Greenville ISD is proud of its students. So proud that we are telling their stories on a giant billboard on westbound I-30.

The billboard is part of a pride campaign that is 100% paid for by local business and community advertisers who support GISD and its mission to open the doors to the future for all students.

"Student success is our focus every single day," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Demetrus Liggins. "We want to take the time to spotlight our students' academic and extracurricular talents and to shine the light on our students as individuals."

The first billboard spotlights culinary arts and health sciences, two of many strands in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. For example, culinary arts teacher, Lucas Kiowski, chose junior Montavia Carter to represent his program.

"Montavia quietly shows pride in everything she does," Kiowski said. "She is one of those students who really loves to express herself creatively in the culinary classroom. She has a strong work ethic, and like the other students, is learning not just about the culinary arts, but about life skills in general. We teach our students the importance of being on time, meeting deadlines, doing things the right way and taking care of your area."

Chef Kiowski says one of the most gratifying parts of his work with students is seeing them land great jobs right after graduation.

"There isn't a place in Greenville I can go without running into a student who is able to go directly into work, either in a restaurant, another workplace or helping pay for college with a job."

Health Science Teacher Kim Strube picked senior Bradley Butcher to represent her program.

"He is a young man who definitely knows what he wants. In fact, he took three health science classes last year," Strube said. "He is in our ROTC program, and he is hoping to use his training in trauma nursing to serve as a medic in the field. He also has a strong interest in radiology. Whatever he chooses, he will be successful, I can promise you that." 

Strube is not only a health science teacher; she is also a practicing home health nurse. 

"I am a practicing RN (registered nurse), so I can bring real-life course studies to the classroom every day. My ongoing experiences with patients make me a better teacher, and vice versa."

Greenville ISD is also partnering with community supporters to thank teachers who make a difference in students' lives by honoring a monthly Hero of Hope. Like the billboards, the Hero of Hope is 100% funded by community businesses. Lone Star Credit Union awards the monthly Hero of Hope with a $100 award, and Adkisson's Florist donates a beautiful bouquet of flowers or a goodie basket to the honorees.

If you are interested in participating in Greenville ISD's Partners in Education program, please contact Community Relations & Marketing Liaison Amy Wade at wadea@greenvilleisd.com or call her at 903-408-4427.