by JIM CULLEN
- The Education Foundation’s Linebarger Academic Recognition Reception highlights the district’s top 10% of graduating students and their selections for “most significant” teachers. Hays High English teacher Kerri Espinoza is an annual selection and she and the three seniors who selected her this year gathered for a photo after the show. The group includes (left to right) Kelley Willcox, Abbie Thames, Espinoza and Jessica Scott. (Photos by Jim Cullen)
In an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, 76 of Hays CISD’s highest-achieving seniors gathered last Thursday at the Performing Arts Center for the annual Linebarger Academic Recognition Reception, hosted by the Hays Education Foundation.
The seniors earned their invitations to the event by finishing in the top ten percent of their class at Hays, Academy or Lehman high schools. Scores of teachers, family members and district supporters turned out to support the graduates.
In a memorable program, each recognized student was called to cross the stage with the teacher they’d selected as their most significant. Co-hosts Cari Ledesma and Dick Schneider read aloud the sometimes humorous, frequently touching thoughts the students had written about their teacher, as the audience took in photos of the student and educator on overhead projectors.
In a tradition for the long-running event, a special presentation awaited every recognized student in the Performing Arts Center foyer following the program conclusion.
Foundation board member and Chapa Middle School principal Lisa Walls chaired the reception.
