LDS Students Host Gala, Honor Teachers

Featured Photo: (Left to Right)  Victoria Davis (Principal – South Oak Cliff Collegiate), Dr. D’Andre Weaver (Supt – Desoto ISD), Susan Patterson, Dr. David Patterson First Counselor Dallas Stake Presidency, Dr. Michael McDonald (Principal – Cedar Hill High School), John Jackson (Principal – Desoto High School). Courtesy of Sonia Pritchard Smith.

As the school year winds down, the annual Teacher’s Appreciation week in May provides an opportunity to celebrate and honor our educators.  On May 1 and May 8, the youth in the Dallas Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took time out to acknowledge the starring role their teachers have played in their education and in their individual lives.  The Dallas Stake covers a wide geographical area and includes the southwestern portion of Dallas and surrounding cities.  Its youth attend schools in Cedar Hill, Dallas, Desoto, Duncanville, Ennis, Lancaster, Palmer, Red Oak, and Midlothian Independent School Districts and some are home-schooled.

The theme for the Teacher Appreciation events was “A Night of Stars.”  The youth, representing the Young Men and Young Women’s groups from the Church, selected teachers whom they felt cared, inspired, or provided encouragement during their school experience. Special invitations were extended to the teachers, the school principals and the superintendents of the represented school districts.  Many of whom were surprised and elated to receive such recognition.  Said Mallory Loyoza, English teacher at Red Oak High School:

“I really appreciated getting recognized at this event!  As educators, we don’t always get thanked for what we do, and it was encouraging to hear that what I’m dedicating my life to is making a difference in students’ lives.” 

The evening’s program was led by the youth, with each student being given the opportunity to express their individual appreciation of the teacher they nominated with a special tribute, plaque and certificate.  Catrina Sikes, a Calculus/Trigonometry teacher at Waxahachie Global High School nominated by Dallin Clarke, expressed her appreciation for the tribute this way:

“The reception was absolutely beautiful and I am honored to be able to attend. To receive an award about teaching is one thing, but to receive an award about teaching one of the most modest, respectable, faith-filled teenagers I have known is entirely different.  I literally had this young man tell me he looked up to me when in all honesty; I have looked up to him and his sister for years. They are being raised correctly, and it shows in every aspect of their lives. I know they have a strong family base but also an extremely strong faith. I was honored that Dallin was not ashamed to bring me to his place of worship surrounded by his family and his church members to hand me my award. I was truly honored and humbled to be a part of this night.” 

Mrs. Chelsea Harlan, a member of the Church nominated by her sons Aaron and Levi, said, “I am a home school mom and I feel that I have done so much good for my children.  They are confident and well educated ready to go into the world and make a difference.”

The Teacher Appreciation event was initiated with a suggestion from the Dallas Stake Presidency and brought to life by the students with the assistance of their youth leaders.  David W. Patterson, First Counselor in the Dallas Texas Stake Presidency, “Months ago the leadership of the Dallas Texas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had a vision of what a teacher appreciation night might look like. These two events far surpassed that vision. We were encouraged by the energy and enthusiasm for which the young people invited their teachers to attend.  Personally, I was impressed by the teacher’s response and attendance… but even more by the administration. The principals and superintendents sat there beaming at the personal recognition of their teachers.  We believe that events that bring parents, teachers, and students together to sit around the same table and recognize each other’s commitment to education is a great event!”

School principals were in the audience for both events in support of the teachers nominated from their schools and shared their appreciation for the efforts of these young people.  Associate Principal John Jackson of Desoto High School, “It was a great event to honor individuals in classrooms across the city that are shaping our future.”  And Wade Bishop, principal of Ennis High School, said “It was such a wonderful event.  It was a true blessing to watch our students celebrate their favorite teacher.  I look forward to being back next year.”

The nominated teachers and administrators in attendance expressed appreciation for the thoughtfulness of the youth and their special effort to show their gratitude for the impact these educators have had on them.  Nhi Bui, Pre-Calculus teacher at Duncanville High School said, “I’m deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to be there. Thank you for hosting such a wonderful event. I look at teaching as a calling. I’m sure there were times that I believe— not only I but many teachers as well— might have doubted our purpose and calling so I always have to remind myself to:

Just remember in the winter, Far beneath the winter snow, Lies a seed that with the sun’s love, In the spring becomes a rose. (Amanda McRoom, The Rose)

“Always have faith that with love and prayers, our students will someday become great men and women of our nation.”