Here is a recap of what was featured in the Wednesday, March 29, e-edition of the Taylor Press. The e-edition is emailed to subscribers and available at www. taylorpress.net.
PADAVIL TALKS ‘STATE OF OUR SCHOOLS’
Superintendent Devin Padavil gave a “State of Our Schools” address Monday, March 20, at the monthly Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Taylor ISD event center.
Padavil shared the stage with Taylor High School’s Director of Guidance and Counseling Rachelle Finck and Principal Matthew Wamble, whom he credited with adept management within the context of the district’s four goals of its strategic plan.
The Strategic plan includes excellence in student outcomes, exceptional workplace climate, quality customer service and efficient financial stewardship.
Wamble discussed safety and security measures that have been implemented at the high school since he came on board last fall. Wamble said another focus for him has been to communicate with the students and seek their feedback.
Finck used her time to provide an overview of some of the new programs recently implemented through Taylor ISD’s Career & Technical Education program.
To illustrate the point, Finck emphasized the need for community partners.
HAVING A BALL: NONPROFIT REMOVES FINANCIAL BARRIERS FOR PERFECT PROM
On Saturday March 25, Taylor Independent School District’s 18-Plus Program student Sarai Curiel was trying on different gowns for prom at Cinderella’s Closet, with her mom and younger brother in tow.
Part of the mission of Cinderella’s Closet is not only to remove financial barriers for the perfect outfit for prom, including gowns, accessories and tuxedo rentals, but also to make sure every guest knows that he or she is “cherished,” and experiences an environment of “grace, love, and respect,” said Kim Black, a “fairy godmother” volunteer for the nonprofit organization.
Patrice Dempsey, a retired postal worker from Taylor who founded the nonprofit organization in 2015, said this free service is available to students from all walks of life.
Volunteers said they do everything from setting up fundraising events to hand-sewing individual sequins back onto a gown, to bringing dresses to the drycleaners to even hair and makeup assistance the day of prom.
But these fairy godmothers say the reward is all theirs.
JONES LAWSUIT SAGA CONTINUES
HUTTO – The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas Austin Division has filed a judgment affirming the outcome of the Odis Jones lawsuit against the city of Hutto. The filing was entered March 21.
The judgment marks the case as closed and terminates any pending motions. However, it is just the start of the appeals process.
A jury awarded Jones $12.5 million in a racial discrimination suit against the city for breach of contract and damages March 2. There has been no indication from the court regarding when that amount is due to be paid.
The lawsuit originally included Mayor Mike Snyder and former City Councilman Tanner Rose. The claims against Snyder and Rose were dropped, and the subsequent trial named the city of Hutto as the only defendant.
TAYLOR WINTER GUARD RANKED 3RD AT MA NATIONALS
ARLINGTON – The Taylor High School Winter Guard competed at MA Nationals last weekend at the University of Texas at Arlington.
The Color Guard team received several division-one scores on their way to this big accomplishment, and the success was led by their seniors.
Four senior-level soloists received Division 1 scores, including Kaitlyn Baum, Marysa Vasquez, Yahira Cancel and Salma Melton. In addition, Baum was awarded a fifth-place overall trophy out of a field of more than 50 seniorlevel solos.
The soloists earned their spots on the podium, but the Ducks wanted more. The accolades at the national competition did not stop there, as they shined brightly in the team event as well.
In team events, both Taylor squads earned a Division-1 score. The varsity Winter Guard placed third against 5A and 6A competition, earning a score of 96.25 out of 100. The junior varsity team placed fourth, scoring 91.75 out of 100.
The Color Guard will be at the Mesquite Rodeo Parade this weekend and the WGI Solo and Ensemble event Saturday, April 22.
