Eleven honorees of distinction were recognized October 29 and inducted into the 2001 Wall of Fame for their commitment and contributions to the educational excellence in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District.
Ten outstanding CFISD employees were honored for their professional achievements at the state and national level, along with the winner of the "Friend of Education" award, which is presented to a community member who has made major contributions to enhance the educational experiences of CFISD students.
This year’s "Friend of Education" award was presented to Kim Watson, who has been an active volunteer in the Cypress-Fairbanks school district for more than 16 years. Watson has worked directly with the students and staff at Moore Elementary, Bleyl and Hamilton middle schools, and Cypress Creek High School, and has also served on various district-wide committees, including the recent bond referendum study.
As a member of the Cypress-Fairbanks Educational Foundation’s (CFEF) Board of Directors, Watson served as co-chair for the first "Salute to the Stars" gala, which was so successful that it has become one of the district’s most popular annual events. The gala honors the district’s Spotlight Teachers while serving as a fund-raiser for the Foundation’s teaching grants.
"Teachers are truly the unsung heroes," said Watson, who was once an elementary teacher herself. "I enjoy helping and encouraging those teachers who touch the lives of our children." While her commitment and interest in education continues to provide countless benefits for both teachers and students, she also gives generously of herself through her work as director of both women’s and children’s ministries at Windwood Presbyterian Church.
"Someone once said that you can’t give a hug without receiving a hug, and that’s what I find most rewarding about volunteering," she said. "When you give of yourself, you really get so much more in return. I love children and have a great appreciation for teachers."
Watson and her husband, Chuck, have two children attending Oklahoma State University who graduated from CFISD and one daughter currently enrolled in a district high school.
Rick Berry, CFISD superintendent of schools, was honored for his service as president of the Texas School Alliance for the 2000-01 school year. His work with the Alliance brought about enhancements to public education in Texas through advocacy efforts during the 77th Legislature.
Jersey Village High School science teacher Robert Dennison received the Siemans Award for Advance Placement for his work in math and science. This year marks the third time Dennison has been honored through the Wall of Fame program.
Named the Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Texas Council for Social Studies, June Jaronitzky of Watkins Middle School was honored for her dedication to teaching students.
Dena Johnson, a computer science teacher at Cypress Falls High School, received the Texas Excellence Award for high school teachers from the University of Texas Ex-Students Association for her ability to inspire students.
As president of the National Association of School Psychologists for the 2000-01 school year, Dr. Scott Poland earned his second Wall of Fame recognition. He was previously honored for his work in 1998.
Dr. Cheryl Salyards, assistant superintendent for educational support services, was selected Director of the Year by the Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education. She was honored for her leadership in providing services for students with disabilities.
For her contributions to the state art association and to art education at the local and national levels, the Texas Art Education Association named Secondary School Art Coordinator Sarah Sanders as the 2001 Outstanding Art Educator Supervisor of the Year.
Nancy Williams of Jersey Village High School was recognized for being named Outstanding High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year by the Texas Council for Social Studies. She was honored for her service to students, the profession and her dedication to improving social studies education.
Making her second appearance on the Wall of Fame, Sadie Woodard, CFISD director of guidance and counseling, was recognized for her service as president of the Texas Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, a branch of the Texas Counseling Association. Woodard was first inducted into the Wall of Fame in 1995.
Tom Woods of Langham Creek High School was honored as the recipient of the National Athletic Trainers Association’s highest award, "Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer." Woods is also a returning Wall of Famer after being recognized in 1996 as a state athletic trainer award winner.
Now in its seventh year, the CFISD Wall of Fame program celebrates the accomplishments and successes of a handful of the district’s best. In recognition of their achievements, portraits of the inductees are displayed in the foyer of the Instructional Support Center for one year, and then are moved to the "Hall of Fame" where their images join a growing list of outstanding educators that were honored in previous years.
As this year’s "Friend of Education" award winner, a portrait of Kim Watson will also be displayed in the ISC foyer among the portraits of the 10 "Wall of Fame" honorees.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Sadie Woodard, Sarah Sanders, Dena Johnson, Nancy Williams, Robert Dennison, Dr. Cheryl Salyards, Dr. Scott Poland, June Jaronitzky, Rick Berry, Kim Watson and Tom Woods.
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