Pictured from left are Wilson Bwokwanyo , Payten Smith and Noe Rodriguez . The trio were awarded the Shining Star Award during the MISD Employee Awards Banquet on Monday , May 15 .
MISD HONORS SHINING STAR EMPLOYEES
Everyone who works in Mansfield
ISD contributes to the education of students . The MISD Shining Star Award puts a spotlight on nonteaching staff members for their exceptional service and contributions to MISD students and staff members .
Three employees were chosen to receive the 2023 Shining Star Award from submissions from the community . This year ’ s Shining Star Award recipients are Wilson Bwokwanyo from Custodial Services , Payten Smith from Legacy High School and Noe Rodriguez from Transportation .
Wilson Bwokwanyo
Wilson Bwokwanyo is lovingly referred to as ‘ Mr . Wilson ’ by students and staff at Asa Low Intermediate School . He ’ s a native of Nairobi , Kenya , and holds a master ’ s degree in criminology .
Upon retirement , Bwokwanyo and his wife of 31 years , Beatrice , immigrated to the United States where he became the custodian at Asa Low – a place he calls his second home . He is committed to keeping the students ’ learning environment clean and conducive to learning and is known for having a heart for students .
“ When the students recognize me for my efforts , I walk tall ,” Bwokwanyo said .
Payten Smith
Payten Smith has attended MISD schools her entire life , beginning at Tarver Rendon Agriculture Leadership Academy and graduating from Legacy High School . Smith now works for the campus she graduated from , where she loves helping students . When she reflects on her time as a student , she thinks about the statement : we believe we all belong as one .
encouraged her .
“ It ’ s been almost 6 years since June 3 , 2017 , but I kept living ,” Smith said . “ I refused to give up . I refused to give out . I refused to give in .”
Noe Rodriguez
Noe Rodriguez ’ s coworkers describe him as kind , pleasant and always willing to help . Rodriguez , a native of Mexico , has worked for Mansfield ISD for five years . Before moving to the United States , he led a hospital nutrition department in his home country . After meeting his wife and moving to Mansfield 12 years ago , Noe worked in the restaurant industry as an assistant manager and sous chef .
He says the best part of his job is the kids . Rodriguez drives students from elementary to high school , and he enjoys elementary students the best because they sing on his bus .
Bwokwanyo served the Kenyan government as a public servant for 25 years where he was the supervisor of a government program that allowed non-custodial offenders to serve their sentences by working with students in schools . It was there that Bwokwanyo discovered his love for assisting in the education of children .
“ Every day the struggles I had getting to class because of my condition , there was someone to say , ‘ You can do it , Payten ’,” Smith said .
Whenever she wanted to quit or cry because she felt weak , someone was there to encourage her at school . As a Shining Star winner , Smith feels thankful for the educators who have
In his spare time , Rodriguez enjoys reading , spending time with his family and visiting Mexico .
The Shining Star Award winners were announced and recognized at the 2023 MISD Employee Awards Banquet on Monday , May 15 .
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