Rouse High School senior Bailey Kerns, recognizing Amy McKee: "Mrs. McKee has been one of the most significant figures and role models in my life since my freshman year. Throughout my time in the Dance Department at Rouse, Mrs. McKee has given me an endless amount of support, guidance, and motivation. She has helped me find where my passion is, helped me grow tremendously as a leader, and has also taught me a handful of life skills that I will continue to live by after graduation. My experience with her has been exactly what it should be: challenging yet rewarding, because she would never let me settle for the easy way out. Mrs. McKee continuously ensures that I am growing as both a student and a leader, and I will always be thankful for that. Though she has served as my dance director, she has greatly influenced my post-high school plans by standing by my decision to tryout for the Kilgore College Rangerettes, and pushing me closer towards that goal everyday. I will always be thankful for the tools she has given me to help me succeed in every aspect of my life."
Rouse High School senior Jason Perez, recognizing Brittany Onder: "Coach Onder came to Rouse high school my senior year. I met her through being apart of Raider Crew. We eventually created a bond and made me feel part of the team. I was on track in graduating in December but she convinced me to stay to be a part of the Co-Ed team. Ever since deciding to stay, she has pushed me to become a better cheerleader, push myself in classes and always make me smile. She’s sweet, caring, funny, and very supportive. When I have a bad day she’ll find a way to cheer my up and make me laugh or smile. Thanks to coach she has made my senior year an unforgettable one. I plan on cheering in college because of her and I’m super excited."
Rouse High School senior Stirling Duncan, recognizing Kathleen Forsell: "I chose to recognize Mrs. Forsell because the minute I walked into her classroom I was welcomed by her warm smile. She has an excellent way of making every student of hers feel comfortable and provides a safe place for them to make mistakes, be curious, and grow into better scholars. When faced with a difficult concept Mrs. Forsell works through the problem one on one with the student, even going above and beyond as to encourage the student to create their own opinion on the subject, causing the student to take ownership of their own learning. Mrs. Forsell has inspired me to begin working towards becoming a psychiatrist by showing me how fascinating the human mind really is. Through encouraging the inquisitive inner psychologist in me, Mrs. Forsell has made narrowing down my major for college effortless as I have come to realize that my love for psychology is innate."
