Inaugural awards honor old friends with well-deserved accolades

Growing Forward. Together. is the name of our school district’s strategic plan but it is so much more than a title. It is a call to action. We believe student success is a shared commitment. Strengthened through meaningful partnerships and connections to the broader network of community organizations, mentors, and volunteers. We are stronger when we work together as one community.

One of the biggest opportunities to celebrate our partnerships takes place every September during the Parent-Teacher/Booster Club meeting. Over the years, this has grown into much more than just a meeting, it has become an event that brings parent organizations, booster clubs, community partners, and ECISD together. Companies that offer fundraising support take part in a vendor fair before the meeting begins. Information and expectations are shared. Questions and concerns are addressed. And volunteers are honored for their commitment to students and staff members.

 

Community Impact Award – Wilson & Young Medal of Honor Middle School Boys Athletics Booster Club (pictured below)

This is a first-time award, created to recognize an organization that goes beyond the traditional role of a booster club. Fundraising is important, however, this club found meaningful ways to make an impact – like supporting veterans and first responders, participating in Pink the Basin, and organizing food pantry drives for families in their school community. The actions of the Wilson & Young MS Boys Athletics Booster Club demonstrate that athletics can be about more than what happens on the field; it can be about service, leadership, compassion, and community.

Behind the Scenes Heroes Award (pictured at top)

Minerva Lares – Minerva’s dedication and leadership are on display at two schools. She serves as the co-president of the Odessa High School Band Boosters and as the treasurer of the Cameron Elementary PTA. Through strategic organization and fundraising she helped transform the financial standing of the OHS Band Boosters, and her countless volunteer hours including reviving the Cameron PTA after years of inactivity. She builds partnerships, encourages parent involvement, and brings people together with a genuine commitment to students and families.

 

Matthew Rutherford – Matthew’s initiative and servant’s heart has made a lasting impact on the Odessa FFA program. He helped build livestock pens for a large-scale fundraiser that generated money for students to participate in FFA events. He mentors and supports students and teachers, and helps with activities and fundraisers without seeking recognition.

 

Santana Rodriguez – Santana served as the treasurer for the Permian High School Lady Panthers Basketball Booster Club for two years while also actively support the PHS volleyball team, too. What makes her efforts extraordinary is that she continued to work concessions and help at events even as she battled cancer and faced other health challenges. Her courage, perseverance, and unwavering heart are an inspiration to everyone around her.

 

Freddy Avila – Mr. Freddy, as he is know, is a remarkable volunteer who has given more than 13 years supporting the Odessa High School and Permian High School bands and winter guard programs. He works tirelessly building props, repairing equipment, and driving semis for out of town competitions including Area and State competitions. He is dedicated, reliable, and a problem-solver with a true servant’s heart,

 

Maria Segura – Maria’s leadership found timely purpose when a large group of graduating seniors (and their parents) left the Permian Panther Paws Booster Club without board officers. Maria recruited, trained, and mentored a completely new board and created structure, teamwork, and confidence among these volunteers. She leads major events managing volunteers, registration, logistics, fundraising, and the countless details that allow students to focus on performing. She turns overwhelming challenged into organized, successful experiences.