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Shining Star Award

The Superintendent Shining Star Award is meant to promote success in and out of the classroom. The student must exemplify outstanding characteristics both as a student and as a citizen of the community. The student must be able to handle many different aspects of student life while maintaining excellence in the classroom. This award is designed to recognize students who promote and take pride in Judson ISD, in their home campus, and in themselves.

Nomination Criteria

To be nominated as Superintendent Shining Star Award, the candidate must be a current Judson ISD student. The student will leadership characteristics character in and out of the classroom as well as servant qualities within his/her community.. A student cannot receive the award more than once within a year.

Who Nominates?

Students will be nominated by Judson ISD faculty and administration each month. Each month the staff will have the opportunity to submit nominations.

Selections

The selected student's picture and name will be showcased during the month of recognition on the district website and social media accounts. The student will also be highlighted in district publications. The superintendent will present a Shining Star certificate to the student as well as a lawn sign and bumper magnet for the parents.

September - Katie Elmer, VMHS

Congratulations to the September Superintendent's Shining Star, Katie Elmer, Senior at Veterans Memorial High School!

Katie is a two-year captain of our Varsity softball team, and 4-year letterman with unanimous all-district and all-academic honors each year she has played. She leads by EXAMPLE and motivates those around her to grow despite the discomfort we may experience during the learning process. She is the type of student-athlete others strive to emulate. Katie is extremely kind and welcoming to all her peers. She often takes underclassmen "under her wing" and invests time and attention to instruct them in the skills we develop during her softball athletic period. Katie was surprised by her principals, soccer coach and peers when awarded her recognition.

We are proud to have students like Katie at Judson ISD!

View all the photos.

March - Bella Gonzalez, WHS

This month Superintendent Shining star is a junior at Wagner TSTEM, Bella Gonzalez.

Bella is a student that is an advocate for her peers she is the captain of the tennis team, robotics club member TSTEM A/B honor student. She realized a common struggle among her peers, Hunger. She held a year-long food and clothing drive for the Wagner student community. She spearheaded the group with volunteers and so far has had 4 distributions. She is a leader in and out of the classroom always influencing her peers to a “do more” attitude. She is a member of the TSTEM Wagner impact team, TSTEM student council, PTSO, robotics club, national honor society varsity tennis captain. Bella surprised by her teachers and family when awarded her recognition. We are proud to have students like Bella at Judson ISD. Congratulations Bella.

View all the photos.
February - Dayanara Gutierrez, JECA

For the month of February, Dr. Ball was honored to award JECA senior Dayanara Gutierrez the Superintendent Shining Star Award. Dayanara carries a full load when it comes to schoolwork, she is a member of the National Honor Society, president of the JECA Media Club, youth group leader, as well as being employed in the evening and weekends. Dayanara is currently completing all her high school and college courses virtually, “I can’t believe you came all the way here, just to award me!” she said. She was surprised to hear a knock at the door and see Dr. Ball along with JECA principal Dr. Juarez and her teacher Mr. Martinez standing on her doorstep with balloons and her award.

Dayanara struggled in her primary years due to language barriers but has never let that stop her. She is a self-starter and goal-oriented leader. She is extremely motivated and has a very dedicated family who has pushed her to be the student she is today. Dayanara will be a first-generation college student and has committed to start school at Sam Houston State University in the Fall where she will major in Criminal Justice. Congratulations to Dayanara Gutierrez, from JECA, for receiving the February Superintendent Shining Star award!

View all the photos.
January - Gabriella Berry, WHMS

Being a leader comes naturally to Woodlake Hills MS student Gabriella Berry. She has not let any obstacles get in her way this school year – she recently helped give back to the community by assisting with organizing a food drive with her fellow members of the Gamma Sigma Pearls by donating 30 lbs of food to the San Antonio Food Bank. Gabriella has maintained a positive attitude and adjusted to excelling academically during her transition of being a virtual student. It is for these reasons and many more that Gabriella was chosen as the January Superintendent Shining Star. Dr. Ball and the Woodlake Hills MS leadership team surprised Gabriella at her home announcing her recognition. Ms. Tamika James from WHMS says, “Gabriella loves to help others and provide words of encouragement. She believes in being a positive role model for others to follow.” Congratulations, Gabriella, on being the Superintendent Shining Star for the month of January!

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