These WFISD teachers were surprised with awards this week
Some Wichita Falls ISD teachers got the best surprise Wednesday.
Dr. Donny Lee, WFISD superintendent, and West family members visited 19 schools on Wednesday to honor 30 teachers with 2023 West Teaching Excellence Awards, according to a WFISD media release.
Each teacher received a $3,000 monetary gift directly from the West Foundation this year.
This coveted award has been a district tradition since 1983 and is provided by the West Foundation. In addition, the 30 teachers selected this year are considered to be tops among the district's 1,000 teachers.
The West Foundation established an annual tradition of honoring WFISD teachers 40 years ago.
"From the beginning, they have selected recipients of high moral character and talent without limiting themselves to specific schools, grades, subjects or career lengths," officials said in a media release.
The foundation looks for candidates who value continued learning, exhibit a positive attitude, enthusiasm, poise and dedication to the craft of teaching. Principals nominate teachers for the award.
This year's award winners are:
Amanda Arbogast, Career Education Center
Anna Bryant, Scotland Park Elementary School
Elizabeth Burkham, Barwise Middle School
Samatha Campbell, Fowler Elementary School
Kelli Carpenter, Crockett Elementary School
Michelle Church, Franklin Elementary School
John Davison, Barwise Middle School
Alissa Donaldson, Burgess Elementary School
Yolanda Drennon, Brook Village Early Childhood Center
Mindy Duncan, Milam Elementary School
Sadie Girouard, Cunningham Elementary School
David Gregory, Kirby Middle School
Dana Griffin, Burgess Elementary School
Heidi Hakimi-Hood, Rider High School
Shelly Hutchins, Burgess Elementary
Amy Logan, West Foundation Elementary School
Elena Martinez, Southern Hills Elementary School
Joyce McCurdy, Kirby Middle School
Chaenette McKinney, Booker T. Washington Elementary School
Cheryl Nix, McNiel Middle School
Logan Parrish, Hirschi High School
Nicole Paslay, McNiel Middle School
Jamie Perez, Hirschi High School
Nanette Philip, Career Education Center
Jane Ramirez, Rider High School
Sara Rennhack, Sheppard Elementary School
Allison Rodriguez, Barwise Middle School
Brandi Rye, Sheppard Elementary School
Trevor Wildman, Rider High School
Rob Woodard, Wichita Falls High School
Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News, covers education, courts, breaking news and more. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Read her recent work here. Her X handle is @Trishapedia.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: WFISD teachers surprised with West Teaching Excellence Awards