An elementary school crossing guard and a middle school nurse have made such huge impacts on their campuses, that they are this month’s Killeen ISD STEEL Award winners.
For April, the honor goes to Trimmier Elementary School crossing guard Elke Graham and Liberty Hill Middle School nurse Varnell Hudson.
Each received their award in surprise presentations at their schools.
Killeen ISD Interim Superintendent Megan Bradley and Human Resources Chief David Manley joined campus, communications, and Education Foundation staff members in surprising the award winners.
Trimmier counselor Gigi Alvarez nominated Graham, a 25-year district employee for the monthly honor.
Her nomination is as follows:
Elke Graham
“Ms. Elke goes above and beyond to support our staff, administrators, and students. When she is not ensuring the safety of students as they cross the street, she is assisting staff by prepping and laminating materials, she even cuts everything out and hand delivers them when they are ready! She is always willing to help wherever she can and is flexible.
“Ms. Elke always does everything with a big smile on her face and a positive spirit! Her support takes some of the load off our teachers, she builds positive relationships with the staff and students. Not only Trimmier, but Killeen ISD is blessed to have such a hardworking employee and she deserves to be in the SPOTLIGHT!
Liberty Hill Librarian Rebecca Fay nominated Hudson, who has 50 years’ experience as a nurse with nine years’ experience in KISD.
According to Fay’s nomination:
Varnell Hudson
“Ms. Varnell Hudson goes above and beyond to help our students and provide a welcoming environment in the clinic. She is always aware of who she needs to see on a consistent basis and then she greets each student when they come into the clinic.
"She takes initiative and ensures our students have as much information as possible like holding a Stop the Bleed training for the 7th and 8th graders.
“Not only did she teach the students, but she also had their parents attend with them. She is truly an asset to Killeen ISD and is here every day to ensure that staff and students are taken care of!”
The district honors two staff members a month, based on employee nominations, for a STEEL Award.
STEEL means Supporting the Education and Empowerment of Learners. The award is made of steel and is a product of the district’s Career Center.
