The Alamo Heights Board of Trustees opened its Nov. 19 meeting with recognitions for staff and a student‑council report.

The board presented its monthly "Spotlight on Excellence" to Nadia Turubias, identified at the meeting as the principal secretary at Alamo Heights High School, and recognized her for covering multiple roles when the office was short‑staffed. "We shined it on Nadia, who is the principal secretary at Alamo Heights High School," a trustee said during the presentation. Nadia Turubias accepted the honor and said, "I really appreciate this. I always work extra hard to do what I'm needed to where I'm needed." (First noted in the meeting record: SEG 074–SEG 131.)

The board also showed a profile video for Kathy Martinez of Howard Early Childhood Center and praised her work supporting children’s social and emotional needs. Presenters noted Martinez has returned to the district and that she has been in the district about 14 years and previously worked roughly 30 years in a hospital setting; during the presentation staff said students commonly seek her out for help. "She has such a loving relationship, not just with our staff, but also with our students," a colleague said. Kathy Martinez responded, "I really appreciate this." (SEG 132–SEG 241.)

Student Council President Veer Patel and Vice President Lindsey Lam reported on recent activities and plans. Patel told the board the council attended a national Youth Transportation Safety summit and is planning a spring safe‑driving fair for the high school to promote safer teen driving. He also reported the council will host a maintenance‑staff appreciation lunch and organize holiday charity efforts, including gift baskets and a winter event featuring a volunteer Santa and activities. "We're thinking of creating a little festival or maybe a fair during April sometime in the spring semester to bring more objectives and more stuff to the high school campus," Patel said. (SEG 246–SEG 289.)

The recognitions and student updates concluded the meeting’s recognition portion; the board then moved into regular business. (Latest items in this topic: SEG 074–SEG 301.)