our events: PC’s YOUNG LEADERS
PCT Presents The 2017 Honorees for
Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?
Roger Grizzard Innovative Educator Award
— Marie Hernandez
Crockett Elementary Principal Marie Hernandez hails from Kansas City, MO,
but for the last eight years she’s been happy to call Parker County home.
She’s in her 10th year as an educator/administrator, six served in the class-
room and the balance as assistant principal at Hall Middle School and Curtis
Elementary here in Weatherford. Marie is in her first year in her current posi-
tion.
Marie gives back to her community everyday as she strives to facilitate
local education. “We do whatever we can to meet the needs of our kiddos
and their families, whether it’s providing food for their families or helping kids
with clothing,” she said. “It’s so much more than just learning the core content
— it’s about teaching them to be productive citizens who are going to be the
future leaders. … We really try to focus on educating the whole child. …”
Asked what accomplishment she is proudest of, Marie said, “I definitely
think being able to get into an administration role. In the principal role, I feel
like I have the ability to make a bigger impact on the kids at our school and
supporting our teachers. They’re the ones in the classroom working with kids
every day.”
Concerning the award she said, “Oh, wow! That’s awesome! I think that’s a
pretty neat honor, for sure.” So do we.
Jerry Blaisdell City Management
Award — Michael Howard
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Michael Howard moved to Weatherford in 2009 from his
hometown of Grand Prairie along with his wife, a Weatherford
native. Two years after the move, he applied to work as a First
Monday groundskeeper and has since worked his way up the
ranks of city employment.
“The position was for one weekend a month, and through
hard work and education, I kept on receiving promotions,”
Howard said. He was promoted to First Monday Coordinator
and then to Special Events Coordinator.
His goal as a city employee is for the community to enjoy
great family time in their hometown and to make memories
that will last a lifetime.
“The most rewarding [part] of my job is seeing the smiles
on people’s faces during my events,” he said. “It’s like all the
hard work and effort you’ve put in has paid off. It’s why we do
what we do at the city; making happy family memories in a
great town is what it’s all about.”