GISD Convocation Energizes Staff

The annual Gatesville Independent School District benefits fair started early on Aug. 2 to mark the return of staff from summer break.

Local vendors had tables set up throughout the hallways of Gatesville High School to showcase their merchandise and services along with lots of free goodies. As the crowd transitioned into the auditorium for convocation, the Fighting Hornet Band energized the crowd with the GHS Fight Song, while the cheerleaders and dazzlers also looked sharp in their performances. Drum Major Alex Johnson gave the invocation and led the staff in reciting the pledges. A trio of choir students consisting of Anna Phillips, Memphis Wells, and Paisley Wells sang an excellent rendition of the National Anthem.

Retired GHS teacher and familiar speaker at convocation, Jo Ann Sugg, gave an encouraging message to the staff. Sugg provided the audience with important educational updates from the recent legislative session, and her trademark humor was much appreciated by the staff. Amy Dodson, a senior director with Raise Your Hand Texas (an advocacy group for public schools in Texas), implored the staff to stay involved in the political process that shapes public education.

Finally, Dr. Barrett Pollard, GISD Superintendent, rounded out the trio of speakers. He encouraged the staff to care about, stand up for, and advocate for the students of GISD much like several of the Hornet Legends who have been honored in recent years. Pollard noted the recent passing of long-time GISD educator Linda Graham and how her years of service had such a profound impact on the youth of Gatesville.

He then gave a brief history lesson on former educator, George Winfield Harris, who served as superintendent of Gatesville public schools from 1909 to 1919. Harris did much to improve the educational system at Gatesville.  Pollard concluded the session by noting that more than ¼ of the 400 staff members at GISD actually graduated from GHS themselves. The audience was then shown a video consisting of the senior pictures of the staff members who graduated from GHS.