By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Maria Lozano, a kindergarten and ELL paraprofessional at Lincoln Elementary School, was nominated as the staff Best of the Best for May by Lincoln Principal Kerri Lacy.
Lozano is also a translator for USD 489. She has been with the district 10 years.
“Every day, Maria can be seen giving hugs and holding hands with our little ones,” Lacy said at the school board meeting Monday. “Maria is our connection between school and our Hispanic families. Any time we need someone to communicate with our Spanish-speaking families, Maria comes to the rescue.
“Maria knows so much about our families when a little one is not feeling well, she not only knows who to call but where to call,” Lacy said. “No matter what is going on in her life, Maria always has a smile on her face and is dependable and willing to help, no matter what we need.”
Joelene Vitztum, Lincoln kindergarten teacher, sent in her compliments of Lozano after she heard she had been awarded Best of the Best.
“I just wanted to say Maria is truly the Best of the Best,” Vitztum wrote. “She goes above and beyond with her work with children. She is patient, kind and loving to each child in the classroom as well as the students outside of the kindergarten classroom. She is just simply a wonderful coworker and a friend to all.”
Lacy concluded by saying Lincoln and USD 489 are lucky to have Lozano.
Hays Middle School student Seth Sumaya was nominated by Jerry Braun, gifted teacher, for the student Best of the Best Award.
Sumaya was not present to receive his award.
“I have been Seth’s teacher for the last three years, having the opportunity to watch him grow and mature into an amazing young man,” Braun wrote.
Braun wrote Sumaya‘s transition to middle school was challenging and stressful.
“Upon his return after that summer, a new Seth emerged, matching the qualities that we knew existed within him. Seventh grade was a new start, and he was blossoming. His achievement improved. His motivation was intrinsic and his social circle grew.
“He became a leader among his peers and a friend to all. A kind spirit and giving nature emerged from a ounce sullen adolescent,” Braun wrote.
“His eighth-grade year is a magnificent extension of his progression,” Braun wrote. “Seth continues to succeed academically and continues to be a model student in the classroom. His artistic talents have been showcased both in and out of school. His dedication and determination to improve, not only his classroom experiences, made him Best of the Best.”