By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

One young student and one longtime staff member from Hays USD 489 are the district’s first recipients of the Best of the Best Awards announced at Monday’s board of education meeting.

O’Loughlin Elementary third-grader Mahala Gregg won the Best of the Best student award and O’Loughlin fourth-grade teacher Sonya Herl was chosen as the district’s Best of the Best staff  member.

Mahala was nominated by her teacher, Amy Wasinger, and not, as Wasinger said, for the “traditional” reasons such as excellence in academics or sports, but for her kindness.

“(Mahala) has a huge heart. We went on a field trip earlier this year, and she opened up her little hand and had quarters she had taken out of her piggy bank because she wanted to make sure no students missed the field trip because they didn’t have any money,” Wasinger said, adding Mahala is the first to help somebody in need and the first to reach out to students who need a friend.

Mahala displayed a shy smile when she received her gift certificate and trophy and then proceeded to shake hands with Superintendent Dean Katt and all seven board members.

Mahala told Hays Post she was happy to receive the award.

“I feel very excited. I feel like I am going to keep on doing it, and I am just so thankful,” Mahala said.

O’Loughlin Principal Nancy Harman nominated Herl, a teacher for 24 years,  for the Best of Best staff member award.

Harmon said Herl “brings the joy of learning for herself and her students that has a lasting impact” that goes beyond the classroom.

“I feel like I am in the Best of the Best school,” Herl said as she thanked the board for choosing her from among several nominations. “Everyone around me during the school day makes me want to challenge myself and be good because we have an excellent staff and a principal who leads.”

“I just like being around children and seeing them blossom and become whatever they want to be,” she added.

Nomination forms for November’s Best of the Best awards can be found HERE.