Local educators named Best in State
Local secondary school students have long known that we have some of the best educators in the state, but now it’s official – Dalhart literally has the Teacher and Principal of the Year, according to the Texas Rural Education Association!
Stephanie Ellis, who teaches Culinary Arts at Dalhart High School, was named Teacher of the Year, and Staci Maddox was deemed Principal of the Year. Maddox served as principal of Dalhart Junior High School for five years and assistant principal of the campus for four years; next year she will Local educators named Best in State Stephanie Ellis Staci Maddox lead the way at Dalhart High School.
“Being recognized in such a way is a true honor,” Ellis said. “I do not feel deserving of such an award.
“I truly love my students, and I would not be able to do my job successfully without my family, co-workers and community. Thank you all for your support in helping my visions become reality and helping me love my students so well.”
Maddox also said that she was honored by the award.
“ My initial reaction after learning I had been selected by TREA as Principal of the Year was complete surprise. I was both humbled and honored to have even been nominated, but to have been selected was beyond anything I could have imagined.
“I am so grateful to Mr. Jeff Byrd, Dalhart ISD Superintendent, the Dalhart ISD school board, my family and all of my fellow administrators, faculty and staff for believing in me, trusting me and supporting me.
“ The outpouring of kind words, messages, and support from the community of Dalhart and beyond has been absolutely incredible and so very much appreciated. I am so blessed and fortunate to live and work in a community where I have experienced unwavering support and encouragement along my journey with Dalhart ISD. It has been such a privilege to serve as principal of Dalhart Junior High School and now Dalhart High School.
“My goal is to continue to strive for excellence, create a positive campus culture and inclusive learning environment, and to always put the needs of our students first.”
Ellis and Maddox learned in mid-May that they, along with DHS Life Skills paraprofessional Sally Sifuentes, were finalists for the awards. Sally Sifuentes was a finalist for the new Paraprofessional of the Year Award.
All finalists will be recognized during the Awards Luncheon at the TREA Annual Conference to be held later this month at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Round Rock. The Awards Luncheon will be on June 25 and each winner will receive an award. As Teacher of the Year, Ellis will be the Keynote Speaker at the Luncheon. She and Paraprofessional of the Year will each be awarded $1500.
Bill Tarleton, TREA Executive Director, explained that the winners were selected by a committee of TREA officers based on nominees’ professional accomplishments during the 2023-24 school year.
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