Students, Community Leaders Honored at AISD's African American Heritage Celebration

AISD middle school students receive their awards.

On Sunday, February 24, I had the pleasure of congratulating 258 of our district’s outstanding African American elementary, middle and high school students at the 30th annual AISD African American Heritage Celebration. These students and their families filled the hall at Palmer Auditorium for a ceremony that featured performances by the Bowie High School Jazz Band and Steel Drum Ensemble, a creative poetry presentation by four Bowie High School Students, and a performance by the Bowie Diamonds and Pearls Step Team.

Bryson Hopkins, left, and Dana Neal, right, were Master and Mistress of Ceremonies.

Also honored at the event were these community leaders:

Board President Torres, Trustees Teich and Barksdale and I congratulate Martin Middle School Lead Counselor Walter Lovings for his award.

• W. Charles Akins Award: Mark A. Gooden, Associate Professor and Director of the Principalship Program, University of Texas at Austin
• H.L. Gaines Award: Walter Lovings, Lead Counselor, Martin Middle School
• Darlene Westbrook Leadership in Education Award: Tamey Williams, Assistant Principal, Small Middle School
• Organization of the Year Award:The Seedling Foundation
• Spirit of Giving Award: Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.-Delta Beta Chapter
• Volunteer Service Award: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas
• Friend of Education Award: The City of Austin Mentor and Tutor Program

We are grateful to these volunteers and community organizations for all that they do to support our students, families and schools.

Congratulations to these AISD fourth grade students, who received awards in the African American Heritage Composition contest:
First Place: Zoe Vardys, Davis Elementary
Second Place: Brenden Hopkins, Barrington Elementary
Third Place: Miranda Banda, Palm Elementary
Fourth Place: Leo Shaftel, Doss Elementary
Fifth Place: Evan Mallett, Menchaca Elementary