This past week, ESL aide Anna Lopez and counselor secretary Ginny Stringfellow were recipients of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association Paraprofessionals of the Year award. Lopez received the Instructional Para of the Year, and Stringfellow received the Clerical Para of the Year.

Stringfellow was equally surprised and happy to receive this award. Throughout this year, she has worked diligently to ensure each student at Tompkins receives good care concerning their counselors. She feels like her hard work has paid off, and is glad that it is being recognized. Similarly, Lopez was happy about the acknowledgment of her work in aiding in the English learning process of students with English as their second language.

“Sometimes you think, ‘I do, do a good job’, but do other people see that?” said Stringfellow. “So then when they told me that I got the award, I was pleasantly surprised and excited.”

Celebrating her award, Stringfellow’s daughter, a volleyball coach here at Tompkins, brought a bouquet to her desk As well, the PAL’s class made her a handmade sign that read “Congratulations” on the front, each signing their name in bright, vibrant colors. Lopez received coffee and cupcakes from her coworkers, each of them proud of her hard work throughout the year.

“It  [ the Instructional Para of the Year award ] confirms that my assistance has had a meaningful impact on all our previous and current ESL students and educators at Tompkins High School,” said Lopez.