The Velma Freeman Gillespie and Zelma Freeman Root Foundation was established in 1995 by Mrs. Gillespie’s family to honor a deserving teacher at the end of each school year. Velma Freeman Gillespie and Zelma Freeman Root were twin sisters who both taught in the BISD system for over twenty-five years each. Mrs. Root came to Borger in 1944. Mrs. Gillespie came to visit her from Arkansas in 1946 and never went back. Mrs. Gillespie taught in Borger Junior High School for 25 years. Mrs. Root taught at Borger High School for 26 years. Both retired in 1971. After retiring from BISD, Zelma Root taught at Frank Phillips Junior College for five years. Mrs. Gillespie had two sons, Dr. Hamp Gillespie and Dr. Mike Gillespie, who both graduated from Borger Independent School District. After Velma Gillespie passed away in October 1994, her sons wanted to honor their mother and aunt by establishing the foundation. The award is given to a deserving teacher in the academic field who possesses the following: A concern for students and the capability to inspire them.
The ability and willingness to work cooperatively with colleagues.
A drive to initiate activities that improve instruction for students.
An ability to work effectively with different groups in the community.
The desire to stay informed of current educational theories and practices”
An ability and willingness to make meaningful contributions to education.
Examples of innovations started in the nominees’ classrooms.
The 2019-2020 campus nominees included: Brandi Moore, Kindergarten Instructor at Paul Belton Elementary; Melissa Fite, First-Grade Instructor at Gateway Elementary; Emilie Poe, Third-grade Instructor at Crockett Elementary; Cynthia Hipolito, Fifth-grade Social Studies Instructor at Borger Intermediate; Judy Riggle, Seventh-grade Math Instructor at Borger Middle School and Maureen Martinez, Borger High School Spanish Instructor. This year, the Root-Gillespie award went to Judy Riggle. Ms. Riggle was recognized at Convocation. She will receive $750 to spend in her classroom. Each campus nominee will receive $250 for their classroom.
Ms. Riggle brings the real world to the math classroom by offering real-world experiences even when they can’t physically be in the classroom. One example of real-world learning is the slope lesson. Students found examples in their worlds of different types of slope and created videos. Ms. Riggle also served as the UIL Coordinator for the middle school this year. This is an extremely demanding job and she did it with pride and grace.
Ms. Riggle has a passion to learn new ways to engage students. She attends training with enthusiasm and spends time at home researching and gaining new information. When she finds something amazing, she is more than willing to share that information with her team.
Ms. Riggle has her students set goals and congratulates them when they achieve their goals, but she does something for those who don’t too. She shows them that goals are met in steps, not always all at once, and gives them advice on how to meet it next time.
Judy Riggle truly shows Bulldog Pride in everything that she does!
rebecca.calder
Borger ISD Community, We are aware there are many concerns and questions concerning the construction projects in progress in Borger ISD. We would like to address some of the concerns. The additions and renovations at Borger Middle School and Intermediate Schools are almost complete. Landscaping and a punch list still need to be completed. A punch list is a list of smaller items in need of completion, but which typically would not be a barrier to using the building. Sometimes this can include things like repainting, minor repairs, or system adjustments.
Borger High School is approaching completion. We know it doesn’t look like it from the outside. However, except for the library, most of the work inside is complete or nearing completion. The older classrooms, bathrooms, front office, and security system have been updated and we have added a new Freshman Wing in addition to remodeling the library. The Contractor states that BHS should be completed, except for the punch list, by August 14.
As you can see, the courtyard is not yet complete. Our maintenance staff has been working to clear away weeds in the high school parking lot and courtyard. When asked for a completion date for the BHS courtyard, the Construction Manager, HB Construction, was not able to give a completion date. This is unacceptable to us and so we will be meeting with the Contractor, the Architect, and the Bonding company in the next few weeks to decide upon a solution. The district received a Guaranteed Maximum Price for the high school project, and we are working to meet that price.
The School District contracted with the Construction Manager at Risk for a Guaranteed Maximum Price. A Guaranteed Maximum Price is a ceiling on the cost of building an agreed upon project. If the projects changes, for example, if square footage is added or if the district decides to upgrade something from the agreed upon project scope, then the Guaranteed Maximum Price would increase to pay for that improvement. We expect the project to be done for no more than the Guaranteed Maximum Price.
We understand the frustration the community feels. The BHS courtyard has been addressed at board meetings over the last several months. According to our Architect the Courtyard was and always has been a part of the project and so we expect the Construction Manager to complete the work. No excuses. The Architect designs the project and the Construction Manager is supposed to build the project as it was designed for the guaranteed maximum price.
We believe our community will be extremely pleased with the interiors of the intermediate, middle, and high schools just like we have all been pleased with Bulldog Stadium. We can’t wait to show off these schools! We consider the high school courtyard to be sacred ground, and our expectation is that the Construction Manager will construct a courtyard that meets the standards of our community for the agreed-upon price.
Budget and construction updates are given at each board meeting every month. Please feel free to attend and find out the facts of what is going on in your school district.
rebecca.calder
Jacob Garcia has been mentoring a young Borger Bulldog at Crockett Elementary this school year. Jacob volunteered for the mentor program because he wanted to make a difference in the lives of young kids. He wanted to be a role model and give back to his community and his school district. Jacob and his mentee, Austin Coffee, hit it off on the first day and have become good friends. When Jacob visits Austin, they read books, work in the science lab, draw pictures, have lunch, and play volleyball and basketball on the playground and in the gym. Austin's mother said that Friday is his favorite day of the week because Jacob comes to see him. It has been an awesome experience for both mentor and mentee. Jacob said, "It is life changing and makes me feel great that I can do this and hopefully inspire others to do the same. I hope Austin will always remember me and the times that we spent together." Jacob is a welder and has played football and baseball for the Borger Bulldogs. He spends his summers working for the
Canadian River Municipal Water Authority and enjoys fishing in his free time which is something Austin also likes to do. BISD and Borger High School want to thank Jacob Garcia for being a great role model and caring about the young Bulldogs in our district! We are proud of you, Jacob!
rebecca.calder
Students at Borger High School will have
the opportunity to take part in courses which
combine classroom education and field-based
practicum experience. The Education & Training
Career Path was added to Borger High School’s
CTE program at the beginning of the 2017-2018
school year. Incoming Freshman can sign up for
the program by enrolling in Principles of Education
& Training.
Principles of Education & Training (9 -10 grade) is
designed to help students use self-knowledge,
educational and career information to analyze and
gain and skills an understanding of the basic
knowledge essential to careers available within the
Education and Training career cluster. Students will
develop a graduation plan that leads to a specific
career choice in the student’s area of interest.
Human Growth & Development (10-11 grades) is an
examination of human development across the lifespan
with emphasis upon research, theoretical perspectives,
and common physical, cognitive, emotional, and social
development milestones. This is important for teachers
to understand where their students are according to
growth and development milestones.
Instructional Practices provides students with the background
knowledge of child and adolescent development as well as
principles of effective teaching and training practices.
Students learn to plan and direct individualized instruction
and group activities, prepare instructional materials, develop
materials for educational environments, and complete other
responsibilities of teachers, trainers, paraprofessionals, or
other educational personnel. Students will be assigned to an
elementary campus and teacher-sponsor by their
teacher-coordinator. This will give students the opportunity
to have field-based experience as a student-teacher.
Practicum in Education and Training (12th grade) is a
a field-based internship that provides background knowledge
of child and adolescent development principles as well as
principles of effective teaching and training practices. Students
in the course work under the joint direction and supervision
of both their teacher-coordinator with knowledge of early
childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence education and
exemplary educators in direct instructional roles with
elementary students. Students learn to plan and direct
individualized instruction and group activities, prepare
instructional materials, assist with record keeping, make
physical arrangements, and complete other responsibilities
of classroom teachers, trainers, paraprofessionals, or
other educational personnel. Students shall be awarded two
credits for the successful completion of this course. A student may
repeat this course once for credit provided that the student is
experiencing different aspects of the industry and demonstrating
proficiency in additional and more advanced knowledge and skills.
If you have any questions about the BHS Education & Training
Program. Please contact the teacher-coordinator, Sherrie Hibbs at
[email protected].
rebecca.calder
Congratulations to Borger High School Senior Jaziel Torres, recipient of the 2019 - 2020 T. E. Ward Award for athletics. Torres played football, was in powerlifting and he was the baseball manager.
The T. E. Ward Award is given in honor of Mr. T. E. Ward, an outstanding educator, coach, and administrator for 40 years in the Texas school system. Trickey Edward Ward was named for Dr. Edward Trickey who delivered him in St. Genevieve, Missouri on October 9, 1903. Mr. Ward graduated from Texas Christian University, lettered 4 years in football and was outstanding in baseball and track. He later obtained his Masters Degree at West Texas State University. Coach Ward came to Borger in 1945 after having coached previously at Ranger High School, Ranger Junior College, Daniel Baker College, Brownwood High School, and Iraan High School. Coach Ward was an important part of Borger’s athletic program for 24 years. He was Head Coach and Athletic Director for 6 years with a record of 31 wins, 26 losses, and 3 ties. His best record of 8 wins and only 2 losses was in 1946. Later he taught physical education, was the Boys Counselor and served as Athletic Business Manager. He was always very active in the Texas High School Coaches Association and in 1965 was also inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In 1972, shortly after his death, Borger High School, along with the Borger News Herald, instituted the T. E. Ward Award to go to our outstanding senior athlete in memory of this outstanding man who had meant so much to the Borger school system. Qualifications to be nominated are as follows: 1. Outstanding senior male athlete. 2. Must exemplify the highest moral character, behavior and leadership. 3. Regulate his actions at all times so that he will be a credit to the team, school, and community. 4. Always display good sportsmanship by being modest in victory and gracious in defeat. The head coaches can nominate, and vote for, one athlete.
rebecca.calder
Borger ISD would like to recognize the 2020 recipient of the Lynley Herbert scholarship, the E.J. Jeep Webb Award and the Ann Prock Scholarship for softball - Kayleigh Watkins.
Lynley Herbert was full of life and love…love for her family, her friends, Borger High and most of all for the Lord. She was a bright light in the halls of BHS, involved in as many activities as possible…active in sports, cheerleading, FCA, being a class officer…a Bulldog through and through. Lynley always had time for anyone who needed a listening ear, a word of encouragement or just someone to be there.
In March of 2001, the Lord called Lynley home. Because of all she had done for others during her short time on this earth, a scholarship was set up to honor her memory and how she lived her life. To encourage other BHS students to live the same way.
E.J. “Jeep” Webb graduated from Tulia High School and went on to play basketball and football in Canyon at West Texas State. He has coached at various towns in the panhandle and has been in Borger since 1966. While at BHS, he coached football, track, cross country and girls’ basketball. He is currently active in working many track & field meets across the United States. He still drives many of the athletic teams to their contests and is very interested in their achievements. Coach Webb has been and always will be there for kids. He always gives an encouraging word and asks that they give their very best as young ladies and gentlemen.
Qualifications to be nominated are as follows:
1. Outstanding senior female athlete.
2. Must exemplify the highest moral character, behavior and leadership.
3. Regulate her actions at all times so that she will be a credit to the team, school, and community.
4. Display good sportsmanship at all times by being modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
The Head Coaches of each sport of BHS can nominate, and vote for one athlete to be the recipient.
Ann and Clinton Prock are longtime supporters of the Lady Bulldog Softball program.
When Ann passed away, Clinton set up a scholarship for a softball player in her name. Clinton remains a huge part of Lady Bulldog softball.
rebecca.calder
On Friday, May 1st, Borger High School administrators celebrated academics with students and parents in a unique way. Due to the current situation with Covid-19, the traditional Academic Awards Banquet, which is held each year to honor the top ten academic performers in each class at BHS was cancelled. Cancelling the banquet was a true disappointment as this event is widely anticipated by students, parents, family members, board members and administrators.
In lieu of the banquet, Mrs. Conaway and Mr. Ammerman delivered large balloon bouquets to each of the 40 students at their homes all over the county. Deliveries started before 10 am on Friday morning. The last delivery was made after six o’clock in Stinnett. The main feature of the balloon bouquet was a large number that corresponded to the rank of the student receiving this honor. Mr. Welch, BISD Superintendent, joined the BHS team to deliver the bouquets to seniors.
Throughout the day, there were countless smiles from students, parents and families. This celebration also acted as a reunion of sorts as the administrators have not seen any of these students since before Spring Break.
Mrs. Conaway and Mr. Ammerman would like to thank Lisa Rodriguez for always helping to make their crazy ideas a reality. They would also like to thank Chocolate Tulip (517 North Main Street) for their professionalism and kindness. They did an outstanding job having everything ready and organized and the bouquets were beautiful.
BHS will be sharing the photos each day this week through Thursday. We will share a different grade level each day and announce the valedictorian and salutatorian on Friday. There will be a full virtual banquet released next week featuring BHS graduate and former BISD School Board Member Dave Brandon, as the special guest speaker.
Seniors
Lars Nelson
Alyssa Lewis
Joel Salomon
Grace Hipolito
Mason Condren
Levi Condren
Katherine Davis
Alex Onsurez
Steve Ramirez
Alyssa Flood
rebecca.calder
On Friday, May 1st, Borger High School administrators celebrated academics with students and parents in a unique way. Due to the current situation with Covid-19, the traditional Academic Awards Banquet, which is held each year to honor the top ten academic performers in each class at BHS was cancelled. Cancelling the banquet was a true disappointment as this event is widely anticipated by students, parents, family members, board members and administrators.
In lieu of the banquet, Mrs. Conaway and Mr. Ammerman delivered large balloon bouquets to each of the 40 students at their homes all over the county. Deliveries started before 10 am on Friday morning. The last delivery was made after six o’clock in Stinnett. The main feature of the balloon bouquet was a large number that corresponded to the rank of the student receiving this honor. Mr. Welch, BISD Superintendent, joined the BHS team to deliver the bouquets to seniors.
Throughout the day, there were countless smiles from students, parents and families. This celebration also acted as a reunion of sorts as the administrators have not seen any of these students since before Spring Break.
Mrs. Conaway and Mr. Ammerman would like to thank Lisa Rodriguez for always helping to make their crazy ideas a reality. They would also like to thank Chocolate Tulip (517 North Main Street) for their professionalism and kindness. They did an outstanding job having everything ready and organized and the bouquets were beautiful.
BHS will be sharing the photos each day this week through Thursday. We will share a different grade level each day and announce the valedictorian and salutatorian on Friday. There will be a full virtual banquet released next week featuring BHS graduate and former BISD School Board Member Dave Brandon, as special guest speaker.
Juniors
Anna Madden
Cash Conaway
Pearson Bailey
Camden Hernandez
Tamara Driedger
Cameron Counts
Kayli Potts
David Espinosa
Julian Word
Kyli Hernandez
rebecca.calder
On Friday, May 1st, Borger High School administrators celebrated academics with students and parents in a unique way. Due to the current situation with Covid-19, the traditional Academic Awards Banquet, which is held each year to honor the top ten academic performers in each class at BHS was cancelled. Cancelling the banquet was a true disappointment as this event is widely anticipated by students, parents, family members, board members and administrators.
In lieu of the banquet, Mrs. Conaway and Mr. Ammerman delivered large balloon bouquets to each of the 40 students at their homes all over the county. Deliveries started before 10 am on Friday morning. The last delivery was made after six o’clock in Stinnett. The main feature of the balloon bouquet was a large number that corresponded to the rank of the student receiving this honor. Mr. Welch, BISD Superintendent, joined the BHS team to deliver the bouquets to seniors.
Throughout the day, there were countless smiles from students, parents and families. This celebration also acted as a reunion of sorts as the administrators have not seen any of these students since before Spring Break.
Mrs. Conaway and Mr. Ammerman would like to thank Lisa Rodriguez for always helping to make their crazy ideas a reality. They would also like to thank Chocolate Tulip (517 North Main Street) for their professionalism and kindness. They did an outstanding job having everything ready and organized and the bouquets were beautiful.
BHS will be sharing the photos each day this week through Thursday. We will share a different grade level each day and announce the valedictorian and salutatorian on Friday. There will be a full virtual banquet released next week featuring BHS graduate and former BISD School Board Member Dave Brandon, as special guest speaker.
Sophomores
1. Axel Nelson
2. Linsey Hunter
2. Bailor Weston
4. Grace Goldston
5. Landry Lindley
6. Caitlyn Nguyen
7. Revaleigh Detwiler
8. Roma Patel
9. Peyton Belveal
9. Uriel Porras
rebecca.calder
Wesley Ward is a 2016 Borger High School graduate. While in high school Wesley played football and was in powerlifting all four years. Wes participated in the BHS Day of Caring and helped his class during the yearly Borger High School/United Way Day of Caring. This fundraiser has become a traditional activity for BHS seniors. After graduation, Wesley joined the Navy and went to boot camp in Great Lakes (Chicago). He currently works as a Corpsman (Combat Medic) for the Marines. He has served in the Naval hospital in Jacksonville, Florida as the post-anesthesia care unit. He is currently stationed with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment in Hawaii. He is attached to a rifle platoon. His job is to train his marines in tactical field care and act as the medical “doc.” He recently completed his associates degree!
Borger ISD and Borger High School are extremely proud to have Wesley as a Borger High School graduate serving in our armed forces!
rebecca.calder
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