Memorial City Mall.
The breakfast networking and public program is held
each year to honor and acknowledge adults who make
a difference in the lives of
SBISD students every school day.
Highlights of this year’s celebration program
included a proclamation from the Texas Legislature honoring the Board of
Trustees and selections from the new Stratford Playhouse student musical, Crazy for You.
Superintendent of Schools Duncan Klussmann, Ed.D.,
spoke about the importance of The Spring Branch Plan 2012-17, which focuses on
the district’s goal to double the total number of students by 2017 who
complete
either a technical certificate, two-year degree or four-year degree.
The welcome was delivered by Keith Alexander, who is
the chief executive officer of Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center.
The medical center, Memorial City Mall and Panera Bread sponsored this year’s
celebration.
“At Memorial Hermann, we continue to be proud
sponsors with SBISD,” Alexander told those attending. “We know that it takes
all of us working together to assure that the youth of our community have the
greatest successes today to assure the brightest futures tomorrow. We thank you
for sharing this commitment through your involvement with SBISD as well.”
SBISD Community Relations Officer Linda Buchman
delivered event greetings after the Spring Branch Navy Jr. ROTC Color Guard
presented the colors during the flag ceremony and the Pine Shadows Choir performed
several songs. The Guthrie Center Jr. ROTC program is led by retired Lt. Col.
Ken Sluis. Pine Shadows choir directors are Nicole Fair and Pablo Ocañas.
Introduced by Community Relations Officer Buchman
were SBISD Board of Trustees President Pam Goodson and officers Mike Falick,
vice president, and Wayne Schaper Sr., secretary. Also attending were Trustees
Katherine Dawson, Chris Gonzalez, Bob Stevenson and Chris Vierra.
Other officials introduced at the celebration
include Deanna Harrington, district director for Texas State Rep. Jim Murphy,
and Zach Hodges, president of the area Houston Community College.
Also recognized were Rhonda Elmore and Maryellen
McGlothlin, both with Memorial Hermann; Harry Hadland and Larry Mullins, both
with Memorial City Mall; and Robert Richardson, who is the catering manager
with Panera Bread.
Also attending were Spring Branch Education
Foundation Executive Director Cece Thompson and Warren Matthews, who serves on
the executive committee.
The SBISD Board of Trustees was honored for its
support of volunteer and partnership efforts during a presentation by Deanna Harrington
with State Rep. Jim Murphy’s office. Trustees were honored for their efforts to
support local volunteers and partnerships by resolution of the Texas
Legislature.
At the event’s conclusion, Stratford High students
won a big ovation from the volunteers after they performed selections from the
George and Ira Gershwin musical comedy, Crazy
for You. The Stratford Playhouse production is directed by CeCe Prudhomme.
Michael Fahey conducts the orchestra. Peter Steinmetz is the music director.
