Hempstead ISD employees were greeted by the Hempstead High School drumline as they entered the high school auditorium. The Bobcat cheerleaders and representatives from the Hempstead High School fall student-athletes helped welcome more than 250 employees to the 2023 Convocation. The theme was "Illuminate and Celebrate: Igniting Our Purpose, Shaping Our Future.”
The annual event kicked off the 2023-2024 school year with a staff pep rally. Hempstead High School theater students Anayanzeth Salinas and Nadia Moreno welcomed the staff back for the new school year thanking them for their dedication to the students of Hempstead ISD.
“You're the ones who help us learn, grow, and step up as leaders,” Moreno said. “I would not be here without the support of some of the teachers in this room. Thank you for everything you do.”
The staff came in with matching attire, neon clothing and accessories. The energy was high in the Hempstead High School auditorium as each campus made its big entrance to kick off the event.
During the program, Hempstead High School Cheer Coach, Camirey Jackson, and the Hempstead High School cheerleaders led the staff in spirited chants. The cheerleaders and drumline performed before leading the staff in a friendly spirit competition. Superintendent Herbert O’Neil ultimately gave Hempstead High School the trophy for the most spirited school. Afterward, the staff joined together in singing the Hempstead School Song.
Superintendent O’Neil shared the Hempstead ISD five-year strategic plan, Learning & Leading to Higher Heights with the entire staff for the first time. He also enlisted to the help of Karen Peyton, Hempstead Middle School math teacher, LaKesha Morgan, Hempstead High School Principal, and Hempstead High School senior and theatre student, Jesus Montero Oliva. The three shared the District Profile of an Educator, Leader, and Learner, in a TED Talk styled speech.
O’Neil encouraged each staff member to focus on their why throughout the school year. He closed his message by asking everyone to do what is right for our Hempstead ISD students by making an impact in the lives of every student who walks through our doors.
At the end of the program, staff members were honored for their loyalty and service to Hempstead ISD. Staff recognized were celebrating five, ten, fifteen, and twenty years in Hempstead ISD during the 2022-2023 school year. Their names were called by Executive Director of Human Resources, MaBisha Stubblefield, and they were presented with their service pins by Superintendent O’Neil. Staff members who had perfect attendance for the 2022-2023 school year were also recognized.
After the conclusion of the convocation program, the staff picked up lunch to go, catered by Hempstead Food Services, and mingled with community vendors.
The following employees have completed 5 years of service in Hempstead ISD:
RUTH ARELLANO
EUNISA AUSBY
BRIANNA BUFORD
JOKEISHA CAMPBELL
SCHEHARYL FRY
MARGARITA HERNANDEZ AGUERO
MARIA JIMENEZ DE GARZA
ERIK MOTT
AURORA RAMIREZ
SAMANTHA RAY-MULLENS
JONESHA SMITH
CASIE WESTBROOK
The following employees have completed 10 years of service in Hempstead ISD:
RENEE ARKADIE
CARLY BECKER
AURORA MARTINEZ
STEPHANIE MONTGOMERY
DORA PINEDA DE RUIZ
GWENDOLYN STAMPS
KAREN TOLIVER
The following employees have completed 15 years of service in Hempstead ISD:
ANGELA BUTLER
NATALIE GRENNON
KARON NEAL
LAINTHIA STUBBLEFIELD
The following employees have completed 20 years of service in Hempstead ISD:
MARTHA ARREDONDO
MARIBEL GONZALEZ
AMBERLY WAGNER
AVIS WALTON
The following employees received a 2022-2023 Perfect Attendance Award:
JOHN HOWARD
DESMOND MORGAN
DONALL WATSON
WILLIAM WRIGHT