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.”