Westlake HS EANESpiration Winners, 2019

Educational Impact 

Those who display leadership and commitment to the district by making a positive, noticeable and significant impact.

Ms. Darcie Gilde, Digital Graphics/Animation Teacher
Darcie has always been a friendly face to everyone at WHS. She provides this safe, friendly environment for our students as well.  Students who do not feel comfortable go to her room for lunch and other times because they know they are accepted and that they can belong. These kids LOVE her. Many students who have had challenges visit her classroom because know they have a place to go. This is so very valuable and something that she saw a need for and met.  Darcie is a great example of a wonderful teacher, SEL advocate, and CHAP CHAMPION!

Ms. Kimberly Gill, Volunteer
Kimberly has partnered with Westlake high school for 10 years providing educational experiences for our health science students. She has single-handedly impacted many students to develop them into successful healthcare providers. She has inspired students for years and continues to show enthusiasm for the clinical rotations classes. She goes above and beyond allowing students to come outside of school hours to observe medical procedures and medical professionals in action. We couldn’t do this without her help and continued support.

Mr. Richard McCormick, Parent Volunteer
Richard always goes above and beyond to volunteer to drive to competitions, events, and wherever we need an additional chaperone. He always has a positive attitude and his enthusiasm for Westlake High School is contagious. He has helped the HOSA and CERT programs in numerous ways. He is an excellent example of a servant leader.

Mr. Norman Morgan, Robotics Teacher
In two recent tournaments, The 2468 team won both tournaments and took the highest team awards: Chairman's and Engineering Inspiration.  The team now advances to the Texas State Tournament as the number one ranked team. This is possible only because Norman Morgan leads all students to a higher level of success through hard work, innovation, leadership, and creativity. Norman gives an extensive number of hours after school and on the weekends to work with groups of students and mentors as teams gain valuable life lessons through the application of their knowledge and skill. Norman Morgan teaches students to lead by teaching others, while also becoming their best!

Ms. Stephanie Nanyes, Teaching Assistant
Stephanie comes to school every day with a smile on her face, ready to greet our students. She goes above and beyond the call of duty, making sure each student's specific program is being followed in each of their classes and makes sure they have what they need. You can tell how much Stephanie loves the kids and enjoys her job when you watch her interact and engage with the students on a daily basis.  She does her job, asks nothing in return, and always makes sure others are taken care of before getting her own needs met. Stephanie’s dedication to the Life Skills team and students is a true inspiration and we are SO lucky to have her!

Mr. Lynn Rosier, Computer Science Teacher
Lynn has had an impactful influence on not only WHS staff and students, but also Hill Country staff and students this year. He is filling the gap to increase student access to early learning in computer science. He leads young minds to develop habits of problem-solving and helps students to learn by doing and construct their understanding in collaboration with their peers. At the high school, he teaches advanced courses, past AP level, and maintains support to all computer science teachers. Lynn leads his students to wins in UIL District Computer Science competitions and beyond. His endless enthusiasm leads his students to pursue in-demand careers and successes in the field of STEM.

Ms. Rebecka Stucky, English Teacher
Since Rebecka started the Vietnam Virtual Wall project in the 1990s, students have conducted a research project where they learn all they can about a fallen service member listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. and then create a memorial to honor that person's life, service, and sacrifice. Our Virtual Vietnam memorial currently contains more than 4,200 memorial videos honoring our fallen service members. During their research, the students often locate and correspond with living relatives, friends, classmates, and fellow service members of the veteran. The process fosters communication skills and a sense of connection to their country and the students often finish the project with a keener sense of appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and their loved ones. We have received countless emails and notes of thanks from widows and from children who never met their fathers. Many former students and their parents have commented that even years after graduation, the memories, lessons, and feelings have left a lasting impression that follows them into adulthood. Rebecka has received awards from Veterans organizations for this curriculum.  She has left a legacy that has touched people at many levels.

 

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. Holly Dudrick, Receptionist
Holly goes out of her way to make everyone feel special and valued at Westlake High School. She is often the only contact parents have when they visit the campus and they appreciate how she works in such a professional caring way in such a short amount of time. This year she has mastered the new buzz-in system so effortlessly and with such a positive attitude.  We appreciate her smiling face and welcoming attitude with our visitors!

Mr. Sal Espinosa, Substitute Assistant Principal
Sal stepped into the substitute AP role with professionalism and positivity. He took on the Special Education responsibilities with such a warm, supportive and energetic manner. He has the amazing ability to lead and guide ARDs, work with SPED staff, parents and students and build relationships with students immediately. He made an immediate impact on our campus and we are incredibly thankful for all he has done.

Ms.  Jamie Smithson, Community Partner
Ms. Smithson and Belmont Village have been incredible partners with Westlake HS. The unique partnership has been instrumental in the growth and development of students, providing an incredible hands-on program where the Health science students work rotations with the facility's residents. This has developed the students into more compassionate and understanding future healthcare providers. A WHS graduate, Jamie has gone above and beyond to offer various volunteer opportunities for students - not only in the health rotations but also in the kitchen, food service and entertainment areas of the facility.

 

Innovation Award

Those who implement a creative or innovative program, teaching method, cost-savings, etc.

Ms. Cheryle Curtis, Occupational Therapist
Cheryle goes above and beyond her job description daily as an Occupational Therapist. She consistently brings innovative tools into classrooms in order to give students better access to the curriculum. She is always willing to consult with teachers about all of their students’ needs, both academic and functional, and offer tools for success even if the student does not receive services.  Over her long career in Eanes, she has worked with every level of student from students aged 3 - 22.  For each one of those students, she has made a positive impact on their lives. She always works with a student's best interest at heart to help them be as independent as possible.  She is an amazing resource for both staff and families.   This will be Cheryle's last year in Eanes and she will be sincerely missed. 

Ms. Susanna McConnell, Economics Teacher
Susanna founded the Teacher Innovation Academy - a monthly professional development group focused on helping teachers become better educators. Susanna has had a profound impact, not only with students but with her colleagues. Her colleagues learn more from working with her than throughout some of their teacher certification courses. She's proven herself to be not only an extraordinary educator but an exemplar of what it means to innovate in education and help others do the same.