Vista Ridge High School senior Jaxon Plymire, recognizing Jessica Mondragon: "Mrs. Mondragon; also known as Mony, Best Friend, BFF, Jess and Jessica, has been one of, if not, the most influential teacher I’ve encountered in my 12 years of public school education. One of the reasons why I say this is because she cares for her students outside of their academics. She values you as a person. She cares about how I was actually doing. She is interested in what you are doing outside of school. She loves to hear about my hopes and dreams in life and ultimately how she can help. She knows that I’m more than just a student. As much as she is nice and caring about how you are doing, she always motivates you to be the best student. She gets on you if you aren’t doing your best in your classes. Not in a shameful way, but in a motivational way because she believes you are capable of doing better. She cares about the details. You may be passing and excelling in all your classes but she always makes sure your binders are organized, your notes are processed, you have your homework written in your planner, etc. She cares about those little things that makes you an even more successful student than you may be and will let you know where you may be lacking because of the potential we have as students. I’ve has the privilege to be Mrs. Mondragon’s student for 2 years now and she has ultimately impacted me as a student and then, in turn, made me a better person. I don’t know where I’d as a person be without her constant encouragement, authenticity and persistence. Thank you for everything you’ve done in my life."
Vista Ridge High School senior Macy Fetchel, recognizing Kenny Edgar: "Mr. Edgar was the first teacher I met on the first day of freshman year and has had an immense impact on me every day since. Being my FFA Advisor, he has pushed me to get out of my comfort zone, support me with every competition and endeavor I take on, act as an advice panel when I needed help, and been there every step of the way through competitions and more. Starting freshman year I was shy, soft spoken, and lacked the confidence to speak in front of others; However, I can now confidently speak in front of others and have found my place and passions in the agriculture industry, largely thanks to Mr. Edgar and his help. He works incredibly hard, always puts students before himself, and dedicates his time and effort to developing students to see them succeed, by whatever means possible. He brings out the best qualities in students and I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Mr. Edgars help, effort, dedication, and passion for helping students. He will always be a huge role model to me and I am forever grateful for the incredible impact he has had on my life"
Leander ISD Superintendent Dan Troxell, Ph.D.
