PATHS GRADUATE, MICHAEL BITTAR, RECEIVES EANSPIRATION AWARD EDUCATIONAL IMPACT
06/21/2022
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| Pictured left to right: Michael Bittar, Susan Stotzer, Laura Avery, Jeffrey Strange, Superintendent Dr. Tom Leonard. Not pictured: Kimberly Jones, Rusty Tolliver |
Educational Impact
Those who display leadership and commitment to the district by making a positive, noticeable and significant impact.
Mr. Michael Bittar, Long Term Substitute
Michael Bittar is a former ATS student. He went to college via the Texas A&M PATHS program and received a certificate to be a paraprofessional. ATS hired him this year to step in as an extra aide in our program in September, to help with our staffing crisis. He has done an AMAZING job with the ATS students this year, and we could not imagine our school year without his help.
Ms. Kimberly Jones, Speech Therapist
Kimberly Jones has been working at West Ridge for 23 years and has made an impact on so many lives. She is always going above and beyond to make sure her students are progressing and making sure their parents feel that their kids are being taken care of. She constantly helps the other speech therapists in the district whether creating materials or even taking time out of her own very busy schedule to meet with them and help organize ARD paperwork and many other things. She deserves this award and so many others for the work she’s done in Eanes.
Heroes
Those who perform an outstanding achievement that brings prestige to Eanes ISD, or do something that goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Ms. Laura Avery, Parent Volunteer
Laura Avery has been a pivotal force behind the Best Buddies Program in Eanes. She has been championing the program from its inception and helping the WHS chapter become one of the best. Her tireless efforts and enthusiasm were highlighted in a very successful Best Buddy walk held this spring, where she put in countless hours to support hundreds of attendees at a fabulous event. We are forever thankful for all that she does for all of our teachers, parents, and students.
Ms. Susan Stotzer, Parent Volunteer
Susan Stotzer goes above and beyond for our students every day! She is a vocal advocate for students with disabilities, and demonstrates methods for inclusion both in and out of the classroom. She is very active with the EANES Best Buddies program as well as volunteers with Special Olympics. She helps make school events accessible to all students and updates other parents in the community about important things happening is special education. She is the best example of what can occur when parents and educators work together as a team! She is such an amazing advocate and volunteer for the special education community here at Eanes and we are forever grateful.
Mr. Rusty Tolliver, Community Member
Rusty Tolliver has committed to supporting Best Buddies within Eanes ISD to the greatest extent. Rusty helped coordinate the Best Buddies Walk for Inclusion here at WHS which was a great success and brought people from all over Central Texas to Westlake to celebrate an amazing event. Additionally, Rusty has supported Westlake Best Buddies by coordinating parent groups, monthly activities, and building community engagement with our chapter. His willingness to help and incredible spirit are inspirational to all!
Innovation
Those who implement a creative or innovative program, teaching method, cost-savings, etc.
Mr. Jeffrey Strange, Technical Supervisor Chaps Television Broadcast
Mr. Strange continues to be an innovator through the Chaparral Football Television Broadcast. Always keeping the interest of the 24-students on this unique team as his top priority, Jeff strives to implement new technical elements to make each broadcast as professional as possible while providing students with an enriched educational experience. Students learn a unique set of skills including teamwork, problem-solving, communication and leadership. Over the years, the project has caught the attention of many professionals in the sports broadcasting industry, as it is the only high school student-produced 'live' telecast that is shown on network television. The program has repeatedly earned 1st-place honors in the state level UIL Broadcast Journalism awards, including this past season, and the program even brings in revenue via a unique partnership with Nexstar/KXAN.