Every year, Greenville ISD hosts a convocation event to gather teachers and staff together in one place to hear district news updates and prep them for the new school year. This year, administrative staff decided to change up the usual convocation line up with a few new surprises including food, music and giveaways.
The morning kicked off with a breakfast buffet sponsored by Horace Mann Insurance. Once their plates were filled, faculty and staff made their way into the auditorium at Greenville High School, where they were greeted by upbeat music and a lively atmosphere. Convocation began with emcee and Human Resources Director, Ralph Sanders, welcoming everyone and introducing a video that launched the new GISD brand, gave bond and construction updates, and featured testimonials from veteran teachers and staff. “Convocation was really exciting this year! Everything was so positive. The GISD video showing our teachers and students was a fantastic reminder of why we do what we do” said Director of Assessment and Accountability, Rachael Driggers.
Convocation continued with a welcome speech from Superintendent Don Jefferies, where he “commended teachers for efforts and successes, touting the districts 17 academic distinctions” said Driggers. “It really pumped up my team to see all the great things our GISD students are doing,” said TLI Project Director, Davia Madariaga, “and the GHS band making a surprise appearance was the icing on the cake!” she said.
After the speech, convocation transitioned into the most exciting, and newest, part; the giveaways. Several sponsors donated give away items to convocation this year. Personalized Printing in Commerce donated a “Spirit Pack” consisting of a Nike dri-fit polo, featuring the new GISD logo, and season tickets to GHS Lion Football games. Reading teacher at the Greenville Sixth Grade Center, Danna Dougan, and Custodian at GHS, Marvin Caesar, were the winners of the “Spirit Pack” drawing.
Holiday Inn of Greenville and Best Western of Greenville each donated a “Staycation” including a one night stay at their hotels and a 100 dollar gift card to Shenaniganz. Penny Crabtree, a first grade teacher at Lamar, won the Holiday Inn “Staycation”, while Reba Branch, Food Service staff at GHS, won the Best Western “Staycation”.
Elite Spa and Starbucks donated two “Classroom Takeovers” where winners received an afternoon off work for a massage at Elite Spa and a Starbucks gift card. During their massage, Sanders will take over their classrooms for the afternoon. Kindergarten teacher at Lamar, Rae Blue, was the first winner drawn and Jennifer Price, Transportation, was the next.
However, the biggest surprise of the morning was the donation from Britain Chevrolet Cadillac, who donated two new cars to be driven for one month each by two lucky employees. When the pictures of the 2015 Chevy Equinox FWD 1LT and 2015 Chevy Silverado Texas Edition Crew Cab hit the screen, gasps could be heard throughout the crowd. Excitement built as Jefferies reached into the ticket jar to pull out the winning tickets. GMS ISS Aide, Sandra Combs, was the recipient of the 2015 Chevy Equinox, while Michelle Wilson, L.P. Waters Cafeteria Manager, won the 2015 Chevy Silverado to be picked up later that week. “Seeing the look on their faces as they walked onto the lot was priceless. They could hardly contain their excitement when we showed them the cars,” said owner of Britain Chevrolet Cadillac, Byron Britain.
Each car features a custom decal with a call to action to “honk and take a picture” of the car as you see them around town. If you see the winning vehicles, be sure to take a picture and share it using #Honk4GISD. “We are excited about this partnership with GISD. It’s our pleasure to support this school district in any way possible. I’ve been so impressed with the professionalism and consideration of the staff. I can tell it’s going to be a great year with big things to come,” said Britain.
