TISD students,teachers honoredat annual event

Published 11:44 pm Monday, May 23, 2016

Madeline Stanford can’t seem to hold back smiling when talking about her fifth grade teacher at Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy, Kathy Haley.

Miss Stanford said Ms. Haley has always had a cheerful and playful attitude that encourages creativity and boosts curiosity.

Now graduating with a grade point average that puts her in the top 20 of her senior class at Robert E. Lee High School, Miss Stanford credits Ms. Haley as being a key part of her success.

“Mainly she taught me to have a love of learning,” Miss Stanford said. “Everything that she did, she did with so much joy and passion.

“She inspires all of her students that they can do anything and everything that they want.”

On Monday evening, the Tyler ISD Foundation celebrated the accomplishments of the top 20 graduating seniors from John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools during the 2015-2016 “A Night of Shining Stars” event at Caldwell Auditorium. Graduates received a chance to select and honor a teacher that has had a great effect on their lives.

Braylon Jones, the valedictorian at John Tyler High School, said he selected his 10th grade world history teacher, James Garland, because of Garland’s passion for history – even for some of the periods that may not necessarily stand out for many – and for his love of students.

He added that Garland is very approachable and always willing to help.

“He can make times in history that were not really well recognized seem really amazing,” Jones said. “He always came with a big bright smile on his face to teach us.”

Delivering closing remarks, TISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford congratulated the students on their outstanding accomplishments.

“On this stage we have the academic champions of TISD,” Crawford said. “We have artists, athletes, musicians, thespians, cheerleaders, statisticians, journalists, drum majors, Eagle Scouts, missionaries, student government leaders, dancers, volunteers in community service and a black belt.”

Crawford also recognized the teachers in attendance that each positively touched the students’ lives.

“We also have heroes of TISD on this stage who have dedicated their hearts and their souls to educating your children,” he said in reference to parents and guardians in the audience.

He added that he thought the graduates were very talented, and he challenged them to inspire others the same way their teachers have inspired them.

“One day I’m asking you no matter what profession you go into, do what they’ve done,” Crawford said. “Mentor someone. Mentor a child to get where you are today. That’s how you pay it back.”

THE STUDENTS

The 2016 Distinguished Scholars from John Tyler High School are:

Sandra Ahuchaogu, Oralia Arzaluz, Ashtyn Beal, Antonio Betancourt, Makyia Caraway, Maria Carrillo, Maricruz Diaz, Jorge Fuentes, Melissa Galvan, Chris Garcia, Janelin Higuera, Braylon Jones, Pierre Leonard, Ericka Martinez, Kayla McKenzie, Olivia Oliver, Karla Patino, Alonso Ramirez, La’ Jia Taylor and Stephanie Ware.

The 2016 Distinguished Scholars from Robert E. Lee High School are:

Jonathan Attebery, Danielle Bustamante, Ava Dhakal, Mackenzie Doke, Allan Evans, Alyssa Graham, Stratton Hibbs, Shayla Hill, Samuel Hollis, Nelson Hyland, Lauren Lyons, Mekaela Mirano, Daimen Moody, Anna Orr, Miten Patel, Eric Rozell, Emily Shackelford, Myriah Sloan, Madeline Stanford and Miguel Zatarain.

THE TEACHERS

Students selected the following Tyler ISD educators as those who have been the most influential in their lives:

Cynthia Bowie, April Caldwell, John Smiley, Mike Smith, Allen Lopez, Danielle Traylor, A.Z. Walker, Mireya Hicks, Jane Neal, De Mario Miller, David Howard, Melinda Tefteller, Andrew Haas, Aretha Williams, Michelle Graybill, Blanca Story, Keith Showen, Allison Rogers, Chris Falsetta, Jason Hesskew, James Garland, Sandra Taylor, Dennis Baker, Sabra Godair, Brad Langley, Eddie Hill, Betty George, Lamesa Harden-Jenkins, Jerry Miller, George Ann Reed, Lyndsay Shaffer and Kathy Haley.