PAC Award Recipient, May 2025

Brenna Cosby, Fort Bend Education Foundation Chief Executive Officer

Fort Bend Education Foundation Chief Executive Officer Brenna Cosby received the May PAC Award in recognition of more than 25 years of dedicated service and support to FBISD teachers and staff.

Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith, along with his leadership team, Cosby’s family and staff, and the FBISD Communications Department, surprised her with the award.

“Look around the room at all the love and appreciation,” Dr. Smith said. “This is your work family and your real family. They are here for you.”

During Cosby’s tenure, the foundation has contributed $35 million to the district in the form of grants and professional development. Her unique ability to build relationships within the community and inspire volunteers has been central to that success.

Cosby will retire on May 20.

“You are a true servant leader, and you’ve made a significant impact on the district,” Dr. Smith said.

“Everybody in this room — y’all have all helped the foundation at some point,” Cosby said. “And that’s what it takes. It takes the whole community, all the volunteers and my staff and I thank everybody for your help along the way.”

PAC Award Recipient, April 2025

Kelly Strayhorn, Executive Assistant at Mission Bend-Glen Elementary

Fort Bend ISD is proud to announce Kelly Strayhorn, Executive Assistant at Mission Bend-Glen Elementary, as the April recipient of the district’s PAC Award.

The honor recognizes employees who make outstanding contributions to student and staff success while exemplifying the core values of "Leading the PAC."

Strayhorn was surprised on campus this morning by FBISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith, members of the executive leadership team—and her mother.

“You got me good,” Strayhorn said with a smile. “I feel so honored that my coworkers and administrators would go out of their way to make this day so special for me.”

The surprise was even more meaningful as it coincided with Administrative Professionals Day.

“Administrative professionals work hard,” Strayhorn said. “We do it out of love and a desire to support everyone we interact with—whether it’s staff, campus visitors or district officials. We do it because we love to serve.”

Strayhorn was nominated by her principal, Dr. Veronica Roberson, who praised her for making staff feel heard, appreciated and supported—especially during high-stress times.

“Ms. Strayhorn is a strong leader who takes initiative,” Roberson said. “She ensures our staff feels valued and celebrated, and she recently showed her leadership during a new school activation meeting, asking key questions and helping to build a solid transition plan.”

Dr. Roberson added that she’s confident next school year’s move from Mission Bend-Glen Elementary to Mission Elementary will go smoothly under Strayhorn’s guidance which is always characterized by Professionalism-Accountability-Communication.

PAC Award Recipient for February 2025

Angela Hsu, Counselor at Highlands Elementary

Fort Bend ISD (February 21, 2025) – Highlands Elementary Counselor Angela Hsu is the recipient of Fort Bend ISD’s February PAC Award.
 
FBISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith, members of the district’s executive leadership team, along with Mrs. Hsu’s husband and daughter, surprised the counselor on campus this morning in front of the entire school.

“This fills my cup and inspires me to continue doing even more great work here,” Hsu said.

Highlands Elementary Principal Dr. Angela Dow nominated Hsu for her dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment as well as the significant positive impact she has on students and staff.

“When you think of someone who exhibits the characteristics of the PAC (Professionalism, Accountability, Communication), she is it,” Dow said. “She works tirelessly with our students, staff and parents, has a deep compassion for helping others and we could not do it without her.”

Thanks to Hsu’s commitment to embracing diversity, Highlands Elementary is recognized annually as a ‘No Place for Hate’ campus.
Beyond her role as a counselor, Hsu empowers students by supporting extracurricular activities, including the National Elementary Honor Society and Girls on the Run.

Hsu is also a strong leader in the district, serving as a mentor to 12 campus counselors in her peer group.

This is Hsu’s 19th year with the district.

The PAC Award recognizes outstanding employees who significantly contribute to the success of FBISD students and staff and exemplify the core values of Leading the PAC.

PAC Award Recipient for November 2024

Rigoberto Miller, Math Teacher at Crockett Middle School 

The district’s November 2024 PAC Award winner is Crockett Middle School math teacher Rigoberto Miller who is described by his peers as “a quiet giant who never brags.”

Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith, FBISD Board Vice President Rick Garcia and several district leaders walked in to surprise Miller during his algebra class today, playing “Eye of the Tiger”-his test day hype song for students.

“That’s my walk-up music too,” Dr. Smith told Miller, who appeared stunned by the award and the well-wishers who filled his classroom.

“You are a teacher who makes all his students a priority,” Dr. Smith said. “I can feel the energy. I see their smiles. You help them discover their best selves. They are very impressionable at this stage, and they need people like you to help them figure things out and work through all the growth opportunities available to them.”

Miller said he couldn’t quite grasp why he won the district’s PAC Award which is presented to those who exemplify the highest levels of Professionalism, Accountability and Communication.

“This is a shock,” he said. “Thank you everybody. I love teaching. I love my job.”

One of the people who nominated Miller was Crockett Middle School Special Education Department Head Cynthia Fernandez whose class is across the hall from Miller’s room. She said he comes across the hall regularly to encourage and engage her students.

“He wants them to believe they can create futures for themselves, and he wants them to believe they can contribute,” she said, adding that Miller never mentions all the good deeds he does.

Miller is a well-regarded Houston artist who shares his talents with his “neighbors” in the Special Education class. He recently led them in creating a painting.

“I just enjoy working with them because they’re precious,” he said. “They’re beautiful kids. They humble me. They remind me I’m not just here to teach kids who want to learn math but to help as many kids as I can.”

Miller’s math students excel in the subject matter posting a 100 percent pass rate on STAAR tests last year with 81 percent scoring at the mastery level. They describe him as a mentor who challenges them to make the world around them a better place and to be an advocate for themselves and others.

“He’s always willing to go the extra mile,” student Natalee said. “If a student is ever struggling, whether they think they can do better or not, he’s going to help them because that’s the kind of person he is. That’s why he’s getting this honor.”

PAC Award Recipient for October 2024

Stephanie Viado, Principal at Colony Meadows Elementary School

Fort Bend ISD Colony Meadows Elementary principal Stephanie Viado received the district’s October PAC Award for her dedication to her work and commitment to the mission of the school and its community.

Viado was surprised as she entered the school’s cafeteria full of cheering students, staff and parents. Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith informed Viado that she was there to be celebrated as this month’s award recipient.

“You all got me; I was very surprised,” she said. “I am very honored to receive the PAC Award. Leadership isn’t easy; however, you can manage it with a great team. I look forward to continuing to serve the community and lead the PAC with excellence to the best of my ability.”

Colony Meadows parent and PTO member Jessica McCauley nominated Viado for the employee recognition award because she “is the epitome of professionalism.”

“Ms. Viado leads by example,” she said. “She sets high standards for students and staff and expects the same of herself. She leads with energy, enthusiasm, and high visibility. She can be found opening car doors on a rainy morning or leading the theme day parade through the building.”

Viado has served Fort Bend ISD for 22 years. This is her second year as principal of Colony Meadows Elementary, where she has already made a significant impact.

“She listens to the community,” McCauley said. “Parents and staff feel as though their voices matter. She is a true leader of the PAC and is making a difference at Colony Meadows and beyond.” 

PAC Award Recipient for September 2024

Jim Drew - Director, Fine Arts

Fort Bend ISD Fine Arts Director James (Jim) Drew received the district’s September PAC Award, making him the first recipient of the honor which recognizes outstanding employees who significantly contribute to the success of FBISD students and staff.

Clements High School Band Director Jeff Johnson nominated Drew.

“When I first learned of this award, I immediately thought of Jim Drew,” he said. “He is the embodiment of all the ideals FBISD is seeking to promote with its Lead the PAC initiative.”

The award presentations are a surprise for the recipients. Drew was told to come to the Administration Building’s boardroom Wednesday morning for a planning session on commencement ceremonies. Surprised by the staff gathered to honor him, he jokingly asked as he entered the room, "Is this the graduation meeting?"

Former Fine Arts Director David Lambert attended the surprise presentation. He remembers Drew from his days as a junior high band director. Before retiring from the district in 2004, he encouraged Drew to apply for the director position.

“When I received a call that Jim had applied for the position, I told HR to hire him – he is a great guy and does a great job,” he said.

The PAC Award recognizes employees who exemplify the core values of Leading the PAC: professionalism, accountability and communication.

“Jim is a leader who makes his expectations of all fine arts teachers very clear, gives feedback and mentors giving guidance and support,” Johnson said.

Drew has served Fort Bend ISD for 33 years.