State Board Honors Retired Educator as Hero for Texas Children

Posted Date: 06/03/2020

September 15, 2017—A retired Amarillo ISD educator who has devoted countless hours since her retirement to volunteering in AISD schools, is one of this year’s Heroes for Texas Children. The award is bestowed upon individuals by the State Board of Education (SBOE) to recognize outstanding public school volunteers.

Evelyn Lyles was honored today in Austin by the SBOE. Lyles volunteers at a number of Amarillo ISD campuses, particularly working with students and families who are part of the Refugee Resettlement Program. Lyles helps refugee families make medical appointments, relays messages and facilities English as a Second Language and citizenship classes.

Lyles was among 15 honorees statewide, one from each SBOE district.  This marks the fourth year the District 15 hero is an AISD nominee. “For families who are starting the lives over in the Texas Panhandle, Evelyn Lyles truly is a hero,” said Denise Blanchard, AISD program director of community partnerships, who nominated Lyles on behalf of AISD. “The time she spends with them not only helps them transition and adjust to life here, but sets them up for success, ultimately, as families making their home here and as students who will grow to be the future of this community.”

Each hero receives a certificate, a copy of the SBOE resolution in their honor and photographs commemorating the ceremony. The names of the honorees will also be engraved on a plaque permanently displayed at the Texas Education Agency.

In addition to this award, AISD honored Lyles in April as the 2017 Partners in Education District Volunteer of the Year.

The Heroes for Children presentation by the SBOE is available for viewing online, with the presentation to Evelyn Lyles beginning about 00:50 minutes into the video.