Hill Country MS EANESpiration Winners, 2021
Educational Impact
Those who display leadership and commitment to the district by making a positive, noticeable and significant impact.
David Kuhns, American History Teacher
David is an absolutely incredible teacher! Each and every day, he makes American History fun by engaging the kids' interests and utilizing various modes of instruction. During PLC, he routinely introduces new, fun, and meaningful ideas to implement the curriculum. He is passionate not only about American History but also his students. David has worked especially hard during remote learning to forage positive and meaningful relationships with his students. It is so fun to see the kids' joy when he remembers or notices small details about their interests (or Zoom pictures)!
Brittaney Morrison, 7th-Grade English Teacher
This year, Ms. Morrison has been so incredibly gracious with her time in mentoring a new teacher at HCMS. She has worked on planning and teaching suggestions with such wisdom and grace. Mrs. Morrison has also gone above and beyond to help all her students. She has always addressed students' needs in both a timely and professional manner. She has the perfect mix of competence and compassion that makes the best teachers. Mrs. Morrison exemplifies the best a teacher can be in all of us teachers.
Gregg and Michelle Philipson, Volunteers
Gregg and Michelle Philipson have made a significant impact on the 8th-grade students at Hill Country Middle School. For the past three years, the Philipsons have volunteered a day of their time to share several items from their extensive personal collection of Holocaust artifacts. Among the pieces that they bring are a Star of David from a prisoner’s uniform, a working Nazi radio, and a suitcase once belonging to a young Jewish woman. Gregg and Michelle interact with students, allowing them to touch the items, which helps students personalize and have a greater understanding of the tragedy of the Holocaust. While being able to experience Holocaust-related items firsthand makes a profound impact on students, it’s the message the Phillipsons deliver that resonates the most: Be an upstander. Through their presentation, Gregg and Michelle highlight the importance of kindness, the value of helping others, and the duty we all have to speak up against injustice.
Jessica Weisinger, 6th-grade Social Studies Teacher
Jessica is an excellent educator that creates thoughtful and engaging lessons. Students are drawn to Jessica's depth of knowledge and her expertise. Not only is Jessica takes the time to guide and challenge students. For example, when introducing a project on Global Issue in Africa Jessica presented thought-provoking videos that students still talk about in class today.
Good Samaritan
One who displays compassion, selflessness, or courage by taking initiative.
Meg Davidson, Parent Volunteer
Ms. Meg Davidson has truly been an asset to the FCA club at Hill Country Middle School. She consistently helps to organize communication with parents and made the sponsor’s job so much easier. In addition, she is always present during teacher appreciation lunches, helping with setting up, receiving food and clean-up. She is most deserving of this award.
Heroes
Those who perform an outstanding achievement that brings prestige to Eanes ISD, or do something that goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Aimee Babbs, Registrar
Aimee has worked tirelessly since the beginning of the school year to ensure students are coded correctly in Skyward so we know who to expect in-person and who to expect online. Sometimes the changes are many as we have to quickly quarantine students or the District offers to have students stay remote after a holiday. I'm sure a lot of blood, sweat, and definitely tears have been shed by Aimee as she works to keep up with all the changes. She does so with a positive attitude and a friendly smile every day.
LaDonna Cook, Cafeteria Manager
Consistency and compassion in doing her job is a hallmark of LaDonna’s years at Hill Country Middle School. With each new year, LaDonna greets the new students with a friendly smile and a warm heart. Helping guide students through their lunchtime with grace and kindness, LaDonna soon recognizes them and always has something positive to say. LaDonna takes pride in her work, ensuring tasks are complete every day. Her attention to detail is outstanding. She is a well-liked and respected member of her team - always ready to laugh, even when things aren’t going as expected.
Kate Whitsitt and Wendy Wilbanks, Special Ed Teachers
Kate and Wendy both were thrown into a situation where they had to take over a teacher’s duties for over two months. Neither of them complained, and graciously just did this even though it was an entire other job on top of their already demanding jobs. They received nothing for doing this, and did it anyway. We are so grateful to have teammates who will step in to do anything to continue making the life skills program at HCMS amazing.