The Sharyland Educational Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary with past and present members and bids farewell to Superintendent Dr. Maria Vidauri.
Vidauri wiped away tears as the assistant superintendent gave a speech on behalf of the school district. Progress Times photo by Maria Ruiz.
Mariachi music and the click of the heels of folklorico dancers echoed across Griffin Parkway as Sharyland ISD students performed for guests in the Texas Regional Bank parking lot last Thursday.
Sara Samaniego, president of the SharyLand Educational Foundation, welcomed the guests, who have been involved in philanthropic work since its founding in 2003.
“Twenty years, that's a pretty big deal,” Samaniego said. “Our strength is determined by the strength of our community, and I would say Sharyland is very unique in what we have.”
Sharyland Education Foundation was founded in 2003 as a nonprofit organization that provides educational resources and tools to school districts through fundraising.
Inside the bank's lobby, attendees watched a video summarizing the service the Foundation has accomplished over the years.
Dr. Maria Vidauri stands next to the Sharyland Board of Directors during the 20th anniversary celebration of the Sharyland Educational Foundation on March 21, 2024. Progress Times Photo by Maria Ruiz.
Mr. Samaniego also recognized the foundation's founders and welcomed the foundation's first president and former school board trustee Melissa M. Smith, who received an engraved gavel as a gift of honor.
“Leaders, their incredible vision to support our district is beyond anything we could have dreamed of. Their values continue and are the foundation of our growth today. ” she said. “We have a lot to be proud of.”
Since 2003, the organization has awarded 844 teacher grants and raised $991,099 in student grants.
Two notable fundraisers supporting this cause are the Denim & Diamonds Concert and the annual Superintendent's Golf Classic Tournament. The Denim & Diamonds Concert funds the annual teacher grants, while the Superintendent's Golf Classic Tournament raises funds for the annual scholarships.
The foundation also participates in Teacher of the Year and recently expanded into the Region One Educational Service Center, where two teachers were recognized for their educational impact.
“There's quite a lot of things that the Education Foundation is involved in that may not have been thought of at the time, but it's just evolved and we have really great relationships with school districts and school board members. ,” Samaniego said.
As SEF evolves, Mr. Samaniego brought Ms. Vidauri to the stage to thank her for her contributions to education during her six years as superintendent.
Vidauri, who took over as superintendent in 2016, wiped away tears, feeling humbled by the recognition he received.
“As I stand here tonight and reflect on the past six years, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve as superintendent. Sharyland ISD holds an incredibly special place in my heart. , and this is the honor of a lifetime,” Vidauri said. “It is wonderful to work with such dedicated educators, staff, students, and community members…One of the things I will miss most is sitting in on their activities and presentations. Because it's really cool.'' It reminds us of what we're here for. ”
She then went off script and addressed the Foundation.
“Anyone can raise money, anyone can do it well and do good work,” Vidauri said. “But your ability to excel for 20 years is because of who you are.”
Ms. Vidauri hopes that SISD maintains its tradition and educational excellence as it moves on to its next journey.
“When you do this job, the passion that drives you to this job is… it's all about the kids, it's all about doing what we can, it's all about improving,” she said . “When I find myself at this point, I start asking myself, 'Is this enough?' Did I make any impact? ”
And hearing the words of kindness and gratitude from colleagues and partners at the 20th anniversary ceremony confirmed that she had left her mark.
“It filled my heart,” she said. “At the end of the day, that's all I wanted to do.”
