Shining Bright: Honoring Outstanding Students and Staff

District 49 hosted April’s Fantastic 49 celebration on April 10 before the monthly Board of Education meeting. 

The first honoree of the evening was Brinklee Ruiz, Falcon High School student. Brinklee went above and beyond to organize dance recital and fundraising campaign for a young child who is fighting cancer. 

“She’s making a difference,” said Seann O'Connor, FHS Principal. “I have great hopes for our world, for our community, just based off what Ive seen her do. She just helps you believe that people can make a difference, and she’s one of those rare ones.”

“I’m very thankful for our community and how amazing it is,” said Brinklee. 

Jeff Woodward, Building Manager at Woodmen Hills Elementary School, was the next honoree. His creativity and problem-solving skills make him an invaluable asset. He finds ways to make things more efficient, functional, and accessible for everyone. 

“Working for district 49 at Woodmen Hills Elementary, I say, is the icing on the cake,” said Woodward. “You couldn’t ask for a better supporting staff.

The final honoree of the evening was Mark Loos, Facilities Locksmith. Loos went out of his way to personalize a field trip for student at the PEAK Education Center , who were studying keys and lock systems. His attention and care for each of the students was outstanding. 

“My kids called it ‘the best fried trip of the year,’” said Adrien Jasper, Special Education Teacher at PEAK. “He just went above and beyond.”

“I’ve enjoyed working with the kids, and I already have plans for the next field tip,” said Loos. 

Fantastic 49 is the district’s recognition program that celebrates fantastic staff, students, and community members before the board of education meetings. A sincere thank you to our sponsors, Air Academy Federal Credit Union, Dion’s, and to Texas Roadhouse.