The Longview Rotary Club honored Longview Early Graduation English teacher Pamela Anthony and Longview High senior Jack DiPasquale during their regular meeting March 28 at First Baptist Church.
Anthony and DiPasquale were recognized as the March 2017 Teacher of the Month and Student of the Month for excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
'Both of these individuals represent the best and brightest of the education community in Longview,' said Rotary Club member Dietrich Johnson. 'We are glad to celebrate their accomplishments in making our community stronger through education.'
Anthony has worked for Longview ISD since 1987 and has been a teacher for more than 30 years.
'I credit my role as a teacher today to my parents, aunts and uncles, all of whom were educators as well,' she said. 'Even though there were many other occupations or other avenues that could have been chosen, the road to becoming a teacher was always embedded in my heart and at the top of my list.'
Describing herself as 'a firm believer' in her students, Anthony said the greatest rewards is when 'the light bulb comes on' after a long struggle to help the child succeed.
'Throughout my journey, one of my principals told me something that I will never forget and immediately changed my perception: 'Patience is a weapon that forces deception to reveal itself,'' she said.
LEGHS Principal Kristi Means praised the venerable educator for her commitment to education and the compassion she shows each student.
'(Pamela Anthony) is an important part of what we do at Longview Early Graduation High School,' she said. 'We appreciate the Longview Rotary Club for recognizing the excellent work she does for our young people.'
An honors student and highly accomplished in competitive rifle, Jack DiPasquale was introduced by Rotary Club member (and incoming LISD trustee) Ava Welge, who said the young man has a passion for robotics and is known for re-working everyday items into engineering masterpieces.
Jack will graduate in May with 30 dual-credit hours in engineering and also is a National Honor Society student. A member of the International Defense Pistol Association and Jack has placed 3rd in their national competition.
Already accepted to six universities, Jack is currently narrowing down his choices between Texas Tech and Texas A&M University.
The Longview Rotary Club recognizes a local teacher and student each month during regular luncheon meetings.