2020-2021
Joe Layne Family Community Builder Award 2021
STUART BIRD
The Joe Layne Family Community Builder Award will be presented to the family of the late Stuart Bird at the 2021 Troup Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner .
Stuart brought many years of educational leadership with him when he came to Troup ISD in 2012 to serve as Superintendent . His 47-year-career started in the band hall , took him on to the principal ’ s office and on to become Superintendent and Interim Superintendent in several school districts .
As a band director , he sought to instill
JACKSONVILLE PROGRESS — 9
his motto of “ pride and character ” in his students , in their individual performances , in the performance of the band , and in their lives . His award-winning bands were known for their precision drills and quality of sound . Stuart instilled enthusiasm for excellence with his “ one more time ” for good measure .
That same pride and practice shone through in his involvement in the community . Supporting and promoting the businesses of Troup was high on Stuart ’ s list of priorities . He served faithfully on the Troup Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for several years . In January 2019 , Stuart was elected as the Board President .
Opening his home for the Membership Appreciation Fish Fry was a big deal for Stuart . He and Sharon loved to entertain and graciously invited the membership to meet and enjoy a good time in their party barn .
His encouraging words , warm smiles and big hugs are missed but his legacy lives on as a true community builder .
District Teacher of the Year 2020
Mandy Lovelady was named the 2019-2020 Troup District Teacher of
MANDY LOVELADY
the Year . Mrs . Lovelady teaches 6th grade science at Troup Middle School . She also works with the GT Program and is the TMS Cheer Coach . Mrs . Lovelady is currently completing her 3rd year at Troup Middle School and her 12th year in public education . Before coming to Troup ISD , Mrs . Lovelady taught PE , Math RtI , 1st grade , and 2nd grade at Stanton- Smith Elementary in Whitehouse ISD . Mrs . Lovelady was born and raised in Jacksonville Texas . She graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1995 and attended Tyler Junior College where she was a member of the Apache Belles . After TJC , she finished her education at Stephen F . Austin State University receiving her bachelor ’ s degree in Interior Design . After graduation she designed houses and taught dance . It was her love of teaching dance that made her decide to get her teaching certification . Mrs . Lovelady has been a resident of Troup for over 20 years . She and her husband Don celebrated 20 years of marriage in October . They have three children that all attend Troup ISD . Their oldest son Jace is a junior , middle son Ty is a freshman , and their youngest daughter Reese is in 8th grade . It was the grace of God that led her to Troup ISD and can be best described by the Spirit of Texas A & M " From the outside looking in , you can ' t understand it . And from the inside looking out , you can ' t explain it .” Mrs . Lovelady feels truly blessed to be a Troup Tiger .