Schneider Middle School fifth grade teacher Uche Nwoke, Dobie High
School principal Franklin Moses and the district’s compliance monitoring
director Joyce Boyd were named category winners at the Pasadena ISD
“Together We Can” employee recognition luncheon Friday, April 25, at the
Frank Braden Educational Carmen Orozco Professional Development
Complex.
Schneider Middle School fifth grade teacher Uche Nwoke, Dobie High School principal Franklin Moses and the district’s compliance monitoring director Joyce Boyd were named category winners at the Pasadena ISD “Together We Can” employee recognition luncheon Friday, April 25, at the Frank Braden Educational Carmen Orozco Professional Development Complex.
Nwoke was named the winner of the “Create Magic” award, presented to a district teacher or employee who “creates an innovative classroom experience or finds a creative way to impact the lives of students, staff and the community.”
Nwoke developed an after-school club for at-risk fifth and sixth grade girls, called “Spartan and Ladies Social.” The unique program serves as a structured support group that helps students understand the value of friendship, discover their character strengths, build positive relationships and give back to the school and community. Thanks to her efforts, students involved in the program have had the opportunity to attend team bonding and leadership camps using money they earned from car washes and selling handmade items at school. Best of all, students feel part of something special.
Moses received the “Think Big” award presented to “an employee who comes up with a brilliant idea that changes the way the district, a campus or a department approaches and solves a major issue."
Moses launched a crusade to build relationships, increase academic support and reduce truancy across the campus. Gaining overwhelming support from students and staff, Moses led the campus to implement a Mega Lunch concept. This movement has dismounted the most traditional of all campus rituals: scheduled lunch periods. Under the leadership of Moses, Mega Lunch has also provided students a unique opportunity to attend tutoring, test preparation remediation and become more involved in school activities.
Boyd was honored with the “Achieve More” award which is presented to the district teacher or employee who is "instrumental in contributing to student success or toward the accomplishment of a major school or department goal."
Boyd has been instrumental in helping the district successfully transition to the new Texas legislation, House Bill 5. Through hard work and creative problem solving skills, Boyd produced materials that helped the district and community understand the new legislation and graduation requirements. Thanks to her leadership, Pasadena ISD successfully enrolled eighth graders and the district is ready to start next year’s freshmen on the new plans.
A total of 47 teachers, administrators and employees were honored as “Together We Can” campus and department winners, each nominated by peers and submitted by principal or supervisor.
Other campus and department winners in the "Achieve More" category are: Michelle Andrus, Jessup Elementary; Evelyn Baldauf, Frazier Elementary; Sue Cardwell, Teague Elementary; Laurie Chmarney, Stuchbery Elementary; Aislinn Clinch, Miller Intermediate; Jason Denham, Bondy Intermediate; Roel Garcia, Maintenance Department; Maria Gonzalez, Fisher Elementary; Blanca Garza, Bailey Elementary; Erika Garza, South Shaver Elementary; Joseph Garza, Gardens Elementary ; Elizabeth Guerra, Bobby Shaw Middle; Darcy Heard, Beverly Hills Intermediate; Lindsey Jacob, Milstead Middle; Kendia Johnson-Washington, McMasters Elementary; Elizabeth Martin, Golden Acres Elementary; Cindy Phillips, San Jacinto Intermediate; Reyna Reyes, Pomeroy Elementary; Sandra Rohlfs, De Zavala Middle; Susana Sliva, Kruse Elementary; Eric Snell, Burnett Elementary; Jamie Torres, Melillo Middle; Cynthia Vantilburg, Meador Elementary.
Other campus and department winners in the "Think Big" category are: Myrna Alanis, South Houston High; Alyssa Kraus, Jensen Elementary; Cristina Lopez, Queens Intermediate.
Other campus and department winners in the "Create Magic" category are: Elizabeth Aleman, Bush Elementary; Lyndsi Black, Park View Intermediate; Courtney Briscoe, Garfield Elementary; Summer Bradley, Genoa Elementary; Kim Campbell, Red Bluff Elementary; Jackie Caver, Turner Elementary; Laura Cothran, South Houston Elementary; Kelly Cowan, Pasadena Memorial; Dee Duckworth, Pasadena High; Cammy Dunford, Sparks Elementary; Melissa Hickman, Moore Elementary; Brenda Izaguirre, Morales Elementary; Ricardo Llanes, Parks Elementary; Lloyd Love, Pasadena Memorial High; Jana McDougall, Williams Elementary; Uche Nwoke, Schneider Middle; Cory Payne, South Houston Intermediate; Ashley Webb, Rayburn High; Bob Williams, Pearl Hall Elementary.
More photos from the event
