(front row seated l-r): Lisa Mann and Mary Sarli, Partnerships Coordinators-of-the-Year ; Mara Yangson, Mentor-of-the-Year; Brenda Nickels of Villa de San Antonio, Non-Profit Partner-of-the-Year; Jane Nichols (accepting for Partnerships-Program-of-the-Year winners Mr. & Mrs. Robert Merschbrock); and Jolene McGarity, Middle School Partnerships Coordinator-of-the-Year.
(back row l-r): Ben Cruz, Business-of-the-Year WOAI-TV; Denise Davila-Villasana, High School Partnerships Coordinator-of-the-Year; Kevin Beitchman, D.D.S., Business Partner--of-the-Year; Roxanne Kearns and Garrett Hale of Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Partnerships Program-of-the-Year; Karl Wanke of Franklin Construction, Business-of-the-Year; Oscar Perez of the City of SA Youth Services, Partnerships Program-of-the-Year; Stephen Swann of Valero, Mentor-of-the-Year; Thomas McDonald, Carson Chess Club, Partnerships Program-of-the-Year; MSgt. George Hannon, USAF, Mentor-of-the-Year; Jim LaVilla-Havelin of Southwest Craft Center, Business-of-the-Year; Rene Garcia of Zachry Construction, Volunteer Leader-of-the-Year; and Jesus Alonzo, Partnerships Coordinator-of-the-Year.
Northside saluted hundreds of school, business, and community volunteers at the 2008 Partnership Awards Celebration held May 13 in conjunction with ArtFest at the Paul Taylor Field House.
In addition, Northside's "Outstanding Partnerships" were honored individually with help from Shaun Stevens, KABB-TV meteorologist, who served as master of ceremonies.
The "Outstanding Partners" were selected by a group of judges from the San Antonio chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. All winners had previously been named a "Campus Partner of the Year" at an NISD school.
"These partners and volunteers have a direct impact on the success of Northside students," NISD Partnerships Director Bonnie Ellison said.
Winners are as follows:
- High School Mentor of the Year - Art E. Winden, Health Careers High School
- Middle School Volunteer of the Year - MSgt. George Hannon, Luna Middle School
- Elementary Mentor of the Year - Stephen M. Swann, Howsman Elementary
- Special School Mentor-of-the-Year - Mara Yangson, Holmgreen Center
- Volunteer Leader-of-the-Year - Rene M. Garcia, Partnerships
- Elementary Coordinator-of-the-Year - Jesus Alonzo, Chase Bank Mentors, Cody Elementary School
- Middle School Coordinator-of-the-Year - Jolene McGarity, Stinson Middle School E-Mail Mentors
- High School Coordinator-of-the-Year - Denise Davila-Villasana, Marshall High School College Connections
- Small School Coordinator-of-the-Year - Mary Sarli, NAMS-South TAKS Blitz
- NISD Coordinator-of-the-Year - Lisa Mann, Parent Consultation Center
- Partnership Program-of-the-Year - Thomas McDonald, Carson Chess Club
- Partnership Program-of-the-Year - Robert and Barbara Merschbrock, Heather Merschbrock Memorial Scholarship, Hobby Middle School
- Partnership Program-of-the-Year - Oscar Perez, City of SA Youth Services Agency, NAMS-South and Pease Middle School
- Partnership Program-of-the-Year - Six Flags Fiesta Texas, NEF Family Days Tickets
- Non-Profit Partner-of-the-Year - Villa De San Antonio Retirement Center, Rhodes Elementary School
- Business Partner-of-the-Year - Kevin Beitchman, D.D.S., Hobby Middle School
- Business Partner-of-the-Year - Franklin Construction, Gerlach Livestock Show & Sale (O'Connor High School)
- Business Partner-of-the-Year - WOAI-TV, for the School Cribs: How Cool is Your School series, reporter Delaine Mathieu and videographer Ben Cruz
- Community Organization Partner-of-the-Year - Southwest School of Art & Craft, Jim LaVilla-Havelin, Young Artist Program Director
