Community Leaders Share Personal Testimonials to Education

August 18, 2011

Community leaders participated in convocation by sharing their personal testimonials about education and teachers who inspired them. Thanking teachers were Raj Menon, Sharon Goldblatt, Hugo Esparza, Tamra Sadafsaz, Ralph Stow, Rebecca Egelston Caso, Mayor Phil Dyer and Jamee Jolly. Read their sentiments below and watch them in this brief video.

		Phil Dyer City of Plano Mayor Public education is a critical building block in our city’s future. Teachers play a vital role in every child’s life. I admire teachers so much, I married one.

Sharon Goldblatt Texas PTA President A free, quality public education is a fundamental right of every child. Plano ISD has provided the highest quality education for my three children, and I THANK YOU!

		Jamee Jolly Plano Chamber of Commerce President Collin County ranked 15th in U.S. for “Counties with Best Job Growth” by CNN Money.com. 1,800+ new jobs added in Plano in 2010. Thank you for training our future workforce.

Ralph Stow Retired Trustee & Foundation Past-President Moved to Plano over 20 years ago to send the kids to Plano ISD. Two PISD graduates in college, one in high school (go Shepton)...Wife teaches…and I help with Foundation. PISD is now OUR family!

		Rebecca Egelston Caso Plano ISD Education Foundation Director Former Junior League of Collin County president.Recipient of national Athena award recognizing women in leadership.Mentor. Volunteer. Community leader. All because of two teachers who boosted my confidence, encouraged me to go to law school and inspired me to help other women.

Hugo Esparza City of Plano Fire Chief So many boys and girls dream of becoming firefighters. I am thankful to all of my teachers who gave me the education to realize that dream.

		Tamra Sadafsaz Plano ISD Council of PTAs Executive Board Terrific, Thankful, Thoughtful, Tremendous, Tutor Thank you, teachers, for putting the “T” in PTA!

Raj Menon Proud Plano Parent Ms. May, my favorite teacher, taught me alliteration in 9th grade. PISD's professional educators prepare profitable and prosperous problem solvers.