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Each year, Humanities Texas receives more than 600 nominations across the state for outstanding educators. After a thorough evaluation process, the organization narrows down the nominations to only 12 to 15 award recipients for their five award categories. Dr. Wright was one of only two Texas teachers to receive this year’s Outstanding Early-Career Teaching award.
“Dr. Vasquez-Wright has been a shining star in the world geography and world history dual language classroom. His dedication to enriching not only humanities in each of his student’s curriculums but to encourage their passions and creativity make him a treasure for our district,” said Frenship ISD Social Studies Coordinator Malli Travis who nominated Dr. Vasquez-Wright for the award.
Last week, an award ceremony was held for Dr. Vasquez-Wright where his students, administrators, and family members packed the Frenship High School Lab Theatre to celebrate this impressive achievement. During the ceremony, Sean Cunningham, a member of the Humanities Texas Board of Directors, presented Dr. Vasquez-Wright with his award and $5,000. FHS Principal Greg Hernandez was also presented with a $1,000 check to go toward materials for their humanities classes.
But the true gift was seeing Dr. Vasquez-Wright’s students speak about the leadership and love of learning that he’s instilled in their lives.
“A teacher is someone who is able to educate, and in today’s society must also be courageous. They are inspiring, bold, and often times self-sacrificing. A teacher can be of any race, religion, or gender, but I believe one of the most important qualities an effective teacher possesses, is when they can see leadership skills in a student without judgment,” his former student Brandon Saunders said during the ceremony. “The first thing he said when he met me was ‘Brandon you are a leader’. A great teacher can see qualities in students when they can’t see it themselves. I just want to say thank you for being the best teacher you can be and most of all thank you for seeing the leader in me and leaving a long-lasting impression as a great teacher that I will never forget.”
Two years ago, Dr. Vasquez-Wright took a leap of faith and followed his heart to make a career change into public education. That’s when he joined Frenship High School as the dual language social studies teacher. Now in his second year of teaching, he is confident he is right where he is meant to be.
“Education in humanities is about discovering your values and sticking to them, and whatever you learn, you will use that knowledge and those skills to make the world a better place,” said Dr. Vasquez-Wright. “I’ve witnessed so many positive transformations in my students and that is so inspiring and brings me so much joy. It is so rewarding to observe my students become well-rounded, responsible citizens of good character.”
As he accepted the award, Dr. Vasquez-Wright said the award was not his alone. It was an award for Frenship and the Frenship community that has helped him become the teacher he is today. “This recognition would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the investment you have made in your future,” he said to the students in the crowd. “And if it wasn’t for the competent, service-minded people and leaders here at Frenship – people who truly care.”
Congratulations, Dr. Vasquez-Wright, on this incredible achievement and honor!