DINING WITH
Our Stars! 11TH ANNUAL ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE BANQUET HIDEAWAY LAKE CLUBHOUSE MAY 16, 2019 6:30 P.M.
The Lindale ISD Education Foundation Welcomes You ...to the 11th Annual Academic Excellence Recognition Banquet! It is our privilege to honor the top graduates, distinguished teachers and our "Honor Roll" winners from the Lindale Independent School District.
LINDALE ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION: The Lindale Independent School District has long enjoyed a tradition of excellence. It is the desire of the Lindale ISD Education Foundation to support that tradition through establishing an organization that encourages and rewards innovation in the classroom both now and in the future.
Taxpayers are making every effort to meet the basic needs of students and to provide a quality education for all children. However, the Foundation seeks to provide educational enrichment opportunities for students and faculty beyond that which is provided for within the budget of Lindale ISD.
Purpose: The Lindale ISD Education Foundation has been created to support the educational programs for both the students and staff of the Lindale Independent School District. The Foundation funds are used to facilitate student achievement and skill development, to recognize and encourage staff excellence and to expand community involvement from individuals, businesses and civic organizations.
Dining with our Stars Hideaway Lake Clubhouse May 16, 2019
Schedule of Events " I N
O R D E R
T O
S U C C E E D ,
W E
M U S T
F I R S T
B E L I E V E
Welcome Vickie Frazier, Foundation President
Invocation Dinner Recognition of Sponsors Vickie Frazier, Foundation President
Congratulatory Remarks Stan Surratt, LISD Superintendent
Recognition of Students & Teachers Valerie Payne, Lindale High School Principal
Closing Remarks Valerie Payne, Lindale High School PrincipalÂ
T H A T
W E
C A N . "
Thank you, Sponsors! "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
Southside Bank Hideaway Lake Kiwanis Mr. & Mrs. Don Achziger American State Bank D&H Quality Cabinets Lay Construction Suanne Rouse & Robbie Lyons I-20 Team Real Estate Jackson Construction Harris Craig Architects Barbara Wilson & Judy Burleson Texas Bank & Trust Dr. Kim and Bob Nimon Bryan Hughes, Texas State Senator Cole Hefner, Texas House of Representatives
"David Wylie has been an inspiration to all of us. "The director of finance position is often a thankless job, He was hired as a fire alarm technician in 2004. looking over finances and business transactions of the As of now, he locksmiths, troubleshoots electrical district, but an absolute vital job. The district budget is problems, installs and maintains the exterior & well above 40 million each year. Michelle Tate leads a interior lighting for all the building and installs and team that ensures that the school district operates maintains the security camera system for the effectively and legally. The financial ratings and district. If anything needs to get done for the safety strengths of the district have continued to grow under and well-being of the children and staff in our Ms. Tate's leadership. She is highly respected by her district, he will do it without saying a word." peers and all LISD staff members." - LISD Maintenance Department - LISD Administration Staff
"Hard-working, inspiring, witty, joyful, fun, encouraging; Those are the words used to describe Diann Cooper. The fifth grade teachers of E.J. Moss East unanimously agreed that our caretaker must be nominated for the Honor Roll program. Ms. Cooper not only works harder than anyone we know, but she always does it with a smile." - E.J. Moss East
"Bonnie Lively is the cog that keeps E.J. Moss West going. She picks up the slack for any and everybody. If she sees a problem, she fixes it without a second thought. If she sees that a student needs something; Shoes, socks, or to have a hole repaired in their clothing using a needle and thread, she does it. She is one of the most genuinely kind, caring and hard working people that we know." - E.J. Moss West
"Katy Hestand and Megan Ledsome are not just employees; They are life changers! I have never seen a more dedicated team. They are 100% committed on helping their students with special needs succeed. When I visit ECC, it is not out of the ordinary to see Katy and Megan helping in the general education setting, as well. These two ladies regularly go above and beyond. Katy and Megan are resourceful, passionate and kind. When my autistic son was struggling in cafeteria after carpool drop off earlier this year, they made a plan to help him be more comfortable and to start his day off right. He loves going to R&R in the mornings before class and I have noticed a big change in his behavior." - Megan Bolwerk, Special Programs
Valedictorian Brina Kuslak Distinguished Educator: Mr. Duane Walton AP Physics Teacher at Lindale High School
"Mr. Walton has contributed to my high school experience in so many ways. From making me get up at 6:00 in the morning for UIL tournaments, to letting me make coffee before class. Mr. Walton, you have made high school interesting every day. The most important and unfortunate thing you taught me was that everything is PHYSICS!"
- Brina Kuslak
Brina Kuslak Cumulative GPA: 108.167
Brina Kuslak will be attending Wesleyan University on a volleyball scholarship, where she plans to obtain a degree in bio-chemistry on a pre-med track.
Community & School Service National Honor Society Pathfinder Buddy
Activities & Awards - Vice President of the NHS - Vice President of Speech and Debate - Volleyball Team Captain - UIL Science
"It has been a joy to have Brina in class the past two years, her bright smile and eagerness to learn is refreshing every morning. Brina is an amazing young lady possessing many outstanding qualities that have led to incredible academic and athletic achievements. Brina continually sets high standards for herself and works extremely hard to achieve those goals. Brina has been able to balance an extremely challenging course load and athletic schedule by setting priorities and managing her time well. Congratulations Brina on an outstanding high school career! May God’s grace and favor be on you as you embark on life’s next chapter."
- Mr. Walton
Salutatorian Mara Griffin Distinguished Educator:Â Mrs. Katy Lyles Chemistry Teacher at Lindale High School
"Mrs. Lyles, in addition to teaching me chemistry, has taught me how to love learning. Rather than just grades, she has cared for my growth as a person which overflows into my student life. She has been an example of joy in my life. Her kindness has provided me with a safe space in both education and life. She has been a blessing in my life as a teacher and a mentor."
- Mara Griffin
Mara Griffin Cumulative GPA: 108.053
Mara Griffin plans to attend Ouachita Baptist University to obtain a degree in chemistry with a minor in missions.
Community & School Service National Honor Society Iglesia Bautista De Fe East Texas Food Bank Learning Lab Church Nursery Vacation Bible School
Activities & Awards - NHS Historian - Cross Country - UIL Literary Criticism
"I am privileged to have spent the last 3 years with Mara. She has made a huge impact on me and my classroom will not be the same without her next year. I have watched her mature into an exceptional young lady and am excited that she has found something that she is truly passionate about: Chemistry and mission work. I have no idea how these two are going to fit together but I can’t wait to see the big plans that God has for her life. Mara, your faith, kindness and determination are inspiring. Keep being you! Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey."
- Mrs. Lyles
Distinguished Scholar Abigail Fernandez Distinguished Educator: Mr. David Ramsey Counselor Lindale High School "Mr. Ramsey has been my counselor for 4 years and has always helped me plan for my future. Whenever I had some scheduling or scholarship questions, he would always take the time to talk me through my options. He nominated me for Rotary Club's "Outstanding Student" Award, took me and a few other students to Braum's after a college visit and gave me his counselor swag pack from UT Tyler, because he knew that's where I wanted to go to college. I appreciate his work ethic but truly admire his positivity and kindness."
- Abigail Fernandez
Abigail Fernandez Cumulative GPA: 106.333
Abigail Fernandez plans to attend the University of Texas at Tyler to obtain a degree in psychology.
Community & School Service Key Club National Honor Society
Activities & Awards - Editor-in-Chief of Yearbook - Co-Vice President of Key Club - Member of NHS
"I am truly honored and humbled to be chosen as a Distinguished Educator by Abigail Fernandez. First of all, I would like to tell her Thank You! Abby and I hit it off from day one. We both seem to have similar personalities and love to laugh sometimes even at ourselves. In my role, I do not get the privilege to see my students on a daily basis like the teachers. So, when I do get to see Abby, we spend a lot of time laughing. As educators, we are supposed to be the wise ones and help teach our students to be productive citizens. We sometimes forget, that if we listen, our students can teach US just as much. Abby is one of those who is wise beyond her years. She is so intelligent that many things come so easy for her. She is going to do great in college! She is an amazing young lady who has been a true asset to LHS."
- Mr. Ramsey
Distinguished Scholar Brady Smith Distinguished Educator: Mrs. Carmen Snow Brady's 4th Grade Teacher
"Mrs. Snow has been in my life for a long time and she has been like a second mother to me. She is always so encouraging and always available to talk about anything. She is one of the wisest people I know and she is always willing to give advice. The biggest impact she has had on me is through her biblical reaction to life and the trust that she has in God, no matter what."
-Â Brady Smith
Brady Smith Cumulative GPA: 106.259
Brady Smith plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station to obtain a degree in construction management.
Community & School Service Leader of small group at church Works with disaster relief Tyler Food Bank
Activities & Awards - Top Varsity Tennis Player - UIL Mathematics - Academic Rodeo "I met Brady in first grade when I had him sitting in my car line. I quickly found out how intelligent and mischievous he was! I still love his wry sense of humor and the sparkle in his eyes when he is hatching a plan. I had the privilege of being his Gifted/Talented teacher at Velma Penny a few years later. He was a joy to teach! Since then, Brady has been a part of our family due to his friendship with our son, Carter. I love him like he is one of my very own children. I have been blessed to be a part of his life and watch him mature into an intelligent, creative and Godly young man. He has a heart to follow the Lord and carefully weighs his decisions in obedience to what the Bible teaches. Brady possesses an intelligence that surpasses academic knowledge— He has an amazing amount of common sense for one so young. I am so excited to see what the future holds for Brady."
- Mrs. Snow
Distinguished Scholar Madelyn Mezzell Distinguished Educator: Mrs. Kari McKenzie Art and Theater Teacher at Lindale High School
"Mrs. McKenzie has been a huge part of my time at Lindale High School. As my theater director, InterAct sponsor and a mentor in interp, we have spent a lot of time together. Her genuine support and excitement for my success and happiness has been a great comfort to me. I know that I can talk to her about anything and she is one of the few teachers that I have ever had that I feel close to and at ease with. Having a positive role model of someone who is completely and utterly herself has allowed me to become more sure of myself as an actress and as a person."
- Madelyn Mezzell
Madelyn Mezzell Cumulative GPA: 105.793
Madelyn Mezzell plans to attend Texas State University to obtain a degree in international studies and history. She then aspires to have a career in human rights.
Community & School Service National Honor Society Interact
Activities & Awards - President of Drama Club - Secretary of the NHS - Vice President of Speech & Debate - President of Interact - LHS Theater
"There are not enough words to describe the unique, beautiful and intelligent young woman that is Maddie Mezzell. Unlike so many people in today’s world, Maddie lives by a set of standards and beliefs that she has set for herself and does not allow anyone to move her from that platform. Maddie believes strongly in service to others, truthful friendships and strength in education. This is visible every day in the way that she lives her life and how she treats others. I have been beyond blessed to share life and the stage with this bright and beautiful star."
- Mrs. McKenzie
Administration The Lindale ISD Education Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit tax exemptphilanthropic organization of citizens. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are representatives of the communities and businesses served by Lindale ISD. The BOD is a separate legal entity from the Lindale ISD, but cooperates with the district to enhance educational opportunities for students and LISD staff.
Mission Statement
Benefits - To students: Educational experience is enriched. - To parents: Students are prepared to fulfill their potential. - To teachers: Creative ideas are encouraged. - To businesses: An inspired workforce is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. - To communities: For the quality of life and economic growth which are directly related to the quality of education available.
The mission of the Lindale ISD Education Foundation is to create and sustain a visionary coalition of businesses and citizens generating investments and funding for innovative programs and initiatives that enrich and inspire educational and leadership opportunities that will benefit the students and teachers of Lindale ISD.
- 2018 & 2019 Donors & Sponsors - Bloom Nursery - Hideaway Lake Clubhouse & Staff - Stan Surratt, LISD Superintendent - Jamie Holder, LISD Deputy Superintendent - Valerie Payne, Lindale High School Principal - Tommy Mallory, LISD Print Shop - Lindale ISD Education Foundation Board of Directors - David Ramsey, Lindale High School Counselor - Tamica Collard, Lindale High School Counselor - Larry Wilson, Event Photographer - Scott Starkey, Event Photographer "Investing in the future of our schools, communities and society."
Distinguished Scholar Jenna "Joy" Nelms Distinguished Educator: Mrs. Lindsay Kelly Graphic Design & Illustration Teacher at Lindale High School
"Mrs. Kelly has made a huge impact on my high school career. She has been someone that I can come to for advice, whether about my personal life or school life. She is a great role model and mentor because she loves the Lord and it shows through everything that she does. My favorite memories are riding around in the golf cart with her during tournaments, taking pictures and talking about life - That will definitely be missed. I love you, Mrs. Kelly!
- Joy Nelms
Jenna "Joy" Nelms Cumulative GPA: 105.552
Joy Nelms plans to attend Texas A&M University to obtain a degree in communications.
Community & School Service National Honor Society Key Club
Activities & Awards - President of the NHS - President of Key Club - Yearbook Social Officer - Texas Bank & Trust Student Board - Golf
"The meaningful contributions that Joy has made to Lindale High School and our surrounding community is hard to put into words. Self-motivation, servant leadership and empathy for others are all characteristics that exemplify Joy's gentle but vibrant personality. Joy is one of the most caring and motivated students on our campus, whose disposition and high achievements set her apart. Joy will succeed no matter what path she takes, and I feel blessed to have been a part of her journey!"
- Mrs. Kelly
Distinguished Scholar Samuel Payne Distinguished Educator:Â Mr. Steven Moore Director of Lindale Bands
"Mr. Moore taught me, not only how to be a better band player, but how to make decisions and to be a better person. He helped me improve my playing, but through audition, practices and squad leader interviews, I think I have grown to be a good and thoughtful musician."Â
- Samuel Payne
Samuel Payne Cumulative GPA: 105.340
Sam Payne plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station to obtain a degree in engineering.
Community & School Service Teaches kindergarten on Wednesday nights at Hideaway Church.
Activities & Awards - LHS Band Squad Leader - UIL Math - LHS Band Section Leader
"First, let me say that it is an honor to have been selected by Sam as his choice for Distinguished Educator. To say that Sam is an outstanding young man is an understatement. He is one of the most polite, intelligent, humble, helpful and hardworking students I have had the privilege to teach over the last twenty nine years. He is an excellent student leader and musician in the "Pride of Lindale." This past year, we needed some students to change to Tuba. We approached Sam and he went to work. In one year, he went from 1st Chair Trombone to 1st Chair tuba, made the Region XXI HS All Region and Area Bands, and qualified for UIL State Solo and Ensemble. As you can tell, Sam is a very talented young man. Sam, I wish you the best of luck as you enter the next chapter in your life. If you tackle college with the same way you did high school, the sky is the limit. Love Ya!"
- Mr. Moore
Distinguished Scholar Bailey Spencer Distinguished Educator:Â Mrs. Neda Morrow Journalism Teacher at Lindale High School
"I have been with Mrs. Morrow for all four years of high school and each moment has been one filled with laughter, friendship, tears and sweat. Through her programs, she has taught me dedication and hard work. She has pushed me to be the best that I can be and her determination to see each and every one of her students excel, inspires me. I am truly so grateful for Mrs. Morrow."
 - Bailey Spencer
Bailey Spencer Cumulative GPA: 105.297
Bailey Spencer will be attending Lycoming College in Pennsylvania where she has received a scholarship. She plans to obtain a degree in english or creative writing.
Community & School Service National Honor Society, Key Club
Activities & Awards - Member of the NHS - Assistant to the editor of copy in newspaper - Member of the audio and visual advanced broadcast team & competitive UIL films - Club editor in Key Club
"I can't express how much I adore Bailey Spencer. I tell people all the time that she is the best teen I know. What makes her stand out from the crowd is the deepness of her faith, the kindness of her spirit, and her quiet strength. Bailey has worked very hard for a long time to be in the top ten. However, she doesn't have a boisterous personality, so she may sometimes go unnoticed. But more than any other student I know, she puts herself second to others. She embodies the concept of service. Additionally, she does not live her life according to what the world thinks she should do. I can truly say that Bailey Spencer inspires me to be a better person, and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of her life."
- Mrs. Morrow
Distinguished Scholar Kaitlyn Barrington Distinguished Educator:Â Mrs. Penny Snow English Teacher at Lindale High School
"When I first entered Mrs. Snow's class, I did not know what to expect. After a while, I realized that she is an amazing teacher and she challenged me to push myself to be better, not only with my writing but with any goal I set. It was a tough class and she is a tough teacher, but she always found a way to make the subject interesting. Even though Mrs. Snow may not know how much she has impacted my life, she showed me what it means to be determined, diligent, perseverant and to not be intimidated by new challenges."
-Â Kaitlyn Barrington
Kaitlyn Barrington Cumulative GPA: 105.250
Kaitlyn Barrington plans to attend Oral Roberts University to obtain a degree in graphic design and communications.
Community & School Service National Honor Society Key Club
Activities & Awards - Key Club Secretary - Managing Editor of LHS Eagle Eye News - UIL Audio Visual Broadcast - UIL Documentaries
"I had Kaitlyn in PAP English II. She has Gorilla Glue strength of character and is too stubborn to quit--which I greatly appreciate. She is just a sweet, smiley, quiet, amazing student. Class is stressed-Kaitlyn smiles. Projects are looming, threatening to consume-Kaitlyn determinedly smiles. I want to completely lose my temper on these children-Kaitlyn tentatively smiles. She gets her essay back marked with a rarely given 100-Kaitlyn humbly smiles. I read her work-I smile. In fact, I copied her work and carefully placed it in plastic sheathing in my notebook to use as a student model for reference on how to make a teacher smile. Moreover, she is kind to other students. When she goes to college, her parents and I will wipe our tears, and she will represent Lindale well."
- Mrs. Snow
Distinguished Scholar Sarah McCeig Distinguished Educator: Mr. Taylor Jarman Director of Theater at Lindale High School
"Mr. Jarman is my teacher but to me and many other students in the theater program, he more of a friend. I have spent four years of my life seeing Mr. Jarman almost as much as I see my parents. In that time, he has come to know who I am and how I work and how to respond to my various moods, quirks and other personality aspects. I am not the easiest person to get to open up, but Mr. Jarman got through rather quickly and helped me reach out to others in turn."
- Sarah McCeig
Sarah McCeig Cumulative GPA: 105.175
Sarah McCeig plans to attend the University of North Texas to obtain a degree in international studies.
Community & School Service National Honor Society
Activities & Awards - Member of the NHS - LHS Theater - LHS Band - LHS Choir
"Sarah is a free spirit with a quirky attitude, who has a fascinating outlook on life. What has made Sarah such a valuable part of my theater program is her love for theater that began from a young age. Her parents imparted that love to her as she began to act. She was a child actor in Lindale High School’s Seussical the Musical in 2008 and then served as a lead role in our 2017 production of the same show. It was such a cool experience for the two of us to have acted alongside one another in 2008 when I was a high school student and then for her to act for me as her director. Sarah has acted in 11 productions during her high school career, from chorus roles to lead parts, which is evidence of her hard work and passion for her art. She has impacted many people and is a young lady who is faithfully true to herself, steadfast in her pursuits, and loyal to all those around her."
- Mr. Jarman