“Fast forward many years, and
here I am a mom of two boys ages
3 and 6, leaving the classroom and
my comfort zone to pursue my
new role as a certified academic
language therapist, and getting my
master’s degree from Midwestern
State University in Special Education
Dyslexia/Diagnostician. While I have
a passion for teaching, I have recently
learned the importance of assisting
students with learning complications.
Juggling all these balls in the air, I am
committed to my journey to finish my
master’s (it’s a step in the right direc-
tion, Dad) as a Diagnostician. While
it is a personal and professional chal-
lenge at this time, I know that God
is guiding me to assist these children
through a different avenue of life,”
she said.
It’s extremely important to
Varhola that she has the ability to
make a life impact on the students
she helps and teaches. Two years
ago, she was invited to the 6 th grade
Curtis graduation, in which students
were given the opportunity to say the
name of their favorite teacher as they
walked across the stage. So many
students said Varhola’s name, she
wasn’t able to keep count.
“Finally, the 6th grade class
president made a farewell speech.
This speech stated that there were
many teachers who had encouraged
him, but I had touched his life the
most. I sat with tears of pure joy. As
an educator, you hope you touch
the lives of these kiddos and make
a small difference. That day I knew
of all the lessons I’d taught in read-
ing or writing, they knew they were
loved and supported no matter where
they went. I’ve told all my students
over the years, “Once a Varhola kid,
always a Varhola kid.” They solidify
my love of teaching and the choices
I’ve made to get here,” Varhola said.
The mother of two said that
she is most comfortable wearing
her grass-stained tennis shoes, and
enjoys relaxing on her bright red
porch swing, watching her two little
boys play and her husband grill, and
waving at passers-by, whether she
knows them or not.
Jerry Blaisdell City Management Award —
Malinda Nowell
66
We here in Parker County know the
meaning of grit, and if there’s anyone
who exemplifies that, it’s Malinda
Nowell. Back in 2011, she decided to
finish her bachelor’s degree.
“Shortly after enrolling in classes,
I was promoted to city secretary and
began classes and seminars necessary
for my Texas Registered Municipal
Clerk certification. I was not willing
to give up the work for my bachelor’s
degree, and I needed the knowledge
the certification classes could provide
for my new position. Simultaneously
completing both of these programs —
my bachelor degree at Tarleton, and
my Texas Registered Municipal Clerk
certification through the University
of North Texas — was a challenge
both personally and professionally,”
Nowell said.
She credits her husband, Michael,
with helping her through that chaotic
time. They have been married for 22
years and have two children, Claire
and James.
Nowell is used to having to
balance a lot on her plate, but that
doesn’t mean she doesn’t relax and
have a good time. A heel-wearing
businesswoman during the workday,
she tones it down at home. “ … after
a long day at work, it quickly turns
to cotton pants and an oversized
t-shirt,” she said. “I really like to dress
up for formal events, though I rarely
get that opportunity.”
A lifelong Weatherford resident,
she enjoys spending time at the
Bowling Green at Chandor Gardens,
and appreciating local restaurants.
She also stays busy giving back to the
community.
“We support United Way of
Parker County and the Center of
Hope. I particularly enjoy working
with Camp Hope each summer and
with different community programs
through my church. I like to volun-
teer with various programs and orga-
nizations when I can. I was a mentor
at Weatherford ISD many years ago
and really enjoyed it. I also hope to
get more involved with Center of
Hope and Grace House someday.
And I donate blood with Carter Blood
care on a pretty regular basis,” she
said.
When it comes to role models,
Nowell lives by the philosophy that a
person can have many role models,
learning something from the many
people that can help one grow and
shape their lives.
“Professionally, Jerry Blaisdell
became a great role model for me
because he helped instill in me traits
such as customer service and public
speaking. My grandmother, Ellie
Greenfield, is also a great role model
when it comes to home, family and
hospitality. I think of Krista Beach
and Trisha Bane as role models when
it comes to being a godly woman,”
Nowell said.
And where is she happiest?
“I am the happiest when I am with
my family and friends,” she said.