New Hope High School senior David Longoria, recognizing Tommie Hart-Dunlap: "Ms. Dunlap is an amazing English and Spanish teacher. I was invited to graduate early at New Hope High School, so I could start EMT training through ACC. It was a process to transfer from Leander High School and I was determined to finish by December. Everyone at NHHS was extremely helpful in my success to graduate and I am thankful for their help, and the opportunity that I was given. Additionally, Ms. Dunlap is important to me, as she came along side to help me complete my courses. She is very funny, personable and made me feel welcome in her class the moment I walked in. She helped me the most by explaining the complex meaning of the poems that I read, as they didn’t make any sense to me. She is an excellent teacher, as she supported me when I had set a deadline for myself to graduate early. She was very excited about my goals and plans for the future She was there when I needed her for understanding. In January, I went to visit and thank her for her help and support. She was delighted to see me and was extremely interested to know that I had met my goal to graduate early. I was able to start my EMT training and it is the most difficult course I have ever taken before. Ms. Dunlap encouraged me to never give up on a challenge. By the time I graduate with my class, I will be a licensed EMT."
Rouse High School senior Annabeth Stover, recognizing Joshua Morton: "Mr. Morton was my geometry and algebra 2 teacher, so over my freshman and sophomore year I worked with him a lot. Through those two years, Mr.Morton encouraged and helped me, not only in math but also in the year after my father passed away. Throughout high school he has continued to support and encourage me through my other classes. His classes gave me a positive experience in high school mathematics and lead me to decide to pursue engineering in college."
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."
