Each grading cycle, the faculty & staff at Samuel Clemens gathers to recognize our own for what have been dubbed the Traveling Awards.
Five unique awards—four individual and one group/team—are given by staff to staff for success in the respective areas. Those areas of honor are:
The Heart of a Buffalo: A person at Samuel Clemens that exhibits blue and gold
pride in the classroom, school, and around the community. The recipient is often found cheering at many different events on and off campus. When asked they proudly state, “I’m a Buff.”
Thomas Edison: A person at Samuel Clemens who is committed to designing engaging learning environments that foster creativity, imagination, deep thinking and learning from EVERY STUDENT. These innovations in lesson design inspire students to be persistent, attentive, committed, and affect directly on the effort students expend in and out of the classroom.
Forrest Gump: A person at Samuel Clemens that goes above and beyond the call of duty, in order to assist someone in need. Altruism is defined as, “the unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others.” The honoree of this award deliberately pursues others in need and finds meaningful ways to add value to those around. The altruistic person on this campus has a willing heart to sacrifice him/herself for the sake of others.
Ironman: A person at Samuel Clemens High School that never ceases to push the limitations of the human body and spirit. The ironman winner has perfect attendance physically and mentally. The recipient can be counted on regardless of students, the classroom, weather, or the physical conditions they are under. Perseverance is their motto, possessing the determination of a champion.
Buffalo Herd: A TEAM at Samuel Clemens that is committed personal sacrifices to the greater good of the TEAM. They believe in WE instead of me. There are no problems they cannot solve together, and each member understands that TEAMS can do much more than any individual.
Recipients of the Traveling Awards as we move into the third grading cycle of the 2024–25 school year are:
The Heart of a Buffalo: Ms. Dunkley & Ms. Dodd, Counselors
Thomas Edison: Ms. Tharp, Culinary Arts Teacher
Forrest Gump: Leah Salas, Counselor
Ironman: Ms. Rangel, Job Coach
Buffalo Herd: Special Education Paraprofessionals
Congratulations to these faculty & staff members for both embodying the strength of the herd and giving the herd its strength.