enlighten.enlighten. inspire. inspire. achieve. achieve. CONNECTIONSCONNECTIONS SummerSummer 2021 2018 AA Publication Publication from from Hillsboro Hillsboro Independent Independent School School District District AccoladesAccolades Edition Edition Congratulations, Class of 2021! this issue TEACHERS OF THE YEAR • PAGE 3 GRADUATION • PAGE 6 AROUND THE DISTRICT • PAGE 10 2 CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 Food Truck Face-off Athletics Department prepares students for has excellent real-life scenarios seasons all around tudents at Hillsboro High School (HHS) got a or a group of athletes that did not get to taste of what it would be like to own and compete full seasons - or even in a game - last Soperate a food truck during their culinary arts Fyear, Hillsboro ISD Athletics had an incredible class. spring season. For the entirety of their six weeks, students created “We had a great year in athletics,” Steve Hale, their own food truck idea as a group, explored recipes Athletic Director, said. “I was so proud of our to create a set menu, designed a food truck that would athletes and coaches for being positive and be used as their cash box, and figured out a business flexible with all the changes in regards to Covid. We plan. Finally, they battled it out with their peers for were successful in finishing all of our their first day of operation. seasons. I am thankful for all the support from our Other students visited the food truck alley and were administration and parents during this time.” given monopoly money to purchase food items from a Girls track had a great season with Kloe peer. Each truck measured success by how many items Benson, Mallorie Sexton, Kennedy Styron, Sandra were bought and how much they earned. Grimaldo, and Delta Johnson advancing to regionals On the day of the face off, students had in the 4x4 and shotput, respectively. The mile relay approximately 20 minutes to prepare one item from got 3rd place in the regional meet with Levi Bontke, their prepared menu and plate 16 servings. Once the Luke Bontke, Ronald Harden, and Frankie Montoya. food trucks were ‘open’, they had to attract their peers Ronald Harden finished 3rd in the 800m. to come purchase their items. With a variety of food Baseball went to the first round of playoffs, but and beverages, the groups measured their success lost in three games to North Dallas High School. based on how many servings they had left and how The Softball team won the bi-district championship much money they made. against Pinkston High School. They lost the next “Each year the ideas get more creative and teams round to Melissa High School. become more competitive.” Amy Ballentine, HHS Powerlifter Trent Tidwell set a personal Culinary Arts teacher, said. “I enjoy this project also record with a squat of 630 pounds at the state meet. because it’s success requires all the attributes of The girls team finished 14th out of 35 schools. Hillsboro ISD’s Portrait of a Learner: Communication, Individuals that placed at state are as follows: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity.” Bene Martinez - 2nd place Jaedyn Campos - 5th place and Overall Best Bench Press Annette Castaneda - 9th place Catalina Ramirez - 9th place Salma Ramirez - 9th place Ailiani Gonzalez - 10th place Allie Hale - 10th place Teresa Antunez - 11th place Jackelin Cuevas - 11th place Congratulations to these athletes and their achievements this season! CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 3 HISD Teachers of the Year Announced CONNECTIONS Amanda McCreery Elementary Teacher of the year Connections is published by manda McCreery knew she wanted to be a The Hillsboro Reporter as a courtesy to the Hillsboro teacher after spending time in her mom’s Independent School District. For additional copies of A classroom as a child. Connections, please contact The Hillsboro Reporter at She was born in California and graduated from (254) 582-3431. Western Governors University. She joined the military Hillsboro Independent School and served as a military police officer in Afghanistan, District 121 E. Franklin St. her company (545 MP Company) being the first to utilize Hillsboro, TX 76645 women on the front line. Since she joined the Franklin Phone: (254) 582-8585 Fax: (254) 582-4165 Elementary School campus three years ago, she has www.hillsboroisd.org been a pillar of strength, determination, and inspiration. Superintendent: Vicki Adams “I love seeing a student gain confidence in themselves [email protected] as they learn,” McCreery said. In her seven years of teaching, with three being at Hillsboro High School HISD, she has taught 1st grade and pre-k classes. 1600 Abbott Ave. Hillsboro, TX 76645 No stranger to facing challenges, McCreery tackled teaching 4-year-olds digitally and Phone: (254) 582-4100 www.hhs.hillsboroisd.org spent her spare time making sure her students and fellow teachers were able to Principal: Greg Gummelt navigate the challenges and uniqueness of the school year. She has been a pertinent [email protected] part of the campus and district planning teams where her valuable input and ideas Hillsboro Junior High School 210 E. Walnut St. have enhanced the district for all stakeholders. Hillsboro, TX 76645 Phone: (254) 582-4120 “Mrs. McCreery has been such a blessing to HISD,” Michelle Steele, Pre-K www.hjhs.hillsboroisd.org Coordinator, said. “She has a heart-felt interest in the students and staff. She is a true Principal: Patrick Harvell [email protected] hero and it has been an honor to work with her.” Hillsboro Intermediate School Tammy Fry 1000 Old Bynum Rd. Hillsboro, TX 76645 Secondary Teacher of the year Phone: (254) 582-4170 hough Tammy Fry was born in Omaha, Nebraska, www.his.hillsboroisd.org Principal: Stephanie Tucker she moved to the area when she was four years [email protected] T old. Hillsboro Elementary School 115 Jane Lane Education was not her first career, but she started Hillsboro, TX 76645 Phone: (254) 582-4140 substituting at Hillsboro ISD in 2001, subbing and www.hes.hillsboroisd.org working as an aide until deciding to enroll in Tarleton Principal: Robin Ralston State University to obtain her degree in education and [email protected] become a teacher in 2010. After graduating in 2011, she Franklin Elementary School 103 Country Club Dr. spent the spring semester at Hillsboro High School Hillsboro, TX 76645 Phone: (254) 582-4130 before moving to her current position in 8th grade www.fes.hillsboroisd.org science that fall. Pre-K Coordinator/Daycare Director: Michelle Steele “Mrs. Fry has two characteristics that are most important in an exemplary teacher,” [email protected] Patrick Harvell, HJHS Principal, said. “She has a passion for her students well-being and the drive to make sure that every student is successful in her class.” When students enter her classroom, she recognizes that they come to her from Connections is created by different backgrounds and abilities but works tirelessly to meet them where they are Cami Steele, Designer/Writer/ and provides them with the necessary push to achieve excellence in her classroom. Photographer Lised Cruz, Practicum With virtual learning, she worked tirelessly to make the child sitting at home feel Student, Designer/Writer/ just as much a part of her class as the one sitting in the front row. She is a leader and Photographer a mentor to her colleagues as well as to her students. She coaches robotics and is the cheerleader sponsor, but is the first to sign up to help others with duty coverage or to sponsor other activities to ensure that students get to participate. “I believe that it was definitely God’s plan to end up in education,” Fry said. “It’s always been about the kids for me. Everything I do is for them.” 4 CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 HISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION HONORS TOP 10% GRADUATES he Hillsboro ISD Education Foundation honored 13 graduating Hillsboro High School seniors representing the top 10 percent of students in academic achievement. The students were honored at the Eagle Legacy TAwards Banquet on May 15th. The distinguished students, their honored HISD employee, parents, and virtual guests enjoyed a catered dinner from R&K Cafe. In addition to the recognition of the students’ achievements, each senior recognized and thanked an educator or HISD employee who served as a mentor and was an integral part of their academic success. The students were surprised with a parade and rewarded for their accomplishments with all receiving a $500 scholarship. “The Hillsboro ISD Education Foundation wants to congratulate the Class of 2021 and the students in the top 10% of the class,” Deb Hanson, Director of the Education Foundation, said. “The dedication to your academics that have been exhibited by you and your teachers during this time have been truly admirable. It is our honor, with the help of our donors, to celebrate your achievements and we cannot wait to see what each of your futures hold.” CONNECTIONS Summer 2021 35 allen alvarado Balderas Graduate: Zyeir Allen Graduate: Cailyn Alvarado Bodovsky College: Dallas Baptist University College: Abilene Christian University Distinguished Educator: Mackenzie Adams Distinguished Educator: Michael Chirhart Graduate: Jayden Balderas Graduate: Laena Bodovsky College: Texas A&M University College: University of Texas Distinguished Educator: Dana Marshall Distinguished Educator: Terri Curry Graduate: Juliana Busby Graduate: Skylar Cheek College: Texas State Technical College College: Texas A&M university Distinguished Educator: Alyssa Stringer Distinguished Educator: Marilyn