Corpus Christi Hooks surprise 'all-star' educators with $1,500 awards
As her students participated in an exercise activity Wednesday, Mary Grett Transition Center adaptive education teacher Brooke Reyna was surprised by a knock on the door.
Zannette Hernandez, coordinator of the Corpus Christi ISD center serving students with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 21 as they prepare for life outside the K-12 school system, stepped into the classroom, closely followed by the Corpus Christi Hooks mascot and a giant check for more than $1,500.
"She is a great teacher," Hernandez said of Reyna. "She's professional, she's patient, she's understanding and she really sees her students."
It wasn't a surprise to hear that Reyna was being recognized, Hernandez said.
Reyna was chosen as one of 10 winners through the Corpus Christi Hooks All-Star Educators Program, a partnership with Reliant Energy honoring exceptional teachers in the Coastal Bend.
Other winners from CCISD are Vicky Harvin of Baker Middle School, Pedro Benavidez of Ray High School, Jose Munguia of Menger Elementary School and Juan Manual Perez of Miller High School.
From other area schools, the Hooks selected Jere Reed of the School of Science and Technology, Katie Doyle of Flour Bluff Intermediate School and Jennifer Herrmann of London Intermediate School.
Two more winners will also be surprised at a later date.
Each winner was offered $1,500 from Reliant to go toward school supplies for their classroom.
When she learned of the award Wednesday, Reyna already had a few ideas for how the funds could benefit her students — she'd like to add to the sensory room beside her classroom, where students can go when they are overwhelmed or having a hard time in school.
She's also interested in new supplies for the exercise activities and cooking lessons she does with students.
Reyna has been teaching for six years. She was inspired to pursue a career in special education by her brother-in-law, who has disabilities.
"I am passionate about working with these students because they're overlooked a lot," Reyna said. "They're capable of a lot of things and we're just trying to help them to live up to their potential."
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi Hooks surprise 'all-star' educators with $1,500 awards
