Principal still on a mission for children 25 years later
For Thuy Le-Thai, education is not just her job, it’s her passion.
“I am a product of HISD, so I believe in the public education system,” said the newly named principal of Sharpstown International School, who officially celebrates her 25th anniversary with the district this week. “I was one of the Vietnamese boat people when I came here in 1980. I was almost 19 and spoke no English, but my teachers believed in me, and I graduated from Sharpstown High School in 1983.”
The veteran educator spent a good portion of her time in HISD at White Elementary School, where she started out as a teacher and left as the principal. But she has also served as a federal funds supervisor, a teacher trainer, a Title I coordinator, and for the past two years, as a school support officer.
“I want to give back to the system that gave me the education of a lifetime,” she said. “It was the springboard I needed to be successful.”
A few other HISD employees are also marking milestones this week (May 19–25)—see if you know anyone on this list:
25 years
- Inocencia Gonzales, magnet coordinator, Bell ES
15 years
- Mark Allen, manager of eligibility, Food Services
10 years
- Tomasa Acosta, custodian, Lanier MS
5 years
- Patricia Cantu, security guard, Police Department
- Sean Ricks, evaluation specialist, Child Study
It is always nice to see longevity in education. It shows a grand purpose towards ensuring our future is taught and raised to achieve their goals. Thank you for sharing your story and a true congratulations for reaching such a momenumental milestone! Be Blessed