Volume IX, Issue 5 (April 26)

THE ongview

SHINING A LIGHT

Teachers honored with Lamplighter Awards by students

The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. believes that the Longview Independent School District delivers excellence to its students, and excellence is achieved because of the dedicated, nurturing people who touch the lives of students every day. To honor the profession, the Longview ISD Foundation hosted the 2024 Lamplighter Awards, the twenty-fourth annual fundraising educator tribute dinner event, on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 6:30 PM at Pinecrest Country Club.

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BRAMLETTE LAMPLIGHTER

Mr. Williams cares, is encouraging with his students

By Ty’Enah Christian Fifth Grade, Bramlette

As a fifth grader at Bramlette STEAM Academy, I know that Mr. Williams is my lamplighter. He is funny, encouraging, hardworking, and caring.

When we returned from our Thanksgiving break, he knew that my grandfather had passed away from cancer. Mr. Williams said, “If you need to step outside or talk to me, you can because my grandfather passed away three years ago, so I can relate.” He also showed me how much he cares when he reminded me to be extra careful when playing outside so I did not fall or hit my braces on anything. He remembered when he had braces when he was younger.

Mr. Williams is encouraging. He helped me with math and did not give up on me even when I thought math was hard. I could not figure out how to use the order of operations, but he encouraged me when I wanted to give up. I was also concerned about speaking about Hispanic heritage during the daily announcements because I could not pronounce a word. I was worried I would really mess up,

came on. He started singing it in a funny way, making us all laugh. Once when he was teaching, a student began shaking his hair. Mr. Williams said, “Stop, stop, calm, calm down!” We laughed so hard. He often cracks

sat by me and explained it step by step until I understood.

I chose Mr. Williams as my lamplighter because he encourages us to keep going even when we want to give up. He cares for us

ETMPA LAMPLIGHTER

Mrs. De La Vera teaches with creativity

By Juana Hernandez Tovar Kindergartener, ETMPA

Ilove Mrs. De La Vera. I like the work that she teaches me. I also like that she teaches me addition. I love Mrs. De La Vera because she teaches me new activities.

She is pretty, and she wears long earrings. She also wears glasses so she can see better. Mrs. De La Vera liked the gift I gave her for Christmas. I like to go to her desk because we play frequency words bingo. My favorite work is when I must choose the correct word. I like putting the letters of the alphabet in order. I reached the goal of reading four hundred books because I read every day.

Mrs. De La Vera is creative. For Christmas, we made snow with shampoo and baking soda. I will miss Mrs. De La Vera when I go to first grade.

JL EVERHART LAMPLIGHTER Ms. Megan shines a light on uniqueness

By Alayiah Reeves Fifth Grade, JL Everhart

“Do not let people get in your head. Alayiah, you have your own uniqueness and worth. Hold your head up.”

I hear these words daily as I start my day at J. L. Everhart Elementary School. Ms. Megan tells me this every day she sees me and reminds me daily to keep my head up.

Mrs. Deal is very nice to me and always works with me when I am confused about my work. She always comforts me when I am down and sad. She tells me to make the right decisions. On the first day I met her, she was so nice to me. When she said hello, I got the feeling that she would be someone who would be there for me at all times. I remember one day when I was coming from another class, and I was crying. She told me that there are things in our lives that happen sometimes that are out of our control, so we have to focus on the things we can control. She took me back to class where I stopped crying because I felt good inside--so good, in fact, that I became friends with Mrs. Deal. We had a bond. I hugged her every day! I believe she will always stick beside me, and she will always have a smile on her face.

This year I have learned that I have my own talents and uniqueness that others cannot take from me. Mrs. Deal has taught me that even on days when I am sad, I can find things to smile about from something as simple as a smile to a hug. She has been there for me ever since I met her, and I am

glad she is still here with us and still working hard every day.

I will put Mrs. Deal in my prayers, and she will always be in my memory every single day, even when I go to college. I will one day visit the school when I can, and we will still have the bond we have today.

I love that Mrs. Deal likes to help people and help them have a good day and put a smile on their faces. She helps people, and that makes her smile. She is always happy.

I really like her because I have been bullied and talked about in a bad way at times, and it really hit my heart. Mrs. Deal comforts me, and now I pick up my head and do not let those people get in my head,. Because I have talents and uniqueness, I do not have to worry about what others say. I am special. I am God’s child. She has taught me that.

I do not know what I will do next year without Mrs. Deal. However, I think I will do well, and I owe that to Mrs. Deal.

BAILEY LAMPLIGHTER

Mr. Gutierrez goes above, beyond to motivate

By Melanie Padron Fifth Grade, Bailey

Have you ever had a favorite teacher? Mine is Mr. Gutierrez. He teaches fifth grade math at the C. W. Bailey Elementary School. He is an awesome, humorous, delightful teacher because he makes jokes in class to make us laugh and learn at the same time.

He is also wise since he knows how to teach math in more than one grade level. Last year he taught me math in fourth grade, and his class was a piece of cake. This year, I am so lucky to have him again that I feel like a dog with two tails. I have learned from his teaching this year since he teaches in a way I understand. I am sure I will pass the STAAR test again this year because he has his unique way of teaching his students. If he did not teach at my school, I would not be at this stage right now.

I am forever grateful when he helps me when I have trouble with my work. I am sure that what he has taught me about math will help me in my future.

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FOREST PARK LAMPLIGHTER

Mr. Halton inspires his room full of students

By Jacquelynn Estrada Eighth Grade, Forest Park

As an eighth grader at Forest Park Middle School, I chose Mr. Halton as my lamplighter. Not only is Mr. Halton a teacher, but he is also a band director. He has inspired many students, and I am merely one of them

Mr. Halton has been my band director for three years. During these three years, I have been able to see the type of person he is, and now I know that he is a great one. Mr. Halton is a great band director and teacher. I have noticed that he wants the best for his students and is always pushing them to do better. He always believes that if we set our minds to a goal, we will thrive. I have learned so much from him. I would not be a good flute player without him encouraging me to practice.

I have also noticed that Mr. Halton has lots of patience. Teaching about forty students in one classroom is not easy, but Mr. Halton usually does not snap at us. Yes, teachers get frustrated, but Mr. Halton has so much patience. I do not know how he does it. He is also very generous. Once the band did not raise enough money to buy pizza, so Mr. Halton bought the pizza with his own money. He buys instruments for the band with his own money as well.

Mr. Halton is a great person who is my lamplighter. He is someone I admire, and I have really enjoyed Mr. Halton as my band director during my years at Forest Park. I will be sad when I have to leave the school this year, but I will always remember Mr. Halton.

HUDSON PEP LAMPLIGHTER

Mrs. Ward helps her students pass their expectations

By Aiden Moussa Fifth Grade, Hudson PEP

Awise philosopher once said, “Good teachers are those who show you where to look but not tell you how to see.”

This quote describes Mrs. Ward perfectly because she never told us what the correct answer was, only how to find it. Mrs. Ward has helped me surpass any expectations I had for myself. She has made many positive impacts on my life with her determined soul, her caring heart, and the confidence she has every day when she walks in the room.

From the minute I went into Mrs. Ward’s classroom to the end, I knew I was not going to regret a single moment of being there. I remember walking into her room and seeing a wall of Funko Pops. I knew I was in for a treat for the rest of the year. The funniest part was when she said she was determined to find every Funko Pop. Another time she showed her true determination when she challenged random students to try and beat her in math facts. Mrs. Ward sat next to them and practiced the multiples of seven with them. It encouraged me to help others too. Her encouragement was important not only to me but also to everyone because it helped everyone to have another helping

hand around the school.

One time Mrs. Ward was late. I feared she had left us for good. Five minutes later she walked into our classroom, so confidently that I thought I was early. I remember Mrs. Ward helped many students; her confidence made the students sure they were going to ace their tests. That made an impact on my life because it helped me become a better person. Just like Mrs. Ward, I helped

others with anything from math problems to personal problems.

Mrs. Ward helped me surpass any expectations of myself in not only math but also in science and reading too. Because of her determined soul and care for her students, Mrs. Ward has instilled the same qualities in me.

For all she has done for me, Mrs. Ward is my lamplighter.

JUDSON LAMPLIGHTER

Ms. Grant teaches her students that anything is possible when they believe

By Isabella Wenmohs Eighth Grade, Judson

Have you ever met a teacher who cares about her students more than she cares about herself sometimes? Ms. Grant is that teacher. I have known Ms. Grant for three years, and in those three years, she has taught me so much. I have learned to have faith in myself and never give up. I have learned that I will always be able to meet my goal if I put my mind to it. Moreover, I have learned that if I push myself through obstacles, anything is possible. While some people only know her as a teacher, I know her as a role model who does not give up on her students and believes in them.

When Ms. Grant sees potential in students, she will not give up trying to make them the best version of themselves they can be no matter how much of her day it requires. She will push students until they reach their full potential and will not give up regardless of how hard it may be. Without fail, she makes sure that her students achieve their full potential and goals.

Ms. Grant takes time out of her day and is there before and after school just to help us get better at our music so that we can reach our goals. Ms. Grant has brought out the best in me, and she has

proven to me that I can achieve. She makes sure that we have all the papers we need for the day and for any events for after school.

Ms. Grant is an amazing person, an amazing teacher, and a good role model. I used to not care about band, but over the

years, Ms. Grant has shown me that band can be fun.

After a football game, Ms. Grant will take at least ten minutes to congratulate us on how well we performed and how

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JOHNSTON MCQUEEN LAMPLIGHTER

Mrs. Thompson has made an impact on Zavier Johnson’s life

By Zavier Johnson

Fifth Grade, JMQ

The teacher who has helped me the most is Mrs. Thompson. She has shown many of the characteristics of a great teacher, but two that really stand out to me are that she picks me up when I am down and helps me when I am confused.

I know what everyone is thinking: it is her job. Yes, it is her job, but Mrs. Thompson does it differently. She has made such a difference in my life because I have divorced parents. When I needed a friend, she took me to another room and gave me a pep talk to get me through the day. She gave me her wonderful, amazing hugs and continues to make an impact on my life.

I have respect for Mrs. Thompson because she is so good at her job. She has taught me and continues to teach me many different things. She has taught me to multiply the right way so that I get the correct answers. She has also taught me some good life lessons. I have learned from her that people can only bother me if I let them. She has also taught me to be courte-

ous and say “Yes, ma’am.” I will take these lessons with me throughout my life.

Mrs. Thompson should definitely receive the Lamplighter Award this year because she has not only been a great influence in my life, but other students have also said that they like her. She has helped them

with school and other parts of their lives. Since she has helped me and so many other students at our school, it would be amazing if this amazing teacher could be honored with the Lamplighter Award.

WARE LAMPLIGHTER

Mrs. Terry makes learning fun for her students

By Taylor Williams

Fifth Grade, Ware

Ihave known Mrs. Terry since I was in first grade. She was my physical education teacher. She also taught my brother in fifth grade a few years ago. She is fun, nice, and caring. I love Mrs. Terry because she helps us learn when we want to give up. I love it when Mrs. Terry makes chants to make learning fun. She also buys gifts for the class.

I love Mrs. Terry for what she does for the students who go to Ware. Ware is full of amazing teachers and students, but Mrs. Terry is my favorite. She always has fun ideas to make her class interesting.

She is the best math teacher because of her personality. A great leader herself, she has helped students build their education and leadership skills. She believes students should be successful in life. To promote that success, she has high expectations for her students and demands that they keep pushing themselves.

Mrs. Terry adapts well to certain situations with all students. She helps students find their academic passions and encourages them to pursue those passions. She creates a sense of family in the classroom. She has a special place in the bottom of my heart. She displays the kindness, compassion, and dignity of our true teacher.

Mrs. Terry is the best teacher in the world. I have never met a teacher like her. She always displays patience and gives

one on one attention to her students. She inspires them to learn. If she were not at Ware, my world would be shattered.

As Mrs. Terry says, “Stop! Drop! We are going to the top. That’s how Ware Wildcats roll!”

FOSTER LAMPLIGHTER

Mr. Williams is a source of motivation

By Lilah Haas Eighth Grade, Foster

Imagine navigating through a pitchblack room guided purely by a distant gleaming light that signifies success. To me, my teacher Mr. Williamson represents that light—a source of motivation and insight, illuminating the path for all of his students. He always guides me in the right direction and never shows that he is tired or that I have agitated him.

Mr. Williamson always pushes me to do my best, never letting me settle for “Is this good enough?” In FFA, he believed in me and assured me that I could do great things if I put my mind to it. His words of encouragement were the reason that our team was so successful. Mr. Williamson is an extraordinary teacher because he has shown me how to be more confident, he has a fun attitude and welcoming nature, and he has taught me that success does not always come easily.

Mr. Williamson stands as a stellar role model when conveying the principles of confidence. He always stands with his head held high with a bright smile on his face. While in the FFA meeting room, we must speak clearly and confidently in order to earn a high ranking. I struggled with this concept at the beginning of the year, but Mr. Williamson pushed me out of my shell. One day during practice, I was not speaking as loudly as I could. Mr. Williams gave me a specific look; I knew exactly what he meant. During practice he shouts, “More energy!” or “You need to sound more sarcastic!” His words really stood out to me because I could hear his voice in my head every single time we competed. I cannot thank Mr. Williamson enough for teaching me how to be more confident because that confidence has already impacted my life in so many ways.

An energetic “Good morning” is the first thing I hear every time I enter Mr. Williamson’s classroom. He always greets us at the door with a bubbly attitude and a warm smile. His positive mindset always gives us the determination to work hard every day. Although Mr. Williams is welcoming and bright, he can also be stern when needed. Sternness is crucial when coaching or conducting our group because sometimes we are a little bit crazy. However, we have only seen his serious side when he had to tell us to settle down after a competition. Thank you, Mr. Williamson, for always shining a bright and positive light on everyone.

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well we played. She tells us how far we have progressed in this school year, even if it is practicing in class, marching on the field, or learning a new song. She will still be proud of us no matter how big or small the accomplishment is, and she makes sure she shows it.

Ms. Grant also takes the time to get to know us outside of the band. She

Mr. Williams has made a big impact on my life when it comes to study habits. I was the kind of person who did not know how to study properly to earn the grade I wanted. My lack of study skills was not very helpful for me since I had to memorize the answers to one hundred four questions for FFA. It is crucial that FFA students know their answers because the correct answers can really increase scores during competitions, and they can also decide the difference between first and second place. To prepare, Mr. Williamson gave us question tests to ensure that we knew our questions and answers. These tests began with twenty-five questions but increased to fifty, seventy-five, and finally one hundred questions per test. These tests helped motivate me to study hard because if I did not score the right number of points, I would be kicked off the com-

knows what we like to do when we are in and out of school and what we like to do for fun. She considers us to be a family, and if we work together, everyone as a whole will be able to reach our goal.

I am extremely grateful that I have a teacher like Ms. Grant, and at this point, no other teacher can really compare to her. I do not really know if I would be-

petition team. This experience relates to Mr. Williamson teaching his students that success takes work and effort to achieve anything. We had worked so hard over the course of the semester, and that work paid off when we heard “First place, Longview!” at almost every competition we entered.

Mr. Williamson has made a profound mark on my life and the lives of many others. I cannot thank him enough for all the encouragement and knowledge he has poured into me this past year. I never thought I would be a member of an FRFA Chapter Conducting Team, but here I am. I have enjoyed every minute of it and cannot wait to do it all over again next year in high school.

On behalf of me and the whole Greenhand Chapter Conducting crew, we are grateful for you, Mr. Willy!

lieve in myself as I do today if it were not for her. I have confidence in myself now because of Ms. Grant. She has taught me so much in the past three years, and I am forever thankful for her. Ms. Grant is by far one of the best teachers whom I have had, and I am blessed to have had her as my teacher. I am thankful that I met Ms. Grant!

NED E. WILLIAMS LAMPLIGHTER

Mrs. Timberlake is creative, passionate with teaching

By Naomi Reese Fifth Grade, Ned E. Williams

“Agood education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything!”

Mrs. Timberlake has inspired me so much these past few years to be the best student I can be. Let me tell you a little about how she has inspired me.

Mrs. Timberlake has supported me since day one. I remember when I told her what I wanted to be when I grew up. That day she helped me practice for my dream. I told her I wanted to be a real estate agent, and she immediately went into real estate customer mode. She asked me questions on the spot as if I were her real-life real estate agent. She is so creative and passionate. Whenever we practice oral reading for UIL competition, she always gives me a standing ovation. She makes sure I know I did a good job but tells me also how I can improve.

She loves acting out characters when we read together. She loves to play different characters and get into the story she is reading. One time during oral practice, I read, but then she stopped me and showed me how to get in character to read the part. That really inspired me.

She is a great person inside and out. She is committed, warm, caring, and focused on her students. She is all about children and helping them to be better.

Mrs. Timberlake is patient with me, and she has been an incredible mentor

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EARLY GRADUATION LAMPLIGHTER

Mr. Mims keeps his students engaged in their studies

By Catherine Tiller Senior, Early Graduation

Iwant to recognize Mr. Mims, my biology teacher. He is truly an extraordinary teacher who exceeds his standard duties given to him as a teacher. He goes above and beyond with his students, keeping them engaged and excited about not only the subject of biology but also about what lies ahead in life once they leave high school to pursue their future. He teaches life skills for us to take with us into the world. Later this year he plans to teach his students how to change a flat tire. That life skill will be extremely helpful, and he is kind to show us a skill we could one day use.

Mr. Mims has such a passion for working with us on a daily basis. His passion shows on his face every time we walk into his classroom. He always has a warm and welcoming smile. He truly takes his time to help students one on one when we are not grasping the lesson. Mr. Mims is a good teacher in my eyes because he genuinely believed in me and wanted me to succeed. He wanted success for every one of his students. He never made us feel like just another student lost in the masses while only a few have a spotlight shining on them. I have never had a teacher more ecstatic about discussing the class’s future

plans than Mr. Mims. His plans for us motivate us to make him proud. The amount of confidence he instills in his students is incredible.

Mr. Mims has always held me to higher expectations because he knew I could succeed in his class. I did not understand his

belief in me, but now I can only thank him. At the beginning of the year, I found school to be overwhelming because I believed my good grades and test scores were pure luck, but soon I realized that my success was be-

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LONGVIEW HIGH LAMPLIGHTER

Mrs. Guidry is a beacon of guidance, inspiration

By Jada Owens Senior, LHS

In the bustling halls of Longview High School, one person stands out as a beacon of guidance and inspiration: Mrs. Guidry. Her journey from teaching various subjects to becoming a counselor has woven a unique tapestry of experiences that has profoundly impacted my school life. Mrs. Guidry’s exceptional qualities are vividly displayed in her unwavering commitment to students, creating an environment that transcends the ordinary and shapes the very essence of our educational journey.

Mrs. Guidry’s story unfolds not only just in the classroom but also in the hearts of students who have had the privilege of crossing paths with her. Her subject expertise extends far beyond textbooks. The passion she exudes for her work goes beyond the call of duty. It is this passion that has enriched my understanding of academic subjects and ignited a flame of curiosity within me, transforming mundane lessons into captivating journeys of discovery.

However, it is Mrs. Guidry’s kindness and compassion that have truly left an indelible mark on my school life. Her journey from teaching to counseling brought

with it a deep understanding of the intricacies of both roles. In the hallways, her genuine concern for our well-being is not a mere professional duty but a heartfelt commitment. During challenging times, Mrs. Guidry’s office becomes a sanctuary where her comforting presence and empathetic guidance provide solace and encouragement.

In her role as a counselor, Mrs. Guidry’s story extends beyond academics to the heart of inclusivity. Her unwavering acceptance of all students celebrates diversity. Mrs. Guidry fosters an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected. Her office, though small, becomes a family room where smiles

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LONGVIEW HIGH LAMPLIGHTER

Mrs. Wheeler teaches history ‘like it is a story’

By Joseph Hough Senior, Longview High

Having reached the last semester of my senior year, I begin to reflect upon the education I have received from Longview High School and the teachers who have inspired me along the way. When I think of teachers who have the characteristics of good teachers— knowledge, compassion, acceptance, and encouragement—one teacher comes to my mind, a teacher who has allowed me to grow and learn more than I ever expected: Mrs. Wheeler.

Because I am someone who is inclined toward the study of mathematics, I viewed history as a vast ocean full of facts for students to memorize for future use on multiple choice questions. Mrs. Wheeler, however, does not teach history that way. As my sister, who previously had Mrs. Wheeler as her teacher, said, “Mrs. Wheeler teaches history like it is a story,” Yes, history will always be full of facts, but in Mrs. Wheeler’s class, all of those facts string together to create a brilliant narrative.

In addition to her interesting teaching style, Mrs. Wheeler’s knowledge of history is scary. Within the six years that a child in my family has had Mrs. Wheeler as a teacher, each one has observed that there has not been a single time when she did not know something or could not answer a question that a student asked. I even remember

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and role model. She always takes time to show me how to be better, but she always says it in a nice way. She makes me feel comfortable enough to change. Never once has Mrs. Timberlake doubted me.

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abound, creating a sense of belonging in students. The counseling office under Mrs. Guidry’s guidance becomes a home away from home with a familial atmosphere where everyone feels heard and understood.

In moments of struggle, Mrs. Guidry becomes a beacon of hope for students facing challenges. She offers unwavering support; she offers assistance accompanied by words of encouragement that resonate deeply. Her empathetic approach creates an environment where students feel safe navigating difficulties, knowing they have a mentor who believes in their ability to overcome obstacles.

Mrs. Guidry’s story is not just a tale of a counselor; it is a narrative of compassion, inspiration, and unwavering support

reading the history textbook after learning about a period of history in her class. I discovered that even the textbook missed teaching information that Mrs. Wheeler did not.

Mrs. Wheeler is always happy to help students if they fall behind. She always says, “I want you to run toward me, not away from me.” She genuinely wants to help students even if their work is late or poor quality. Because I play tennis and must miss class in the fall and spring, I am no stranger to occasionally falling behind.

She is the most influential person I know. I thank Mrs. Timberlake for all the wonderful things she has done for me. I hope when I become a major real estate agent that she will buy a house from me.

that has shaped the very fabric of my school life. Mrs. Guidry’s impact goes beyond the academic realms, leaving an enduring legacy in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have her guidance. Through her story, she has become an integral part of our educational journey, providing encouragement, acceptance, and inspiration that will resonate for a lifetime.

I remember in the spring of 2023 that my tennis schedule caused me to fall quite behind. I went to her classroom for many tutorial periods; she was always willing to help me understand the content.

Mrs. Wheeler would be the perfect candidate for this year’s Lamplighter Awards because of her compassion, her knowledge, and her teaching style that engages students in what they are learning.

She has left a lasting impression on me, and I am certain that many other students feel the same way.

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cause of him holding me to a high standard that motivated me. Because of his expectations, I now understand my past does not have to define the kind of student I am today. Before starting at Longview Early Graduation High School, I had all failing grades in my freshman year because of the stress of school combined with problems at home. I had a reputation of failure following me that I felt I could not change. Mr. Mims taught me that I had the ability to change, a lesson that I will truly carry with me throughout my life. He has inspired me to pursue a medical career, a dream that was for me just that—a dream—but that was before Mr. Mims taught me that no matter what the past may be, I can never let my past stop me from reaching my full potential in life.

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To celebrate the twenty-fourth anniversary of this event, the Foundation asked students in kindergarten, fifth, eighth, and twelfth grades 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 former student Lamplighter honorees said educators should possess. Students then wrote essays about their special educators.

At the banquet, Amy Hull and Leah Hickman, Foundation board members, read portions of the students’ essays about the honorees while Greg Jeffery, Foundation board member, presented students and educators with awards. The Foundation’s Lamplighter Award essay committee chose four students’ essays, those that best described the traits students think great educators should possess, and asked those students to close the evening by reading their essays. They are Alayiah Reeves, fifth grader, J. L. Everhart Elementary School; Lilah Haas, eighth grader, Foster Middle School; Isabella Wennmohs, eighth grader, Judson STEAM Academy; and Shreemayi Undavalli, senior, Longview High School.

The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. also honored Mike Gipson, Longview ISD maintenance supervisor, with its annual Cornerstone Award. Along with his team, Mr. Gipson is always available to help the Foundation with its events. He is the behind-the-scenes person who makes an event possible. An advocate for the Foundation, Mr. Gipson knows that helping the Foundation directly benefits students, and he has a heart for all students. For his support of the Longview ISD Foundation’s mission and Longview ISD educators and students, the Foundation proudly honored him.

With the Lamplighter Awards, the Longview ISD Foundation pays tribute to students and those who are special to them in their school lives and invites the community to celebrate Longview ISD and the people who make it a success. Through this event, the Longview ISD Foundation also raises funds for the annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas Grant Program, the Campus Initiative Grant, and the John W. Harrison, Jr. Academic Field Trip Grant through the generosity of Heart of the Community, Champion, Sustainer, Advocate, Benefactor and Friend sponsors.

Since May 1996, the Foundation has funded 782 grants through the Great Rewards for Great Ideas Program, returning $848,170.10 to Longview ISD classrooms, 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 and 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, guidance and counseling, and STEAM education. The Longview ISD

Foundation has also funded 52 Campus Initiative Grants for a total of $158,430.72. The Foundation believes that this grant program, targeting overall campus improvement, complements the Foundation’s annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas Program.

In 2019, the Foundation began the John W. Harrison, Jr. Academic Field Trip Grant with funding for $7,000 to provide field trips that extend classroom learning for fourth or fifth grade students and middle school students. The Foundation has now funded nineteen academic field trip grants for fourth and fifth grade students and middle school students for a total of $79,480.80.

The Foundation also awards $1,000 scholarships to Longview High School seniors through its Lobo Memorial Scholarship Fund. In May 2024, the Foundation will award $1,000 scholarships to nine members of the Longview High School Class of 2024.

Through the loyal support of Heart of the Community, Champion, Sustainer, Advocate, Benefactor, and Friend sponsors of the Lamplighter Awards, the Foundation not only hosts the event, allowing students to publicly honor their special educators, but also raises funds for its grant programs. The Longview ISD Foundation appreciates its sponsors and their commitment to the Foundation.

LONGVIEW HIGH LAMPLIGHTER

Mrs. Childers is an inspirational mentor to students

By Shreemayi Undavalli Senior, Longview High

Fifteen cream-colored seats arranged neatly in a circle amidst a sea of teal-colored flooring tiles. Walls camouflaged in multi-colored posters and student-created artwork about literary themes , authors, and poets. In the background, the soothing noise of violins, and is that a piano?

The first time I walked into Mrs. Childers’ classroom as a nervous eleventh grader, I was pleasantly surprised by the unorthodox seating arrangement, illustration filled walls, and the hum of Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Even more so, the moment I saw the cheery face of Mrs. Childers greeting us juniors as we walked into her classroom for the first time, I knew that I would enjoy the welcoming environment of IB English, and my assumptions have been correct. In the past two years, Mrs. Childers has not only been my dedicated English teacher but also an inspirational mentor who wants the best for each one of her students within her high school classroom.

On the days I have English class, I early await the moment I get to say “Hi” to Mrs. Childers. Her commitment to spreading positivity and making her classroom a welcoming place is evident in her daily ritual of standing outside her classroom door and smiling at all students passing through the hallways. Her face lights up even more when she recognizes her own students, and her beaming smile is the ray of sunshine I need on otherwise hectic days. During instruction, her enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge of English by encouraging questions and discussion inspires me to likewise learn enthusiastically.

Mrs. Childers extends her passion for English beyond what she teaches. She commits herself to making higher level English learning an accessible, interesting experi-

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Mr. Gutierrez also cares about his students because he goes above and beyond to motivate us to make good grades in class and on our tests too. He likes rewarding us. If we do good work, he gives us a prize. He rewarded us for doing well on our common assessments by inviting us to different places to have fun. I remember my friends and I jumped as high as the sky, full of happiness, when we found out we passed. All six or seven of us went to the movies that day. Another time, he took twelve students to a trampoline park. That day was awesome because I had fun with my friends on a weekend away from school. Now that we are in fifth grade,

ence for her students. Some of my favorite memories in high school stem from my time in her class. From celebrating Punctuation Day by dressing up as our favorite punctuation mark to leading a funeral commemorating the end of the Nathaniel Hawthorne until after weeks of studying his literature, Mrs. Childers recognizes the importance of having fun, applying our knowledge, and giving our best effort to each task. I am grateful that she takes the time to organize these creative activities because she has exemplified that the best learning originates from sharing knowledge through practical experiences.

Apart from revealing the applicability of mastering English through memorable activities, Mrs. Childers encourages diverse learning approaches in every class period, piquing my curiosity. Through speaking in open-ended class discussions in Socra-

he has taken us to McDonald’s. We had the time of our lives having fun and sharing a great time together. It amazes me that Mr. Gutierrez did not care how much money he spent. All he cared about was keeping his promise to us and honoring the hard work and effort we put into learning.

I am so thankful for Mr. Gutierrez because going to those places to have fun was the first time I had ever been there, but although I had fun there, I feel that believing in me is the biggest gift he has given me.

Mr. Gutierrez is my favorite math teacher, the teacher I will never forget because he is motivated, respectful, and intelligent.

tic Circles, leading and listening to daily poetry explications that showed me how literature can be a tool for processing complex emotions, and regularly presenting my thoughts in written and spoken form, my English skills have improved dramatically, particularly propelling my confidence to speak publicly. At last year’s National Conference of the Technology Student Association, I felt an increased sense of poise and composure as I addressed thousands of people in the audience.

Because of her dedication to creating a fun, positive learning environment that simultaneously challenges her students to apply their English skills to the contemporary world as mature global citizens, Mrs. Childers deserves to be honored by the Lamplighter Award. I am incredibly grateful to have a teacher like Mrs. Childers who inspires me to excel in all that I do.