Volume VII, Issue 8 (June 19, 2022)

“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see.” ― Roy T. Bennett “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” ― Maya Angelou

VII June 19, 2022 Vol. V July 1, 2020

Sharing the good news about Longview Independent School District

Gee, Djurisic are Teachers of the Year

SHINING A SHINING A

LIGHT

LIGHT

Teachers honored with Lamplighter Awards by students

T

h the 2020 Lamplighter Awards have been presented to their recipients!

Congratulations to every teacher who has been chosen by their grateful students.

Awards|Continued to page 13

Heather Gee and Desanka Djurisic have been selected as Longview ISD’s 2020 elementary and secondary Teachers of the Year.

Coach Gee teaches GEE at Longview High, while Mrs. Djurisic teaches at J.L. Everhart Elementary. The will the the essays Bepair sure torepresent check out districtby for the the 2020written students 21 school year, and in throughout this issue!

June will be considered for Region VII Teacher of the Year.

DJURISIC Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said the district is “extremely honored to recognize those named Teacher of the Year for each campus – the first step in the 2020 Texas Teacher of the Year selection process.”

“It’s also significant because the selections were made by their peers,” he said. “These individuals are outstanding educators whose efforts and example have inspired their students, their colleagues, and the communities they serve.”

Campus Teachers of the Year are

Teachers honored with Lamplighter Awards by students

F

ounded in 1994, the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit community organization whose mission is to request, receive, maintain, and use funds to maximize the quality of education available in the Longview Independent School District. Using generous contributions from businesses, community members, Longview ISD employees, parents, alumni, and friends of the district, the Foundation funds the Great Rewards for Great Ideas grant program to advance new, innovative approaches to teaching. Awards|Continued to page 12

You can find each essay in full in our previous issue online! Go to issuu.com/TheLongviewVoice

Year|Continued to page 7

Texas provides $1B in pandemic food benefits Because of school closures from COVID-19, Texas received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide more than $1 billion in pandemic food benefits to families with children that have temporarily lost access to free or re-

THE

V

ongview oice

DOZIER

duced-price school meals.

“The P-EBT letters have been sent out and the deadline for applying is June 30,” said LISD Director for Child Nutrition Phyllis Dozier. “All of our elementary students are eligible because we are a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) district, which means all elementary students eat free.”

Meals|Continued to page 9

Opinion Grads

2 3

Charter Foundation

4

7

Sports Social

11 18

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

BRAMLETTE LAMPLIGHTER

Samari Castillo appreciates the patience from Mr. Colon

By Samari Castillo Fifth Grade, Bramlette

M

y favorite teacher is Mr. Colon because he is a good teacher and a good person. He has demonstrated that he likes his job. I am comfortable with him because he is respectful, and he always talked with respect to his students and other teachers.

When one of us does not understand something, Mr. Colon tries to help us or explains it to us.

Mr. Colon likes to make jokes. He is funny. However, Mr. Colon has something that not all teachers have: patience. Even if someone in the class is not respectful with him, he has patience and is still respectful to students. In my opinion, Mr. Colon is a prepared teacher who is teaching us to have a bright future. He never lets an opportunity pass for learning. He always tries to show us something new and help us understand.

That is why he is my favorite teacher.

In fact, Mr. Colon is the perfect teacher for the fifth grade.

NED E. WILLIAMS LAMPLIGHTER

Mrs. Hamilton is a more than just a principal

By Zion Mathis Fifth Grade, Ned E. Williams

M

any people think that Mrs. Hamilton, my principal, is just a normal principal, but to me she is more. She is a role model, a genius, and a beautiful person inside and out as well as a good principal.

Mrs. Hamilton is a role model to me because she shows girls that we are powerful no matter what others think or say about us. She reminds us that those people only want to make us mad and not feel good about ourselves.

She is also a role model because she shows students at Ned E. Williams STEAM Academy that we can do anything that we put our minds to and be successful. She is also a role model because she really gets her work done, and that has inspired me because that sounds like me too.

Throughout my life, I will always cherish Mrs. Hamilton and what she has taught me. Thank you, Mrs. Hamilton, for making my first through fifth grade years at Ned E. Williams the best ones of my life.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

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ETMPA LAMPLIGHTER

Eri’en Dukes believes Mrs. Valentine is made out of love

By Eri’en Dukes Kindergartener, ETMPA

M

y favorite teacher is Mrs. Valentine. She is kind to me.

My teacher is made out of love. My favorite lessons are big kid work!

JL EVERHART LAMPLIGHTER

For Brianna Guerrero, fear turned to appreciation

By Brianna Guerrero Fifth Grade, JL Everhart

A

hh, yes, the rumors of the mean and scary first grade teacher reached me. You can imagine what the walk to Mrs. Lopez’s classroom was like. A young, shy girl clung to her mother’s hand. I was shaking in fear! I entered Mrs. Lopez’s classroom, refusing to let go of my mom. I looked up and was certain the undercover witch was going to put me in a bowl of boiling water and cook me. She walked toward us, slowly reached out her hand and........welcomed us! I guess my mom felt I was safe because she left soon after. I, on the other hand, did not and began crying. Finally, after being told everything would be okay, I went in. All it took was a ball of play dough from Mrs. Lopez to let me know that Mrs. Lopez might not be that bad after all.

Mrs. Lopez was a patient teacher. She helped me with reading and spelling. When I wrote something wrong, she helped me write it correctly. When I mispronounced a word, she would kindly help me practice saying it correctly. She didn’t scream at me or make me feel dumb when I made mistakes. She gave me confidence.

I remember the one hundredth day of school. We glued one hundred things on a poster. The halls were filled with first graders carrying giant projects. I too walked to my classroom with a big project in my little hands. Mrs. Lopez told us

she would take pictures of us with our project. The thought of pictures made me anxious but also happy because Mrs. Lopez was proud of our work. I wanted to double check my work and started counting the pieces of macaroni on my poster.

To my horror, I realized I only had ninety-eight pieces. I somehow forgot two of pieces. Panic hit, and I began to shake.

Suddenly it was my turn to take a picture.

Mrs. Lopez took one look at me and knew something was wrong. She asked me if I

were okay, and I explained the unfortunate situation. To my surprise, Mrs. Lopez smiled and told me my poster was fine. I didn’t have to worry about something so small.

During my year with Mrs. Lopez, I learned more than reading and spelling.

Mrs. Lopez was influential in helping me not be nervous and be more confident. To this day when I start to feel anxious, I think about Mrs. Lopez’s patient smile and know that everything will be okay.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

BAILEY LAMPLIGHTER

Mr. Gilbert makes Javier Ramirez feel like he can do anything

By Javier Ramirez Fifth Grade, Bailey

H

ave you had a teacher who was a great joy to you? I do, and he is Mr. Gilbert. He is one of the nicest teachers I have ever met in my life.

He is such a great person. He makes me feel like I can do anything. When I was in fourth grade, he taught me how to tell military time.

Now he is the assistant coach and instructional assistant in the gym. He is really good too. He helps us as we complete our workouts. For example, we do knee ups which make us strong and keep us healthy, but they are hard to do. I, however, still enjoy doing them.

On workout Wednesdays, we do lots of exercises to keep us strong and healthy.

Mr. Gilbert is always there to keep us on track as we exercise and encourage us to do our best. He really knows if we do something wrong and corrects us in a way we can really understand.

I think Mr. Gilbert should win the Lamplighter Award because he is the greatest teacher and coach.

FOREST PARK LAMPLIGHTER

Jaquelin Rubio appreciates the gift that Mrs. Gardner has

By Jaquelin Rubio Fifth Grade, Forest Park

A

s an eighth grader at Forest Park Middle School, I chose Mrs. Gardner, my seventh-grade math teacher, as the one teacher who has inspired me the most because she teaches in an understandable way, creates a sense of family in the classroom, and tells us that it is okay to make mistakes.

Mrs. Gardner teaches in a way that students can easily understand. Sometimes teachers instruct their students without fully explaining the lesson, but not Mrs. Gardner. She knows when we do not understand and always tries to walk us through the lesson in a way so we will understand. That is her gift.

She also creates a sense of family in the classroom. Whenever everyone became used to being in her class, we became really close to each other like a family. Whenever we needed to talk to someone as a friend, we could always go to her or one of our classmates.

Mrs. Gardner also reminds us that it is okay to make mistakes because whenever we answer something confidently but answer incorrectly, she corrects us, explains our mistake, and reminds us that we all make mistakes. Then she encourages us to keep trying.

For all these reasons, Mrs. Gardner is my favorite teacher.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

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HUDSON PEP LAMPLIGHTER Emalyn Salinas has learned about balance thanks to Mrs. Cooley

By Emalyn Salinas Fifth Grade, Hudson PEP

I

had a million butterflies in my stomach! Who in the world was Mrs. Cooley? A million thoughts rushed through my mind as I read her name on my fifth-grade welcome letter. I was worried she would be a ferociously loud teacher who could not control her temper.

I have come to learn she is an amazing math teacher who excels in everything she does.

Mrs. Cooley has taught me so much more than math. She has shown me that being calm doesn’t require going to the spa or getting a mani-pedi. It only requires balance. I remember one day she was looking for something, but instead of going ballistic looking for it, she brushed it off. In Mrs. Cooley’s class we do something she calls daily work. Every day two or three students miss easy questions, but instead of yelling or giving them the stink eye, Mrs. Cooley just writes down a grade and moves on. She has shown me that being calm is the best path to success.

If Mrs. Cooley has taught me anything, she has taught me that enthusiasm comes from the little things. For instance, I am starting to like math—all because of the one and only Mrs. Cooley. Somehow the magical mathematician she is has somehow magically made my least favorite subject into my second favorite subject!

Some may say she is a math nerd, which

is basically true, but I can tell she enjoys what she does. When I walk into her classroom, I always hear “Good morning, everyone,” which brightens my day in only three seconds. When she is teaching, she has a big bright smile on her face which makes me want to smile too.

Mrs. Cooley is indeed very “cool”ey.

Mrs. “Cool”ey—it’s even in her name! She is beyond cool. If being cool had a leader, we would all say, “All hail, Mrs. ‘Cool’ey!”

Mrs. Cooley even trained Hoyt, her dog, to do math facts. Who would have thought about doing something so cool? The one

and only Mrs. “Cool”ey. During recess she even swung on the swings and did the monkey bars. She tells us about the exciting adventures in her life like when she got to ride an elephant while she was in China. I am so glad I can say I have a very cool teacher indeed.

I have learned so much more than math from Mrs. Cooley. She has taught me calmness and enthusiasm. Because she has made an impact on my life, I look forward to spending the rest of my year with her. I am so lucky I can call her one of my teachers.

WARE LAMPLIGHTER For Arim Cerda, Mrs. Sanchez’s room felt like a home

By Arim Cerda Fifth Grade, Ware

M

rs. Sanchez’s room felt like a home. I sat next to the window, but if I looked to my right, I saw my friend. We did teamwork activities, and some days we took quizzes.

Some days were easy for me, but division questions were difficult for me. However, I never became frustrated or sad because I knew that my safe zone time would eventually come, which was my time with Mrs. Sanchez. My team and I sometimes waited for her help, but sometimes we just tried and tried until we got the answer.

Mrs. Sanchez also taught us science, and we learned about the earth. We completed a project about space I will never forget.

We used a shoe box to create a black background and a star because we made a replica of the earth, moon, and sun. We used foam balls, the big one for the sun, the medium sized one for the earth, and the small one for the moon. I painted the sun, my friend painted the earth, and the other friend painted the moon. All of us paint-

ed the stars. The project took us almost a week, but we finished. I think we used toothpicks to hold the planets in place. I know the project was fun.

I can say with confidence that if there is a teacher who goes the extra mile to help struggling students learn math, it is Mrs. Sanchez.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

JOHNSTON MCQUEEN LAMPLIGHTER Guinevere Burns made it through tough times thanks to Mrs. Holleman

By Guinevere Burns Fifth Grade, JMQ

T

he teacher who has helped me the most is Mrs. Holleman. She has really helped me get through tough times and has helped me with my academic subjects. Sometimes I struggle with my schoolwork, but Mrs. Holleman is always by my side to help me.

Mrs. Holleman is probably one of the best teachers I have ever had. She has brought me to a point in my academics that I never thought I would reach.

The three characteristics that stand out about Mrs. Holleman are that she is motivating, encouraging, and funny. Even though she is here to teach me academic subjects, she has also taught me valuable life skills, especially how to remain calm, how to stand my ground, and how to believe in myself.

Mrs. Holleman has been amazing this year, so I think she should be awarded the Lamplighter Award. She has been my lamplighter.

JUDSON LAMPLIGHTER

Mr. Speer inspires his students, and Jessica Hernandez is one of them

By Jessica Hernandez Eighth Grade, Judson

S

queaking shoes on the gym floor followed by loud talking were the first to greet me during my return to school. A part of me was grateful to be back, but a much larger, more prominent side of me longed for the comfort of my bed. I asked one of the teachers where to find my schedule, but he answered my question before I could even finish asking. I knew then that my question had been asked by others—perhaps one time too many in this teenager’s eyes—so I headed toward a scruffy old man.

I told him my name, and he handed me a single paper out of the hundred he held in his hand. As I memorized the order of my classes, a certain name caught my eye: Mr. Speer, United States history teacher, honors, seventh period. Much later I would learn more about a man who was supposed to be my history teacher.

After a long first day filled with “tell me about yourself” and introductions, I finally went to my last class of the day. Mr. Speer had been sharing a story when, out of nowhere, a student asked, “Why is history even important to learn? It’s all in the past anyway.”

Perhaps the student was just trying to be cool, or perhaps he asked in seriousness.

No matter the case, Mr. Speer didn’t back down from the challenge. “It’s important to know about the past so we can be better prepared for the future.” His first sentence caught my attention. “History repeats itself. If we don’t know the past mistakes, we

are guaranteed to make the same mistakes again.”

Even though I was already aware of the importance of learning history, I hadn’t realized how many times history had repeated itself until he cited examples. What impressed me, though, much more than his knowledge was the way Mr. Speer kept his composure when answering the student’s question. Despite the frustration I am sure he felt, he shrugged it off and realized that the situation was a teaching opportunity.

If Mr. Speer is not taking advantage of teaching opportunities, then he is inspiring his students. Mr. Speer is always inspiring

us to be informed, not clueless about what is going on around us. In class, we often have an intellectual discussion with students adding something they have learned from a current event, telling how the current event related to what we are learning now.

Not only does Mr. Speer help us academically, but he also helps us personally.

He will often help students navigate their feelings and emotions when they feel they are in a difficult situation. Students may come in mad at the universe for something bad going on in their lives, but after a Judson|Continued to page 7

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

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FOSTER LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Garner is Jaslene Solis’ moon bug

By Jaslene Solis Eighth Grade, Foster

According to The Urban Dictionary, a moon bug is a one-of-a-kind creative person who possesses the purity, beauty, and gentleness of the moon. A moon bug is a rare creature like a fairy, whose magic upon touching you, never leaves. With a moon bug, there is an infinite amount of warmth, love, and safety to last a lifetime. Simply put, a moon bug is the most beautiful person in the world.

“L

ong after the firefly had disappeared, the trails of its light remained inside me, its pale, faint glow hovering on and on in the thick darkness behind my eyelids like a lost soul. Once again I tried stretching my hand out in the dark. My fingers touched nothing. The faint glow remained, just beyond my grasp.” These words by Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami capture what my lamplighter means to me. Much like a moon bug, Mrs. Janel Garner, my lamplighter, has paved the way through the vast uncertainties of the corn maze of education. Her lessons, even after I leave, will always remain within me, their faint glow burning steadily, affecting every twist and turn I take. Mrs. Garner has shown me the depth of her strength, the passion and knowledge behind her teaching, and the second family I never knew I needed. To me, she will always be the greatest teacher in the world. She is my moon bug!

Behind her radiant smile she gives us each morning, one would have never guessed the strain that cancer and chemotherapy have taken on her body. Having had my own grandmother suffer through a similar fight, I had to witness firsthand the toll chemo takes on both the mind and the body. Though the war with cancer takes its toll, Mrs. Garner never quits. Like a soldier getting ready for the battle ahead, Mrs. Garner faces each day with a fighter’s spirit.

I never really knew the depth of her strength or where it came from, though it soon became clear. Unlike some, she had not become a teacher simply for a paycheck. Her determination is fueled by her desire to teach and guide the next generation. She pushes us toward the greatness she knows we are destined to achieve.

Though her wings may become weary of the path ahead, like a moon bug, her light in the darkness never ceases to shine nor

JUDSON |Continued from page 6 peaceful conversation with Mr. Speer, the students leave class calm and collected with perhaps the realization that those bad things are simply consequences for their own actions.

My English teacher asked us to write an essay about an important teacher in our lives. Mr. Speer is so much more than that. He is an outstanding educator and person. Most importantly, he is a person who inspires me and many others, and I am proud to call him my teacher.

brighten our path with its brilliance. Mrs. Garner loves each one of us, and she puts our futures ahead of her own life. This is true greatness! This is the most important quality of a Lamplighter.

Not only is Mrs. Garner self-sacrificing, but she is also a brilliant teacher. With every new era we study, we are reminded yet again of Mrs. Garner’s vast knowledge and fiery passion for history. Backed with at least forty years of devoted teaching under her belt, she can answer any question and help any student. With fidelity flashing in her eyes, she lights the way as she talks about American history. She is so convincing. It is almost as if she has lived through it herself. She uses her vast knowledge and experience to help vary her approach to teaching, making sure we understand every step of the way. As a result, she has created many catchy acronyms to help us remember our history.

It does not take long before students find themselves singing them to a catchy beat.

“Wash, Ad, Jeff, Mad, Mon, Ad, Jack.”

With the passing school year, I feel more and more as if I have found my second family at school because of Mrs. Garner.

In other classes, I would often find myself anxious and willing to do absolutely anything to avoid being called on during discussion, fearing the worst, and absolutely dreading the day I would have to speak.

That all changed when I walked into Mrs.

Garner’s classroom that very first day where I was greeted by a warm smile and a bright “Good morning!” I immediately knew that I was safe. It was almost like a world in itself, as if it was in its own little protective bubble. She did not force us to speak or answer questions immediately, but slowly allowed us to adjust and get comfortable, which took us mere minutes.

Soon enough, we were all raising our hands eagerly, waving them frantically back and forth, and hoping that she would call on us to answer. Even when we were unsure of ourselves, she gave us her loving smile and words of encouragement. We learned that in her class that it was okay to make mistakes and ask questions, and most importantly, we learned that she would always be there to look out for us.

Once again Mrs. Garner’s warm comforting light was there to light our way.

By showing me the magnitude of her strength and her fervent knowledge of history and by introducing me to my second family, Mrs. Garner has guided me through my own corn maze of education.

Although I will leave her for high school, her radiant light will never fail to guide me in moments of uncertainty. I will carry her light in me wherever I go in life, and I will know that her strength can be my own.

Thank you, Mrs. Garner, for being my lamplighter and my moon bug!

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

EARLY GRADUATION LAMPLIGHTER

Mr. Turner motived Trailyn Frazier to turns his grades around

By Trailyn Frazier

Sophomore, Early Graduation

I

nominate Mr. Wesley Turner of Longview Early Graduation High School to receive the Lamplighter Award. The time I spent as a student in his class was very special.

When I moved to Longview from Houston, my grades were terrible. I enrolled at Longview Early Graduation High School (LEGHS). Mr. Turner’s A+ class was my only option in order to bring up my grades. He welcomed me to his class and told me what I had to do to improve my grades and earn my required credits. I was just worried about getting out of school as soon as possible.

Mr. Turner soon saw that I was not making progress, so one day he sat down and talked to me about not following other people. Instead, he advised me to focus on my education because an education would be more important to me as an adult, giving me opportunities to get a good job and be successful in my future life. From that day forward, my life at LEGHS changed, and everyday Mr. Turner welcomed me into his class with a very energetic spirit.

He motivated me to come to class on time and complete my work—so I did! Once Mr. Turner saw that I was making progress, he pushed me harder to better myself and reach my potential.

All I can say is that Mr. Turner loves his job. If a student is having trouble focusing or learning or just does not like school, Mr. Turner will be the student’s number one option to get the him or her back on track.

Mr. Turner is an army veteran who knows how to motivate his students, how to help

his students, and how to push them to reach their greatest potential.

We never had a dull moment in his class because he always put a smile on our faces.

If we were hungry, he would feed us and take care of us because he is just the kind of awesome teacher everyone loves.

LONGVIEW HIGH LAMPLIGHTER Ms. Mancha never failed to cheer Itoro Ekpenyong up

By Itoro Ekpenyong Senior, Longview High

I

t was Tuesday morning, 8:25 AM. Mondays and Tuesdays were days filled with dread because they marked the beginning of A and B days.

Begrudgingly I headed to IB Spanish III, my fifth period class. My mind was pounding; the morning tiredness had not yet left my body.

“Buenos Dias, mi amor,” a voice called from the doorway. The sweet voice cut the dull atmosphere around me, and I felt myself involuntarily grinning back to the face of the voice. “Buenos Dias, Ms. Mancha,” I replied. Ms. Mancha was now my Spanish teacher for the second year, and every year had made me love language for the connections they allowed me to make. For example, my Spanish experience helped me make connections with her and appreciate her. Her kindness, the comfortable environment, and the reachable expectations she often created in the classroom were something I miss from my retired teacher.

Ms. Mancha’s gentle demeanor never failed to put a smile on my face when I did not quite feel myself. She could not have known what was plaguing my mind, but her respect for the class and care for our actual wellbeing touched my heart. She

was considerate of the other extra-curricular or academic classes we had, often asking whether we did well on the nerve-wracking chemistry test we were discussing in class or caring about the amount of sleep we received in the past week. She always remembered minute details of her students’ lives, and if I had a free period, she would not hesitate to allow

me to sit in her classroom during her other Spanish class. I looked forward to this class as the comfortable environment she created was hard to find in a school setting. She was more than a teacher to me at time; she was a life-changing friend. Her lighthearted teases made me laugh, and she was a teachEarly|Continued to page 11

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

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LONGVIEW HIGH LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Brown’s optimism was infectious for her students

By Iniabasi Ekpenyong Senior, Longview High

T

he ominous corridor. The clamors of the breakfast line in the cafeteria. The click-clack of yet another teacher’s hard-soled shoe striking the ground. The bell rings, its sound resonating through the air. For some, the electronic tone signaled a new beginning and a chance to reconnect with friends whom they had not seen over the two-month break. Yet for me the bell took a new meaning: its rings a ding of condemnation to a new, terrifying year of fourth grade.

With clenched fists balled up in part due to surmounting feelings of trepidation and y naturally clammy hands, I approached the ominous door of the dimly lit fourth grade classroom. As I entered, I became lost in a sea of unfamiliar people, each face as unrecognizable as the next.

Having just transferred to Hudson PEP not more than a year before, I was just getting used to Longview, missing my old home in Mobile, Alabama. Adapting to a new school environment had proven a difficult task, perhaps the most challenging endeavor for a nine year old. But I digress.

Finding a chair in a corner alone, I took my place, wallowing in self-pity at my ineptitude at making friends. In the dim light, I sat, lonely and sad—until the teacher stepped out, shining like an everlasting, radiant light bulb. Walking up to me, she said her name, the two words I will never forget: “Mrs. Brown.”

After that day, when I entered the school, I had a smile plastered across my face as wide as a football field. She also had a brace-filled smile to greet me as I walked through the door. I liked coming to school because she made school seem extraordinary, full of action. Mrs. Brown always gave me a warm hug when I sprinted into the door and was there to help me if I had trouble with something. I especially liked her for her famous classroom lounge where we could read, chat,

and relax. Not only was she kind, but she was also understanding. If a student could not find his homework, she would say, “Let’s look for it,” or “Here’s another copy.” The funniest thing Mrs. Brown did when she was happy was a HIGH KICK! Yes, a high kick.

Mrs. Brown always shone with a ray of happiness as if she had never frowned in her life. Even now I still see her smiling and laughing every day, anywhere, at any time. Her optimistic attitude always kept me going with a smile all day. If I were feeling down, she came to my desk and asked me what the problem was and tried to fix it. She even made a chart on how we students were supposed to treat each other. She always brought joy and humor to our classroom even if we were glum because we could not go outside to play at recess. She also had different hairstyles to go with her mood, such as a bun for happiness and a ponytail for excitement.

Most of all I appreciated Mrs. Brown’s smile. Although her mouth was full of braces, her smile could melt the sturdiest of gold, the hardest of iron, and the most

EARLY |Continued from page 10 er who did not mind teasing.

Her mixture of her students’ modern slang with her daily instructions or announcements was often worthy of teasing her.

The teasing helped to create a feeling of equality in the classroom. Our opinions felt like they mattered and that the respect between students and teacher was mutual, truly helping build a calming atmosphere.

Spanish was a class that I did not struggle with, but sometimes my test grades would see a dip. At that time, I worried about my other courses rather than Spanish and slowly found myself becoming uncaring of her class. However, every test grade I made

was lower than usual, but Ms. Mancha’s words helped me continue putting effort into something I do like. “I know you can do better,” she would say, and her expectations of me motivated me to continue studying Spanish and to continue acing her tests. The thought that someone believed in my ability helped me move forward and work harder even when I thought I had reached my best or when I was tired of trying.

Ms. Mancha will forever represent a feeling of comfort to me. Her words and her smile will be with me even after I graduate, keeping me on track and driven.

indestructible steel. Her smiled thawed out my ice-cold feelings of sadness, my anger, and my gloom. When I told my class about my new baby brother, she was the first to exclaim, “Congratulations!” with her perfect smile. However, her joy was nothing compared to when I showed her his baby picture. She smiled so big. She exclaimed how adorable he was, how cute his eyes looked, how lovely his smile was, and how chubby he looked. Mrs. Brown was stunned at the sight of him and could not stop smiling.

The Longview ISD Foundation should choose Mrs. Brown for the Lamplighter Award because of her high kick. Whenever she was excited or jumpy, her leg flew up like a rocket until it became a high kick. Mrs. Brown is the best. I mean, come on, who has ever seen a teacher do a full high kick? If she were chosen, she would surely do a high kick for everyone in the crowd.

Today, Mrs. Brown still shines like a lightbulb and is an everlasting source of hope as I make my way down my sometimes ominous corridor of life.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

AWARDS |Continued from page 1 Since 1996, the Great Rewards for Great Ideas Grant Program has funded 728 grants, returning $795,468.74 to LISD’s classrooms and enabling innovative teachers, counselors, librarians, and nurses to create new educational programs or to enhance existing ones so that they can provide the best instruction possible to all students. These grants have funded programs and projects for students of all ability levels in a variety of disciplines. In addition to strengthening academics, the grants have also funded projects in music, art, technology, character education, health and physical education, and guidance and counseling.

The Foundation has also funded forty-seven Campus Initiative Grants for a total of $138,872.58. The Foundation believes that this grant program, targeting overall campus improvement, complements the Foundation’s annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas Program. Since fall 2008, the Foundation has funded five John W. Harrison, Jr. Academic Field Trip Grants for fourth and fifth grade and middle school students for a total of $25,991.13. Through its three grant programs, the Longview ISD Foundation has returned a grand total of $960,332.45 to LISD classrooms and campuses in its twenty-six-year history, moving ever closer to the one-million-dollar mark.

With the Lamplighter Awards, the Longview ISD Foundation pays tribute to students and the educators who are special to them in their school lives and invites the community to celebrate those dedicated, nurturing educators. To celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Lamplighter Awards, the Foundation asked students to remember a special educator who holds a magical place in their hearts and minds because he or she exhibits one of the twenty characteristics past Lamplighter Award student honorees think educators should possess and write essays about those educators.

Those characteristics are: • Possessing knowl-

edge of the subject he or she teaches • Displaying kindness or compassion • Making learning interesting and fun • Accepting all students • Believing in students and wanting them to succeed • Creating a sense of family in the classroom • Encouraging students, especially when students struggle to learn • Inspiring students to learn • Having high expectations for students, demanding the best from students, pushing students to go beyond their comfort zones, or never giving up on students • Helping students when they experience problems at school or in their personal lives when appropriate • Spreading happiness to students and making students feel good about themselves and others • Going beyond the classroom to educate students, perhaps in UIL events or other school competitions • Displaying patience and giving one-on-one attention • Teaching students how to study or be organized • Treating students with respect • Being a good listener • Serving as a role model • Understanding when

students don’t understand and working to make the subject or skill understandable to all students • Helping students find their academic passions and encouraging them to pursue those passions • Expecting good behavior from all students, forgiving of students who have made bad choices, or refusing to accept a student’s bad behavior that in turn made the student become a better person.

Through the generosity of Lamplighter Award sponsors, the Longview ISD Foundation raises funds for the annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas, the Campus Initiative Grant Program, the John W. Harrison, Jr. Academic Field Trip Grant, and continuing education scholarships to LISD educators who are pursuing advanced training and/or certification to enhance their classroom teaching. Because of generous donations from Lobo alumni and friends of the Longview Independent School District to the Lobo Memorial Scholarship, the Foundation annually awards $1,000 scholarships to Longview High School seniors.

SPONSORS

The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. would like to thank the sponsors of the 2022 Lamplighter Awards.

Heart of the Community Sponsors — VeraBank, The Monsour Law Firm, The Linebarger Firm, Orr Cadillac-GMC, Drs. Stephanie and Greg Payne, Anonymous Donor Champion Sponsors —

AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company, Longview News-Journal, U. S. Title Company, Southside Bank, Johnson and Pace Incorporated, Eastman Chemical Company, Super 1 Foods, Pegues-Hurst Motor Company, Longview Regional Medical Center, Sloan Law Firm Sustainer Sponsors — Texas Bank and Trust, Kay and John Ray Advocate Sponsors — Forbes and Butler Visual Communication, Inc., Meredith Roel, Nikkie Briscoe, Sherman and Briscoe Orthodontics, East Texas Professional Credit Union, Hellas Construction, Inc., Leslie and Cameron Carlile, Texas Oncology-Longview Cancer Center, JBA Financial Services, Hudson PEP Elementary School PTO, Kona Ice, Rader Funeral Home, Brian Dolive, DDS, Austin Bank, Vector Fleet Management Benefactor Sponsors — Dr. Kelly Mack, Spring Hill State Bank, Casa Flora Floral Shop, Foster Middle School PTA Amy and Brian Williams, Mack and Hansen Orthodontics, Gans and Smith Insurance Agency, Inc., Dr. and Mrs. Martin Hilton, Bruster PLLC, Amy and John Hull, Rebecca Jenkins Melton Whitney and Troy Schaap, Carmen and Roger Hohlt, Judy Harper and Paula Poole Dee Anne and John Sloan, Lanie and Jack Lenhart, MALL Energy, Inc. Weber Landscapring and Maintenance, Erika and Preston Rader, Renese and David Henderson, Voyage Practice Management, W. R. Welborn and Son, Inc., LeBus International, Inc Diagnostic Clinic of Longview Friend Sponsors — Sally Gossett Barron, LPC-, Laura and Brett Miller, Dr. Ryan Pevey, Emily Erisman Myers Diamond H Services, Veena and Sanjay Reddy, Heidi and Kendall Archer, Wendi and Bryant Cavazos, Jaime and Mark Witt, BTH Bank, Guaranty Bank and Trust Lamplighter Awards donated by The Clowers Company Raffle Items donated by: Henry and Moore Jewelry, Longview restaurants, Longview ISD, Longview ISD Foundation members, BlackHawk Wood Designs, and Kay and John Ray Educator Prizes donated by the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. Student Prizes donated by the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

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LONGVIEW HIGH LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. McMullen’s approach to treating students like peers pays off

By Jessica Stowers Senior, Longview High

E

veryone who has gone through a school system has had a favorite teacher, whether it be someone a student can open up to, someone a student trusts, or someone who simply does not give students as much homework as other teachers give. While students may not realize they have a favorite teacher, one day they realize they always go to one teacher rather than to others. These teachers function as the students’ sanctuary for the most difficult, diverse, and burdening years of their young lives. My personal sanctuary came to Longview High School during my sophomore year and quickly became one of the most influential, supportive people to enter my life.

Melody McMullen, with a name perfectly suited for her profession, is the choir director of Longview High School as well as a well-known, respected voice in the world of performing arts. Mrs. McMullen’s unique personality is one of her most interesting characteristics and is one of the main reasons why her students adore her, no matter how many times they complain about the songs she chooses or how she makes her students work to the best of their ability every day. Mrs. McMullen knows that not every day will be a good one, and she does not expect pure perfection from every one of her students every day. She simply wants us to try our best in our given situation. For example, if someone has a sore throat, she suggests humming along rather than stressing the voice in order to sing with the class. If a choir member is struggling with a song, she takes the time to walk the student, one on one, through the part he or she does not know, so the student gets the individual help needed. The personal tutoring is an incredibly important quality in a teacher because students oftentimes feel crushed by the expectations of those who do not care enough about students to acknowledge their personal situations or the limitations they may face.

Along with providing empathy to her students when needed, Mrs. McMullen works tirelessly every day, even if she does not feel the best or is going through a rough time to make certain that all choir members learn their parts to each song.

The effort she gives shows every single day, especially when she can play a part on the piano better or when she can pronounce the words to a song more fluently than before. She is a role model as she shows that she is always learning, always practicing, and working after hours and in her spare time to provide her best knowledge and skill to the class. She provides helpful tips on how to create the sound that we need, the breath support methods that are ideal for each song, and the way that every note should feel within our bodies. The knowledge that Mrs. McMullen portrays through her lessons, tips, and tricks and her vast musical vocabulary constantly assures students that she is

not only deeply skilled in vocal performance but also incredibly educated in all areas of it. Understanding that the teacher knows everything she needs to know to teach students is important to students; students can tell if their teachers need to do more research on the subject that they are trying to teach.

Students in the choir program at Longview High School are moved by Melody McMullen’s honesty, faith, and trust toward the students she teaches.

She understands the need for a policy of openness and transparency toward her students. That trait is priceless in gaining the trust and respect of students who will try to control and manipulate the teachers they do not respect.

One of Mrs. McMullen’s most admired qualities is that she speaks to her students as people, as peers, as friends, and as family. Students often feel that teachers talk down to them or talk at them, which makes Mrs. McMullen’s love toward her profession and her classes even more inviting. Mrs. McMullen enjoys classes full of diversity as each unique student brings his or her own strengths and knowledge to the classroom. She never has any trouble making people of every gender, race, height, weight, or background feel loved, included, and accepted in her presence.

Mrs. McMullen also believes in rewarding efforts to encourage students to bring their best perspective and their best voices to class each day. Her positive reinforcement methods include taking a few minutes out of class to express her thankfulness for her students’ cooperation and willingness to learn. She has no issue saying when she is proud of us and how far we have come on each task, which inspires students to do their best work because she appreciates what we do. She encourages students to do their best and then go a little farther. The next day she wants us to go little farther. The next day she wants

us to go even farther. She wants her students to practice in front of others and encourages confidence to grow within her students. Mrs. McMullen never forgets to mention how beneficial our education is and tell us that our choir program is a gift, not a necessity; therefore, we should express our gratitude through the songs we learn and share with others.

The greatest, most appreciated trait is that she brings her full personality to class each day, resulting in not only a fun class but also a class where students feel personally connected to her and feel as if we are a part of her family because that is how she treats us. Her students know if she has had a good day, but she brings forth the best in her no matter how she feels. She is not afraid to laugh at a joke and does not discipline students for making a joke or a friendly comment during class because she wants everyone to feel as if they have a right to be themselves.

Sometimes being ourselves may mean singing loudly for everyone to hear, sometimes it may mean being distracted but trying to follow along, and sometimes it may mean trying to make as many people laugh as possible, but Mrs. McMullen accepts all of these. Having a uniform classroom is boring and distracting in itself as students can get lost in their thoughts if there is nothing to give them a reason to pay attention or participate.

Mrs. McMullen is the best person for her job and deserving of this year’s Lamplighter Award.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

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