Each year, Marble Falls Education Foundation recognizes an individual who has exhibited years of dedication in creating a positive impact in the lives of students through the Excellence in Education Award. Candidates are considered across a range of educational sectors and have demonstrated excellence in multiple areas, including commitment to high-quality, innovative learning throughout the district, dedication to underserved and economically disadvantaged student populations, support for addressing timely issues or challenges in education, and leadership and passionate support of public education. This year, the honor is presented to Diana Virdell.
Upon graduation from Wall High School, Diana went to Angelo State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science and Masters degree in Math. She later received her Counseling Certification from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.
Diana spent 40 years in education – 13 years as a math teacher and girls’ coach for volleyball, basketball, and track and 27 years as a school counselor -- 16 of those years right here in Marble Falls ISD.
Diana’s late husband, Mickey, began his career as a coach and science teacher and ended up as a school superintendent. Together, Diana and Mickey passed their passion for education down to the next generation. Their sons, Kevin and Keith are both graduates of Marble Falls High School. Kevin is the Branch President at a local bank and a trustee with the Marble Falls ISD School Board. Jennifer, Kevin’s wife, is also a Marble Falls grad. She’s an ARD Facilitator and Diagnostician with Marble Falls ISD. Keith is a coach and administrator at Skidmore-Tynan ISD and his wife, TyAnna, is an elementary PE teacher and 7th grade volleyball coach. Diana juggles her busy schedule so that she can support the academic and extracurricular endeavors of her four grandchildren Kenley, Kamryn, Kade and Kyler.
Diana retired the first time in 2003 and again in 2015, but she is busier now than ever. She continues to serve our community and is heavily involved in causes related to education. Diana serves on the Marble Falls Education Foundation Board as VP of Programs, is the secretary of the Friends of the Marble Falls Library Board, is a member of Alpha Chi, an organization for women educators, serving on the grant and scholarship committee and this year is a volunteer at Marble Falls Elementary School as part of the Alpha Chi Cares Program, is an active member of Highland Lakes Retired Teachers, serves on the scholarship committee of the Highland Lakes Quilt Guild, and has volunteered with the gardens at Marble Falls Elementary school and helped with presentations about gardening to elementary students in MFISD. She also gives back through programs for the Christian Women’s Job Corp and ministries and organizations at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.
Diana’s long-established and unwavering dedication to education in our community is nothing short of inspiring. Thank you to 2022 Excellence in Education award recipient, Diana Virdell, for her dedication to our students and community.
