HISD recognizes 2023 Service Milestone recipients with celebratory reception

It takes a special kind of person to work for the largest school district in Texas, and an even more special person to do so for over a decade. On Thursday, April 27, HISD recognized the 2023 Service Milestone recipients, district employees who have given HISD 10, 20, 30 and even 40 years of dedicated service.

The Office of Talent organized the reception and awards ceremony, held at Booker T. Washington High School. The reception began with a buffet dinner catered by the talented culinary students at Barbara Jordan Career Center under the direction of Chef Tamika Lewis. Following the meal, Superintendent Millard House II welcomed attendees and addressed the Milestone recipients directly.

“Thanks to you and your hard work and dedication, HISD’s children and families are charting a path toward success every day in everything they do,” House said. “You have proven your resilience, and HISD is better because of each one of you and the course that you stayed committed to playing a part in the education of our future leaders.”

Following House’s remarks, attendees enjoyed a performance by the Booker T. Washington High School Orchestra in the school’s auditorium.

186 teachers and staff members were honored for reaching their 10th year of service to the district, 85 for their 20th year, 22 for their 30th year, and five for their 40th year.

“I absolutely love what I do, I love the children, and I’m so excited to be honored at this momentous occasion,” said eighth grade English teacher Sabrina Woodard, an honoree celebrating 20 years of service. “I love the fact that everybody is so personable and we’re able to reach all ethnicities and it’s such a diverse district.”

The Milestone recipients were presented with awards for their years of service and treated to another performance by the Washington High School Orchestra, then Chief Talent Officer Jeremy Grant-Skinner concluded the ceremony with closing remarks.

For more information on the Office of Talent, including available careers with HISD and other employee recognition events, visit their website.