and be-come a professor

Susan Ward “Las palabras se las lleva el viento.” This is a Spanish proverb that is somewhat similar to the English saying “actions speak louder than words.” Two years ago, I did not understand what it meant; today, I do, thanks to the words and actions of a very special mentor and a one-of-a-kind teacher: my Spanish teacher for two years, Mrs. Susan Ward. Going through Mrs. Ward’s classes is an enriching and exciting experience. She has consis-tently proven that class could be both entertaining and educational. In fact, she has proven that a single class and a single teacher can make a lifetime impact on a student. Mrs. Ward drives each student to his/her true potential. She commonly uses different techniques to reach every student and get our full attention. No matter how stupid our answers sometimes (or many times) may be, she always has a tactful way of getting the message across in a respectful and nurturing manner. Meanwhile, she is always firm in making sure that every minute counts and that time is not wasted on irrelevant activities. Also, Mrs. Ward goes beyond the call of duty. She is always available to her students, both in the early morning and after school. Another unique trait of Mrs. Ward is that she takes personal interest in each and every student. Her common phrase of “No me digas” (which roughly translates into “OMG”) is usually associated with genuine interest in her students’ activities and stories. Furthermore, she constantly shows various acts of kindness. I remember one time when she found out that I was a chess aficionado, she got me a chess poem in Spanish. I was speechless for few seconds, after which my Spanish was flowing with all sorts of phrases expressing my gratitude. I have learned from Mrs. Ward that Spanish is not just a class or a language. For me, she has transformed it into a window and an opportunity to a culture and whole world out there. I now have much appreciation for many global issues and have been following events and reading Spanish writings about literature, culture, history, and politics. As a soccer fanatic, I can now enjoy watching Telemundo and Galavision on a daily basis. Mrs. Ward’s impact is not limited to teaching Spanish. During the fourth six weeks, I remember Mrs. Ward telling me about a competition called MOAS, or Model Organization of American States. Basi-cally, students would act as representatives of various American nations to pass legislation that would better the Western hemisphere. The entire process completely intimidated me. Nonetheless, Mrs. Ward encouraged me and believed in me saying that she was confident I would do well and what mattered was doing my best and enjoying the competition. She hadn’t let me down earlier and I decided to trust her. She was right and I had a great time participating. I will forever remember the many great memories that she created, whether it is the class plays, the finger game, the Shakira songs, the paper ball, Borat, or even the cow tongue. Mrs. Ward is a one-of-a-kind educator and a role model. She makes a difference in the lives of her students and prepares them for lifelong learning in so many ways. She also inspires her students to exert themselves and do the best they can, teaching us through her acts that: “Si vale la pena hacerlo, vale la pena hacerlo bien” (if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well).

Honored Educator

Ali El-Halwagi Community Service Work: Young Life College Station, Grace Bible Church Youth Group Leadership Position: Cross Country Team Leader, Leadership & Heart Award for Track, Wayne Smith Award for Cross Country Extra-Curricular Activities: Cross Country, Track Plans after High school: Attend Texas A&M Uni-versity

Mike Skinner As Junior High came to an end, I was simply the average 14-year old boy. I was ready for High School, and could not wait for football season to start. I participated in Speed Camp every day during the summer, and was in the weight room trying to gain weight and get bigger for the upcoming season. I had a good year in football, and had a lot of fun playing basketball for the High School. Before I knew it, track season was upon us, and little did I know that my plans for High School were about to take a 180 degree turn. I was about to take a path that I never thought I would take. As I headed out to my first practice, Coach Mike Skinner awaited us at the track. I worked hard, and ran well in my track meets throughout Freshman year. However, it always struck me that Coach Skin-ner kept pushing me to join a sport that had never crossed my mind. He thought I could truly be successful in a sport called Cross Country. I never thought this sport was for me, but as I continued to train with Coach Skinner, the more this idea seemed to grow on me. Sure enough, when Sophomore year arrived, I decided to drop every sport I played, and decided to follow Coach Skinner’s recommendation to join Cross Country. Every morning I woke up and went to practice, at 6:45 in the morning. This was unheard of for me in the past, and was very hard to get accustomed to. Coach Skinner stood in the doorway everyday, with his coffee in one hand, waiting to see who had shown up for practice. We ran miles and miles every morning, and the team would get exhausted. However, no matter what the situation, Coach Skinner would be there to tell us to keep going in the mornings. If somebody would not show up, he knew exactly who that person was, and would confront them about how they needed to show up for the sake of their own season. I will never forget one specific morning, that has stuck with me everyday of my life since. It was my Junior Cross Country season, and we were in the hallway awaiting Coach Skinner to tell us our morn-ing run route. He walked in, and told us he wanted to talk to the team about something. He said there were guys cutting the distance off of the runs, and trying to get out of practices for unnecessary reasons. He immediately started talking to us about integrity. He told us that he not only shows up every morning to tell us what to run, but to teach us about how to live our lives for the future. He tried to teach the team that in the real world, if there is nobody watching what you are doing, it is not okay to feel like you can go off and do whatever you want just because nobody will know. The fact is that the job will not get done, and the success you gain will not be true to yourself. If anything, this shows that Coach Skinner really cares about us, not only as runners, but as people. His words from that morning made a huge impact on my life. Coach Skinner is one of my role models, and I cannot put enough emphasis on that. One quality I look for in a person is someone who truly cares for others, and I think anybody can see that in Coach Skinner. Coach Skinner has taught me that no matter what life brings you, you can overcome it by pushing through the pain and crossing the finish line. Honestly, Coach Skinner deserves much more than just an essay written about him, and I do not think the team could repay him for all the time and hard work that he has devoted to make us successful. All in all, thank you Coach, for teaching me not only how to be a successful runner, but how to be a successful man.

Chase Teinert

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Leadership Position: President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes Extra-Curricular Activities: Football, Track, 3 Years of Basketball Plans after High school: Attend Texas A&M University

Josh Jones Coaches are stereotyped as being inconsiderate former jocks that are usually blinded to the real world by their lust for winning. They are not normally included in the category of comedian family man who truly cares about his players. Coach Jones falls into this category and in being the man he is he has left a lasting impact on my life. I am greatly appreciative of the job Coach Jones did during my two years playing under him in a Tiger Basketball uniform.

I met Coach Jones during the summer going into my ninth grade school year. We met while I was attending A&M Consolidated Basketball Camp. At that time I only thought of him as the intimidating JV basketball coach that I'd better impress if I wanted to make the team. Now I think of him as the most fun basketball coach I have ever had, and fondly look back on the memories I made during the two seasons he was my head coach. He was such a great coach because he always had a joking attitude. He always would get the job done by letting his play-ers know how important each game was, but even before the most important of games he would slip in a joke just before we hit the court. This would help us as players relax, and remind us that what we were doing was for fun, and just a game. Coach Jones’ humor quickly trans-formed him from the intimidating JV coach to a likeable guy that was fun to be around.

Another reason Coach Jones has made an impact on me is because he was more than a coach. Coach Jones’ relationship with me and his other players was more than the bas-ketball court. My junior year basketball season was my most memorable season, because our team had a great connection. We started the season with a record of ten wins and zero losses, and won the Dime Box Basketball Tournament. We were having a great season, and coach as well as we players was enjoying himself. One thing I fondly remember from this great beginning of the season is that Coach Jones invited the team to his house for pizza, and to watch the 2008 national championship NCAA football game. The team had a great time watching the game, playing Nintendo Wii, and eating pizza. However, the fun was short lived, because he kicked us out at half time, because his young kids had to get their sleep, but nonetheless invit-ing the team over and sharing his house to have a team bonding experience was a memorable moment. By being more than someone that told me how to run plays, and shoot a good jump shot, Coach Jones helped make my JV basketball years more enjoyable than expected.

Through his jokes, humorous attitude, and genuine care for his players Coach Jones made an impact on my life. Coach Jones and mine relationship is closer than that of myself and any other coach. We have gone through countless hours of practice together, yelled at each other, and watched football together. I am lucky to have had Coach Jones as my basket-ball coach.

Calvin Strain

Honored Educator

Community Service Work:March of Dimes, Larry J. Ringer Library Leadership Position: Media Technology president, Thespian Board Member Extra-Curricular Activities: Thespian and Media Tech Plans after High school: Attend film school at UT.

Scott Faulk After four years with someone, it is hard to put into words how important

they can become. I came into high school with plans for the future, but a year with Scott Faulk changed the course of my life entirely. What are the adequate words to explain someone who helped you discover your future? How do you thank some-one who has given you everything and more needed to succeed? When I was told I needed to write an essay for Faulk I was lost for words. I began remembering all of the experiences we have had together in the last four years and even though I am happy to be going to college, I have grown used to walking into his class every day and that will be what I miss most about high school. But that’s not all I will remem-ber and miss. More than just being a great teacher, he is a great friend. From the ghetto of Corpus Christi to rollercoasters in Missouri, Scott Faulk has been there through all the laughs and all the tears. Even though I am leaving for college we will always keep in touch and I know we will always be friends.

I have never before had a teacher who had such a huge impact on my life. I have always had wonderful teachers, but Faulk was different. He has given me the confidence, determination, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue a career that four years ago I would have never considered for myself. But here I am, graduating with years of video production experience with him to thank. Faulk is relentless with his students, always pushing them to do their best creatively as well as technically. His hard work is the reason that we have the best media technology program in the entire state of Texas. Always willing to help or stay after school until midnight to shoot, edit, and eat pizza, Faulk is one of the hardest working teachers I have ever had and his dedication to his students is what helps elevate the program beyond a learning experience and into a growing experience.

Once again, I can’t put into words the impact Faulk has had on me. He and the media technology program have been the most important things to me in high school and it is impossible for me to imagine the last four years without them. So to Scott Faulk, who is the best, most caring teacher I have ever known, I want to say thank you for giving me direction and purpose, without which I do not know where I would be.

Irene Georghiades

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Student Council, Inter-act, Habitat for Humanity, National Honor Society Leadership Position: President for Habitat for Hu-manity, Secretary of Interact Extra-Curricular Activities: Vision Mission Korean School, Biking, Business Professionals of America, Piano, Cross-Country Plans after High school: Study Industrial Engineer-ing and hopefully open a business in a poor country to provide jobs and change lives for the better

Jason Pratt One of my close friends calls you her “fun uncle”, other students

recognize you as the “superb U.S. history and economic teacher”, and while a few believe you are a “politician disguised as a teacher”. No mat-ter what you are labeled as by students or… other teachers I have ex-perienced to prove that you are an honorary educator to those around you. The first object in Mr. Pratt’s room that caught my attention was a roughly four feet tall, bulky, wooden table I have never seen in my life. I did not know the formal purpose of such a large table or how Mr. Pratt had come upon the possession of such an awkward piece of furniture. However, much like the table’s useful affect to the classroom, the pres-ence of Mr. Pratt is beneficial to not only me, but the society. Mr. Pratt may be awkward while performing his knee dance in class, but his hu-morous and unique persona proves the presence of his personality in his teachings. From his energetic and excitement in the subject of economics, I arrived to school waiting for sixth period and left school waiting for the next day of lesson on supply and demand. Finally, I am able to answer the question, “what is your favorite subject?” without hesitation or expla-nation that I like math, because I am oriental and all oriental loves math. From Mr. Pratt’s influence on my interest, I researched more thoroughly of my future and more specifically my prospective occupation. Now, my major is Industrial Engineering, which will hopefully lead me to a chain executive manager of an automobile corporation, instead of a mathema-tician.

Jae-Hoo Han

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Student Council, St. Tho-mas Aquinas Youth Choir and Youth Group Leadership Position: AMCHS Student Body Presi-dent, St. Thomas Aquinas Passion Play Director, Chair-man of 1st National Bank Junior Board of Directors Extra-Curricular Activities: Student Council, NHS, AMCHS President’s Council, Principal’s Advisory Board, Superintendent’s Student Cabinet, St. Thomas Aquinas Youth Group, 1st National Bank Junior Board Plans after High school: Attend Texas A&M Univer-sity

Tiffany Fox Tiffany Fox, who was then Tiffany Rutherford, began as a name that my brother mentioned a myriad of times during our conversations about his school activities. Tiffany Fox then became my authori-tative high school student council sponsor who extremely intimidated me along with all of the other fresh-men class members. However, over the past fours years Tiffany Fox has become not only my student council sponsor and English IV teacher but also the woman with whom I have shared both periods of success and times of utter stress, care-free laughter and anguished tears, joyful celebrations and mourn-ful grief, proud family moments and difficult personal trials. Although I knew Mrs. Fox pretty well since my freshman year, our relationship became much closer toward the beginning of my senior year. Mrs. Fox’s sister, Amanda, had been going through a difficult time and in order to stay close to family, she desperately hoped to find a student teaching oppor-tunity within CSISD. After an English class lesson in the computer lab, Mrs. Fox pulled me aside and with tears in her eyes told me about her sister’s situation and inquired whether my mom was looking for a student teacher for her third grade class. This conversation was the spark in my mind that further discov-ered Mrs. Fox’s overflowing love for her family. Fortunately, all of the details pleasantly came together and Amanda became my mom’s phenomenal student teacher for the fall semester. Student Council would definitely not be the same without our ridiculous inside jokes and times spent making fun of each other. Along with several of the other seniors, I always enjoy giving Mrs. Fox a hard time about when she is going to have little foxes of her own someday. I always say this jokingly yet I know when the time comes, she is going to make one unbelievable mother. Although she has no children of her own yet, Mrs. Fox treats her nephews as if they were her own. Whether it’s spending a Saturday at her nephews’ soccer games or bringing them along to a dance decorating workday, “Aunt T’ supports those boys in all aspects of their lives and when you look into their big bright eyes, it is evident they adore her. This past month our student council put on a cancer awareness week for the entire school district and we ended the week with a luncheon honoring our sponsors and cancer survivors. At the end of the program, Mrs. Fox unexpectedly spoke to everyone about the cousins she had lost due to cancer. By the end of her testimony, I don’t think a single person in the room had a dry eye. On that day, Mrs. Fox exemplified the reason I chose her as my honored educator. Although I have learned many lessons from Mrs. Fox on subjects such as the life of Shakespeare, correct English grammar, the best ways to lead a group of students and host a teacher luncheon, none can compare to the example she has given me of that complete devotion to one’s family. Whether it is taking her nephews trick-or-treating or walking over sixty miles for a cancer walk in honor of her cousins, Mrs. Fox places that pure and selfless love for her family above all else. Because of her radiating passion for that family love, I now realize why I could so easily relate to Mrs. Fox as if she were a second mother or an understanding older sister. So Mrs. Fox, I would now like to thank you. Thank you for the endless hours of laughter at student council activities. Thank you for the enlightening English lessons and helpful tips in achieving leadership goals. Thank you for the support and encouragement through all those busy and stressful times. But most importantly, thank you for the unsurpassed example of truly placing your loved ones above all else, even yourself.

Katie Smith

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Komen Foundation Volunteer, MADD Volun-teer Extra-Curricular Activities: Cheerleading (4 yrs.), Varsity Softball (2 yrs.), Winner: Miss Bay Area Teen USA, Top 5: Miss Texas Teen USA, Speech and Com-munications training Plans after High school: Attend Texas A&M and become a neo-natal nurse practitioner

Debbie Robertson I will never forget the day I decided to try out for cheerleader. I didn’t know what I

was thinking and neither did my family. The expression on my mom’s face was unforgettable; she looked at me as if I had fallen out of a tree when I told her the news. This decision was very random and quite out of the ordinary for me. My life was full of cleats, softball bats, gloves, volleyball, track meets and basketball courts, and I clearly did not have the time or desire to wear a skirt, while holding pom-poms, cheering on some football team. I was in eighth grade and I promise you, I thought I had way better things to do then put my name on some cheerleading try out list. To this day, I still am not able to explain the exact reason I decided to sign my name, but good thing I did! The week of tryouts was an absolute fiasco, from trying to remember the dance to getting the right bow in my hair. I ended up making the squad throughout my entire high school career, and four years later I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and because of my hasty decision to become a cheerleader, I was introduced to an amazing person that will never leave my heart.

Not only has Mrs. Robertson made a lasting impression on me, but also her love and teachings accompany me each and every day. Of course Mrs. Robertson is an outstanding cheerleading coach, but that is such a minor detail to what she is really about. From the moment we were introduced, I knew I could never get bored of her warm presence and beaming smile. Considering that Mrs. Robertson had an off period during my study hall, every single 6th period of my freshman and sophomore year was spent in her classroom. On top of cheerleading practice after school, I was so fortu-nate to be given that 50-minute block of time every day to really connect with such a unique individual. In reality, one class period was rarely enough time for all of our conversations, but we always had the next day to pick up from where we left off. Not only was Mrs. Robertson interested in the latest high school news, but she was always most fascinated in knowing what was going on in my life. From dumb boys to homecoming dresses, we talked about it all. Day after day, she never ceased to amaze me with her listening skills, and the ability she had to give such great advice. I came to her with many questions and concerns and not once did she let me down. Even though I was never an actual student in one of her classes, she is in fact the best teacher I have ever encountered. Mrs. Robertson lives by such strong upholding moral values that never went unnoticed. As I take on new challenges in my life, the confi-dence that she has in me never fades. Even though I was really the cheerleader, she will always be my biggest fan. Through all the laughter and tears that high school brings, I’m walking away with more than I could ask for. The life lessons Mrs. Robertson has shared with me will never be forgotten, and the impact she has had on me will stay with me forever.

Megan Scamardo

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Habitat for Humanity Leadership Position: Bengal Belle Head Social Officer (2008), Student Council Service Committee Head, Youth United President Extra-Curricular Activities: Bengal Belles (05-08) Plans after High school: Attend Boston College

Lindsay Zahn For the average teenager, moving can sometimes be an extremely scary transition in life. For a cheerleader and middle school track star, moving seemed like the end of the world. Four years later, I can still clearly remember how it felt to live my whole eighth grade year knowing that every day brought me closer to the unknown. However, I now have the luxury to be able to know how the story turned out. I now know that from the nervousness came knowledge, from fear came opportunities, and from the tears and sadness came many new friendships. However, looking back on that transitional time there is one person who not only af-fected, but changed and directed my new life more than any other. That person was my first friend in College Station, Mrs. Zahn. I met Mrs. Zahn at "Welcome to the Jungle" my eighth grade year. Although I knew I was going to move to College Station that summer, I was still living in a small town four hours away. Therefore, when inquir-ing about trying out while I still lived out of town, I learned quickly that I would not be able to continue pursuing a cheerleading career. Being of a stubborn nature, I was depressed and just wanted to go home. However, my parents and I happened to walk by the Bengal Belle table. Although I had never even heard of a drill team, the friendly dispositions of all of the girls quickly reached out to me. We began to talk to them and ask ques-tions and were amazed by how willing they all were to help me out. The girls then introduced us to Mrs. Zahn and that moment marked the beginning of months of long-distance correspondence between us. Out of pure kindness, Mrs. Zahn talked to the principal and allowed me to be able to try out for Belles. By allowing me to try out, she gave me the opportunity to succeed and move into a new school, already being a part of some-thing special. I will never forget my first Bengal Belle practice. When I walked in, Mrs. Zahn was the only person I knew. I can remember sitting in the stands next to her while she polished the camp routine. I was trying to learn all of my new team members' names as she guided them to perfection. Over the next few months I not only learned everyone's names but I also made many new friends. I cannot explain how comforting it was to go to my first day of freshman year at a new school and already know at least one girl in every class. As the weeks turned into months and the months into years I fell in love with Belles. As a member of that team I learned much more than how to do a pirouette or apply false eyelashes; I learned many life lessons that I will carry with me forever. I learned how to work with others, the importance of giving and receiving respect, lead-ership skills, time management, that winning isn't everything and, most of all, that everything happens for a reason. Although at the time I took her presence for granted, it has taken her absence for me to realize that all of these lessons can be attributed to Mrs. Zahn and her dedication to our team. Additionally, I was one of the lucky girls who not only got to have Mrs. Zahn as a director but for a teacher as well. I can honestly say that psychology has been my favorite class I in high school. Although it was my first AP class, the information was presented in a way that made me want to learn and retain it. I looked forward to that class every day, and a year later I am still known for using psychology facts in everyday conversations. Although I can honestly no longer remember much information from many of my other classes, words such as hindsight bias and taste aversion have now become permanent terms in my vocabulary. Throughout my four years in College Station Mrs. Zahn has continued to be present in my life. I truly believe that it is because of her that I have ended up where I am today, and there is no way to express on paper how much that means to me. As my family and a few of my closest friends can attest to, throughout my life I have mentally compiled a very short list of the people whom I admire most. If I were ever to write this list down, near the top you would find the name of my director, my teacher, my role model, my friend, Mrs. Zahn. 

Kyndal Henicke

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Worked at children’s mu-seum as a summer camp helper, Relay for Life, Nursing home visits, Planet Earth Day Leadership Position: High School Softball Team Cap-tain, Leader of Home Bible Study Group Extra-Curricular Activities: Tournament Softball, Var-sity Softball, Girls’ in Home Bible Study Group, Student Council (9th & 10th), Volleyball & Track (9th), Key Club (11th) Plans after High school: Attend Harvard and compete in Division I softball while studying to be a doctor

Marion Jones Like every other kid my age, I went to school each day. My mom dropped me off around 7:45 a.m. and then often came back about two hours later to bring my forgotten lunch, P.E. clothes, various project pieces and homework sheets left wedged between the textbook pages from the night before. This trend continued in some form or fashion over the thirteen years I have now spent in the College Station Independent School District. Yes, the attendance clerks know my dad very well from the several meals he has delivered personally, even some this year. One would think I could remember all my stuff by this stage of my development. Though some lessons are taking longer to sink in, somewhere along the path of instruction one lesson in particular has stuck with me and it changed my direction distinctly for good. This lesson I cannot forget no matter how hard I try. It may sound cheesy, but what I learned that really made the difference in me was a lesson from the heart, a lesson of love. Second grade was a hard year for me in many ways. Believe it or not, my struggles got me into a cheating predicament. Challenged with the insecurity of having my best friend move away and the difficulty of making new friends, I compensated by developing a way to make myself feel better, to make myself feel accomplished. That way was getting good grades. Good grades were attainable, but as I continued to raise the bar, the temptation to cheat crept in. I stuck my spelling homework sheet in my desk and pulled it out when the teacher went to the other side of the room. Week one, success—I wasn’t caught. The excitement and encouragement I received from my mom for this bright and beautiful grade of 100 that she didn’t help me study for confirmed my delinquent plan. Week two, however—total failure. I got caught, and things were an absolute mess. I had never felt more terrible in my life. Not only did I get a dreaded pink slip, but I also got called out in front of the entire class. It was embarrassing, humiliating, wrong, and I knew at that moment that I would never again cheat. It is true—beginning with Mrs. Barbara Henry (kindergarten), many WONDERFUL teachers have positively impacted my life. But even with this second grade life lesson under my belt, my direction was still fuzzy, setting the stage for my lesson of love. One teacher rose, and remains, at the very top of my list, a teacher I credit with redirecting my focus and creating in me a genuine passion for learning with the right motives. That wonderful teacher is Mrs. Marion Jones, my third grade homeroom and math teacher. Mrs. Jones saved me from giving up on myself when I was all but ready to quit. Every day, and I mean EVERY day, she came to school with a beautiful smile on her face and an evident passion for her students. I imagine she didn’t have to work, didn’t have to put up with our silly third grade issues. But she chose to teach and she did so to the very best of her ability. She loved me with everything she had and that love poured out in every facet of her teaching and that love is what changed my focus and created a passion in me. She encouraged me as I struggled with math problems and made me believe that I was smart and could do just about anything I set my mind to. She showed me that learning was the privilege more than the grade. She asked me how my weekend was and really wanted to know and listened when I told her. She gave me a refrigerator magnet picture of me and her together with the words “friends forever” at the right time when I needed a friend (I still have that picture to this day). She wrote me post cards when she went on trips. How loved did I feel knowing my teacher was thinking of me ON VACATION…. Everything that came out of her mouth was sweet and encouraging as she taught me in her most excellent way. Her students responded positively and lovingly because that was the way she treated them first. Even when, on occasion, a classmate would lose his temper, Mrs. Jones always treated him with the same uncondi-tional love, forgiving him instantaneously. I thought about how I was still mad at a boy who had broken my pencil a month earlier. Seeing her example of forgiveness and love of those who had said mean things to her and her willingness to help them anyway was a beautiful picture for me. I decided that’s exactly the way I wanted to treat people. I became filled with excitement and hope as I wanted to be just like her. She became my role model and friend. As the years passed, Mrs. Jones continued to check on me. My parents ran into her from time to time, and told me she never failed to ask how I was doing, what I was up to, and that she always reiterated how much she loved me. She sent a kind message back to me through them, and mom said every time they ended a conversation she detected a tear in her eye, a further reflection of her genuine compassion.

Mrs. Jones’ love was so radiant that when she poured it out on me, I couldn’t help but to continue pouring it out to the people in my life. At nine years of age, I had learned a priceless life lesson. I learned to do everything to the best of my ability because it’s the right thing to do, all the while loving others and treating them as I would want to be treated. I began to develop a passion for school. I began to truly love learning. It was a challenge to be conquered and I loved the process. I became competitive and motivated to achieve my best, ignoring shortcuts and half-efforts. I put my whole self into learning and becoming the best I could be. Without doubt, I wouldn’t be the person who I am today, and I wouldn’t have the confidence to try the things I try, had I not experienced the unconditional love of the amazing woman who taught me the basics. I know I have a friend forever. Thank you, Mrs. Jones, for your countless hours of work and dedication. You make a HUGE difference. I will never forget you and the tremendous role you played in my life.

Ashley Heritage

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Relay for Life (team cap-tain), FFA Car Show, KBTX Food Drive, Youth Volunteer at St. Thomas Aquinas Leadership Position: President of Southwood 4-H, District 9 Parliamentarian, Chief Engineer-Tiger Robot-ics, County Historian (4-H), Tutor Chemistry and Biology Extra-Curricular Activities: FFA, Judge Agriscience Fair (2nd at Nationals), HOSA, Tiger Robotics, NHS Plans after High school: Borlaug-Ruan International Internship in Egypt (summer ‘09) Then attend Texas A&M and study poultry science

Bart Taylor One of the things that I was the most excited about when I first came to Consol as a small

(er – I have never been exactly “small” in the strict absolute sense of the word), loudmouthed fresh-man was getting to join the Tiger Robotics BEST team. In seventh and eighth grade I had greatly en-joyed being a part of the middle school’s team for the same competition. During these years I saw both the success and the fun that the High School team had in the competition, and I could not wait to be part of the best public school BEST team in the State. Little did I know that through Tiger Robotics I would come to know someone who I will call a friend the rest of my life, Mr. Bart Taylor (better know as simply “T” to his students).

Though I have never had T as a teacher in a formal setting, there is no doubt in my mind that T has taught me the most out of anyone at the high school. He has taught me engineering, mar-keting, and public presentation in Robotics, but his lessons go far beyond that. For me and for many other students T has taught us life lessons on what is right and wrong when dealing with people. For example, as I mentioned before when I came to the high school I was a loudmouth who argued about nearly everything with everyone when I thought I was right about something. I also refused to take things in jest, and would get all worked up about pretty much anything pointed my direction. My Dad called me a largemouth bass because I would strike at anything, and my Mom repeated daily – to my great benefit eventually- that I needed to work on my S of H (sense of humor). I also did not make friend very easily and I was socially awkward. T contributed greatly to my maturation as a human be-ing in these areas. Simply by being a good friend and by setting an example of a good leader T gave me a model to follow. I owe him tremendous gratitude for his example as a leader which helped me to become a better leader. T has been a good friend and more importantly a good teacher throughout high school and has helped mold me into the person that I am today.

More than just me, Mr. T makes a difference in the lives of each of his students. He takes the time to actually care about all his students and to develop relationships with them. A recent tragedy testifies to the strength of these relationships and the amount of empathy that T has for his students. When Keith Duncan, a junior at Consol, passed away, his older brother Tad, who had been in T’s classes and a member of the Robotics team, and his younger brother Kyle came to see T that day. This speaks volumes as to the respect and friendship that T has for his students and which they have for him. Along with many other Tiger Robotics, and Tech class members and alumni who had known Tad, Keith, or Kyle, I, attended the funeral, and T was right next to us all throughout the whole experi-ence comforting those who needed comfort, and serving as a sounding board for anyone who needed an ear.

T is a person who can be a good listener and a good speaker depending upon the situation. He has positively impacted the lives of hundreds (if not thousands) of students who have come to know him throughout his years of teaching. He makes a difference in all who meet him and serves as a mentor, advisor, and friend to those around him. I cannot thank him enough for all he has done for me and for others.

Will Rooney

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Tiny Tim Project, Vacation Bible School volunteer at First Baptist Church of Bryan, Earth Day Participant, Volunteer at Sheridan on Anderson Leadership Position: HOSA Vice President, Co-leader track team, Student Council co-committee head of Health & Safety, Junior Board of Directors at 1st National Bank Extra-Curricular Activities: Student Council, HOSA, Track, Interact, French Club, Spanish Club, Church Youth Group, DEAD Program Participant Plans after High school: Attend college and become a pediatrician

Patricia Green Throughout my schooling career, I have come in contact with numerous types of teach-

ers; some quirky, some militant, and some a bit sarcastic at times. Although all of my many teachers have been so diverse, Mrs. Green still stands out as the prominent teacher in my mind. Mrs. Green was my fourth Grade Teacher at Frank Porter Graham Elementary school in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. To me she embodies all of the great qualities that any and every teacher should have. She was incredibly enthusiastic about her students and the subjects she taught. Mrs. Green was always encouraging, and she helped me learn to love school work again.

I’ll never forget on the first day of school how she made each of us a special pencil case which was filled with all sorts of goodies. I was definitely looking forward to this year. Mrs. Green was always all smiles and laughs; she never had a bad day. Somehow she had the ability to make all of the, would be boring, lessons come to life in a new and interesting way. For example, I never knew that sedimentary rocks could be so much fun. Clay was one of my favorite mediums as a child and she incorporated it into our sedimentary rock lesson perfectly. Not only did we get to be messy with the clay, but we subconsciously learned all about the different types of rock formations. Another characteristic I noticed about her is that she was constantly enthusiastic about every subject, no matter how much the class thought that it was merely mindless information that we would never use again. It made me actually want to learn the material, and keep on learning above and beyond what was expected of me. The spark that I saw in her made me want to achieve a higher level of understanding. She aided me in achieving a drive that has kept me going through-out my high school career. One subject in particular that she made me fall in love with was math. I had never taken much interest in the subject, but she made it fun to learn and easy to interpret. She was what my parents called a “miracle worker” because I had never really taken much interest in schooling before Mrs. Green came along. Instead of feeling like I lacked the ability to go above and beyond expectations, she gave me the drive to achieve much greater than just mediocre work. One of my favorite projects she had us do was the “Create Your Own Invention” project. It seemed like a daunting task at the time, but she was overly encouraging and in no time I had re-ceived the push I needed in order to come up with what I thought was a brilliant idea; “The Fantastic All in One Travel Gadget,” practical, yet simple. It consisted of a hairbrush, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, and a loofa all rolled into one conveniently sized and organized item. Help-ing me come out of my shell, Mrs. Green never put down a single idea that I put forth regardless of how extravagant it was, instead she completely believed that I could make my new invention. She truly brought out my creative side. Mrs. Green was my teacher for my last year in North Carolina, and she did indeed make it a memorable one. Her enthusiasm was contagious and she helped ignite a spark in me that has remained with me to this day. Without Mrs. Green I would not be the person I am today. She truly impacted my life for the better.

Elena Robideau

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Vacation Bible School, Habitat for Humanity Leadership Position: Junior Lieutenant (2007-2008), Captain (2008-2009) Extra-Curricular Activities: Bengal Belles Plans after High school: Attend University of Texas at San Antonio and study political science

Jessica Kouba

While attending school as children, we all have dreams about what we want to be when we grow up. Some know the moment they arrive at school for first grade, some do not know until they walk across the stage with a degree in their hands and some don’t even know then. Al-though we have those dreams and believe that our chosen career is the one for us, our teachers are people who make the dreams become reality. Meeting Jessica Kouba was where my dreams came alive and how they continue to live.

High school seniors look forward to the beginning of their senior year. They are getting ready to leave home, go to college and study what interests them. This can be a problem if ini-tially they do not know what they want to study. I have always had an interest in government and politics but never thought about the possibility of looking into the subjects as career options. Even though seniors look forward to their senior year, entering into classes on the first day of school is inevitably mundane and dreary. But this wasn’t so for me when I entered Mrs. Kouba’s class. I remember the very first day I sat in her classroom, she seemed like such a great person and teacher. I was immediately comfortable in her class. As the semester progressed, I realized how much I took an interest in government--not only because of the material but because of the way it was taught. Someone said, “The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.” Mrs. Kouba is that type of teacher. She definitely knows what she teaches and I can tell she wants to be there. In our minds and in our parents’ minds, we believe that every teacher is there to make sure the student succeeds. Mrs. Kouba is a teacher who truly wants her students to succeed. I feel strongly that Mrs. Kouba believes in her students, and she will push and push to get the best out of them. Her faith in me to do better encourages me to do better and the warmth of her spirit gives me faith and confidence in myself.

Although I was only in her class for one semester, the impact she has had is incredible. I owe her a thank you for being a great teacher and for always believing in me. As I enter college and my future career I am certain that Ms. Kouba will continue to be there for me. Nothing is by coincidence, and words cannot express how thankful I am that our paths crossed.

Ebonee Hughes

Honored Educator

“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, be-

cause in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be

translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength of our nation.”

--John F. Kennedy

Community Service Work: Volunteer with student council, service opportunities both in our community and out of town through church Leadership Position: 1st Lieutenant of the Bengal Belles, Parliamentarian of Student Council Extra-Curricular Activities: Bengal Belle Drill Team (4 yrs), Student Council Representative (4 yrs), Active member of Grace Bible Church youth group, NHS Plans after High school: Attend the University of Texas as an advertising major

Cindy Brantley “I'm tired of waiting. I'm tired of thinking. I want to turn loose my hold on everything, and go sailing down, down, just like one of those poor, tired leaves.” – From “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry

I remember reading O. Henry’s “The Last Leaf” in my second period eighth grade English class. A tale of a young female artist who falls sick as autumn ends, the girl determines that upon the day that the last leaf of the tree outside her window falls, she too will let go of living. The sick girl waits and waits but that one resilient leaf remains, and as she lingers bed-ridden and weak, her expectance of the final leaf to fall turns to wonder and hope as this brittle leaf continues to cling to the tree. She eventually heals and discovers that this will to live was inspired by no real leaf at all, but rather a painted leaf a fellow artist had created one night in effort to encourage within her what she had not the strength to create her-self: hope. I’ve realized over the years that we all have struggles at different points in our lives that we just cannot muster the strength to overcome without the help of another. Eighth grade was a hard time for me, plagued with self-consciousness and the deepest hopes of hiding behind my books, it truly required an-other to reach out and inspire, with a stroke of the paint brush called encouragement, the will within me to acknowledge my own self-worth. At school, Mrs. Brantley was that artist for me.

Mrs. Brantley was always kind and attentive towards her students, and it was during the time of studying the written work of Anne Frank that Mrs. Brantley’s caring heart for her students became most apparent to me. I had written a rather dramatic poem about the Holocaust as a class assignment and knowing my Jewish heritage, Mrs. Brantley talked to me after class one day to make sure I was handling the Anne Frank discussions okay. I assured her I was and left the classroom feeling surprisingly confident from being so cared for. At the end of the year, a daunting research paper awaited. The work entailed was not what frightened me the most; however, the terrifying twist of having to present in front of the entire class your research and findings was an unbearable concept for me at the time. Hours I practiced, making elaborate visual aids to distract my peers’ eyes from me, but when that fateful day arrived, Mrs. Brantley’s encouraging smile seemed to numb my public speaking fears. Ultimately, the remarkable stroke of Mrs. Brantley’s caring heart in the classroom created a supportive basecoat for the “last leaf” clinging to my tree of confidence. Not only did Mrs. Brantley’s kindness exist in the academic encouragement she exuded, but also through her involvement and genuine concern with each student’s life. As my time at College Station Middle School was coming to an end, I decided to try out for the high school drill team. Needing teacher recommendations I still can recall Mrs. Brantley being the most supportive of all my eighth grade teachers, always asking about tryouts and once I made the team, being truly excited for me. And now 4 years later as the 1st Lieutenant of the Bengal Belles, I can attribute much of my confidence and will power to have even auditioned for the team to the energetic teacher who took interest in not only my success in school but also extracurricular activities. This became the final brushstroke to the delicately detailed leaf of confi-dence Mrs. Brantley created for me through her words of encouragement: a leaf of hope, a leaf of self-discovery, a leaf which inspired me to keep holding on just as it too clung to its tree during the bleakest middle school days. 

Lauren Jackson

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Junior Leadership, Brazos ‘08 Leadership Position: Team captain, varsity soccer ‘08-’09, Student guide in technology classes Extra-Curricular Activities: Business Profession-als of America ‘08, Students Against Drunk Driving ‘06 & ‘07, Varsity Girls’ Soccer ‘06-’09 Plans after High school: Attend Sam Houston State and play soccer there

Stoney Pryor When I knew we had to select a teacher that impacted our lives there was no question in my mind that Coach Pryor would be my selected teacher. He has put up with me for fours years which absolutely constitutes an award. The first time that I met Coach Pryor was my freshmen year at tryouts. He was very intimidating and I would have never of expected to bond, and appreciate him like I have. I chose Coach Pryor as my educator because not only has he impacted me as a player but also as a person. Coach Pryor has not only been a remarkable Coach who has taught me a lot about soccer, but he has also proven himself as a teacher as well. Countless times I have had to run to Coach Pryor a day before the test and have him spend his afternoon teaching me Algebra three. Coach Pryor is not one of those people who never give up on you, nor does he let you give up on yourself. Throughout my four years I have gone through a lot. I don’t think I would have ever been able to deal and cope with what I have if I didn’t have Coach Pryor there to help me through it. If ever anyone has a problem, he is there with the right advice and a helping hand. Coach Pryor has taught me a lot about myself and about life. He has taught me how to display leadership and be a leader which is something I will never forget and will always take with me. On those tuff game days he has taught me how to win and lose with class and confidence. No matter how hard the loss was, he always found a way to find something positive and help us through it. Coach Pryor has taught me to look at the big picture of things and to always carefully make decisions. I look up to Coach Pryor for everything that he is and everything he has accomplished. Girls are not the easiest people to deal with, but Coach Pryor has always done a fantastic job with all of us. Coach Pryor has helped shaped me to be the person that I am today. I would not be the same without him. He has taught me that hard work and dedication will always be rewarded. As much as I did not want to run those sprints at practice, I always did knowing what Coach Pryor has taught us. I hope to become a Coach myself one day and there is no other person that I can imagine learning from than Coach Pryor. He has been the most understanding, caring, positive, fun, and encouraging coach that I have ever had. Coach Pryor reminded what it was like to have fun at soccer and what can be achieved when you have a great coach and great girls.

Taylor Pounds

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: United Way 2007-2009, FFA 2005-2009, Religious Ed. Teacher at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 2006-2009 Leadership Position: FFA President 2008-2009,FFA Treasurer 2007-2008 Extra-Curricular Activities: NHS 2008-2009, FFA 2005-2009, Baseball 2005-2007, Football 2005-2006 Plans after High school: Attend Texas A&M Uni-versity and receive a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy

Britina Robinson Six years ago my life became introduced to something that I was only vaguely familiar with, but would learn to love. Agriculture took a leading role in my life next to school and family. The person responsible for this major impact on my life was Britina Robinson. I became a member of Junior FFA in seventh grader and thus began my long lasting friendship with Ms. Robinson. For six years, B-Rob (short for Ms. Robinson) and I have strengthened our friendship and she has proved to be an influence on my daily life.

I have had B-Rob as a teacher 5 out of the 8 semesters in my high school ca-reer. In the classroom she was always there helping me better understand the material and even give me extra help in my core classes. When it came to my academics, I could always rely on B-Rob to be my moral support and motivation to get my school work taken care of each week. Each day I went to her class, I could always expect to learn something new that I could use in my own life. Every lesson and activity had a positive impact on not only me, but every student in her class.

B-Rob opened my eyes to the world of Agriculture and FFA. In FFA, whether I was showing animals, competing on CDE and LDE teams or even performing officer duties, B-Rob always had a positive attitude that prevented me from ever getting upset when things didn’t go my way. Through her teaching and leadership positions, she has truly shown me how a single individual can an everlasting impact on someone’s life. When I didn’t place an animal in the sale, B-Rob was there to remind me that I did the best I could and to keep persevering. As an officer, I had to rely on her to help me with any problems that occurred within in our chapter and she was always able and willing to lend a helping hand.

For the six years I have known B-Rob and there has never been a time when I could not rely on her to listen to my problems and help me figure out how to fix them. I can honestly say that she is the reason why I posses characteristics such as leadership, responsibility, and respectfulness. Without B-Rob I would not be the person I am today and I thank her for the time and effort she has put into being the most outstanding edu-cator.

Daniel Pilger

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Epicures Thanksgiving Meal Leadership Position: Football Team Captain Extra-Curricular Activities: Football Plans after High school: Texas A&M University, Mays Business School

Jeanette James Teachers can have an impact on kids in many ways. Every student has had a

person in the education field that has shaped their life and had a very important positive impact. For me, it is not the numbers and grammatical rules that made the lasting im-pact, it was the love of learning and love of life that she had every day that really showed. Because of these things, Mrs. James has had the biggest impact on my life. She had the daunting task of trying teach me for two classes a day, but made it fun and enjoyable. The difference between kids enjoying school and learning versus hating every minute of it is knowing how to incorporate fun into the curriculum. Mrs. James knows how to do that. She made class interesting and fun every day. Her stories and laughter are the things I most remember from those school years. She instilled in us a will to learn and master the information we needed to know. She was not only a great teacher, but a great role model. I have known her family for years, and they are living examples of how she lives her life. She has raised her family well and has had that same impact on the kids she has taught. She is a great person and it radiates for every-one to see. She met us at the door everyday with a smile and kept us laughing all day long. Many of her stories I still remember today, but one sticks out. Mrs. James told us a story about how messy her house was. She said it was so messy that her house was broken into, but she did not notice for a few weeks because she couldn't tell the differ-ence between the burglar's mess and her own. It was the stories like that that kept us paying attention and made life real. Mrs. James made each one of us feel important on a daily basis. For some students the compliments and confidence that they received from Mrs. James may have been the only nice and positive things they heard all day. She instilled self confidence in each and every one of us and would never take NO for an answer. Wouldn't school look different today if each and every teacher could make such a positive mark on their students. If all teachers could be as happy and vivacious as Mrs. James, school would be a much more desirable place to spend the majority of your day. Just think how much time students spend with teachers as opposed to their par-ents. A teacher really can make her mark on a student positively or negatively. Mrs. James made such a positive influence in my school career that I have chosen her as my most influential and memorable educator. I believe that credit is due to Mrs. James and all the other educators out there for teaching kids and shaping them into tomorrow’s leaders. Thank you Mrs. James.

Zach Lampo

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Habitat for Humanity, Stu-dent Council projects, Mission trip in Mexico, Special Olympics Leadership Position: Senior Class President, Junior Class President, The Roar Editor-in-chief, Zero Tolerance Co-President Extra-Curricular Activities: Student Council, Newspa-per: The Roar, Zero Tolerance, St. Thomas Aquinas Youth Plans after High school: Attend the University of Texas at Austin

Ruthie Schultz When I first walked in her classroom, I got a sense of excitement. The walls were creatively decorated with inspirational quotes and pictures of her former students were nicely placed on the wall behind her desk. Since that first visit to her room, I knew I wanted to be on her wall, remembered by her and her students as a role model for dedication and passion. Her name is Ruthie Schultz. She didn’t only teach me grammar, punc-tuation rules, new vocabulary words, appreciation for literature, the proper techniques on how to successfully revise an essay, or how to present a pro-ject, but Mrs. Schultz permanently stamped on my heart a seal that says, “always reach for the stars and follow your dreams.” With decades of teaching experience, she possesses the character many teachers strive to attain. Mrs. Schultz had an energetic attitude that was contagious every day at class, and as an eighth grader, I always valued her smile, sense of humor, and ability to brighten my day. In fact, I always looked forward to her class, whether we were discussing about how Fahrenheit 451 can be connected to our modern world, or having a timed writing on Mama’s behavior in A Raisin in the Sun, I always treasured what she had to say and teach us. Her wisdom is admirable, and her desire for her students to succeed mostly impacted me. Mrs. Schultz planted a seed of passion for writing in me, and she gardened my foundation as a writer. One time she wrote with her red pen on a writing assignment, “you have a writer’s soul. Keep working on de-veloping this gift!” I never looked at it as a “gift.” I thought writing was plainly a skill necessary as a student. But, here I am, four years later, using my “skill” in a nationally recognized high school newspaper as Editor-in-Chief. Now, thanks to her initial guidance, I have truly captured some stars, but I see there are many more still to reach.

Daniel Laprea

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: St. Thomas Aquinas Youth Band, St. Vincent de Paul Volunteer, St. Thomas usher, Youth Group Member Leadership Position: Varsity Swim Team Captain, All-American Swimmer 7 times Extra-Curricular Activities: Varsity swim team (4 years), NHS, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Aggie Swim Club (4 Years), Scholastic All American, Who’s Who Among America High School Students Plans after High school: Attend Div. I College where I will swim and study English

Henry Clark This letter is an invitation from me to honor you at a banquet for my induction into the A&M Consolidated Hall of Fame. Each student selected was allowed to choose an educator who had influenced their lives in some way through out there academic career: I chose you. Even though you are not technically a CSISD employee, and never taught me any core curriculum courses, I knew that not all teaching occurs within the walls of schools and not all learning happens in the classroom. For me, the most important lessons took place in the pool. And though this may seem unlikely to others, we both know the potential a pool has for learning and growth. You taught me swimming, but I learned so much more. Swimming had always been a past time for me. From summer league to club to High School, it was for fun. For seeing improvement by putting in a little bit of work whenever was convenient or comfortable. However, eventually I hit that wall which ever athlete and even most teenagers hit in the end of their ado-lescence: I stopped growing. For two years, from sophomore to junior year, I saw little to no improvement in my swimming. What started as disappointment moved to frustration and confusion. I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t getting faster. I mean, I knew that hard work was the solution preached by coaches and par-ents, but I’d never had to work hard in the past. Effort seemed irrelevant for some reason, and my frustra-tion moved to acceptance which converted into complacency. I became content with inability to improve and embraced the opportunity to release swimming as a major concern of mine. But then old Henry came along and decided to coach through the summer. You could imagine how upset I had been those first few weeks when the new demand for commitment and dedication were pushed upon us all. However, it didn’t take long for you to make me realize my own concern for how I would perform my senior year in high school. Only a few weeks under the instruction of the new “Coach Henry” brought back a renewed sense of vigor and passion to the sport I had only recently sought to push away. Since then I have only grown stronger and more confident in myself as both a swimmer and a person. It’s been an interesting ride, under your supervision and instruction. I learned early on how little I knew about you. Your mysterious character intrigued me, though. I knew from impression that you were an ex-tremely intellectual man, with a vast knowledge in the physics of swimming, who could beat me in a 200 butterfly on any given day! But it was through training daily that I earned the pleasure of being told the short antidotes of your college years and the life after. You never boasted about the honors you received in College and your participation at the Olympic trials, but the swimmers whispered about it all the same. The more I came to know you, the more I began to appreciate and respect you as a coach and friend. Life has plenty of challenges, different for all people. And some may not understand how a sport like swim-ming can teach an individual perseverance, but I learned through swimming how simple success can be… if you’re willing to put in the work. For this, and everything, I thank you, Henry Clark, my swim coach and life teacher. Sincerely, Stephen O’Shea

Stephen O'Shea

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: United Way, Mentor 2nd grade students at Rock Prairie Elementary Leadership Position: Team Captain Extra-Curricular Activities: NHS, QB-Football Team (2 year letterman) and All State Academic, 7 on 7 Football coach (2 years) Plans after High school: Attend Texas A&M University

Jay Pugh I have played football for many coaches over the years, and each of them has impacted my life differently. In my opinion, there are few, if any, that can impact a life to the level that Coach Jay Pugh impacted mine. I got to know Coach Pugh on a personal level the summer before my junior year. After Speed Camp, I would sit in my busted rolling chair in his office and talk to him about anything that crossed my mind. I answered his questions about whether or not I had any new love interests, how my family was doing, and how I thought we would do that season. After answering him, I would fire back with something like when are we going golfing; or I would listen to stories he shared. The relationship we built that summer never weakened. My junior year I was lucky to have Coach Pugh as my offensive coordinator on varsity. When I went in, it was a relief to see not only a coach, but a friend on the sidelines as I worked through those nerve racking moments. The spring of my junior year I was prepared to be the starting quarterback under Coach Pugh. That is when one of the most pivotal moments of my high school career changed. Coach Pugh took a coaching job in Gran-bury, Texas. I will never forget the exchanging of text messages between us before he left. It made me feel as if I was losing not only an incredible coach, but a best friend. That is exactly what Coach Pugh was to me, a friend. He assured me he would always be there for me. Although it was a sad day in my life, it made my relationship with Coach Pugh grow stronger, and for that I am thankful. Coach Pugh is one coach I played for that made a lasting impact on me. He cared about me not only as a football player, but as a friend. As he promised, he did not forget about me. He never quit being my coach even though he moved. I talked to him before games expressing how I was nervous and afterwards of how we played. The only thing that was missing was the comfort of seeing Coach Pugh on the sidelines. He was the first one I went to after we lost in the playoffs. Coach Pugh was always there for me whether in person or a phone call away. Coach Pugh redefines the meaning of being a coach. He raises the bar higher by being the type of person he is. It takes a lot more for a coach to always be there than just be there at times when they themselves are to benefit. I can honestly say Coach Pugh was there for me no matter when I needed him. It was an honor to play for him and more importantly to get to know him. He made football what it is to me, and for that I am forever thankful. The mind he has for the game is incredible and he backs it up with a great personality. He makes coaching look easy while striv-ing for success. He helped make me the person I am today. Looking back, I will always remember him reassuring me from the sidelines or asking me how I was. For me, there will never be another Coach Pugh, and I am proud to say that he made a remarkable impact on my life. As I move on to play football for Texas A&M, I am sure there will be more text messages and phone calls made between Coach Pugh and myself. Thanks for always being there, Coach Pugh. Now let’s go golf-ing!

Patrick O'Quinn

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Student Council (4 years), Interact (4 years), NHS (2 years), Club at Consol Leadership Position: Swim Team Captain, Senior Class Treasurer, NHS Vice President Extra-Curricular Activities: Chorale, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Varsity Orchestra (violin), United States Pony Club Plans after High school: Attend Texas A&M and study nuclear engineering

Mary Skow People say that first grade is the most important year in a child’s education. First grade is the year most kids learn to read and write. In Mrs. Skow’s first grade class I learned so much more than that. The lessons I learned in first grade have served me well. I learned that the best way to read a good book is to wrap up in a cozy quilt. Lunchtime is for quiet conversation. Betsy Ross sewed the first American Flag. I learned that when the gym teacher wants to see how far you can throw the beanbag, he does not mean for you to chuck it onto the roof. An 11 to 2 girl to boy ratio is not necessarily a bad thing. I learned that if you’re going to go on the Oregon Trail, you need to take your bible with you. And if it gets eaten by a dog, your friends will get you a new one. And when things get really bad, the best thing to do is scrap the lesson plan for the day and go paint Monets in the garden. Mrs. Skow hosted a brown bag concert at lunch once a month. It was there that I first heard Lizzie play her violin, and knew I wanted to play also. I learned that change isn’t always bad when they told us they were building a new church building and our beloved meadow and pond were in the way. We decided to turn our failed attempt to dig to the center of the Earth into a new pond. Mrs. Skow was the first teacher I ever had that didn’t retire after our class came through. In Mrs. Skow’s class we were given the time we needed to be chil-dren. Sure, we spent time learning to read and write, but we also spent time playing and singing, and painting, and learning to get along together. It’s these skills I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Sara Loupot

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Boys & Girls Clubs of America, College Station Med. Center, Relay for Life, Sheridan on Anderson Leadership Position: Keyston Club Secretary, Franklin Bank Junior Board of Directors (Vice Chairman), Soccer team captain, Club at Consol Advisory Board Member Extra-Curricular Activities: AMCHS Soccer, Golds Gym Group Fitness Instructor, Interact Club, Keystone Club, HOSA, NHS Plans after High school: Attend Rice University and study bioengineering

Tammy Jennings Some of my fondest memories are from the year I call fourth grade. At Southwood Valley, I was the head honcho, the top dog, the big cheese; point is, it was a pretty big deal. Memories of being able to buy ice cream first at lunch and sitting at the best seats in the cafeteria are only surpassed by on other. No, not the endless Pokemon card games, or rocking out to the latest hits of the Backstreet Boys, or even being the mast at the tire swings-her name is Mrs. Jennings, or Tammy (now that I am older). She was my homeroom teacher which never made for a boring day. It was a time when it was fun to work because she made work fun. I knew the instant I put my backpack in the community closet that the REAL day began. She genuinely loves to teach and has a gift matched by few to engage kids in school, without a paddle of course. I cannot remem-ber a day of her class when going home ever crossed my mind. She is an incredibly caring and funny person. Mrs. Jennings cares with every bone in her body, and loves with then even harder. It is fascinating how much she cares for her students and the time she is willing to invest in them. She goes beyond her job to teach, and makes it her mission to inspire. Inspire us to learn and inspire us to love. I remember receiving by first recess detention and being crushed! I was so sad to miss those 30 minutes of fresh aired freedom. I would have to wait 24 hours, an eternity, for my next chance to play outside. This was the end of the world for my 10 year old heart. So, there I was, sitting at my desk during recess, crushed, and Mrs. Jennings comes to sit down next to me. She starts talking, but I don’t listen. Soon, though, her words penetrate and I find myself actually starting to laugh. “What kind of voodoo mind tricks is this lady playing on me?” I thought. I was amazed at her ability to completely change my mood in a matter of minutes, but that was just Mrs. Jennings being Mrs. Jennings. It was natural for her to nurture and uplift my mood. It didn’t matter that I was in “time-out”; she was going to fix it. Mrs. Jennings had a way of making me laugh even when nothing was funny. She could make my day by noon and would never let me waste a day being unhappy because she knew how blessed I truly was. She set me up for disappointment when she made fourth grade one of the most enjoyable years ever, but I am glad she did it. She understood that children need to be entertained to learn and learn better that way. I re-member the subtle hints she would give us during spelling tests and the voices she made while reading novels to the class. I like to think that my colorful humor was inspired by the way Mrs. Jennings made me laugh. It takes a special kind of person to be a special teacher: a loving, patient and funny person. It takes someone who can rejoice at the accomplishments of others, someone who laughs with you even when it may be hard, someone who doesn’t see children as a challenge, but an opportunity to essentially shape a life. Mrs. Jennings is a special teacher for me. She will always be part of a time in my life that taught me so much morally, mentally and socially. It’s unfortunate that teachers don’t have the opportunity to hear the “thank you” they deserve from every student, but I feel blessed and honored to recognize Mrs. Jennings as an amaz-ing teacher and an even better person. Thank you Mrs. Jennings, I love you for being my teacher.

Jose Malave

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Boy Scouts of Amer-ica Troop 1222, Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow Member, Covenant Presbyterian Church Youth, Presbyterian Youth Connection Council Leadership Position: Student Council Secretary, The Roar News Editor Extra-Curricular Activities: Plans after High school: Attend college and study engineering

Michelle Jedlicka To describe physics in one word would be difficult; to describe my experiences

at all in Mrs. Jedlicka’s physics classroom is equally difficult. For two years, I have been blessed with a teacher who has understood and met my thirst for knowledge. To those who know me, this is a tremendous feat. Mrs. Jedlicka is a physics teacher. She teaches her students the equations that relate the everyday interaction of the physical world. Yet, she also teaches her students to think, to solve problems, and to find connections between the classroom and the real world. As a student in her fourth period class during junior year, my classmates and I took full advantage of the extra five minutes to inquire if bullets really return to the ground at the same speed they are released, if nuclear powered cars will ever be possible, and most importantly to me, if she would let us use our glass lenses to focus light and burn holes in leaves. (Yes, maybe, and no were the respective answers). And while she wouldn’t let me pursue arson with our equipment, she did seem to meet every other chal-lenge that I placed before her. In most problems we encountered, the solutions were often easier than the explanation. Knowing how to solve the problems was enough for the course, but I needed to know why. Mrs. Jedlicka took the time to explain the nature of the physical world and when I challenged the logic of the explanation, she tried her hardest to respond. One of her responses in particular shocked my sense of understanding. As we discussed the educational process, she told me a college degree proves you can solve problems. That remark stunned me. After many attempts, I finally found a teacher who admitted that life wasn’t about passing tests and memorizing terms, dates, or formulas. To me, that statement meant that the sole necessity in life is the capacity to approach an unfamiliar circumstance with an open mind and conquer it. While this was no epiphany for me, I was reassured. While too often in high school, I have felt pressure from myself to strive for perfection, this gravitating comment pulled me back to earth. Life’s not about being THE best, it’s about taking your situation, and doing YOUR best to succeed. This philosophy is mirrored in Mrs. Jedlicka’s classroom. She doesn’t ask for perfection, but rather effort and understanding. While there is rarely more than one correct answer in physics, there is always more than one method and more than one explanation to the solution. You can take the information you are given and do as you see fit to reach your destination.

Stephen Nock

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Presbyterian Youth Connection Council, Covenant Presbyterian Church Youth, Boy Scouts of America Troop 1222 Eagle Scout, Brotherhood Member of Order of the Arrow Leadership Position: Public Relations Committee Head Student Council, Vice President of Senior Class, Editor-in-chief Tigerland Yearbook Extra-Curricular Activities: Plans after High school: Attend college and study civil engineering

Stormy Hickman Here I am writing this letter in a room in which I’ve spent over 43 complete days of my life. With

a bit of math, I equate this to be .6571% of my life on earth. Nearly 1% of my life has been spent in this room that measures roughly 21 feet by 26 feet. Here I am in room G-1305 at A&M Consolidated High School. Here I am in a class where I’ve been taught to make a 408 page, full color yearbook for 2,750 students. Here I am in the yearbook lab where Stormy Gale Hickman changed me.

I remember my first day as a member of the Tigerland Yearbook Staff. I recall walking into the debate room next door to the “lab” where Mrs. Hickman took roll before laying out classroom expectations. I remember the intimidation of immense estrogen levels and at least 7 senior girls with K names that I could never imagine learning. At the front of the room, Mrs. Hickman stood telling us of the privileges and responsibilities we had before us. As the weeks passed, I became acquainted with the staff and proce-dures of my pages. Before 2 months had gone, I recall making a flyer advertising Mrs. Hickman for Faculty Homecoming Queen. As I actively searched the Y-drive for candid pictures of her, I remember discovering swatches in InDesign as I colored the page purple and pink, typing “Why the Hick not?” across the bottom of the page in a bold stencil font. As I showed her the flyer in fear that it might be off-handed and inappro-priate, she laughed with excitement. Already, the teacher and I were clicking. And click we did for the next 3 years.

As I grew in my yearbook skill and dedication, Mrs. Hickman appreciated my work and in-creased the intensity of her expectations. Mrs. Hickman allowed me to realize the possibilities of creating a high-performance work environment with a cheerful attitude, even as she watched me grow from the sole sophomore parading through the classroom chanting ’09 to the senior who still parades through the classroom chanting ’09.

Mrs. Hickman is compassionate; she loves what she does and because of that, she is dedi-cated. Mrs. Hickman is particular; she’s a yearbook sponsor and an English teacher. Mrs. Hickman is dedicated; she knows the value of commitment… and deadlines. Mrs. Hickman is understanding; she tolerates mistakes and offers second chances. Mrs. Hickman is cheerful; not all days are good days, but we can still laugh them off. Mrs. Hickman is emotional; it comes with the understanding. It goes without saying that Mrs. Stormy Gale Hickman is a great contributor to the charismatic young man I’ve become. In the last 3 years, I have grown to know Mrs. Hickman as more than Mrs. Hick-man. I’ve known her as Mrs. Hickman, teacher, T-pain, T, Mrs. Hickman, Hickman, Shickman, the Shick-manator, Stormy, Stormy Gale, and Stormy Gale Hickman. I’ve fallen under her wing as she taught me the ways of yearbook and expressed a realistic but cheerful outlook on life. While she jokes to others that I am both her right and left hands, she cultivated this aspect in me.

Through the 1200 pages of yearbooks I have created with Stormy over the last 3 years, we really connected. You could say our personalities clicked, but she’s the one who likes clicking; I prefer shortcut key-strokes. You could also say that we were usually on the same page; that’s a weak pun, but it’s true. Mrs. Hickman has been instrumental in my life since sophomore year. From the woman I barely knew as my older sister’s English teacher to the incredibly caring and unfailingly dedicated yearbook spon-sor, Mrs. Hickman has been a teacher who taught not just yearbook or English, Stormy taught me life.

Brian Nock

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Leadership Position: Managing Editor of The Roar, President of National Honor Society Extra-Curricular Activities: The Roar, Latin Club, NHS, Photography Club Plans after High school: Attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in journalism

Courtney Wellmann Throughout my educational career, I have seen a multitude of post-

ers adorning my teachers’ walls. There have been thousands of inspira-tional quotes highlighted by edgy fonts or picturesque scenes, hundreds of photos of athletes with clever phrases encapsulating their determination, and countless Garfield scenarios that somehow relate to my apathetic study habits. While I have always appreciated my teachers’ attempts to overcome the monotony of a white linoleum wall, none of these posters’ projected meanings ever resonated very deeply within me.

Except for one. I joined The Roar during the fall of my junior year in hopes of culti-

vating my seemingly useless passion for writing. Writing had always been enjoyable for me, but seriously pursuing it seemed about as plausible as becoming a genuine rock star. Newspaper, I resultantly decided, would merely be an outlet for this frivolous hobby of mine: nothing more than an entertaining extracurricular course.

Just as I slipped into this complacent mind-set, I came to know The Roar’s advisor, Mrs. Wellmann. Upon first impression, Mrs. Wellmann was a unique meld of bubbly and efficient. A former cheerleader, her ceaseless smile always coincided with her steadfast desire to print the best product possible. I marveled at her ability to inspire each of us into action every day simply by outlining what goals we had yet to accomplish. As she stood be-fore us in these daily addresses, her earnest encouragement was empha-sized by a brightly colored piece of paper taped to the podium she stood behind. Unlike the store-bought posters I had grown accustomed to seeing in classrooms, this was clearly hand-crafted. In carefully transcribed letters, the paper quoted Emerson, reading; “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

Amanda Martin

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Brazos Valley Animal Shel-ter, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, SADD (Jr), Key Club (Fr) Leadership Position: Co-captain of my varsity volley-ball team and of my club teams, Executive Council, NHS Extra-Curricular Activities: NHS, V-Volleyball (3 yr letterman), Junior Leadership Brazos, Brazos Valley Juniors (7 yrs.), worked at: Loupot’s, Texas A&M Col-lege of Medicine, Little Caesar’s Plans after High school: Attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in political science

Anna Juliff As a child, attending a new school can be nerve-racking. There is the concern of making

the transition to a higher grade and also of being the “new kid” among students who have been to-gether for several years. When I was eight years old, and entering the second grade, my parents moved me from private school to a public grade school. I had no idea how lucky I was to land in Mrs. Juliff’s class. On my first day, Mrs. Juliff immediately put me at ease with her warm and friendly manner. I quickly made new friends, in part because the atmosphere in Mrs. Juliff’s classroom promoted acceptance and communication between students. As she taught us lessons each day, Mrs. Juliff always in-cluded interesting and enjoyable activities that allowed us to learn while having fun. When we fin-ished a project or created any type of product, Mrs. Juliff would display out work around the class-room. She always made a point to let us know she was proud of what we accomplished. This positive recognition made me feel excited about school and interested in working hard to impress Mrs. Juliff. Not only was she a wonderful teacher, but Mrs. Juliff was like a mother. In fact, I always thought of her as my school mom. She treated every student like one of her own children and re-ferred to us as her “babies” and her “2-4” kids. She exuded warmth and love every day and made each student feel like they were her favorite. Over the years, I have never forgotten about Mrs. Juliff for several reasons. Every time I have seen her since I have left College Hills Elementary School, she has always seemed thrilled to see me. She still knows how to make me feel special even as a high school student. Her eyes light up, she seems excited and she starts talking extremely fast, asking how my family and I have been. She not only makes me feel special in person, but she also used to call me around the holidays when she would use the ceramic trivet that I made her as a gift. She would call to tell me how she thought about me and missed having me as a student which made me feel like I stood out because she had remembered me after so many years. I am sure that every student who has had the privilege of being taught by Mrs. Juliff looks back on her as a favorite teacher, because she makes every child feel like she has a special connec-tion with them. For that reason, along with others, Mrs. Juliff was the first person I thought of when I was told to choose an educator who influenced me. While I have had many excellent teachers throughout my education so far, Mrs. Juliff stands out among the others because of her kind and loving soul. I believe that Mrs. Juliff was meant to be a teacher because she embodies all the neces-sary qualities: she is loving and kind, yet she challenges her students. She sets high standards and expects excellence. Mrs. Juliff understands that the right combination of love and firmness-the same qualities important for good parenting-will result in a student’s success. After receiving my Hall of Fame information sheet, I filled it out and requested Mrs. Juliff as my educator. I literally ran to Mrs. Hester to turn it in because I was certain that students would be fighting over Mrs. Juliff. Luckily I was first to choose her and now I have the pleasure of honoring Mrs. Juliff as my favorite and most influential teacher.

Mary GraceMcFarland

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Co-Chair of United Way, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Youth Group, Youth Cabinet Special Olym-pics Leadership Position: Co-Chair of Youth Cabinet, Natural Helpers, In Presidency of Youth Group Extra-Curricular Activities: NHS, Natural Helpers, Tiger Friends, Orchestra Plans after High school: Attend Brigham Young University and be a special education

Misti Morris Out of all the words that could describe Ms Morris, the ones above seem to do it

best. I met Ms Morris at the beginning of my fifth grade year. Though I can’t remember the exact day that I met her, I know I will never forget the impact she has had on the per-son I have become. I first became associated with Ms Morris through Student Council, when she was the sponsor. As many would agree she is an extremely likable person and an inspiring role model. She has been a powerful role model in my life. As the sponsor of student council, Ms Morris made sure that no one was ever left out. She loved everyone. This is one of the many attributes I admire in Ms Morris. I hope that one day I can emu-late her concern in caring for those around her. Not only was she an exceptional spon-sor, she was also the Special Education teacher at Oakwood. Her patience and love for those with special needs is extremely contagious. As a teacher in one of the most physi-cally and emotionally demanding departments, Ms Morris never seized to amaze me with her upbeat attitude and sincere love for everyone with whom she came in contact, in-cluding me. The two years I was at Oakwood I had the opportunity to visit her room on a daily basis. I was drawn there because of her warmth towards those with special needs. I loved watching her and being involved with the students in her room. It was a room of laughter and smiles. Fortunately, I was able to take part in many of the activities she organized for her students. Those experiences have helped me build friendships that have lasted throughout all of high school. After leaving Oakwood and going to the junior high, I would purposely drop by her classroom on my walk home. We would talk about the students she had that year, and I could feel her concern and love for them. Our drive-way backs up to the Oakwood parking lot, and still today I see her black explorer parked hours after school is over. Her dedication to the students has been an inspiration to me.

When my sports career did not work out as I had hoped, and I was at a low point in my life, I remembered the feelings I had when I was involved in Ms Morris’s Spe-cial Education class. My junior year I changed my schedule to allow me to spend one class period a day in the Life Skills room. I was able once again to work with some of the same students I had grown to love in Ms Morris’s class. How grateful I am for Ms Morris. Because of her example I believe I have found my calling. I plan to major in Special Edu-cation. I greatly appreciate her friendship and hope that I can one day follow in her foot-steps and have the impact for good on others that she has had on me.

Rachel Nixon

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Larry J. Ringer Li-brary, CSMS Cheer Coach, College Hills Reading is Fun, Health for All Hostess Leadership Position: Consol Varsity Captain, Unity Club Organizer, Consol Senior Panel Extra-Curricular Activities: Cheerleading Plans after High school: Attend Blinn College and transfer to Texas A&M

Justin McKown Math is simple for most people, but if you’re just like me it has to

be taken as a vitamin. A patient teacher and a snack are what I need in order to have a good learning day, but most of the time I would only re-ceive a timed quiz and a pencil, that all changed the very first day of Mr. Mckown’s class. “You can do this Desi-lu, I saw you do this yesterday”. Day after day this became the daily phrase in order to finish the work assigned to me. On days I knew were going to be difficult he would allow me to bring a full entre to dine as I worked, making sure to help himself to the buffet. Day after day I would come to class and take my seat at the teacher’s desk, feeling as if I were an exception to the rules, but Mckown made sure that I knew otherwise. “Hey Desi-lu did you finish last night’s homework”, is what I would always hear when I would walk in the door Mr. Mckown not only became my favorite teacher, but a friend to me and my family. Believe it or not I would have bad days, and some-times I think I scared Mr. Mckown, but I was never allowed to leave the class room without a smile or a word from the wise. Never in my life would I have imagined to be in the same class room three years in a row, but I am honored to be in the presence of such a great teacher. Three years ago I would have told you that math is not important at all and has nothing to do with everyday life, if you ask me today and I can explain the many uncanny incidences we use math. With the many memories and moments of laughter we have had, I have no doubt he will find another uniquely fantastic, bubbly spirit to fill my seat at the teachers desk, and I wish him the best of luck. And even though the mid-day visits will end, the early morning e-mails with questions and amazing stories of last night’s football game have only begun. To Mr. Mckown, Thank you!

Desiree Moore

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Collect Salvation Army Do-nations, Helped organize Scholastic Book Fair Ware-house Leadership Position: FFA: Chapter secretary 2007-2008, Delegate, Reporter (2008-2009), organize various activities Extra-Curricular Activities: Placed 3rd in Texas FFA State Convention Agriscience Fair, Various FFA teams including Public Relations and Ag. Issues Plans after High school: Attend Texas A&M

Lisa Pieper August of 2005 was my first time to enter the high school. I was terrified being a little freshman going to this massive new school with older people. I felt so out of place, yet somehow I be-longed. This school would be the place I would spend my days and pretty much live until May of 2009, which seemed to be so far away. I had never been so nervous and excited at the same time as I was when I walked into school on my first day. I had one goal for my high school career: to blend in and not be noticed. Being put on the spot was never my thing and I always tried to avoid any situation where I had to get in front of people. My first day of high school I remember walking into my agriculture science 101 class and meeting Miss Robinson, or B-rob. This was my first class of the day and thankfully it was a mostly freshman course. I learned about the FFA in my Ag class and quickly decided that I wanted to become a member and raise a lamb. Little did I know joining the FFA my freshman year would be the first step of my entire FFA career. Being a freshman, I did not belong to any certain niche, but once I joined the FFA, I found my place. One morning, one of the other Ag teachers – Mrs. Pieper – came into the room to ask B-rob about something when right before she left, she looked at me and told me she knew me. I vaguely re-membered her, but I was polite and said hello and made an attempt to have a short conversation with her. After talking for a short moment, I thought maybe the conversation was over and I could go back to listening to the lesson. But I was wrong. Mrs. Pieper continued talking to me and started to basically tell me about myself. She told me about how she knew I had an interest in Ag, about my sisters and knew other stuff that normally a teacher does not know about a student they have met once. I think she knew that I hardly remembered her. She said that I had attended Ag camp at the high school a few years back – which I remembered attending with my sister – and stated that she was one of the teachers at the camp. Little did I know she would be the teacher that I would be closest too. At times when I needed a place to hang out during lunch or needed someone to talk to after school, Mrs. Pieper was there. On days when I needed a vet for my sheep and the vet would not be able to come out, Mrs. Pieper was there. When I was simply an FFA member, Mrs. Pieper was the one who pushed me to try out for officer and be more than just a member. When my FFA chapter would go to conventions or have a competition, she was always at school to greet us at 4 a.m. Mrs. Pieper has been there for me throughout my entire FFA career. She has also helped me overcome my “getting in front of people” problem. I can now stand up in front of people, if I have to, and give a speech. Thank you so much for taking your time to coach teams and help Christine and me with the Agriscience Project. That project was crazy long but we enjoyed it more than we thought possible. I especially want to thank you for pushing me to participate in everything I have participated in. Without you pushing me, I probably would not have accomplished half the things I have. And I would have so many less memories. Thanks Mama P!J

Shelby McIntyre

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Little People of America, Children’s Museum of Brazos Valley, Wigs for Kids & Locks of Love, Nurses’ Aide Leadership Position: Drum Major—Band, Nat’l Teen Coordinator for LPA, Band Council, Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (Vice President) Extra-Curricular Activities: NHS Plans after High school: Attend Stephen F. Austin State University majoring in nursing with a minor in child development then attend medical school to be a pedia-trician

Susan Patton As I was thinking about which educator to honor, I made a list of all my teachers since elementary school. After I had narrowed down my choices, I had to think about the qualities of every teacher. I remember everyone pretty vividly, but I can't recall all of the activities from each grade. Reminiscing with my parents, we decided to get out the VHS to watch the "First Grade End of the Year" video that contained a presenta-tion of skits learned throughout the year. After chuckling at how different we all looked then, what stood out was the confidence that Mrs. Susan Patton had given us. The class wasn't afraid of performing in front of our parents. Mrs. Patton allowed us to develop trust within ourselves. If we said a wrong line or came in too early or too late, we weren't "penalized" or corrected for it; what mattered was the courage we had to recite the script in front of visitors. It may be hard to believe, but I was extremely shy and bashful as a child. You could barely get me to say a word. But, looking back these past couple of years, I realize I have developed much more self-esteem and confidence. I knew I had to be sure of myself when leading the band onto the football field during halftime or commanding different marching drills during the hot summer practices. If it weren't for Mrs. Patton's lov-ing encouragement and outstanding teaching skills, I know that would not be the person I am today. Everybody needs a teacher like Mrs. Patton sometime in his or her life. Thank you Mrs. Patton!

Jane McKenzie

Honored Educator

Community Service Work: Interact Community Service, Keep Brazos Beautiful, Habitat for Humanity, College Station Medical Center Leadership Position: Vice President of Interact Club, Presi-dent of Business Professionals of America, Exec. Board Mem-ber of Student Council, Coalition for Peace Vice President Extra-Curricular Activities: Thespian Troupe 909, Interact Club, Interfaith Club, Student Council, Business Professionals of America, Coalition for Peace, Tiger Theater, Invisible Chil-dren Plans after High school: Attend Brown University and pur-sue a career in activism and international relations

Teresa Laffin As I walk into her classroom, I hear the words of a familiar song, “In my head there's a grey-

hound station/ Where I send my thoughts to far off destinations/ So they may have a chance of finding a place/where they're far more suited than here.” Those words resonate within me, but to have a teacher that may understand those sentiments is amazing. But that’s exactly what she was. Mrs. Laffin was an amazing English teacher at our high school. Not only did she have like interests in music, a quality that many teenagers appreciate, but she actually helped me find a place to flesh out my thoughts. She pointed out a medium that’s easily accessible, but I had never completely discovered, writing. I went on to explore the depths of my creativity, a process that is still taking place. I write poetry in my free time and even hope to write a book one day.

However, it was in her Honors English I class that I was introduced to the English aspect of my high school career and challenged. We discussed basic freshman literature such as To Kill a Mock-ingbird and Lord of the Flies, yet we broke down society’s construct in order to analyze a deeper mean-ing in these novels. I was constantly engaged in our classroom activities, but after a few weeks had passed, she started to encourage the possibility of me transferring to the Pre-AP class because she saw potential. That potential is what still inspires me today. I went on to Pre-AP and AP English classes because she saw that I could be challenged even more.

Not only did she help me in what I believe was the most formative year of high school, but she transcended the role of a typical teacher. She was not distant and impersonal with a mechanical and monotone teaching style. She was friendly, exciting, and offered assistance and encouragement constantly. She was someone I could relate to, and surprisingly enough, not even be embarrassed when we wore the same shirt on the same day not once, but twice. To move past a social stigma like that, the fear of wearing the same clothes as your teacher, is a monumental thing. But jokes aside, she would reach out to me even when I was suffering from a serious problem.

My mother was hospitalized from a heart attack and stayed in the hospital for three months because of many complications with surgeries. Thankfully she is here with me, but that was the most trying time of my life. Even then, when many shrugged responsibility, and cut off contact from me be-cause they were confused on how to deal with the situation, Mrs. Laffin, who was no longer my teacher, still reached out to me. She offered her home when I was struggling to travel between Houston, where my mother was, and College Station where I would be alone and troubled by worry over my mother’s condition. She gave me more of the same comfort and support she had given to me in English class. However, she surpassed the requirements of a teacher, extending her compassion past the classroom door. Mrs. Laffin has been the definition of a truly inspirational teacher. However cliché it may seem, to completely emulate a mentor and role model figure is a difficult task that she was able to achieve. Her passion for literature, mixed with her motivating teaching style, created a wonderful experi-ence for me in her English class. Yet, it was her down-to-earth personality that really touched my heart, for she truly cared about each and everyone of her students in a way that shall continue to inspire me for years to come.

Jessica Mitter

Honored Educator