Congratulations to the El Dorado School District Honorees for the month of April from Washington Middle School!
Student of the Month: Harrison Langston
The Student of the Month for Washington Middle School is Harrison Langston. He is in the 5th grade and is the son of Jason and Cindy Langston. Ashley Johnson, 5th grade Science teacher: The first day Harrison Langston entered my classroom, he informed me he would be valedictorian just like his older brother one day. His work ethic, interest in learning, and all-around great attitude about life make him the best candidate for Student of the Month for WMS and for future valedictorian one day :) I am confident this young man can accomplish ANYTHING he sets his mind to and I am excited to see what his future holds.
Ethan Kelton, archery coach: Harrison is a great kid. One of those that makes your life as a coach and teacher a little easier. He’s internally driven so much that you have to tell him to relax and take a break, you can’t climb Everest in a day. He’s the child that affects everyone around him in the best of ways. When he does great, the first thing he does is make sure everyone else feels just as good as he does. You don’t come by kids like that too often. A perfectionist and a purist. A great kid at heart.
Principal, Bethanie Hale said Harrison is an amazing young man. He is an all-around student. He works hard academically and is an exceptional athlete. Harrison Langston competed in the state archery meet for WMS and he scored 276 out of 300. He placed 1st overall out of 134 in the Elementary Boys Division, 1st overall for 5th-grade boys, and 15th out of 829 shooters for all Elementary to High School competitors. Harrison has such an amazing heart as well. This year he asked his friends to bring food for our school food pantry in lieu of birthday presents. It is such an honor to know this incredible young man and I can’t wait to see all that he accomplishes over the next few years.
Classified Employee of the Month: Merri Holt
Washington Middle School Classified Employee of the Month is Merri Holt. She is our Attendance Clerk & Secretary and has been working for the El Dorado School District for five years. Amanda Brown, Counselor: Mrs. Merri is fabulous at holding down the front office. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to help in any way possible. It is truly wonderful to work with her.
Assistant Principal, Megan Saunders: Merri thinks on her feet and works very hard to do what is best for our students and their families. She gets to know students on a personal level and knows their interests. She knew that a particular student walked in almost every day reading a book, so she would bring him books from home or buy books for this student to continue fostering his love for reading. She is a huge blessing to our students, family, and staff.
Principal, Bethanie Hale: Merri Holt has worked at WMS for the past two years. She is such a blessing to our school and to me personally. Merri is the first face you see when you visit WMS. She has such a sweet spirit and helps us welcome people on our campus. Merri goes above and beyond on a daily basis. It amazes me how she manages all the things that are going on in the front office simultaneously with a smile on her face. Merri jumps in whenever she is needed and I don’t think I have ever heard her complain. I am so thankful to have Merri at WMS and it wouldn’t be the same without her.
Teacher of the Month: Andrew McDaniel
Washington Middle School’s Teacher of the Month is Andrew McDaniel. Coach McDaniel received his Bachelor's in General Studies from Henderson State and is finishing up his Master of Art in Teaching at the University of Monticello. He coaches 6th-grade basketball, PE, and teaches the TTO class for Washington Middle School, and has worked for the El Dorado School District for the last five years.
Melissa Upchurch, Literacy Facilitator: Rudy McDaniel has a heart for students! He goes above and beyond building relationships and guiding our students down a successful path. Rudy is definitely a positive role model that all of our students can follow!
Debbie Guevara, 6th grade Reading teacher: Mr. McDaniel always has a greeting and smile for teachers and students alike. He is well-liked by the students and knows them by name, family, and interest. His personal connection to the students and the ongoing efforts to make connections with students is amazing. Mr. McDaniel strives to continue to be a wonderful teacher. He is well deserving of this award and recognition from his coworkers.
Principal’s comments: Mr. McDaniel is an amazing educator that really connects with his students. He has worked for me for the past three years. In those three years, he has really shined. He strives for excellence and motivates others to grow and develop into the best educators possible. Mr. McDaniel has the determination, drive, and dedication to advance in education. Mr. McDaniel works extremely hard and goes above and beyond the call of duty. He is always willing to lend a hand even if it doesn’t fall under his job description. He seeks out opportunities to further his knowledge. He teaches our boy’s basketball classes and we have seen such a vast improvement in many of his players since becoming a part of this class. He also covers our TTO (Tutoring Time Out) class for two class periods each day. When he doesn’t have students, Rudy seeks out opportunities to observe other teachers in order to grow and develop as an educator. I am so thankful for Rudy and WMS wouldn’t be the same without him!
