The Longview Rotary Club honored Foster Middle School teacher Kimberly Pierson and Longview High School senior Gracie Russell during their regular meeting Sept. 17th at Pinecrest Country Club.
Pierson and Russell were recognized as the September 2019 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 officer (and LISD board member) Ava Welge. 'We are glad to celebrate their accomplishments in making our community stronger through education.'
The Longview Rotary Club recognizes a local teacher and student each month during regular luncheon meetings.
Kimberly Pierson
Kimberly Pierson is a lifetime resident of Longview, and the daughter of Roger and Evelyn Jackson. Kimberly attended Longview Schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 1991. She participated in high school basketball and track for the Lady Lobos, earning varsity letters in both.
Graduating from Stephen F. Austin University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Kimberly later received her Masters degree in Administration from Lamar University in 2016.
Beginning her teaching career with Marshall ISD in August 2011, where she taught 5th grade Math for three years, and one year at the junior high teaching 7th grade Math. In 2016 she joined the amazing family of Foster Middle School where she has taught two years of 7th grade Math and going into her second year teaching 7th grade Science.
Happily married to Victor Pierson Sr. for 20 years, Kimberly is the mother of four wonderful children: Alexander, Alexandria, Victoria and Victor Jr.
Kimberly enjoys working in all capacities of her local church, traveling, cooking for family and friends, Lobo football, watching pro football and basketball, track and field. She jokes a lot with her closest friends that she is a chef.
Gracie Russell
The daughter of Bill and Joanie Russell, Gracie is a mamber of the National Honor Society and currently in the top 10 percent of her graduating class, all while earning 24 dual-credit hours before her graduation this upcoming May.
Not only does Gracie excel in the classroom, but in various extracurriculars. She's a varsity cheerleader, on the varsity girls powerlifting team, and a standout high jumper for the track and field squad. She was a medalist at the UIL Regional Meet with a jump of 5-feet 2-inches. In addition to this, Gracie is a member of the Z-Club, Junior Ambucs, and the Longview High School Orchestra, where she plays the cello. All of this, while working two part-time jobs and maintaining a 4.6 weighted GPA. Amazing!
Gracie is currently undecided on whether to attend Texas Tech University or the University of Arkansas, and plans to eventually pursue a career in anesthesiology.
Congratulations to Gracie and Mrs. Pierson for exemplifying so many of the wonderful things that make Longview ISD such an awesome school district!