The Clear Creek Education Foundation (CCEF) is launching its 19th Annual Awards Presentation and Gala on Saturday, Nov. 2 at South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center. The CCEF mission is supported this year by the theme, “Next Giant Leap… Shoot for the Moon and Land Among the Stars.” The gala is an annual fundraiser for CCEF and its programs for the Clear Creek Independent School District.
The event is being planned by a 23 person volunteer committee that includes: CCEF Executive Director, Deborah Laine and Community Marketing and Events Manager, Kelsey McNeil; Co-Chairman, Joyce Abbey and Suzanne Fair; Committee Members, Kim Barker, Katy Bastedo, Janet Brown, Kimberly Fleming, Roy Green, Sandra Ham, Ann Hammond, Lisa Holbrook, Chani Honeycutt, Laura Mackay, Amanda Mark, Joan McKinney, Sarah Moutz, Jill Reason, Elaine Renola, Deena Rigby, Mary Ann Shallberg, Teresa Vencil and Elizabeth Wiehle Wang.
CCEF would like to thank the generous sponsors who have supported the event! Special thanks to The First Footprint Sponsor: Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott; The Tranquility Base Sponsors: Balfour and PBK Architects; The Eagle Sponsors: Assured Partners, MD Anderson and Service Steel Warehouse Co. LLP; The Columbia Sponsors: Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, Huckabee, Joiner Architects and Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai; The Saturn V Sponsors: Awards of Distinction, Jay and Carrie Cunningham, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe and Representative Dennis Paul. Sponsorship opportunities are still available if you or your business want to be a part of this exciting event!
The gala is open to the community and tickets are available for purchase on the Foundation’s website. All funds raised from the gala go toward Inspiring Educational Excellence in CCISD through CCEF’s programs: Educational Grants for both teachers and students, Clear Horizon Early College High School and National Board Teacher Certifications.
During the gala, CCEF will honor an elite group of individuals who continually serve and represent the Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD). Award recipients include:
George B. Carlisle Distinguished Service Award for consistent demonstration of commitment to CCISD over time: Ann Hammond
Distinguished Alumni Award presented to individuals who are CCISD alumni and are now accomplished professionals who support their community: Jacqueline Mitchell (Clear Creek High School Class of 1983), Dr. Daniel Okorodudu (Clear Creek High School Class of 2000), Dr. Dale Okorodudu (Clear Creek High School Class of 2002) and Melissa Wiginton (Clear Lake High School Class of 1976)
Valor Award in honor of a public servant (military, police, fire, etc.) who has gone above and beyond the call of duty: Darren Ellisor (Clear Lake High School Class of 1992)
CCISD Superstar Award bestowed to a select group of individuals who support and enhance CCISD whether CCISD alumni or not: Ron Masters, Alaina Garza– CCISD Secondary Teacher of the Year and Lyzette Ruiz- CCISD Elementary Teacher of the Year
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: Tim and Debbie Kropp- MRI Technologies
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: Chris Reed