Brownwood ISD held its annual Employee Appreciation Dinner on May 18.  Numerous service awards and employee awards were given and retiring staff were honored.

The School Nutrition Employee of the Year Award went to the food services team at Coggin Elementary/Intermediate School.  The Maintenance Employee of the Year Award was given to Joe Brandstetter, and the Custodial Employee of the Year Award was given to Michael Hambrick at Northwest Elementary.

Seventeen staff members were honored for retiring.  The total years of service to BISD from the retirees amounted to 330 years.  Retiring staff are: Sarah Brown, Carol Jarvis, David Jordan, Rob Martin, Sylvia Pena, Martha Richardson, Peter Romig, Mary Steed, Betty Stegemoller, Judy Thacker, Delfina Tijerina, Bob Turner, Mary Valdez, Josie Vasquez, Kristi Wilson, Linda Windham and Mary Zapata.

Photo: Woodland Heights Elementary Teacher, Kristi Wilson, retired with the most years of service to Brownwood ISD, with 39 years.  She received a framed, hand-written letter from former President George W. Bush congratulating her for her dedication to education.  Mrs. Wilson’s husband, Tim Wilson, arranged for the surprise gift.