Complete with bells and whistles, Ector County ISD officials and Board President Tammy Hawkins stopped off at six campuses Wednesday to present Employee of the Year Awards.
Another round is scheduled for May 13.
The group made its tour on an ECISD bus. Winners were presented with an oversize horizontal cardboard sign, a Lucite award and a check from the Education Foundation.
Secondary Principal of the Year was Gerardo Ramirez at George H.W. Bush New Tech Odessa.
“It’s really a surprise. I really had no idea and so to be recognized for hard work, to be recognized that we’re doing something great at this school, it really is an honor,” Ramirez said.
The only indication Ramirez said he had was a text message from the district asking him if he was going to be on campus.
Ross Elementary School Assistant Principal Adonica Galindo was presented with the Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year award.
Galindo said the recognition was an honor.
“I’m so touched; very surprising. This is such an honor. I can’t say that enough,” Galindo said.
“I absolutely love what I do. I love my folks and holy cow,” she added.
When she got up Wednesday morning, she had no clue of the award to come.
“My biggest concern this morning was how frizzy my hair was. Coming to work is nothing because this is what I love to do so much,” said Galindo.
This is her fourth year at Ross and her 22nd with ECISD.
She added that she thinks every administrator is administrator of the year, “but I have the title this year, so it’s pretty cool.”
Galindo said she has served in many roles from teacher’s aide to curriculum coach.
She added that what drew her to education was incredible teachers.
Galindo is a product of ECISD having graduated from Permian High School in 1999.
“… I’m just so excited,” she added.
Ross Principal Susan Hendricks said was nearly speechless.
“Words cannot describe how proud I am of Ms. Galindo. She has truly been a huge asset in helping make dreams come true at Ross Elementary,” Hendricks said.
“I am so excited that all of Miss Galindo’s hard work and accomplishments are being acknowledged,” she added in a text message. “She is so deserving of this honorable award.”
Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year was Angelina Hilton at Crockett Middle School.
Secondary Teacher of the year was Melisa Valenzuela at Wilson & Young Medal of Honor Middle School.
Elementary Teacher of the Year was Annalisa Zapata at Milam Elementary School and Elementary Principal of the Year was Valerie Rivera at Blackshear Elementary School.
