Every year an award is given to one teacher, one assistant principal and one counselor, as well as other staff members.

This year, algebra teacher, Diane Jenkins was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award; AP Charlene Davis-Norris won the Assistant Principal of the Year Award; and Counselor Meghan Studer received the Counselor of the Year Award. Other awards given were Paraprofessional of the Year to Angie Sloan, Educational Assistant of the Year to Charlotte Song, Professional Support of the Year to Amy Harris, and Substitute of the Year to Sheila Anderson.

“I am very honored to be named Teacher of the Year because Klein High School is filled with many teachers who are very deserving of this award,” Jenkins said. “I am still a teacher after 33 years because I enjoy coming to the classroom every day and I feel extremely grateful for receiving an award for doing something that I truly love to do.”

Norris said she is very appreciative of receiving the Assistant Principal of the Year award especially since she is fairly new to the school.

“Initially I was so surprised,” Norris said. “I was very humbled by it. I’m new to Klein High. I joined last November, so I haven’t been here that long, and to receive this type of honor from my peers and those who voted, I was very surprised and grateful, [because] that means I’m making some type of impact here at Klein.”

As the recipient of the Counselor of the Year Award, Studer also expressed her gratitude.

“I feel so grateful,” Studer said. “I was not expecting it, but I feel really honored. And I truly think that I’m at the best school with the best students and the best staff, so it is a really great feeling.”

Jenkins had some thoughtful advice to give to teachers about how to be more connected with their students while also being a leader by example.

“Get to know your student’s stories and be willing to wear many hats (teacher, counselor, parent) every day,” Jenkins said. “Building relationships is the key to a successful classroom – students are more willing to work when they feel comfortable and are not afraid to take chances. Education is ever changing and be willing to embrace the changes – we as teacher have to demonstrate what it means to be a lifelong learner.”

Studer also went on to give out a message to the other counselors.

“Continue putting kids first, and really working with coworkers and colleagues and teachers to have a team effort when it comes to the kids,” Studer said.

Teachers, Assistant Principals, Counselors, whatever the title may be, everyone has the chance to receive the award. The only thing you have to do is your job, and do it the best that you can. According to Norris, it’s best to be yourself while also connecting with the students.

“My advice for anyone no matter what role or capacity they’re serving in is to just do you and to think about others,” Norris said. “When I do this job every single day, it’s about supporting other people. It’s about serving those and for me fulfilling my purpose like this is not just a job, this is my calling and my purpose in life so I take it as such, so don’t take anything lightly.”