Crystal Award

The intercom at school announced the faculty needed to gather in the community center real quick because the principal needed to talk with us. (announcements like this always leave us on edge with imaginations of the worst possible situations) In my head I was thinking maybe she wanted to give an announcement about the recent TAKS scores. Since the meeting was going to be quick, we didn't sit at the tables and she started by saying the Houston Chronicle had called a few minutes before to announce that one of our own had been announced as one of four Crystal Award winners. She turned and looked straight at me. "No way," I thought "this can't be possible, you have GOT to be kidding!" This award is given by the Houston Chronicle to outstanding teachers, and my name had been submitted by the PTA president. So for a second time in one year, my mind tried to process how just doing my job had turned into this grander of recognition. After 31 years of comparing myself to my brother and sister's athletic trophies, God was having me realize that He calls us to where He wants us and equips us for His purposes. I truly love teaching and have desired to serve Him in this area with my whole heart. The trophies that I longed for growing up, have come in different shapes and sizes, but only after I have learned that God treasures me more than any trophy that could identify me as valuable.

After six years as a 4th team, this was such a special moment to have them all there to celebrate with me.

My cousin Brian and I had the same 9th and 10th grade English teacher. She had a huge impact on how I challenge students to reach for high exceptations, so it was an honor to have her with me.
This memory can not be described in words because family is so important to me. Support and love are words that hardly seem adaquate. At this point trophies no longer seemed important because to be recognized in such a way with those who love you through the good and ugly days was monumental to who I have become as a person. Thank you Dad, Mom, Amy, Erin, Phillip, and Andrew who I know would have been there if you could!

Cool slide show they played as they read about my accomplishments as a teacher.