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“Hope is being able to see that therre is light despite all of the darkness.” ― Desmond Tutu
THE Vol. VII June 19, 2023
ongview oice Sharing the good news about Longview Independent School District
SHINING A
LIGHT
Teachers honored with Lamplighter Awards by students
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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, Lamplighter||Continued to page 12 innovative approaches to teaching. Lamplighter
Be sure to check out the essays written by the students throughout this issue!
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — June 19, 2023
BRAMLETTE LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Antommarchi kind and cares about all of her students
By Samantha Medina Fifth Grade, Bramlette
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y special teacher is Mrs. Antommarchi because she helped me learn new things, and she is very kind to all of her students. She helped me with projects and activities that we completed in groups in class. She cares about everyone, and she respects us. Mrs. Antommarchi is the greatest teacher I have ever known. I always wanted to go to school and learn from her so I could become better and smarter. Mrs. Antommarchi taught us to be prepared and focused every day. Learning our multiplication facts was one of the skills we practiced daily. She always told us to practice because practice makes perfect. At first I did not understand what she meant, but the more I practiced, I realized I was getting better and better in every way. I will always remember the way she taught us and helped us in reading with skills such as making inferences, summarizing, and determining central ideas. If we were confused, she reminded us of the strategies she had taught us. When we used her strategy, we were amazed that we answered correctly every time! It was magic. I will never forget Mrs. Antommarchi, her teaching, and her love that she gave to us all.
Proud supporter of the Lobos!
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — June 19, 2023
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ETMPA LAMPLIGHTER
Mrs. Crane’s class is a family that works hard
By Maximiliano Baltazar Kindergartener, ETMPA
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like Mrs. Crane a lot. She lets us tell her about our family, and she tells us we should work hard in class. It is our classroom family. She helped me believe in myself. She showed me I can do anything if I work at it hard enough and do my best.helped me with reading and spelling. When I wrote something
JL EVERHART LAMPLIGHTER Mr. Warren has many qualities that are important
By Olivia Rae Fifth Grade, JL Everhart
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y name is Olivia, and I am a fifth-grade student at J. L. Everhart Elementary School. My homeroom teacher is Mr. Warren. Mr. Warren is my science teacher, and he is an amazing teacher. Since the beginning of the year, I have noticed how wonderful he is. He plays the roles of teacher, mentor, big brother, father, and the crazy friend. Many qualities about Mr. Warren make him unique and more than deserving to be my lamplighter. When school first began, I missed the night that we met the teachers, so on the first day, I was a little nervous. He was so welcoming and friendly that I did not feel any discomfort at all. As the year has progressed, Mr. Warren has taught me how to resolve my issues with other students. He has taught me to report bullying or anything that may harm someone. He has also taught me to be the bigger person during conflict. For example, my friends and I had an argument, and Mr. Warren made us apologize to each other. I may not have wanted to apologize, but doing so made me feel better afterward. Not only is he a great teacher, but he also motivates us to be better students. Mr. Warren is not only smart, but he is also funny. He makes learning fun and exciting. When teaching us new information, he makes a song out of it. Sometimes
he will do a dance as well. There is never a dull moment with Mr. Warren. Mr. Warren is the best. I can always count on him. Whenever I get in trouble, he has my back. He is so understanding that I can talk to him, and I do not have to lie to him. He forgives me when I am wrong and praises me when I am right. Mr. Warren cares. If he tells me that ev-
erything is going to be okay, he will make it okay. He is also very fair. He never picks favorites and always tells the truth. I believe Mr. Warren is the best teacher in the school. Even if the Longview ISD Foundation does not select Mr. Warren for the Lamplighter Award, he will always be one and more to me.
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — June 19, 2023
BAILEY LAMPLIGHTER Ms. Burbano makes technology fun and exciting
By Ovadya Robinson Fifth Grade, Bailey
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f you want to find a technology teacher, talk to Ms. Burbano. She makes technology fun and exciting. Ms. Burbano deserves the Lamplighter Award because she teaches us how to code and program. Coding is how we communicate with computers. Code tells a computer what actions to take, and writing code is like creating a set of instructions. Once we played with a laser. When we played the game, we pointed the laser at a mirror, and it deflected. “Deflected” is a new term I learned in technology. I also think Ms. Burbano deserves the Lamplighter Award because she lets us do the programming ourselves. I like doing coding by myself because I can show her what I know. Wow, you talk about fun! The best reason for awarding Ms. Burbano with the Lamplighter Award is that she lets us play Scratch, a game of creativity. In the game, we can program characters to do different things. We
can watch tutorials within the game and learn even more about programming. Yes, I had a fun year with Ms.
Burbano because I learned so much about programming. She is a great technology teacher.
FOREST PARK LAMPLIGHTER
Mr. Jackson coaches is a motivation to his his students
By Anthony Bolanos Eighth Grade, Forest Park
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oach Jackson is a motivation, inspiration, and a very good role model to me. He helps me become stronger mentally and physically. He teaches me daily to do things right, and he never lets me give up. Even when I do not understand, he explains to me and helps me achieve my goals. He always tells his athletes that we need to try our hardest in everything we do both on and off the field. He has high expectations for us and wants us to do everything perfectly. If we do not, then there is punishment, but that punishment makes us stronger and makes us want to do better. If we get in trouble or are having a problem in a class, he tries to calm us down and help us. He specifically tells us that academics comes first because if we are not passing or doing well in school, then we cannot play in games. He also tells us that we should have a plan for our lives because playing football will not last forever. Coach Jackson expects us to be good and not be disrespectful to him or anyone else. When we slip up and do something wrong, he punishes us, but we know that he is just trying to make us better at everything we do, not just sports. We must be better at handling life’s problems and learn the skills we will need in life. Thank you, Coach Jackson, for making me a better athlete and student.
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HUDSON PEP LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Player has gotten even better with time
By Silas Gilbert Fifth Grade, Hudson PEP
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EET THE TEACHER! It’s the first time students meet the person who will be teaching them for nine and a half months. At Meet the Teacher for third grade, I was terrified. Yes, COVID was happening, but the school was able to get all the third-grade teachers together so we could still have Meet the Teacher from our cars. As we drove up to what I thought was my never-ending doom, I was as terrified as a sloth sitting next to a hungry T-Rex. My mom rolled down my window, and I saw my teacher. Once I saw her, I was sure she was not mean. I was not as terrified as before, but I was still rather scared. She spoke with a nice, kind voice to prove everything was okay. Then the first day of school came. Thoughts like “Was she just acting nice for Meet the Teacher to deceive me?” and “What if she hates my guts?” went through my head. At the door, I stopped and took a breath and told myself it will be fine, saying “Calm down, Silas. Do not worry. Everything might—no—will be fine!” After one more deep breath and a lot of self-encouragement, I was ready to open the door. I walked inside to see what I thought was going to be a nightmare. I was actually wrong about Mrs. Player. She was better than I thought! She was funny, nice, and kind. She taught me so much. Mrs. Player made me enjoy
English/language arts with fun projects and activities. She gave great examples, was always happy, and was kind to me and very accepting. I was on the brink of filling my car with tears when third grade was over. I missed Mrs. Player. When fourth grade arrived, I was so happy to see her again. Once fourth grade was over, I was very, very sad because I knew I would miss Mrs. Player, Mrs. Campbell, and Mrs. Mahaffey too. However, a few months later I was as ecstatic as a bouncy ball. I was bouncing up and down, left and right, through my house when I heard the best news of my life. I was
going to have Mrs. Player as my teacher again! She had moved to teach fifth grade! A once in a million—no, a one in a billion—chance had happened to me. However, Mrs. Player had changed. She got even better! She is so nice and has had such an impact on my life. I always become super excited when going into her classroom. She gives rewards for right answers in class, and she is super understanding, funny, and kind. I am so happy to have Mrs. Player as my teacher again this year. Just being in her class makes me happy. She is the best teacher I have ever had.
FOREST PARK LAMPLIGHTER
Mr. Wilson does more than coach, he inspires
By Nathan McCrory
Eighth Grade, Forest Park
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ohn Wooden once said, “A good coach can change a game, but a great coach can change a life.” My lamplighter, Coach Stephen Wilson, has not just helped coach me, but his inspiration has also affected me in many ways. Coach Wilson is not just any coach. He does not just look at what is in front of him. He also looks to the future of every player to make the player the best he can be. His end goal is not only to win on the field but also to develop men of character and discipline. Coach Wilson has accomplished this goal by pushing me to my limits, developing my potential, and showing me the importance of family. He has greatly influenced my life and my future. Football is mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging. Every day in practice, I am pushed beyond what I think I can bear. Many days throwing in the towel seems like the best option, but Coach Wilson has taught me to dig deep and never give up. I can hear his encouraging words now—“Change gears, McCrory!” Whether it was finally maxing out on the
bench press or running gassers, Coach Wilson has always pushed me to excellence. From my experience, the lessons he has taught me have not only helped me on the field, but they have also aided me in my daily life. I have learned that just
because something is hard does not mean I cannot accomplish it. In fact, there is no task too big for me to overcome. If it were not for Coach Wilson and the lessons Forest||Continued to page 11 Forest
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JOHNSTON MCQUEEN LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Davis has many of the traits required for being a great teacher By Naomi Valenzuela Fifth Grade, JMQ
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f all my teachers, Mrs. Davis has helped me the most. She is a great teacher, and she has many of the traits required for being a great teacher. She explains that we are all worthy, beautiful people who can become more beautiful. She explains that by working hard and learning, we can increase our worth. Because of her belief, I have changed how I see things in life and how I see the world. She has made that difference in me. I have respect for Mrs. Davis because she is a responsible, kind, caring teacher. She really is a great teacher, and if you do not believe me, then I am not sure you know what a good teacher really is. Not only is she good at her job--and she is--but she also has taught me how good I am and what I can do in the world and how I can positively change it. I will not forget those lessons.
Even other students have told me what a wonderful teacher she is. All her students say she is caring. She makes her students feel good about themselves, and that is important because we do not always
feel good about ourselves every day. Because Mrs. Davis has made a difference in my life and in the lives of other students, it would be my honor to award her the Lamplighter Award.
WARE LAMPLIGHTER
Ms. Mobley is there for her students, from day one By A’Zariah Curry Fifth Grade, Ware
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s. Mobley, my fourth grade teacher, has been there for me since day one. On the first day of fourth grade, she looked at me and knew that I was shy. Then she came to me and said, “Hello, I am Ms. Mobley.” Then she told me to sit wherever I would like. After that, the first day of fourth grade was not that bad. On the second day, however, we were going to do a fun project, and everyone else was already in pairs. Then Ms. Mobley paired me with Mariah, a classmate I knew from the previous school year. She said, “You two look like the perfect pair.” I thought, “Wow, she is so nice.” Ms. Mobley understood. When we were working in class, she could tell I was struggling, so she walked me through the lesson again. The next day when we had an assignment over the lesson, I aced it with flying colors. She was always that helpful to everyone in the class. The next day we had another project, and Mariah and I again joined each other. Actually, we became best friends forever. I ran to Ms. Mobley and said, “I have a friend,” and I thanked her. Still screaming “thank you,” I ran off to play with Mariah. Ms. Mobley was so positive all the time. She spread confidence and that really helped me. She always believed in me and said to keep pushing through whatever was hard for me. I would not get frustrated with her around. She always said, “If I
believe in you, then you should believe in yourself.” She always accepted other children no matter what and always showed respect to other people. Ms. Mobley cares about her students. She inspired me to be the best I can be. She treated her students like family. We all learned so much because whenever one of us did not understand, she helped us understand in a fun, interesting way. She always listened to what I had to say and gave a good response to help me. She showed a good example to the students. Ms. Mobley spreads happiness to all of her students. She helped me control my
emotions and prepared me for the road ahead. Ms. Mobley made my heart bloom. We loved Ms. Mobley. She challenged us, and she even helped my passion for singing. When I was too shy to sing, she said to sing in front of her. She helped me see what I could do even when I could not. I will always carry Ms. Mobley in my heart. I appreciate her help, her kindness, and her respect. I thank her for making me go out of my comfort zone. I thank her for making her students think we are okay. She has a passion for teaching. I just want to give her a hug and never let go.
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — June 19, 2023
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FOSTER LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Jhass is a superhero to her students
By Jasmine Wright Eighth Grade, Foster
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ho is Mrs. Jhass? While some know her as just Mrs. Jhass, her students know her as the teacher who won their hearts. Mrs. Jhass is a superhero. She not only brings out the best in people, but she also brings out the best in me. I still remember being in her class. How could I forget? Lazy students who never wanted to do their work were suddenly determined to complete their assignments. If that is not a superpower, I do not know what is. She is the first teacher whom I have seen take the time to make connections with each of her students and influence her students to put effort into their work. She has made an impact on my life beyond school. Mrs. Jhass’s fun-loving nature is what I think first captured my eye. Other students had told me that her class would be hard, so naturally I was dreading it before even walking through the door. After spending only an hour in her class, however, I realized just how wrong I was. Mrs. Jhass’s high-spirited character and personality made her class one of my favorites. Speaking of superpowers, somehow Mrs. Jhass’s jokes managed to make smiles magically appear on the faces of the most negative students. No matter how annoying my class became, she never became upset. In fact, she never could keep a straight face and eventually cracked a smile. Mrs. Jhass connected with us more than as her students. She knew about our hobbies and what we like to do outside of school. Mrs. Jhass had a knack, or perhaps another superpower, for helping students open up by asking, “What did you do this weekend?” or “Did anything interesting happen?” Her questions made me feel comfortable around her, which I believe is especially important. It is always easier for me to approach teachers with questions when I feel comfortable around them. Mrs. Jhass expected our best in her class. She did not expect a perfect one hundred from each of us, but her expectation was
that we always put effort into our work. An example is my brother! He is not someone who cares much for doing schoolwork, but he’s often leaving the dinner table early to start typing away on Mrs. Jhass’s assignments. She had the same effect on me. I was doing the work because I had to, but she also showed me the importance of trying and how trying can make such a difference. I realized how far hard work can take me when Mrs. Jhass told the class how she stayed up into the late hours of the night grading our work. Then I realized that she was working just as hard as she was pushing her students. Mrs. Jhass is a highly effective teacher because she inspires not just me but all her students to aim for their best. Throughout the year, Mrs. Jhass sets high standards for all her students because she knows we have the potential of reaching it. With her putting a bad grade on a low effort paper and a one hundred on a paper that I worked hard on showed me that I cannot expect life to be easy when I am not putting my all into it. She showed our class that we have to do our best in school because later in life, we might not get a second chance to redo work or get forgiveness. She was strict about turning papers in on time,
teaching us preparedness and promptness, which are life skills we must learn. She applied pressure to us because she wanted to make sure we knew that in the real world, we will face pressure and must live with it. She dedicated herself to our growth like a superhero on a mission and continued to go out of her way to help us achieve our goals. She often asked me questions such as “Was this helpful?” or “Do you understand now?” because she wanted to make sure I understood the lesson she taught. Mrs. Jhass did not just teach me knowledge from a book; she also taught me about collaboration, responsibility, and creative thinking. I learned much more from her than any other teacher could have taught. I will carry the skills she taught me throughout the rest of my life. I honestly think Mrs. Jhass is the perfect teacher because anyone can learn, grow, listen, and laugh with Mrs. Jhass. I appreciate how open she was and how she pushed her students. Mrs. Jhass, thank you for taking the time to really know your students, especially me. I will never forget the impact you made on me, the support you gave me, and, most importantly, for being my everyday superhero!
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NED E. WILLIAMS LAMPLIGHTER
Mr. Washington is never strict, but inspires instead By Alondra Ortega Fifth Grade, Ned E. Williams
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ome people think a good teacher will constantly give you work and yell every day, but not this teacher. Mr. Washington can be many different things, but too strict or mean—never! Instead, he inspires his students. Mr. Washington inspires me because if I do not understand a lesson or an assignment, he will help me. He sees if students are struggling and offers help before students ask for it. One day the class was working on an assignment on solutes and solubles. I did not understand what a soluble was, so I asked him to explain. He did not just explain quickly. He went into great detail to explain it to me so I could understand. He also makes learning fun. We work in groups, and he works with us. Mr. Washington is always very nice to me and other students. If I am sad, or if another student is sad, he talks to us and cheers us up. He always makes us laugh. He and I talk and laugh every day. I will always remember my fifth-grade year and Mr. Washington, my science teacher, for making this year so special.
Proud supporter of the Lobos!
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — June 19, 2023
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EARLY GRADUATION LAMPLIGHTER
Ms. Williams’ makes her students feel safe and cared for By Jaliyah Gourie Senior, Early Graduation
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he Lamplighter Award is an award presented to educators who have shown how amazing they are at their jobs, but what about those educators who go above and beyond? Those are the ones who talk to their students, who are determined to see them succeed, and who are not afraid to dig into the students’ personal lives to make sure they succeed. Ms. Williams is one of those educators who are not afraid to step outside their comfort zone. When I first came to Longview Early Graduation High School, I had no interest in learning anything. I felt like there was nothing at the school for me, especially after being out of school for so long. I felt hopeless. The number of times I had people in my ear telling me I would never be anything or that I was already a failure in life was countless. I was stressed and depressed and eventually stopped caring. That was until one day when I walked into school crying. Ms. Williams saw me and pulled me aside and sat me down. In the beginning I did not know how to feel or if I could even trust talking to her, but she sat there—still—and waited for me to talk. Eventually I did. I felt safe and cared for, feelings I had not had for a long time. She provided that comfort for me. Soon she was pushing
me even harder in school so I could earn my high school credits and graduate. She was my hope when I did not have any, and for that I will be forever grateful. Unfortunately, in January I had a bad accident that took its toll on my mental and physical health. I felt very abnormal. While other
people pitied me, Ms. Williams never did. At one point I felt as if I would forever be the girl others pitied, but Ms. Williams never let me see myself as that. On my first day back at school, I was still in a wheelchair. Everyone Early||Continued to page 11 Early
JUDSON LAMPLIGHTER Mrs. Stewart listens and comforts her students when they are struggling
By Jakyrha Anthony Eighth Grade, Judson
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ave you ever met a teacher who cared about their students as if they were her children? Here at Judson STEAM Academy, Mrs. Stewart treats us all like we are one of hers. I have known Mrs. Stewart ever since I was in elementary school. She has always been known as a really understanding person. She is a good listener who encourages students, especially when students struggle to learn. Mrs. Stewart is the type of teacher who gives us advice, and she is the person students go to for comfort. One day I was having a hard time because others were making fun of me about being dyslexic. I felt like I was at a breaking point because I was embarrassed. Then Mrs. Stewart told me how it was okay to be dyslexic and how no one else’s opinion matters. Even though I learn differently than other students learn, Mrs. Stewart made me feel comfortable in my own skin and made me feel comfortable to be myself. When I was in her class during my sixthgrade year, she always pumped her students up, pushing them on when they found it hard to understand. She always tried her hardest to help her students by
reviewing their work with them until they understood. She always had ideas for her students so that learning and assignments became easier for them. She understood their learning struggles. Mrs. Stewart is a very kind-hearted
person who needs to be more appreciated for all she does for her students. I am incredibly grateful to have had her as a teacher. I certainly would not be as confident about myself today if I had not met her.
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LONGVIEW HIGH LAMPLIGHTER Ms. Barrett is an IB teacher that exemplifies her profession
By Catherine DaMoude Senior, Longview High
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hroughout my high school career, various people on the Longview High School campus have influenced me. As a student in the International Baccalaureate Programme, I have had the privilege of making strong relationships with my teachers and counselors because of the tight-knit IB community. However, one teacher has significantly impacted my life through her kindness and patience. Amy Barrett is not only a remarkable teacher, but she is also an exceptional role model for young men and women. Because Ms. Barrett creates a friendly environment in her classroom, I find myself having the desire to learn and succeed in her class. Inside the classroom, Ms. Barrett provides her classes with rigorous work
to prepare her students for college. Being in her Environmental Systems and Societies class during my junior and senior years taught me the importance of time management, communication, and critical thinking. Although her work is challenging and complex, her ability to help students understand the content is remarkable. Through her teaching, she inspires students in her class like me. Ms. Barrett has motivated me to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Her class has even influenced me to be the president of the LHS Environmental Club, a club that helps create an environmental spark in students’ lives. She inspires me to remain hardworking, for it will benefit me for the rest of my life. Ms. Barrett’s teaching, however, is not the only factor that makes her remarkable. She deeply cares about her students and genuinely wants them to
FOREST ||Continued Continued from page 5 he has taught me, I would not have learned the principles that guide my life today. One of the qualities I admire most about Coach Wilson is his ability to see the potential within a student. He does not just look at the physical qualities of a player; instead, he looks at their heart. I am not the biggest nor strongest player on the team, but I work hard and am determined to improve my skills. From day one, Coach Wilson saw those qualities in me and looked for ways to help me succeed on the field. He let me try various positions to see where I could best help the team and gave me a chance to lead my teammates. He has taught me that noticing and developing the potential within a person, whether on the team or in my community, can have a tremendous impact on an individual. Coach Wilson has shown my teammates and me that we are not just football players. We are also a family. This unity in our team is inspired by the relationship Coach Wilson has with his father. Coach Wilson’s father is at every game and occasionally will attend our practices, watching our development while also supporting his son. Without knowing or
succeed. She openly discusses how her classroom is a safe place for students. One time, I decided to discuss with her the challenges that I was facing in my life. I remember how she looked at me, so sincere and warmhearted, and said, “I am sorry.” Somehow she knew the perfect words to say to me when I felt no one could understand the conflict within my life. Her words and facial expressions were so sympathetic and concerned. At that moment, I knew that Ms. Barrett was one of the most special and genuine people I have encountered. Because of her ability not only to inspire students academically but also to inspire them personally, Ms. Barrett is more than deserving to receive the honor of this year’s Lamplighter Award. I am blessed to have Ms. Barrett as my teacher, for I will always remember her encouraging and uplifting words throughout my life.
EARLY ||Continued Continued from page 10 even trying, Coach Wilson and his father demonstrate the importance of being there for each other no matter the circumstance. When I began playing football in sixth grade, I did not have strong friendships or relationships with my teammates. However, after two and a half years, I have come to know my fellow team members on a personal level and have grown to understand that we are not just teammates; instead, we are a family. Because of Coach Wilson, I now have brothers I can rely upon. Throughout my life, I have played various sports and have had many different coaches but never one like Coach Wilson. He not only leads by example both on and off the field, but he also cares about his players and the young men they are becoming. He is kind and encouraging and holds us to a higher standard, allowing us to grow and develop into better players and people. Through these character qualities, Coach Wilson has pushed me to my limit, developed my potential, and showed me the importance of family. Clearly, through the impact Coach Wilson has had on every player he coaches, he is more than just a great coach; he is a true lamplighter!
looked at me; I was nervous and felt like I did not belong. Because I had been out of school for a month, I missed a lot of instruction and tests. I felt like school was a lost cause. Ms. Williams helped me regain my confidence, not only in school but also in my personal life as she pushed me to keep trying. I kept trying no matter how many times I failed because she reminded me that success would come. If I have a bad day or even a good day, I know that Ms. Williams will always be there cheering me on. Her encouragement is one of my biggest motivations and always will be. Ms. Williams deserves the Lamplighter Award because she is not just an educator or the school counselor; she is and always will be my hope. When things are dark, she is one I run to. She is my family, my best friend, and sometimes even my mom if I need her. Sometimes I wonder what kind of girl I would be if she had not taken a chance on me and seen the potential in me that I did not see in myself. Ms. Williams would be the ideal person for this award. She is the light of my life and my biggest cheerleader.
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AWARDS |Continued from page 1 Since 1996, the Great Rewards for Great Ideas Grant Program has funded 770 grants, returning $827,092.75 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, guidance and counseling, gifted and talented education, career education, and STEM and STEAM education. The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. has funded 50 Campus Initiative Grants for a total of $151,265.68 since 2008. The Foundation believes that this grant program, targeting overall campus improvement, complements the Foundation’s annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas Program. The Foundation believes that this grant program, targeting overall campus improvement, complements the Foundation’s annual Great Rewards for Great Ideas Program. The Foundation has funded fourteen John W. Harrison, Jr. Academic Field Trip Grants for fourth and fifth grade and middle school students for $61,733.74 since fall 2019.Through its three grant programs, the Longview ISD Foundation has returned a grand total of $1,040,092.19 to LISD classrooms and campuses in its twenty-eight-year history. 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 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 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.
THE LONGVIEW VOICE — June 19, 2023
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LONGVIEW HIGH LAMPLIGHTER Senor Perez’s standards require effort and dedication
By Kathia Ramirez-Castillo Senior, Longview High
T
hroughout the years I have attended the Longview Independent School District, I have met many people who have influenced me to become the best version of myself in order to succeed in school. To this day, I remember every single one of them; however, one particular teacher is very special to me, surpassing any other person I have encountered. He is Senor Hector Perez. Senor Perez is the reason I have acquired valuable knowledge that will help me graduate. He also is the reason I have remained positive in times when I am stressed due to school. I have had the opportunity to learn from Senor Perez for two years. He is my International Baccalaureate Spanish teacher. When I first encountered him, I did not like him at all. He was strict about his assignments, and he had very high standards as he graded those assignments. During the middle of my junior year, however, I realized that he was strict and had high standards because he was preparing me for college and my career field. Before taking his class, I was accustomed to turning in my work late and not putting enough effort into my work. I will admit that he is not the first teacher who has tried to teach me about showing effort; however, he is the only teacher who actually made me give effort and dedication. Both were fun and rewarding. Although some students viewed his class only as a required class, I viewed it as my happy place. Senor Perez is important to me because he always encourages me to remain positive no matter how hard school gets. There
was a time when I felt depressed and overwhelmed with school. I had essays, tests, and homework due for every one of my classes. As a result, I was not participating in class. I was noticeably quiet and looked quite down. When he noticed, he said, “Si’ tu puedes,” meaning “Yes, you can.” Hearing those words almost caused me to cry. After hearing his encouragement, I felt much better. In fact, it felt good to have someone encourage me. I admired his dedication to seeing me succeed in school. If I ever need help with anything, he has made it clear that I can go to him. He is willing to share any resources that he has if it will benefit me. If I had to list all the reasons that Se-
nor Perez should be awarded this year’s Lamplighter Award, my essay would be more than ten pages long. Not all teachers are willing to put their students’ needs first, but Senor Perez is more than just a teacher who is simply doing his job. He has proven that there are still caring teachers who will do whatever it takes to help their students succeed in school. He goes beyond expectations and forms a bond with his students, making them feel as if they are part of his family. Even after I graduate, Senor Perez will always have a place in my heart. I will forever be grateful for his encouragement because without him, I would not be where I am in school.
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — June 19, 2023
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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — June 12, 2020
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