A Publication from Hillsboro Independent School District

CONNECTIONSenlighten. inspire. achieve.

Summer 2018Accolades Edition

this issueHISD ALUMNI • PAGE 4

CAMPUS THEMES • PAGE 7

STEM • PAGE 10

A Publication from Hillsboro Independent School District

CONNECTIONSenlighten. inspire. achieve.

Summer 2018Accolades Edition

Congratulations, Class of 2018!

this issueSPRING RELAYS • PAGE 2

LEGACY BANQUET • PAGE 4

RETIREES • PAGE 9

story on page 10-12

CONNECTIONS Summer 20182

Hillsboro ISD Hosts Spring Relays

15 SchoolS160 AthleteS

120 Student VolunteerS50 Adult VolunteerS

Special Olympics Creed: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Connections is published byThe Hillsboro Reporter as a courtesy to the Hillsboro Independent School District. For additional copies of Connections, please contact The Hillsboro Reporter at (254) 582-3431.

Hillsboro Independent School District121 E. Franklin St. Hillsboro, TX 76645Phone: (254) 582-8585Fax: (254) 582-4165www.hillsboroisd.org

Superintendent: Vicki AdamsAdamsv@hillsboroisd.org

Hillsboro High School1600 Abbott Ave.Hillsboro, TX 76645Phone: (254) 582-4100www.hhs.hillsboroisd.orgPrincipal: Keith HannahHannah@hillsboroisd.org

Hillsboro Junior High School210 E. Walnut St.Hillsboro, TX 76645Phone: (254) 582-4120www.hjhs.hillsboroisd.orgPrincipal: Cathryn PattersonPatterson@hillsboroisd.org

Hillsboro Intermediate School1000 Old Bynum Rd.Hillsboro, TX 76645Phone: (254) 582-4170www.his.hillsboroisd.orgPrincipal: Stephanie TuckerTucker@hillsboroisd.org

Hillsboro Elementary School115 Jane LaneHillsboro, TX 76645Phone: (254) 582-4140www.hes.hillsboroisd.orgPrincipal: Robin RalstonRalston@hillsboroisd.org

Franklin Elementary School103 Country Club Dr.Hillsboro, TX 76645Phone: (254) 582-4130www.fes.hillsboroisd.orgPreK Coordinator/Daycare Director: Tiffanye Oliveroliver@hillsboroisd.org

Connections is created by Jeanne Marie Ellis, JME Group,

PublisherShanna Squires, EditorCami Steele, Designer/Writer/

PhotographerSheri Hemrick, Photographer

CONNECTIONS

CONNECTIONS Summer 2018 3

Blurred Reality is a program that allows students to learn about distracted driv-ing and participate in obstacles while impaired. The program is run by Hillsboro High School (HHS) students and their advisers – Stu-dents Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Student Council.

Hillsboro police officers spend the day con-ducting field sobriety tests, discussing what they do in their position, what types of calls they’ve seen, and the importance of safety belts. There is also a prosecutor who speaks about the legal implications of driving while intoxicated, influenced, or distracted.

“I think it is important for our student body to participate in these programs (Blurred Reality and Shattered Dreams) because it helps them see what their actions may do, what level of consequences they can end up with, and how it can affect people around them,” Michelle Her-nandez, President of SADD, said. “This year the program was held before prom to remind our fellow classmates to not be distracted or under the influence while driving.”

Blurred Reality is presented every other year to Hillsboro Junior High School and Hillsboro High School students with Shattered Dreams occur-ring in the off years at HHS. Shattered Dreams is a drunk driving reenactment complete with emergency response vehicles, crashed cars, and involves HHS students and staff.

“I loved seeing the community of Hillsboro come together, present the programs, and show students the consequences of unsafe driving,” Hernandez said. “Getting the junior high school students to participate in these events shows them at a young age the implica-tions of unsafe driving since they’ll be driving soon.”

Leadership Greater Hillsboro, a program for community members designed to de-velop leaders and educate par-ticipants on an array of critical issues affecting Hillsboro, offi-cially opened the project they’ve spent the last year preparing. Two members of this year’s leaders are Hillsboro ISD campus admin-istrators, Keith Hannah, Hillsboro High School Principal and Tiffanye Oliver, Franklin Elementary School Coordinator.

SADD Presents Blurred Reality

Pocket Park Completed on Franklin StreetLeadership Greater Hillsboro,

working in conjunction with the City of Hillsboro, Hill County Mas-ter Gardeners, and HHS wood-

Hillsboro ISD held their annual Spring Relays for students with special needs involving 15 schools, 160 student athletes, 120 student volunteers, 50 adult volunteers, and support from Hillsboro Lions Club and Atmos Energy.

“The event is always such a fun time for the kids,” Kathy Groppel, Director of Special Education, said. “Watching the crowd cheer on the athletes and their ‘buddies’ is such a spe-cial moment.”

At the beginning of the event, each athlete chooses a ‘buddy’ that they get to play games with and have with them for the entire day. Some of the buddies even run the races with them.

Atmos Energy sponsored a free lunch for all participants. Hill-sboro Lions Club raised money for the event through their golf tournament, which provided popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy, as well as t-shirts for all volunteers and participants.

Thanks to everyone who was involved in helping plan, those who volunteered their time, and the community volunteers for their support to make the event a huge success.

working/welding classes, completed the beautification pocket park project at the intersection of Country Club Road and Frank-lin Street.

The pocket park is available for community members to enjoy. Additionally, it will be conveniently located for Franklin Elemen-tary School students to learn about plants, pollination, and the life cycle of butterflies. Benches at the new park were made by HHS students.

Top Graduating Students Honored at the Eagle Legacy Awards BanquetThe Hillsboro ISD Education Foundation honored 14 gradu-ating Hillsboro High School seniors representing the top 10 percent of students in academic achievement at the Eagle Legacy Awards Banquet on May 19. The distinguished students, their honored employee, and their parents and guests enjoyed a catered dinner, desserts provided by Hillsboro High School culi-nary students, and were served by members of the National Ju-nior Honor Society. In addition to the recognition of the students’ achievements, each senior recognized and thanked an educator or Hillsboro ISD employee who served as a mentor and was an inte-gral part of their academic success. The Foundation rewarded each student with a $500 scholarship for their accomplishments.

“This night really is all about honoring the hard work these stu-dents have put in over the past four years,” Deb Hanson, Executive Director of the Education Foundation, said. “We appreciate our do-nors for giving us the opportunity to host and award scholarships to these students.”

CONNECTIONS Summer 2018 5

GRADUATE: Jade Bontke COLLEGE: University of Texas at Arlington MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Sara Massey

GRADUATE: Hannah Wise COLLEGE: Texas A&M University MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Karen Schroeder

GRADUATE: Philip Turull COLLEGE: Full Sail University MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Molly Hale

GRADUATE: Josue Trejo COLLEGE: University of Texas at Dallas MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Kyle Bodeker

GRADUATE: Gabrielle Tidwell COLLEGE: Hardin-Simmons University MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Tayler Sullivan

GRADUATE: Autumn Snider COLLEGE: University of North Texas MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Terri Curry

GRADUATE: Colby Satterfield COLLEGE: Oklahoma State University MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Kevin Lewis

GRADUATE: Saori Rojas COLLEGE: Tarleton State University MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Kortlin White

GRADUATE: Bhakti Patel COLLEGE: University of Texas at Dallas MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Schivonne John

GRADUATE: Colton Pace COLLEGE: Baylor University MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Kyle Davis

GRADUATE: Robert Montgomery COLLEGE: Navarro College MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Tayler Sullivan

GRADUATE: Paloma Montes COLLEGE: Hill College MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Michael Chirhart

GRADUATE: Deysi Fuentes COLLEGE: Tarleton State University MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Damaris Nuuanu

GRADUATE: Brianna Cheek COLLEGE:Texas A&M University MOST INFLUENTIAL EDUCATOR: Kyle Bodeker

Education Foundation Honors Founding Director

HES Awarded Region 12 Technology Grant

T he Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 Technology Foundation surprised Christine Robinson from Hillsboro Ele-mentary School (HES) with a $10,000 grant for new science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) materials and technology products.

“This year we’re focusing on using these items for more hands-on activities like coding,” Christine Robinson, HES Librarian and GATE teacher, said. “You see the excitement right away; you see them thinking, collaborating, and problem-solving.”

This is the second year in a row for Robinson and HES to win this grant.

“With learning tools like robots, you don’t always realize you’re learning,” Robinson said. “And you get that immediate feedback – ‘No, that isn’t working’ or ‘I need to change that part of my code up’ – which, with these new learning tools, is now really accessi-ble to younger learners.”

Robinson was one of six award winners selected by ESC Region 12.

The Hillsboro ISD Education Foundation honored Found-ing Director Katharine Matthys at this year’s Eagle Legacy Awards Banquet. Retiring this year, Mat-thys worked at Hillsboro ISD for 13 years and laid the groundwork for starting Hillsboro ISD’s Edu-cation Foundation in Hillsboro nine years ago. During her time with the Education Foundation, close to $270,000 was awarded in grants and scholarships.

“Katharine was tireless in her devotion to the Education Foun-

dation. Nothing was too big for her to tackle,” Ann Teel, Hillsboro Intermediate School Librarian and former Education Foundation Executive Secretary, said. “I am privileged to call her my cowork-er and friend. The Foundation truly flourished and was extremely successful under her direction.”

The Education Foundation welcomed a new Executive Director, Deb Hanson, this year.

HISD Honors Teachers of the YearWhen asked what

a great teacher is, at the top of most lists include a teacher who makes connec-tions with each student and cre-ates lessons that will stick. Sharon Powell does just that. Powell, who has worked at Hillsboro ISD for 24 years – as a 2nd grade and

Molly Hale is known at Hills-boro High School (HHS) for being a role model to both colleagues and students. She brings ideas and thoughts for the good of all departments and students.

She believes in challenging students and personally assists each one in being

HHS Alum Hosts Football Camp

successful in her classroom. Hale has been a leader in the Math Department for two years, mentoring 1st year teachers in their transition into the classroom and assisting experienced teach-ers who are new to Hillsboro ISD.

“Mrs. Hale doesn’t lower the bar,” Keith Hannah, HHS Prin-cipal said. “She encourages students to meet expectations through trial and error, practice, hard work, and determination.” She offers both high- and low-achieving students tutorials so each student can meet their own level of expectations.

Hale is known for creating connections with her students, and often has former students stopping by to visit. She has been recognized by senior students at the Hillsboro ISD Education Foundation’s Eagle Legacy Banquet for her efforts as a chal-lenging, yet caring, teacher in the classroom.

A Dallas Baptist University graduate, Hale has spent five years in the classroom, all of which have been at Hillsboro ISD. She has taught mathematics – algebra, geometry, precalculus, cal-culus, and advanced quantitative reasoning.

Hillsboro High School alumnus Derel Walker hosted a football camp on April 28. The free camp allowed participants aged 8-14 to hear stories and partici-pate in drills with Walker. About 70 students from Hillsboro ISD and surrounding schools were in attendance.

Walker, who graduated in 2009, went on to play football for Trinity Valley Community College, Texas A&M Uni-versity, the National Football League, and the Canadian Football League. Walker is currently a wide receiver for the Edmonton Eskimos.

CONNECTIONS Summer 20187

Hillsboro ISD was awarded $50,000 through the Texas Education Agen-cy’s (TEA) Technology Lending Grant program. The funds will be used for the Instructional Material Access for Gains IN Education (IMAGINE) program at Hillsboro Junior High School.

According to TEA, Technology Lending grants allow schools to purchase technolo-gy devices that are loaned to students who may not have access to a device or Internet access at home for access to digital instruc-tional materials off campus.

The program will provide Chromebooks for lending to next year’s 8th grade students, as well as Internet access through MiFi check-out for those who do not have Internet at home.

“This grant is going to allow the students to bring the world right here to a classroom in Hillsboro,” Cathryn Patterson, Hillsboro Junior High School Principal, said. “Imagine the possibilities they’re going to have by be-ing able to explore, research, and learn with just the push of a button.”

Hillsboro High School’s (HHS) SkillsUSA team brought home ribbons galore from both district and state competitions that were held this spring. The team competes against the biggest schools in Texas. Taking 29 projects to district, 26 projects were given blue superior ribbons and

three received red excellent ribbons. Senior Joctan Librado and junior Jorge Lince received ‘Best in Show’ with their chest of drawers. Junior Monserrat Serrano and Librado also competed in the Cabinetry competition – a seven- to eight-hour build time, starting from blueprints and ending with a complete piece of furniture – where they won 1st and 2nd, respectively.

At the state competition in Corpus Christi, HHS was definitely represented. The team took 26 projects for judging and brought home 21 blue ribbons, four red rib-bons, one white very good ribbon. They also brought home two multiple superior plaques for their division. Serrano won 5th place in the Cabinetry competition.

Congratulations on all of your hard work, SkillsUSA!

SkillsUSA Team Nails It at State

HISD Wins $50,000 Technology Grant

Leaving a Legacy“If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” - Maya Angelou

an English Second Language (ESL) teacher – is constantly providing hands-on lessons that allow sensory, auditory, and visual experiences to connect language and culture to her students.

A Tarleton State University graduate, Powell builds meaning-ful relationships with each of her students and their parents to ensure they have an opportunity to get involved and to build trust.

Not only is Mrs. Powell an ESL teacher, she has also spear-headed the Hillsboro Elementary School Rhythm Rascals and is the UIL coordinator. She has created a legacy for both pro-grams, ensuring the preparedness of her students. Powell is also the Eagle’s Nest teacher, a before school reading support program for 2nd grade ESL students.

Powell is an advocate and supporter of Hillsboro schools; she graduated from Hillsboro High School (HHS), both her chil-dren and her oldest grandchild graduated from HHS, and she currently has four grandchildren attending school here.

Keeping Maya Angelou’s quote in mind, for the fifth year in a row, seniors in the Hillsboro High School (HHS) Art 3 and Art 4 classes are leaving behind some-thing that can’t be erased. HHS Art Teacher Alyssa Bedrick has supported seniors in leaving behind their own unique pieces of art on ceiling tiles, cabinets, walls, and in frames for incoming students to see.

“I believe it’s important for the students to leave art behind because they have dedi-cated themselves to the art classroom their entire high school career,” Alyssa Bedrick, HHS Art teacher, said. “The new classes that come through are always impressed with what art is left behind. It encourages the new students who love art to stick with it and continue to learn and grow as an art-ist. It gives them the spark to keep creating and pushing themselves to get to that point where they want to display and show what they can do and create.”

(pictured: Wood, Creech, Cheek)

VolleyballCo-Defensive Player of the Year - Melissa Segura/Hannah WoodOffensive Player of the Year - Treasure MozonNewcomer of the Year - Skylar CheekMVP - Karaline CreechMost Improved - Armonie HaywoodFighting Eagle - Damya Riggs

(pictured: Gonzalez, Long, Deluna, Flores)

FootballOffensive Player of the Year - Courtney HewittDefensive Player of the Year - Kiunte LucasUtility Player of the Year - Jaace MilesOffensive Lineman of the Year - Juan DelunaDefensive Lineman of the Year - Chris FloresMVP - Jamal LongMost Improved - Isaac GonzalezFighting Eagle - Chris Flores

(pictured: Spon. Strona, Woody, Holmes, Patton, White, Allen, Spon. Patterson)

CheerleadingMost Dedicated - Lyndsey WoodyOutstanding Leadership - Hannah PattonBest Jump - Treasure MozonSpirit Award - Lyndsey WoodyBest Showmanship - Avery HolmesBest Technique - Tracy WhiteThank You Award - Zyeir Allen

(pictured: Patton, Bontke, Espinoza)

Girls BasketballOffensive Player of the Year - Jade BontkeDefensive Player of the Year - Toriah BrooksMVP - Jade Bontke Most Improved - Hannah PattonFighting Eagle - Marisol Espinoza

(pictured: Fitch, Pena, Long, Hewitt)

Boys BasketballMr. Hustle - JaDarius BaxterCo-Offensive Player of the Year - Courtney Hewitt/D’Iversen DowellDefensive Player of the Year - Cameron FitchMVP - Jamal LongMost Improved - Jeremy PenaFighting Eagle - Eddie Ramos

(pictured: Hernandez, Bontke)

Girls TrackNewcomer of the Year - Kloe Benson/Karina HernandezMVA - Jade BontkeMost Improved - Armonie HaywoodFighting Eagle - Toriah Brooks

GolfMost Improved Girl - Paloma MontesMost Improved Boy - Hector Sanchez

Booster Club Scholarship WinnersKaraline Creech

Cain Williams

(pictured: Ramirez, Mitchell, Montoya, Monroy)

Boys TrackOutstanding Sprinter - Frederick RamirezOutstanding Field Event - Chris HernandezOutstanding Distance - Eric MonroyMVP - Ronald MitchellMost Improved - Brandon MontoyaFighting Eagle - JaDarius Baxter/Neiman Turner

(pictured: Bontke, Cheek, Hernandez, Librado)

Girls Cross CountryNewcomer of the Year - Kelsey CreechMVR - Karina HernandezMost Improved - Jade BontkeFighting Eagle - Maria Librado

(pictured: Cruz, Harden, Monroy)

Boys Cross CountryNewcomer of the Year - Ronald HardenMVR - Eric MonroyMost Improved - Ezequiel GonzalezFighting Eagle - Joe Cruz

(pictured: Garcia, Hughes)

TennisMVP Girl - Veronica CabreraMost Improved Girl - Kili HughesFighting Eagle Girl - Saori RojasMVP Boy - Hugo GarciaMost Improved Boy - Erick Cabrera/Osvaldo HernandezFighting Eagle Boy -Odvan Eagle

(pictured: Compean, Patton)

PowerliftingMVP Girl - Jacquelyn Washington/ Guadalupe GobellanMost Improved Girl - Shelia FloresFighting Eagle Girl - Hannah PattonMVP Boy - Chris FloresMost Improved Boy - Neiman Turner/ Jahaziel CompeanFighting Eagle -Rolando Ramirez

(pictured: Creech, Wood, Balderas, Satterfield, Scott)

SoftballOffensive Player of the Year - Karaline CreechDefensive Player of the Year - Raven BalderasNewcomer of the Year - Hannah WoodMVP - Colby SatterfieldFighting Eagle -Haleigh Scott

BaseballHitter of the Year - Tyler Hudson/Blake

SchroederDefensive Player of the Year -

Jeremy PenaUtility Player of the Year - Spencer

GarciaNewcomer of the Year - Spencer

GarciaMVP - Caeden Trenkle

Fighting Eagle - Courtney Hewitt

Athletes of the YearCourtney Hewitt Jade Bontke

CONNECTIONS Summer 2018 9

(pictured: Montes)

(pictured: President Amie Cheek, Creech, Williams)

(pictured: Hudson, Schroeder, Hewitt, Pena, Trenkle)

(pictured: Hewitt, Bontke)

Classof

2018

Classof

2018

My next step is...

40.4%Community College

30.9%Four-year College

10.6%Still deciding

9.6%Technical College

4.3%Military

4.3%Career

CLASS OF 2018 SURVEY My fondest memory is...

Meeting new people that I would have never met

Going to Indianapolis

for theNational FFA convention

Winning area and bi-district championships

Playing softball

Cheering on my school at every

pep rally and football game

Advancing to state for One

Act Play

Giving gifts to people who had

lost familymembers

Blurred Reality and Prom

“Going to Disney World with all of my friends for Spring Break

On the evening of June 1, students, families, administrators, teachers and other distinguished guests gathered at Baylor University’s Ferrell Center to honor the achievements of the Hillsboro High School Class of 2018. Throughout the evening, honor graduates led the ceremony, and the crowd enjoyed the thoughts shared by valedictorian Brianna Cheek and salutatorian Jade Bontke. Once the graduates were announced by Superintendent Vicki Adams and were presented with their diplomas, they turned their tassels and class rings before doing the traditional cap toss.

CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2018!

“

Top Graduates HonoredBRIANNA CHEEK, VALEDICTORIAN

Classof

2018

JADE BONTKE, SALUTATORIAN

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.” - Albus Dumbledore

Brianna Lee Cheek, Hillsboro High School’s (HHS) valedicto-rian, is excited to be a part of the determined, kind, and passionate Texas A&M University Aggie Spirit. Having attended Hillsboro schools all of her life, she says she will miss her friends and family when she starts her next adventure.

Biology is among Cheek’s favorite subjects because she loves learning how intricate and complicated every-thing is and enjoys figuring out how the world works. Because of this love, she will be majoring in genetics in the fall.

Her plans include conducting re-search on plant genetics to help feed the growing population and advance the science of genetically modified

crops. She also hopes to take those goals outside of College Station and travel to help those that are in poverty.

“Our massive world popula-tion needs to have a sustainable source of food, and we all need to help end the chronic malnour-ishment that plagues our world,” Cheek said. “I believe my part lies in science and research.”

When she wasn’t busy study-ing, Cheek could be found doing one of her many extracurricu-lars. Between FFA, Junior Ses-ame Club, and UIL activities, Cheek works hard and embodies the spirit of an Aggie already – I’ve seen ‘em lose and I’ve seen ‘em win, but I’ve never seen ‘em quit.

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” - Colin Powell

Hillsboro High School’s (HHS) salutatorian is Jade Ryan Bont-ke. She will be attending The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and plans to study biology.

After her college career, Bontke hopes to attend medical school and become a surgeon.

When she wasn’t busy studying, Bontke could be found participating in basketball, cross country, or run-ning track. She will be a part of UTA’s track and field team. She also par-ticipated in FFA and National Honor Society for three years.

With her love for sports, Bontke trav-eled to the state competition to com-pete in track.

“It is a memory that I will cherish forever,” Bontke said. “All of my friends and family were there to support me.”

Her high school awards and honors include Second Team Academic-All State in cross country and track and Academic All-District all four years in bas-ketball. Bontke also received the Leadership Award, Outstanding Student Award, and Athlete of the Year.

Just like the quote by Colin Pow-ell, Bontke played, practiced, and studied hard throughout her time at Hillsboro ISD.

“

Hillsboro ISD Education Foundation provided three educator scholarships and one campus grant this year. The educator scholarships go to teachers around the district who are looking to contin-ue their education. The campus grant will go toward a new poster printer at the high school. “As always, we want to thank our donors because without them, the Education Foundation wouldn’t

be able to award any grants,” Deb Hanson, Executive Director of the Education Foundation, said.

Congratulations to Hillsboro High School and the recipients of the educator scholarships: Katie Pierce and Kelsey Butler!

Education Foundation Awards Campus and Educator Grants

Hillsboro Junior High Band Makes History

The Hillsboro Junior High School (HJHS) Symphonic Band competed in the UIL Concert and Sightreading competition at Midway Middle School. The band, under the direction of Glenn Doyle, was awarded the 2018 UIL Sweepstakes Award after receiving 1’s in both Concert and Sightreading. The last time HJHS was awarded a Class C Sweepstakes Award was in 1988. But this is the first time in school history that Hills-boro’s band at the junior high level earned 1’s from both panels.

“I knew this was a very important part of our band program and I knew that with the talent, our students had the potential to be successful,” Doyle said. “I am blessed to be able to work with these kids every day.”

Wanting to do a more demanding program, the students also performed at the Peak Festival in the Murchison Center on the University of North Texas campus. They met the challenge and again received 1’s from all three judges and won the Outstanding Percussion Award.

Congratulations, HJHS Symphonic Band, on your accomplishments!

Thank You For Your Years of Service! CONNECTIONS Summer 2018 15

Vicki Dobbs didn’t get the calling to be a teacher until her late 30s when she went back to school. She spent 24 years working in Paris, Ballinger, and then Hillsboro teaching all types of science courses at both high school and middl school levels.

Dobbs obtained an associate’s degree from Paris Junior College and a bache-lor’s degree from Southeastern Oklaho-ma State University. She will miss her students (children) and hopes to have instilled some knowledge and ‘a little bit of passion for science’ in each one of them.

She will be moving to Oklahoma and hopes to get back into teaching. She may also raise a few cows and chickens, and travel with her husband.

Rosita Donahue has spent the last 26 years working for Hillsboro ISD. She first worked with the Hill County Special Education Coop before moving over to Hillsboro Intermediate School as a para-professional. She wants to thank all of her Hillsboro ISD friends for their friend-ship over the duration of her career.

Donahue graduated from Cleburne High School and also attended Hill Junior College.

She looks forward to spending her retirement with her friends and family, and traveling.

Rosalind Handman began working for Hillsboro ISD 13 years ago. Starting at Hillsboro Elementary School, she worked in the cafeteria and then moved into the Special Education Records Clerk position. She wants to thank Kathy Groppel, Director of Special Education, for taking a chance on her.

Handman sees many doors opening in her retirement, one of which is to travel. She will be moving to Indiana with her daughter and her family.

Larry Harless began working with Hillsboro ISD 14 years ago as a mainte-nance worker, after spending 21 years as a service technician with Sears.

In 2008, Harless graduated from Baylor University with a Certificate of Ministry and has been a music minister for 14 years in Hill County.

Harless has been married to his wife Debbie for 44 years. They have 3 children - Melissa, Jason, and Matthew - and 5 grandchildren. He plans to spend his retirement spending time with his children and grandchildren, fishing, tending to his yard, and drinking plenty of hot coffee.

Katharine Matthys first began working at Hillsboro ISD (HISD) as administrative assistant to the Superin-tendent. After five years, she began as the Founding Executive Director to the Hillsboro ISD Education Foundation and the HISD Parent Community Liaison. She has worked for HISD for 14 years.

Matthys found her interest to work for a school district while she was serv-ing 15 years on the Hubbard ISD school board. Before beginning at Hillsboro ISD, she worked as a bookkeeper at Hubbard Livestock.

She plans to spend her retirement traveling, working in her yard and gar-den, and visiting her grandchildren.

Bill Woody joined Hillsboro High School in 1987. Teaching at both junior high and high school levels, he’s taught both college and career prep, agricul-ture, and worked with life skills stu-dents.

He was an advisor to a state and a na-tional FFA officer. Over the years, many of his students won Grand Champion at the Hill County Fair. During his time as Hillsboro FFA Advisor, students earned over $150,000 in scholarships. He served on the Texas Agriculture Teach-ers Association Board for nine years.

Woody now contracts landscape de-sign and works with home remodeling and restoration.

Beverly Faris started working at Hillsboro ISD in 1978, and has worn many hats; she has been an aide, worked with special education and dyslexia programs, and most recently worked in the library at Franklin Ele-mentary School (FES).

When Faris first started at FES, there was not a ‘library system’ in place, so she trained, took classes, and set up the library for the students. She has seen students walk through the doors, and then their children, and then their grandchildren.

Faris has raised two children through HISD - Brad, who lives in San Antonio, and Kandy, who is a Pre-K teacher at FES.

Betty Cox started working at Abbott ISD, when her seventh child entered high school - starting in the cafeteria and moving to library aide and para-professional. After going to work with her husband, Delton in the family construction business, she decided that her heart strings were being pulled back toward working for a school. For the last 16 years, Cox has worked at Hills-boro Junior High School, enjoying every minute of it.

In her retirement, Cox will contin-ue to work for Chatt Water Supply from home, along with serving on the Vaughan Cemetery Association and serving as the Vaughan Baptist Church Treasurer.

Become a Healthcare Manager

I want to make video games

i want to be a welder and a coach or ag teacher

Own a gym and be a personal trainer

To be a musician or a

music producerBe a teacher and inspire students like my teachers inspired me

I plan on

becoming a

pediatric nurse

I plan on

becoming a

pediatric nurse Be a dermatologistBe a dermatologist

Go to the Police Academy

Become a speech pathologist and work in a school district

Raise money to help protect the environment

Play baseball

Run my own companyO

pen up a

mechanic

shop

Have a big family

To become a dentist

My goal is to be happy

I want to be on the board of a nonprofit organization

I want to work in cosmetology

I want to ope

n

my own firm

and travel

i plan to Get a job

I plan to live by the

beach I want to be a plant geneticist and do research on genetically modified crops

Dreaming Big!