Education Foundation’s Annual Awards Presentation and Gala raises more than $75,000 for innovative programs supporting students within CCISD
The Clear Creek Education Foundation (CCEF) hosted its 18th Annual Awards Presentation and Gala on Nov. 3 at South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center. Themed “A White Haute Affair,” more than 350 attendees helped honor many individuals for their positive contributions to the Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) and over $75,000 was raised for innovative programs supporting students, a new record for this event!
“This event was very evident of the love and commitment our community has for our wonderful school district,” said CCEF Chairman Jill Reason. “It’s truly inspiring to see so many in our great community that support our vision to provide innovative learning materials to our students.”
The focal point of the evening included honoring an elite group of individuals for their outstanding efforts in serving and representing CCISD. The 2018 award recipients included:
- Bob Mitchell – George B. Carlisle Distinguished Service Award for consistent commitment to CCISD over time.
- Christian Bionat (CLHS ’09) and B. Watkins (CCHS ’66)– Distinguished Alumni Award, which honors individuals who have excelled in their chosen profession and have made significant contributions to their communities.
- Michael Kramm- Valor Award, in honor of a public servant (military, police, fire, etc.) who has gone above and beyond the call of duty.
- Becky Day, Anita L. Lewis, Dee Scott and Crystal Starke – CCISD Superstar Award, which honors individuals who support and enhance the District, whether CCISD alumni or not.
- Greg Ploss of Chemical Process and Production – Dennis Johnson Memorial Small Business Award, an honor that recognizes a local entrepreneur within CCISD who demonstrates unwavering commitment to the district through active participation in multiple activities.
- Mayor Pat Hallisey – Citizen of the Year, which recognizes an outstanding member of the community who consistently demonstrates commitment to CCISD and excellence in public education through volunteer efforts. It is bestowed by the CCISD Board of Trustees and the CCEF.
All award winners received a saber salute from the Clear Creek High School Junior ROTC as they entered the ballroom and were introduced by Master of Ceremonies Anna Alves, Clear Creek High School student and Chandra Fincke, Clear Lake High School student.
Other gala highlights included silent and live auctions, a “white rose pull” provided by Kendra Scott- Baybrook and NASA Flowers, entertainment by Cindy Thomas, Clear Lake’s Songstress and TapSnap Phototainment.
The event was planned by a 20-person volunteer committee that includes: CCEF Community Marketing and Events Manager, Kelsey Richardson McNeil; Co-Chairman, Cameron Cannon and Jana Miller; Committee Members, Joyce Abbey, Kim Barker, Katy Bastedo, Janet Brown, Suzanne Fair, Kimberly Fleming, Ann Hammond, Lisa Holbrook, Laura Mackay, Amanda Mark, Joan McKinney, Sarah Moutz, Jill Reason, Elaine Renola, Deena Rigby, Mary Ann Shallberg, Teresa Vencil, Marcia Vineyard and Elizabeth Wiehle Wang.
CCEF would like to thank the generous sponsors who have supported the event! Special thanks to The Diamond-Presenting Sponsor: Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott; The Pearl Sponsors: City of League City, PBK Architects and Paradigm Consultants; The Opal Sponsors: JSC Federal Credit Union, Maxim Group, MRI Technologies, Rogers, Morris and Grover, LLP and Service Steel Warehouse CO, L.P; The White Topaz Sponsors: Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, Joiner Architects, Laura Varley, Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai and San Jacinto College District; The Moonstone Sponsors: Alex Karjeker, Ann Hammond Awards of Distinction, Bill King & Cherry Whitley, John J. Lovoi Jr., DDS – South Shore Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orrick Herrington and Sutcliffe, State Representative Dennis Paul and UTMB Health; The Crystal Sponsor: Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan.