DISTRICT NEWS 5

Three Pasadena ISD teachers named
Rotary Club's Educators of the Year

Wendy Wiseburn, kindergarten and fifth grade ESL teacher at Gardens Elementary was named as the Elementary Educator of the Year; Patricia Eubanks, peer facilitator at Park View Intermediate, was named as the Intermediate Educator of the Year; and Mike Morgan, teen leadership and United States history teacher at Sam Rayburn High School, was named as the High School Educator of the Year.

All Pasadena ISD principals were asked to nominate a teacher who they felt should be honored as an Educator of the Year based on their inspirational creativity, professionalism and genuine concern for children.

Once nominated, teachers were asked to present a resume, as well as participate in an interview with the Pasadena Rotary Club Excellence in Education committee. After the interviewing process was complete, teams of three or four Pasadena Rotarians selected the three award winners.

Wiseburn was nominated by Gardens Elementary Principal Celia Layton, whom has been her supervisor for six years.

"Ms. Wiseburn shares her joy of teaching to all students," said Layton. "She never gives up on any student. She always requests strong-willed students and makes a difference when teaching. She always goes the extra mile."

Eubanks, the intermediate school award winner, has been teaching at Park View for more than 20 years. Throughout her tenure, she has served on district, area and state committees for social studies. She has been both a trainer and developer of curriculum in social studies and media graphic arts.

"She is a dedicated professional in education who strives to reach children through meaningful and purposeful programs," said Park View Intermediate Principal Rob Hasson. "She always tries to seek opportunities for students to succeed by observing their needs and finding appropriate ways to help them, such as through programs, placement, learning and teaching strategies. She is a team leader among her professional colleagues."

The high school award winner, Morgan, was nominated by Sam Rayburn Assistant Principal Charlie Riggs, whom has worked with Morgan for over eight years. During that time, Morgan was involved with the school football program and served as a teacher and administrator.

"Mike brings out the best in the students that he works with," said Riggs. "I witnessed this first hand when we worked together in the football program, and I continue to see it happen. Mike is very good at teaching students more than just subject matter. He teaches them how to improve self-esteem, how to cope with personal problems and how to relate with their peers, as well as adults."

"I was so surprised and thrilled when I won," said Wiseburn. "This is a huge honor. I love teaching-even without all of the awards."

Longtime Pasadena, 
South Houston High principals retire

After many years at the head of the class, longtime principals Wayne Adams and Doris Barnes have retired from the Pasadena Independent School District.

Adams, whose career spans more than 30 years in education, was principal of Pasadena High School. Barnes served Pasadena ISD for more than 40 years and was principal of South Houston High School.

When former deputy superintendent Tom Hancock was promoted in 1995, Adams was elevated to the top administrative position at Pasadena High. Adams had also served as an assistant principal, teacher and coach at the school.

Barnes, who became principal of South Houston High in 1991, served in a wide range of administrative and teaching positions. She has also taught at the elementary, intermediate and high school levels.

“With their many years of expertise, these principals helped lead their campuses to success,” Pasadena ISD Superintendent Rick Schneider said.

Both campuses have seen their share of success, as Pasadena and South Houston both received recognized ratings from the Texas Education Agency the past two years.

Since the retirement of Adams and Barnes, two new principals have been hired to assume the top leadership role on campus. Morris Fuselier is the new principal at Pasadena High. Deborah Aubin is the new South Houston High principal.

Fuselier has served as principal at New Caney High School since 1998. He has also previously served in assistant principal positions at The Woodlands High School, Mayde Creek High School and Montgomery Junior High School.

Aubin has served as principal of Jackson Intermediate School since 1999. She also was an assistant principal at Park View Intermediate and Pomeroy Elementary.