OISD teachers and students recognized at special school board meeting

The Olney ISD School Board held its first student and staff recognition meeting on Monday, Oct. 22, in the school cafeteria. The board plans to hold a meeting every month where they will recognize staff and students for their outstanding achievements.

Olney Elementary School Principal Gunter Rodriguez recognized fourth-grade writing teacher Natalie Knobloch. Mrs. Knobloch’s students scored 80 percent on the STAARs test. Mrs. Knobloch recognized fourth-grade student Zoey Hamby, who placed second out of hundreds of students for her essay on “Why my grandparents are special.”

Olney Junior High School Principal Amanda Barrientes recognized Olney Junior High School Counselor Rebecca McAnally for her dedication and willingness to go above and beyond. McAnally, on top of her everyday duties, is also the UIL Campus Coordinator and the One Act Play Coordinator.

Olney High School Principal Matt Caffey recognized teacher Sabrina Laurent for her achievements in motivating her students, her willingness to accept new challenges and the success she and her students have had in events, such as the airplane design contest, where her students won, and the robotics competition where the students have qualified for state. Laurent recognized the students participating in the robotics competition for their excellent achievements and teamwork. The students were Arianna Esparza, Mason Spivey, Michael Green, Christian Fuksa, Ricardo Pacheco, Fatima Marquez, Jeb Carpenter, Gary Turner, Aiden Phillips, Lorelei Perry, Trinity Bailey, David Armenta, Freddie Aranda, Lance Sprague, Melanie Allen and Vincent Guerra.

Coach Jody Guy recognized coach Ashley Ballard and Coach Jimmy Toney for the hard work and dedication they have shown with the crosscountry teams. Coach Guy also recognized the Junior High boys for being district champions. The team included James Coleman, Luis Villeda, Jose Martinez, Josue Leal, Aaron Coleman, Richard Walp and Justin Simmons.