Chamber CEO Kevin Strength praises Waxahachie ISD teachers, coaches during public comment

Kevin Strength, CEO and president of the Chamber, used a public comment to thank teachers and coaches at Waxahachie Independent School District for shaping his education and career.

Strength said he grew up in Waxahachie and graduated from Waxahachie High School. He told the meeting he served “on the council for several years” and that he now represents Waxahachie ISD at the Chamber.

The speaker named several educators and coaches who influenced him, including his first-grade teacher, Miss McCrady; principal Eddie Finley and his daughter Edith Finley; teachers Billy Hancock and Miss Kane; Tibby Colson; and coaches Tommy Macklemore and Jimmy Ray. He described a mix of strictness and personal care from those instructors and coaches, saying their attention helped keep him on track.

“You might not get instant gratification on some of the things that you have to do and put up with right now, but you will have people come back like me and say how much they appreciate it and what a difference you made in their lives,” Strength said. He also said, “WISD is only as good as the people that are participating in running it.”

Strength recounted specific classroom memories and moments of encouragement, including an interaction with Miss Kane at a fine arts event that he described as a high compliment. He said some teachers disciplined him but that discipline combined with care helped him succeed.

The remarks focused on community recognition rather than policy or board business; no motions or votes were discussed during his comments. Strength closed by saying it had been “an honor and a privilege” to represent Waxahachie ISD at the Chamber.