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MHS awards ‘Spirit of MHS’ honors to Sam Baxter

MHS awards ‘Spirit of MHS’ honors to Sam Baxter

May 19, 2016

From David Weaver, MISD Public Relations/Communications Officer

MARSHALL – Mr. Sam Baxter of Marshall was named the inaugural winner of the “Spirit of MHS” Award during the first annual Marshall High School Scholars Banquet held Tuesday evening at East Texas Baptist University.

The banquet, sponsored by The Marshall Education Foundation, McKool Smith and Edward Jones, honored the top 10 percent of the graduating class of 2016 at MHS. Students in the top 10 were presented along with who that considered to be their most influential teacher during their time as a student in the Marshall Independent School District.

Students received encouragement from Dr. J. Blair Blackburn, President of ETBU; Mr. Chase Palmer, MISD Trustee; Mr. Keith Hill, of McKool Smith, who served as Master of Ceremonies; and Mrs. Tina Brown, Principal of MHS.

They also received encouragement from Mr. Baxter, whose commitment, support and dedication to MISD and MHS make him the unquestioned first honoree of the “Spirit of MHS” award. Mr. Baxter has been instrumental in supporting MISD’s passage of the $109.2 million bond election in 2015 which created the current Legacy 2017 building program, with four new schools being constructed, and renovation of another, and all set to open in August of 2017.

Mr. Baxter has also served as benefactor and volunteer for several MHS programs and activities, ranging from academic pursuits to athletic endeavors. In announcing Tuesday’s award, Mrs. Brown mentioned specifics such as his tireless work at MHS athletic events such as cooking hamburgers – usually for both Marshall and opposing teams – as well as generosity in academic pursuits such as the implementation of Maverick University and increased opportunities for students with options for AP classes at the high school.

“Mr. Baxter has even made it possible for our students to enjoy a trip to Six Flags, even those who could not afford to make the trip, simply because of his heart for Marshall and its students,” Mrs. Brown said. “He has never once turned us down when we needed something for our students. With Six Flags, he simply said if they want to go I want them to go and let’s make it happen…that’s Sam. He makes things happen for students at MHS.”

Students who will graduate with honors from MHS, and who were recognized at the banquet, include: Jasmine Acuna, Melissa Aguilar, Chloe Alderman, Morgan Arst, Sarah Bates, Vyisha Boyd, Matthew Dang, Jennifer Dangleben, Jon Davis, Kyle Davison, Molly Dzick, Kyle Garbs, Clayton Garrett, Gustavo Gonzalez, Irvin Hernandez, Ashton Holliday, Callie Kirkland, Tamara Love, Cristal Monzon-Hernandez, Luz Morales, Hannah Morrison, Tristan Ordaz, Aman Patel, Brooke Paul, Alex Porcayo, Lucas Pritchard, Angel Roach, Emma Beth Runnels, Destinee Sam, Austen Shankle, Alexis Tatum, Essie Trammell, and Abigail Upton.

Graduation for the Class of 2016 at Marshall High School is set for Friday, June 3, at 7:30 p.m. in Maverick Stadium.

Photos from MISD, Cutlines as follows:

Top Left: MHS Principal Tina Brown with Mr. Sam Baxter, recipient of the “Spirit of MHS” Award

Middle Left:: Chase Palmer, MISD Trustee, presents Mrs. Nancy Fessler, former President of the Marshall Education Foundation, with a gift of appreciation.

Bottom Left- Essie Trammell, MHS honor graduate, shares a hug with Mrs. Crystal Walker, her most influential teacher also honored at the banquet.

Bottom Middle – Honor graduate Hannah Morrison with her most influential teacher, Dr. Marquisha Iverson

Bottom Right: – Honor graduate Brooke Paul, with her most influential teacher, Mr. Rick Ford.