Impact Award Recipients for May 2024

Melanie Bates - Teacher/Department Leader, First Colony Middle School

The district’s most recent Impact Award winner is First Colony Middle School Math Department leader Melanie Bates who has a profound impact on students past and present, with many former students routinely reaching out to let her know how much they appreciate all she taught them.

In fact, Bates was nominated by a former student who now attends Elkins High School. The student wrote a very touching personal account of the kind of support she received from her teacher.

“When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, Mrs. Bates helped me through the uncertainty and was always there for me,” former student Dhruti Pathak wrote. “She is one of the most dedicated and caring teachers I have ever met.”

Pathak also said Bates is an exceptional math instructor who makes certain her students are well-prepared for high school before they leave middle school, and she holds “phenomenal” prep sessions. She added that Bates also makes sure her students are prepared for life “in the real world.”

Bates held back tears as FBISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith told her, “It is amazing how people feel they can accomplish anything because of your impact on them. You have touched so many people. Your legacy lives on because of that.”

Bates’ family was present during the surprise presentation, looking on with proud smiles as she received her award.

“I think it’s awesome that she’s being recognized for her dedication and mentorship that mean so much to her, “ husband Warren Bates said. “I see it first hand.”

The engraved message on Bates’ May 2024 award summed it up with these words: In recognition of making a difference in the lives of others with your great effort, your hard work, your selfless acts, and your commitment to kindness; you have made an impact!

Impact Award Recipients for April 2024

Kim Davis - Assistant to the Deputy Superintendents

Fort Bend ISD’s April 2024 Impact Award winner is Kimberly Davis who serves the district as an assistant to FBISD Executive Team members.

She joined the district in 2013 as an executive assistant I with College and Career Readiness. After a couple of years, she joined Deputy Chief of Staff Beth Martinez and has worked with her for more than eight years. Two years ago, she also began supporting FBISD’s Deputy Superintendent over Special Projects Steve Bassett.

Supporting two top leaders “is not as hard as it sounds,” Davis said with her trademark chuckle.

Martinez nominated Davis and described her as being a beacon of light who makes “people better with her positive spirit and servant’s heart.”

She added that Davis operates with a high level of competence, honesty and is one of the most supportive people you will ever meet. She said Davis has been instrumental in the Communities of Practice group by supporting and developing FBISD paraprofessionals “with a smile, words of encouragement, guidance, and authentic, constructive feedback.”

Davis is also highly regarded for work she does outside the district. She is the director of the Rosenberg chapter of a group called TLC - Two Lives Changed. The organization mentors and supports single parents offering encouragement, advice, diaper drives and anything else the parents need to abandon non-productive patterns and pursue pathways to success for themselves and their young children.

After being surprised by the presentation of the Impact Award in the FBISD Boardroom by dozens of colleagues who were eager to congratulate her, Davis told the group she loves her job with the district and the unwavering support she gets from colleagues throughout FBISD is a big part of the reason why.

Impact Award Recipients for March 2024

Holly Mason - Teacher, Brazos Bend Elementary

Fort Bend ISD’s March Impact Award winner was awarded to Brazos Bend Elementary special education teacher Holly Mason for the extraordinary work she does day in and day out with kindness and passion.

Mason was nominated by one of her student’s parents, Jen Walters.

“She has one of the toughest jobs working with kids who learn differently and need additional emotional support. She has called and messaged me countless times to coordinate on my son’s school success. It is not one thing she has done that stands out, it’s the things she does everyday time after time to make school a better place for these unique kids,” Walters said.

“My heart has always been with kids with disabilities… My passion for my kids only grows with each year of experience. There is an indescribable feeling that comes with my job. Students who come to me are often misunderstood, usually due to social and functional deficits that affect them being able to communicate their wants and needs,” Mason said. “Taking time to build rapport, figure out with tons of trial and error the interventions and strategies that work for each child as an individual, and just making sure that each child feels safe, loved, seen and heard can make every difference in student’s lives and for their future success. When progress is made, my students’ function in such a positive way, they are able to show everyone how incredible they are… There is no greater feeling than to know I had the privilege to be the teacher who never gave up on them.”

Mason is also highly respected among her campus peers. She was recently nominated by them as their 2024 campus teacher of the year.

“Ms. Mason is a gem,” Brazos Bend Elementary Principal Dr. Felicia Bolden said. “She is a calm, patient, caring teacher. Her commitment to her students is everything.”

“I am at a loss for words receiving this award. This is such an incredible honor that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. To be not only recognized but seen for the work that I put into my students is overwhelming in the most amazing way,” Mason said.

Mason has taught special education students at Brazos Bend Elementary for seven years.

Impact Award Recipients for February 2024

William Hicks - Crossing Guard, Armstrong Elementary

Armstrong Elementary crossing guard William Hicks is the recipient of the district’s February Impact Award for his uplifting spirit and steadfast dedication to the students, staff and families at Armstrong Elementary.

In a school-wide assembly today, district and campus leaders recognized Hicks for his care and concern shown for nearly a decade. He got a standing ovation.

In addition to his work as a crossing guard, he mentors students on campus and volunteers with Brighter Bites, an organization that provides fresh produce to FBISD elementary schools including Armstrong.

“It is always good to recognize the great work that people do every day,” FBISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith said. “It lifts everyone around when someone comes to work with such a positive attitude.”

Hicks has been a crossing guard in Fort Bend ISD, stationed at the intersection of Independence Boulevard and Fifth Street for eight years. He’s known for waving, smiling at everyone, and showing off his moves to all who drive through his intersection. They call him the “Dancing Machine.”

Armstrong Elementary Parent Educator Jean Konrady nominated Hicks. The principal said “we love him, and we wish we could keep him forever.”

Hicks said he feels the same. He drives nearly 40 minutes each way commuting to work, and always arrives with a smile on his face.

“I do love what I do,” Hicks said. “I love being with the teachers, staff and the babies.”

Impact Award Recipients for December 2023

Ty Lucas - Social Studies Teacher, Elkins High School

Elkins High School teacher Ty Lucas is the recipient of the district's December Impact Award for always going above and beyond for his students and colleagues.

Lucas is the Elkins High School social studies department head and teaches AP Psychology and AP Economics. He has served FBISD for 19 years and was recently named the campus Teacher of the Year.

Lucas expressed feeling overwhelmed by being named the recipient of the December Impact Award.

“I always try to step back and put others first,” he said. “My ‘why’ is to support my teachers so they can then support the students.”

Elkins teacher and coach Justine Dominy nominated Lucas for his dedication to his team and ensuring they are taken care of, and that they take care of each other.

“When my father passed, Ty was supportive and kind and always there for me,” she said.

Dominy credits Lucas for creating a family atmosphere in their department and considers herself lucky to have him as her department head.

“He praises our strengths and helps us work on our weaknesses,” Dominy said. “He is completely dedicated to helping people learn and grow. There were times I thought I was failing as a teacher or coach and he gave me strength to push through. I am a better teacher and person because of him.”

Lucas and his family are deeply rooted in FBISD. His wife, Melody Lucas, serves as an assistant principal at Ridge Point High School and they have five children who attended FBISD schools, two currently attend Elkins High School.

Impact Award Recipients for November 2023

Jennifer Samoheyl and Lea Samoheyl - Teachers, Cornerstone Elementary

Cornerstone Elementary teachers and sisters-in-law Jennifer Samoheyl and Lea Samoheyl are the recipients of Fort Bend ISD’s November Impact Award, a monthly initiative that recognizes members of the FBISD community for their great efforts, selfless acts and commitment to kindness.

PreK Teacher Jennifer Samoheyl was nominated by Cornerstone parent Sandy Whey because of her “unwavering support for her students and their parents.”

Whey said, “she does everything with grace and courtesy and with a smile. She reached out to my family when we were in a time of need and offered kindness unconditionally. She has made my child's first experience at Fort Bend ISD a positive and memorable one.”

Cornerstone’s music teacher Joshua Arnoldy nominated Lea Samoheyl for diligently offering guidance to both students and staff.

“She is always there when called and ready to support all students with individualized practice and experienced methodology,” Arnold said. “She has consistently met with me individually to help support our students with higher needs. This year, she even made visual cards for all outclass teachers and others to use as supports for students with low aural reception or comprehension skills.”

“They are absolutely amazing teachers,” Cornerstone Principal Alexis Prudhomme said. “They show up every day and put their students first.”

Impact Award Recipient for October 2023

Becky Martinez - College and Career Readiness Advisor, Travis High School

Travis High School’s College and Career Readiness Advisor Becky Martinez is this month’s recipient of the district’s Impact Award for her “infectious positive attitude and unmatched work ethic.”

Martinez was nominated by coworker, Damian Bassett, who refers to her as the “campus mom” and every kids favorite.

“In my 22 years of education, I have never met a person so willing to jump in and assist with any situation, any project, any task,” Bassett said.

In addition to helping students prepare for life after graduation, Martinez counsels students on other aspects of life.

She can be seen cheering on students at almost every athletic event and festively dresses up on every spirit day. She leads one of the most popular student organizations at Travis High School, Ambush, where juniors and seniors mentor younger students and help set the campus’ climate and culture,

Impact Award Recipient for September 2023

Deanna Duran Alvarado - Manager of Events, Customer Service and Recognitions

FBISD Manager of Events, Customer Service and Recognitions Deanna Duran Alvarado is the district’s September 2023 Impact Award winner.

She was selected for her unwavering dedication, loyalty, and consistently excellent top-notch performance for the past 19 years. Her professional journey started as a paraprofessional, then an executive assistant and she is now the Manager of Events, Customer Service and Recognitions.

Deanna is the “show runner” for the district’s graduations - attending to every detail, large and small. She is also the lead organizer of the district’s Staff Service Awards, Teacher of the Year banquet, and Recognitions at board meetings. Additionally, she co-leads professional development seminars for the district’s paraprofessionals and receptionists. 

Not only is Deanna a long-serving Fort Bend ISD staffer, she is also a product of this district – having attended Lakeview Elementary, Sugar Land Middle School and Kempner High School. Her family has deep, proud generational roots in this community.

Deanna told us she approaches her job with this attitude: “Give me a project and I will run with it!”

For her steadfast dedication, commitment, loyalty and exemplary performance over the course of two decades, Deanna Duran Alvarado was awarded this month’s Impact Award.

Impact Award Recipient for May 2023

Jesse Sowells, Special Education teacher, Elkins High School

Elkins High School Special Education teacher Jesse Sowells is the May Impact Award recipient in recognition of his outstanding commitment to his students and colleagues.

“I am truly honored and blessed to have been nominated and receive the Impact Award,” Sowells said. “I do what I do on a daily basis at Elkins HS because I love teaching the students, supporting the parents, and it’s a pleasure working with the administration and staff.”  

Elkins HS Special Education nurse Diane Clark nominated Sowells because he consistently goes above and beyond, offering assistance and support to those in need.

“His devotion to his students and coworkers shines through his selfless actions,” Clark said. He consistently checks in on the FLASH class and offers his support when we are shorthanded, no matter how busy he may be.”

Sowells has served FBISD for 18 years. Currently, he is the EHS Special Education Department Chair, provides in-class support to students and acts as a mentor to new teachers and staff, all while keeping a smile on his face.

“Mr. Sowells is a true asset to the SPED Department,” Clark said. “Receiving this award is a testament to his extraordinary dedication and selflessness.”

Impact Award Recipient for January 2023

Jessica Escobar, Lead Custodian, Kempner High School

Kempner High School Principal Danielle Jackson nominated Escobar because she is a great example of what it means to persevere and never give up on a dream. 

Escobar earned her GED and is currently enrolled in evening classes, alongside her son, at Houston Community College with plans to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“She has allowed the whole school to be part of her educational journey,” said Jackson. “In December she was named to the honor roll and when we announced it over the sound system our whole building cheered.”

Jackson credits Escobar’s tireless dedication to her job, students and staff as a key reason the high school is successful.

“She makes an impact at KHS and FBISD every day,” said Jackson.

Impact Award Recipient for December 2022

Mike Bennett, Assistant Principal, First Colony Middle School

Mike Bennett was awarded Fort Bend ISD’s (FBISD) December Impact award for the tremendous impact he makes in the lives of his students, staff and community.

FCMS Principal Courtney Muceus nominated Bennett because he consistently puts others’ needs before his own. 

“He is dedicated to supporting everyone no matter their need and whether it falls under his job description or not,” Muceus said. “Mr. Bennett is always visible on our campus and responsive to the needs of the staff and students.” 

Bennett takes time to learn each student’s name and interests so he can build strong relationships with them. 

“The connections Mr. Bennett makes with his students, particularly students who may have difficult problems going on in their lives outside of school, is remarkable,” she said. 

For example, Bennett accompanied a student to the emergency room and remained until parents arrived. He arranged consistent transportation for a student who frequently missed school and he worked with the district’s Social Emotional Learning and Comprehensive Health Department to set up one-on-one counseling for a student in need of mental health support.

He supports teachers, often collaborating with district-level departments to obtain resources they need for their classrooms. And he is also a large advocate for campus custodial and cafeteria staff on a regular basis. 

Bennett has served FBISD his entire career. He was a teacher and coach at Sugar Land and Fort Settlement middle schools before becoming an assistant principal at FCMS. 

Bennett is a graduate of FBISD, having attended Sugar Mill Elementary, Sugar Land Middle School and Kempner High School -- the same path of schools his children currently attend.

Impact Award Recipient for November 2022

Jigisha Doshi, Dedicated Parent and Volunteer

Doshi has served as a coach for Destination Imagination teams for more than 10 years, simultaneously supporting both a middle and high school team. Her teams routinely earn top placements in regional, state and global competitions and are recognized at FBISD Board meetings.

She is also part of the organization’s Gulf Coast executive board and the current president of Parents for Academic Excellence (PACE), a nonprofit organization that supports gifted and talented students.

“It has been an honor to be with our students,” Doshi said. “I love coaching kids and hearing their stories. Thank you so much for all the support you have given us.”