Published On: February 11th, 2020By

District Teachers Honored at Annual HAABSE Teacher Awards and Recognition Ceremony

Educators were for leading change, driving innovation, and motivating students to achieve excellence.

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney (center) poses with Aldine ISD educators and district leaders.


Aldine ISD is proud to announce that 39 district educators were honored at the annual Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators’ (HAABSE) Outstanding Teacher Awards and Recognition Ceremony, held on February 7, 2020, at the Bayou City Event Center.

Mayor Turner addresses the audience.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner welcomed and presented a proclamation to HAABSE. He also talked about the importance of increasing diversity in the teaching field to support diversity in the classrooms, and better meet students’ needs, as well as improve student outcomes.

HAABSE President Kwabena Mensah also praised teachers for not giving up on students and for lighting a fire in students. He added that strong mentors, such as the teachers honored by HAABSE, help increase leadership capacity.

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney shares words of wisdom with educators.

Aldine ISD had a presence at the event. The Aldine High School Jazz Band provided guests with entertainment before the start of the ceremony. AISD also had more than 30 schools represented. Additionally, students Destiny Mack of Nimitz High School and Trysten Williams of Carver High School served as masters of ceremony. Several district leaders were also present to support Aldine teachers.

The Alliance invited Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney to speak at the event, where she lauded the work of the educators and encouraged them to continue to bring out the best in their students.

“Remember why you are here,” Goffney said. “Remember your best teacher or your best learning experience and bring it every day to your students. Bring your best because our students deserve it. You have the power to impact children.”

This year’s AISD honorees are:

Destiny Mack and Trysten Williams serve as Masters of Ceremony.

Primary/Elementary Level

Anderson Academy — Luxjoria Thibodeaux
Calvert Elementary School — Loretta Lang
Caraway Elementary School — Teresa Jackson
Carter Academy — Brittney Smith
Conley Elementary School — Monica Abram-Jamilla
Conley Elementary School — Erica Kelley 
Conley Elementary School — Teshawana Jackson
Conley Elementary School — Kristina Thompson 
Cypresswood Elementary School — Jasmine Crowell
De Santiago Primary School — Princess Graves
Ermel Elementary School — Charlis Paige
García-Leza Primary School — Misshombi Alexander
Greenspoint Elementary School — Angela Coffey
Griggs Primary School — LToya Manning-McKinney 
Harris Elementary School — Rowena Rabaya
Hill Elementary School — Ashley Sims 
Jones Elementary School — Darilyn Daniels 
Jones Primary School — Stephanie Vann 
Keeble Primary School — Dulce Wikstrom
Kujawa Elementary School — Meirha Bridges-Roberts
Kujawa Primary School — Maggie Abrego 
Kujawa Primary School — Martha Suarez
Magrill Elementary School — Erica Anthony
Marcella Elementary School — Rachael Caldwell 
Oleson Elementary School — Chad Lane
Smith Elementary School — Jennifer Hill
Stovall Primary School — Christen Anderson
Vines Primary School — Taria Usher
Wilson Elementary School — Angela Crowe 
Worsham Elementary School — Brea Batro 

Secondary Level

Blanson CTE High School — Kerris Crier 
Aldine Ninth Grade School — Sheena Nichols 
Davis High School — Dawn Brimhall 
Davis Ninth Grade School — Vanessa Williams 
Eisenhower Ninth Grade School — Jill Hines
Hoffman Middle School — Jasmine Oguntuga 
Houston Academy — Alice Hill 
Nimitz Ninth Grade School — Eric Barrett 
Victory Early College High School — Thomasina Gatson

The Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators’ primary mission is to enhance the education of all students. The Alliance also exercises leadership in providing valuable professional services and strategies to institutions, agencies, and communities engaged in creating an environment in which students can achieve academic excellence.



See images from the event.

About the Author: Leticia Fehling

Director of Internal Communications