Published: May 12, 2008 10:50 pm            

HISD honors Educators of the Year

Groups of teachers and staff members who have devoted years of their lives to the Huntsville Independent School District were recognized Monday at the 2008 HISD Employee Banquet Program.

Among those recognized, Huntsville Intermediate School science teacher Cathy Davis was named Elementary Educator of the Year, and Huntsville High School German teacher Scott Bumbaugh was recognized as Secondary Educator of the Year.

“We’re so glad you’re all here as friends and colleagues,” HISD superintendent Richard Montgomery said. “This year, we’re here to honor not only a group of honored retirees, but also those who are still involved in their careers. They’re not only giving their careers for our school, children and community — they’re giving their lives.”

Davis, the recipient of the Elementary Educator of the Year award, was praised for teaching students at the critical, middle school level of their educations.

“To be honest, I’m really shocked,” she said. “I really owe this to the team of teachers that I work with at my school, because they are just the best team to work for and work with. I’m very privileged to have them as co-workers and friends.

“I hope this brings a lot of attention to our campus, because we have some incredible teachers who do some incredible things on our campus.”

Looking back at her education, Davis said she remembered the contributions of her own teachers as part of who she became as a person.

“I think one of the things that really taught me was the fact that I had the greatest teachers,” she said. “They found and saw something in me that I didn’t really see myself, and I appreciate that.”

Bumbaugh, the head of the foreign language department at HHS, said he was very honored to receive the Secondary Educator of the Year award.

“I’m very grateful because the only reason I’m up here is because I’ve worked with people who have made me a better man,” he said. “I’ve had great people to work with, and this has truly been the best year I’ve had in HISD.

“Thank you for helping me to be here — I’m very touched.”

In addition to the Elementary and Secondary Educators of the Year, several additional groups of HISD employees and staff were recognized.

A group of 20 retirees were recognized, and HISD superintendent Richard Montgomery read short profiles about each of the retirees and also shared some of their retirement plans.

“I want you to know that these are things your friends and colleagues have had to say about you,” Montgomery said. “We have a quality staff all the way around, but particularly among those who are retiring this year, it will be our loss.

“We don’t know how to tell you what you’ve meant to us, our children and our community, and we’d love for you to come back and work with us again.”

The retirees recognized included Patricia Berry, Mona Bartoshek, Mary Beth Bridges, Ann Cason, Jeanine Dooley, Susan Eubanks, Linda Evans, Helen Farrar, Claudette Griffin and Sue Hall.

The group also included Annie Johnson, Brendon Kelly, Diana Kittrell, Susan Knuth, Melissa Pollis, Vicki Prentice, Susan Retzlaff, Pam White, Pamela Wilcox and Dorothy Willett.

“Every year when this event comes along, it really feels bittersweet,” Montgomery said. “People look back and see some of these teachers as the best they every had, and it really is tough to see so many years of knowledge, compassion and love for children leave the system.”

Employee service awards were also distributed to employees who have devoted as many as 35 years to HISD.

Among the employee service award recipients, Carolyn Houston was recognized for having spent 35 years in the district.

When Houston walked across the room to shake hands with HISD assistant superintendent John DeBrock and other board members, she received a standing ovation from the group of approximately 200.

The five district employees recognized for spending 30 years in HISD included Regina Ginsel, Hall, Tim Johnston, Paul Nash and Larry Thornton.

Sonia Becak, Patricia Bertling, Philip Kiser and Suzette Smith were recognized for spending 25 years in the district.

In addition, 14 employees were recognized for 20 years of service, 19 were recognized for 15 years of service, 34 were recognized for 10 years of service, and 20 were recognized for five years of service.

“You’re a special group of people,” said David Standlee, HISD board president. “Some of you have 30 or more years of experience, and what a job that is. Thanks to each of you for your service and being the outstanding educators that you are.”

        

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