Published: October 24, 2007 01:59 pm         

Royse City educators spotlighted with trio of outside recognition

Three Royse City teachers were recently honored by outside interests in a flurry of fond wishes over the past two weeks.

Radio station 97.5FM KLAK radio recently named Davis Elementary school teacher Israel Martinez as Collin County teacher of the month, sponsored by the station. Martinez was interviewed live on the radio station as part of the award.

Martinez has been an educator for 23 years and has taught 12 years for Royse City ISD. He is currently teaching bi-lingual first grade at Davis and is the lead teacher for the district’s bilingual program. Martinez earned his degree in general education with a bilingual endorsement from Texas Tech University. All teacher of the month winners will be honored by KLAK at the end of the school year with a banquet and will be eligible for Collin County Teacher of the Year. Martinez received a plaque and $500, which he will use to help the “Davis Dads” build an amphitheatre for all Davis Elementary students.

Stacey Kluttz was chosen as Teacher of the Year by Office Max. Kluttz was presented with a dozen yellow roses and a plaque, she received two leather teacher chairs and lots of supplies for her classroom. Kluttz is a fourth grade teacher for Davis Elementary at Royse City ISD.

Debbie Carroll, English teacher at The Academy at Royse City ISD was surprised with a free car.

Gaby Gibson, a student at The Academy, had written a letter nominating Carroll in a contest sponsored by CBS 11 News and Driversselect.

The contest, Teachers Driving Success, gives communities the opportunity to recognize outstanding teachers. Students, fellow teachers or parents can write in to the station explaining why a teacher has made a difference in their life and Gaby felt that Carroll had gone the extra mile for Gaby and her fellow students.

“Mrs. Carroll is always doing nice things for students, she bought my lunch one day when I had forgotten mine and one day when my ride didn’t show, she drove me home,” wrote Gaby.

Carroll, a 35-year teacher, began teaching at Royse City High School in 1986, then moved in 2000 when the district opened The Academy. Carroll exclaimed, “This is the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me! I can't believe I’ve won a car.”

Gibson was honored by the Board of Trustees for her essay at the RCISD school board meeting held last Tuesday night.