At the meeting of the MFISD Board of Trustees on September 19, two Marble Falls ISD employees were presented for special recognition.

The Spotlight on Excellence is awarded by Superintendent Dr. Jeff Gasaway to an employee who goes above and beyond outside of their daily job description to love and inspire students. The September recipient of the Spotlight on Excellence Award was Candi Reeves. Director of Transportation Gina Solorzano nominated Ms. Reeves because of her dedicated participation in the Reading Connections Program. Ms. Reeves is a bus driver for Marble Falls ISD and has spent countless volunteer hours at elementary schools reading with elementary students on a one-on-one basis. Ms. Reeves has even declined opportunities to earn extra pay in order to fulfill her commitment to this reading program.

When receiving the award, Ms. Reeves said, “I love to read, and I have always loved to read. I want to share that love, that excitement, that passion for learning with children. It’s fun to me to see them light up and to see them begin to ‘get it’ and make progress.”

Dr. Gasaway said to Ms. Reeves, “We are honored that you take time out of your day to volunteer in that way and love and inspire our kids in that manner. Congratulations and thank you.”

CTE Coordinator Ashley Bernard presented James Conner to the board of trustees in recognition of the National FFA Honorary American Degree he was awarded from the National FFA Organization. Mr. Conner is new to Marble Falls ISD this year. He teaches Ag Science and is an FFA advisor.

Although Mr. Conner is new to MFISD, he is not new to his profession. Mr. Conner started his teaching career in 2010 at Balmorhea HS as an Ag Science teacher and FFA Advisor.  Throughout his teaching career, he has had a positive impact in Centerville ISD, Killeen ISD, and most recently Bryan ISD at Rudder High School.  Prior to starting his teaching career, Mr. Conner worked as a welder and fabricator for construction companies, and was even a Lieutenant in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system in Huntsville.  He is an active member in several organizations such as VATAT (Vocational Agricultural Teachers’ Association of Texas) and the Collegiate FFA.  Mr. Conner also served on the volunteer fire departments in his community, and has graciously picked up several bus driving routes for our transportation department.

The National FFA Honorary American Degree award is given to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment. The National FFA Organization works to enhance the lives of youth through agricultural education. Without the efforts of highly dedicated individuals, such as Mr. Conner, thousands of young people would not be able to achieve the success that, in turn, contributes directly to the overall well-being of the nation.

The Honorary American FFA Degree is an opportunity to recognize those who have gone beyond valuable daily contributions to make an extraordinary long-term difference in the lives of students, inspiring confidence in a new generation of agriculturists.

During the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis in November, all recipients will receive a plaque and medal, and their names will be permanently recorded as recipients of the highest FFA honor.

Ms. Bernard said, “We are very excited to have Mr. Conner as part of our team this year. His experience and leadership will positively impact our Ag Science and FFA programs for years to come.”

“We will continue to celebrate the Marble Falls ISD staff who dedicate themselves to going above and beyond what is expected. I am so overwhelmed with gratitude when I hear of all the ways Marble Falls staff members embody our mission to love and inspire students even outside the definition of their everyday roles. The commitment to students I see every day is what makes Marble Falls ISD a standout district to serve,” said Dr. Gasaway.