Hill Country MS EANESpiration Winners, 2022
Left to Right. Top Row: Tyler Adame, Katie Recer, Courtney Carter, Amy Hodge. Bottom Row: Dr. Jeff Arnett, Holly Leicht, Julie Lindley, Georgia Jones and Principal Kathleen Sullivan.
Educational Impact
Those who display leadership and commitment to the district by making a positive, noticeable and significant impact.
Ms. Amy Hodge, US History Teacher
Amy is not only a great teacher, but a wonderful coworker. Her students love her; many of them have fond memories of her as their coach in years past. She connects with her classes in ways that other teachers aspire. Amy loves her subject and brings the material alive each and every day for her students. She shows great creativity in the lessons she creates and in the activities that she shares with others. In addition, Amy is a great collaborator and makes the lives of her fellow teachers easier through her generous spirit.
Ms. Holly Leicht, Educational Partner for Technology
In just her first year as an Educational Partner, Holly has made a significant impact at HCMS. Obviously, she knows technology, but more importantly, she is able to share that knowledge with students and staff in ways that make sense to them. She always makes herself available to help with projects, teach new technology, and share successes. Many times, these activities may fall outside of her formal job description. Holly recently helped the 8th Grade History team develop two different projects. The first allowed students to creatively explore and present Current Events; the second project completely reworked an existing activity about the Industrial Revolution that allowed students to have better choices in how they presented what they learned. She is a trusted partner that has made our lives measurably easier.
Ms. Katie Recer, Collaborative Teacher, History
Katie is one of the most outstanding teachers, and humans you could ever meet. She is extraordinarily professional, and we all become better educators working alongside her. As a collaborative teacher, she must juggle teaching in the moment and keeping up with her required paperwork. Somehow, she manages both without breaking a sweat. Most importantly, she connects with students on a level that is rare: her students look forward to seeing her every day, confide in her, and seek her advice for matters both school-related and otherwise. She always keeps a professional demeanor, but her students know that she is a "safe" adult in their lives that they can depend on.
Heroes
Those who perform an outstanding achievement that brings prestige to Eanes ISD, or do something that goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Tyler Adame, Special Ed TA
Tyler is described as the most selfless person to work with. He always puts the students' needs ahead of his own. We have been incredibly shorthanded in Life Skills and Behavior Support this year, and Tyler has stepped in and helped with some of the most challenging situations. Many times, Tyler has served in the role of a teacher instead of TA, tackling every challenge with a smile on his face. He is always a team player and such a fabulous teammate!
Julie Lindley, Counseling Secretary, Sub Coordinator, Front Office Secretary
Julie Lindley has gone above and beyond over the last two years trying to get classes covered when we had no subs while at the same time completing all of the tasks for the HCMS Counselors and the assistant principals. She is a master at multi-tasking! She always has a smile on her face and is willing to jump in and help at any time. She does the job of two people and we would be lost without her! She is more than deserving for this award.
Innovation
Those who implement a creative or innovative program, teaching method, cost-savings, etc.
Ms. Courtney Carter, Art Teacher
This spring Courtney designed an art project with her students that required the use of recyclable materials, and the final products are beautifully displayed in the school cafeteria. The colors and materials add a festive touch to the cafeteria’s ceiling and overall atmosphere. Additionally, Courtney is hosting a M-ART-ch Madness competition, pitting artists against each other and having both students and staff vote on each level’s winners. There is a large display outside her classroom where all can see the progress of the competition. She makes learning fun in such creative ways!
Ms. Georgia Jones, Math Teacher
Georgia took her own love for Dungeons & Dragons and created an after-school club for our students who share the same passion for the game. After school EVERY Tuesday she gives of her time and energy to create a safe space for students to gather, play, and have fun. For many of these students, this club is the perfect fit because their interests do not lie within the mainstream extracurricular activities that are offered. Georgia is providing a "home" within Hill Country for these very grateful kids and offering an innovative and fun way to connect!