2019 LEEF STAR Banquet

LEEF Executive Director Kristen Huguley

Cedar Park High School senior Francesca Amaro, recognizing Mitzi Powell: "I am recognizing Mrs. Powell who has helped me throughout these four years not only as my AP, but as my college and career counselor as well. She helped me through the process of taking ACC classes as my college and career counselor, and is continuing to help me make big decisions about college as my AP. These past four years she has been supportive of my decisions whether it has been the selection of classes, or how to handle the college process. I am very grateful to have had Mrs. Powell there for me throughout every step. She has encouraged me and excited me about my future plans, and is there to brighten my day when I need her. Overall she has helped with my growth not only as a student but as a person."

Cedar Park High School senior Jackson Davies, recognizing Chris Oliver: "When I was a sophomore in Robotics, I was with my best friend Joey Comtois, and Mr. Oliver asked us to give some feedback on the course. Little did he know this would be the last time he wanted feedback. While I did give him SOME useful feedback, my counterpart Joey was a bit more harsh. So once the summer began he wasn’t left on a great note. Feeling somewhat poor about that entire situation on the first day of junior year we went back to his room and apologized. Now today I’m in his room every morning working on Physics and Calculus while enjoying the hobbies we share. Mr. Oliver is an incredibly fine teacher and he will make CPHS great for the students to come."

Cedar Park High School senior Hampton Jenschke, recognizing Christopher Cieri: "I chose Mr. Cieri because he has been one of the most influential teachers in my time in high school. He has been the teacher who I have felt has cared the most about his students. His attitude about teaching encourages his students to put in the most effort in his class. He is willing to help anyone if they are struggling and tries his hardest to make sure every student has the best opportunities they can to be succeed. He has shown me that even in a super challenging class like AP Chem where you might think you will never do well, you can still be successful through hard work. He makes sure that his students understand that their value isn’t in the grades they receive. He ensures that all of his students know that the learning is the most important part of the class."

Cedar Park High School senior Sangmin Yi, recognizing Allison Trueblood: "From school-related issues to personal issues or things that I had going on in my life, Mrs. Trueblood always had time to listen to what I had to say and gave me advice on how to become a better human being. I have had her since my sophomore year starting in Chemistry and have been under here wing until this year in AP Physics 1 and 2, so she is well aware of my antics and troubles that I bring to her, yet she is always forgiving and is considerate to not only me but to other students as well. One of the reasons why I am so interested in the field of science and want to further my education in the field of science is because of Mrs. Trueblood make science something that is fun, interesting, and easily understandable by all. I would not be the same person if it was not for her and I would like to thank her by being part of this alongside with me."

Cedar Park High School

Cedar Park High School senior Francesca Amaro, recognizing Mitzi Powell: "I am recognizing Mrs. Powell who has helped me throughout these four years not only as my AP, but as my college and career counselor as well. She helped me through the process of taking ACC classes as my college and career counselor, and is continuing to help me make big decisions about college as my AP. These past four years she has been supportive of my decisions whether it has been the selection of classes, or how to handle the college process. I am very grateful to have had Mrs. Powell there for me throughout every step. She has encouraged me and excited me about my future plans, and is there to brighten my day when I need her. Overall she has helped with my growth not only as a student but as a person."

Cedar Park High School senior Hampton Jenschke, recognizing Christopher Cieri: "I chose Mr. Cieri because he has been one of the most influential teachers in my time in high school. He has been the teacher who I have felt has cared the most about his students. His attitude about teaching encourages his students to put in the most effort in his class. He is willing to help anyone if they are struggling and tries his hardest to make sure every student has the best opportunities they can to be succeed. He has shown me that even in a super challenging class like AP Chem where you might think you will never do well, you can still be successful through hard work. He makes sure that his students understand that their value isn’t in the grades they receive. He ensures that all of his students know that the learning is the most important part of the class."

Cedar Park High School senior Sangmin Yi, recognizing Allison Trueblood: "From school-related issues to personal issues or things that I had going on in my life, Mrs. Trueblood always had time to listen to what I had to say and gave me advice on how to become a better human being. I have had her since my sophomore year starting in Chemistry and have been under here wing until this year in AP Physics 1 and 2, so she is well aware of my antics and troubles that I bring to her, yet she is always forgiving and is considerate to not only me but to other students as well. One of the reasons why I am so interested in the field of science and want to further my education in the field of science is because of Mrs. Trueblood make science something that is fun, interesting, and easily understandable by all. I would not be the same person if it was not for her and I would like to thank her by being part of this alongside with me."

Cedar Park High School senior Sierra Flores, recognizing Ryan Rodriguez: "I would like to thank Mr Rodriguez for being the best Biology teacher ever! He has helped me grow as a student and has helped me to realize that the sciences are where my heart truly lies. It has been four years since I sat in your classroom and your influence has stayed with me everyday day. Your passion for biology shows in how you interact with those who have been in your class! He made the class interesting and kept the content interesting so that I was engaged, even if the content wasn’t that exciting. Mr Rodriguez definitely helped to enhance my interested in science and has helped to point me toward veterinary as a potential future career choice."

Cedar Park High School senior Jackson Davies, recognizing Chris Oliver: "When I was a sophomore in Robotics, I was with my best friend Joey Comtois, and Mr. Oliver asked us to give some feedback on the course. Little did he know this would be the last time he wanted feedback. While I did give him SOME useful feedback, my counterpart Joey was a bit more harsh. So once the summer began he wasn’t left on a great note. Feeling somewhat poor about that entire situation on the first day of junior year we went back to his room and apologized. Now today I’m in his room every morning working on Physics and Calculus while enjoying the hobbies we share. Mr. Oliver is an incredibly fine teacher and he will make CPHS great for the students to come."

Glenn High School senior Grace Simmons, recognizing Beth Auble: "Mrs. Auble influenced my theatre career greatly before I started high school. She was the person who really got me involved in performing when I was still unsure about what I really wanted to pursue in high school and even college. She gave me the confidence I needed in order to audition for shows, no matter how scared I was. Working with her during middle school was a true delight, and I learned important lessons about punctuality, speaking up for myself, and developing a professional and respectful attitude towards my superiors. Mrs. Auble saw who I could be as a performer and pushed me to be the very best version of myself I could be, even when my middle school self didn’t see the point. Without her, I wouldn’t have become so involved in theatre as I am now, and I never would have found a true love for performing. I am so grateful that she believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself at that time, and I can’t thank her enough for the impact she continues to have on my life today."

Glenn High School senior Mia Crane, recognizing Shirley Norris: "In her time at LMS, Mrs. Norris was always there for her students through thick and thin, and thankfully I was lucky enough to be one of them. I am so happy to be able to rightfully recognize Mrs. Norris for her selflessness, as I know there are many more out there who feel the same as I do; I am only a fraction of the difference she has made as an educator, and more importantly as a compassionate and sincere individual. She helped me recognize important values like being humble yet driven at a young age, and every bit of her guidance then has influenced so many elements that makes me up now. I want her to know that in the times I struggled to recognize myself, I found shelter with her and want thank her for always welcoming me with open arms, long after I left her classroom. I am fully confident in saying that so much of what she has done has been for the benefit of her students, and for that, we owe her more than words can comprehend. To Mrs. Norris - I don’t think you will ever truly know how grateful I am for what you have done for me, but please know I am forever changed."

Glenn High School senior Jamald Johnson, recognizing Sara Wilson: “I have selected Mrs. Wilson as my most influential teacher, one reason is because I have had her as a teacher my whole high school career attending Glenn. So, with that we get along well together which makes it easier to talk to her and get help on assignments when I don’t understand what going on. Mrs. Wilson is also one of my favorite teachers because, the way she prepares her classes is based on the feedback of the students. She is constantly listening and willing to hear the students out, tweaking her classes to make it easier for the students to learn the concepts being taught. All around Mrs. Wilson is a great teacher and person to talk to and learn from, and I am glad she has made an impact on my life as well as my high school career.”

Glenn High School

Glenn High School senior Eliza Cinca, recognizing Kelly Sells: "Throughout my entire education I have had the opportunity to be taught and mentored by such talented and kind teachers. While, all of them helped me get to where I am today by either teaching my how to multiple or the basic safety rules in a lab none of them were as exceptional as Mrs. Sells. Mrs. Sells is more than just another teacher; she is an exceptional person who for the past two years has pushed me in my academic career, helped me along in my college application process by writing letters of recommendation and revising my essays, and most importantly she has been an amazing friend to me. Without Mrs. Sells being apart of my journey throughout high school I’m not sure where I would be. She has been such a positive influence on me and I am so thankful and honored to have had her as a teacher."

Glenn High School senior Mia Crane, recognizing Shirley Norris: "In her time at LMS, Mrs. Norris was always there for her students through thick and thin, and thankfully I was lucky enough to be one of them. I am so happy to be able to rightfully recognize Mrs. Norris for her selflessness, as I know there are many more out there who feel the same as I do; I am only a fraction of the difference she has made as an educator, and more importantly as a compassionate and sincere individual. She helped me recognize important values like being humble yet driven at a young age, and every bit of her guidance then has influenced so many elements that makes me up now. I want her to know that in the times I struggled to recognize myself, I found shelter with her and want thank her for always welcoming me with open arms, long after I left her classroom. I am fully confident in saying that so much of what she has done has been for the benefit of her students, and for that, we owe her more than words can comprehend. To Mrs. Norris - I don’t think you will ever truly know how grateful I am for what you have done for me, but please know I am forever changed."

Glenn High School senior Grace Simmons, recognizing Beth Auble: "Mrs. Auble influenced my theatre career greatly before I started high school. She was the person who really got me involved in performing when I was still unsure about what I really wanted to pursue in high school and even college. She gave me the confidence I needed in order to audition for shows, no matter how scared I was. Working with her during middle school was a true delight, and I learned important lessons about punctuality, speaking up for myself, and developing a professional and respectful attitude towards my superiors. Mrs. Auble saw who I could be as a performer and pushed me to be the very best version of myself I could be, even when my middle school self didn’t see the point. Without her, I wouldn’t have become so involved in theatre as I am now, and I never would have found a true love for performing. I am so grateful that she believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself at that time, and I can’t thank her enough for the impact she continues to have on my life today."

Glenn High School senior Hayden Aldridge, recognizing Austin Batson: "Mr. Batson had me at his peculiar personality from the start. He was an intelligent, funny, and happy man, who always brought light to the classroom. The curious man was always willing to help me understand the complete idea behind the topics we covered in and out of class. I would often go after school to his classroom and ask him questions about particle physics that often drove others out of the room. Mr. Batson has taught me things that don’t only apply in the classroom but also in life. He has taught me to be responsible, respectful, and to strive everyday to be a better person than I was yesterday. I would be more than happy to be a student of his any day and I’m so thankful for the friendship he and I have."

Glenn High School senior Jamald Johnson, recognizing Sara Wilson: “I have selected Mrs. Wilson as my most influential teacher, one reason is because I have had her as a teacher my whole high school career attending Glenn. So, with that we get along well together which makes it easier to talk to her and get help on assignments when I don’t understand what going on. Mrs. Wilson is also one of my favorite teachers because, the way she prepares her classes is based on the feedback of the students. She is constantly listening and willing to hear the students out, tweaking her classes to make it easier for the students to learn the concepts being taught. All around Mrs. Wilson is a great teacher and person to talk to and learn from, and I am glad she has made an impact on my life as well as my high school career.”

Leander High School senior Kaley Jones, recognizing Gregory Shaw: "Mr. Greg has been one of the most influential people in my life, even if I have only known him for two years. I first met him my junior year when we realized he has known my family since I was young. From that point on, I can confidently say I have talked to him almost every school day possible. Mr. Shaw is one of those people that can talk for ages about any subject imaginable and he inspires me everyday to learn about the world, no matter what the topic may be. His passion to teach is unwavering and I could not ask for anything more in a mentor. He has always been there for me and other students, making me believe his job description does not do justice to the time and effort he puts forth. I would not be the person I am today without Mr. Shaw’s guidance."

Leander High School senior Katie Doil, recognizing Shelby Kenyon: "Mrs. Kenyon has greatly influenced my life by starting me off on my Interior Design career. She always gives me feedback on how to improve my work and become more professional. She has taught me to go from a casual high school student to a formal, young business woman. She has been there for me and given me excellent advice in academic, personal, and business situations. She has taken me under her wing."

Leander High School senior Lauren Presley, recognizing Robert Selaiden: "The power of our influence often gets taken for granted. A simple hug, smile or joke for someone else can lead to one selfless act, to another and another. In one day, one could spark so many of these reactions so that the world we wake up in the next day, is one more joyous and positive than the last. Mr. Selaiden is a person who realizes this influence, and chooses to make sure his students feel love, encouragement, happiness and support day after day. The result of which, is an environment where students don’t feel afraid to be wrong, aren’t afraid to fail and can give their best each day, knowing they have a such a strong leader in their corner guiding them. In this environment, I have learned to look at failure as a way to grow, how to be my best in my darkest moments, how to look at differing perspectives as a betterment to my own, how to disagree to find a better solution and most of all, learn to be someone others can rely on. My world, like many others, is forever bettered because no matter the circumstance, I can always turn to Mr. Selaiden for a hug and he will always tell me he believes in me."

Leander High School