The RISD Excellence in Education Foundation honored outstanding teachers and community members at the annual Evening of Honors Gala on April 10 at the Renaissance Hotel in Richardson.

Awards presented include:

•  RISD Excellence in Education Foundation Leadership Award-  given to Pogue Construction for their ongoing commitment to education and their integrity
• Fujitsu Teacher Trailblazer Award – to Stacy Menifee, for her creative use of  technology with her  6^th grade students at the Math Science Technology Magnet 
• RISD Board of Trustees Spirit of RISD Award- presented to The Honorable Jerry Allen for his service to RISD and the Lake Highlands  community, as a Dallas City Councilman and in many other roles
• RISD Excellence in Education Foundation Award Of  Excellence – presented to retiring RISD Deputy Superintendent Patti Kieker recognizing 40 years of service, compassion and problem-solving and  creativity  
• Texas Instruments STEM Award- given to Berkner High School Anatomy Teacher Carrie Galvan, for her creative use of technology to enhance learning
• Texas Instruments STEM Award- given to Richardson High  School Automotive Tech Teacher Mark Mester, for his ability to  use hands- on STEM methods to teach skills that will translate to  jobs 

The event, which featured a masquerade theme, was chaired by Ashly Atkins, with the assistance of co- chair Charis Hunt. The RISD Excellence in Education Foundation is one of the three oldest public education foundations in Texas. The Foundation promotes enrichment for both teachers and students, by raising funds to encourage innovation, and rewards excellence in teaching and performance. The Foundation also houses and administers a variety of funds, such as scholarship funds, to benefit teachers and students. For more information, go to RISDFoundation.org.