Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. Awards Its Annual Employee Scholarship Award for Continuing Education
 
For the ninth year, the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. proudly awards its Employee Scholarship Award to assist district staff members who are pursuing classes and/or certifications related to classroom education in English, math, science, social studies, bilingual education, special education, STEAM, or counseling with the intent of improving classroom instruction and direct services to students in LISD. 
 
This year, the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. awarded one $500 scholarship to Mayra Villarruel, Foster Middle School health teacher, so she can complete her teacher certification in May 2026.  Mary Taylor, principal of Foster Middle School, said that Ms. Villarruel designs lessons that promote lifelong healthy habits while also creating a safe, supportive classroom environment where students learn to manage emotions, build resilience, and develop positive relationships.  Ms. Villarruel has also taught first and second grade bilingual classes at Bailey Elementary School.  She is a 2021 graduate of Texas A&M University-Texarkana where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. 
 
The Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. also awarded a $500 scholarship to Rebekah Ayres, Fine Arts teacher at Longview High School, so she too can complete her teacher certification in May 2026.  After earning her certification, she plans to earn a master’s degree in education.  Ms. Ayres is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler.  Jeffrey Hull, retired LHS art teacher, said that Ms. Ayres was the perfect addition to the LHS fine arts staff as she immediately put her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in sculpture and pottery to use.  Her students are award winners at the many art contests they enter at the city, area, and regional levels. 
 
Helping students receive instruction from well-trained educators who want to remain in the classroom is exactly why the Longview ISD Foundation, Inc. offers the Employee Scholarship. 
 
This continuing education scholarship is just one of the programs the Foundation sponsors in support of Longview ISD educators and students. 

Through the Foundation’s Great Rewards for Great Ideas, the Campus Initiative Grant, and the John W. Harrison, Jr. Academic Field Trip Grant, the Foundation has returned $1,198,747.96 to LISD classrooms and campuses.