Cougar Excellence Awards for April

Crosby, TX (April 22, 2025) - The Crosby ISD Board of Trustees awarded more than a dozen students, teachers, staff, and community members "Cougar Excellence" awards for April 2025. These awards celebrate those who show the values we cherish in Crosby: hard work, a sense of purpose, and achievement.

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

First from Crosby Kindergarten Center, proud member of the Class of 2037 Levi Herrera. Principal Minor says Levi is a kind, hardworking, and respectful student who always follows directions and helps others. He is a natural leader, and he does so by example. Anytime you see him, he'll be doing exactly what is expected of him. He shows kindness to his peers and gives his best effort in everything he does. His positive attitude and love for learning makes him a joy to have in the class!

From Newport Elementary, fourth grader Aady Doby. Principal Price says Aady is known for her intelligence, kindness, and respectful demeanor. Aady is a proud member of the STEM Club, where her curiosity and creativity shine. She consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, both in and out of the classroom. One of Aady’s personal goals is maintaining perfect attendance, and her commitment to showing up and giving her best every day is truly admirable. Aady leads by example and is a wonderful role model for her peers.

From Barrett Elementary, kindergarten student Jaycee Doolittle. Principal Ornelas say Jaycee exemplifies Cougar Excellence in every way. She is a joy to have at Barrett Elementary—always kind, caring, and eager to lend a helping hand to her classmates. A natural leader, Jaycee is frequently chosen to assist others because of her dependable nature and positive attitude. Her bright smile lights up the classroom, and her enthusiasm for learning is truly inspiring. Jaycee takes initiative in her education, demonstrating remarkable growth as both a reader and a mathematician. We are incredibly proud of her progress and the role model she is becoming. Way to go, Jaycee! Keep shining!

From Crosby Elementary, third grader Colton Dubose. Principal Kratky-Fox says Colton has become the morning greeter on the bus porch, high-fiving everyone and greeting each student with, “Hello” or “Good Morning.” The students at CES love seeing Colton in the mornings and look forward to his bright sunshiny personality. His cheerful attitude sets a positive tone for the day and helps others start their morning with a smile. Colton is a wonderful example of kindness and school spirit. We are proud to recognize Colton as our Student of the Month for spreading joy and making CES a better place each day. Keep shining, Colton—your positive energy makes a big difference!

From Drew Elementary, District Spelling Bee champion and 5th grader Kassandra Arellano. Principal Hall says Kassandra is a true leader who brings joy and positivity to our school community. Though she is quiet, her kind spirit and strong character shine brightly. She recently made us all proud by winning the district spelling bee and representing Drew at the area spelling bee. Kassandra is also very active on campus with the Robotics Club, Hispanic Dance Club, and National Elementary Honor Society. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated, talented student at Drew!

From Crosby Middle School, seventh grader Jaiden Roque. Principal Lozano says Jaiden has been an exemplary participant in LOTC this school year, demonstrating competence, commitment, and strong character. Jaiden excels academically, shows leadership by helping others in class, and is a respectful, kind, and hardworking young man. His drive and positive spirit make him a true role model at Crosby Middle School.

From Crosby High School, Rodeo star and active FFA member, senior Alasia Pierre. Alasia recently celebrated a major milestone by signing with Northeast Texas Community College, where she will showcase her incredible talent as a member of their Rodeo Team! A proud and active member of FFA, Alasia is not only a dedicated student but also a standout leader on our campus. Known for her amazing personality, Principal Hadnot says Alasia brings positivity, determination, and a strong work ethic to everything she does. Her commitment to excellence—in and out of the classroom—makes her a shining example of what it means to be a Cougar. Congratulations, Alasia! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see the great things you’ll accomplish at the next level!

TEACHERS OF THE MONTH

From Crosby Kindergarten Center, outstanding kindergarten teacher Ms. Kacy Mathis.  CKC would like to recognize Ms. Mathis for Teacher of the Month in honor of the incredible impact she’s had on our CKC community. From dressing up as the Elf on the Shelf and the Easter Bunny to bringing learning to life—like when our kindergarteners watched chicks hatch—Ms. Mathis has poured her heart into everything she does. Principal Minor says her creativity, compassion, and dedication have made a lasting mark on our students and staff alike. While we will deeply miss her presence, we are so proud and excited for what’s ahead for her.

From Newport Elementary, dedicated 5th grade math teacher Ms. Kareena Mullens. Principal Price says Ms. Mullens is known for her methodical and strategic approach to instruction. She has a unique ability to connect with students and push them to reach their full potential. Mrs. Mullens is also a technology wiz! If you need help with anything tech related, she is the person to call! She often integrates innovative tools into her lessons and supports her colleagues with and tech challenges. Mrs. Mullens is also the ultimate Taylor Swift fan! She finds ways to incorporate songs and even fun facts about Taylor to keep her students engaged and having fun.

From Barrett Elementary, fifth grade teacher Ms. Brandi Barrett. Principal Ornelas says Ms. Barrett exemplifies dedication, passion, and excellence in education. With an unwavering focus on student growth, she ensures that every learner in her classroom is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. Her lessons are thoughtfully planned, engaging, and rigorous—designed to spark curiosity and push students to think critically. Beyond academics, Ms. Barrett builds meaningful connections with her students, creating a classroom environment where they feel seen, valued, and motivated to succeed. Her commitment to excellence shines through in everything she does, and her impact on student learning is undeniable. We are incredibly proud to have Ms. Barrett as part of the Barrett Elementary team.

From Crosby Elementary, Ms. Laurie Rozell. CES is excited to recognize our outstanding 2nd grade Math and Science teacher, Mrs. Laurie Rozell, as this month’s CES Teacher of the Month. Her passion for teaching shines through in every lesson, and her students are always engaged, curious, and eager to learn. Mrs. Rozell brings energy and creativity into her classroom, making complex concepts fun and accessible for young learners. Her classroom is a place where students feel supported, challenged, and celebrated. Beyond academics, Mrs. Rozell builds strong relationships with her students and fosters a positive and inclusive classroom environment. She is a team player, always willing to share ideas and collaborate with her colleagues. We are grateful for her dedication, enthusiasm, and the joy she brings to CES each day.

From Drew Elementary, science fair innovator and teacher, Ms. Jessica Lugo. Congratulations to Mrs. Lugo, our Teacher of the Month! She is an outstanding educator who consistently goes above and beyond for her students and colleagues. As an excellent team player, she brings positivity and collaboration to everything she does. This year, she made history by launching Charles R. Drew Elementary’s very first science fair, creating an exciting new opportunity for students to explore and grow. We are incredibly proud of her hard work, dedication, and passion for education!

From Crosby Middle School, Ms. Jordan Butler. Ms. Butler, our amazing Introduction to Theatre Arts teacher for 6th grade, is leading the way in building a positive school culture at Crosby Middle School. She launched our Friday Coffee Cart initiative and has actively reached out to local businesses for donations that bring joy to our teachers. Thank you, Ms. Butler, for your creativity, leadership, and heart for our campus!

From Crosby High School, District 18-5A Coach of the year and dedicated soccer mentor, Coach Trevor Burgess. Coach Burgess has led the girls' soccer team to multiple playoff appearances, but his greatest success lies in the character and academic excellence of his players—many of whom thrive in honors programs and are outstanding students and role models. This year Coach Burgess led the ladies to a thrilling Bi-District Championship over College Station! Principal Hadnot says Coach Burgess sets high standards both on and off the field. His team consistently plays with integrity, and his leadership has earned the deep respect of both students and parents. One parent shared, “He’s helped build team chemistry and lifelong friendships… Crosby is lucky to have a coach like him.” Another added, “When a coach has this kind of impact on kids, they are special people. Coach Burgess is one of those people." We are grateful to have a coach of his caliber at Crosby High School. Thank you, Coach Burgess, for being a true example of excellence!

PARAPROFESSIONALS OF THE MONTH

From Crosby Kindergarten Center, Ms. Alexis Rueda. Principal Minor says Ms. Rueda's consistently positive attitude and genuine willingness to go above and beyond make her an invaluable part of our team. Whether stepping in to support students, assisting colleagues, or taking on tasks outside of her typical responsibilities, Ms. Alexis is always ready to help with a smile. Her flexibility, dependability, and collaborative spirit lift those around her, creating a warm and supportive environment for both staff and students. She truly embodies what it means to be a team player, and her presence makes a difference every single day.

From Newport Elementary, Ms. Lainey Marek. Principal Price says she is a shining example of dedication and grace in her very first year as a paraprofessional. Sweet, calm, and incredibly hardworking, Lainey approaches every task with a positive attitude and a smile. Whether she's supporting students one-on-one or stepping in wherever help is needed, she does so with care and a willingness that never goes unnoticed. Her gentle presence brings a sense of calm to any classroom, and her commitment to doing whatever it takes to support students and staff makes her more than deserving of this Cougar Excellence Award.

From Barrett Elementary, Ms. Mary Ann Diaz. Principal Ornelas says Ms. Diaz is a valued and dedicated member of our Barrett Elementary team. Her reliability and positive spirit make a lasting impact on both students and staff. She is the only team member who consistently volunteers for car rider duty each day—greeting our students with a warm smile and helping them start their mornings on a positive note. Ms. Diaz plays a vital role in supporting our special education students by providing thoughtful, engaging learning activities tailored to their academic needs. Her commitment to student success and her unwavering dedication to our campus do not go unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful for Ms. Diaz’s service, heart, and Cougar pride!

From Crosby Elementary, receptionist Ms. Kaylea Lilly. Principal Kratky-Fox says she truly holds down the front office with grace, professionalism, and a smile that brightens everyone’s day. Over the past month, Mrs. Lilly has willingly taken on extra duties without hesitation, always stepping up where she’s needed most. Her friendly and welcoming demeanor sets the tone for our campus, making students, staff, and visitors feel right at home. She is both service-oriented and solution-oriented, consistently going above and beyond to ensure things run smoothly. Whether it’s answering phones, assisting families, or supporting staff, Mrs. Lilly does it all with laughter and a positive attitude. We are so thankful for her dedication and the heart she brings to our school each day.

From Drew Elementary, Ms. Blanca Lerma. Principal Hall says Ms. Lerma is our incredible Art Specials Para whose creativity and dedication make a lasting impact on our campus. She plays a vital role in supporting engaging, hands-on art experiences that allow students to express themselves and explore their talents. Her warm and encouraging presence makes the art room a favorite space for many. Outside of class, Ms. Lerma helps bring our hallways to life by collaborating with staff to design vibrant posters that spread positive messages. We’re so thankful to have her as part of the Drew family!

From Crosby Middle School, Ms. Tamekia Alfred. Principal Lozano says Ms. Alfred, our outstanding Life Skills paraprofessional, goes above and beyond each day to support our special education students. She works diligently, brings a consistently positive attitude, and provides the stability and encouragement that our students need to thrive. We appreciate her dedication and compassion!

From Crosby High School, Ms. Mayra Diaz. Principal Hadnot is proud to recognize Mayra Diaz, Red House 2 Secretary at Crosby High School, as our Cougar Excellence Para of the Month! Mayra is the heart of Red House 2, where her warm personality and genuine care for students make her the face of the office. She consistently goes above and beyond to support our students, staff, and school community, building meaningful and lasting relationships with those she serves. Her work ethic is unmatched, and her dedication to excellence shines through in everything she does. Whether it's managing the daily hustle of the office or being a listening ear for a student, Mayra leads with compassion, professionalism, and heart. Thank you, Mayra, for being an exemplar of service and commitment to Crosby High School. We are lucky to have you on our team!

BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE MONTH

Our Business Partner of the Month for April is: Tim Paterson from Skero’s Furniture. Mr. Paterson visited Crosby Kindergarten Center a few weeks ago.

He started things off by saying hello to Superintendent Dr. Patterson and Principal Minor. He also had a chance to meet with several CKC employees while making a tour of the facility, both the kindergarten and the Pre-K side.

Mr. Paterson visited during CKC’s Field Day! He got to be a big kid, starting out shooting some hoops with Coach Cruz and our youngest Cougars. Outside, he tried to do everything a kid can do. The kindergarteners loved seeing him be a big kid.

 

Then it was off to Paterson's Pizza Parlor in Ms. Mathis's classroom. He and the kids made pizzas and he read a book. Finally, Mr. Paterson led group storytime in Ms. Kominek's room and helped with math work in Ms. Grettenberg's class. It turns out Mr. Paterson is an expert at sorting and graphing.

 

Thank you, Skero’s Furniture and Mr. Paterson, for supporting our students in so many ways. What a great day at CKC! Come on up Mr. Paterson! We also have “Thank you” notes for you from the CKC students.

ALUMNI OF THE MONTH - "COUGARS FOR LIFE"
JR Towles, Crosby High School Class of 2002

 

 

 

Finally, we want to recognize our Alumni of the Month or Cougar for Life. He knew what he wanted to do since elementary school, and he made it happen. He’s only one of about 20,000 men ever to play in Major League Baseball and even more special he did it for his hometown team. Now, he's a baseball coach for a non-profit organization. As you can see in the video below, his dream started right here in Crosby ISD.

 

 

SPONSORS

 

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Thank you to each of the sponsors for the Cougar Excellence Awards. Each month, HEB generously donates a $25 gift card to our students of the month. Chick-fil-A of Crosby also donates a prize pack for our students, teachers and paraprofessional of the month.  Also, each student of the month will leave here tonight with one of these yard signs! We want our entire community and your neighbors to know the great work your students are doing in our District. We thank Marco’s Pizza and local franchise operator, Mr. Clarence Howell, for sponsoring these yard signs.