TEMPLE, Texas — Temple Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Bobby Ott and Temple High School senior Makale Edwards will both be recognized by the Friends of Texas Public Schools (FOTPS) during that organization’s 2023 Friend of the Year Awards Dinner next Wednesday night (November 8) in Waco.
Ott will be honored as one of three FOTPS Ambassadors of the Year at the dinner. The Ambassador of the Year awards were created by FOTPS to shine a light on outstanding, inspiring educators who understand how vital it is to organizational success to improve the public’s perceptions of their public schools by telling their stories, celebrating their achievements, lifting the spirits of fellow educators, and making sure communities know their children and tax dollars are in good hands. Ott, who was also named 2022 Texas Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), will be honored alongside Dr. Georgeanne Warnock, Superintendent of Terrell ISD, and Mr. Kevin Worthy, Superintendent of Royse City ISD.
“I would like to thank the Friends of Texas Public Schools for shining a bright light on public education,” Ott said. “For it isn’t the policies, politicians, or the megaphones outside the profession, that put Texas atop the nation in economy, destination, and growth, but rather the educators in the arena that silently invest in children daily. These are the real MVPs, and I’m grateful to be a small part of them.”
Edwards will be presented with a $2,500 scholarship during the dinner after he was selected as an FOTPS scholarship winner. Edwards’ nomination included a two and a half minute, self-created video that touched on the importance of public education and its impact on his life. He was able to reference his high school and middle school experience and highlight some of the educators who have touched his life. Edwards, the head drum major for the Temple High School Wildcat Band, and a member of the award-winning Temple Highlighters Jazz Band, is planning to attend U.T.-Tyler to major in accounting and finance and minor in music or possibly pursue a double major. He also plays in the Jazz Ensemble at Temple College and is active with One Word Ministry.
“If you really set your mind to something and grind and put your heart into it, you can achieve it,” Edwards said. “This is a great opportunity for me, and it was such a feeling of joy to find out that I was going to get the scholarship. I am so thankful for public schools and Temple ISD because I am so blessed to be in a district that allows me to cultivate my gifts. I am grateful to my parents for my upbringing, and to all the people who have helped me reach my goals and accomplishments, but most of all, I give thanks to God.”
Temple High School Head Counselor Katie Doughty worked with Edwards on his video submission and nomination for the scholarship. Edwards also credited Doughty with helping him earn the scholarship and the counselor and other THS administrators are thrilled to see Edwards’ hard work and talents recognized with the honor.
“It is really cool, and I only cried a lot when I saw his video,” Doughty said. “It is so fulfilling to know that his hard work paid off and this is a really good scholarship. It helps you remember why we do this, and I am very happy for him.”
“Makale is your typical All-American kid. He is great at everything he does, so polite in the hallways, friendly and outgoing,” added Dr. Jason Mayo, principal of Temple High School. “He is going to do great things in the future, and when you see kids like Makale earn scholarships, it makes it all worth it. We are so proud of him.”
This will be the 19th annual FOTPS Friends of the Year awards dinner. The organization will also recognize its 2023 Friend of the Year and 2023 Founders Distinguished Service Award winners. The event will be held at the Baylor Club at McLane Stadium in Waco.