The Velma Freeman Gillespie and Zelma Freeman Root Foundation was established in 1995 by Mrs. Gillespie’s family to honor a deserving teacher at the end of each school year. Velma Freeman Gillespie and Zelma Freeman Root were twin sisters who both taught in the Borger ISD system for over twenty-five years each. Mrs. Root came to Borger in 1944. Mrs. Gillespie came to visit her from Arkansas in 1946 and never went back. Mrs. Gillespie taught in Borger Junior High School for 25 years. Mrs. Root taught at Borger High School for 26 years. Both retired in 1971. After retiring from BISD, Zelma Root taught at Frank Phillips Junior College for five years. Mrs. Gillespie had two sons, Dr. Hamp Gillespie and Dr. Mike Gillespie, who both graduated from Borger Independent School District. After Velma Gillespie passed away in October 1994, her sons wanted to honor their mother and aunt by establishing the foundation.
The award is given to a deserving teacher in the academic field who possesses the following:
- A concern for students and the capability to inspire them
- The ability and willingness to work cooperatively with colleagues
- A drive to initiate activities that improve instruction for students
- An ability to work effectively with different groups in the community
- The desire to stay informed of current educational theories and practices
- An ability and willingness to make meaningful contributions to education
- Examples of innovations started in the nominees’ classrooms.
The 2022-2023 campus nominees included: Ireland Wagner, Borger High School; Veronica Davis, Paul Belton Elementary; Denise Mongold, Gateway Elementary; Cynthia Hipolito, Borger Intermediate School; Rachel Sandoval, Borger Middle School, and Cynthia Gutierrez, Crockett Elementary.
This year, the Root-Gillespie Award went to Cynthia Gutierrez, a fourth-grade teacher at Crockett Elementary. She will receive $750 to spend in her classroom. Each campus nominee will receive $250 for their classroom.
This is an excerpt from her nomination form, “Mrs. G, as her students so lovingly refer to her, does not work or serve for awards or accolades, but simply to inspire and impact her students and fellow teachers. The welcoming atmosphere in her room is felt as soon as you enter it and perhaps one of her greatest achievements, year after year, is the strong and genuine relationships she builds with her students. She has perfected the practices of being fair, firm and maintaining a positive relationship with students and their families. Cynthia works hard to build fortified relationships with her students. In addition to this, she holds students to high standards and is known to be tough on them at times. However, they know that she is doing it because she genuinely cares about them and wants them to succeed. The students trust her to listen to their concerns, provide them with sound advice, and offer a hug when they need one. Evidence of student appreciation is seen in their desire to refrain from any disrespect or misbehavior toward her.”
Congratulations to Mrs. Gutierrez and thank you for your service!