United ISD has honored 775 employees for length of service, proudly acknowledging their 14,700 combined years of dedication to the district.
Hundreds of employees filled the Casablanca Event Center on Thursday night to receive their service pins at a western-themed event that drew a lot of joy and laughter from the blinged out, cowboy-hat wearing crowd.
In attendance at the event were UISD Board President Javier Montemayor Jr., District 1 Board Member Gilbert Aguilar Jr., District 2 Board Member Rodolfo “Rudy” Gonzalez Jr., and District 7 Board Member Dianelle Martinez.
Gonzalez said the recipients of the pins were extremely deserving of this recognition.
“It’s their hard work, dedication and commitment that they have given to our students, to our district, to our parents, to the community,” he said. “I am excited to be here and excited to be a part of their accomplishments. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for everything they have done and for everything they have put into our district.”
Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz said that each year of service represents countless hours of dedication, passion, and tireless effort. “You have touched the lives of thousands of students, shaped futures and contributed immeasurably to United ISD,” he added.
Out of the hundreds celebrated, four were honored for 40 years of service. They are Katy Chavez, fourth-grade elementary teacher at Roberto J. Santos Elementary; Elsa Perales, J.B. Alexander High School secretary to the principal; Doris Gonzalez, United High School foreign-language teacher; and Maria Costilla, United South High School Language Proficiency Assessment Committee clerk.
Chavez, who started teaching at Trautmann Elementary when she was 22 and right out of college, said people often ask her when she is going to retire.
She has no plans for that.
“I am not going anywhere. I am shooting for the 45 (service years pin),” Chavez said. She added that she has stayed so long because she works with great kids and amazing co-workers. “It’s the whole package,” Chavez said.
“I love UISD, and it’s a great district to work for, and I can’t stop. I have had phenomenal administrators, co-workers and the kids are great. Why would I leave?” she said.
She said some of her best memories are having been involved in the opening of three schools - Matias de Llano Elementary, Borchers Elementary and then Roberto J. Santos Elementary. The memories of the school openings are at the top of her list of good experiences.
She is also a proud product of UISD. She was in the first graduating class from Clark Elementary and went on later to graduate from United High School. “I wouldn’t want to work any other place,” she added.
Dora Lee Hall, an office clerk in Curriculum and Instruction, received her 35-year pin and teared up when expressing her gratitude to the district.
“Thirty-five years is very emotional,” she said. “I was 24 when I started and now I am 60. I hope to work another two years. I am grateful to the Lord for where I am. I can’t complain. I am excited for tonight, and it’s a time to celebrate so, again, I thank UISD for this honor and opportunity.”
Veronica S. Hernandez, registrar at Col. Santos Benavides, received her pin for 20 years of service to the district.
“I have been doing this for so long but I love it. Every year I always say I am going to retire but no, I love what I do,” Hernandez said. “The interactions with the children make your day and interactions with the parents too. I have my team, I really like my team, my co-workers but it’s mostly my kids … those hugs, that is the reward. Each year I say one more year, one more year, one more year. I have been saying this since 2019,” Hernandez said, laughing.
Dr. Cruz said it’s important to have events that recognize employees.
“Publicly recognizing those who have dedicated large portions of their lives to the district shows the community that the district values its employees,” he said.
L-R front row Griselda Rodriguez, secretary to the superintendent, Gloria Canales, secretary to associate superintendent, and Maria Alejandra Salinas, secretary to associate superintendent. L-R back row: Maribel Vasquez, secretary to the superintendent, Sylvia Villarreal, secretary to chief financial officer
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