Sonora ISD honors teachers, staff and students; band, cross country post district wins

Sonora ISD trustees opened their Oct. 13 regular meeting with recognitions across the district, praising teachers, support staff and student-athletes who recently posted competitive results.

Elementary Principal Heather Cearley introduced teacher of the month Kelsey Easterly and staff of the month Fran Pennington, saying she was "glad she is to have them both and what a great asset they are to her team." The elementary student council, led by Katy Crain and Jennifer Fox, outlined community projects including canned-food and baked-goods drives for a food pantry, a Christmas toy drive and a human fruit booth for the fall festival. Secondary Principal Christina Rodriguez presented counselor Brandee Peaslee as secondary staff of the month and Coach Dylan Hester as secondary teacher of the month; Peaslee has been with the district eight years.

Coach Tiffany Weston highlighted cross country results: 7th grade boys won the team district championship, 7th grade girls finished second, and JV and varsity boys and girls won the district title; the teams claimed 23 of 40 individual medals. Weston "expressed how proud she is of everyone and the hard work, especially getting up at 6:00 AM to run." Band Director Blake Zitterkopf reported the Bronco band earned a Division 1 superior rating and third place at the Concho Classic Marching Festival in San Angelo, collected best color guard and best percussion awards in 2A and will compete next at the Region Marching contest in Amarillo on Oct. 18. Board President Shanna Castro congratulated students for representing the town well.

The recognitions underscore a strong start to the school year and set up regional contests and continued community service activities for students.