2007 TMHS
Cum Laude Graduates
 

                        Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
                        Major: Law
                        Favorite Subject: Debate
                        Extra-Curricular Activities: Karate, Art, Dance, Color
                        Guard, Choir, Paintball, Soccer

“One thing you learn through debate is that it is the playing field of the mind.  Like a map with no boundaries, the world comes together to present all sides of a case and argument into what we all seek...a solution.  With the right instructor, and all the solutions, your mind takes you everywhere and anywhere you would like to go.






 

“The class I Most enjoyed was Mr. Sanchez's class.  Mr. Sanchez was always able to help me with my work, and give me encouragement.  I really enjoyed his stories, and just shootin' the breeze.  Mr. Sanchez is not only a great guy but a superb teacher who was a positive influence on my life. ”

“Mrs. Moore came singing through my high school years and introduced me to my undiscovered talent in music. My vocals were a key to a new passion I will continue to pursue in my future career.  Mrs. Moore surpassed her teaching requirements and helped me to do my best in her spare hours.  Her dedication to her students and music motivates me to love and enjoy life through music just as she does.  Her singing voice will help me write my life's song.”










 

“Mrs. Hammond is one of the most beautiful people I have ever known.  Not because she inspires me, but because she inspires me to inspire myself.  When I see myself through her eyes, I become aware of my true potential.  This is a gift unlike any other I have ever received, and revels the person she really is: a wonderful teacher and a unique human being who has dedicated her life to filling her student's with life, with laughter and a passion for knowledge.”



 

“Ms. Perez has helped me out tremendously over the years.  She taught me to always persevere even when things get tough.  Whether I need some helpful advice or a shoulder to cry on, she is always there.  She always reassures me that things will work out.  She has taught me patience and many life long lessons.  I hope someday to be as helpful to people as she has been to me.”  












 

“Throughout my last couple of years here, Mrs. Johnston has been a constant supporter towards my success.  She is always congratulating me and inspiring me to succeed in anything I may be pursuing.  As an educator, she has influenced my love for Math by using her amazing teaching skills and friendly personality.  As an individual, she knows just how to brighten my day with a smile and a simple "hello."  ”

“Commander Russ McPadden; an outstanding instructor, would receive this award yearly, if his students were as goal oriented in academics as they are in competition.  He puts in sixty plus hours a week and does not even get paid overtime.  I recognize him not only for encouraging me to pursue my goals but for the countless lives that he has helped.  In addition to him being so full of wisdom, he makes funny jokes but has an even funnier laugh.  I admire him for the advice he has offered, and even though he may not realize it, he has been an influential father figure to me.  Thank you Commander.”

 

“Let's be honest.  It would be hard enough to make Calculus interesting, and dang impossible to make it fun... but hey, for someone to come along and make it absolutely hilarious! Wow!  I will never really use math per se in my degree, but higher level Calculus will forever be a fun pastime to me because of Mr. McBride.  If nothing else, I have learned that a little humor goes a long way!”







 

“Laura Grey is not only a teacher and a coach, but she is truly a friend and a mother to me.  She has always pushed me to give my absolute best in everything that I do: school, athletics, extra-curricular, etc.  I admire her so much for taking charge and always giving whatever she does 110%.  I am so honored to have forged such a strong bond with her and I will be keeping constant contact with her in college.”




 

“Mr. Maltais taught me two years, for IPC Pre-AP and Chemistry Pre-PA.  Throughout both years, I greatly enjoyed having this man educate me in the ways of science; he brought an interesting and unique way to teaching with him, and every day was a new experience.  More than perhaps any other teacher I've ever had.  Mr. Maltais brought a sense of fun and easy-goingness to his classroom; it was never just work, work, work and no play with him.  Even when faced with an oftentimes difficult to control class, he rarely lost his composure, and continually kept teaching at the level he was used to.  When he departed our campus this year to go to ACC, I was greatly saddened, for I had been highly looking forward to being his teacher's aide.  Even though science was not my favorite subject in high school, Mr. Maltais was my favorite teacher, and the only one who would have inspired me to be a teacher, had I been interested in such a field..”

“This year has been anything but easy for Mrs. Jane Wall.  Upon her arrival to Tuloso~Midway she was greeted with whispers, complaints, and even a few schedule changes.  From the beginning we plotted to give her an awful time.  She, however, stood with grace and determination willing to continue teaching even when faced with ungrateful students.  With advice on yearbook, drama, rumors, and life in general, she was always able to give me the awful brutal truth.  She forced me to stand up on my own two feet , but was always there to offer me support when needed." 

“My sophomore year was my first year at Tuloso, and Mrs. Hammond was my only English teacher for two  whole years.  My first impression...scared.  I was frightened at the thought of me being in an advanced level English, and I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to make the cut.  Mrs. Hammond proved me wrong on that one.  As time flew by I learned a lot more about writing, and grew to love Hammondnator.  Out of all my high school classes, I'm confident in saying that I learned the most and grew the most from Mrs. Hammond's English class.”





 

“Mrs. Moore was such an influential teacher for me during my high school career.  English was so much fun when I was in her class because she made the learning so much fun!  Mrs. Moore's buddy personality made it feel like you weren't learning even though you really were!  She also was very concerned about her students in and out of the classroom, which made her very easy to talk to.”

“From her little man in the closet to the gates of hell, Mrs. Hammond has guided and mentored me through three fantastic years of English.  She has taught me not only how to write but also how to live.  Her talents as a teacher are impeccable, but her talents as a mentor are even better.  The lessons I have learned in her class will follow me for the rest of my life, and will continue to inspire me everyday I wake up.”








 

“My most influential teacher has been my aunt, Lorri Doubrava.  She has been a constant pillar of support and encouragement in and out of school.  Her sacrifice and dedication to my growth as a student, as well as a person, has been phenomenal, and for that I thank her.”

“Mrs. Hammond taught me that life leaves no room for bad days and, in my three years as her student, she's tried on more than one occasion to disprove this theory with her back to back timed writings or endless supply of close reads, but she failed.  As her student, I have never felt uninspired or incapable.  She has taught me to accept the person I am, embrace it, and use it to my advantage.  I truly cherish my early morning conversations and the "sibling like" rivalry she encouraged in room 111.  I will never forget how good her class felt in the chaos that is high school.  My short little friend has taught me more than she will ever know and it is that for which I am most grateful.”

“Coming into my senior year in high school, I wanted a reason to leave school early so I signed up to take a marketing class.  I never knew that when I signed up to take this course that I would meet and be taught so much by my teacher.  Ms. Dinsdale has not only taught me the principals of marketing, but she has influenced me and pushed me to be all that I can be, both inside and outside of the classroom.  She has rejoiced with me with my successes and mourned with me though times of sorrow; through the good and bad she has comforted me with words of wisdom and she guided me in my scholars and through personal matters.  I have laughed and enjoyed the craziness of being in her classroom and our trips that were filled with many surprises and memories.  As my senior year in high school comes to an end, Ms. Dinsdale has become way more than just my teacher; she has become a role model, one of my mentors, and most importantly a lifelong friend.  Thank you for everything!!”

“Mr. Sanchez always pushed us to think and work on our own.  As a teacher, Mr. Sanchez taught me that nothing in life is free and that everyday should be cherished.  He kept things fun with his countless jokes, and kept me interested and always wanting to know more.”

“Mrs. Martinez is an amazing woman that has opened my eyes to a world of chemistry and love.  Her vigor for what she does and the love and care she has for her students has inspired me in ways no one will ever know.  The fact that such a wonderful woman could care so much about me and my progress in both life and school has greatly boosted my self-esteem and has helped me see that people have the ability to care for others.  Her constant concern and love has inspired me to strive to look inside myself and love what I see, flaws and every-thing, so that one day I may follow her example and in so doing, hopefully touch the lives of many.”

“Diana Johnston is truly one of the best teachers I have ever had, she can make anyone learn anything, and she is amazingly talented.  She is patient, kind, and loving-the definition of what a perfect teacher is.  She respects all of her students and makes the learning process a pleasant one.  She has not only increased my math skills but taught me how to be a good person.”

“Commander Russ McPadden has always been an inspiration to me because of his dignity, discipline and compassion.  He motivates me to achieve my highest potential regardless if it is in JROTC or any other of my many endeavors.  He has always displayed his caring and commitment in and out of the classroom.  I feel very honored and very blessed to have him as a role model as I start a military career of my own.  Hoorah, Commander, hoorah!”

“I have enjoyed having Mrs. Dudley as my English teacher this year.  She's an amazing teacher and mentor who, not only desires each of her students to learn, but also cares about each and every one of her students.  Mrs. Dudley's class has been fun, enjoyable and memorable.  Her compassion for English and for life has truly inspired and shaped me this year.”














 

“To be a great teacher, one must possess many qualities including patience, dedication, kindness, and a love for their students as well as teaching.  Mrs. McNair exemplifies all of these qualities and more.  It takes a very special person to be able to take a class of nervous middle-schoolers and make them into a group of prepared students ready to take on high school and AP English.  She challenged her classes to become their best, and it is because of her support and dedication that I was able to succeed in AP English and will be able to do the same in life.”
 

“Mr. H has been the most influential and inspiring teacher in my high school career.  Although difficult at times, Mr. H. makes learning something to look forward to.  As busy as he always is, his never ending pleasant attitude distinguishes him from every teacher thus far.  You can never have a bad day around Mr. H because he always has something to say to make the high school load feel a little lighter.”








 

“Throughout my year in Pre-Cal, Mrs. Johnston became my inspirational role model.  When things got hard she was always there to help me and taught me to never give up. ”

“With every apparent fault in my character, you made it right.  Along with the aid of Adrian, every mistake brought life's long lesson.  With the cliché, "If you're not five minutes early, you're not on time", you prepared me for the all too soon reality of life.  For this, I thank you.”










 

“My sophomore year, when I walked into Mrs. Martinez's class, I knew that she was going to be a fun teacher.  From teaching me Chemistry, to spending a week with her in Big Bend, I have found it amazing that she has made me a more motivated person through her enthusiasm and inspiration.  I hope to grow up to have the charm that Mrs. Martinez has in her teachings.  And, because of her encouragement, I look forward to having fun and achieving my goals in the years to come, as she assures me I will.”







 

“Throughout my journey in high school, Mr. Larry Sanchez has been the most inspirational teacher to me.  His sense of humor and stories he shares with the class have always been a delight that I will truly miss.  Being in his class has allowed me to grow and strive for high aspirations.  His kindness and thoughtfulness for his students is something that will carry on with me even after high school.  Mr. Sanchez will continue to influence me and his future students to study hard and follow their dreams. ”






 

“A teacher, a mentor, and a friend, Mrs. Dudley has taught me more about life in one year, than I've learned my whole life.  There have been some really tough times that our class has gone through this year, and she was there every step of the way.  She gave us  a shoulder to cry on when things seemed the worse, but gave us the courage we needed to keep moving forward.  I will be going on to college next year to pursue a career in teaching, and hope I can influence children's lives, just like she has influenced mine. ”


 

“I've known Mr. H since freshman year and there has never been a dull moment.  I'm not that great at Spanish but he was always there to keep me going.  He has been a great inspiration and I admire him for that.  I have the greatest respect for him and all that he has done for me throughout the years.  I'm going to miss him greatly but I will never forget the way he has touched my life.”









 

“Mrs. Wall probably had it harder than any other teacher this year.  Coming into a classroom whose yearbook staff had already contemplated hiring a hitman, she was one against the many students who had already made up their minds about her, myself included.  However, Mrs. Wall quickly proved herself to be more than Ms. B's replacement teacher.  Her funny, intelligent, and light-hearted personality won us over and her classroom became a refuge to go when in need of advice or just a friend to talk to.  Thank you Mrs. Wall for giving us a place to eat lunch and for helping us get through that "blankety-blank yearbook."

“Stepping into this school year, I was apprehensive as far as what to expect from a new band director.  apprehension, however, slowly changed into
appreciation.  He's is not only a great band director, but a better person.  He continually teachers me-I don't know if he actually knows that he does-(just kidding) to be a great leader and to have a broader appreciation of music.”

“Mrs. Nora Martinez is an absolutely outstanding teacher and an even more amazing person.  My learning experiences with her not only consisted of classroom work, but also included field trips, life lessons, and friendship.  She has taught me numerous things that I will keep with me throughout college and life thereafter.  Her remarkable enthusiasm, effort, and sense of humor shine through to everyone around her.  I am incredibly blessed to have had such a great teacher, role-model, and friend in my life.  Thank you for everything! "

“Mrs. Steagall is an awesome person with an amazing heart.  She truly loves all of her students and even the ones who aren't.  I am so thankful that she is my Student Council sponsor.  Everyday, when I go to see her, she brightens up my day with a smile.  She has taught me how to serve others, love others, and be more outgoing.  Mrs. Steagall is a wonderful teacher who will continue to positively impact the lives of many.  ”







 

“Mrs. Hammond has provided me with encouragement and inspiration for the past three years.  She has opened up new horizons for me.  I have learned to appreciate the literary world and have actually come to enjoy learning all I am capable of learning.  She is a wonderful teacher deserving as much admiration as possible."









 

“No other teacher has taken the time and energy that Kay Hammond did to get to know her students.  Through the three years in her class I learned not only to read between the lines and write amazing papers, but also to believe in myself.  On the day we found out about Cum Laude Mrs. Hammond reminded me that, "Yes, hard work does pay off."  I want to thank Mrs. Hammond for never giving up even when I felt like the dumbest one in AP. ”

“Rarely does a student come across a teacher who not only inspires him but constantly provokes thought from him.  Iris Chapa is one such teacher, while constantly making her students ponder the different sides of current events, she always keeps a smile upon her face with an always strong optimistic outlook on life.  Sometimes, it matters not what can be bashed into a head from a book, but rather what can make a student truly think.  Mrs. Chapa has mastered this ability, and will forever be remembered by me as one of my most inspirational teachers.