GISD honors student, staff member with Spotlight awards

During the March 20 meeting of the Gatesville Independent School District Board of Trustees,  Juan "Junior" Rodriguez was honored during the Student Spotlight presentation and Tony Fernandez was honored during the Staff Spotlight segment.

Rodriguez, a third-grader at Gatesville Elementary School, was recognized for his sharp eye in helping to keep his school safe.

"We've spent a lot of time talking to kids about safety and always being on the lookout for people who look suspicious," said GISD Superintendent Barrett Pollard. "Junior stopped Toby Williams, our maintenance director and really gave him the third degree. He is watchful and always has a smile on his face."

Elementary Principal Keegan Webb said of Rodriguez, that he took the teachings about safety "to heart and stopped Toby Williams when he didn't recognize the 'unknown' person in the hallway. Junior asked him, 'Who might you be' and 'What do you do here?' to ensure that Mr. Williams was a person that was safe to be in the school hallways. Junior never fails to have a smile on his face and a greeting for everyone he sees. We appreciate Junior and his effort to help keep our school safe. Please help us congratulate Junior for his great attitude and his focus on school safety."

Fernandez leads the In School Suspension Program at Gatesville High School.

"He grew up here, has been a part of the community and is a great addition to GISD," Pollard said.

In an information packet given to school board members, it was noted that "Mr. Fernandez knows how to relate to the youth in our community. Over the years, he has taught mixed martial arts to many young people. Tony also has tremendous school spirit. You can find him every Friday night on the sidelines of our varsity football games helping out."

GHS Assistant Principal Liz Shoaf said: "Tony is a valuable member of the high school team. His willingness to help wherever and whenever needed is extremely appreciated. He does a great job building up our students and helping them to see their worth and value. Tony leads by example and sees every day as an opportunity to help students and the campus be the best they can be."