The Longview Rotary Club honored Hudson PEP Elementary teacher Laura Vermillion and Longview High senior Rutvi Patel during their regular meeting April 18 at First Baptist Church.
Vermillion and Patel were recognized as the April 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.'
Laura Vermillion
Laura has worked for Longview ISD since 2012. Her fifth-grade choir has earned sweepstakes scores at SoundPost Music Festival in Canton and at the “Big D American Classic Festival” in Dallas.
In addition, Laura coaches four UIL Music Memory Teams who compete at the district level. Every year, her UIL students have excelled and have been awarded first, second, and third place medals in their division. Laura was voted Teacher of the Year at Hudson PEP for the 2016-2017 school year.
Rutvi Patel
An honors student with numerous UIL Academic awards to her credit, Rutvi has also earned National honors in the Technology Student Association. Last month in the state meet she won first place for a project that helps disadvantaged people gain access to clean water.
Vice President of the LHS Student Council, Rutvi has also received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Texas Association of Student Councils, the first time a Longview High School student has been so honored.
Rutvi is an International Baccalaureate student and plans to be a biology major in college, in the hopes of pursuing a career in dentistry.
The Longview Rotary Club recognizes a local teacher and student each month during regular luncheon meetings.