A Night Full of Stars: Hurst Texas Stake Honors Teachers

Report

Jun 8

Local youth from the Hurst Texas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, showed appreciation for their favorite teachers during a Hollywood-inspired awards ceremony held April 5, 2022.

The Hurst Texas Stake rolled out the red carpet for middle school and high school teachers in the Hurst-area during the annual Teacher Appreciation Event held this spring.

Each year the Hurst Texas Stake hosts the event at the end of the school year to show appreciation for the tremendous work done by teachers and to support the local community. This year, the event recognized 30 teachers from 14 different schools in the mid-cities area.

This year’s old Hollywood theme was fit for the stars—our teachers. The stake center gym was transformed into a stunning scene complete with a red carpet Walk of Fame, black and white table linens, gold stars and twinkle lights.

Over 100 attendees enjoyed dinner, dessert and an Academy Award-style ceremony. Distinguished guests included Suzy Compton, North Richland Hills Deputy Mayor Pro Tem; Amy Sabol, Bedford Deputy Mayor Pro Tem; Lovie Downie, Watauga City Council member; Mayor Dr. An Truong, Mayor of Haltom City; Clayton Fulton, Hurst Assistant City Manager; Tika Paudel, Euless City Council Member; Clarence Simmons, BISD Executive Director of Secondary Education; Mike Harris, Principal of Trinity High School; and Randy Belcher, Principal of L.D. Bell High School; and Dr. Joe Harrington, HEB ISD Superintendent. Members of the Hurst Texas Stake Presidency were also in attendance.

Dr. Joe Harrington, HEB ISD Superintendent; Mr. Peña; Mrs. Wilkinson; Mike Harris, Principal, Trinity High

What makes this event so special is that the youth from the Hurst Texas Stake nominated their teachers for the awards. Students filled out a questionnaire and wrote and delivered short personal essays about how their teacher has been a good influence in their life.

Student Kaylee Fulton with art teacher Kimberly Holbrook

“I liked that we wrote letters to our teachers and got to read it to them. It made it personal. And showed the real accomplishments not just about the things we learned,” said Leora Otteson, a student at Richland High School. “I loved seeing how many were touched by the impact the teachers made. I loved that I got to nominate my teacher. She has been such a light and guidance in my life.”

All of the youth that attended the award ceremony sang, “I Am a Child of God” which is a popular hymn in the LDS faith. The song speaks about how we are all children of God and we are on Earth to help one another.

“As an educator, myself, I know how hard teachers tend to work and they can often be under-appreciated,” said Hilary Boyer, Teacher Appreciation Event Specialist for the Hurst Texas Stake. “Being recognized by your administration or peers is nice, but being recognized by your students is amazing! Hearing our youth honor their educators was refreshing, uplifting and inspiring! I know that everyone in attendance that night felt the love and appreciation that was showered upon them.”

During his keynote remarks, Dr. Joe Harrington, HEB ISD Superintendent, thanked the teachers and spoke directly to the students in attendance. He shared how students represent the legacy of their teachers.

“Students, you know what your teachers have poured into you,” said Harrington. “What can you pour back into our world? If each generation leaves it better than we found it, what a world it would be.”