Three GISD employees received a great surprise at this week’s Council PTA meeting, which they were invited to attend without knowing they would be receiving an award.

This year’s three Guardian Angel Awards go to:

• Vic Lawson, Custodial Supervisor: Lamar Elementary Principal Jennifer Dracos nominated Vic Lawson and had this to say about him:

“I don't think I have ever seen him without a genuine ear-to-ear smile that could encourage even the lowest of spirits.  He encourages students by taking the time to ask about their day, leaving encouraging notes for student groups and teams, giving them a hard time, etc., and it all comes from a genuine place. 

I don't think I have ever attended a game at the GHS gym that he wasn't there working to set up, cheer on our students and clean up afterwards.  Our athletes respect him and care so much about him that I have seen them many times cleaning up the bleachers so Mr. Vic didn't have to himself.  I am positive if you speak to just about any student at GHS, current or past, they know Mr. Vic and have felt blessed by him in some way. He is one of a kind and definitely deserves the Guardian Angel Award!”  

• Shawnna Kelsey, Bilingual Interventionist: Bowie Elementary’s administrators and PTA board nominated Shawnna Kelsey. Math Interventionist and PTA secretary Kathryn Douglas read the nomination at the meeting. Here are some excerpts:

“Mrs. Kelsey is a true natural when it comes to teaching, as can be witnessed when you walk into her classroom. Her personality can be described as loving, kind, helpful, organized, firm, yet graceful.  

Mrs. Kelsey uses her skills to help teach several English Language learners reading and math. She translates tests, classwork, reading passages, conversations, etc. for staff, parents and students! She is so talented in an area that is much needed in our school!

Mrs. Kelsey also serves as the district co-chair for Destination Imagination. Coaching several teams in the past, her experience has led to multiple new teams to represent GISD this year. She is encouraging and a true leader as she is currently coaching her own elementary team for the ‘22-’23 year!

Fulfilling her morning duty as a crosswalk monitor, she keeps all students safe in the front of the building before school. She can be found wearing a yellow vest holding a red stop sign, as well as a cup of coffee! Mrs. Kelsey gives an encouraging hello and/or hug and is a positive first encounter when students get off the buses early in the morning. Students, parents, and bus drivers always expect her to be there with a smile!”

• Lisa Dennis, Cafeteria Manager:  Bowie Elementary’s administrators and PTA   board nominated Lisa Dennis. Math Interventionist and PTA secretary Kathryn Douglas read the nomination at the meeting. Here are some excerpts:

“As the Bowie Elementary cafeteria manager, she arrives before the sun comes up to make sure that over 600 students have breakfast and lunch every school day. She runs the food line efficiently and effectively.

Managing a school cafeteria and ensuring child nutrition is no simple task. She keeps up with the financials, inventory, staffing, cleaning, preparing, just to name a few. She selfishly stepped into this position in August 2022 when the former manager became ill. She also invests in the students and treats them like her own and can call several students by name. She reinforces good behavior and manners in the line as well as supports when help is needed. 

After finishing cafeteria duties, she clocks in to serve for the ACE program. She makes sure that all the ACE students get their snack. If you’ve ever met an elementary school kiddo after 3:15, you know they might get HANGRY. She meets their needs and plans for food and a drink for each child, every day the ACE program runs. After getting snack around to all students, she then works with a group of 5th graders until time to clock out. Mrs. Dennis has hands and a heart that is truly made to serve others without needing anything in return. Her hard work ethic is definitely shown by her presence at Bowie each weekday. Bowie Elementary is a better place with Mrs. “Lisa” here!”