A Texas Sized Thank You to Teachers
The Hurst Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts annual Teacher Appreciation Event for area educators.
By Jesica Eastman
It’s not every day that a church gym is transformed into a country-themed banquet hall.
To offer gratitude and thanks for local teachers and educators in the HEB, Birdville and Fort Worth school districts, the Hurst Texas Stake (a group of local congregations) decorated the Hurst Stake church building in burlap, twine and yellow sunflowers to host the annual Teacher Appreciation event held April 5, 2023.
Western style decorations adorn the gymnasium. Photos courtesy of Denice Honstein.
Now considered a favorite local tradition that draws invited guests, school district leaders and elected officials from the mid-cities area, the special evening was an opportunity to “Saddle Up and Celebrate” as middle school and high school students paid tribute to deserving teachers who’ve made a personal impact in their lives.
This year, honored attendees and guests were shown true southern hospitality with a catered barbeque dinner, and all the fixin’s, as well as a keynote address by Michael Martinak, the former principal at Bedford Junior High School and newly appointed principal at Trinity High School in HEB ISD.
Mr. Martinak, former principal at Bedford Junior High School. Photo courtesy of Denice Honstein.
During his speech, Mr. Martinak shared his experience being raised in local area schools and related an educator’s quest to wise words by famed cowboy Will Rogers.
“If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing.” –Will Rogers
Mr. Martinak shared a personal story about his favorite college professor, who taught him “not to sell himself short.”
“I tried a short cut on a book report one semester and I thought I could take the easy way out,” said Mr. Martinak. “One day [my professor] pulled me into his office to talk about the value of effort and hardwork. He took the time to teach me how to value myself…I wished I had an opportunity like this evening to honor him and say thank you.”
After the remarks by Mr. Martinak, students were invited to come up and read a short, personalized tribute about their teacher.
Aimi Shillig, a student at Birdville High School recognized her Spanish teacher, Priscilla Norat.
"Mrs. Norat is the sweetest woman you will ever meet and she has helped me so much these past few years with her kindness,” said Aimi. “She has an amazing trait—she wants her students to succeed—which I admire and is why I love her so much. She was also there for me one time last year when I was in a pinch, and without asking questions she just helped me, which was the best.”
Spanish teacher, Priscilla Norat and Aimi Shillig. Photo courtesy of Denice Honstein.
In addition to honoring professional educators, some students chose to recognize church Seminary (Bible study) teachers. During an especially touching tribute, Lydia Keil of the Hurst Ward (congregation) shared her thoughts about her early-morning Seminary teacher, Logan Romrell, who also happens to be her nextdoor neighbor.
"I chose Logan Romrell because she is very caring towards her students. She always wants what’s best for us and wants us to be successful,” said Lydia. “I have known Logan Romrell since I was 2-years-old, as our families became neighbors, and she was always there to help change my diapers and babysit me. Now that I am graduating from high school, I am so grateful she is here to help me through seminary and all the make up work I have to do. I’m really grateful I got to start my childhood with her and now ‘end’ it as her being my teacher."
Substitute teacher for Birdville ISD, Logan Romrell and Lydia Keil. Photo courtesy of Denice Honstein.
As the event organizer, Kiera Elledge from the Hurst Texas Stake reflects on the impact of the evening, she said, “This is a wonderful opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and honor teachers who are making a positive impact in the lives of our youth.”
“We are grateful for their dedicated service and devotion,” said Elledge.
Group of teachers and students at the annual Teacher Appreciation event hosted by the Hurst Texas Stake, 2023. Photo courtesy of Denice Honstein.
Images of Hurst Stake youth, their teachers and leadership from the Hurst Texas Stake. Photos courtesy of Denice Honstein.
Jesica Eastman serves as Finishing Editor for the Hurst Texas Stake Website. She is a public relations and marketing consultant who spends her free time raising her three daughters and serving with the local PTA. As an avid news junkie, she is passionate about staying on top of current events and cultural trends. She likes to travel and meet new people, especially when her husband and kids are by her side.