Wimberley Lions applaud Teachers of the Year, Students of the Year, and award scholarships

Wimberley Independent School District educators and students were applauded by the Wimberley Lions last week during a meeting at the Community Center in which top students were also awarded scholarships.

Principals from each WISD school recognized their Student of the Year and Teacher of the Year during the presentations.

Blue Hole Primary Principal Dara Richardson named student Gunner Williams, and teacher of the year, Kimberly Wood; Jacob’s Well Elementary Principal SueAnna Thomas acknowledged student Bryson Thibodeau and teacher of the year, Ben Campbell; Danforth Junior High Principal Christi Moeller honored student Corina Joyce and teacher of the year Quinn Morris; and Wimberley High School Principal Ryan Wilkes recognized student Ella Malone and teacher Brian Owens.

Frank Curtis, Lions President, thanked the volunteers who ensured the success of Market Days. Part of the revenue provides scholarships for local high school students interested in pursuing an academic 4-year degree, or 2-year trade school. This year, the Lions awarded an unprecedented ten academic scholarships.

The scholarship winners, their education focus and selected university were: Aiden Archer, Mechanical Engineering, University of Alabama; Madeline Brushaber, Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M; James Buck, Petroleum Engineering, University of Texas at Austin; Itzel Casas, Pediatric Nursing, University Of Incarnate Word; Izabella (Izzy) Franchione, Premed, University of Alabama; Elizabeth Gonzalez, Computer Engineering, University Of Texas at Austin; Ella Malone, Premed, Wheaton College; Lea Martin, Marine biology, University of Oregon; Brennan Ramsey, Mechanical Engineering, University Of Texas at Dallas; James Wilkes, Biochemistry, Abilene Christian University.

Stephanie Gutierrez, the Lions Scholarship Committee Chair said, “This is an exemplary group of students. All of them are specifically pursuing education in STEM related fields.” The scholarships are $1,000 each semester for 4 years. To maintain their qualification, each student must take 12 hours per semester while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Then each quarter the Lions Club sends a personal check to use as they see fit for their needs.

Frank Curtis closed the meeting by thanking the many students, parents and educators for their dedication. He thanked all the Market Days volunteers who make it possible for the Lions to award these scholarships, saying “One of the greatest services that the Wimberley Lions Club provides is to help Wimberley students. We couldn’t do that without your support.” Frank then quoted Dr. Seuss, “Kids, you’re going to move mountains!”