The Clear Creek Education Foundation announced at its Annual Awards Dinner at South Shore Harbour Resort, Thursday, Nov. 10th that it had reached a major milestone – CCEF has funded $5 million to support educational excellence in Clear Creek ISD since inception in 1992. Themed “Celebrating 30 Years of CCEF,” the event drew a crowd of almost 300 who came to applaud this year’s elite group of individuals being honored for their outstanding efforts and contributions to CCISD.
The focal point of the evening included the 2022 award recipients:
George B. Carlisle Distinguished Service Award for consistent demonstration of commitment to CCISD over time: Dr. Greg Smith
Distinguished Alumni Award presented to individuals who are CCISD alumni and are now accomplished professionals who support their community: Jose Perez, CBHS, Class of 1993, Rebecca Valdez, CCHS, Class of 1992, Stephanie Murphy, CLHS, Class of 1996 and Lauren Leal, CSHS, Class of 2011.
Valor Award in honor of a public servant, who has gone above and beyond the call of duty: Albert Perez
Dennis Johnson Memorial Small Business Award is presented to a small business owner within CCISD who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the district through active participation in multiple activities: Jim and Jane Sweeney, Minuteman Press
2022 CCISD Citizen of the Year, recognized by the CCISD Board of Trustees and CCEF, goes to an outstanding member of the community who consistently demonstrates commitment to CCISD and excellence in public education through volunteer efforts: Lucien Junkin
“Our community has enthusiastically shown their support and commitment to CCEF. Not only by attending tonight’s momentous event, but through their donations and recognizing the importance of innovative grants, CCEF was able to reach our goal of $5 million,” CCEF Chairman Kelli Byrd said. “It is truly an amazing feeling to see our community come together to recognize these outstanding individuals and support education.”
Before the evening’s program began, guests and honorees were treated to teacher and student grant showcases – 10 in total. These showcases included: PAES Lab, Hands on Science, Robotics, Coding and Computational Thinking, Anatomage Table, History in the Making, Balanced Life, Audio Recording Studio, Professional Mannequins, Operation: Training Future Health Professionals and Fanfare for Brass: Collaboration with a local composer. “Showing off the teacher grants at CCEF events truly paints the picture of how CCEF funding is bringing innovation to our students. These grants are made possible by our generous community, and we are grateful for everyone’s support,” said Deborah Laine, CCEF Executive Director.
Other highlights included silent and live auctions and a beautiful pearl and diamond bracelet and necklace raffle item donated by Lewis Jewelers. Local community celebrities shared their time to make the event a very special evening for all with Greg Ploss, CCEF Chairman-Elect as auctioneer, a quartet of CCISD teachers playing the National Anthem and Rebecca Spera Valentino serving as mistress of ceremonies.
The event was planned by a 11-person committee that included: Janet Brown, Cyndy Butcher, CCEF Chairperson Kelli Byrd, Lisa Holbrook, Sarah Moutz, Jill Reason, Chris Rylant, Mary Ann Shallberg, Becky Unbehagen, Deborah Laine, Executive Director and Michele Thomas, Community Marketing and Events Manager.
All funds raised from the event go toward inspiring educational excellence within CCISD through CCEF’s programs that includes educational grants for both teachers and students, supporting Clear Horizon Early College High School and underwriting the costs for teachers to obtain National Board Teacher certification.