The excitement in the air was palpable last week as students, faculty and community leaders gathered at Irving High School for the 16th Annual ICE (Irving Celebration of Excellence) Awards. This premier event commemorates the remarkable achievements of students and staff in Irving ISD.
“The ICE Awards are a snapshot of the incredible success happening in Irving ISD schools every day. United as TEAM Irving, administrators, teachers, staff, parents and students work together to give students every opportunity to achieve his or her maximum potential, and here we are, continuing to recognize the astounding accomplishments of our students. It is truly an honor to serve alongside all of you as part of TEAM Irving,” said Superintendent of Schools Jose L. Parra, Ed.D. “I applaud all of our winners and all of our staff for the work they do every day in our schools.”
Awards were presented in seven categories: Humanities, Math/Science, Fine Arts, Physical Education/Athletics, Community Service/Citizenship, Special Campus/District and Parent Involvement Activities. Within each category, awards were presented in three divisions: elementary, middle school and high school.
The coveted ICE Award, which represents an overall “best-in-show” recognition, was presented to Irving High School for its Biomedical Science Academy Science Fair. Students and staff involved in the program received the ICE Award trophy to display on campus and $5,000 to support the future of the program.
The Biomedical Sciences Academy at Irving High School partnered with UT Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center at Dallas to showcase excellence in education through the inaugural Biomedical Science Fair. Students presented their projects, demonstrating their ability to identify a scientific problem, conduct research and testing, develop a hypothesis, and solve the problem. UTSW graduate students provided guidance and mentoring and served as judges.
In addition to the ICE Awards, five high school seniors were recognized for having perfect attendance throughout their entire educational career at Irving ISD. “The first step to academic success is being present in school. Showing up to class every day for the opportunity to learn shows dedication and a desire to succeed,” said Dr. Parra.
But students weren’t the only ones recognized last night. The Golden Apple Award, the highest honor the Irving ISD Board of Trustees bestows Partners in Education for outstanding contributions to Irving ISD and its mission, was presented to Laurie Gahan, a parent volunteer at Stipes Elementary School and to the National Jewish Women’s Council for their contributions to H.I.P.P.Y (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters).
A complete list of ICE Award finalists and winners is available online at www.Irvingisd.net/IceAwards along with a photo gallery of event photos.
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