By David Taylor / Managing Editor
The Crosby Huffman Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) recently hosted its annual New Educator’s Luncheon, celebrating the arrival of new teachers to the Huffman and Crosby school districts. The event, held at Crosby Church, brought together educators, chamber members, and community leaders to honor the dedication and commitment of those entering the teaching profession.
Dr. Angeles Perez, interim superintendent at Huffman ISD, expressed her gratitude to the new educators for choosing to embark on their teaching careers in Huffman and Crosby.
“We’re here about you all,” Dr. Perez said. “Thank you for choosing to go into education in a moment in time when it’s pretty difficult. I know that you have many choices where to go, and I’m so grateful that you chose Huffman and Crosby. I know that the future is bright because each and every one of you have chosen to go into education.”
Perez emphasized the importance of the new teachers’ roles in shaping the future of their students. “Whether you’re returning, changing districts, or starting your career, our students are eager to meet you. They are looking forward to interacting with you all from the moment they arrive at your campus, to the smiles in the morning to the goodbyes in the afternoon. The lessons that you designed for them. Your impact is so important and so please cherish that moment,” she said.
In Huffman ISD, Perez said this is their year of passion, purpose, and possibilities.
“The magic of learning is really what we are trying to encompass, the direction we’re going in, and I just want to say thank you. The magic isn’t in the slogan, it’s in what you guys are choosing to do every single day. Relish in the opportunity to spark that interest in your students. Please remember your why. Rekindle that passion for students every day, specifically on those days that are difficult, but the future is bright,” she said.
Velma Ellison, chairman of the board for the CHCC, highlighted the significance of the luncheon and the support it provides to new educators.
“This is important for the Chamber. Of course, it’s tradition, but it’s a good tradition because as a chamber we support the business community, the schools, and the community. This is a great way for the chamber members to give back,” Ellison said. “For us, this is just one way that we can give back and honor all the new educators coming in. It promotes all those sponsors being able to put themselves in front of all these teachers in a good way because they’re donating door prizes and goodie bag items and money for the luncheon. It just shows the generosity of our members and our community.”
Ellison also noted the positive sign of teacher retention in Huffman ISD.
“Huffman was almost half as many as last year, which is a good sign of retention,” she said. “There were 76 new teachers from Crosby and 35 from Huffman, and the rest were chamber members and guests who attended.”
The luncheon was made possible through the generous contributions of various sponsors, including LyondellBasell, Houston Methodist, Community Resource Credit Union, Alliance Properties, Commissioner Tom Ramsey, and Skeros Furniture. The event was led by Emcee Pastor Keenan Smith of Crosby Church, whose church has sponsored the venue for numerous years.
“We want to thank the many volunteers and sponsors who pitched in and made this event possible,” said Ellison. “CHCC has hosted this New Educators Luncheon for over 20 years.”
The committee members who helped organize the event included Chairman Velma Ellison, Tim Paterson, Tiffany Mueller, Toni Handley, Traci Gaylean, Michelle Thompson, Deanna Becker, Debra Roberts, Chelsey Long, Krissi Taylor, Vasso Espinoza, and Kay Sosa.
The New Educator’s Luncheon not only welcomed new teachers but also reinforced the strong sense of community and support that defines Huffman and Crosby. As the new school year begins, the educators are ready to inspire and make a lasting impact on their students’ lives.
