Known for her willingness, calm and insight, Skipcha Elementary School Assistant Principal Gloria Mays is a Killeen ISD STEEL Award winner for the month of March.
Skipcha Principal Jane Apodaca calls her “the heart and soul of Skipcha Elementary.”
Mays helps teachers, guides students, chats with parents and never loses her calm, steady presence. “She makes everyone feel supported and appreciated,” Apodaca said in the award nomination.
“Having been at Skipcha since its opening, your legacy is woven into the fabric of the campus,” the principal said, explaining Mays’ “willingness to step in wherever needed and commitment to ensuring the school’s success.”
A group of Killeen ISD leaders joined campus leaders to surprise the STEEL Award winner with the honor.
The district awards two STEEL Awards a month during the school year. STEEL stands for Supporting the Education and Empowerment of Learners.
“This award is our way of honoring those who exemplify the core values of KISD: strength, perseverance, and a commitment to the students we serve,” said Superintendent Jo Ann Fey during the presentation at Skipcha Elementary School.
Mays is a 36-year veteran of education. She and her soldier husband traveled to duty stations across the United States, settling in Central Texas where she has worked 22 years in KISD, including 18 years as an assistant principal.
“I love the work I do,” she said. “I like it because I have an opportunity to interact with students, be resourceful with teachers and staff and I build a strong, powerful bond with parents. You know your parents, you know your students, and you know your staff.”
The assistant principal said she was shocked when a group of people barged into the school office recently to present her an award.
“I’m very appreciative. I like the work that I do, and I feel like I make a difference. That empowers me to do more. I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it. I was very surprised,” she said.
“I’ve been in education a while. You still have to be caring and a good listener. I think teachers, students and parents all need some of the same thing. They have to know you care.”
