Volume VI, Issue 16 (May 30, 2021) by The Longview Voice

“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life.” ― Roy T. Bennett

Vol. V May 30, 2021

Sharing the good news about Longview Independent School District

SHINING A

LIGHT

Teachers honored with Lamplighter Awards by students

he 2021 Lamplighter Awards have been presented to their recipients! Congratulations to every teacher who has been chosen by their grateful students. Awards|Continued to page 12

Be sure to check out the essays written by the students throughout this issue!

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

BRAMLETTE LAMPLIGHTER Allison Nino was inspired to learn by Mrs. Juarez By Allison Nino Fifth Grade, Bramlette

want to tell everyone about Mrs. Juarez, my favorite teacher whom I had in third grade. Mrs. Juarez always made learning fun. When we learned something new, she would always make it look easy by teaching us a song or making learning into a game. She also gave us free time to work on something we were interested in when we did something good. I liked when we had free time because it showed that Mrs. Juarez was genuinely happy when we earned good grades and behaved well. Mrs. Juarez was not like a normal teacher who just wanted us to get good grades. She wanted us to really learn. She never had a problem when someone did not understand and needed help. She was always happy to help and encouraged us to ask questions. She never made us feel ashamed or embarrassed if we did not understand something. Best of all, Mrs. Juarez always forgave us if we got in trouble. One day the

entire class was loud and did not want to listen. Mrs. Juarez was really mad, but she forgave us; however, she wanted us to learn a lesson about good and bad be-

havior. She always made sure we learned from our mistakes. Now everyone knows why Mrs. Juarez is my favorite teacher.

NED E. WILLIAMS LAMPLIGHTER Kindness, compassion inspired Miguel Zuniga By Miguel Zuniga Fifth Grade, Ned E. Williams

f I came up to you and asked you what teacher inspired you the most, what would you say? If I were in your position, I would say that a teacher named Ms. Long inspired me the most because of her kindness and her compassion. I remember in third grade I accidentally hit someone with a pencil. When I told Ms. Long what happened, she was not angry. Instead, she had a smile on her face and said, “Everyone makes mistakes.” Another time a girl and I were racing to see who could get the last chair in the room when the girl fell. Ms. Long scolded me, saying that I should have been a gentleman and given the girl the chair. After about twenty minutes, Ms. Long came to me and reminded me to never act like that again. I knew she forgave me. She made my heart feel warm, and I learned my lesson about being a gentleman. Ms. Long also inspires me because she spreads happiness to others. When I was in third grade, Ms. Long held a raffle. To enter, students had to earn tickets by showing good behavior. Every Friday, she put the tickets in a cup, shook it really well, and pulled out one ticket. She then called out the name on the winning

ticket, and that student received a prize. The raffle actually encouraged good behavior and allowed students to have fun at the same time. Ms. Long is really good at helping students when they do not understand what we are learning. When I was hav-

ing trouble understanding how to read English, she helped me by explaining what words meant. I believe I am a strong reader today because of her efforts. In my opinion, Ms. Long should win an award for best teacher in the world.

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

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J.L. EVERHART LAMPLIGHTER Christofer Gonzalez appreciates a teacher who listens to recommendations By Christofer Gonzales Fifth Grade, J.L. Everhart

o you know anyone who is willing to watch a movie about something she is totally terrified of just because someone suggested it? I have a teacher, Mrs. Saravia, who did just that! I love a show called Stranger Things, and I told Mrs. Saravia about it. She then binged watched is one weekend. Even though she hates scary shows, she watched it. She also created a Stranger Things escape room for our class so we could review decimal operations. I told her, “This is the most fun I have ever had!” I have known Mrs. Saravia for many years. In fact, she taught me math one summer when I was just five years old. Back then she taught me how to add and subtract. Now that I am in the fifth grade, she has taught me so much more than just addition and subtraction. Mrs. Saravia is so nice. I knew I wanted to be in her class when I got to fifth grade. I asked my mom to make sure I was in her class. Mrs. Saravia is so nice. When I finish my work, she gives me activities that are fun but help me learn more skills. I like being challenged with work that helps

me increase my fluency and knowledge in math. Mrs. Saravia is also really helpful. She taught me to look up skills on Education Galaxy so I can practice even more and master them. I was not happy with the grade I earned on numerical patterns, but she helped me find the tools I needed to

help me understand. If I ever make a mistake, she helps me reflect on why I got the problem wrong and gives me strategies to solve the problem. She does not just help me; she also helps other students who need help in math. I appreciate Mrs. Saravia. I think she is the best teacher!

WARE LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Mauras teaches her students the value of respect By Levi Servin Fifth Grade, Ware

rs. Mauras was a great teacher who showed me how to respect others in order to earn respect. She taught me how to smile through tough times. Mrs. Mauras also taught me to follow my dreams as well as to be the real person I am inside. Mrs. Mauras taught all her students to be respectful to adults and also other students. She even said that if people treat us wrong, we still need to treat them with respect. Mrs. Mauras also said that if we expect to receive respect, then we must be respectful. I learned that if I do not respect others, they will not respect me. Every morning Mrs. Mauras entered the classroom with a smile, even if it was a bad day. She taught me how to smile during tough times. When we take a hard test, she smiles, and her smile helps us smile through it. Mrs. Mauras also told us to follow our dreams and to be ourselves. She told us that if we follow our dreams and do our very best, we can reach our goals. She

also taught us to be ourselves and not want to be like other people. I just need to be me. Mrs. Mauras was an excellent teacher who helped us and taught us so much.

Because of her, I will be respectful and earn respect for myself, always smile in tough times, and follow my dream to reach my goals and be the person I am inside.

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HUDSON PEP LAMPLIGHTER Marley Camp has a best friend for life thanks to Mrs. Swanner By Marley Camp Fifth Grade, Hudson PEP

ou got….Mrs. Swanner! Who is Mrs. Swanner? he could be a witch with green warty fingers or a vampire with pearl like fangs ready to suck my blood. What I discovered after being in her class, however, was a teacher I would never forget. My caring, humorous, grandmotherly teacher, Mrs. Swanner, made a significant impact on my life, and I would not be the person I am today without her. Changing schools is tough, especially going into first grade at a school that has first through fifth grade all on the same campus. Maybe it is just me, but on my first time walking into Hudson PEP, in my mind I was thinking, “The fifth graders are like giants, and I am like a teeny tiny little ant who could be stepped on at any moment.” When I walked into the classroom, Mrs. Swanner came right over to me, asked me my name, and showed me to my seat. She asked if I knew anyone, and I quietly shook my head no. She led me over to a quiet, shy, nervous, kind-looking girl and introduced us to each other. We ended up sitting next to each other at lunch, we played with each other at recess, and we read with each other in the reading corner. Now, here we are almost five years later, and we are still BFF’s! It is all because of Mrs. Swanner. One of my favorite memories of being in her class was “The Birthday Spanking Paddle.” That is another way she left a “mark” on me. The words still ring in my ear—“1..2..3..4..5..6..7..and one to grow on.” I remember it as if it were yesterday. She called me to the front of the room, bent me over, and began. The class roared with laughter every time she did one spanking. The funny thing was that she only acted like she was going to spank students hard. She reeled the paddle

back but then just tapped lightly, but the first person to get a birthday spanking did not exactly know that. That person was terrified and shook with fear, walking slowly to the front of the room. At first the shocked class waited quietly for the spanking to be over. However, as the year progressed, everybody anxiously counted the days until they got their birthday spanking. I remember in first grade having two families: my classroom family and my real family. In most families, people pick at and play with one another. My classroom family was the same. I will never forget that Mrs. Swanner always said say “I am as old as dirt, y’all” to make the class laugh. It was kind of her inside joke with us. Another good thing that families do is support one another. Mrs. Swanner made my first-grade year the most memorable year yet because of how she sup-

ported me. One morning Mrs. Swanner was checking my planner. My mom had written her a little note explaining that I was going to be baptized and asked if she wanted to come. Mrs. Swanner looked up at me with a huge smile and told me she would love to attend. When I was on the stage about to be baptized with the spotlight on my face, I looked out across the auditorium for her—not my family or anyone else—just her. When I saw her, I felt more confident and ready to be baptized. Her presence made that day so much more memorable and special to me. Aristotle once said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education all.” This quote reminds me so much of Mrs. Swanner because she lives this quote. She doesn’t just teach because it is her job; she teaches because she loves us and wants us to be successful.”

ETMPA LAMPLIGHTER Emma Pena has improved thanks to Mrs. Bogue Emma Pena Kindergarten, ETMPA

rs. Bogue has taught me to be a responsible and well-rounded person. She has helped me learn and follow through with my lessons.

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SOUTH WARD LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Patterson always had faith in Shaniyah Sedberry By Shaniyah Sedberry Fifth Grade, South Ward

ave you ever had someone you honor? I do, and her name is Mrs. Patterson. She is the best! Mrs. Patterson is the best to me because she always had faith in me. On the first day of school, I was scared. I wanted to go home, but then Mrs. Patterson said that I would have fun in first grade. I sat down at my desk, but my face was as red as a tomato because I felt sick. Then Mrs. Patterson said, “Don’t be afraid.” Suddenly I felt good inside. The butterflies in my stomach flew away. The next day I walked in and sat down at my desk. Then she called my name. I jumped up like a kangaroo in the desert. She handed me a book to read to the class. I became nervous with chills like it was super cold outside. Gently Mrs. Patterson guided me through the book. That day I felt like she changed school for the better for me. I still remember everything she said. I will never forget the times she pushed me academically because she knew I could do better.

Mrs. Patterson truly is the one teacher I honor and will never forget because she

changed my life and taught me to be a better student and a better person.

JOHNSTON-MCQUEEN LAMPLIGHTER Elyana Johnson found help from a teacher who listens By Elyana Johnson Fifth Grade, JMQ

r. McMillan is the teacher who has helped me the most. He has shown many of the characteristics that a great teacher possesses, but three really stand out. Mr. McMillan is a good listener, he is accepting of others, and he makes learning fun. He has made such a difference in my life because he listens to me. If I have had a bad day or if I am sad, I can go to him and talk to him, and I know he will listen to me and help me feel better. His willingness to listen is something that will continue to have an impact on my life because he has taught me to be a good listener. I have a lot of respect for Mr. McMillan because he is a great, fun teacher who has taught me many different things. Most importantly, he has taught me how to code and do a lot of really cool things. This learning is something I will always remember and take with me throughout my life. Mr. McMillan should definitely be awarded the Lamplighter Award this year by the Longview ISD Foundation because he has not only made a big impact on my life, but he has also made an impact on other students who talk about how much they like him. Other students have told me that has helped them with school and has listened to them and helped them through a bad day.

Since Mr. McMillan has not only helped me and influenced the person I have be-

come but has also helped other students too, he should be honored with the 2021

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FOREST PARK LAMPLIGHTER Even with remote learning, Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire made an impact By Adyson Gray Eighth Grade, Forest Park

eing new to Longview ISD and attending remotely, I have not been able to have face to face encounters with any of the educators and staff members at Forest Park. Upon reading this assignment, I almost got a bit discouraged, but then I realized that I have had a special experience with a specific teacher at Forest Park Middle School. My school year began at the beginning of my eighth-grade year, moving from Ohio, not really knowing anything about the school at all. With that being said, my decision about whom I would choose to represent all of the amazing qualities of an instructor based on my minimal experience at Forest Park would be my science teacher, Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire. This school year and part of the last has definitely been a struggle for me as I started at a different school where I knew no students or teachers whom I could reach out to on a personal level for assistance. Ms. Terrell-Ramsire would be that person for me. I nominate Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire for the Lamplighter Awards because she makes learning science fun and interesting. In previous years, science was my

least favorite subject; I found it boring. This year, however, I have really enjoyed learning about our solar system and lunar moon phases, and Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire has inspired me to learn. She does not overload us with work, but at the same time, she challenges us. She finds ways to make each assignment more en-

joyable. For that, I am very grateful. Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire also possesses compassion and kindness. I actually began the year at Forest Park in another science class. I was confused and having trouble logging in and was very worried Adyson|Continued to page 7

JUDSON LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Johnston took the time to listen By Kamiko Neely Eighth Grade, Judson

reat educators have many traits that allow them to be as great as they are. Some teachers shine brighter than others because they have certain traits. The teacher I will always carry in my heart and mind because she has certain qualities is Mrs. Johnston, my English teacher. Mrs. Johnston is one of the best things in my school life this year because she has abilities no one else possesses. The quietest people have some of the darkest thoughts some say, and most teachers do not notice the students who always do what they are supposed to do, but Mrs. Johnston does. She always encourages me and listens to my thoughts when I feel like I am an overflowing fountain. No matter how busy she is, she always understands what I am going through and helps me make the best of it. I feel more comfortable in Mrs. Johnston’s class than in any other class I have. Mrs. Johnston encourages me to pursue writing. She tells me that putting my thoughts on paper can do wonders for peo-

ple willing to read my writing. She always talks about how I should make a blog and share the things I enjoy with others. Sometimes her comments embarrass me when she praises my work. Not only does she

encourage me, but she also does her best to help everyone and explain the material we are learning. No matter what the learning is, she can explain it in the best way, making her a great educator.

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FOSTER LAMPLIGHTER Mr. Ford shined a light into Carolyn Purdum’s world By Carolyn Purdum Eighth Grade, Foster A good teacher is like a candle; it consumes itself to light the way for others. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

his quote explains the endless sacrifices that a great teacher makes for the lives of their students, the countless hours that a teacher spends awake at night thinking of their students, and how they might unlock their potential like a chest of opportunity buried inside them. A great teacher hopes that their students absorb the world of knowledge that dwells inside their even expanding minds. Great teachers possess these qualities, but few are willing to give themselves up for their students again and again in order to pass on the skills their students need to be successful in life. Among those great teachers, one teacher who never gives up or backs down from the challenges that overshadow him every day is Mr. Ford. Many teachers confine their teaching to only the classroom, and students have a limited amount of time to ask questions about assignments and materials. This makes it very difficult for students to have any communication with their teachers whatsoever. Not so with Mr. Ford. I can contact him at any time, and when I have questions, it seems as if he devotes his entire existence to helping me find the answers. Like a book just waiting to be opened, Mr. Ford is always ready to share his knowledge with his students. Mr. Ford tirelessly intertwines his own life with students outside of his classroom through UIL events and practices and other extra-curricular activities. Mr. Ford has never ceased to amaze me through his acts of compassion and devotion to his students inside and outside of the classroom. It is as if he wants to share the very moon and stars with us. Robert Heinlein once said, “When one teaches, two learn.” I believe the mark of a true teacher is one who is able to become a

child-like student himself and learn from his students. When teachers fail to do this, they often assign unnecessary work and are too hard on their students, expecting them to have no imperfections. These teachers do not remember that students are people too, just like they are. Mr. Ford, however, has never failed to realize that students are people too. He challenges us but only to the extent that he thinks we are capable of achieving, never beyond, and he understands that my peers and I have a life outside of school. When I share a fact that he does not know, like a little child he humbles himself and accepts it with an open mind and does not dismiss it as unimportant. He broadens his own horizons as he broadens mine. Mr. Ford is not just a teacher; he is a father treating us like his own children. He always makes the classroom feel like a family. He does not distance himself from his students, making us strangers; instead, he connects with us on a personal level. With a smile of acceptance and affection written on his heart, he asks me how my

ADYSON |Continued from page 6 about my grades. I reached out to Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire, knowing that I was not in her class, but she did not care. She helped me anyway. Anytime I have had a question and reached out to her, she has always been quick to answer. Educators this year have had their hands full, doing both in school and virtual learning, but she has handled her teaching duties amazingly. I really appreciate her effort. As a matter of fact, she even emailed me personally on my birthday to wish me a happy birthday. She really made my day! Most importantly, Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire is knowledgeable about science, so anytime I need help, she reaches out to me and explains in a way that I can understand. She works with her students on a different level by providing detailed

instruction and just the right amount of information without confusion. I can tell she is very passionate about her job and enjoys teaching. Based on her teaching, I would feel comfortable reaching out to her for anything I need. She has made my remote learning experience a smooth one. If the world had more teachers like her in it, more students would enjoy attending school every day. I cannot think of a better person who is more deserving of the Lamplighter Award than Mrs. Terrell-Ramsire. I know she has changed the way I view school. I have enjoyed learning about science in her class this year and feel so blessed that I reached out to her at the beginning of school. If I had not, my science experience would not have been as successful.

weekend was and how my family is, making sure that I feel accepted and loved. Mr. Ford brings us together in an environment where anything is possible and where we are free to share our gifts and opinions without being afraid. The classroom is a family, and Mr. Ford is the father who guides us. He shines light into a world of wonder, illuminating hidden and astounding knowledge that helps me see the world not as it is but how it could be. Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Like a true warrior, Mr. Ford uses every weapon he has to help change the world one child at a time. I know that what Mr. Ford has taught me throughout my life will stay with me as I grow older, and I hope I will be able to show as much compassion and devotion as he does toward the people around me. Through sacrifice, humility, and fatherly care, Mr. Ford has proven to be my lamplighter. Thank you, Mr. Ford, for all you do. Thank you for shining light into my world.

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

EARLY GRADUATION LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Means kept Danorius Monroe on his path with encouragement By Danorius Monroe Junior, Early Graduation

would like for Mrs. Means to win this year’s Lamplighter Award from the Longview ISD Foundation. She is so sweet and kind, and she really cares about all of her students at Longview Early Graduation High School (LEGHS). There is nothing she would not do for us to help and encourage us to succeed in life. Mrs. Means wants the best for each of us. When I first came to Longview Early Graduation High School from another district, I did not know anyone. I was very shy, but Mrs. Means made me feel welcome and made sure that I was doing everything I was supposed to do. She helped keep me on track with my schoolwork. If she knew that I was behind in a class, she would come to me and talk to me about it. At my old school, the teachers did not care about me like Mrs. Means does. I was failing all of my classes there, but now I am making A’s and B’s at LEGHS. I was held back in the seventh grade, so when I arrived at LEGHS, I was in the ninth grade but had earned no credits. Immediately Mrs. Means pushed me to stay focused on

my schoolwork and do the work I needed to do to earn the credits. By the end of the year, I had earned thirteen credits. With her encouragement, I am now a junior and in the right grade. Mrs. Means and I have formed a strong

bond over the years, and I can tell her anything or ask for her help for anything. I know she will be honest with me and tell me what is best for me. If it were not for Mrs. Means, I probably would not be where I am today!

LONGVIEW HIGH LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Scarborough changed Lyzvette Martinez’s life By Lyzvette Martinez

Senior, Longview High

ebasish Mridha, an American author, proclaims, “A great teacher plants the seeds of greatness in the minds of future generations.” Mridha’s insistence on greatness reflects the great implication of how teachers and mentors generously share their little time and passion to teach a bright future. Any bright future can involve not only students whom the teacher and mentors educate, but it also can involve their children, family, friends, and their extended network as well. A life-changing teacher, Mrs. Scarborough, planted seeds of greatness from the start of my kindergarten year, and those seeds of greatness have followed me to my senior year in high school. As a shy, timid child, I found it challenging to really settle in any environment, especially in school. I was so afraid of being away from my parents that every time they would drop me off at daycare or with a babysitter, I caused a scene with my loud cries and misbehavior. With Mrs. Scarborough, my kindergarten teacher, the best teacher ever, I did not cry nor misbehave. Mrs. Scarborough developed a culture in her classroom of protection and care whether it was physi-

cal, emotional, or intellectual. I recall the feeling of feeling safe every time I was in her classroom. She always cheered me up and encouraged me to be a leader, even if it were just to be the best line leader I could be. The love she had within her for her students is a love I have never seen from another teacher. Not only was she loving toward me, but she was also loving

toward my family, making her a trustworthy person in my family’s eyes. Mrs. Scarborough’s small gestures of kindness impacted the start of my growth as a person, causing me to learn and possess kindness on my own. A great teacher always possesses a Lyzvette|Continued to page 9

THE LONGVIEW VOICE — May 30, 2021

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LONGVIEW HIGH LAMPLIGHTER Coach Shepherd helped Cooper Mayes move past a curveball from life By Cooper Mayes Senior, Longview High

“T

here’s always baseball,” I remember thinking. I played my first baseball game when I was five years old. From that season on, I knew baseball would be my life. My training improved, my teams became more competitive, and my equipment grew more expensive. I traveled from New York to Florida to the Dominican Republic, playing games on the most elite fields. All my experience and training led me to my ninth-grade year when varsity baseball would take over and lead me to my dream of playing Division I baseball. The first varsity practice was on a Friday night. While I do not remember the time or date, I remember the specific throw, the sound of my shoulder popping, and my injured arm dropping to my side. Varsity baseball was my only plan, but life threw me a curveball. Examining my arm, the doctor said, “Career ending injury.” After countless doctors’ visits, therapy sessions, missed practices, skipped seasons, and only a partial recovery, I was not sure I could even compete on the junior varsity team much less varsity. Coach Ja’Ron Shepherd moved me down the roster to the junior varsity team. Little did I know, my life was about to change. Coach Shepherd would soon become one of the biggest blessings in my life. As my shoulder rehabbed, Coach Shep was my encourager. He saw the good in me and each player on the team. He was a level head to my hotheaded nature. I wanted to play better, not just for myself, but for Coach Shepherd. If he were committed to our team, then I wanted to be too. I felt like I could tell Coach Shep anything. He did not just listen; he responded. He did not just value me; instead, he valued each player on the team. He made me feel not only like an important player but also like an important part of God’s plan. Coach Shepherd was fair in the game of life. I know that may sound silly, but in a sport like baseball, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. Coach Shepherd was always one step ahead of us. His baseball IQ was

impressive, and his love for the game was unmatched. Curveballs happen in life, and I was pitched another one during my sophomore year. My dad was diagnosed with stage four head and neck cancer. We were not sure he would survive. I considered quitting the Lobo team. Baseball seemed such a trivial worry in the midst of my family’s new normal. I was not sure I would be able to commit to my team with my dad’s cancer being our family’s biggest concern. I went home every night and told my dad about the practice or game while he lay with his eyes closed, slightly smiling. My baseball was his medicine. I am not sure when it happened or if I even noticed it, but Coach Shepherd quickly became more than my coach. After Coach Shep learned the news about my dad, he prayed with me. He is a man of God, and I admire his personal walk with Christ more than he will ever know. Each day, each practice, he was my constant. A practice did not go by when he did not reach out to me and ask me about everything other than baseball. It is hard to find a man who cares so deeply about his players. Through baseball, I have seen umpires make many game altering calls. I have especially seen many while playing at the

junior varsity level with Coach Shepherd. Such calls can test a man and his ability to stay calm in situations. I have noticed many times when Coach Shepherd could have thrown a fit over these calls; instead, he acted like a mature, level-headed adult. He served as a role model for the entire team, showing his players how mature men act. We have shared many experiences with each other, and through these experiences, I have learned what a good man looks like. Coach Shepherd is an example to each of us, showing us how to live, old and young alike. Whether I am sitting at my dad’s bedside wiping his forehead or making a tag at second base, I know how to be man because of Coach Shepherd. A coach’s worth is not found in his win/ loss record or on his resumé but in the impact he makes on his players’ lives. There are hundreds of quotes about baseball and coaches that I could use to describe Coach Shep. I could fill pages, singing his praises and giving examples of his innate goodness. However, when it comes to the truth, he is a life changer. I know he changed mine, and for that I will be forever grateful. There is always baseball. There is always Coach Shepherd. He is the best curveball I have ever been pitched.

Mrs. Scarborough always believed in me as a student and helped me believe in myself. Even when Mrs. Scarborough assigned me to be the line leader, I felt incredibly empowered, oftentimes boosting my confidence. This simple experience has inspired me to do better in life and has led me to positive experiences. The greatest teachers share their time and passion with their students. Teachers like Mrs. Scarborough plant the seeds of greatness so that their students have a bright future. She planted those seeds for

me, and for my family, giving them the gift of a loving, phenomenal teacher for their child.

LYZVETTE |Continued from page 8 contagious passion for education or for being involved with their students. Mrs. Scarborough’s passion for her teaching was an obsession as she introduced her students to creative activities such as painting and raising butterflies. Ever since kindergarten, I have had a passion to play with watercolors and observe every detail in our natural environment. Although these might seem like simple passions, my interests were well supported throughout my childhood school career, which later in life enabled me to access my full potential.

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AWARDS |Continued from page 1 Founded 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. Since 1996, the Foundation has funded 728 grants through Great Rewards for Great Ideas, returning $795,468.74 to Longview ISD teachers, counselors, librarians, and nurses so that they can provide the very best education possible for their students. The Longview ISD Foundation has also funded forty-seven Campus Initiative Grants for a total of $138,872.58 to enhance programs that align with campus and district improvement plans to increase student achievement. Since fall 2019, the Foundation has funded five John W. Harrison, Jr. Academic Field Trip Grants worth $25,991.13 for fourth and fifth grade and middle school students. While enhancing educational opportunity for all students, the Foundation has returned $960,332.45 to LISD classrooms and campuses. 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 20th 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 knowledge 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 strug-

the Lobo Memorial Scholarship to Longview High School seniors through the generosity of Lobo alumni and friends of LISD.