Aldine Community Honors Folks at Nadine Kujawa Senior Citizen Gala

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Nadine Kujawa

Students as well as district and community leaders gathered Dec. 10 to celebrate the annual Nadine Kujawa Senior Citizen Gala held at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. The annual event honors seniors in the Aldine community.

Each year, the Aldine Council of PTAs sponsors the gala. This year, [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Neighborhood Centers, Inc. played a role. The organization served as title sponsor of the event.

Neighborhood Centers is the largest charitable organization in Texas. The nonprofit organization brings resources, education, and connection by working with communities. The organization’s goal is to strengthen neighborhoods. It hopes to raise the quality of life for everyone not just in that community but the region. The [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Good to Go Mobile Center will provide various services throughout the Aldine community.

The gala provided a festive time for all with lots of holiday spirit. Shirley Reed, president of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, was the event organizer. Serving as emcee, Ms. Reed kept things moving along. While guests enjoyed lunch, groups of students provided everyone with entertainment. Students came from throughout the district. Guests heard holiday songs by students from Kujawa EC/PK Center, de Santiago EC/PK Center, Escamilla Intermediate School, Reed Academy, Hinojosa EC/PK Center and Davis High School. The Aldine Dance Company also provided entertainment. MacArthur High School helped kick off the event by posting the colors and student Sydney L. Reed sang the national anthem.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, senior citizens received door prizes and small gifts from schools.

The annual gala provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of older people and to celebrate their lives.

A current and former superintendent closed the event. Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg acknowledged the contributions of senior citizens in our community. She also handed certificates to several folks for their commitment to serve.

Bamberg recognized Sergeant Rodney Thordsen (pictured on right). He serves with the Aldine ISD Police Department. Bamberg acknowledged not only the time he donates to the Council but also his cooking skills. He has provided both to many PTA activities and community events.

Nancy Martin (pictured on right) also earned recognition. Martin has served on the Aldine Council of PTAs for many years. She has given of her time and self to support the Council. Martin served as president of the Aldine Council of PTAs for many years.

Bamberg also recognized the gala’s namesake, Nadine Kujawa. For more than 40 years Kujawa served Aldine ISD as an educator. In 2007, she retired after serving six years as superintendent of schools. But retirement has not stopped her from continuing to support students. She returns every year to dedicate time to students and their schools.

Mrs. Kujawa made the closing remarks. She reminded people that senior citizens make a huge difference in the Aldine community and schools.

View images from the event below.