Ms. LaShanon Hollis, parent liaison at Southwest Campus, was selected as a 2017 Guiding Star Award recipient by Parents for Public Schools of Houston, which celebrates the unsung heroes of public education.
Ms. Hollis was honored at an education roundtable Monday, May 22, at Rice University, following her nomination by Ms. Tamokia Thompson, a parent who has a fifth-grade daughter at Southwest.
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, the keynote speaker, talked about the importance of public education. "I can't thank you enough for what you do," Mr. Emmett said to all of the educators and volunteers who gathered at the Memorial Center Grand Hall.
Ms. Hollis was one of nearly 80 people honored throughout the region.
"I was stunned and surprised," Ms. Hollis said after she learned she was a recipient. "When I saw the email, I was at a loss for words."
Ms. Thompson, a member of the parent organization since 2011, said she nominated Ms. Hollis because she helps parents strengthen ties with Varnett "and maintains the bridge of communication and parent empowerment." Plus, she added, Ms. Hollis "is very concerned about the children."
Parents for Public Schools advances the role of families and communities in securing a high-quality public education for every child.
Ms. Hollis proudly held her plaque and posed for pictures with Mr. Emmett, Dr. Stroud, superintendent of The Varnett Public School and members of the Varnett staff.
Please extend your congratulations to Ms. Hollis!
Photos: Ms. Hollis with Harris County Judge Ed Emmett (top); Dr. Margaret Stroud, superintendent of The Varnett Public School (middle), and co-workers.