The El Dorado School Board recognized six individuals as among the district's best students and staff members during their regular meeting last month.
One student, teacher and classified staff member from both Northwest Elementary and Washington Middle schools were highlighted.
Hyla Fulmer, a fourth-grader at Northwest, was the elementary's Student of the Month.
"'Hyla has a wonderful character; she listens and follows directions and always, always, always follows the rules and procedures. She has a quiet demeanor, but has become an advocate for herself in the most polite way,'" School Board member Wayne Gibson said, reading teacher comments about Hyla.
Hyla's late mother, Kim Fulmer, was a teacher for nearly two decades in El Dorado, said Hyla's guardian Suzy Kavanaugh.
"I'm very proud of her that she was able to face her fear," Kavanaugh said, noting that Hyla is shy, so being recognized in the school board meeting was a challenge. "I was glad they did that for her. It made her feel so good."
Washington's Student of the Month was Harrison Langston, a fifth-grader.
Harrison Langston, a fifth-grader at Washington Middle School, was one of two Students of the Month recognized by the El Dorado School Board in April. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)"Ashley Johnson, fifth-grade science teacher: 'The first day Harrison Langston entered my classroom, he informed me he would be valedictorian, just like his older brother one day.' Man, that's some lofty goals there," said Gibson. "Ethan Kelton, archery coach: 'Harrison is a great kid, one of those that makes your life as a coach and a teacher a little easier.'"
Harrison's parents are Jason and Cindy Langston.
One of April's Teachers of the Month was Amanda Kingery, a Kindergarten teacher at Northwest. Kingery, who earned her degree at Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri, previously taught pre-K for 12 years.
Northwest Elementary Kindergarten teacher Amanda Kingery was one of the Teachers of the Month in April. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)"Her nominating co-workers said, 'Amanda Kingery is an exceptional educator. She has excellent classroom management... She has a passion for teaching and strives to always do her best in the classroom,'" Gibson said. "'Ms. Kingery goes above and beyond with every detail in her classroom to make sure learning comes alive for her students.'"
Kingery said it was an honor to be recognized, especially alongside Hyla and Northwest's Classified Employee of the Month, Kara Rainwater.
"I just want to say, I'm really proud to be up here with these two. I taught Hyla twice – I taught her in three-year-old pre-K and in Kindergarten, so I'm really proud of you, Hyla," Kingery said. "And Ms. Rainwater and I have been through a lot; if it weren't for her, I might not make it through lots of days. And, I just love what I do, thank y'all for letting me speak."
Washington's Teacher of the Month for April was Coach Andrew McDaniel, also known as Rudy, McDaniel and Gibson said. McDaniel coaches sixth-grade basketball and teaches physical education. He earned his bachelor's at Henderson State University and is working toward completing his master's in teaching from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Coach Andrew McDaniel was Washington Middle School's Teacher of the Month in April. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)"Melissa Upchurch, literacy facilitator: 'Rudy McDaniel has a heart for students. He goes above and beyond building relationships and guiding our students down a successful path. Rudy is definitely a positive role model that all of our students can follow,'" Gibson said. "Principal said, 'Mr. McDaniel is an amazing educator that really connects with his students.'"
McDaniel thanked his principal, Bethanie Hale, and the school board for their recognition.
"I just want to say thank you. I appreciate Washington Middle School and everybody that voted for me, and thank you, Ms. Hale; you are the best, as noted," McDaniel said.
Northwest's April Classified Employee of the Month was Kara Rainwater, a paraprofessional whose worked in the ESD for four years.
Kara Rainwater, a paraprofessional at Northwest Elementary, was one of April's Classified Employees of the Month. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)"Her nominating co-workers said, 'Ms. Rainwater does everything she can for students and teachers. She is a dedicated staff member who can jump in at any moment's notice to take over a classroom.' Well that's a good thing," said Gibson. "Her principal, Mr. (Michael) Odom said, 'Ms. Rainwater is a living example of humility and hard work. She is an intuitive person with a huge heart for others.'"
Rainwater became emotional as Gibson read off her colleague's comments about her contributions to student success.
"I didn't mean to do that," Gibson joked as Rainwater took a Kleenex.
The second Classified Employee of the Month in April was Merri Holt, attendance clerk and secretary at Washington.
Merri Holt, secretary and attendance clerk at Washington Middle School, was one of April's Classified Employees of the Month. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)"Amanda Brown, counselor, said 'Ms. Merri is fabulous at holding down the front office. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to help out in any way possible. It is truly wonderful to work with her,'" Gibson said. "Assistant Principal Megan Saunders: 'Merri thinks on her feet and works very hard to do what is best for our students and their families. She gets to know students on a personal level and knows their interests.'"
Saunders went on to share a story about Holt buying books for a student she knew loved to read. Hale, in her comments, said Holt makes sure a smile is the first thing any visitors to Washington see.
"I think I'm very blessed and fortunate to work with some really good people," Holt said. "I appreciate them."
Gibson said recognizing the students, teachers and classified employees of the month is one of his favorite parts of serving on the school board.
"It gives me great pleasure to recognize our students and classified staff, because you hear so much negative stuff about what's going on in schools, and look: that was a lot of good stuff right there. I don't care what anybody says, that was a lot of good stuff, and if I had a mic, I'd drop it right now," he said.