6:00 PM Reception and Photographs (During the reception each recipient will have photos taken with their respective superintendent and principal.)

6:25 PM Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance Virginia D. Liepman Ed.D Superintendent of Schools San Augustine ISD

Invocation Judge Charles Mitchell 273rd Judicial District

6:30 PM Dinner

7:00 PM Introduction of Special Guests Virginia D. Liepman Ed.D

Opening Remarks and W. Frank Newton Introduction of Speaker President & CEO Beaumont Foundation

Speaker Steven H. Bullard, Ph.D. Interim Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs, Stephen F. Austin State University

Presentation of Awards Virginia D. Liepman Ed.D

Gilbert I. ‘Buddy’ Low Member, Board of Directors, Beaumont Foundation

Rachael Low Roane Member, Advisory Board Beaumont Foundation

8:00 PM Closing Remarks Gilbert I. ‘Buddy’ Low

Music provided by J.D. & the Mac

Gilbert i. ‘buddy’ low

eXCelleNCe iN eduCAtioN AwArd GAlA

May 19, 2016Historical Museum Theater

San Augustine, Texas

O r d e r o f E v e n t s

Gilbert I. ‘Buddy’ Low

As part of the Beaumont Foundation’s ongoing commitment to support education, the Gilbert I. ‘Buddy’ Low Excellence in Education Award was created to celebrate and recognize superior contributions of teachers whose leadership and dedication inspire a spirit of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. Three teachers are selected annually to receive this prestigious Award and will receive $10,000 each in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the education system in East Texas.

This year’s recipients were selected from an impressive collection of nominations submitted by schools throughout Angelina, Sabine, and San Augustine counties. Wayne A. Reaud, Chairman of the Board, stated, “Education is the key to a better future and great teachers are the key to education. Our winners are outstanding representatives of excellence in education.”

Gilbert i. ‘buddy’ lowexcellence in education Award

Virginia Doherty Liepman was born and raised in San Augustine. After graduation, she attended The University of Texas at Austin and Stephen F. Austin State University. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, she began her career as an elementary teacher. She later earned a Master of Science degree in Education and Child Psychology, and a Mid-Management Certification from The University of Houston System. During that time, Virginia served as an assistant principal and subsequently as principal for two Pasadena ISD elementary schools. In 1998 Virginia earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D) and founded “Color Them Gifted,” an educational

consulting company focusing on identification of the gifted minority student. In 2014 she earned a Superintendent Certification from Stephen F. Austin and now serves as Superintendent of Schools at San Augustine ISD.

Virginia is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society (DKG), an organization promoting professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. She is also an Honorary Life Member of the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers, awarded in recognition of distinguished service to children and youth. She is married to her college sweetheart, Mark. Three children and four grandchildren complete their family circle.

Mistress of Ceremonies

Virginia D. Liepman Ed.DSuperintendent of Schools

San Augustine ISD

SpeakerDr. Steve Bullard is Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dean of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin.Bullard holds a B.S. degree in Forestry (1977) and an M.S. degree in Forest Management-Economics (1980) from Mississippi State University. He received his Ph.D. in Forest Management-Economics from Virginia Tech in 1983.Dr. Bullard joined the faculty at Mississippi State University as a forest economist in 1983. In 1998 he was awarded MSU’s John Grisham Master Teacher Award, and from 1998 to 2001 he held the Sharp Professor of Forest Economics. In 2004 he joined the University of Kentucky as Professor and Chair of the Department of Forestry. Dr. Bullard began his tenure as Dean of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin in July 2009, in 2013 he served as President of the National Association of University Forest Resources Programs.Dr. Bullard is a Fellow of the Society of American Foresters, and in 2013 he received SFA’s Stephen F. Austin Communicator of the Year Award.

Steven H. BullardInterim Provost and

Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dean, Arthur Temple College of Forestry

and Agriculture Stephen F. Austin State

University

Gilbert i. ‘buddy’ lowexcellence in education Award

Every day teachers change the lives of students by sharing a hug or smile, saying kind words, supporting their success, and encouraging students to pursue their dreams. As you read about the 2016 Gilbert I. ‘Buddy’ Low Excellence in Education Award Recipients, remember that special teacher who left a lasting impression on you and inspired you to find your dream. Each teacher honored tonight is an exceptionally dedicated educator who has been an inspiration to the children of East Texas.

2016 Recipients

ElementaryNikki Y. Butler, Huntington Elementary School, Huntington ISD

Middle SchoolLisa Cartwright, San Augustine Middle School, San Augustine ISD

High SchoolKym S. Guzman, Lufkin High School, Lufkin ISD

Nikki ButlerHuntington Elementary School

Huntington Independent School District23 years experience

3rd Grade Math

Favorite Quote“Treat a person as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat him as he could be, and he will become what he should be.”- Jimmy Johnson

educatioNStephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX- BS Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Education

PhilosoPhyTeaching is a task that cannot be taken lightly. It is full of challenges, frustrations, and responsibilities. I truly believe that all children are capable of learning if they have the proper motivation and direction from their teachers.

“Nikki’s ability to connect with her students and her peers, are both truly superior. Mrs. Butler always demonstrates a strong work ethic, is a team player, a great communicator and a problem solver.” Melanie Stubblefield, Principal, Huntington Elementary School

hoNors aNd awardsGilbert I. “Buddy” Low Excellence in Education Award Campus Nominee 2016

lisa cartwrightSan Augustine Middle School

27 years experienceSan Augustine Independent School District

6th-8th Grade English/Language Arts, Math

Favorite Quote“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

educatioNStephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX- BS Elementary Education

PhilosoPhyMy ultimate goal is to provide my students with the tools they will need to succeed in life. I maintain high, yet achievable expectations, and encourage students to overachieve. Our children are our future, if we give them the tools (education) they need, our future will be bright.

“Lisa Cartwright is a talented and dedicated professional whose presence has benefitted our campus. She pushes her students harder than any other teacher on campus, but her students understand that she does it because she genuinely cares about them and wants them to be successful.”Leasa Dunn, Principal, San Augustine Middle School

hoNors aNd awardsGilbert I. “Buddy” Low Excellence in Education Award Campus Nominee 2016

kimBerly s. guzmaNLufkin High School34 years experience

Lufkin Independent School District9th-12th Algebra, Pre-Calculus

Favorite Quote “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

educatioNStephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX- Mathematics

PhilosoPhyIt’s all about the learning. It sounds so simple, and yet it means so much. I believe that the key to success in life is the ability to learn, so I make my mission to teach my students more than mathematics. I strive for my students to learn the value of study skills coupled with a strong work ethic.

“Kym teaches Pre-AP algebra II, pre-calculus, and academic calculus. Kym is 100% student centered. Kym has extremely high standards for herself and for her students. She models hard work and perseverance to her students” Shelly Slaton, Associate Principal, Lufkin High School

hoNors aNd awardsTexas Academy of Mathematics and Science Honored Teacher 1998Lufkin High School Educator of Influence 2015Gilbert I. “Buddy” Low Excellence in Education Award Nominee 2016

Supporting our 2015 Award recipients

MR. REESE BRIGGS, Superintendent, Hemphill ISD

DR. LaTONYA GOFFNEY, Superintendent, Lufkin ISD

MR. MARC GRIFFIN, Principal, Hemphill High School, Hemphill ISD

MR. JEREMY McDANIEL, Principal, Hemphill Middle School, Hemphill ISD

MS. CINDY TIERNEY, Principal, Anderson Elementary School, Lufkin ISD

Past Award recipients

KAREN BASS-BENNETT, Hemphill High School, Hemphill ISD

ANGELA DUNCAN, Huntington Elementary School, Huntington ISD

LEASA DUNN, San Augustine Middle School, San Augustine ISD

SHELLEY C. FISETTE, Hemphill Middle School, Hemphill ISD

WILLIE FAYE GARRETT, San Augustine Elementary School, San Augustine ISD

ANGELA HANEY, Huntington Elementary School, Huntington ISD

SHERRILL A. HOBBS, Hemphill High School, Hemphill ISD

DONNY G. JOHNSON, San Augustine Middle School, San Augustine ISD

PAULA KORN, Huntington Middle School, Huntington ISD

FALBERT MCCOY-GARRETT, San Augustine Elementary School, San Augustine ISD

RODNEY MCLERRAN, San Augustine High School, San Augustine ISD

MONTEZ MCNAUGHTEN, Hemphill High School, Hemphill ISD

JANIECE METCALF, Zavalla High School, Zavalla ISD

KIMBERLY PINNER, Huntington Elementary School, Huntington ISD

MARY WHITTLESEY, San Augustine Intermediate School, San Augustine ISD