While all our local educators as appreciated for all their hard work and dedication, every year a few are honored for their exceptional performance. Those honored at our local schools are: Leslie Shirhall and Rosary Cady from Seadrift School and Erin Gayler and Candice Stryker from Port O’Connor School.
Erin Gayler
Teacher of the Year, Port O’Connor School
Erin Gayler, has been teaching for 13 years. She taught in Tyler and Whitehouse, Texas before moving to Port O’Connor. Erin holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and will soon begin the Doctorate program in Administration and Leadership. Erin interacts well with students and staff at Port O’Connor School. She challenges students to grow in a supportive, respectful classroom environment. We are very fortunate to have her as a member of the POC School team and congratulate Erin on being selected as our Teacher of the Year.
Erin, along with her husband, Owen, and infant daughter, Collins enjoy being part of the Port O’Connor community.
Leslie Shirhall
Teacher of the Year, Seadrift School
Leslie Shirall has been teaching for 20 years, the past 14 at Calhoun County ISD and previously at Texarkana ISD and Nordheim ISD.
Leslie holds an Associate of Science from Victoria College and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston-Victoria.
Leslie, who teaches Kindergarten, says the greatest reward about teaching is when you can see the progress of the students. “I love watching the students’ faces when they light up after making connections using the materials and skills we have been learning about.”
Leslie’s mother, Dwana Finster, who has been an educator for 45 years, was her inspiration to become a teacher. In addition to her role as teacher, Leslie has been actively involved in community activities. She is currently the Seadrift Cub Scouts Pack 106 Cub Scoutmaster and Seadrift Boy Scout Troop 106 Assistant Scoutmaster and Leader.
Candice Stryker
Dedication to Education Award,Port O’Connor School
Candice Stryker has been at Port O’Connor School since 2021 teaching Art and PE. She has a degree in general business from University of Houston- Victoria and plans on getting a certification in Art. Prior to working at the school, Candice managed a local business for 15 years and volunteered at the school with PTO and helped with art classes. She has been a youth leader at the First Baptist Church Port O’Connor for over ten years and really enjoys working with students and the youth of our community. Candice has done an outstanding job teaching our students about different elements of art and principles of design in addition to coaching our students on the fundamentals of team sports.
Candice lives in Port O’Connor with her husband, Jason, and two children, Clara and Jacob.
Rosary Cady
Dedication to Education Award,Seadrift Schoo
Rosary Cady has been at Seadrift School for 25 years. She works as a behavioral aide, helping everywhere she is needed.
She not only enjoys working with children, but with the entire Seadrift School staff. Being around everyone “makes the day brighter” she says.
School staff describe Rosary as a wonderful person, who is family-oriented, and carries that attitude with her.
Speaking of the staff, Rosary says, “We are like a family”.
