The top graduates from the Class of 2025 got their chance Thursday to honor their most influential teacher during the Nacogdoches ISD Education Foundation Scholars Banquet held at The Fredonia Hotel and Convention Center.
“You will forever be someone I look up to, from your perspective on life to your passion for self-growth and education, you have shown me the type of person I hope to be like someday,” graduate Abigail Allman said during a video, describing the impact Nacogdoches High School teacher Elyse Meyer had on Allman, whose sentiment reflected a number of the narratives shared by students about the impact a teacher had on their lives.
During videos shown during the evening, students described the noteworthy and consequential influence their teachers had on them. The teachers also had a chance to respond.
“Molly has always been mature beyond her years and so responsible,” said NHS teacher Becky Martin, who was selected by graduate Molly Pitts. “She worries about every detail and works very hard to do well in literally everything.”
The NEF Scholars Banquet recognizes the Top 20 graduates at Nacogdoches High School. The students select the teacher that’s had the most impact on their time with NISD.
Many of the educators selected are at NHS, but not all. Some come from McMichael Middle School, and Monica Gryder is a teacher at Mike Moses Elementary. For Lisa Fuller, who teaches math and coaches the Dragonettes at NHS, the selection by graduate Ella Furniss puts an exclamation point on a 41-year career in Nacogdoches.
“I can’t imagine a better finale to my career than to get a chance to brag about Ella,” Fuller said.
“It was a great night celebrating the incredible students and educators of Nacogdoches ISD,” said NEF Executive Director Erin Windham. “We’re grateful for the community’s support in helping us fund opportunities that inspire excellence in every classroom.”
The top 20 graduates (in alphabetical order and their most influential teacher):
Delayna Adams – Amy Chism
Abigail Allman – Elyse Meyer
Anna Becnel – Penny Long
Jean Choi – Lindy Arbuckle
Rebekah Datin – Shalyn Rocha
Miguel Diaz – Charles Zemanek
Kylie Fields – Stephanie Bradford
Ella Furniss – Lisa Fuller
Taylor Hart – Jacob Weems
Nixon Long – Chris Moody
Amy Lopez – Michelle Schaefer
Heidi Nicholas – Sonja Schulz
Justin Phillips – Monica Gryder
Luke Pierce – Gary Smith
Molly Pitts – Becky Martin
Dereck Polo – Mark Ampofo
Mícaela Puffer – Stephen Autrey
Rees Runnels – Rebecca Jaramillo
Benjamin Satir – Jamien Phillips
Gezle Raus Uson – Kristin Thomas